Over the last few months, we have seen many doors closed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has caused hunger, pain, and sorrow. But in Guatemala, it opened the door for one doctor to serve migrants on their way back to their home country.
In Ghana, the Church of the Nazarene is reaching out to their communities with needed supplies and assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers have distributed food, soap, gloves, Veronica buckets, and face masks. Churches have also designed and installed touchless hand washing station to help community members clean their hands effectively. These activities were made possible partly through donations from church members, and implemented by church volunteers looking to serve their neighbors with love.
“This program is very good,” Mursal Alemi said when we spoke last year. “I like it. All people who are coming to this class like it.”
No part of the world has been unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the virus progresses more parts of the world are adopting the use of face masks to slow infections. For many, though, making or purchasing a mask is not a simple task. Seeing this need, many churches have labored to supply masks to their communities.
Read on for some of their stories.
In Sri Lanka, the coronavirus-associated shutdowns and curfews are bringing extreme hardship to many residents, especially those whose businesses or factories closed down. As has become an increasingly familiar story, people were unable to buy food without any income. The pandemic is creating dangerous situations in more than one way.
Some of these families in need have students who attend Nazarene child development centers. In response, NCM Lanka mobilized to provide several weeks’ worth of food to 2,504 families from the centers during the month of April.
“If you are 60 years or older, or have an illness that puts you more at risk, I am offering my time to go to the supermarket or pharmacy once a week. Make a list, and I’ll go. I won’t charge you anything.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, local Nazarene churches and districts are responding with compassion and care. Lockdowns and quarantine restrictions have left many unable to work or attend school. In the Philippines, Nazarene churches and child development centers are creatively serving their communities in the midst of a strict lockdown.
Front Step is a Nazarene compassionate ministry center serving their urban community in North Philadelphia, PA. From summer and after-school programs for children and youth, English and job skill classes, to work with people in recovery, Front Step seeks to be a place of hope and help for neighbors looking to make their communities healthy and safe.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread shelter-in-place orders and closed businesses have left many without the ability to care for their families, pay their rent, attend school, or stay connected to social support. Recognizing the great needs, the Church of the Nazarene is reaching out with the love of Christ.
As the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, you may be wondering about the status of child development centers, where sponsored children go to experience holistic, transformative care.