The emergence and spread of COVID-19 has faith leaders wondering about their role and response. At such times, we are reminded of how interconnected our global world can be and how important it is to approach one another with compassion and care.
We sometimes focus on the numbers and the maps, yet we need to remember that each reported case of the virus has behind it a person, a family, a community. We are connected globally, and our compassion and care needs to reach out across all humanity.
It is important during such a dynamic global event, that we, as the church, also take the time for an informed and thoughtful response. The need for urgency can be fertile ground for fearful reactions. As we try to go about our daily routines, we may even begin to see others through a lens of scepticism, judgment, and fear. In global health crises such as this, we must be attentive not to place blame on particular individuals or communities, but rather show empathy support and understanding as they recover.
As a church body, we need to pray. Pray for those infected by the coronavirus. Pray for those who care for them, for the health specialists and authorities who are combatting the spread of infection, for calm and sensibilities to prevail throughout the community and for business to cope with uncertain times and financial pressure. Please pray for those in countries with no running water, who have poor hygiene and limited access to adequate medical care. Pray that people will find peace and comfort in our Saviour and that through it all we remember that He is in control.
If you are wondering how our mission partners are doing, please know that GC3 is monitoring the wellbeing of our mission partners, and in this week’s edition of e-Connect, there are some updates and prayer requests from a number of them. Please take the time to read what they have to say, and to then lift them up in prayer.