Let us help all in need – Bhagwan

PACIFIC churches have been called to be ready to reach out to those in need in times of crisis.

In a letter to church leaders, PCC General Secretary, Reverend James Bhagwan, asked that Christians respect the law and seek strength from each other in the face of COVID 19 and Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Here is his message, directed mainly at Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu:

April 6, 2020

PASTORAL LETTER TO THE SOLOMON ISLANDS, VANUATU, FIJI AND TONGA

Grace and Peace to you my, sisters and brothers.

We begin Holy Week this year with the news that 27 people are feared dead after being washed into the sea from a ferry in the Solomon Islands as Tropical Cyclone Harold passed by.

In Fiji, the corona virus has infected 12 people and that figure could rise in the coming days.

Vanuatu’s people are seeking shelter as now Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold brings destruction through wind and rain which will later affect Fiji and, possibly Tonga, later this week.

Already our Pacific islands struggle with the challenge of climate change and rising sea levels. This week some of our people will be burdened with infection from disease and damage to homes.

The corona virus has brought unemployment and hunger to households across the Pacific.

Some may well ask – Where is God at this time of torment and tribulation? Why has he allowed this to happen?

It is a natural human instinct to ask these questions.

Perhaps we can gain solace like Elijah by knowing that God is not in the raging wind, in the fire or earthquake. Instead, God was in that still, small voice.

It is the voice of compassion which asks – What can I do for my neighbour? Who needs a helping hand? Is there someone whose suffering is greater than my own?

Paul tells that Corinthians that God’s grace is sufficient to meet all his needs.

Let us be ready to help each other with food and shelter and in the re-building which may take place after the cyclone subsides.

Yes, we will face an extremely difficult Holy Week. Some of us will be confined to our homes by the wind and rain. Others will remain indoors due to government-enforced curfews.

And there are those who will spend time in evacuation centres at risk of contracting disease or in police cells because they have broken restrictions.

Wherever we may be this Holy Week and during the Easter weekend, let us understand that we might be called to sip from the bitter cup of suffering because this is our time.

During this week and the months ahead, we will be called to provide food for the hungry, clothes for the naked. We will be called to visit people we do not know to provide a word of encouragement or to strengthen their faith.

Let us do so happily, assured in the knowledge that through these actions – small and inadequate as we may think them to be – we do so because this is who we are called to be as followers of Christ.

But when Tropical Cyclone Harold and the corona virus pass by as they surely must, let us be ready to rise refreshed, renewed and ready through God’s grace to face any challenge head on.

Let us tackle climate change not only through words but in deeds – cutting carbon emissions, recycling, using solar energy, planting food and forests and caring for creation.

Brothers and sisters, the restrictions placed upon communities are not easy during times of civil emergencies. As Christians, we are called to obey the authorities and follow the law.

This includes abiding by restrictions to our movement, washing hands in soap and water, sanitizing and following basic health and safety rules every day.

At the same time our practice of discernment and advocacy for the least and the arginalised, calls us to work to ensure that in responses to natural disasters and COVID-19, the wellbeing of all is taken into account. Our pastoral, prophetic and practical roles must continue in support of responses.

Let us uplift the Pacific in prayer every day to God – pray for each other and keep our families safe.

Let us show our love of neighbour and of God through helping to keep our brothers and sisters safe. Let us be one in love for God is love.

May the Lord bless us all and keep us. May the Lord make his face to shine upon us and be gracious to us. The Lord turn his face towards us and give us peace.

With blessings and love, your servant in Christ,

James Shri Bhagwan (Rev.)
General Secretary