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Biblical Lessons in International Times of Crisis

April 1, 2020
Preaching and sharing God's Word looks a little different right now, “but the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,” shares Rev. Hernandes Dias Lopes, BTGMI’s Portuguese ministry leader.
Preaching and sharing God's Word looks a little different right now, “but the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,” shares Rev. Hernandes Dias Lopes, BTGMI’s Portuguese ministry leader.

In ten different languages, ministry programs of Back to God Ministries International are seeing an increased number of followers. Many of these programs air in places that were already undergoing a crisis before COVID-19 coronavirus, and the biblical responses offered by the pastors offer valuable lessons to Christians everywhere.

What follows are three examples of biblical teachings and responses to COVID-19 from BTGMI’s ministry leaders around the world.

Brazil

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases: 4,700 +

The Challenge

Before COVID-19, Brazil was already undergoing an economic crisis. Rev. Lopes has pointed to Christ as a source of hope during difficult times.  With several internet-based video programs and hundreds of speaking events every year, Rev. Hernandes Dias Lopes already had a well-established following among Portuguese speakers on social media.

With churches closed as well as the studio where he records most of his regular programs, Rev. Lopes has been filming 15-30 minute messages from his home. The most popular video already has more than 160,000 views.

Lopes’s Biblical Teaching

In one video, Lopes uses the story of Ruth and Naomi to remind his audience that “crises don’t last forever.

“After years of sorrow, a door opens for Ruth and Naiomi to a new future,” Lopes shared. “God not only gave Ruth a home, but a happy home.”

Early Responses

The most popular video already has more than 160,000 views and all of the videos have more than 30,000 views.

“God bless you for those words,” shared one viewer. “Let us stand firm in prayer, within our homes, as recommended. Let us pray for our people and for the world.”

Maria, who has watched most of the videos shared a special message in response.

“I have peace in this period of isolation because I am reading your devotional book on Philippians,” Maria shared. “The reading is wonderful!”

Burkina Faso

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases: 261

The Challenge

Tensions between Muslims and Christians in Burkina Faso were at a peak before COVID-19, shares Rev. Marc Nabie, who serves at BTGMI’s French ministry coordinator. Because a well-known Christian pastor had one of the nation’s first confirmed cases, these tensions have only increased in recent weeks.

“If we start seeing death rates like we are seeing in Italy and the United States, there may very well bring more violence” shares Nabie.

In response, Nabie and his ministry team have been broadcasting a series of messages sharing biblical views on peace, justice, tolerance, unity, and reconciliation.

Nabie’s Biblical Teaching

Nabie has also been sharing special messages from his home during this time. One such message included examples of Jesus’response to crisis.

“When the storm came, the disciples were screaming, but he was sleeping,” said Nabie, referring to the story of Jesus calming the storm found in Matthew 8,  Mark 4 and Luke 8. “By faith, we know that everything is under his control. We too can be at peace in the midst of the storm.”

Early Responses

Many listeners and readers, especially young people, are looking to the programs for answers. Nabie has recruited extra volunteers and staff during this time of crisis to respond to the large number of calls and messages that BTGMI’s French ministry team has been receiving.

“I can’t wait for God to feed our faith in these difficult times,” shared Oliver. “Thank you.”

China

Confirmed Cases: 82,000 +

The Challenge

Working under government restrictions and in one of the world’s most technologically-advanced places, Pastor Jerry An has been training church leaders and pastors to use media for church services long before the pandemic. An serves as BTGMI’s Chinese ministry leader.

Right now, An’s training is in high demand—one video training maxed out at 500 participants—but An encourages the church leaders to embrace the use of media as a “new normal” for church services.

An’s Biblical Teaching

“Media is a natural attribute of the church and the embodiment of the church’s functions,” An wrote in an article that highlighted his training events. “Christ himself is both the media and the content of the Good News, the Gospel.”

Read more from An’s article on the Network.

“As Christians, we are called to mission as a way of life,” An added. “That call extends into all areas of life, including our digital presence.”

Early Responses

An’s article quickly gained more than 10,000 views.

“The age of internet missions has arrived, and the church must move ahead with the times!” shared one reader. “The church should be putting new technology to good use, as it is created for the gospel! Let's reach places online with the Gospel that haven't been reached.”