John Erwin

In light of the recent developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), I want to take this opportunity to encourage and inform you on how we can respond as followers of Christ.

First and foremost, we want to rest in the sovereignty and love of God. The uncertainty of this outbreak is creating anxiety in our workplaces, schools, and day-to-day activities. Yet, we can remain confident of God’s constant presence and careful attention to all that is happening. He is not surprised by this viral outbreak, and He is not disinterested in our fears.

Psalm 46 tells us that it is God who is our refuge and strength, and our ever-present help in trouble. In 2 Timothy, God reminds us that He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore, let’s use this opportunity to drive us to the scriptures more than our newsfeeds, to be strengthened in our faith, and to encourage others with the hope we have in Christ.

Secondly, out of love for one another and our community, let’s be intentional to heed the wisdom and guidance of those God has graciously put in place. Here are some simple recommendations from the CDC that we want to highlight and encourage:

  • Stay home if you or your child is sick until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
    • Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath/difficulty breathing.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

In addition, below are some simple actions that Providence is taking:

  • We will greet with a big smile and an “elbow bump” rather than handshakes and hugs.
  • Additional tissue boxes will be placed in the restrooms and around the lobbies.
  • Within fire and security measures, as many doors as possible will remain open throughout Sunday morning.
  • The offering buckets will not be passed during the service but placed at the exits to the Worship Center. You can also give online here.
  • We will wipe down and disinfect common surfaces, doorknobs, water fountains, and check-in stations in between services on Sunday morning and during the week.
  • In addition to keeping our campus clean, we will take extra care of our kid spaces:
    • Volunteers will be reminded to stay home if they are sick or experiencing any symptoms.
    • Flat surfaces and sinks will be sanitized after each service, and toys will either be sanitized or removed between services.

You can be assured that we will continue to monitor this closely and communicate any changes for Sundays, weekday ministries, and mission trips as needed.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020 UPDATE

MISSION TRIP CANCELLATION POLICY

While Providence Baptist Church strives to meet the needs of our field partners and goes to great lengths to avoid trip cancellations, we also take the safety of its short-term mission trip (STMT) team members very seriously. Our aim is to be both servant-hearted towards those we want to serve on the field, while also being wise in avoiding unnecessary risks. Currently, our STMT policy as it relates to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is as follows:

Cancellation By The Field Partner

The Providence Missions Team remains in regular contact with the field partner in the days and weeks leading up to the trip. If at any point the field partner, or the field partner’s organization, feels like their environment is unsafe, we will cancel or postpone the trip immediately.

Cancellation Due To CDC Guidelines

The Providence Missions Team is constantly monitoring and making decisions based on the CDCs Travel Health Notice guidelines.

  • CDC – Warning Level 2 In the event that the CDC categorizes a country as Warning Level 2, meaning that travelers should practice enhanced precautions, we will make efforts to carry on with the trip. While the CDC is not recommending an entire ban on travel at this level, they do suggest that high-risk travelers, older adults, or those with chronic medical conditions, postpone nonessential travel. For STMT team members in this category, we would allow travel, but would strongly recommend consultation with a doctor before making a decision.
  • CDC – Warning Level 3 If a country to where we are traveling is classified as Warning Level 3, meaning that nonessential travel should be avoided, we will cancel or postpone the trip immediately.

 

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For the latest information, please review the relevant agency communications:
Centers for Disease Control
World Health Organization