Wednesday, March 11, 2020

AFBC COVID-19 UPDATE


If you have watched the news anytime at all over the last few weeks, you are familiar with the Covid-19 virus (coronavirus)
that is spreading around the world.  Today, (March 11th) the World Health Organization officially labeled the outbreak of this disease as a global pandemic.  Also, in a hearing before the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated that this virus is 10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu.  That being said, leading epidemiologist agree that the vast majority of people who are infected will recover and many will only experience minor symptoms.  Those at highest risk are the elderly and those with compromised immune or respiratory systems.

At Albany First Baptist we are monitoring the situation daily and will take whatever steps deemed necessary to ensure the health and safety of our members, visitors and the community.  As of today, we have not altered our regularly scheduled meetings, nor have we deemed it necessary to cancel any of our specially scheduled Easter events.  We encourage everyone to follow the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation of thorough and frequent hand washing as well as the regular use of hand sanitizer.  If you are feeling sick, please stay home and contact your health care provider.

Above all, remember our God is greater than any virus.  As Christians, we should respond to this moment with prayer, not panic.  We should also avoid getting involved in any of the political rhetoric and finger-pointing that has arisen with this event.  Now is the time when the grace of Christ should shine brightest through us.  While the number of deaths from this pandemic is relatively low, each death represents a family that is grieving the loss of a loved one.  They need to know that even in their darkest moments, the love of Christ is able to comfort them; they need our prayers.  For two thousand years, faithful Christians have responded to tragedy with love and compassion.  This is our time to follow their example.

As previously stated, we are monitoring the situation daily and will respond as conditions warrant.  We will do our best to communicate changes as they arise.

Do not worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

In His Service,