First and foremost, pray. The coronavirus (COVID-19) is yet one more reminder that we live in a fallen world of sickness, sin, suffering, and death. Ultimately, none of us are immune to any of these things. But that’s why the gospel is such good news. We encourage you to prayerfully consider exercising your faith by asking the Lord where you can love and serve your neighbors and community during this time of need.

Second, follow all published health and social distancing guidelines from our federal, state, and local authorities.

Finally, take this opportunity to remind yourself of God’s promises:

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)
• Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
• Blessed is the one who considers the poor … The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. (Psalm 41:1-3)
• Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. (Psalm 103:2-4)
• Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:23-24)

As Christians, we are to fear the Lord, not the coronavirus (COVID-19). Walk in freedom and wisdom.

We are always searching for ways to help those in need, and that will increase (not decrease) during this pandemic. We are compiling a list from our Bethel family of folks who are willing and able to assist those who are in need of help (groceries, supplies, rides to medical appts., etc). Additionally, we are carefully monitoring the needs of our Tri-Cities community and will respond in partnership with other churches and local agencies to provide for those who need assistance. For more information, to request help, or to volunteer, contact local@bethel.ch.

There are three "non-contact" ways for you to give during this time:

1. Go to bethel.ch/give to give online
2. Use your bank's online bill pay to have a check mailed to address below
3. Mail a personal check to the address below

Bethel Church

600 Shockley Rd

Richland WA 99352

[UPDATE 3/12/20] March Cambodia, March India, March High School Mexico, April Nepal, and April Greece trips have all been postponed. Our Global Outreach leadership team is continually consulting various sources of information including our ministry partners in other countries, the State Department, and organizations like the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Based on this information, future trips will be rescheduled on a trip-by-trip basis. Trip specific changes are being sent to trip participants from Bethel’s Global Outreach ministry.