The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is continuing to impact the U.S. economy, with over 36 million Americans filing for unemployment benefits. There are now more than 83,000 deaths and 1.3 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S., according to the John Hopkins University data dashboard. USA Today reports that the virus has killed more than 296,000 people and infected more than 4.3 million worldwide. Several states across the nation have already started to ease restrictions and reopen some businesses.
North American Division Adventist Community Services (NAD ACS) is supporting the operations of our ACS food pantries within the Division, by investing 1.5 million dollars and allocating a grant of $25,000 per conference for relief efforts. We are excited to share that we are partnering with ADRA International who has committed $150,000 to support our food pantries who are serving families and communities amid the crisis. In addition, they are providing $2.3 million worth of medical consumables as gifts-in-kind and 426 boxes of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS Disaster Response Director, stated “We have teams that are working all over NAD to assist communities that are struggling to meet their needs. The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s two Disaster Response organizations, ACS and ADRA, are coming together for this effort to bring the entirety of our resources together to help in this unusual time of need. I’m excited at the prospect of seeing what these combined efforts will do both now and into the future.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting virtually every aspect of the ACS ministry and Adventist Church membership, from the division to unions and conferences to churches,” stated Sung Kwon, NAD ACS Executive Director. “The support of ADRA International has been much appreciated. We are thankful for their consideration and willingness to partner with ACS,” said Kwon. “This is not the end of the pandemic. It will remain with us, and this fight will continue for a long time to come. I encourage everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and their family members, now and even after restrictions begin to lift. Let’s genuinely be kind and caring, reach out, and engage with our families, friends, neighbors, and fellow church members. As a unified team, ADRA International and ACS, together we are strong. Together we will not just persevere; we will demonstrate the steadfast love of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Kwon added.
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