We are living in unprecedented times. The Covid-19 pandemic which descended on us with little time to prepare has dramatically altered our lives in so many ways. At the start of the crisis governments world over took urgent and aggressive actions to stop the spread of the virus citing concern with “the alarming levels of spread and severity.” “Only those individuals providing essential services will be allowed to leave their homes and get into the market place frequently,” these were the sentiments by most Governments globally as lockdowns came into effect earlier in the year.
Sadly, one of the most crucial entities in society globally, the church was relegated into the none essential zone. This left many Christians and other religious groups isolated in their homes and some even exuding great fear of the pandemic and failing to radiate confidence in Christ. Under these circumstances, many churches quickly adapted with alternative approaches to ministry evangelism, outreach and support including streaming prayer services online.
However, as months went by and other non-essential services were reinstated in many countries but religious institutions remained under lockdown, leaders of the Christian Pentecostal movement were prompted to speak out. One of the most influential voices is internationally renowned Ugandan clergyman, Prophet Elvis Mbonye who is gradually penetrating the Zimbabwean space via shows on ZBC TV.
In a recent sermon broadcast online, he challenged Christians to work their faith. “What we have witnessed lately is an attempt to relegate the knowledge of God to something that is not of essential value,” said Prophet Mbonye. He challenged the notion that we are now living in the ‘new normal’ saying it is in contradiction with the word of God. “You and I as well as the rest of the world know that that there is nothing more precious in this universe than the word of God.” “The new normal being pushed is different from the world God created for us. In the world that God created there is no fear. I want to assure you that greater is he that is in us than is in the world. Satan has been crushed, fear is not our portion.”
Prophet Mbonye says “no man or entity has a say on how God should be worshipped, but God Himself,” and called for the unconditional reopening of churches, warning that the Christian faith is being sacrificed on the altar of science. “People are saying in order for Christians to practice their faith science has got to first accept. If science doesn’t think you can practice your faith as scripture says, then you just cannot practice it. And it has become very prevalent. Science is taking the throne,” he continued. In another rallying call to leaders in the faith, Prophet Mbonye warned church leaders against advocating for scientific guidelines to re-open places of worship. The charismatic leader of Zoe Fellowship Ministries longs for fresh leadership that is mindful of the prescriptions of God. “It would be understandable if it was happening in the unbelieving secular world; but it’s even within the church, among the pastors. You hear it being quoted, ‘because of science faith has got to be put on hold.’ Somehow faith has got to be compromised. ‘Things concerning God first put them aside. Science should tell us what we should do’.” Prophet Mbonye said it will be very disheartening if God happens to come and find his people are being taken away by the logic and deception surrounding the virus.
