Prayer of Thanksgiving For Science and Chinese Community
Wednesday June 10, 2020
COVID – SCIENCE AND CHINESE
We are all grateful for advances in the field of science that help us during times such as this COVID-19 virus outbreak. While there is not yet a vaccine or even treatment for the virus itself, science has been able to help us understand ways infection spreads and so we’ve been given helpful practices such as physical distancing and reminded what good hand washing and sanitizing procedures look like. As doctors and scientists have studied the spread of the virus they’ve made some adjustments – such as encouraging us to wear masks when we are out in public – not so much to expect to be protected from droplets with virus in them but rather to limit those droplets that we would expose others to.
As you know, I’ve been very saddened by the acts of hatred and discrimination that were taking place against the Chinese community here in the Vancouver Lower Mainland. These were well documented well before the George Floyd incident brought these issues to the news foreground. After living many wonderful years in Taiwan with some of the kindest and most generous people I’ve met on the planet, my heart has been deeply grieved by the unfair and unjust opinions and actions of people showing prejudice. I say this without knowing, of course, if in fact there might have been something sinister or hidden in the origin of the virus that took place in Wu Han. I am not suggesting this virus was lab created, I’m just saying that EVEN IF that was the case, the vast majority of those individuals who have Asian features are no more complicit in that action than you or I, anymore than we put our knees on the neck of George Floyd.
I guess that’s why I was so gratified to read the news a couple of days ago that the scientific data shows that the city of Richmond, BC, with the highest concentration of Chinese residents in the province has the lowest percentage of COVID-19 cases in the Lower Mainland – 444 per million versus 832 per million in neighbouring Vancouver. Also, since May 18 there have been no new active cases in Richmond and that’s the only part of the Lower Mainland where that is the case.
"Whether that is a direct impact of early distancing and early aggressive maneuvers on behalf of the [Chinese] community, it's impossible to say but clearly there is an association there," says Dr. Murthy, co-chair of the World Health Organization's clinical research committee on COVID-19.
UBC infectious diseases specialist, Dr. Peter Phillips said the "evidence is pretty clear" that the community "showed great leadership." Way to go residents of Richmond where 54.4% identify as having a Chinese!!!
So, I’m grateful for the help science has given in this area of identifying hard working consistent efforts and sacrifices of my Chinese brothers and sisters and friends.
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one
can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
John 3:3
But, science has it’s limits and so I’m even more grateful for the things God does for us that science has no control over and no data to share. God offers us new birth and the ability to see the Kingdom of God, through Jesus Christ. Let’s come to God with thanksgiving today for the many ways He blesses us.
So Heavenly Father, we do come to You with thanksgiving in our hearts for all You are doing through all Your people, regardless of the colour or their skin or their country of origin. We give thanks for how the spread of the disease is slowing and people who’ve been sick are getting well. We thank you that there are no active cases of the disease at all in New Zealand and for this news that since May 18 there are also no new cases at all in Richmond, BC. We pray continued cleansing of all our communities from the virus, both the virus of COVID-19 and the virus of racial hatred, bigotry and prejudice.
We know that none of that can take place unless hearts are really cleansed from sin by You and these persons receive the Holy Spirt who gives them life – spiritual life. We are longing for the virus to be completely gone from our communities like it is in New Zealand but our hearts even more are longing for and crying out for many during this difficult season to actually come to new life, receive the new birth that You give them.
Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God
unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
John 3:5-6
Thank you that we don’t need experts and scientists to find this cure for us, to test it in various ways, to manufacture all the ingredients necessary for something like a vaccine and wait for months or years so it can be available to us.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:7
You’ve already provided the cure for sin and death and it’s available for every human being today. Thank you for Jesus who was our substitute when he died on the cross to take the penalty of sin for our sins and the sins of every human being who has ever lived. Thank you for this new spiritual birth that gives us what birth from our mother never could - forgiveness for our sins and new life forever in loving relationship with the wonderful God who created us.
“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked.
“Surely they cannot enter a second time
into their mother’s womb to be born!”
John 3:4
And so we simply give thanks today for science and what it can do in it’s limited but helpful ways, and in what Jesus can do for us in His unlimited love and ability to give life that no virus – and no other evil can overcome. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We put our trust in You and take rest and peace from all You’ve done for us. Amen
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