To All Pastor’s & Ministers of UPLCII,
As some communities begin to feel the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), I want to share with you the steps we’re taking at UPLCII Headquarters to help protect the health and safety of our campers and guests while on campus, which is always our top priority. Additionally, we are issuing a Denomination wide call to Prayer and Prevention. Please check back regularly for updated information.
Call to Prayer and Prevention with Regard to Corona Virus
In Leviticus 14 the nation of Israel was told that as they entered Canaan they would encounter various plagues. This is true today in light of the Corona Virus, but this isn’t new. We live in a broken world and should not be surprised by the challenges we find within it. Throughout history, the world has experienced a crisis, and we can rest assured that God has never lost control.
In Leviticus, God gave Israel a simple two-part strategy prayer and prevention. First, He said when you see a plague, call the priest (Leviticus14:35). In other words, pray. Get God involved. Then secondly He said, clean out the house. Prevent the spread of the plague (Leviticus 14:36,38,41). The following is a call on all Pastors of UPLCII to enter along with their church into a season of Prayer and Prevention. Surely God will hear us, and heal our land.
Prayer:
1. Pray that the spread of the Corona Virus is mitigated and stopped.
2. Pray for all those who are in authority as they make decisions regarding the national, and local response to this National Emergency.
3. Pray that the Nations will turn to the Lord in this crisis.
4. Pray for unity in the nation.
Prevention:
1. Pastors should become educated on the CDC Guidelines for Faith-based Organizations and stay as informed as possible regarding the information provided by local and state authorities. Have a plan in place for how your church will minister to people (especially the most vulnerable such as the elderly) if an outbreak occurs in your area. The advice and steps taken by the Pastors and Churches in each area will vary by the local context and should be made in conformity with local authorities.
2. Churches should heighten disinfecting practices, before and after all services, meetings, and events. This should include the sanctuary, classrooms, foyers, restrooms, and all commonly touched surfaces. Churches should be prepared to postpone gatherings or re-configure meetings in accordance with state and local authorities. These measures are for the prevention of the spread of the virus.
3. Consider the elderly and most vulnerable among your congregation. Prepare to train them in the prevention and serve them if the need should arise. Be prepared to serve the most vulnerable in the event that they are required to stay home.
4. Mitigate panic and fear by preaching and proclaiming God’s Word without compromise, and exercising wisdom in your approach to communicating information about the crisis.
Kenedy Headquarters Response
Although South Texas has not experienced an outbreak, we are closely monitoring local and national reports on the evolving impact of COVID-19. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we’ve implemented a plan to respond appropriately. Our housekeeping and sanitization efforts in our facilities have been expanded. We will frequently be disinfecting often- touched surfaces such as door handles, countertops, keypads, restroom surfaces, tables, and chairs, etc. I am asking all of UPLCII Churches to follow the advice issued by the White House for Faith-Based Organizations and implement appropriate CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of infection.
We feel deeply for those who have been affected and ask that the churches of UPLCII pray for them, as well as, those charged with making decisions regarding the mitigation of this outbreak. Thankfully, as of now, we’re not aware of any member of our churches contracting COVID-19.
Our offices and campus remain open, subject to the advice of local and state authorities. If we become aware of any condition in which that would be unsafe or are advised by State Authorities to take a separate course of action, please rest assured that we’ll take all steps that are appropriate.
It is also very important that Pastors and Church Leaders mitigate the growing public alarm and panic by communicating preventative measures in a spirit of grace.
Again, the health and safety of our campers and guests is our top priority and we’re committed to doing our part to help keep you safe.