To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
My morning routine is not quite as fun as it has been in the past few years. Typically I wake up, make coffee for Lori and I, and then we watch the news as we wake up. Lately the news has been filled with something called the Coronavirus. Early on there were mixed reviews, and I could get away from it if we changed the channel, but lately every channel is talking about the same thing. Early on my thoughts were with those who tended less to panic, and more to prayer, but lately the shift towards panic, stopping at concerned awareness is invading my thoughts.
It could impact trips I am planning, to help our church engage with the greater evangelical world, and to minister in a province that has very little evangelical impact, but even more I am wondering how it will change church life for us at least in the short term. We had a great Sunday, but our numbers were impacted (about 100 down) by people concerned. There are many in our church that would be considered vulnerable, and someone even put up a sign (we have someone who likes to put up signs) outside of our church saying people should avoid large gatherings. Yikes...so how do we respond?
Pray and Trust: Of course...this is always where Christians should go. So pray for your safety, for people impacted by the outbreak, and for people panicking in light of it. Pray that our church would have wisdom and continue to flourish in this new world, and that we would see blessing and impact and growth through it and in spite of it. The flu's impact this year (and every year) on people's health is FAR WORSE, so in this keep the current concerns in context.
Offer Tender Care: One of the great things that has set Christians apart from our very beginnings is that when outbreaks occur, christians serve selflessly. This means that if we are not in the risk groups, we wash our hands and take precautions so we don't spread any virus, this means we pray for people and offer love, even when their view of things is different than ours. This means that we minister where others run. This means we are God centred and selfless.
Pay Close Attention: So far churches and hockey games in BC are still going on. There is not sufficient risk at this time to stop gathering, so we will continue to gather and worship. Many of us (I include myself in this) are not that concerned yet about the virus hitting CBC (I am still more concerned about the flu for our people), however, we must love those who are, and respect those who are, so until otherwise noted, we will try hard (not easy as it is our pattern) to not shake hands on Sunday's, and to make sure all of us wash consistently. If you feel like you have the flu, we would love for you to join us on our web feed, but for now to respect those who are concerned if you have flu like symptoms join us online.
We believe that currently our gathering is not a concern...our office is open and staffed, but to keep it that way we want to respect any that might be concerned and take precautions of washing hands etc. so that we can remain impactful and in community for God's glory. Yikes, it is not only on the news, but not dominating my weekly update...quickly...MOVE ON!
Baptism: We have a baptismal service on Sunday. Please call one of our pastors if you know that God has called you to get baptized but have put it off and we will rejoice as we interview you, and then, God willing, witness with joy your baptism. I love baptismal services!
Had a fellow servant at CBC share with me last week that they had three opportunities to share the Gospel last week. One of the people he shared with came to men's breakfast and none of the others are yet in God's family, but what a joy to hear of our people taking this privilege and responsibility and engaging on mission for God. WELL DONE, and may your KIND INCREASE. This week pray for one opportunity, and when it comes, walking in the Spirit, graciously take it and POINT TO JESUS. If each of us takes this seriously, we will see conversion growth every week as God uses us to add to His family.
I LOVE ROMANS 8. For what it has done in my own life to grow my faith, but also in all of the stories you have shared with me of the impact it is having in yours. I know that today we finish the devotional (if you have been keeping time), and because of this I know that many in our church who have followed this pattern of Romans 8 every day will never be the same. If you skipped a few days, keep it up. If you think you can gain more, keep doing it. If you have rejoiced in this focus and are ready to move on, find another passage of Scripture to enrich your life, and share what you learn every day with at least one other person! Being Word saturated and through that Spirit led is not easy, but it is WORTH IT!
Sunday Is Coming
Title: Health & Wealth Forever
Text: Romans 8:17-30
Our world is filled with pain and confusion. Have you ever wished that God would just come and heal the Corona virus, or you're sickness or brokenness? That He would empty hospitals and heal those who are mentally ill and depressed. That He would clean up all the mess that seems to invade our lives...
- Why doesn't He?
- Why do good people suffer, or perhaps as important, why do God's people suffer?
- How can we have hope when we suffer?
- Where can we turn to in God's Word, in the midst of suffering to find HOPE and HEALING, even in the brokenness? That one I will answer...Romans 8.
If we are radically God Centred, we will consider it pure joy when we face trials, for we will do that in His strength for His glory.
Looking forward to gathering with you this coming Sunday,
A Fellow Worshipper,
Pastor Rob
P.S.
Thank you to all who have been praying for Ryan, he is doing well, but we still do not have answers for what caused the infections so appreciate continued prayers as we go to specialists and get test results
Thank you to all who are praying for me, I began my pre-skin cancer treatment last week, and it tends to make my face different, and my heart grumpy. I appreciate your prayers as I journey through this.
I am so glad I am a part of God's family at Cloverdale Baptist Church! What A Blessing!