The ByFaith Response to the Coronavirus

Message From Bishop James E. McKnight, Jr.

Greetings ByFaith Family,

The Church of God by Faith stands in solidarity with those affected by the Coronavirus and their families, as well as the health workers who are valiantly trying to diagnose and treat patients.  We offer our prayers for healing and support those organizations  both domestic and international, working to provide medical supplies and assistance to address this serious risk to public health.

I know that we are people of faith and have always been taught to trust God as our healer and protection.  However, this memorandum is to urge us to stay informed and be vigilant. 
 

What is Coronavirus?

The following link is a five-minute video explaining the Coronavirus that you may share with your congregants or use at your discretion.
 

Coronavirus Spreading in Asian Churches

According to a recent article: “As the novel coronavirus spreads in Asia, health authorities zeroing in on community infections have found a surprising commonality – many of the cases are springing from Christian churches. In Singapore, a third of the 89 reported coronavirus infections are linked to two churches; in South Korea, more than 200 of the 556 cases are linked to one church. No infection clusters in Hong Kong churches have been identified.” Read more here: Link  
 

Simple Steps You Can Take

While we aren’t qualified to be antidotal, I do want to encourage you to consider the following basic provisions in your assemblies:
  • Make sure all air filters are clean.
  • Consider placing hand sanitizer near the church entrance for worshippers to use before shaking hands with greeters. 
  • Provide tissues and garbage cans in Sunday school classrooms.
  • Review cleaning procedures in the nursery and toddler room, especially for toys.
  • Make tissues available for the use of ushers, greeters and altar workers.

Fear Not

While we take caution and remain aware, let’s also remember the words of our Lord that says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10.

For His Service,

Bishop James McKnight, Presiding Bishop