April 1, 2020 | Miami, Florida, United States | By: Melchor Ferreyra, Inter-American Division News
On August 13, 1894, Ellen G. White wrote Pastor Haskell a letter where she discusses her deep concern for the people who are dying because of the influenza virus. She writes,
“Throughout New South Wales we have been tested and tried with the influenza epidemic. Nearly every family has been afflicted in the cities and country towns. Some are now very, very sick. Their lives are hanging in the balance. We pray for the sick, and do what we can financially, and then wait the result… One day last week there were eleven funerals… Children do not seem to suffer so much as the adults and the aged. I have been severely attacked, and have not been able to attend meetings for four weeks; but have not given up to take to my bed one day. I have written my number of pages nearly every day, though I have been coughing and sneezing and bleeding at the nose. Brother Colcord has been confined to his bed. Nearly everyone around has suffered but I thank the Lord I am improving and am of good courage in the Lord. We shall do all we can in the name of the Lord… I do not have to look on helplessly, and groan and pray in seeing my brethren and sisters in distress…God’s people are being tried and tested, and may God grant that I may be able to help them through the trial…and by so doing be able to cling to Jesus more firmly than ever.” (Letter 30, August 13, 1894).
It is important to emphasize that, when she got the letter, Ellen White was already 66 years old, and as such, she was a high-risk person. Her trust in God, however, and her lifestyle helped her to hold on in that moment of crisis, and to be victorious.
What she learned during that epidemic can help now in the midst of this coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The question I have often heard is: And now, what can we do? The answer to that question should prompt us to react in a positive, creative way, with a good attitude before the current crisis.
What can we do?
Do not get discouraged. There is a lot to do and you can do it with just a little bit of creativity. I have recently read phrases such as, “Churches are open, it’s just buildings are closed.” “The church is open, because the church is you.” “We are opening our digital church.” There are church worship services that can be followed on the internet, and many have used Zoom as a means of connecting with others.
May the trust shown by the apostle assist us also at this time.
Meetings in our homes will become more and more relevant for prayer, reading our Bibles, fellowship, and witnessing. When the quarantine restrictions are lifted, we will still keep the experience of having spent time at home. We should use that experience as our evangelism platform, telling our friends and neighbors that Jesus is coming soon.
God is in control, and we must always be ready to listen to His voice. He is speaking; be sensitive to His words.
Melchor Ferreyra is the personal ministries director for the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.
Translated by Marcos Paseggi