Today, there is world-wide panic because of the coronavirus, especially in the epicenter Hubei province, China. However, there are more than two hundred believers in the Zhenli Church in Yangxin county, southeast Hubei province, who are experiencing the peace that Christian faith provides.
Although worship services have been suspended, the church still continues to serve its members. During this time believers feel closer to God and the communication between brothers and sisters is more intimate.
Yangxin county, which is one hundred twenty kilometers from the city of Wuhan, has 161 people who have been infected by the corona-virus. Fortunately, none of the believers or persons in their families have been infected.
On January 23, the church decided to cancel Chinese New Year evangelistic services, Sunday worship, and other gatherings.
After worship services were suspended, the church began an online group in order to nurture and teach believers. Through the group, the believers were able to worship freely by praying, singing hymns, and reading the Bible.
On the second Sunday after the city was closed, the pastor preached a live sermon on WeChat. At present, the church's ministry continues with the pastor preaching on WeChat, assisted by co-workers.
The church also provides encouragement to believers who are at home by sharing spiritual lessons and needed information online. Recently, each day the church shared one video lesson from The Fundamental Doctrine along with some exercises recorded by a senior pastor, and one chapter from the Series About Blessed Family, which was written by a senior pastor. The reaction of believers to the lessons has been quite positive. The church co-workers also recommend videos and materials about spiritual life, Christian growth, testimonies from believers and theology instruction.
Meanwhile, the church encouraged believers to pray for the epidemic, for Wuhan, Hubei province and the whole nation. Some coworkers prayed aloud, and some shared prayers and videos with each other. Concerned believers took turns praying twenty-four hours each day.
Recently, after learning about the Xintiandi group's activities in Wuhan, the church shared information that revealed the truth of this cult organization to various church-based WeChat groups.
The church also strengthened online visits. In addition, elderly and disabled believers were targeted by the church for extra care. Group leaders were asked to give greetings to them every few days and to inquire about their physical condition. A church leader also occasionally greets the special (old, weak, sick, or young) believers by phone.
When Elder Li, the director of the church, greeted an elderly believer by phone, he learned that the believer was seriously ill and needed to stay in the hospital and receive antibiotics. However, because of his old age, the hospital was worried about an accident and asked his relatives to accompany him. But the believer was widowed for many years, and his children could not return home due to the epidemic. After learning about this situation, Elder Li obtained the permission of the community's anti-epidemic commander and went to the hospital to accompany the elderly sister for treatment. Elder Li also shared greetings with the old sister from the church members.
After cities and roads were closed, several co-workers from the church transmitted videos on the Internet on how to make various food dishes like hand-made pasta, desserts and chicken-stewed fish. They posted the photos on how to make the dishes in the WeChat group. This generated interest in cooking and making among believers, with some beginning to learn how to cook from the Internet. This also helped to ease some of the frustration and anxiety of believers forced to remain at home.
-Translated by Heirs Han
