“We are overcomers in Christ, and this virus will not defeat us,” said Senior Pastor Wilson Teo of Grace Assembly of God, even as the church announced tonight (February 13) that Pastor Teo had tested positive for COVID-19.

“Please rest assured that I am recovering well! I am looking forward to my full recovery, when I will share with all of you on Grace Assembly’s journey in overcoming this virus.”

Ps Teo said he had been warded in the National Centre for Infectious Diseases since February 11.

Contact tracing by the Ministry of Health (MOH) is ongoing, and individuals who have been in close contact with the five confirmed cases at the church have been notified. Church staff members will be issued with a Home Quarantine Order (HQO).

As a precautionary measure, the church premises at both Grace@Tanglin and Grace@BukitBatok will be closed from February 14 to 25, and all services and activities halted for two weeks. The church will reopen on February 26, pending further updates.

“It is always darkest before the dawn — and it is in times like these that rally us as a church and look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith,” said Ps Teo.

“I am grateful to those of you who have written to the church to encourage us and to lend us your support. I am moved by the courage of Gracians who have offered themselves to send meals and buy groceries for those who are served with HQO. I am blessed by many who have created prayer groups to pray for the church and our staff.

“Our 70th Anniversary theme is ‘Anchored in Faithfulness’. This is now a kairos moment where we allow this theme to come alive among us!” said Ps Teo.

“We have experienced God’s faithfulness in Grace Assembly for the last 70 years. This virus will come and pass, but Grace Assembly must emerge stronger and more united than ever, under God’s presence and provision!”

He urged all members who had not been contacted by MOH to keep up with good personal hygiene, see a doctor if they are unwell, but otherwise “live your life as normally as you can, even if you had attended church services or activities in the last two weeks”.

Ps Teo closed the letter with Psalm 121:1-8 (NIV) , which he said had been an encouragement to him.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains. My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. ‘ The LORD will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.“