making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ep 5:16 ESV
What a crazy ride this past week has been and it doesn't look like things will be going back to normal any time soon. One Scripture you hear quoted much lately is "for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (1 Ti 1:7 NKJV) and while we know this is absolutely true and we cannot, and must not, live in fear, God has also called us to wisdom and service.
Society is shrinking back in overwhelming fear right now. People are frantic and scared, hoarding goods and believing all kinds of false reports. But, as the Bride of Christ we must not shrink back but increase!
INCREASE PRAYING. Pray for your church and church leaders, community & national leaders, your neighbors and for all the healthcare workers who are on the front lines.
INCREASE GIVING. Not just to support your pastor and all the ministries and missionaries who depend on your church for their livelihood but also, people will turn to the local church for help in times of crisis. The local church needs to be prepared and ready to lend assistance to those coming to her for aid.
INCREASE SERVING. Do you have an abundance of Lysol and Clorox wipes? Clean your home and pass them along to a neighbor who may not have had the opportunity to purchase those items. Check on the elderly in your neighborhood, find a way to safely be there for them as they need. Be the hands and feet of Jesus in your neighborhood!
INCREASE GOSPELING. Yes, this is the time to share about the hope you have in Jesus with those who are fearful and without hope. Be bold, people really are looking for hope in these uncertain times. You don't need to be face to face to share the Gospel. We are wonderfully connected via technology, use these avenues to proclaim the Good News! Let's put Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to GOOD use! Here's a link to one of our training videos on how to share the Gospel.https://youtu.be/bRnZCni2a-I
INCREASE REJOICING. God is where He has always been and will always be: IN CONTROL. We serve the God of Angel Armies! Let us rejoice and praise in Him even amidst the difficulties.
e3 Partners Update:
Last week, our Board of Directors and Executive Staff prayerfully made the call to have all trips that were scheduled to depart between now and June 30 cancelled. Regarding our trip departing July 1, we are leaving that up to our church partners as to whether we move forward as planned or reschedule. Please pray for them to have wisdom in this matter.
As always, we want to thank you for your prayers and partnership with us. We love you all and praise God for each and everyone of you. We are all in this together and God will see us thru. May God Bless!
