The last 12 months have been some of the most challenging in living memory. We could scarcely have imagined a year ago the all-encompassing, global impact that coronavirus would have, and is still having today.
More than 2 million people dead. Huge economic implications, particularly for those who were already vulnerable. Friends and loved ones kept apart for months on end. A whole way of life turned upside down. Yet the response has been extraordinary. As the challenge of coronavirus rose, the church rose to meet it. As darkness spread, the church did not shrink back, but instead stepped forward to shine the light of Christ. From countering misinformation around vaccines, to providing mental health support to people struggling with lockdowns, to helping meet people’s most basic needs – the church has been spreading hope and love in practical ways all around the world. Village leaders in Burkina Faso take part in a hygiene training course run by Tearfund’s local partner. Credit: Tearfund partner
Service and sacrifice
In the UK, we have seen this up close (usually as close as the screens in front of us). Though the pandemic has restricted so many aspects of our lives, local churches have still found plenty of ways to serve their communities. Even though many churches have received less in terms of funding, they have done more in terms of practical help. According to Your Neighbour, during lockdown in the UK, the church has provided at least 5 million meals every month to families in need. Churches have adjusted to unprecedented circumstances, and have done so with aplomb. Suddenly, the ‘tech person’ at church became the pastor’s best friend (and probably pointed out that this should have been the case all along). A quarter of UK adults say they have watched or listened to a religious service during the pandemic – an astonishing figure. More than 70 per cent of churches have started new community projects in the last year, many in areas they have never been active in before. Fear has been countered with love; struggle with acts of service and sacrifice; and uncertainty with the sure hope of Christ. And the UK public have taken notice. New research from Your Neighbour has shown a 20 per cent increase in the number of people believing that local churches have a positive impact on their communities. But this has been but one small part of the church’s response. Around the world, even more amazing things have been happening.
Knowing the need
Tearfund has been working alongside local churches in some of the world’s poorest places for more than 50 years. We don’t do this simply because we’re a Christian organisation, but because we know that this is one the most effective ways to bring about change. Churches know the needs of their communities. They are able to mobilise groups of passionate volunteers quickly. And they often have a respected and influential voice in the local area.
This has been even more crucial when responding to coronavirus.
About The Author
Harrison Okafor
editor
Judith is a believer, a lover of Christ and a Gospel freak person. A passionate gospel blogger and press writer. I work with GospelHitsNaija.net Media, no 1 Gospel music platform.
