LAKELAND, Fla. — It's the same issue for churches big and small, all struggling to stay connected during this time of uncertainty.
Church leaders said it is painful to shut their doors at a time when many are depending on their faith most.
“It's very important at these times that we seek the Lord,” says Apostle Luis Negron of Lakeland’s Truth in Life Ministries. “He is who we have to run to.”
But, churches across the Tampa Bay area are now left with a difficult decision between locking their doors completely and relying on technology or trying to remain open and giving people a place to gather.
“September 11 came and everybody looked for God. The earthquake happened and everybody ran to church. Now, where do they run?” asked Negron. “We want to be there for them.”
Apostle Negron says while some churches have fought for their constitutional right to stay open, he is trying to compromise by not shutting his doors, but still following CDC guidelines.
“They said 10 [people], I'm bringing 10,” said Negron.
While everyone will be adequately spread out, Negron says maintaining that physical presence is vitally important, especially to the elderly and poor. Many of those people may not have the means to connect digitally.
“A lot of people don't know how,” said Negron. Believe or not there are people who don't have Facebook. They are so used to coming to a physical building.”
Negron says he's already worked out a plan with church members for the few allowed to show up. If extras arrive, he says they'll be sent home with instructions on how to connect through social media.
“The church will never close! God doesn't close. He never stops. Neither do we.”
Negron has a special prayer message he wanted to share with anyone who is feeling scared, depressed or uneasy about the current situation with COVID-19. You can watch the message in either English and Spanish.
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