Standing Together While Physically Apart

The Coronavirus Covid-19 has caused us to think aloud about a truth we don't often dwell on. Our normal tendency is to think locally, not globally. However, this health crisis is forcing us to reconsider the nature of human interactions across national boundaries. This is precious. We are not alone. Our actions in one place can influence the health of others far away. That's how the virus spread from China to Italy, the USA, and every country globally. 

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thanks be to God! We come from many traditions. The Bible teaches us that there is "One Lord, one faith, one body..." With our eyes, we cannot see the Church how the Lord sees it through time and space. We often disagree, and sometimes these disagreements throughout history have turned violent. Nevertheless, your church is part of a wider body of believers. 

Roman Catholics are grouped in the largest body of believers in the world. The Orthodox churches are next in size. Anglican churches also baptize infants. Both these churches count men and women, boys and girls, all those baptized at birth, which is different from "Believers' churches." 

The next largest grouping is found in those churches organized around New Testament principles, in which adults are baptized members. The Baptist World Alliance is one grouping that brings believers together. The BWA is found in every country. In a year with unprecedented disruptions, God’s global mission is unchanging, as is the BWA mission.

 Despite isolation and separation, the Baptist movement worldwide has found ways to stand together, creatively adapting, compassionately caring, and continuing to minister throughout this year. These three examples represent hundreds, no thousands, of ways Christians have been sharing with one another.

 

• In Mexico, Baptists partnered to send medicine to rural areas with limited healthcare.

• In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Baptists purchased their first radio airtime to broadcast messages of help and hope in Christ.

• In Bangladesh, Baptists built public hand-washing stations outside of their churches in areas where up to 25 families share a single water tap.

 

You are a key part of this global missional movement. In fact, you helped financially empower every one of these ministries. If you represent another group of Christians, be thankful for the worldwide body of believers through whom you can fellowship and worship our Lord.