Do you ever have those moments when you don’t even have the words to express what you are feeling inwardly? As I watch the news and see what has taken place in our country over the past 10 days, I am heartbroken at so many levels that I’m not even sure where to begin. I am thankful that in Romans 8:26, the apostle Paul tells us that when we cannot even find the words “the Spirit himself intercedes for us.”
The brokenness that we are seeing currently in our culture is not new. In fact, it has existed since the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. Because at its root, the issue is sin. And in truth, there is only one solution to sin, and that is Jesus Christ.
Can I share something with you? As a young person, I seriously considered a life in politics. I think I have always had a desire to be a part of the solution, to make the world a better place. Even as I was considering a political career, I was also beginning to experience a call to ministry. So for a short time, I wrestled with whether I would serve in the political arena or in the church.
Join us Saturday June 6 for a time of prayer for our nation
After a time of prayerful consideration, I came to the conclusion that the answer to the brokenness of our world would be found in Christ alone. As important as law and policy is for a society, I am convinced that ultimately, change will only come when people’s hearts are changed. And that heart change comes from a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.
And so, I would implore us as a church to be in prayer for our nation. I invite you to pray with me that God would heal our land, that unity would be restored, that the hope of Christ would be shared and that hearts would be changed.
To that end, I would like to invite you to join us for an in-person time of prayer for the unity of our nation. All who wish to join will gather this Saturday morning at 10:30 am at our Plaistow campus. There will be space for people to park and stay in their car, or to sit out (socially distanced), as we take this time of prayer together. If you would like to sit outside, please bring a chair.
This will be a simple gathering whose only purpose will be to pray for the healing and unity of our nation. The gathering will be relatively brief, but incredibly important. The idea to hold this prayer gathering was first suggested by Pastor Paul and Lisa, so I have asked Paul to lead us in this prayer time. I invite you to join us if you are able.
God Bless,
Pastor Steve
PS: As this Covid crisis wears on, we are finding there is increasing need for food or financial assistance through our care ministry. If you would like to make a contribution to the care ministry, you can do so at this link.