Dear Friends,
At GraceWay, we want to care for our congregation in all respects, including the physical and spiritual well-being of our community. We have all been dealing with the concern of the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak. As followers of Jesus, it is important that we navigate this challenging time as we would deal with any other serious concern or threat. The Bible reminds us to use our renewed minds (Romans 12:2) to live thoughtfully in this world and, no matter what comes our way, to live without fear looking to God who holds us in his gracious hands (Isaiah 41:10, John 14:27). As Christians, we can be safe and not afraid.
Be Safe
It is important to use your mind to get reliable facts and a thoughtful assessment about this outbreak and to evaluate what those facts mean for how you best respond based upon living in this region. The CDC and the Alameda County Health Department are two key sources of reliable and up-to-date information.
Together we can follow their guidelines for taking precautions to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe. You may be aware of this information but just in case, the CDC has published the following common sense recommendations:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm or with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
(Note: if you are sick on Sunday, you can join the GraceWay family online through our YouTube Livestream Channel).
For more information click on these links:
Be Not Afraid
At the same time that we work to be fully informed and take appropriate precautions, we also strive to reject fear, anchoring our lives in faith and trust in God. With the 24/7 reporting of stories, scary headlines, the counting of every new case or death, people can be overwhelmed with fear. There is great anxiety in our workplaces, schools and day-to-day activities caused by the uncertainty and rapidly changing circumstances of this outbreak. Yet as Christ-followers, we remain certain of God’s steadfast presence and care in the midst of all that is happening.
In Psalm 46, we are reminded that it is God who is our refuge and strength, and our ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we do not fear, instead living with confidence and assurance. I want you to live in that certainty and one of the best ways to do so is to take God’s Word and allow it to sink deep within your soul. It will give you courage and strength to face any adversity. There are many verses in the Bible that provide this encouragement. I have selected some of them for you to use and you can download them here:
Beloved, let’s model faith, not fear.
Lastly, together let’s seek God and pray for those who are affected by this illness, as well as their caregivers, medical personnel, and those who are working around the clock to minimize the impact of this virus and let’s ask God to make us ready to be his hands and feet of love and care for people around us. In times like these, Christians remain called to be light and salt in this world.
“Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the LORD your God will be
with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
