As South Africans get ready to mark the religious rituals and celebrations of Easter, Newcastle church leaders have called on the community to adhere to Covid-19 protocols as a third wave looms and more stringent restrictions could be on the cards.
In his Easter message, Pastor Sajesh Kumar of the Word of Faith Ministries urged people to limit unnecessary travel, avoid large gatherings and follow protocols designed to protect them. “We pray that Easter will usher a new season of prosperity in our country and economy. We take this opportunity to wish each one of you a blessed and safe Easter and pray for the blessings, prosperity and protection of God over us all.”
Kumar said like the death of Jesus, people have been experiencing unprecedented loss, pain, despair and agony since the arrival of Covid-19 and the lockdown.
“The circumstances and infliction of Jesus’s death was so painful and gruesome that it brought pain, despair and agony to many. The last year of our lives has been the hardest season our generation ever faced. The loss of lives, jobs and businesses caused by the spread of the coronavirus has brought so much despair, pain and suffering in our world.”
Pastor Kumar said everyone faced setbacks and many were still battling to recover.
“Like the death of Jesus Christ, this too has been an unprecedented time of loss, pain, despair and sorrow. However the Easter story does not end there. The painful Friday was followed by a glorious Sunday announcing the Resurrection of Our Christ”.
The message of Easter is clear, that with God, people are never without Hope and salvation.
“The resurrection brought great joy and affirmation to the hope and faith we profess. Hope still echoes today as we unite in praying and trusting God to heal our world from this virus and bring recovery and restoration to us all. “.
Apostle Dr Ndumiso Benedict Mgoza said observing Easter could teach Christians a lot about faith . “Easter reminds us about the love of God for all of mankind. It marks the anniversary of Jesus resurrection and ascension to heaven and observing this holiday can teach Christians a lot more about faith than bunnies,” said Mgoza.
Newcastle resident and devout Christian Tamia Applesammy says she would be praying for a healthy world.
“Last year saw us celebrating Easter under lockdown level five. I am happy that at least we can go to church this year to take Holy Communion. I will definitely be praying for a healthy world and hopefully we can see the end to this pandemic which has turned our lives upside down,” said Applesammy.
The Newcastle Express wishes all its Christian readers a blessed Easter.
