Sabbath Announcements - March 21, 2020

Dear Brethren,

Jolinda and I send you Sabbath greetings and pray that you and your family are well.  We certainly live in challenging times.  As the situation related to COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to evolve every country around the world is facing a crisis of epic proportions. I've been in contact with Frank Reckerman in Sri Lanka and our brethren in India.  In Sri Lanka their country is near total lockdown (except for essential stores and offices.)  India is moving in that direction as well. At this time, India is closing airports for all international flights entering the country. We have never seen anything like this before and life as we knew it just a month ago, is not the same.  

As you know, President Trump and many state governors have discouraged meeting with groups of more than 10 people in order to avoid the spread of the virus.  These restrictions will hopefully save lives and protect our elderly population who will suffer most from the exposure to this virus.  We as church members will comply with these directives and a previously communicated, we are making provisions to keep the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread at home this year.  

As Mr. Mark Welch said:  "Personally, I believe it is a willing sacrifice and an act of love to comply with these well-intentioned directives. Undoubtedly, these measures are causing a great deal of angst on the part of many who have been affected financially, laid-off, or, perhaps, even terminated from employment. It takes real faith to be obedient to the governing authorities at times like this, trusting that God will see us through any trial or hardship as we strive to practice real Christian love for one another.  It is a sacrifice to distance ourselves from one another, because most people thrive on human contact, on touch, and on personal, close communication.  The Bible is clear that there are times when it is prudent and best for human beings to quarantine themselves, lest they spread disease. Now is such a time according to those who are most aware of how disease spreads". 

There is a pre-recorded "Passover Service Video" available on the UCG member's website which may be played or downloaded. The page is located at:  https://www.ucg.org/members/news/keeping-passover-at-home  

I'm also working with Ken & Ryan Cafourek with the possibility of using "periscope" for the Passover service and sermons on the Days of Unleavened Bread.  More information will follow in a separate email.  We will be sending you information about how you can connect via your smart phone or tablet.  We are hopeful many of us can be connected for the Passover service and a sermon message on the two upcoming Holy Days.  

I'll try to stay in touch with you via email as well as through  our "calling tree".   Other brethren will be calling at least once a week to make sure you are well as to see if you have any needs we can assist you with.  We pray God will guide us and give us the strength to carry on.  I'm confident our God is on His throne and we can turn to Him for direction. guidance and divine intervention. 

Please pray for one another and all our brethren worldwide.  Take a moment to read an update below from Carmelo Anastasi in Italy.  

He writes:  "All the brethren in Italy are doing well so far, thank God. We are contacting Church members almost daily to encourage them and to be updated on their real status...  As far as we are concerned, we will do what is possible to avoid any contact, but what is fundamental is the protection from our God. His will be done... The methods adopted to combat this pandemic seem to mark the beginning of a new era, a sign of what will happen in the future. It has also awakened some from their spiritual lethargy so that they have turned to pray to God... Italians continue to rely on their human strength, singing nationalistic songs: "We alone will defeat the coronavirus!"  I am reminded of the Bible that says: "They did not repent of their ways" despite the plagues but, after the storm, they continued worse than before. And so they perpetuate the false idea that man can do everything. None of them say: "Let's repent and turn to the True God, the only one who truly saves." We, confined in our homes, continue to pray for everyone, awaiting that day when the eternal Kingdom of peace and justice will finally be inaugurated by our God."

Mr. Victor Kubik writes:  Things may not get as bad as people fear. But they may grow worse. One thing is certain: we will get through this together! In the days ahead, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). In these times of sore trial, let us strive to praise God, cooperate with one another and serve with genuine humility."

Please feel free contact me for any reason.  

In Christ's Service,

Dave