Imli Jamir
Dimapur
We are staring at the face of a pandemic caused by microbes, a contagion,who is subtle with deadly consequences. This is an unprecedented situation and we are looking at the 'big unknown'. Whatever happens, humanity will tested like of which we have never seen. I pray that God preserve our lives and our souls.
I am disheartened that the Churches were almost silent when the infection started in January in far corner of China and three months on, the disease reach our backyard and maybe, maybe within ourselves. Now Churches have a bigger role to play, spiritual and physically as well.
Our calendar are littered with events, training, seminars and workshop for which budget amounting to lakhs of rupees has been allocated. There are also preaching tour to near and far to teach the words of God, proposal for newer building with higher spires. All the financial resources have been collected from or donated by the members, some of whom are poor. It is their tithes, offerings and all the different envelopes that you have distributed soliciting our generous contributions that run all the activities. Now is the time for you to give back.
I urge all the church of every denomination, affiliation and the independent one to cancel all programme and use all available resources to help the poor and the needy members of your congregation. Some are unable to buy basic hygiene products, cannot afford to stock food and other stable for a week. Now due to lockdown, people who are dependant on daily wages will face the harsh reality of hunger due to loss of earning.
We can live with an unfinished church building, without a youth camp, VBS, seminar, tour, even without Father's school. Now is the time to show love that you teaches, lessened the suffering of your flock, be the good Samaritan of the parable. Open the door to your heart, your coffer, your building to your members and even strangers and provide spiritual comfort and physical needs as well. You will be measured and judge by the way you respond during this great turmoil.
Let your flocks find solace by your magnanimous action and become stronger in faith in the Almighty through your good deeds. God would want you to save lives more than the souls. Amen.
