It is obvious that life in America, and most parts of the world, has drastically changed in the last few months due to the novel coronavirus. Whether we like it or not, in many ways life has come to a standstill.

As Christ followers, we know that God's Word does not change¹ and our mission has not changed. We can and should still be active about displaying and conveying the gospel to the world around us. We can still commune with the Lord as individuals, and many churches have made it possible to teach and encourage virtually, but how do we share the gospel when we are required to stop going to work or being out in the community?

Maybe it starts with your presence on social media. Are you contributing to worries and fears? Are you adding to the discouraging messages being passed along? OR are you sharing your reason for the hope that you have?² Are you living in peace, confident in the One who holds the future of the world? Are you telling people where they can find hope?³

While performing only essential activities, you have the opportunity to show appreciation and the love of Christ to those you encounter. Maybe you leave a sizable tip for those in food service when picking up your meal. Perhaps you can invite the cashier to tune in to your church's live stream next Sunday, or offer to pray for the needs of the drive-thru employee. You don't even have to ask what to pray for—you know that in some shape or form COVID-19 is affecting their lives.

If you are able, think of your neighbors. Offer to help that elderly couple down the street or the mom at home with her kids on their extended spring break by picking up food or essentials for them. If you don't know your neighbors, check with your church, government websites, or charities who have opportunities for you to volunteer to help bring food and other necessities to people in the community. During this time, blood banks are calling for people to continue to donate blood to help fight a shortage due to cancelled blood drives.

This is such a unique time to share the good news of Jesus and serve others. A big reality of COVID-19 is that we’re all on common ground; everyone is having to face the extreme effects of this pandemic. Ask how you can pray for people, find ways to help meet their needs, share with them your source of peace and hope, and do your part to keep your family, others, and yourself safe.

References
1. Isaiah 40:8
2. 1 Peter 3:15
3. Hebrews 6:19

*Ivana Semidey is Customer Service Specialist for the ICR Discovery Center for Science & Earth History.