Suspension of all Corporate Worship and other Meetings in SDA Congregations
Dear Brethren
Greetings and best regards!
Consequent to the rapidly evolving situation before us as it relates to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the apparent uncertainty that lies ahead, it now becomes necessary for the Administration of the Mission to announce the suspension of all Corporate Worship and other scheduled meetings in member congregations, effective Monday April 06, and until further notice.
This decision allows for all worshippers to stringently follow the advice of Ministry of Health Officials to practice Physical distancing and avoid being in close proximity or contact with one another. We further advice and encourage all members and the general population to take greater responsibility for their individual and family’s health, wellness and safety.
This strain of virus is novel and unpredictable, hence the reason for us to take all necessary precautions to avoid being contaminated and spreading it. Continue practicing good general hygiene habits such as constant washing of hands, not touching face, disinfecting homes especially service areas that are commonly used, covering coughs or sneezes, building your immune system and consult Health authorities in the event that anyone is experiencing any high fever or pulmonary distress.
Let us do our best to cooperate with Health and Public Authorities, look out for one another and be our neighbor’s keeper.
In times like these, it becomes so easy for us to be driven by panic, fear, rumours or hysteria. To the contrary, I counsel us to be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, good common sense, the updated medical science and public policies pronouncements.
During the coming week, I will further update you on alternative means of corporate worship, using available social media platforms and internet streaming. As you meet today for an abridged form of worship, let us cry out to the Lord on behalf of our Nation, our leaders and our health practitioners as we grapple with this deadly scourge.
Let us not be daunted at this time with feelings of insecurity, hopelessness and self-doubt. Rather
let’s trust our lives and our future in the hands of our Loving, Caring Savior who promises to shelter us as a hen covers her chicks under her wings. Let us focus more on God, read our Bibles and like the sons of Issacar understand the times to which we have come, listen to inspirational music, pray earnestly for Divine intervention and establish deeper relationship with our Creator.
We are in this pandemic fight together and unitedly we will beat it. Tough times do not last, but tough people do. May the Lord continue to bless His church, His people and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Sincerely Yours
Dermoth Baptiste PRESIDENT
