“Faith in the face of COVID-19 Pandemic” by Philip Kakungulu

The COVID-19 pandemic tests the limits of faith, revealing humanity’s hunger for transcendence amid crisis. In Africa, where spirituality is woven into daily life, faith is not a retreat but a call to action (Mbiti, 1990). Yet, many evangelical responses—clinging to apocalyptic rhetoric or selective divine protection (2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 91)—reflect fear rather than trust. Jesus’s prayer, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10), invites us to embody God’s love in a plagued world, serving the vulnerable as He did (Matthew 25:31-46).

1. Evon Benson-Idahosa urges the African church to convert sanctuaries into hospitals and food pantries, echoing Desmond Tutu’s call to serve the “least of these” (Benson-Idahosa, 2020; Tutu, 1999). Colonial legacies taught us to seek divine favor through prayer vigils, but true repentance—metanoia—requires turning from wicked ways to act justly (Katongole, 2011). COVID-19 is no respecter of persons, striking righteous and unrighteous alike (Matthew 5:45). Our faith must manifest in service, bringing hope to a broken world.

Call to Action: Transform your church into a beacon of Shalom. Join the Pan African Peace Network to serve the marginalized and pray for God’s reign of justice.

Benson-Idahosa, R. E. (2020). Losing Her Religion: Nigeria’s Faith Unveiled in the Face of COVID-19. [Blog source].

Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 91, Matthew 6:10, Matthew 5:45, Matthew 25:31-46.

Katongole, E. (2011). The Sacrifice of Africa: A Political Theology for Africa. Eerdmans.

Mbiti, J. S. (1990). African Religions and Philosophy. Heinemann.