As many relief organizations are calling back their volunteers, Samaritan’s purse is moving against the grain and sending more people to help in the midst of the Coronavirus providing much-needed help and supplies to Italy.
President of Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, on Facebook explained the efforts being made to help those in Italy by the organization and explained that they “are committed to being there as long as there is a need”:
Early this morning, Samaritan’s Purse dispatched one of our 68-bed Emergency Field Hospitals to Cremona, Italy, which has the fastest-growing infection rates of Coronavirus in that country. The hospitals there are overwhelmed and unable to treat all of the sick. We already have four staff on the ground, and our DC-8 left from Greensboro this morning carrying 32 disaster response personnel, and more personnel and supplies will go on Saturday. We are committed to being there as long as there is a need. Please remember them in your prayers—and all those suffering the effects of this COVID-19 pandemic.
This is the work God has called us to and we want to share the love of Christ and the truth that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” British missionary C.T. Studd made the statement, “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.”
Italy, the most affected country in the world outside of China, has been extremely hard hit by the Coronavirus. At the time of this article, John Hopkins University reports 31,506 confirmed cases of the virus have been confirmed in the country and the death toll has exceeded 2,500.
Yesterday Morning Rev. Graham took to Facebook to remind the Church that although the world may be exceedingly panicked about the deadly virus that we as the body of Christ have a responsibility to share with the lost the hope that is in us:
Many years ago, the great writer and theologian A.W. Tozer made this profound statement, “A scared world needs a fearless church.” That is so true. During this time with the coronavirus, fear is gripping the hearts of people around the world. There is a mountain of anxiety and alarm, and it is still building. It is as real as the virus itself—but it is treatable. There are people in need that we can reach out to help. Like a fireman runs to the fire, the church needs to respond to crises around us. We who are the church need to stand up and be the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus Christ.
During these days of less group activity and gatherings, we could all take time to call and check on the elderly or others who are alone. Maybe you could offer to drop off some food or necessities they might need. Talking with someone on the phone, listening to what they are going through, and most importantly, praying with them, could change not only their day, but their entire outlook.
We need to share the “reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Jesus Christ is our hope, our anchor, our comfort, and our peace. Let’s share His love with as many people as we can, making every day count. Christians, God can use you. The virus isn’t the only thing that’s contagious. What if we had an outbreak of people helping people and a sweeping eruption of prayer?
It is true that the virus is causing widespread worry and disruption. Grocery stores are empty, toilet paper is nowhere to be found, the number of people allowed to gather in one place is getting set lower and lower. The scene is dramatic and unprecedented.
Despite all of this, Christians are looking at the situation much differently (or they should), because people are asking questions. Christians need to study and be ready for when they are asked questions. They need to be ready to share not only the gospel with the lost but also the message of Bible Prophecy with boldness!
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