The NCKPC meets for its annual convention May 21-24, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Image Provided.
As the mysterious coronavirus continues to spread from country to country, the National Caucus of Korean Presbyterian Churches (NCKPC) is sharing its appreciation for the recent Call to Prayer offered by the Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Nelson offered the prayer on February 20 for the people of China and other countries impacted by the virus.
As of today, the virus has been found in 56 countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the global risk as “very high.” After its emergence in China in December, the virus has spread to other countries such as South Korea, Italy and Iran. More than 80,000 infections globally have been confirmed. Nearly 3,000 people have died.
As fear and anxiety grow, NCKPC says it was “deeply moved” by Nelson’s call.
“We wholeheartedly join you in your urgent call to cry out to the Almighty God and lift up the Church to seek Christ’s healing presence in all the affected regions of the world,” the letter reads. “Your Call to Prayer was translated into Korean, and both English and Korean versions of your plea to prayer were disseminated throughout the Korean American congregations as well as the wider Korean Community.”
“I was so glad to receive this letter from the NCKPC. It is a testament to the relationship with our siblings in this time of despair,” said Nelson. “We continue to share their concern for all people who are threatened by this mysterious and deadly virus and we will continue to pray for their health and safety in the days, weeks and months to come.”
NCKPC officials say the Stated Clerk’s Call to Prayer was posted on many Korean American newspapers and has generated a positive reception.
“When the Stated Clerk’s statement came out, they found it healing and comforting, with a sense that the head of the denomination had their backs,” said the Reverend Luke Choi, manager of Korean-Speaking Councils Support for the Office of the General Assembly. “Dr. Nelson’s Call to Prayer was very significant and many feel now that people outside their country care what happens to them.”