World Partners Faith in Action
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:15-16).
This is the verse used by Regional Strategy Coordinator in Southern Africa James Chikopa, as he strives to put his faith into action in his community during this time of COVID-19.
James and a group of his disciples recently reached out to members of the community by buying soap, plastic buckets, sanitizer, and face masks. The buckets, which are makeshift sanitation stations, are labeled with instructions on how to properly wash hands as a measure against the spread of COVID-19.
As part of this effort to decrease the spread of disease, James’ group engaged the local Healthy Surveillance Assistant to come to a community meeting to explain about COVID-19 and create an awareness campaign of the virus in the community. Also attending the meeting were the village headman and other influential figures in the community.
James states, “This initiative has helped us to strengthen our relationship with the community as a whole, as we have reached to them in their time of great need.”
Meanwhile, in West Africa, World Partners staff, Bruce and Dawn Cluckie, added a handwashing station outside their home for use by those passing by. They are explaining to villagers why it is important to wash their hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19. By having this handwashing station, the Cluckies are able to begin conversations with individuals with whom they may not normally connect.
While the virus may be keeping us apart in some ways, it is also allowing our people a unique opportunity to show their faith in Christ by their actions in their local communities during this difficult time.
*Photo: James Chikopa leading the community event