With many large gatherings being canceled over Coronavirus concerns, churches are next in line trying to figure out the most prudent course of action to take for services approaching this weekend.
News that puts God FIRST: Subscribe to our FREE YouTube Channel HERE
In a statement provided to the Sacramento Bee, Bethel Church in California say they’re taking precautions to help stop the potential spread of the virus.
“Through email communications, signage, and church announcements, we are actively encouraging health practices and precautions to our whole community,” Aaron Tesauro, a church spokesman, said in an email. “We believe that wisdom, modern medicine, and faith are meant to work together, and express the value for each in the pursuit of continued health and healing.”
While they have not made a final decision on worship services, they have advised anyone who feels sick to stay home — they’ve also canceled mission trips and “faith healers” who regularly visit hospitals have been told to stay home.
Bethel is one of the largest Christian churches in California, with over 6,000 people who attend regularly. There has been at least one confirmed case of Coronavirus in the area, that being of a 50-year-old man who tested positive.
This is a noteworthy decision given Bethel’s regular practice of praying with sick individuals and laying of hands in prayer in hopes of the Lord healing those in need.
According to the statement sent to the Bee:
“Though we believe in a God who actively heals today, students are not being encouraged to visit healthcare settings at this time, and moreover, are taught that even under normal circumstances, they must receive permission from both the facility and the individual before engaging in prayer,” Tesauro said in the email.
Bethel made news previously when a member tragically lost a child and fervently prayed for God to raise the child up from the dead:
Keep taking precautions and also continue praying, as God is indeed sovereign over all — including the Coronavirus.