As part of taking precautionary measures to avoid coronavirus (COVID-19), the Church of Pentecost (COP) has advised its members to adhere to all directives given by the Ministry of Health in order prevent themselves from the virus.
Although the church believes God is able to heal those who have been infected, stop the spread and also help scientists come up with a vaccine, it also believes that being careful is very important.
In a statement by the COP, signed by the Chairman, APS Eric Nyamekye, it noted however that, “the bible also says in Ephesians 5:15 that, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,” (NIV).
“Based on the above, we want to direct all ministers and officers, as well as the entire membership of the church to take the directives given by the president serious and also make sure they are adhered to in all our churches, homes and workplaces. Subsequently, we kindly direct that: Sunday, March 15, 2020, should be used to educate members on the preventive measures after which there should be intercessory prayers in all assemblies,” the COP stated.
It also advised its members to minimize church and congregational practices that encourage body contacts such as hugging/embracing. Also avoid the waving of handkerchiefs.
Below is the full statement:
 
THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST
Founder: Rev. -lames McKeown
OurRef: COP/CO/VOL.38/0113/20
March 13, 2020
All Assemblies
The Church of Pentecost Worldwide
Dearly Beloved,

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS

Office of the Chairman P. O. Box 2194 Accra – Ghana
Tel/Fax: 233-302-772193
“You wi// not fear the terror ofnight, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pesti/ence that sta/ks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fa// at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it wi// not come near you. “Psalm 91:5-7 (NW).
As you may be aware, the WHO has declared the Coronavirus a pandemic; that is, it has become a global challenge. But we believe that in times like this, we need not live in fear and panic or spread anxiety. We can draw strength from the above scripture and believe that God is able to protect and take care of His own. Therefore, let us continue to raise prayers to God who is able to heal those who have been infected, stop the spread and also help scientists come up with a vaccine.
However, the bible also says in Ephesians 5:15 that, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,” (NIV).
With this admonishing, and based on the statement by the President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his address to the nation on Friday March 6 and Wednesday, March 11, 2020, that, the fight against the Coronavirus, which has been declared a global pandemic, cannot be that of Government alone, coupled with the two confirmed cases in Ghana, which include a Ghanaian, we want all to understand and accept that the Coronavirus does not affect only whites.
Based on the above, we want to direct all ministers and officers, as well as the entire membership of the church to take the directives given by the president serious and also make sure they are adhered to in all our churches, homes and workplaces. Subsequently, we kindly direct that:

1. Sunday, March 15, 2020, should be used to educate members on the preventive measures after which there should be intercessory prayers in all assemblies.
2. Sharing of false news on various social media platforms on possible treatment and prevention, which only ends up creating fear and panic be stopped. Rather, information from accredited government sources on preventive measures may be shared.
3. We continue to observe the basic preventive behaviours, such as washing our hands regularly, using alcohol-based sanitizers, stop the shaking of hands, avoiding touching nose and mouth with unwashed hands, covering nose and mouth with a flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing and avoiding unnecessary close body contacts.
4. We minimize church and congregational practices that encourage body contacts such as hugging/embracing. Also avoid the waving of handkerchiefs.
5. During communion service, ministers, officers and leaders involved in the preparation and administering of the communion must adhere to the preventive measures outlined by the Ghana Health Service and Ministry of Health.
6. Regular disinfection of microphones, hand-held instruments and door handles before, during and after church services.
7. Placing of sanitizing dispensers or hand washing dispensers at entrances or vantage points including urinals/lavatories within the church premises and encourage members to use them before, during and after church services.
8. Latex hand gloves/sanitizers be provided for church ushers and money counters.
9. Mechanisms should be put in place in our Basic and Senior High Schools, the Pentecost University College, Pentecost Convention Centres and in all assemblies to caution and assist people on basic preventive measures.
10. Any other practical steps that the local church deems fit in support of the preventive approaches being suggested could be employed.
11. Finally, we urge all members everywhere to pray for God’s intervention.

May the Lord be with you.

ERIC NYAMEKYE (APS.)

CHAIRMAN
cc:     The General Secretary, COP, HQ, Accra
The IMD, COP HQ, Accra
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