Praying with the Churches in China AMID the Coronavirus Epidemic
The Outreach Foundation has stayed in close communications with our friends in China to understand the ways in which the spread of the Coronavirus has affected them.
Below, I transcribe some of the text of a prayer request we received from one of our partners:
On January 26, 2020, for the first time since China’s open-door reform, no open Sunday worship services were held in the country. Due to the spread of the Coronavirus, all religious, entertainment, and recreational activities had to be stopped. Please pray for God’s mercy in stopping the spread of the virus. May the Lord give wisdom to the authorities, healthcare workers, and medical experts in China and Hong Kong so an effective cure can be found for patients.
Wuhan churches have stopped all gatherings, while churches in Hubei province are required to provide disinfection facilities, with all staff wearing masks. Churches in other provinces have announced the cancellation of gatherings during the Lunar New Year, to stop the spread of the virus.
Amid much public fear, on Sunday, some pastors/preachers remained in their churches, holding services, praying for brothers and sisters who had not received notice of cancellation. Congregations could take part in services pre-recorded or broadcast through direct streaming. Some church staff also distributed recorded sermons on a mobile phone messaging service called WeChat. Many are calling for believers to take a turn in fasting and praying for salvation, sin and repentance, and for a halt to the pandemic. We are grateful for the dutiful, mission-filled co-workers.
Please pray for the pandemic, pray for God’s protection of medical workers who have traveled to Wuhan to help fight the virus. May they find the source of the pandemic and an effective cure for patients as soon as possible. May the Lord heal both the infected and those suspected but not yet confirmed of being infected.
We have also heard from our friends in the largest charity in China, The Amity Foundation. One of Amity's main goals is to "contribute to the active participation of Christians in China's social development." They have sent 50 tons of disinfectants and the first batch of 3,400 protective screens to hospitals in Wuhan.
Many Seminaries have postponed their new semester until next month, provided the situation improves. Some of the students are volunteering in the thorough cleaning of the school and campuses. Please pray for the preparation for the re-opening of its facilities. Also, pray for the instructors and students, especially the graduation classes, who may need to adjust their schedule.
Sincerely,
Juan Sarmiento
Associate Director for Mission