Swine Flu is spreading and fear is rising around the globe.  As the influenza virus is transmitted from pigs to humans causing 20 confirmed and 80 suspected deaths in Mexico, the media is tracking developments, governments are issuing reassurances and we are asking ourselves how do we respond in prayer?

BBC Online reports that a UN official stated that the flu can no longer be effectively contained and nations should now be turning their attention to mitigating it's effects.  Cases of swine flu have now been confirmed in the UK, Spain, Canada, the US and of course Mexico, and suspected cases are being investigated in Brazil, Israel, Australia and New Zealand.

Christine Sine, founder of the Mustard Seed Associates, blogged yesterday about how she is responding prayerfully and compassionately to the global threat…

“Many of us are watching anxiously what is happening in Mexico as the country battens down to hopefully ride out the Swine flu epidemic which many are saying could become a deadly worldwide pandemic.  Some seem to be treating it as a bit of a game as they follow the spread on google maps.  Others are taking simple precautions to reduce the spread.  Others of course are already panicking, stockpiling food and heading for the hills if they can.   The question that revolves in my mind is “How should Christians respond?”  How can we be God’s light shining into the midst of the darkness?

For many of us our response needs to start with our theology and our perspective of God in the midst of this.  Does God care for people who are already suffering and dying from this disease?  God does care.

… The Cross is probably the most powerful symbol of and power for healing in the world. Its redeeming and transforming power brings healing to body soul and spirit - and beyond that it brings healing to communities, and eventually will bring healing to our entire broken world.”

Read Christine’s excellent article in full that outlines how we can pray biblically for healing and crisis and add your voice to ours today as we interceed for the victims of the virus and it’s spread across the world.