Worried about the spread of the dreaded coronavirus, President Donald Trump on Saturday, declared that the United States would observed Sunday March 15 as a national day of prayer.
Trump announced this on his Twitter handle even as some churches in the country plan to meet online.
He urged Americans to turn to God for the country to prevail over the disease, which was first discovered in Wuhan, China and has infected over 100,000 people in about 100 countries with over 5,000 dead across the world.
There are more than 1,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the U.S. so far in 49 states.
“It is my great honor to declare Sunday, March 15th as a National Day of Prayer,” Trump said.
“We are a country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these.
“No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!” Mr Trump tweeted.
The declaration came barely 24 hours after the president declared a national emergency in the country.
The U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention had projected that between 160 million and 214 million could contract the pandemic.
Trump said on Saturday that he had gone for coronavirus text and was expecting result in few days.
Also, some megachurches in the U.S. have cancelled meetings in the sanctuary and as they plan to meet online.
Christian Post reported that Bethel Church in Redding California and Elevation Church in North Carolina have joined the list of other megachurches adopting online service because of the disease.
Bethel Church said in a statement that its decision was informed by a request from local government officials in Shasta County seeking to manage the community spread by the disease.
“Bethel Church will postpone all weekend services at all campuses this weekend. We invite everyone to join us for church online at www.bethel streaming at 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, & 6:00 PM PST this Sunday, March 15. Bethel continues to remain in close communication with Shasta County Public Health to be aware of their recommendations for Shasta County, especially as it pertains to church gatherings,” the church said.
Aaron Tesauro, Bethel’s communications director, said he was grateful for the technology that will allow church members to stay connected in this period when they are unable to meet physically.
“We’re thankful for technology that allows us to host church online and stay connected as a community during this time,” Tesauro said.
Bethel Church cancelled all student missions and ministry trips from March 10 through graduation day in May.
“Public health officials in Shasta County suggested that we cancel all trips not deemed as essential travel. We appreciate and deeply value the efforts of our government leaders to do the best they can to lead with wisdom, as well as the positive impact that science and the medical community have on all of our lives. The leadership of these groups benefit all of us and we want to cooperate with their efforts,” Dann Farrelly, the Dean of BSSM, said of the decision.
The Elevation Church based in North Carolina and led by pastor Steven Furtick, also announced a shift to online services.
“Elevation Church will be moving their worship experiences to online only this weekend. Following the recommendation of the NC Governor to cancel mass gatherings and prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are canceling church at all of our physical campuses,” the church said late Thursday. “We will continue to monitor the situation week by week and hope to resume normal weekend services at our campuses as soon as we are able.”
Pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church on Thursday announced that the church would be holding online services after Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a health emergency.
The decision was taken to suspend public worship services at his Houston church after the city’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency.
“In consideration of today’s public health emergency declaration on COVID-19 by Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner, along with the fact that Lakewood draws such large numbers of international visitors each week, Lakewood’s leadership has decided not to hold public services this weekend,” Lakewood said in a press release.
Christian Post also reports that some churches have however refused to close despite warnings from governor.
The churches including Southern Baptist congregations in Kentucky say they have no plans to hold online services despite a request from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear asking houses of worship to close temporarily Wednesday to help prevent community spread of the deadly virus.
