Dear Editor,
Thirty-four years ago, on an Old Year’s night, I became a born-again Christian and since then, I’ve been going to church every Old Year’s night. I consider the said night my spiritual birthday.
Editor, to keep with tradition, on Old Year’s night, I tried to go to church and I was unable to find a church service. Most of the churches were closed and I was disappointed.
However, Editor, every rum shop, strip club, bar, night club, and entertainment business was open. And they were open all night. But the church was closed.
Editor, what does this tell us about the spiritual conditions of our country? As I write I am in the mall and the crowd is extremely large. I am wondering if there is a pandemic in Guyana because the place is packed.
Editor, why are churches being restricted on their attendance? Editor, are there any restrictions on the malls?
Why the double standard? Why are the same Christians who were afraid to attend church on the above night, not afraid to be in the mall on New Year’s Day?
Editor, after a long search I finally found a church on Old Year’s night, Eccles Assembly of God on the East Bank. I was impressed by the number of people who came out to worship.
I believe that the attendance was high because it was one of the few churches that was open. I am grateful for the church for having a service so that I could celebrate my spiritual birthday.
Editor, I am worried about the church in this country. The pandemic is killing churches.
The attendance has been down 50 percent.
In Iraq, I attended church services despite the fact that I faced dying going to church.
In combat I attended church services under far worse conditions than the pandemic.
Therefore, I’m not afraid to go to church during the pandemic. Church attendance is important especially during Covid-19. Just practice social distancing and wear your mask.
Editor, let me be clear I want everyone to take the pandemic seriously and protect themselves. Having said that, I think church attendance is not optional.
If you are a Christian, church attendance is mandatory. Even during Covid-19. I strongly disagree with the pastors who cancelled their Old Year’s night services due to the pandemic.
Yours faithfully,
Anthony Pantlitz
