I can certainly understand people's concern given that the number of cases here (a little more than 200) still represent a high percentage of the total population (4 million) compared with other places that have been hit.
We feel very safe here for several reasons.
For one, almost all the cases have been traced to a few people that brought the virus into the country. The secondary and tertiary infections have for the most part been hospital staff.
For another, the government has done an excellent job of taking swift and thorough measures to contain the spread of the disease. Everyone infected has been isolated in one hospital, and for every one of them, another 10-20 people who had contact with them has been quarantined for 10 days. Those that break quarantine are now being isolated in jail.
As you probably know, all schools were closed for three weeks, and now every school child has a thermometer and must log their temperature two times a day. Parents are no longer allowed on campus. Most government buildings now require a screening for fever in order to enter. We are in many ways blessed to live in an environment that is strongly controlled by the government.
Thirdly, voluntary precautions are being taken by lots of people. Many people are staying at home and avoiding crowds. Many places are now going to start logging in with your entrance times and contact numbers (such as movie theatres and clubs) so that people can be traced in case an infection shows up. Our church of nearly 3000 people took everyone's temperature last Sunday morning to get into the service!
Fourthly, these measures seem to be working. The growth in cases stopped a few weeks ago, and for the past two days there have been no new cases.
And fifthly, but not last and not to be preachy, we know the Lord wants us to be strong and courageous. We have sensed his leading in decisions like this over and over, when he gives us confidence in his sovereignty over our situations, even during the times when we get apprehensive about the consequences. We believe Christians can have a great witness, especially in times like these, by walking by faith in the true sense of getting our direction from the Lord and resting in him.
Hope this is helpful. I'll pray the Lord gives you all a clear sense of his leading in this situation, and what would be right for the team, families, church, and mission.
Blessings!
written by Jim Creasman to friends at Fullerton Evangelical Free Church, CA
"Wait patiently for the LORD.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the LORD." Ps 27:14
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