In a regular column usually published in the Medway Messenger, Churches Together in Medway chairman Pastor Stephen Bello writes: "As we approach the next few months ahead of us, we face the real prospect of a severe spike in Covid-19 cases if efforts do not continue to prevent this across all parts of our nation. As the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby aptly put it, loving our neighbour which is a commandment of Christ is to wear a mask, wash our hands and maintain social distance for one another.

For each one of us, let the bowels of our compassion be open now more than ever. Ignite that great community spirit that propels us to look out for one another. We must once again bring it back to life. It should no longer be about our preference for what we want or desire but a conscious thinking about how what we chose to do (or in some cases not do) might impact another person. There is no amount of measures any government puts in place that would be effective if we do not cooperate with it.

Simplicity and clarity of the message gives it a greater chance of successful implementation.

The pandemic is a fluid situation that is dynamic in nature. Government guidelines must be based on the most effective method of containing the spread of the virus in consultation with key stakeholders who are knowledgeable in their fields of expertise. There is not much to be gained from making plans that are not thought through and then making U-turns. This just brings confusion and mistrust in the whole process.

Efforts to make our working, living and lifestyle choices Covid secure/compliant is a daily grind we must stick to keep this virus at bay in our society. Spiritually, we must make our lives sin free and heaven compliant as we prepare for our final destination when we depart this world. Jesus offers us support and guidance through scriptures and His promise to walk with us always if we trust our life to Him.

Our prayers and thoughts must continue to cover the families and people whose lives have been directly or indirectly impacted by this crisis. Key among them remain our unsung heroes, the frontline staff who have now been battling this pandemic for more than six months without a break from their duties. They would once again be in the forefront of the fight this winter season. The care homes on the brink of collapse, the families who might not be able to support their loved ones, those whose incomes have been lost, businesses who have had to shut their doors, current difficulties with track and trace processing and much more are all subjects for our continuing prayers and thoughts.

The evidence of our faith is the belief that in God there is a hope for a bright future notwithstanding how gloomy things may look now. Keep your eyes rigidly fixed on God's promises in scripture and act out your faith in practical ways within your community. Let us encourage one another in hope. Join our virtual Saint Alive event on October 31. Search Churches Together in Medway on mainstream social media platforms for more details.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, we will by God's grace get through this season, our economy will bounce back, we will make a success of life after Brexit come January 1, 2021, new opportunities for businesses, skilled and unskilled workforce will be created,

there will be prosperity again! Let us dare to believe, let's dare to hope in God.

If you would like to find out more about Churches Together In Medway or what it means to become a Christian, please contact the chairman, Pastor Stephen Bello on 01634 920491 or email rccgvictoriousfamily@hotmail.com

Also visit the website here .

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