The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Namibia (ELCIN) will next week partially cease operations and instead host a prayer week against the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. 

Presiding western diocese bishop Shekutaamba Nambala, in a letter to all ELCIN congregations, said next week would be a week of prayer and to stay at home for all its members across the country. 

Nambala said all churches should only open for essential services, such as burials. 

“This week, all churches should be closed. Church servants are only allowed to perform critical and essential services such as burials. But as soon as they finish performing the services, they should immediately return home and pray,” Nambala said. 

Nambala said ELCIN is inviting all its members, young and old, to kneel before God and pray against Covid-19 and other ailments affecting Namibians. 

Until the first day of July, Namibia recorded 86 649 Covid-19 cases and 1 445 deaths. Of the cases recorded, 64 900 are reported to have recovered. 

Nambala said despite the reported recoveries, the number of deaths remain on the rapid increase. He further said the situation has put a strain on the health sector. 

“Our hospitals, health centres and medical equipment are not enough to care for Covid-19 [patients] and other patients. Hence, other patients are no longer medically well taken care of in order to give space to Covid-19 patients,” the bishop said. 

Given this background, Nambala said during next week, prayers should be directed to alleviating the effects of Covid-19 and other diseases. 

The bishop also calls on church members to adhere to national health protocols, aimed at fighting Covid-19. 

In the same vein, ELCIN members are also called upon to avoid crowds, especially festivities, such as weddings, memorials and burials. 

“Wear masks, observe social distancing and take all the necessary health precautions in this regard,” the bishop urged. 

Above all, the bishop is calling on members to try and stay at home as much as possible, further encouraging them to get vaccinated. - nashipala@nepc.com.na