Coronavirus Pandemic

As the COVID-19 outbreak quickly emerged, the Chesapeake Adventist Community Services (ACS) Department mobilized trained volunteers and partnered with the American Red Cross, state organizations and local churches to provide crisis care to communities across the Chesapeake territory. 

With all churches across the Columbia Union Conference physically closed due to the coronavirus, pastors and members changed—seemingly overnight— the way they minister. In addition to offering livestreamed or pre-recorded services, many churches and conferences moved planning meetings, Sabbath School classes and Bible studies to Zoom, Facebook Live or other digital video platforms.

“God gives us ideas and thoughts for businesses and it’s for His glory,” D’Souza-David said. “No matter what it is it’s for His glory. Anything God has enabled you to do is for His glory.”

How is the coronavirus impacting life, mission and ministry? How are Seventh-day Adventist members, pastors and leaders in the Columbia Union Conference coping with the disruption and uncertainty? Watch episodes of Visitor News Live to see more.

[My brother] shouldn’t be with us today is what a doctor told me this morning, said Carmina Portillo, a member from the New Jersey Conference. “There is no reason he should be here, but he is because God defies science. He defies medicine.”

 

Sifa Potauaine, associate pastor of Potomac Conference’s Beltsville (Md.) church, believes innovation is an essential key to life. “We have to adjust to circumstances that are outside of our control—like this pandemic,” he says. “When we cannot actively participate in an act of service, we have to think differently. The Beltsville church is committed to help people in whatever way we can can in whatever circumstances we face.”

How is the coronavirus impacting life, mission and ministry? How are Seventh-day Adventist members, pastors and leaders in the Columbia Union Conference coping with the disruption and uncertainty? These questions will be the subject of a new series of conversations themed “Coping in the Time of Covid-19,” beginning Thursday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m.

As a healthcare organization serving the Washington, D.C., region, Adventist HealthCare is on the front lines during this uncertain and difficult time, providing care and comfort when people need it the most.

Will Johns, Pastor of Beltsville church's Tech Road Campus shared the following message, encouraging us to care for our souls during this tough time.