At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on. It gives us an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a tangible way.
The Christian Response to Pandemics
While for many this is the first pandemic they’ve experienced, humanity has endured pandemics throughout history. In Caesarea, during the 4th century plague of Justinian, the general population fled. One group remained: Christians.
“Every day some continued caring for and burying the dead, for there were multitudes who had no one to care for them; others collected in one place those who were afflicted by the famine, throughout the entire city, and gave bread to them all; so that the thing became reported abroad among all men, and they glorified the God of the Christians; and, convinced by the facts themselves, confessed that they alone were truly pious and religious.”
– Eusebius
Eusebius recorded that Christian compassion amidst pestilence caused an explosion in conversions. Even a pagan emperor noted that Christians cared not only for their own, but also for Jews and others. This selfless service became one of the strongest witnesses of Christian faith.
Historically, Christians went out en masse to help during pandemics. Today, with first responders and medical professionals, our role may feel different — but we can still make an impact. You can provide food and aid for those who cannot work and cannot eat.
“If the virus doesn’t kill us, hunger surely will.”
According to the United Nations, the virus threatens to kill more than 300,000 people in Africa and plunge tens of millions more into poverty. The World Health Organization warns that medical supply disruptions (like mosquito nets) could dramatically increase malaria deaths, especially among children.
Imagine families unable to leave their homes due to lockdown, with no food or water inside. With no work, they also have no income to buy food… even if it were available. They desperately need help — our help.