Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho
General Secretary, NBCC
In response to increased anxieties and concerns around the global outbreak of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council call upon all its member Associations and churches to remain vigilant and alert to potential dangers from this virus.
As Christians we have a responsibility to care for each other and ourselves. With the World Health Organization now declaring COVID-19 to be a pandemic, we should be seen as part of the solution rather than potentially becoming part of the problem. In view of this we are asking our churches and all its establishments to follow standard guidelines being established by the State Government.
This is a highly infectious disease caused by the new Coronavirus (COVID-19), spreading from person-to-person through sneezing, or coughing (droplets infection), human to human contact and contact with contaminated surfaces. The Council therefore urges congregations to take measures to keep themselves and their communities safe. The best way of protecting us from the spread of the virus is for everyone to use universal good hygiene at all times. So it is imperative at this juncture to encourage everyone to continue to maintain good hygiene.
Meanwhile, the church should remain open to be a place of worship and prayer – a place to experience the presence of God for comfort, guidance and strengthening of our faith. Possible alteration adhering to the precautionary issue may be followed as the situation demands keeping in mind that the church must be rooted in prayer and serving others. As follower of a God who emptied Himself to redeem sinful humanity, the Church led by the Pastoral team should be at the forefront of providing practical care and support, praying for the sick and the scared, the affected and the needy, and the vulnerable during this time of crisis. Let us be bearers of hope and pray for the end of this pandemic. As the church we must stand tall and build the confidence of our members and pray that, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and our thoughts in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7). So as we, the Church, come for worship and prayer let us be assured that as we do our part God is in control. We urge the church leaders to closely monitor the situation and follow safety and precautionary measures at all times.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
• Advise the elderly people in your congregation to stay home for their own safety during this critical period.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or, use a hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or a handkerchief when coughing and sneezing. Throw away the used tissue immediately and wash your hands with soap and water. The handkerchief must be washed by yourself daily and ironed with a hot iron. In this way, you protect others from any virus released through coughs and sneezes.
• Maintain reasonable distance between yourself and someone who is coughing, sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus and you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical care immediately. If possible, call a health worker and alert them about your condition. Always follow the guidance of authorized health practitioner.
• People with flu-like symptoms should use face masks to cover the nose and mouth and stay home in a well-ventilated room.
• If you are caring for individuals who have symptoms, such as cough and fever you are encouraged to use a face mask to cover your nose and mouth for personal protection.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, car doors, etc. daily with regular household disinfectant or soap and water.
• Consider providing education resources for members that encourage best health practices along with updates.
• Schools are closed down but remind the children that it is not a holiday. School children should stay home and not go out for play or visitation or else the purpose of precautionary measures will be defeated.
• All travellers coming from countries affected by the Coronavirus disease should follow guidance given by authorized health workers at the airport and other border entry points.
• Avoid hand-shaking and hugging at all times.
• Avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sneeze).
• When sick with flu-like symptoms avoid going to public places, offices and public gatherings. Remain at home to avoid infecting others.
• You do not need to wear medical masks if you do not have respiratory symptoms such as cough, sneezing or running nose.
• Don’t take self-medication such as antibiotics.
• Do NOT spit in public. Find a secluded place like toilets or pit latrines in which to spit.
• Delay travel to countries that currently have many patients with Coronavirus disease. If you MUST travel, strictly follow protective measures.
• Avoid travel if you have flu-like symptoms.
• Avoid circulating unconfirmed messages in social media. Always confirm with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland or relevant authorities.
DAY OF PRAYER: MARCH 22, 2020
2 Chronicles 7:13-14: “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
PRAYER POINTERS:
1. Pray for the affected countries. Pray for an end to the virus’ spread. Pray for God’s healing mercy and that He would graciously bring this pandemic to an end. Pray for healing for all those affected by the virus.
2. Pray for government leaders in the region, country and beyond for God’s wisdom. Christians are called to pray for those in positions of authority and this is especially true during a time of national emergency. Pray for all those making decisions related to public health and safety.
3. Pray for provision and protection for our health care establishments including government health care departments, hospitals and health care providers all over the world.
3. Pray for church leaders. Pastors are making difficult decisions related to public worship and the safety of their members. Pray that pastors will have wisdom to faithfully shepherd the congregations under their care. Pray that Christians will love their neighbors well during this trying times.
4. Pray for the vulnerable. Pray for protection of the elderly, diseased, and those facing financial hardship. Pray for students who are being required to vacate university and college housing with very little notice. Pray that God’s people meet these opportunities with wisdom and grace.
5. Pray for honest reporting. Christians should pray for those in the news media. Pray that reporters and journalists would accurately report updates about the status of the virus.
6. Pray for a spirit of generosity. Pray that God’s people will manifest a spirit of generosity and sacrificially give of their time and resources to meet needs that will arise.
7. Pray for our Children returning home on emergency holiday or studying outside the State for God’s grace and protection.
8. Pray for our people living in different parts of the country and beyond.
9. Pray for enduring faith during this season of heightened fear, anxiety, and confusion. Appropriate precautions should be taken, but Christians must continue to rely on God and trust His purposes and plans.
Even in these uncertain times we urge all our members to stay connected with family, friends, and church members through phone calls, texts, emails, social media, etc. We can encourage and support one another through these avenues of communication — and through prayer. Let us trust God in all circumstances, remaining calm in times of distress, extending compassion to those who are suffering, and praying for the healing of the world.
