The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) national epidemic in South Africa is not just a call to ‘not catching’ the virus, but an opportunity to teach our people about God’s perfect Word and the freedom that comes through obedience to it.
God’s Word teaches us how to deal with communicable diseases through quarantine, cleanliness through bathing and clothes washing, how to deal with human waste and community sanitation, healthy eating and personal hygiene.
12,000 South Africans die every year from seasonal influenza. Further, South Africa has a huge number of people who are living with HIV and are immune-compromised – we also have one of the highest burdens of Tuberculosis in the world.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7–8
Through our ministry we are taking this opportunity to teach our friends in the Stone Hill informal settlement, how to live God’s way.
Our ministry chairman, Dr Bradley Kuhn, spoke to the youth at our Sunday evening service about hygiene and health practices. I did the same with our Soldiers for Christ ministry.
We’ve put up posters, distributed leaflets and 2,000 bars of soap that will help with education and basic hygiene. Unfortunately, multiple city taps in the shanty town are not delivering water at this critical time.
But the real reason we are helping with education, running a medical clinic, distributing health leaflets and posters, and holding public meetings, is to serve our neighbors and further the Gospel of the Kingdom. In times like these people are willing to listen – they are concerned about the elderly – the most vulnerable, to all germs. Africans respect their elders! What a great opportunity to serve!
In such a close living, poor community, with little to no etiquette, it is very difficult and even impossible for anyone to not be breathed, coughed or sneezed upon – nobody ever stands 3 feet apart from another when communicating – the most mundane ideas to slow down infection by communicable diseases has to be taught and so we are doing our part.
We will pray for and serve our neighbors – our medical clinic remains open and feeding the hungry children will continue.
Please pray for, and partner with us! Please note with your financial support: ‘Stone Hill medical’.
