"It had a mixed feeling when I heard churches would be reopened after being closed for weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That was good news," said Felicia Boatemaa, the Women and children's Ministry Director of the Mountain View Ghana Conference (MVGC).

MVGC is one of the territories of Seventh-day Adventist church which covers Old Tafo to Ejura in the Ashanti region.

But Boatemaa couldn't make ‘reservations’ for her family to have a spot on Saturday because it was strictly by selection in order to avoid any possible throng.

The church has a population of 31,000 and all of them were already aware before Saturday that, “Not everyone was expected in the church" except selected few. In fact, less than 100 senior members and conference pastors of the church.

The church found ways to follow and enforce government's regulations.

For social distancing, at most two people were seated on each pew in the church which is approximately 65 inches long.

All had their face masks on while ushers who took records among others were on both masks and gloves.

Two Veronica buckets, sanitizers, and temperature gun to monitor temperature levels of member were available.  

Every attendee was too cautious knowing very well that Christianity is about life, not contest to die risky death.

The church was more solemn than ever with no drumming or wind instruments. Congregants sang songs of praises to God.

There were songs of devotion calling on God not to let his children down in such trying times. There was a prayer session for nurses, doctors, and  Covid-19 patients.

Without the usually packed-to-capacity, and songs of praise, the scene did not convey the sight of the usual church service.

Perhaps, everyone who qualified for the selection and shown up was getting ready for a less-than-normal return.

The church had had a shortened 60-minute service and no post-church social gathering.

MVGC president, Isaac Kwasi Konadu, said they need to prepare for new normal because it will be dangerous to relax the rules.

"If something should happen in this church, we will be in trouble," he said.

Tafo/Pankrono Divisional Police Commander, ACP Annor Arhin was also in the church to monitor preceding and health protocols.

"I am impressed with protocol here," he told Joy News.

The SDA churches across the country will, however, meet again to look at modalities of selection while waiting for government's directive. 

President of MVGC urged members to strictly comply with health protocols.

Conference Executive Secretary, Pastor Rockson Kwadwo Amoah said church leaders are reevaluating common practices in churches to prevent the spread of disease.

By modifying usual practices of collecting donations members have been encouraged members to continue to donate via Mobile Money transfer.