As the world continues to experience the effects of COVID-19, a Church of the Nazarene in a Creative Access Area felt the call of God to look for opportunities to serve during the pandemic. 

The local church pastor had a vision that his church will focus on doing compassionate work. This gives the church an opportunity to build closer relationships in the community and walk alongside them as they experience the negative impact of the pandemic in their lives. 

The church organized a coronavirus response team to take the lead in preparing and distributing food to the families that were most affected by the lockdown in their city. By God’s grace, an individual donated the exact amount that the church needed to buy the basic supplies that were distributed to the community. The church was able to prepare an initial 100 food packs and connected with the local authorities for the distribution of the food packs. 

After the first distribution, the church continued to receive donations from other mission organizations and individuals – believers and non-believers as well. For six consecutive weeks, the church has distributed food packs, vegetables, fish, and disinfectant solution to families of church members and in their nearby community. Because of this collaborative effort, people started to notice the good deeds that the church is conducting in the community. 

The pastor also shared that this ministry would not be possible without the help of the young people who volunteered their time and energy in preparing and distributing the goods. People shared their finances and transportation. Even though the threat of COVID-19 is present, everyone was very supportive to help.

The church plans to continue doing this compassionate work. The pastor shared that although COVID-19 had a lot of negative effects in our world, it has also brought positive results to the mission of the church. Because of this pandemic, the church was able to build a stronger relationship to its members and the families around their community. 

“This pandemic is a season of opportunities when the church can show the love of Christ to the community through compassionate work,” he said.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific