Sierra Leone is engulfed in a historic Ebola virus outbreak that is causing unprecedented death and panic. It is threatening to destroy many gains that have been made since the country’s civil war. As the number of confirmed Ebola cases continued to rise this week, Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma declared a state of emergency. Public health officials fear the worst and have warned it may take six months to get the spread of the virus under control. Health workers are rapidly exhausting their energies and supplies. Confusion and fear have led to violent attacks against medical clinics. Skepticism of government warnings is contributing to non-compliance with recommended prevention and treatment measures.
What are the people of God to do in the midst of such chaos? What is the church’s responsibility?
In Numbers 21, God instructs Moses to have victims of snake bites look up to a bronze serpent and be healed. John 3:14-15 says, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him.” In the midst of darkness and despair, we are to point to the cross. We are to be Jesus’ emissaries bringing healing and hope. We are to stand tall for we have a Spirit of power. We are to pray fervently to God, our Healer – Jehovah Rapha – who alone is able to stop the spread of the Ebola virus.
In response to the current crisis, we are working with trusted church leaders and community partners in Sierra Leone to provide sanitation supplies, Ebola sensitization, and emergency medical relief. We have already issued radio announcements and distributed Ebola prevention and awareness materials. Above all, we continue to seek heavenly wisdom for our personnel, resources, and ministry activities. Our work in Sierra Leone touches the most vulnerable-widows, orphans, and extremely poor families. These precious ones need our prayers, our support, and our help.
How can you help?
Making a life-saving gift to our Emergency Relief Fund.
Contribute medical and relief supplies to aid in our Ebola Response. Please click on the following link to download and view a list of relief supply materials that are needed [Ebola Response Supply Request].
Join us in praying for the people being affected by this horrible disease without a cure. Visit our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages to stay up to date on the latest developments.
