Ministering to the Community in a Time of Crisis

The early Christian Church spread throughout the known world, even while experiencing great persecution and plagues. As modern-day historians attribute the downfall of the Roman Empire to these epidemics, church fathers say they contributed to the growth of Christianity. Letters written by both Christian and Roman leaders during the time of great plagues give insight into the behavior of the Christians among the pagans. These letters stated, much to the dismay of the Roman leaders, that the Christians’ acts of love and caring for the sick among the people, gave validation to their faith. In addition, their efforts far outweighed those of the religious leaders of Rome; thus, winning converts. The Christian movement grew despite the mortality rate, as well as persecution.

During the 1918 Influenza pandemic, there are many stories of those risking their lives to save others. Others, praising their neighbors, who braved the disease, cared for the sick, and saved many lives.

Throughout ancient and modern history there is recorded the sacrificial acts of those who risked everything to further the cause of the Kingdom. During a time of crisis, as in plagues or disasters, Christians can play a major role in caring for the sick, serving the community, and bringing the gospel into the disaster.