A Christian response to the Corona virus

Following the recent outbreak of the Corona virus in Kenya, we've made the difficult decision to suspend our weekly Bible study gatherings. Below is what I have written to our members...

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Hello everyone,

Trust this finds you all ok.

As you're aware, Corona virus is now in Kenya and so we all are now included in the health crises affecting the world. As a way of limiting the spread of the disease, our president has given instruction that attendance at social gatherings be minimised. I think this is wise and are therefore writing to say we will not be meeting for Bible study this Thursday and for the foreseeable future. I'm sorry that we have to stop our meetings in this way (and for this reason) but we should all want to do our uttermost to overcome to this pandemic and we also want to love our neighbours as we love ourselves and so not do things that might risk its spread. Over the next few days, we will keep listening to the news and medical advice from agencies like WHO and then make a decision as to when to resume the studies. It is our hope and prayer that things will be settled sometime after Easter and that we can get back to our usual routine towards the end of next month.

I want to say one other thing - let us not lose heart. It is true that these are difficult times that we are living in. Many are unsure about the future and questions abound about what all these challenges that we face at the moment mean (of which Corona virus is just one). However, that we have challenges and hardships should not surprise us. We who are disciples of Christ should never forget that in this life there will be trouble. Jesus himself spoke of it (see John 16:33). The wonderful thing is, because of what Jesus accomplished at Calvary, we are confident that this life is not all there is. As forgiven sinners, made new in Christ, we can look forward in hope to that day when all sickness and sorrow will be no more. The book of Revelation chapter 21 describes that great day when Christ will come back like this:

He (God) will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

So let us not be discouraged. Times are tough yes but in Christ our Saviour all will be well in the end. Over the coming days, I will be putting various  resources here on Bitrix that we can ponder and reflect on to help us fix our eyes on Him who holds all things in His hand and who is working out everything (including the Corona virus) for the good of those who love Christ.

Again let me say, let us not lose hope and of course, it goes without saying, let us also wash our hands 

May God in Christ, be our hope and strength at this time.