A Word of Encouragement

A Word of Encouragement

Randy Gilchrist, Executive Director

I have been mulling around in my mind what to say as we are immersed in the Corona Virus or Covid 19. It seems like everywhere you look its there. So, what can we as Christians and the Church do? Allow me to share a few thoughts.

First, we don’t want to panic, but rather trust in the Lord. Remember, as Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, his final words were, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” You and I have surrendered our lives, mind, body, soul and strength to the control of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us trust Him.

Second, we need to pray both individually and corporately. Prayer is the great reliever of anxiety and fear. Ask God to fill you and the church with His mind and heart. Trust Him to guide you through this Pandemic. Pray for those who are having to make difficult decisions. Pray for those who are first responders and caregivers. Pray for those who are contracting the virus and their family members who are also quarantined. Prayer can become one of our greatest weapons.

Third, Stay informed by getting the best and most current information available. Remember the best sources for your information are the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, State and Local Health Departments. Go directly to the most reliable source of information and read it for yourself.

Fourth, Cooperate with Authorities. Try, to the best of your abilities and the ability of the church, doing what is being asked. Their goal, at this time, is keeping everyone safe and building a buffer between people and virus.

Fifth, Plan for Ongoing Ministries. By that I mean, keep in communication with one another as individuals and as the Church with its members. Serve one another by assisting those who are High risk by going on their behalf to pick up groceries, prescriptions and their personal needs. With the call to limit the number gathered; the Church can provide Live Worship via internet, Facebook or other ways of communication. Why not pre-record CD, DVD or other types of recording. This may be a time to meet the neighbors and fellowship with them.

Sixth, As we are restricted to worshipping at home, remember that one aspect of our worship is to present back to God our offerings and gifts of gratitude for His provision. Be sure to continue to give your tithe and offerings to your church either online, by mail or some other way you choose. Through this time, the financial needs continue.

Finally, Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. Be a Positive witness of Jesus.

In 2008, Andréa Crouch released his song, “Through it All”. The first stanza says, “I’ve had many tears and sorrows, I’ve had questions for tomorrow, there’s been times I didn’t know right from wrong. But in every situation, God gave me blessed consolation, that my  trials come to only make me strong. Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God.”