Dear Regional Family,
First, thanks for your partnership in the work of your local church and Christ’s Kingdom! As we
move through this COVID-19 challenge together, I am reminded of the hope we have as members of God’s family. As Psalm 91:1-2 states,
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
May you see God’s provision and grace in new ways as you trust Him in the midst of uncertainty.
Second, allow me to remind you of how important your focused support is for your local church as we navigate the present virus situation. Please consider dedicating yourself freshly to prayer for your pastor, your church leaders, and for your fellow brothers and sisters in your church family in the days to come. Ask God to provide guidance, comfort, vision, and encouragement. Seek out opportunities to connect with others in your congregation, especially those in the more “at risk” groups who are even more restricted in their ability to leave home due to their heightened exposure risk. Be sure they are getting the supplies and support they need.
In addition, please make a focused effort to continue to give financially to your local church as God enables. You can help by mailing your offering to your church, asking your bank to create an “ACH” automated payment, or accessing digital online giving if your church offers such an opportunity. Knowing that many persons will face their own financial “pinch” as this crisis unfolds, perhaps some of you who have been blessed with resources might sense God’s leading to give more to help offset any shortfall.
My encouragement to all of us in our regional family is to ask God how He is challenging each of us to “step up” in support and service as we represent His love and peace to others. May each of you sense His comfort and guidance, and may we all recognize the new opportunities He is providing for us to share the Good News of Jesus and communicate the hope that is ours as God’s children.
In Jesus,
Dr. Jeff Kephart