Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
-Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)
WE who survived the outbreak of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in Hong Kong in early 2003, can hardly forget the distress and sense of helplessness that engulfed us. Within three months, over 1,700 cases of infection emerged; nearly 300 people died. Face masks were worn everywhere; schools and hospitals were closed; those infected were quarantined; travel to Hong Kong was restricted.
However, many moving witnesses for Christ also emerged during the crisis. A young medical doctor and devoted Christian contracted the deadly disease after volunteering to treat SARS patients. A nurse who offered to replace a pregnant colleague in the SARS ward contracted the disease too. Their acts demonstrated the selflessness of the Christian spirit; their stories captured news headlines. Christians of different denominations worked together providing not only physical care but also becoming emotional anchors. Film footage with Bible verses was shown on television, and prayer meetings were held in public parks. The Christian impact was extensive and far-reaching.
