Dear Journey Family,
It’s going to be okay. One of the many ministry privileges we have is to care for the people of Journey. In recent weeks there has been much conversation in the media and concern about COVID-19 (coronavirus).
For many, the spread of this virus has caused fear and anxiety. Scripture is clear that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. So take a deep breath, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He knew this was coming, He has a plan, and He has YOU and your family in the palm of His MIGHTY HAND!
To that end, we have been praying for our church, community, state, nation and the world for wisdom, healing and quick resolution to the spread and impact of COVID-19. Spiritually, our prayer is that we would sense PEACE in the midst of these circumstances. And that God would use this to help bring the love of Jesus to those around us, transforming our homes, our city, the marketplace and the world. We invite you to join us in that prayer.
Here are some ways that we can join together as the Journey Family in praying as a response to COVID-19:
• Matt. 6:25-34 – Ask for greater trust in God’s provision of healing, and for provision for those who are affected economically as a result of what’s happening
• 1 John 4:18 – Ask for an encounter of God’s love that casts out fear
• Psalm 91 – Ask God for protection over us, as well as the medical personnel and family members who are caring for those who are recovering from sickness
As we pray, we are also called to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” This means we should not be careless or reactionary; rather, this presents an opportunity for us to work together to serve our church and community in a way that demonstrates trust in our God who is in control.
Know that your health and well-being are top of mind. And we want to do the right thing to encourage you spiritually, while not endangering you physically.
You will hear more about each of these and other potential changes during weekend worship and through REALM in the weeks to come. ALSO, Pastor Josh and his technical team are working on a way to set up a simple LIVE VIDEO STREAM of our weekend service. If you believe it is better to stay home, or if you are feeling ill, or concerned you have been exposed, we will have that for you as an option. It will be posted on REALM as well.
This global situation is changing daily, so please know we will continue to provide updates as information becomes available from the Center for Disease Control and state agencies.
I want to leave you with this. We are in this together! You are not alone! They Bible says “a brother was born for adversity.” Journey Family, now is not the time to cower in fear, but to stand in faith! Let’s be wise and do our best with the simple things to mitigate the threat of this virus, but let’s be ready to be used by our MIGHTY God to bring the peace and love and HOPE of Jesus to those around us!
Stay close to him, check in on one another, be there for your church family, co-workers, neighbors and friends, and demonstrate the love of Jesus, by being the courageous light and salt that you are made to be!
It’s going to be okay.
On behalf of the Journey Staff and Elder Team and trusting in the grace of God,
Pastor Jason