The church is not being persecuted. It is a pandemic, and the rules apply to sports, entertainment, and every religion. Many businesses cannot normally function.

If we disregard this order, then everyone else follows our example. Now, we can’t contain the pandemic.

It would be one thing if the church was targeted, but there are many ways to assemble in homes, have multiple smaller gatherings, meet outdoors, etc. There are options for worshiping together.

I’m concerned about those who think they are taking a heroic stance and call those who disagree fearful. I go to dangerous places in Northern Nigeria quite willingly. I stay away from assembling in S. Nigeria where it is safe, because I’m following the rules. It is not fear that’s keeping me home. The work continues online, in the streets, and in small house gatherings. Worshipping God has not stopped. I plan to travel next month where churches are open, but I have not been cut off from God. We have the gospel in the power of the Spirit, and I’m looking forward to ministering it. People need it, and I want to preach: it is life itself.

The main thing is that we respond as brethren. I think the pandemic is real. 150,000 Americans have died. President Trump has stated that 2.2 million people would have died, if the USA did not shut down. You can disagree with the statistics, but the government is doing what it can - with imperfect wisdom and sometimes sinful motives - to stop the disease from spreading.