COVID-19 RESPONSE

UPDATE on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

As uncertainty mounts regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we as CLEAR Ministries can’t afford to ignore it.

This virus has affected more than 100,000 people across the globe, and millions of others who live and work in affected regions. The spread of COVID-19 has led to thousands of deaths, quarantines, school closures, and large-scale fear around the globe.

But in the midst of every crisis, the Church has an opportunity to show the love of Jesus and the hope we find in Him. When things are darkest, that’s when the light of Jesus shines brightest.

Here are 6 ways for us to READY ourselves to respond to the coronavirus in a way that inspires hope and faith in Jesus

1. Let’s not panic

In the midst of turmoil let us keep our hearts on JESUS as HE is the anchor of hope, same way when JESUS was on earth, HE focused on things that are unshakable and not shakeable, we are from a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us set our hearts on things from above and not on the earth.

On the night that JESUS was going to be betrayed, HE shared a meal with HIS disciples.

We can only imagine the heartfelt thoughts HE was thinking of especially, what was about to happen to him. And HE knew that HIS disciples would also be afraid.

In that moment, this is what HE said to them: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

In times of turmoil, Jesus tells us that we have no need to fear. He has given us peace. And not the kind of peace that the world offers—which is based on our moment-to-moment circumstances—but a real and enduring sense of peace.

And it’s not that Jesus denies that difficult and painful things will happen to us and around us. He’s not unaware of the legitimate fears we have. It’s just that those things have no power over us.

Here’s what HE says later during that same meal with HIS disciples.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

We will experience troubles. But we are overcomers. So that we don’t shrink back in fear and we don’t panic, even when a dangerous illness spreads throughout the world.

2. Let’s be wise and discerning

Therefore family – while we should not panic, we also need to be wise, discerning, and safe.

The coronavirus outbreak brings with it very real and practical health concerns with regards to large in-person gatherings. We need to have faith, but we also need to be smart.

Now that our doors are once again open and therefore looking ahead to our Sunday gatherings there are a number of precautions we are putting in place to ensure safety of all who attend CLEAR Ministries, taking into account that our plans will evolve as more information comes to light.

Here are a couple of things we are doing:

We will have door greeters standing at the door offering to spray hand sanitizer into everyone’s hands as they entered the building.
All attendees will need to complete the Coronavirus Self-Assessment Form before entering the building.
During this time, we will continue to encourage everyone attending to avoid hugging and shaking hands of those around them.
We will put tissues and hand sanitizer in strategic locations on the premises throughout the day, as well as plenty of soap in the restrooms
For after service gathering, we will continue with high level hygiene measures by paying close attention to food preparation and presentation.

Even though the circumstances seem tough this is a great opportunity for us to stop and be grateful for all the little things we have in life. To love each other and look out for each other, to keep praying for one-another and together as a community, family and church take all the precautions that we can so that more people’s lives will be saved.

If you go out during this time, remember to continue to keep social distancing, to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, and really use common sense. We know that God has got you and your families and that HE is your STRENGH AND REFUGE

3. Let’s keep updated

During this time, communication is key. It’s also key to make sure that you have the proper information you need to make wise decisions.

Here is recommended safe websites from Queensland Government to inform you about everything you need to know about COVID-19:

The Symptoms for COVID-19 are:

Fever
A cough
Sore throat
Fatigue
Shortness of breath

Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor immediately

We encourage you to protect yourself and others from the novel coronavirus

Transmission may occur from contaminated surfaces, so it is important to frequently wash your hands

To protect yourself and others from infection practice good hygiene including:

Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs
Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing
Avoiding contact with anyone who has symptoms such as fever, a cough, sore throat, fatigue, and shortness of breath

4. Let’s stay connected

GREAT NEWS – CLEAR Ministries doors are open again

All welcome to join us from 10 am (Sunday, 19 July 2020)

For the safety of the team, congregation, and visitors, we will abide by COVID19 rules and therefore ask that before you attend any of our meetings to complete the Coronavirus Self-Assessment Form

Should you experience any of the COVID19 symptoms please seek medical help and please consider others by staying safely at home

For those who cannot attend service at Church – we are still livestreaming the service (link)

We are so looking forward to seeing you all again, its going to be fantastic

5. Let’s lead by FAITH

Part of the fear we feel about the coronavirus exists because it forces us to come to grips with some uncomfortable truths. Life is fragile and fleeting. And while we do everything we can, to ensure our health and longevity, we still don’t have ultimate control. Our bodies are not built to last. We get sick, and we die.

But as followers of Jesus know that this isn’t the end of the story. We have the hope of redemption, hope of healing, hope of a newness of life that lasts forever. Jesus died and rose again that we might have life abundant.

Nothing, not even the coronavirus, can separate us from the love of God, which is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

Please continue to pray for those affected by this virus, whether they are affected directly or indirectly. Pray for wisdom in how to keep our church services safe and sanitary. And pray for peace of mind as people come to worship.

When a crisis hits, we tend to spring into action to address it, and that’s just what champions in Christ do. But before we jump up, let’s spend some time praying. It’ll give us some perspective and focus, and it will fix our hearts on Jesus.

Sometimes prayer is the most active thing we should be doing.

6. Let us continue to pray

Prayer seems like the spiritual answer to everything. But that’s probably because it really is the actual answer to most things.

As a Church CLEAR Ministries falls under the denomination of INC (International Network of Churches)

INC are calling for a NATIONAL PRAYER STRATEGY

It launches on 19th March at 19:00 hours and then continuing daily each night at 7pm (in your local time zone). Easy to remember 19th at 19:00!

Strategy is to call our churches at these times to prayer for our nation in response to COVID-19 and release our intercessors across this nation to carry the burden of prayer in this season.

We leave you with these scriptures:

2 Chronicles 7:14

“If MY people, who are called by MY name, will humble themselves and pray and seek MY face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Psalm 91:14-15

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges MY NAME. He will call on ME, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him.”

COVID-19 RESPONSE

UPDATE on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

1. Let’s not panic

2. Let’s be wise and discerning

3. Let’s keep updated

4. Let’s stay connected

5. Let’s lead by FAITH

6. Let us continue to pray

We leave you with these scriptures:

Stay in Touch

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