Christ is the Answer Ministries Presiding Bishop Rev David Oginde has advised Kenyans to pray, noting, that the coronavirus is linked to the end times prophesied in the Bible.

While announcing the suspension of physical church services at all CITAM assemblies, Rev Oginde noted that the pandemic is unlike any other challenge that mankind has ever encountered.

“We (mankind) had reached a place where we thought everything was under control. We have seen instances where man has been able to conquer the world but this virus has totally shut down the world,” Rev Oginde said.

The bishop also expressed CITAM's support for President Uhuru Kenyatta's designation of 21 March, 2020 as a National Prayer Day.

“It does not matter how the prayers will be conducted. You do not have to gather together to pray but can kneel down from wherever you are and receive prayers. That is the most important,” Rev Oginde said.

Following the suspension of physical church activities by various churches, there have been concerns among church goers regarding the ramifications of this decision.

However, Rev Oginde noted that the disruption is an opportunity to experiment with other modes of communication to provide church services to their congregants.

“Fear is actually a gift from God; if it helps you to get to safety then it is a good thing. We have been told that the virus spreads in large gatherings. Even in the New Testament, there are Christians who met in their homes rather than in large groups,” Rev Oginde said.

Other denominations that have suspended church gatherings include the Anglican Church of Kenya, the Presbyterian Church of East Africa and Kenya Assemblies of God, among others.

The Star/ Omondi Onyatta