03/26/2020
Coronavirus Emergency Response Program
The world is experiencing a catastrophic pandemic referred to as the “COVID-19” virus, also known as the “Coronavirus.” Throughout the globe many countries are experiencing massive COVID-19 infection rates which has manifested itself with skyrocketing deaths amongst the most vulnerable members of their population. Science and government have been forced to take extreme measures to try and bring this pandemic under control, and, as a result, the strain on the economy, and society as a whole, has been immense. Government and scientific entities report that this crisis will get much worse before it gets better and that the number of fatalities is certain to increase.
In Safe Harbor’s local community, Orange County, CA, due to a lack of COVID-19 testing occurring, it is feared that there are many who are unknowingly carrying and spreading the virus, and, as a result, the actual infection rate has yet to be accurately reported. The government and medical professionals have identified those being 65 years of age or older, those with respiratory and cardiovascular system challenges, diabetes and generally any chronic medical condition, as those most at risk of being seriously affected by exposure to the COVID-19 virus. It is critical that those in this “at risk” group practice what has come to be known as “Social Distancing” by quarantining themselves from essential normal societal interactions.
This “Social Distancing” has been difficult even for the healthiest members of our society, however, for those who have been identified as being in an “at risk” group, the isolation has proven to be unbearable. With being quarantined, economic challenges, lack of transportation and long lines at the grocery stores, their ability to procure food, toiletries and other essentials has been drastically reduced if not completely eliminated.
Safe Harbor believes that in times such as this it is essential that the Christian community come alongside and offer relief to those most affected by this significant crisis, and, in the process, present the Gospel to the world in a real and practical manner. Since 1994, Safe Harbor International Relief has provided much needed support, both spiritually and with material needs such as food, medicine, and other provisions, to those who find themselves in desperate need.
Currently, under the umbrella of “Safe Harbor,” we have the privilege of serving alongside “Second Impressions,” a ministry to the local homeless and the most at-risk segment of our population within Orange County. Together, Safe Harbor and Second Impressions are coming alongside local churches to provide for the needs of those who are isolated in their homes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and, in doing so, communicating to the world our motivation for doing so - bringing them the good news of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Even as you read this, Safe Harbor has been procuring food and supplies, and, with the help of volunteers from our partner churches and local community, will be distributing these essentials to those who have been identified as “at risk” and in need of this ministry.
If you or your church would like to be part of this ministry opportunity to the community, please contact Safe Harbor International Relief at 949 899-0465 (Our special COVID-19 Outreach phone), or by email at [email protected]. Or, Second Impressions, at www.secondimpressions.org.
If you would like to contribute financially to help us minister during this time of crisis, please visit Safe Harbor’s website, go to the ‘Donate’ page and specify, Local COVID-19 relief. Your financial contribution is tax deductible as Safe Harbor is a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Organization. (www.safeharbor.us)
Thank you and may God richly bless you!
