Biblical Lessons in Time of Crisis

Around the world, more than ever, people are turning to media as a form of entertainment, but also for faith-based resources. As a result, many of Back to God Ministries International’s ministries are producing special content to encourage believers and share God’s story.

Two weeks ago, an article outlined three examples of biblical teachings and responses to COVID-19 from BTGMI’s ministry leaders around the world. What follows are three more examples from different parts of the world.

Spanish Ministry

The Challenge
Like in many parts of the world, Christians usually spend Holy Week gathering as a church, as a family, and with members of the community. With most churches closed, this didn’t happen last week.

During COVID-19, BTGMI’s Spanish ministry has been posting special “Sunday service” videos in addition to their regular online and television programs. They also recorded similar videos for each of the days during Holy Week.

Biblical Teaching
For Maundy Thursday’s video, Huascar de la Cruz, BTGMI’s Spanish ministry leader, taught from Hebrews 13—a passage originally written for Jewish Christians who also did not have a physical place of worship.

“Physically taking part in the Lord’s Supper doesn’t unite you to Christ,” said de la Cruz, BTGMI’s Spanish ministry leader. “It’s your own relationship with Christ that unites you to him.”

Early Responses
As other BTGMI language ministries are seeing, these special services have been some of the ministry’s most-viewed online videos.

“Thank you for bringing this worship service to this channel so that we can participate,” Jorge shared. “May God continue to use you for his blessings.”

Japanese Ministry

The Challenge
At this time of year, Japan typically sees a rise in tourism because of the country’s cherry blossom festivals. What’s more, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have already been postponed for one year.

BTGMI’s Biblical Teaching
BTGMI's media ministry team is sharing photos of cherry blossom trees as well as other parts of God’s creation. The photos are intended to offer the hope of God's beauty during these times of uncertainty.

Early Responses
One ministry follower appreciated the break from the daily coronavirus news. She wrote, “My heart is so tired with all of the news of the coronavirus. Thank you for your precious work!”

English Ministry

The Challenge
As death tolls, unemployment rates, and time spent in isolation increase, so has the number of prayer requests sent to BTGMI’s English ministry, ReFrame Media. Many of these requests are from people who say they are feeling abandoned by God.

Biblical Teaching
ReFrame Media has been developing several special resources to help churches, families, and individuals during COVID-19. On April 12, Family Fire posted an article specifically addressing these feelings of abandonment. The article says that the Psalms can help us through these times.

“The Psalms are God’s gracious gift to us because they give us words to express what we might not otherwise have the words for when we are hurting.”

Early Responses
ReFrame Media has heard from pastors, parents, and other Christians who have said that they are using the resources.

We thank God that even in these times of isolation God provides such unique ways for us to share with so many these special times of joy in God's presence at worship,” wrote one person in response to a Today devotional.