Europe: Christian perspective
26 Mar 2020
‘We grieve for those who have lost their lives or loved ones. We grieve about the physical, emotional, and financial repercussions of this pandemic. We are grateful for those working tirelessly to care for the sick, curb the spread, and create a cure and vaccine. But most importantly, we stop to remember these Biblical truths about COVID-19: God reigns OVER it. If the wind and sea obey Him, so does this virus (Matthew 8:27). He is IN THE MIDST of it. He’s our ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He wants to do something THROUGH it. He has good purposes in ALL things (Romans 8:28). He can bring eternal hope OUT OF it. Millions are being forced to face their mortality. It is urgent that each one of them hears and knows the Hope of the Gospel. So let us lift our eyes from the headlines and fix them on Jesus, and pray - because no quarantine will ever stop its power and reach.’
EU: self-preservation
26 Mar 2020
The European Union is showing major evidence of stress thanks to the pandemic. Every member state considers its own national interests over those of the rest of the EU. Economist Branko Milanovic called the crisis ‘a huge test of European solidarity’, as countries close borders and hoard medical equipment. When Italy requested help from other member states to fight the coronavirus not one responded, but China did. Germany and France were condemned for blocking the export of vital medical supplies, calling into question the bloc's solidarity in times of crisis. Pray for humility and compassion to replace nationalist dialogue, and for members to return to the founding principle of unity.
Croatia: earthquake rocks Zagreb
26 Mar 2020
On 22 March a 5.3-magnitude quake, the largest in 140 years, brought panicked residents out into the streets at 6am. The interior minister told people, ‘Keep your distance. Don't gather together. We are facing two serious crises, the earthquake and the epidemic’. Many buildings cracked, with walls and rooftops damaged. Zagreb cathedral and parliament buildings were among the damaged structures. The earthquake prompted residents to flee to holiday homes on the coast: the police closed motorways and set up control points to prevent coronavirus spreading.
Anglican health and mission agencies had a global consultation to discuss their response to coronavirus. They have published key learnings and some examples of best practice, and are building up a repository of resources and Bible studies that can be adapted for different contexts. The Alliance identified three key roles the Church can play in such times to promote preparedness and resilience. These are ‘to give hope and combat fear with accurate information and encouragement through our faith; to keep the worshipping and wider community connected, if necessary via messages, phone and online, in case of quarantine and disruption; and to show God’s compassion and care to those affected in our communities, remembering that those already most vulnerable will be most affected’.
Praying for life to get back to normal
26 Mar 2020
The world is shutting down in an unparalleled global response to coronavirus. Pray for God to cause a mighty wind of His Holy Spirit to turn the tide of sickness and fear. The current strategy of shutting down large parts of society is not sustainable in the long term. Pray for countries to agree to an exit strategy that will restrain social and economic damage. Scientists say that the coronavirus is not going to disappear entirely. Let us ask God to convict communities of the need to change permanently behaviour that enables contagion, so that there is a sound global immunity to infection. Vaccines are said to be 12-18 months away. Pray for God to guide the researchers and scientists as they seek to develop them.
Syria: recap
26 Mar 2020
It has been almost ten years since the horrific war began. The Syrian army has retaken most of the land (except Idlib). Many believe that what happens here could be the culmination of the entire war. Recent devastating airstrikes and ground operations have forced millions to run again. But to where? No nation wants them. Refugee camps are full, and it is winter. This has the potential to be the worst refugee and humanitarian crisis in Syria yet. An incredibly fragile ceasefire was declared, bringing a tense calm. But for these traumatised masses, it was too late. Bad news has been coming out of Syria for so long, we hardly even notice any more. But Jesus does. Let us not give up praying for peace in the nation and in every heart in Syria.
Hope and prayer during the coronavirus
26 Mar 2020
As the virus spreads, pray for everyone to listen to the advice from local authorities, and show care and regard for one another - especially the elderly and most vulnerable. If ever there was a time for prayers and supplications, this is such a time. Let us join together in united prayer as we pray for: governments and local authorities who bear large responsibilities in confronting this challenge; WHO and all professionals working to safeguard public health; industry leaders and all taking precautions and making decisions to confront this challenge; and pastors, church leaders, and community leaders, who provide care and guidance for those they lead. As a global family, this is a time to let the light of Christ shine healing rays throughout the world.
Afghanistan: US fails to end stalemate
26 Mar 2020
US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced a $1bn cut in American aid to Afghanistan after he failed to convince President Ghani and his political foe, Abdullah, to end a feud that has jeopardised a US-led peace effort. He said that the US is also prepared to cut another $1bn worth of assistance in 2021, and is conducting ‘a review of all of our programmes and projects to identify additional reductions and reconsider our pledges to future donor conferences for Afghanistan’. The harshly-worded announcement underscored how badly the US-led effort to end decades of strife in Afghanistan has stalled. En route back to Washington, Pompeo stopped at Qatar to meet Taliban officials, including their top negotiator. Pompeo indicated that the aid cut could be cancelled if everyone came to an agreement.