— as prayer services are held online

IN a bid to stop the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus, many churches have turned to the use of the Internet to continue evangelising and encouraging their various congregations not to lose their faith during this deadly pandemic.

According to Apostle B. Ragnauth of Life Spring Ministries, despite not being able to physically deliver a sermon to his beloved congregation, he has managed to reach more persons and even connect with other evangelists like himself.

Apostle Ragnauth stated that his church has been observing the no congregating rule since the first case of the coronavirus was confirmed in Guyana and has since been using the Internet as a means of hosting sermons, prayer sessions and song services via Facebook videos and lives.

He added that he recently shared a video of a prayer session, and to his surprise, it went viral on the Internet as persons from all walks of life and various parts of the world began sharing the video.

Ragnauth noted that while churches are closed, the Internet has proven to be a more effective and efficient way of spreading the gospel, especially to those who are either fighting for their lives or fighting to save lives in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sharing a similar view, a deacon attached the Guyana Seventh Day Adventist Conference, who requested anonymity, stated that there is now a church in every home since more persons can connect with each other.

“We are seeing more parties coming out, especially in the nightly meetings, opposed to coming out psychically,” he stated.
He added that the online sermons have managed to help churches connect with persons across the world, reaching even more persons and encouraging them to hold the faith during the current health crisis.

He further noted that while the online church has its advantages, there are still some disadvantages since many persons, especially the elderly, may not have access to the Internet to participate in the online service.

However, he noted that the Seventh-Day Adventist community has managed to bring several ministries together, such as youth ministries, reaching an even wider congregation.
He added that despite not being able to meet psychically to worship and congregate, churches have found very creative ways to worship.

TITHES AND OFFERING
In the Christian Community, giving tithes and offering is known as a means of giving back to the church and various communities.

A tithe is a specific amount (10 per cent of one’s income) that one gives first, and an offering is anything extra that one can give beyond that.
However, due to the virus, many churches are no longer congregating and persons are unable to maintain tithes and offering.

When questioned how his ministry is giving back, Apostle Ragnauth revealed that given the current situation, members of the congregation are eager to find ways of assisting the less fortunate during the health crisis.
As such, his ministry has set up a specific date and time where persons can maintain their tithes and offerings, along with other donations.