Let’s be honest. The last couple of days have been scary.
In a matter of just a few weeks, the coronavirus has upended people’s lives around the globe, killed thousands of people, caused markets to plummet and has instilled a lot of fear. Thankfully, we can all be a part of fighting this virus and serving our communities.
Here is a rundown of what some faith leaders are saying in light of the coronavirus to encourage believers and inspire them to take action. (This list will be updated throughout the week.)
Eugene Cho
We're all in this together. Be kind. Be human. Be a good neighbor. Honor the urgency of social distancing but let's be sure to check in with one another. Call, text, and when appropriate, make short visits. Drop off food & supplies for those that are isolated or self-quarantined.
— Eugene Cho (@EugeneCho) March 15, 2020
Beth Moore
What happens if, to love others well for this little while, we get more shut in? In always forces stuff out. I/we can either feel shut in & freak out or I/we can feel shut in & help out. People are going to need help. Helping others helps all. Let’s not freak out. Let’s help out.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) March 16, 2020
There will be multiple ways to help people out. We’ll have to think creatively for some of them. One thing we can immediately do is pray & we can organize our prayers so we don’t feel overwhelmed. 7 days a week, choose 7 different focus groups that especially need prayer. ->
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) March 16, 2020
We can make calls & check on people, especially the elderly & just chat w/them. Rediscover real live talking over texting. That’s something I’m gonna try to do. Also there’s Group FaceTime giving us access to groups or extended family. Many will need financial help if we’re able.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) March 16, 2020
Scott Sauls
In a time like now, Christian neighboring looks less like fearful self-preservation and more like servanthood toward the elderly, those with HIV, autoimmune disease, or no healthcare, fatigued and under-resourced healthcare workers, etc.
Wash hands, for sure.
Then, wash feet.— Scott Sauls (@scottsauls) March 11, 2020
Trillia Newbell
Hey, all you pastors preparing to share on livestream: your labor is not in vain. Thank you!
Friends, let's commit to tuning into our local church's broadcasts!
— Trillia Newbell (@trillianewbell) March 14, 2020
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10)
— Trillia Newbell (@trillianewbell) March 13, 2020
Judah Smith
Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but rather from wanting to control it.
Anxiety doesn’t remove tomorrow’s suffering, it only removes today’s strength.
Rest in who JESUS IS and give all fears and anxieties to him.
— Judah Smith (@judahsmith) March 11, 2020
Andy Stanley
Why cancel church during a pandemic?
1. We are loving our neighbors by protecting our neighbors.
2. We are not being fearful. We are being responsible.
3. This is what love requires of us in this season.
I hope you’ll join us online, this Sunday. https://t.co/unEnqPIPvx pic.twitter.com/StjUYrgBcD
— Andy Stanley (@AndyStanley) March 13, 2020
Nichole Nordeman
A reminder that when public schools close, thousands of children in your community lose access to their only meal a day. Food banks. Food banks. Food banks. They don’t need your can of green beans circa 2003, they need your $$ to feed these vulnerable, hungry kids.
— Nichole Nordeman (@nicholenordeman) March 12, 2020
Brian Zahnd
We like to tell ourselves that we are rugged individualists, that we make our own way in this world, that we are an island set apart and immune to the vagaries of life, but all it takes is a tiny fragment of genetic material to remind us of the truth: We’re all in this together. pic.twitter.com/tCJUbDFDdR
— Brian Zahnd (@BrianZahnd) March 12, 2020
Austin Channing Brown
Practicing justice means acting in ways that prioritize the most vulnerable. Right now, that means social distancing, because thats what the most vulnerable among us need from us.
— Austin Channing Brown (@austinchanning) March 15, 2020
Shane Claiborne
While we may not be as physically connected during the virus, let’s stay spiritually connected by praying @CommonPrayer together. https://t.co/eDCPg3PdYP
— Shane Claiborne (@ShaneClaiborne) March 14, 2020