With COVID-19, there is a lot of talk about the new normal. Will life return to normal as we knew it? Or has the fundamentals changed to the extent that we will never return to the life we knew in 2019? For some, the future presents opportunities and yet for most – it presents much anxiety. As Christians we are anchored to the fact that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). As we approach Easter, let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Heb 10:24). Therefore we can wholeheartedly proclaim:
We are not people of fear.
We are people of courage.
We are not people who protect our own safety:
We are people who protect our neighbours’ safety.
We are not people of greed:
We are people of generosity.
We are your people God,
giving and loving,
wherever we are,
whatever it costs
For as long as it takes
wherever you call us.
Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference
We give thanks for his blessings during the week :
- Christian joy which is rooted in the love of God, and the love of God lasts forever. The righteousness of God has overcome the sin of the world. Life has defeated death. There will come a day when hatred and strife will cease, when the tombs will open, and when all that remains will be life and love and joy.
- This virus, and all the circumstances surrounding it, is turning people’s hearts and minds back to God in repentance and faith. The enforced restriction in movement has led several to deepen their relationship with God in prayer, reading the Bible and connecting with fellow brothers and sisters.
- God had enabled many FBC worshipers to connect with each other to study His word, encourage and pray for one another. 15 life Groups and 9 Gamma groups met in the week via video conferencing.
Let us continue to pray for:
- Families adjusting to everyone being home with MCO. May the Holy Spirit give spouses grace for each other. Prompt worn-out parents to speak words of kindness and encouragement to their children. Help children find creative ways to experience the beauty of all He have created and continue learning.
- Wisdom, creativity and compassion to the participants in FBC Talk to Us initiative. Allow the helpers to bring the callers comfort and peace, reminding them that He is there for them. In situations where possible, the church will extend the helping hand their times of need.
- God’s protection on the worship, preaching and creative teams as they prepare the online services.
- People sick with virus receive divine healing and the peace of the Lord, submitting their lives to His sovereign hand.
- Healthcare and frontline personnel – God’s sustaining hand and protection as they work under difficult and stressful conditions
- Leaders in Malaysia and worldwide to wisely manage the containment of the virus, and economy so as to minimise negative repercussions. Pray for all to have compassion and willingness to share their resources to combat this worldwide crisis.