Brazil (MNN) — The Coronavirus impact is felt all around the world, and Sammy Tippit, founder and president of Sammy Tippit Ministries, believes that it is the perfect time for the Church to act.
“When this whole thing began to emerge, of the coronavirus, and nations literally began to shutdown, and we have more than half the world’s population in lockdown, the Lord just put it on my heart that this is the moment, this is the time to call for revival,” he says.
An opportunity has arisen for churches around the world to minister to those struggling during this pandemic around the world, specifically in Brazil. “They are probably the most prepared to minister to people of any group I’ve worked with anywhere in the world,” Tippit says.
Using social media outlets such as Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp, “they’re able to minister to people in a much more intimate way. They’re able to keep in touch with them, minister to them and help them.”
“It’s a tough situation,” he says. “They’re doing what they’re able to do to help those that are suffering at this particular time.”
In addition to church outreach programs around the world, Sammy Tippit Ministries has also launched their May 2020 initiatives. Currently, they have set up around 1500 WhatsApp groups in about 70 countries and have seen over 10,000 downloads of materials by pastors and leaders around the world.
“This thing is just taking a life of its own,” Tippit says. “We’re expecting millions of people to be trained in how to share their faith in Christ. I’m very excited about all the things that have developed.”
He encourages anyone who is able and willing to get involved in any way they can. “Pray for this 2020 initiative. Pray that we would be able to share the Gospel with 10 million people by the end of May. That we’ll be able to see people come to Christ and then begin to follow up [with them],” he says.
Tippit also suggested that people use social media as a way to get the word out, whether that’s through starting Watch parties on Facebook of the training programs or donating money on their website, sammytippit.org.
“We would certainly appreciate anything anyone can do, whether it’s praying, giving, all of the above, any of the above, would just be really helpful,” he says.
Tippit will also be releasing a book titled, “Coronavirus Pandemic and Prayer: Christ is in Revival” this month on Amazon.
“This is a unique moment in history because of the pandemic, but it could be a strategic moment for the church,” he says. “So the Lord just put it on my heart to write this, to get it out there and to issue a call for a revival.”
(Header photo courtesy of Unsplash)
