COVID-19 Updates
Written March 26, 2020
This is a very uncertain moment for our world as we collectively respond to this new coronavirus and its growing spread around the globe. In watching daily news we are crippled with increased numbers of contamination and this is overwhelming. A mixture of fear resides in people, but with faith and hope, people are realizing we shall overcome! “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).
We are sharing this moment togetherand at the same time, it feels deeply personal as our brains are working sofast to think of the medicine to heal the world.
The world is under threat! As of March 24, Mozambique has five confirmed COVID-19 cases. We are aware of increased numbers in the US and in other parts of the developed world. The numbers may also rise in Mozambique given our very poor health infrastructures and equipment (specifically those required to test coronavirus), and the mass return of fellow citizens working in South African gold mines and other related border issues.
Since then, the Government of Mozambiquehas imposed tight measures, closing all schools and instructing people tostrictly follow preventive measures, and stay in homes, including homequarantine to incoming citizens or foreigners.
The United Methodist Church, through Bishop Joaquina Nhanala and her Church Cabinet Leadership, also placed a red warning of recommendations with effect on March 24, suspending worship services, workshops and all types of meetings from the class meeting to the annual conference levels. Short prayers (30 minutes at maximum) are presently and daily being held at the family level, at 6:30 p.m. "Where two or three meet on My behalf, I am present in their midst” (Matthew 18:20). The response has been powerful and people are using Whatsapp/ Facebook/ emails and other forms of media to exchange prayers. These family prayer times also provide an opportunity to talk about the risks of infection and methods of prevention.
The Conference staff is still working in the Conference office while doing so they are trying to avoid physical contact as much as possible. Chapels will still be open to those wanting to meditate and read scriptures. There are neither public nor home administration of the communion, baptisms till further Episcopal notice. There are restrictions for gathering for more than 50 people. Funerals will be restricted to very close family members – observing the numbers stated above. Church members may contact the Pastor will the need to be justified. All Ministry of Health recommendations on hygiene need to be strictly followed.
As we all know this is a universal issue, we are sharing the pain as we share common prayers as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are called to comfort another. God wants to cast out our fears with his perfect love (1 John 4:18). And as we surrender our fears to him, he replaces them with his comfort and peace – a peace that comes by trusting him.
We are aware of Teams that were planning to visit Mozambique. We will keep on watching the progress of this viral disease and surely with faith and prayers, we will overcome this problem.
According to the American Embassy, “Commercial airlines are rapidly eliminating international flights departing Mozambique, and connecting flights are being disrupted by various government-mandated restrictions. Please see the Travel Alert for information on a March 30 commercial flight being organized by the Embassy”
Our prayers also go to you as we all navigate this situation. God is so powerful and we shall overcome! “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
I will keep you posted. Please besafe.
Ezequiel Nhantumbo - Ezy
Mozambique Initiative Representative