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We may never be wrong when we are quick to praise the efforts of
doctors, nurses and other health professionals in the world's fight
against this deadly virus, Corona. Yes indeed, they are poised as the
front lines of the fight.
However, let us do this reasoning together. As of now, the best
implemented strategy of nations of the world in the fight against this
deadly disease has not been cure (medicine) but prevention (social
distancing).
This is the very reason why almost every nation in the world is
practicing one or more of ideal forms of social distancing ie
confinement, lock down, state of emergency etc according to their own
needs to win the fight.
Think about this! In this our current state of confinement and lock
down, what keeps and sustains human lives more than the food from the
farmer's fields?
The World Health Organization (WHO) awareness campaign against the
pandemic goes like this; ‘’the real front line in the fight against
Coronavirus is you and your door step; stay home, stay safe, stay
alive’’. This is a very good advert on television screens with words
which make absolute sense. We should however note that ‘’stay home,
stay safe, stay alive’’ would not be possible if there is no food.
This makes the man or nation with abundant of food in a time like this
the most powerful one. As written in the bible in Genesis, Joseph
interpreted a dream, Pharaoh and his nation Egypt obeyed and they were
wise enough to store enough food that could cater for their needs
should there be famine as was told. Truly, during the period of the
famine, all nations looked up to them. This made Egypt very powerful.
For fear of this viral infection, let all farmers say ''we have
secured enough food for our families in our barns and warehouses,
hence we are abandoning our lands to stay at home'', and we would know
if there would be a single soul left to be chased by this wicked virus
for doctors to quarantine and treat. We'd all starve to death!
Governors can pay for themselves fat salaries, the rich can cheat the
poor and employ dishonest means to get billions in his account, and
Governments can give huge sums of money to their citizens as COVID-19
relief package, but the wise would realize that these monies and
packages would be of no commercial importance if there is short or no
supply of food. Nobody can chew or make a meal out of raw coins and
banknotes.
The economy of a nation with inadequate supply of food is as useless
as wind and cloud that cannot cause rain to fall.
Truly, the wisdom of Governors is important against the fight; the
knowledge and brilliance of doctors and nurses cannot be neglected as
we fight; the efforts of our able security services are also a thing
to commend; responsible parents who sing lullaby for their babies at
home and also use different entertaining strategies to keep their
children indoors are also to be thanked for. All these players are
really contributing their part to the collective fight against this
virus.
People may be bored with doing the same thing may be repeated in their
homes day after day but when food is served on the table, hallelujah.
The hero in the real front line of the fight against this pandemic is
unsung. Social distancing (confinement and lock down) which is the
best form of prevention has been possible due to adequate availability
of food and its efficient supply.
Therefore, I expect the president of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah
Akufo-Addo, to salute all farmers in his next COVID-19 address to the
nation. Likewise I would wish the World Health Organization and Heads
of States in nations of the world to start a common campaign to praise
the efforts of all hardworking farmers who are tirelessly working in
their fields to provide enough food for humanity.
Above all, ''Human wisdom, brilliance, insight - they are of no help
if the LORD is against you.'' Proverbs 21:30. Hence we pray earnestly
for the Lord's mercy, and may He be with us all in these times so that
our collective efforts may count.
My special blessing goes to all peasant and commercial farmers in
nations of the world. You and your fields are one important pillar of
human survival. I pray, in the name of the almighty Lord Jesus, and
shield your territories from any evil invasion.
I love you all!
Pastor Samoa Mensa.
