
Every crisis is an opportunity to share God’s love by tangibly serving those who are affected by it. As the COVID-19 spreads and the world around us changes, God’s love remains the same, and this is the hope that we have to share. That is why NewStory is responding to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis by serving the people who are most vulnerable.
10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. 12 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” 13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14 (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.-Luke 9:10-17
It is in times like these that we are called to be the church. Our hope is built on the perfect love of Jesus Christ, so we've been called to share that love and hope with the world. And that's exactly what we'll be doing in the coming weeks and months as more and more people in our community are in need.
If you want to help, there are multiple ways you can serve people in your community who are vulnerable to the virus. Click on the “Give Help” link below and learn how you can help.
If you need help, we see you and we care about you! We want to serve you by providing your needs as best as we can. Please click on the link “Get Help” below to get in touch with us so we can serve you.
Stay Healthy and Informed
In a crisis like this, it's common for misinformation to spread, and it can be difficult to figure out who and what to trust. Here are some reliable resources that can connect you with accurate and helpful info.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC is the leading national public-health organization in the U.S. and has up-to-date info on COVID-19 (coronavirus).
California Department for Public Health (CDPH)
The CDPH is the state department responsible for public health in California.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO is the United Nations' agency for global public health.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Uncertainty and confusion can have a harmful effect on your mental health. This article from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention gives you five ways to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty.