No matter what calamity, the Rev. Walter Hudson III said he will be worshipping in his edifice even during the current coronavirus pandemic.
As pastor of AAmen Ministries Inc./Church of Christ Seventh Day, the spiritual leader believes that he can serve God best by keeping his church doors open for those who desire to worship in person.
“I’m not asking members to come or attend service, but I want them to see that God’s house is a place of refuge and a beacon of light in the community and no matter what’s going on, people should be able to know that God’s house is still in operation,” insisted Hudson.
“We respect the reports of the medical experts, of course, but our faith and trust are in the word of God, not the government or man. I consider the church to be an essential business. Serving God is always first,” he said.
Because he has a small congregation, Hudson feels that it will be easy for his congregation to practice social distancing and other guidelines recommended by public officials to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. He also provides masks, gloves and hand sanitizers. And like other churches, AAmen Ministries offers worship services through other means such as Facebook Live and via a prayer line.
Still, Hudson is adamant that the sanctuary must be available for people to enter if they are so inclined, he said. “I want them to always see the pastor serving in my position and that the church doors should not be shut, no matter what opposition that the church is facing.
In support of his decision, Hudson cited Matthew 18:19 (“where two or three are gather together” and Hebrews 10:25 (“do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together”) as two scriptural references.
“I’m not trying to make anybody put their life on the line, but I want them to know that I’m going to stand in my space so people can see that the church of God is a place that instills hope, faith, and gives spiritual guidance to those who are seeking solace through worship and it shall never be closed!
We are a Black-owned independent church in the heart of the community and we invite the community to come worship with us here at AAmen Ministries,” added Hudson.
AAmen Ministries/Church of Christ Sabbath Day is located at 5400 11th Avenue in Los Angeles. The worship service is held on Saturdays at 10 a.m.