34 People Connected with One Arkansas Church Have Tested Positive for COVID-19

The First Assemblies of God Church in Greers Ferry, Arkansas says that 34 people connected with the ministry have tested positive for COVID-19.

All of them were in the building during a “recent children’s event,” though it’s not clear how recently that event took place. There is a post online, however, noting a children’s event at the church on March 6.

31 infected people are members or staffers.

Two are visiting evangelists.

One is a child.

Several others are awaiting their own test results.

Pastor Mark Palenske and his wife are among the infected.

Whatever his ignorance was in the past, he’s making it clear on Facebook that everyone should be listening to experts:

This virus is highly contagious and it is no respecter of persons. It seemingly picks its victim at random, so it’s best to remain very vigilant in hygiene protocols to the very best of your abilities…

… I would love to have you take this medical threat more seriously. Maybe you assumed that it couldn’t happen to you, just like I did. Please adhere to the social instructions that you are receiving locally and nationally. We must keep the affected population to as low a number as possible. Our singular act of stubborn independence can have far reaching effects on someone else’s life. [March 19]

…

… There was very little in my training for the ministry that covered the full measure of what our church family has dealt with in the past few weeks. The intensity of this virus has been underestimated by so many, and I continue to ask that each of you take it very seriously. An act of wisdom and restraint on your part can be the blessing that preserves the health of someone else. [March 22]

So now he gets it.

It took dozens of people suffering — maybe more — but he eventually figured out Jesus is no match for a virus that doesn’t give a damn what anyone believes.

(Image via Facebook. Thanks to Jacob for the link)