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A LIFE NOT THEIR OWN

ACTION WHEN DISRUPTION HIT HOME

ike much of the rest of the world, it seems like in this world is not the main focus or point of our lives.
everything is canceled: weddings, events, travel, Despite denominational differences, Italian Christians
church, school, and most businesses. Christians are unifying and praying for their nation, citizens, and
are
L no strangers to life issues in the world. healthcare workers. They’ve created a common fund to
Christians have a calling in all seasons. Listed below are help those in economic need and fasted for their
three short stories about how Christians are living out country. “Lord, I’m dumbfounded. I don’t know what to
their faith around the world during COVID-19. say.” When words fail us, we can be still and know that
God is God. Christians in Italy, like everyone else, are
In China, Persecuted Church Brings Hope Amid hoping things go back to normal sooner than later, but
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Coronavirus Epidemic in the meantime are looking for this pandemic to
The Chinese Christian community knows all about humble their hearts and teach them the prayers of the
persecution. Recently, they’ve experienced a weak, concerned, and the speechless.
heightened level of oppression, and yet when the
coronavirus showed up these Christians were ready to In Ukraine, Christian Group Steps in to Feed Needy
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continue putting their faith into action by loving their Jews Confined by COVID-19
neighbor. One account records a group of Christians
distributing face masks and Gospel pamphlets to Already poverty-stricken in Ukraine, Christians for
passersby on the streets. A pastor from Wuhan, where Israel, a Dutch-based organization, is stepping up to
the virus had its initial outbreak said, “While the real provide immediate food aid to elderly Jews confined by
situation is possibly more severe and complicated than the pandemic to their homes. With the banning of large
what is known, regardless of what circumstances we groups, many soup kitchens have had to close, forcing
are in, we should not worry and fear all the disasters, people who want to help to get more creative. The
pandemic, and death “because He is the Lord of our group aims to deliver more than 300,000 meals
lives. If He does not allow [it to happen], we will not throughout the country in the coming months. The help
even have a single hair fallout from our heads.” is welcomed considering the political climate keeps
citizens in the dark about accurate numbers and how
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Rediscovering the Power of Prayer In Italy the virus will affect people’s livelihoods.
There is a heavy fine to pay for leaving your home
without a valid reason in Italy. This season of exile has
helped Italian Christians discover three facets of prayer
that they often neglect in times of abundance. One
Italian Christian records prayers she’s learning during
this time: prayers of lament, prayers of intercession,
and prayers of silence. As humanity struggles to contain
fear amidst this anxiety-provoking pandemic, lament
feels newly relevant to us. It helps us realize that “gain”

22 WORD ON THE STREET MAGAZINE 1 persecution.org | christianitytoday.com | timesofisrael.com
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