Even though church services were on lockdown and many Nazarenes struggled with COVID-19, God has been at work in new ways during this difficult time.
Rev. Sergei and Olga Onofriichuk, who lead ministries in the town of Kazatin, Ukraine, have creatively assisted their community through food distribution to many who are experiencing great need, ongoing rehabilitation for addicts, and an alternative kindergarten and school for the town.
Shortly after the coronavirus outbreak ravaged New York in 2020, the Navajo Nation surpassed the Empire State as the new hotspot. First citizens have suffered the brunt of the pandemic that has devastated hundreds of families and created an urgent need for support in the health system.
“Shepherd has been the best thing to ever happen to me and my family,” says Donna Little. Little’s daughter died unexpectedly a little more than a decade ago, leaving her as the sole guardian of three young granddaughters. Grief and the financial burden of becoming a parent again left her wondering how she would make this new family work.
I was reminded recently of the tenaciousness that Christian hope involves. This kind of hope—the hope that persists—is something we all need right now.
Thirteen-year-old Emilio* is just one of the children living through the changes brought about by pandemic-related protocols in his country, Peru. Emilio attends a local Nazarene child development center, one that he begged to join when he learned it was opening. Right from the start, he applied himself to the activities in the center, was punctual in his attendance, and faithfully completed his assignments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the devastating challenges families and individuals living in poverty were already facing. Global lockdowns, sickness, and economic turmoil have by far had the greatest impact on those who are most vulnerable, which includes those living in extreme poverty.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to supply chains, country-wide lockdowns, and loss of income. Combined, these challenges have both created and intensified food insecurity for millions of vulnerable people around the world. There are no easy answers for families struggling to feed their children—something that is especially difficult if they have been forced out of steady employment due to lockdowns and curfews.
God has called us to show compassion to each other. While the world has changed to accommodate the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still ways to show that compassion, even when physically distanced from other people. Here are some suggestions to help you make a difference from a distance, and continue to cultivate empathy. Let these ideas spark your imagination—what else would you add?
