2020/2 The Challenges Of Covid-19

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The Covid-19 pandemic poses unusual challenges to us today. Covid-19 is the official name given by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to the virus disease that is spreading around the world, first detected in the city of Wuhan in China in late 2019. Covid-19 stands for Corona Virus Disease of 2019. It is thought that the virus is native to wild life and mutates as it infects humans. The disease was at first thought to be similar to Flu, i.e. the Common Cold, but has since proved to be much more fatal. It shares the common symptoms of fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing. It has become a global pandemic, claiming more and more lives, especially of those who are elderly or have underlying illnesses. The countries worst affected have been China and Italy.

Containment strategies have included lockdown of movement, social distancing, and contact-tracing. Individuals are encouraged to abstain from physical contact with others, to wash hands often, to use hand sanitizers, and to wear masks when going out. Drinking plenty of water to remain hydrated, and taking Vitamin C of over 1,000mg daily, have been recommended. Those suspected of contact with Covid-19 patients are advised to practise self-quarantine for 14 days, the incubation period of the virus. China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore have been praised for acting decisively, thereby effectively containing the spread of the disease.

The world economy has been hit hard. Nearly all industries have been adversely affected — including tourism, hotels, restaurants, airlines, oil, etc. Schools have closed, colleges and universities have resorted to online learning, and office workers are working from home. Weddings are postponed, funerals are carried out with minimal numbers attending, parties are banned, and religious meetings are cancelled. Thus far, the number of deaths has not been too alarming while the recovery rate has been good. This is in comparison to pandemics of the past. The bubonic plague of the Black Death that swept through Asia, Europe, and Africa in the 14th century killed an estimated 50 million people. The Spanish Flu of the early 20th century killed an estimated 500 million people, pushing some indigenous communities to the brink of extinction. The SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), closely followed by the H1N1 Swine Flu, and then by the MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) of the early 21st century are still fresh on our mind, although claiming a relatively smaller number of deaths. All these diseases are of zoonotic origin, i.e. they spread from animals to humans. 

While the current lockdown in most countries is for 14 days, the likelihood of it being extended is high. China enforced strict lockdown for a couple of months before seeing a plateauing off of the number of virus cases. There is the suggestion that containment strategies might have to be carried out for a whole year. What are churches to do in such a situation? While we trust in the sovereign God to protect His people and to work out all things for good (Heb. 13:5; Rom. 8:28), we are to act responsibly. The necessary precautions must be taken for self-preservation and corporate welfare. Laws enacted by the authorities to contain the virus infection must be obeyed (Rom. 13:1-7; Tit. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-17). We must set a good example for others and not become a stumbling block to them (Rom. 14:13;1 Cor. 8:9). The lockdown in many countries means that churches have to put up with the inconvenience for an indefinite period. Yes, while it may be for weeks or for months, we have to be prepared for it to drag on for more than a year.

While obeying the MCO (Movement Control Order) and engaging in self-quarantine, we must be usefully occupied. Self-quarantine cannot be more difficult than Noah and his family being confined to the ark for 378 days (Gen. 8:14-16 cf. 7:4, 10-11). It cannot be more difficult than those imprisoned, and placed under solitary confinement, for their faith (Heb. 13:3). Watching shows on the television and computer, reading books, playing board-games (and mahjong?) with the family may have their place, but some sort of order might be more helpful. Those studying and working online would have less difficulty using time well. Others might want to use the morning in study, learning a new language, practising on a musical instrument, and the like. The afternoon can be spent on the less mentally-demanding activities such as reading, listening to music, watching shows, etc. Some time in the evening may be spent in physical workouts — on the exercise-mat, exercise-ball, workout bicycle, the punch-bag, the martial arts wooden dummy, etc. The internet offers many packaged lessons and workouts. Pastors must keep themselves busy, preparing messages to deliver by live-streaming. The weekly meetings of the church should be kept going, even though virtually, i.e. through the internet.

Churches have no choice but to resort to modern technology to minister to their members. Here is where live-streaming of Bible expositions come into its own. It is a second best compared to the congregation gathering together in worship. The Lord promised His special presence where two or three are gathered together in His name (Matt. 18:20). There is something about souls meeting together that is particularly pleasing to the Lord. Furthermore, we are urged to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together on a regular basis (Heb. 10:24-25). That applies to normal circumstances, when such gathering together is possible. We are now faced with exceptional circumstances, which we hope will not last too long. In order of preference, therefore, we would meet together to worship when that is possible, engage in live-streaming of messages under exceptional circumstances like the present, and putting on a recorded audio/video message on the church website when all else fail. This is considering the ministry of the local church. For families and individuals that are cut off from other brethren, they would have to read books and the Bible, or listen to recorded messages on the internet — individually or as a family.

We have put together instructions on how to use the YouTube for live-streaming of messages. (See above.) It is suggested that pastors continue to prepare messages for broadcast at the normal meeting times of the church. This is done by sitting in front of a laptop computer such as the MacBook Air. It will be quite out of place to preach into an empty church. Congregational singing is impractical through social media. Therefore, the time should be spent by following a simple order of service such as this: (i) Reading of the Bible passage; (ii) Opening in prayer; (iii) Delivery of the message; (iv) Closing in prayer. YouTube live-streaming has the facility of recording the message for access later. Members of the congregation may be contacted and informed of the live-streaming by WhatsApp or email. An alternative live-streaming application-device which is simple to use and allows for recording of the message is Zoom. A separate time of fellowship with questions-and-answers may be attempted by using Skype so as not to interfere with the recorded live-streamed message.

It is hoped that this article will provide encouragement and help to pastors and churches. Let us stand together in spirit at this time. Lets pray for one another, and for the kingdom of God to extend even in this difficult time.

 

 

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