The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted religion in various ways, including the cancellation of worship services of various faiths but there are also churches that feel it is wrong for them to close their doors at this time of crisis with people being fearful and in need of comfort.

The Liberty based Lighthouse Ministries Church, pastored by the Rev. Dr. Rich and Rev. Kathie Ienuso has been holding three services a week.

Pastor Rich when asked if they were holding services in the church said, “yes we are,” and “I informed our congregation that if they do not want to attend it would be no problem.”

“Everyone has faith and no one is ridiculed for their faith,” the pastor noted. “We have disinfectant at the door, practice social distancing and attendees can wear gloves and face mask's if they want to,” the pastor added.

The church services are 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 10 a.m. for Wednesday Prayer and bible study on Wednesday at 6 p.m. On Sunday they are streaming on Zoom.us from 11:30-noon.

He strongly noted that, “we use social distancing and remember that Jesus is the Head of the Church and he is building the church and we are obeying God's Word to meet together (Hebrews 10:25).”

Pastor Rich said his church is “obeying the guidelines of the Government wherby Houses of Worship are permitted to be open as per Guidance Executive Order #202.6.”

When asked about Pastor Greg Locke of The River Church at Tampa Bay who was arrested following a large church gathering, Pastor Rich said, “Amen, that's why we are here as Lighthouse Ministries Church....to be a Lighthouse in Liberty, NY.”

The church, located at 23 Triangle Road, Liberty, is part of the Elim Fellowship and is also the home of Destiny Bible College.

With conducting his church services Pastor Rich strongly emphasised “the Bill of Rights is still the Law of the Land....Free of Religion...not freedom from Religion.”

“This is the church's great hour....revival and a great awakening is coming....God is testing His Church if it has faith and He is telling the world He still loves it (John 3:16),” the Bible-Based Christ Centered Pentecostal church pastor said.

Ed Townsend provides year around "Beyond The News"coverage in this column with over 60-years of photojournalism analysis and insight. The column can also be read on his Web blog at http://bght.blogspot.com