A Prayer during COVID-19 pandemic
We pray for people in the U.S and around the world impacted by coronavirus. We pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones, and for those who have been quarantined and are feeling alone.
We pray for healing for those who are sick.
We pray for safety, strength and compassion for medical workers who may be overwhelmed caring for those who are battling various illnesses, and workers who are exposed to greater risks.
We pray that our public officials act with compassion and wisdom as they work to contain the virus.
We pray for those without access to health care, and for those who don’t know how they will make it if they get sick and can’t go to work. We pray that your peace will guard our hearts and minds so that we are not overcome by anxiety and fear.
God, inspire in us ways to show your love to one another and to ourselves. Guide our hearts and our actions to greater care, kindness and generosity in the midst of these fears and uncertainties.
-Mennonite Church USA
On March 16th, President Trump tweeted, "The United States will be powerfully supporting those industries, like Airlines and others, that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus. We will be stronger than ever before!" he wrote.
Trump calling COVID-19 "China Virus" is a strategic and racist response to divert the criticism that the administration is poorly managing the pandemic. It fans xenophobia and division at a time when we need to come together and recognize that we are deeply connected to one another. Blaming others instead of taking responsibility has costly consequences. The impact of Trump calling it "China virus" affects the safety of all Asian Americans during this time of increased fear and suspicion.
We have personally felt the glaring stares and carts swerving away while shopping at the local grocery stores. We encountered similar situations at the gas station and bank as though we carry the virus simply because we are Asian. Our elderly population is especially vulnerable to verbal and physical attacks as they get their prescription filled at the pharmacy or just simply taking a routine stroll in their neighborhood.
We all need to do our part to be anti-racists now. If someone calls COVID-19 “China virus,” please correct them. If you have an elderly Asian neighbor who is afraid to go to the store, ask them if you could pick up groceries for them. We have an opportunity to stand up for each other and love our neighbors in concrete ways.
VIDEO RESOURCE
ReconciliAsian was invited to be on the panel to speak about anti-Asian racism with other Asian Americans:
Rev. Sue Park Hur, M.A., Pasadena, CA, co-Director, ReconciliAsian; Denomination Minister for Transformative Peacemaking, Mennonite Church USA.
Richard Peralta, M. Ed., M. Sc., Sheffield, England.
Rev. Taehoo Lee, Philadelphia, PA Pastor.
Christianne Paras, British Columbia, Training and Education Coordinator, Community Justice Initiatives, Rev. Dr. Yuki Schwartz, Seattle, WA, Associate Minister of Justice Formation, Keystone UCC; Education Director, Justice Leadership Programs; adjunct faculty, Phillips Seminary.
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES
Many small businesses owned by immigrants are family businesses. The source of their family income comes solely from their business. Let’s pray and support small business owners in our community who are struggling to imagine how they will get through the economic impact during the pandemic.
Ways to support them through this uncertain time include:
1. Buying gift cards to use later
2. Shopping online to support local stores
3. Writing positive reviews about their business online
3. Ordering take-outs from local restaurants
4. Writing thank-you cards to the store owners
Please share your ideas with us and the people around you.
QUARANTINE COOKING
For many families, this time of social distancing calls for creative ways to spend time together. Cooking is a way that the family can convene and collaborate. What are you go-to sites? Here are some websites that we frequent to cook Asian and Asian fusion cooking.
Kate Wentland is the host of a monthly vegetarian cooking group who has lived in China for over eight years. Her vegetarian recipes are simple and delicious.
Click Here.
Maangchi is known as the "YouTube's Korean Julia Child." She is entertaining and her passion for food makes you want to cook everything she makes.
Click Here.
Week of Menus shares great Asian and fusion recipes. Joanne Choi's mochi cake recipes are a must.
Find out more here.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
This is a difficult time for children whose schedules have been disrupted from their routines. They are not allowed to go to school, church, or have play dates. Here are helpful resources to talk to your children about COVID-19. A parent resource is available in English, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other languages.
SONGS OF CENTERING
During the most difficult and confusing times, songs and poems can center us and give us peace. What songs or poems give you courage to persevere and keep the faith? Here are some songs that have encouraged us this week. What are yours?
Songs for Unsettled Times:
Music that makes Community: Here
One Hour of Praise & Worship on Piano
Wait on The Lord: 3 Hour Prayer Music | Meditation Music
Songs of hope for a time of pandemic curated by Janeen Bertsche Johnson
Songs of hope for a time of pandemic
Audrey Assad
제이어스 J-US Live Worship [Born Again] 06 내 모습 이대로 (Just as I Am)
SHARING GRATITUDE
A special shout-out and thanks to those in our communities who are doing the vital work in the hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, restaurants, farms, and other necessary places so that we can have the privilege to stay home to help flatten the curve. Please show kindness and share words of appreciation when you encounter them.