Statement on Coronavirus
On the 23rd of March, the nation of Zimbabwe learnt with sorrow and sadness the death of an individual who had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased and our prayer is that God comforts the family during such a difficult time.
While the number of people who have tested positive in the country is still minimal, the need for extra care and vigilance in preventing the spread of the virus into and within the country can not be overemphasized.
On the 23rd of March again, the government of Zimbabwe issued additional directives aimed at ensuring that Zimbabweans are safe and protected from the virus. These directives among others include:
- The ban on non-essential travel and traffic into and out of the country.
- A blanket ban on entertainment and recreational activities.
- The adherence to an upper limit of 50 individuals or all public gatherings.
- A reduction of hospital visits to one visit per day per patient.
In light of these new directives, ZCUC advises the following to the Adventist community in its territory:
A. Gatherings: In order to protect the health and safety of institutional employees, clients, church members and the community around us; all institutional facilities including office complexes, schools and book centres will be on lockdown from 26 March 2020 until the 16th of April 2020. Clinics will however be guided by the Government in their operations. Workers will still continue to work, but from home. An arrangement for essential services will be made and communicated through the relevant church structures. Furthermore, where there are currently meetings that are ongoing at the time of this update, facilitators of such meetings are expected to comply.
B. Worship: To promote social distancing and minimize the spread of the virus, members will worship privately in their homes. Necessary support in the form of livestreaming, downloadable or printed worship packages and sermons will be availed to members through their pastors in order to facilitate similar worship and study themes for church members until the end of the lockdown. Offertory readings will be given out to members through the same channels for their convenience.
C. Stewardship / Tithes and Offerings: Conferences will continue communicating on the processes of collecting, accounting for and remitting of tithes and offerings.
ZCUC implores the Adventist community in the territory to take note of these measures with a positive spirit and continue to pray for God’s intervention during this crisis. Everybody is encouraged to pray daily for:
- The outpouring of the Holy Spirit
- Personal revival for Mission
- Those affected and infected by the coronavirus
- God to stop the spread of this disease
- God to grant wisdom to those working on finding a cure for the disease
- God’s protection for the Health workers across the globe who are sacrificing their lives to help deal with the COVID-19 crisis.
We continue to pray and trust in God fully.
Kind regards
Eugene Fransch
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
On behalf of the President
Zimbabwe Central Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists