Churches across the U.S. are closing their doors as the coronavirus continues to spread. Meanwhile, many ministries are calling for fasting and prayer to end the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic, with over 132,000 confirmed cases globally and almost 5,000 deaths. The CDC reports that there is a total of 1,215 cases of the coronavirus in the U.S., and 36 people have died from it.
Many governors are discouraging people from attending large gatherings. California Gov. Gavin Newsome banned gatherings over 250, causing Disneyland to shut down. Four other states have issued similar bans, including New York, Oregon, Ohio and Washington.
Charisma News previously reported that Pastor Judah Smith announced Churchome’s main campus in Kirkland, Washington, is closed for the time being because of the coronavirus. He says church at home will be a part of Churchome’s vision moving forward.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear requested that houses of worship cancel their services at least through March 15, according to the Baptist Press. North Carolina churches are also urged to cancel services and other public gatherings for the time being, reports the News & Observer.
Some churches in Kentucky, however, are refusing to close but are still taking precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, reports the Christian Post.
Popular Bible teacher Beth Moore says this is a bad idea.
It would be a mistake for us in Christian circles to disregard the warnings about large gatherings. If the thought is, “We’re the church. We’ll do whatever we please & God will protect us,” He does not protect the proud. He opposes them. We are not snake handlers. We’re servants.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) March 13, 2020
For Christian families who stay home from church, LifeWay is offering free spiritual resources for at-home discipleship. “LifeWay Kids at Home” is a free digital resource to supplement Sunday school while at home.
While temporary, the resource is available to everyone, says LifeWay Kids Director of Operations Chuck Peters.
SOURCE: Charisma News
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