Published Mar 16, 2020
FRESNO—The coronavirus (COVID-19) is ordering our movements dramatically, thereby impacting how we gather. It is affecting how we do church and business. Just as churches value the health and welfare of their members and staff, California Southern Baptist Convention values the health and welfare of its staff and those we serve. Because of this, CSBC has instituted the following safeguards through April 30.
CSBC staff members having the ability to work from home should do so.
The office is open for those who don’t have the ability to work remotely. Working remotely greatly reduces the number of staff in the office and thereby reduces exposure.
CSBC staff travel is suspended.
Most of the ministry provided by CSBC staff is through conversation and can continue either by phone or email. In many instances calls to staff members will be forwarded to cell phones. Otherwise, staff will check voicemail and email periodically throughout the day. Be assured CSBC staff will respond as quickly as possible.
All CSBC sponsored events are cancelled or postponed unless an exception is made by the CSBC executive director. This includes events scheduled at Jenness Park Christian Camp.
With gatherings now being limited to 10, there is no other choice but to cancel/postpone most events, at least through April 30. At this point, I am unwilling to make decisions about events past April 30.
During this dramatic time, I believe these measures are essential for the welfare of our staff and those we serve. Some may ask if CSBC is shutting down. The answer is emphatically, no! CSBC is committed to serving its churches, even in difficult and challenging times. We realize our churches are faced with similar circumstances and decisions.
I encourage all of us to continue praying and seeking the Lord. In last week’s statement I mentioned God was not surprised by this event. I still believe God is in control. He encourages us to always be “strong and courageous” and promises to “never leave nor forsake us.” What a great God we have. It is through our faith in His Son, Jesus, that we have hope for the future, regardless the circumstance. My prayer is that we will voice the hope we have through our daily conversations.
God Bless,
Bill Agee