CORONAVIRUS SHOULD BE DISCUSSED IN THE CHURCH!

Dearly Beloved, CORONAVIRUS SHOULD BE DISCUSSED IN THE CHURCH! “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2 NKJV). Since the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in many parts of the world and its dramatic entrance into Nigeria some weeks ago, many facts, rumours, and even jokes have emerged about the epidemic. One may be tempted to say that the global epidemic should not be discussed in the church. However, the issue of the epidemic that has affected almost every facet of life and other trending issues should be discussed informatively in the church. The church should not be indifferent to prevailing issues in the society. In fact, the church should be actively involved in what is going on in the society because the church is in the society, though it may not be of the society. The church should be a platform to inform its members about prevailing issues in the society. This information should include enlightenment, warnings, advice, suggestions, observations, comments, and the likes on the prevailing issues. If the church is not ready to do this, then, we should be ready for misinformation that will eventually mislead church members. The Bible says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...” (Hosea 4:6 NKJV). On the issue of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the church should rise up to enlighten its members about the possible causes of the disease, how to prevent them, the symptoms of the disease, and how to handle people that have been infected by the disease. Undoubtedly, there are many promises in the Bible against pestilence. Nonetheless, people should be enlightened not to take these promises for granted by not being precautious of possible causes of Coronavirus and all other diseases, and try as much as possible to prevent their infection. There is power in the blood of Jesus to heal one from any illness or disease, but, the church must not become healing centres while hospitals and other medical centres are neglected. Pastors and other spiritual leaders should not turn themselves overnight to healers of Coronavirus or any disease. It is the will of God that every church member should enjoy good health (see 3 John 2; Psalm 20:1-5; 91:10; Philippians 2:4, 27; Deuteronomy 7:15; Exodus 23:25; Isaiah 33:24). Therefore, Coronavirus should be adequately discussed in the church. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Points: 1. Pray that as you take precautions, God will protect you from being infected with Coronavirus disease and other diseases. 2. Pray for divine healing for people that have been infected with the virus. 3. Pray that God will provide a sure cure for this disease. 4. Pray that our governments and other health institutions will expedite actions to control the spread of this deadly disease. NB To put this message into practice, let me briefly give some facts about Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Also called COVID-19, 2019-nCov, 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Coronavirus disease is an infectious disease caused by a new virus that had not been previously identified in humans. The virus causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in more severe cases, pneumonia. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face. HOW IT SPREADS: It spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. SYMPTOMS: It is characterized by mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. Illness can be more severe for some people and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and people with other medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill. PREVENTION: There is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease. However, you can reduce your risk of infection if you: - Clean hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water; - Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow; and - Avoid close contact (1 metre or 3 feet) with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms. TREATMENTS: There is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the disease. People may need supportive care to help them breathe. If you have mild symptoms, stay at home until you’ve recovered. You can relieve your symptoms if you: - rest and sleep; - keep warm; - drink plenty of liquids; and - use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough. If you develop a fever, cough, and have difficulty breathing, promptly seek medical care. Call in advance and tell your health provider of any recent travel or recent contact with travellers. If you have Coronavirus disease, you will be isolated from the public immediately to prevent the spread. Please create awareness, not panic, about Coronavirus disease! (You can know more about this disease through the Internet.) (Source: World Health Organization)