AFM Colleagues,
COMPLIANCE WITH COVID-19 REGULATIONS
Some of our churches gathered for the first time since the commencement of the national lockdown on 26 March 2020. Others deferred the resumption of Sunday church services until they are able to comply with all Covid-19 safety regulations under Alert Level 3. Let me reiterate what I said in my previous communication, namely that compliance with Covid-19 regulations is non-negotiable. All AFM presiding Pastors must ensure that they fully comply with church gathering regulations under Alert Level 3. I have been informed that some churches were visited by law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance issues. Your congregation may be visited too.
Please make sure that you are aware of the AFM’s guidelines for church meetings under Level 3, available from the following link:
Guidelines for Church Meetings during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Calm Before The Storm
The rapid infections of Covid-19 have disrupted our lives in ways never experienced since the Spanish flu of 1918. The first case of Covid-19 in South Africa was diagnosed on 5 March 2020. As of now we have more than 50,000 thousand infections and more than 1,000 people who have succumbed to the stealthy killer. It is estimated that when South Africa reaches its Covid-19 peak by July, 1.2 million people will be infected and that by November the death toll shall have reached 40,000.
Campaign To Bring Down The Infection Rate
The church must be part of the campaign to bring down the infection rate. I am calling upon all AFM Pastors to ensure that we regularly communicate the following messages to all:
- Wear a mask when getting out.
- Keep physical distance.
- No handshakes or hugs.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap & water for at least 20 seconds.
- Do not touch face with unwashed hands.
- Clean cell phone with cloth and hot soapy water or sanitizer.
Behavioral Change
In many instances we come across people who do not heed the above safety measures. We need to encourage our brothers and sisters to comply. By doing this, we will be emulating the kind of compassion that Jesus demonstrated in Matthew 9:36: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them.”
Church Resources For Covid-19
I want to encourage all Pastors to visit this website: https://www.churchinaction.org.za. This is the website created by the South African Council of Churches (SACC) and Heartlines to provide churches with resources in the fight against coronavirus. This is a “toolbox” website with a lot of materials that are useful in combating Covid-19. These materials are available in all eleven official languages of South Africa.
Blessings!
MG Mahlobo
