Ebola: A Call to Prayer
As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, we can sense the growing fear of officials that the Ebola Virus is spreading at an uncontrollable rate. More and more people are dying and no one knows the country that will get hit the hardest next. However, as the “untouched” wait and see, there are numerous others who grieve because they have been touched over and over again.
As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, we can sense the growing fear of officials that the Ebola Virus is spreading at an uncontrollable rate. More and more people are dying and no one knows the country that will get hit the hardest next. However, as the “untouched” wait and see, there are numerous others who grieve because they have been touched over and over again.
This is a call to prayer. A call to solidarity. A call to spiritual kinship.
For some of our partners and missionaries in the Western African region, the epidemic is present and the fear is real. According to reports, “The current outbreak of Ebola began in Guinea in March and has since spread to Sierra Leone and Liberia. Most recently, Nigeria has a confirmation of Ebola and there are suspected cases in the country of Benin. There is no licensed treatment or vaccine for Ebola and the death rate has been about 50 percent.” To live in this constant state of uncertainty as to whether or not Ebola will strike can cause even the most strong hearted to become faint. This is why it is imperative that we lift up our brothers and sisters in the contaminated countries, and throughout the region, and pray their continued strength in God.
Jointly, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, have already sent funds to assist with aiding affected communities. This was done through Week of Compassion (DOC) and One Great Hour of Sharing (UCC). In addition to money, however, there is a need for divine connection. Deuteronomy 15:11 states, “Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land’.” Our land is not simply the country in which we happen to reside. The whole Earth and all of its inhabitants are ours to care for and partner with because it is all the creation and gift of God. Let us not see the phrase “poor and needy” solely through a financial lens. As most of us can attest, there are times when we have been poor of faith and needy of strength. Whether our ailment was physical or mental, we needed the support of others to help us move forward.
Mrs. Ebun James-DeKam, General Secretary of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, reports the following, “Note that the number of confirmed cases have increased significantly in Bo, Port Loko, Kenema, Kailahun and Western Urban. There is small increase in the number of survivors and for that we are thankful. Sadly, though, there is a significant increase in the number of confirmed Ebola deaths.”
We pray that God blesses and provides strength to cope with the past tragedies, present grief, and unknown situations to come. For wisdom, energy, and a renewed commitment to keep fighting, we join the hearts and hands of our brothers and sisters. We pray for our partners and missionaries in Ghana who continue to remain on alert and stay vigilant during this time.
This is a call to prayer. A call to solidarity. A call to spiritual kinship.
As we gather in our homes, churches, and communities let us lift up those in need of our strength as we understand that we are only as strong as our connection to each other. Selah.
In The Name of God Our Creator,
Rev. Sandra Gourdet, Africa Area Executive, Global Ministries
Rev. Shernell Edney, Advocacy and Education, Global Ministries