During the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread shelter-in-place orders and closed businesses have left many without the ability to care for their families, pay their rent, attend school, or stay connected to social support. Recognizing the great needs, the Church of the Nazarene is reaching out with the love of Christ. 

 In the United States, compassionate ministry centers and churches are pivoting their existing outreaches to match social distancing requirements. In Philadelphia, the Front Step compassionate ministry center is providing groceries, sanitation supplies, and gift cards to families in need. In Kentucky, the Appalachia Reach Out program now offers their food pantry as a drive-through service. In Jackson, Michigan, Found Church of the Nazarene is offering the same outreach. 

In Rwanda, a nationwide lockdown meant that families that rely on cross-border trading instantly lost their income. Members of Gisenyi Bridge Church of the Nazarene in Rwanda have raised more than 1,200 USD to support people in need. The church used the cash to buy food and supplies to benefit at least 350 households. Most of these families are unable to work during the lockdown, and many don’t have a good savings system either. 

In Mexico, a young professional couple, members of the Church of the Nazarene in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, are using their 3D printing skills to make protective masks for healthcare workers.

In the Philippines, while child development centers are currently closed, the staff are reaching out to the families of sponsored children by offering cash assistance, vegetable seeds, food packs, and household supplies. 

While these times are uncertain, the church is springing into action around the world to provide support and hope. With each outreach, the love of Christ is demonstrated. As the director of Appalachia Reach Out, Dwayne Mills explains, “Our ‘why’(Christ's Love in Action) doesn't change, [but] our ‘how’ is changing each day with new opportunities to serve.”

Is your church caring for others during this pandemic? We’d love to hear about it. Share your story HERE.