To the Divisions, Unions, Fields, and the members of the worldwide church
Re: Coronavirus Pandemic Situation and Challenges of the Church
Dear brethren and friends in Christ,
Greetings to you from Hebrews 4:16:
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
The General Conference Executive Board recently gathered together with the Division Leaders, along with the Leaders of the Ministerial Department (MRI) and the Health Department, to discuss about the current global situation which is challenging our church and its members. The Division Leaders reported about the current situation in their respective continents, countries, and the limitations and difficulties for our churches. The Health Department Leader presented the medical point of view to the present situation as well as how critical the consequences of this pandemic situation are. The Ministerial Department (MRI) presented the Biblical and spiritual point of view. The Executive Board of the General Conference expressed their concerns with regard to this situation and gave guidelines related to the further functionality of our institutions worldwide. Together it was decided that a new updated circular letter should be sent to all churches, members, and friends of our denomination.
Our freedom
In the midst of this health, economic, and social world crisis, as a non-profit religious organization we believe in the basic human and natural rights granted by God, such as the freedom of worship, freedom to assemble, and freedom of press. We hope that the present restrictions will be enforced only for a limited time and the governments will not further restrain our religious freedom. John 8:32; 2 Corinthians 3:17.
Biblical foundation of the present crisis
We believe that the present crisis and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is a consequence of the transgression of the Ten Commandments. “The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.” Isaiah 24:4, 5. See also Isaiah 26:20, 21. The inspired testimonies are saying that the Holy Spirit is withdrawing from the earth and, with Him, the divine protection and blessing. This means that this crisis will not be the only one but other crises in the health, social, and religious sphere are on the way to come. However, we do not believe that this pandemic is the end of the world. According to Matthew 24:6-8, it is only the beginning of sorrows. “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” The Lord has provided His church with light related to prophecy and the development of historical events, providing information related to the signs of the times. We expect different prophecies to be fulfilled before the very end shall come. Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly advised His church not to be confused by false alarms, time setting, false prophets and teachers.
We also believe that this international health crisis is not part of the seven last plagues mentioned in Revelation 16. We believe the plagues will come after the time of probation has ended, and this is not yet the case. Unfortunately, many speculations, false information, conspiracy theories and others are being spread on social media. We kindly ask the people of God and their leaders and Pastors to be steadfast, unmovable in the Present Truth and not to spread or share materials of this kind.
Church gatherings
Epidemics and contagious sicknesses have existed in the past and the book of Leviticus is the first known book of public health, describing a number of preventive measures and how to combat disease and preserve the health of the people. Leprosy and other contagious sicknesses did infect the people of God and, according to the Biblical regulation, such persons were to abstain from visiting the temple and they needed to separate from the camp and the residential areas. However, the services in the temple were not discontinued. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul urged the believers not to cease gathering together. Hebrews 10:25.
In the present situation, we were informed that in several countries it is really difficult and impossible to gather in public services in our churches. Rental properties are closed. Public transportation is no longer available or, if available, our members are exposed to possible infection. Legal action has been taken by several governments, prohibiting gatherings under the threat of fines and imprisonment that will be imposed upon violators. In some places, people are not allowed to step out of their residences. We are very sad and feel with all brothers and sisters that are in such limitations. Praise the Lord we have a solution for such circumstances. Gathering of small groups is still possible in many countries. Family members and neighbors may come together and worship. The promise of the Lord is, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20. An example for us is the faithful Daniel. Although the temple was destroyed, he did not cease to pray and worship. Even risking his life, he continued to pray openly. We may do the same in our homes, like the early Christian church, and praise the name of the Lord. Daniel 6:10; Psalms 84:10, 11; Numbers 1:1, 2; Hebrews 10:25.
If gathering in small groups is impossible, we advise our members not to resist the authorities against their restriction (Luke 20:25), because God has provided efficient options of communication. If we cannot physically gather together, we can still gather virtually online or using the telephone. Let us consider that the limitation of religious freedom applies to all religious groups and has not reached the point of enforcing the mark of the beast. Let us not forget that God is in control of our lives and gives us precious opportunities in any circumstances. Consider the testimony about John the Evangelist: “In exiling John, the enemies of truth had hoped to silence forever the voice of God’s faithful witness; but on Patmos the disciple received a message, the influence of which was to continue to strengthen the church till the end of time. … Those who banished John became instruments in the hands of God to carry out Heaven’s purpose; and the very effort to extinguish the light placed the truth in bold relief.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 581.
We were informed that some of our members in Europe have been infected with the Coronavirus but, praise the Lord, have recovered and are out of danger. We kindly advise all elderly brothers and sisters, those who have a weak immune system or are suffering from an infectious disease to abstain from physical gatherings in our churches. We also advise our brothers and sisters not to be judgmental, criticizing those who do not attend physical gatherings, but to pray and look for opportunities to help. 2 Chronicles 23:19.
Opportunities in times of crisis
In this time when many are in panic and despair, the gospel provides hope and incomparable relief. It is a unique opportunity to share our faith with our friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and anybody who comes in connection with us, using all means of the media that are available to us. 1 Kings 8:37-39.
Remember that we have the webpages of the General Conference (www.sda1844.org), providing current information and news, the webpage of the General Conference Evangelism Department (www.biblewell.org in English, www.labibliatienerazon.org in Spanish), Youth Department (www.uponhighplaces.org in English, www.sobrelasalturas.org in Spanish), and Good Samaritan Department (www.buonsamaritano.org), as well as the websites of all our unions and fields, which the local leaders should provide to you.
Let us remember that God has predicted the health crisis in the world and has given our church the light of health reform since the year 1863. This precious knowledge has helped us and protected us in many critical situations. Let us make it known to others so that they may benefit from it.
All our department leaders of different fields and unions should use the opportunity to immediately create programs and materials and share them with our members. Since our members will sit at home, following the restrictions of the government, they will have a unique opportunity to study the Word of God, enrich their knowledge, pray and worship more frequently than before, participating in the programs of our departments.
In this time of crisis, we have a unique opportunity to offer our help to those in need. We should provide our services for the elderly and weak brothers and sisters in the faith and friends, helping them to obtain groceries and other essential goods. The Good Samaritan Department should be especially active in all unions and fields around the world, providing help and aid for those who are affected not only with the Coronavirus but also with many other sicknesses that are being disregarded, considering the limited resources of the government.
The church organization
The limitations imposed by the governments in different countries should not discourage our leaders or limit our activities. As a church of God, we need to continue providing services, Bible studies, counseling, and seminars for our members as we did in the past and even more intensively, using the means of communication. All reorganizations or public conferences that are planned in the countries with government restrictions should be postponed to a later date but all church services, small group services, or virtual gatherings online should be carefully organized and carried out by our leaders. Every member of our denomination should receive the necessary help and attention.
Worldwide day of prayer and fasting
We have decided to assign Sabbath, April 11, 2020 as a worldwide day of fasting and prayer. Let us humble ourselves and seek the intervention of our Lord. Let us pray for all those who are sick, hoping that the Lord may intervene in this worldwide health, social, and economic crisis.
Dear brothers, sisters, and friends, be of good courage and encourage other fellow brethren in the church, in your families, and in your community. May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Your brethren in Christ,
Pastor Tzvetan Petkov,
President of the General Conference
Pastor Douglas Francis,
Secretary of the General Conference
