Faith in Times of Covid-19

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Our local gym is closed because of the coronavirus, and my wife and I started to take walks around the neighborhood. In our afternoon walks, we’ve noticed that there are parents with strollers, families biking, adult and elderly couples exercising and others walking their dogs. It’s been very interesting, to observe their reactions when they see other people from afar, they immediately change direction, turn back, switch sidewalks, and the boldest divert ten feet from the other person; It’s like they’ve seen “the” imminent threat and they just want to get away as far as possible.

On Sunday morning, my wife and I went to the supermarket early and waited one hour in line to get in as part of a second group of 10 persons allowed to go in. I saw that everyone was wearing gloves, masks, and even raincoats for extra protection, as they were keeping their distance. All of this just makes me think of how different life would be for Christians, if we took the same measures as we do not to catch coronavirus, and applied them to sin. When you think of it, if we get sick with Coronavirus, and God forbid we do, we may be able to pull through, but if we don’t, then the next thing we will witness is the second coming of our Lord. However, if we “catch” sin and don’t survive it, that’s it. It’s literally the end of the road. Therefore, for us Christians, sin should be much scarier than COVID-19 pandemic.

When I was small, we always drove from Panamá to Honduras through a tropical mountain known as “El Cerro de la Muerte” (or The Hill of Death). It was called that because it was always foggy, rainy, slippery, and very dangerous. Many people died on that road. In all our travels, in the midst of thick fog and the many difficult situations encountered, God was always with us. 

We are living in times of uncertainty and there are many things being said about COVID-19. First, it was just the elderly that got it, now everyone is in danger. Some say it’s a political move, an economic agenda, a new world order conspiracy, the end of the world, the end of times, and others say it’s the beginning of the end. Whatever people say, the facts are undeniable and very real. People are getting sick and are dying, the economy is hit hard, countries are in lockdown, churches are closed, travel is banned and it’s no more business as usual. Life has changed to what is being called the “new normal.” We are now walking in the unknown fog of the coronavirus.

As Christians we know time is ticking and things like this will happen. Even though the situation is serious, we must have faith, faith in God, because faith creates paths where there were none before. Faith brings answers from the Lord at the right time. We must not worry about how we will continue preaching the gospel, nor how the church will move forward, because faith will make us see things from God’s perspective. This will empower us to adapt to the times, using the tools He has given us. Faith will change our language in the face of these difficult situations.

As we move forward day by day, let’s not forget that the hand of the Lord has not been shortened. It is extended in our favor to protect us, bless us and help us. In the same way His mighty hand helped us in the past, it will move today, tomorrow and day after tomorrow with miraculous power, and we His children shall overcome.

I don’t know what the current COVID-19 future holds, I don’t know when it’s going to end or what life will be like after all this passes, but I do know that God knows all your needs, knows where you are, what you do, what you fear, what makes you nervous and anxious, and He promised that He will take your hand and walk you through it. This is an eternal promise for all of us, I know this because it is written in my favorite Bible verse. “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you”. Isaiah 41:13. (NIV).

No matter what happens in this world, He will come again, and we need to prepare His people for that moment. So, wherever you are, hold on to faith, hold on to Jesus because our destiny is to live eternally by His side.

--Roberto Brown, Jr., is an assistant treasurer for the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (This excerpt was taken from an article published by the Inter-American Division on April 2, 2020.)


CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2020
September
26 Sabbath School Guest Day
      Launch of Ingathering

October
4 ‘Let’s Move to Live’ Virtual Fun Run Walk at 6:00a.m
9 – 1 SOAR/Solution to Obstacles
Adventist Retreat
16 – 18 The Gathering: “Pandemic births Prayer and Praise”
17 – 31 Let’s Talk About Him (LTAH) Virtual Campaign – “The Cure, Are You Ready?”
25 - 31 CHAM Week of Prayer
31 Climax to CHAM Week of Prayer Joint (Via Zoom)
30 Celebrating 25 Years of Women’s Ministries


CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Celebrating 25th Anniversary

Talent Competition - Are Your Kids Signed Up?
In conjunction with the General Conference’s Children’s Ministries Department we are celebrating 25 years of ministry to children and adolescents! To commemorate this event, we are calling all children and teens to join us in showcasing their talents and gifts in a competition called Kids Talents for Jesus. The theme is, ‘Jesus is My Best Friend’. We would love to see the talent of your children, please send in their best piece of art, or poetry, or media production emphasizing this theme. The deadline for submissions is October 16, 2020 (submit to your CHAM leaders). For more information please contact your local leader. Details, including rules and criteria for the competition can also be found on the Conference Website via the CHAM page. Please note: CHAM leaders are asked to email the entrants’ submission forms to cham@sbcadventist.org.bs by October 4, 2020 in advance of the submission deadline.

–Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Children & Adolescent Ministries Director


HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Upcoming Events
October 4 - ‘Let’s Move to Live’ Virtual Fun Run Walk at 6:00a.m – 7:00p.m.  Come join in the fun and get moving!  Walk in your yard, house or your neighborhood (if permitted).  Once you complete your walk/run take a screenshot and upload it to Health Ministries Facebook Page. Churches are encouraged to wear their church colours when walking.  For more information, please contact your local Health Leader. Official opening via zoom. Meeting ID: TBA 

--Mrs. Nathelyn Lacroix, Health Ministries Director

Health Tip - Being Positive
We all have various emotions sometimes cheerful, annoyed, angry or even sad. This is normal but we need to control our emotions.

1. Think positive thoughts - There are times when we don’t think good thoughts. But we must force ourselves to think differently and always ask God to help us.

2. Laugh – We all need to laugh more. Have a good long meaningful laugh, one where you have to hold your sides. Laugh loudly and freely for as long as it takes and release the stress of the day.

3. Be grateful - Make a list of all of your blessings. Just being alive, the ability to see, hear, have a family, friends, a job, Church are all blessings. Make a list and see how good God has been to you!

Try to be positive and neglect negative thinking!

‘A merry heart does good like a medicine.’ -Proverbs 17:22

--Mrs. Serkeitha Meadows


MINISTERIAL DEPARTMENT
S.O.A.R / Solution to Obstacles - Adventist Retreat 2020
If you want to improve the way you do online or media ministry, the SOAR International Conference is for you. This year’s theme is Virtual Ministry - A Strategic Approach.

This gathering is for Pastors, Church Leaders, Church officers and Members who are eager to get involved and to play a role in moving ministry in your church to the next level…

SOAR 2020 begins Friday October 9, at 7:00 p.m., continues on Saturday afternoon from 3:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m., and climaxes on Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Registration begins on Monday September 28, 2020.

Registration can be done on the Conferences website, southbahamasconference.org, click on SOAR, or call 1-242-341-4021 and register by phone. Registration is free!


WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
This week’s “Sisters for Sisters” words of empowerment and inspiration, coming from women across our Conference – the submission today is by Sis. Kaywana Forbes-Rahming from the Philadelphia Church.

From Pain to Praise. How did I overcome?
1. By God's grace.
2. Having daily devotions.
3. Finding a hobby.
4. Doing good for others.
5. Maintaining an attitude of praise and thanksgiving.

So, let's Praise our way through our Pain. Amen.

Upcoming Events
The Gathering: “Pandemic births Prayer and Praise” October16-18th, 2020. Stay tuned for more details on this Women’s Ministries event.

ATCU Vesper Service
Celebrating 25 Years of Women’s Ministries. Friday, October 30th, 2020. Details to follow.

Pause and Pray Wednesday
Don’t forget our weekly Pause and Pray appointment on Wednesdays at noon.

Donation Request: Used, But In Good Condition Devotionals
Kindly donate to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year.

--Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director


WORD SBC 88.3FM
New Show Coming Soon!
A new show will debut on 88.3FM on October 5, 2020 at 6:00p.m called ‘Life & Finances – With Sacrifice & Service’ with host Mr. Anthony Burrows (Grant’s Town Church). “Proverbs 13:11 states that dishonest money dwindles away but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed our lack of financial knowledge and the need for each Adventist to have a daily personal relationship with Jesus to seek his guidance in the handling of their personal finances. The radio program Life and Finances through the Holy Spirit can serve as a flickering light to assist in accomplishing those financial goals” (Quote from Mr. Anthony Burrows). This new show will air Mondays & Wednesdays at 6:00p.m. on WORD SBC 88.3FM.


Power of Truth Television Broadcast
On Sunday, September 27, 2020, the first episode of the Power of Truth broadcast will air on the Adventist Television Cable Channel 658 (Hope Channel) at 5:30p.m.- 6:00p.m. This half-hour weekly program will be dedicated to reaching atheists, agnostics, and persons categorized as having a secular mind. This will be done through the production and distribution of television and radio programs designed to awake interest in the study of the Bible, and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Power of Truth program will be repeated on Tuesday evenings at 8:00p.m.

If you have family members, friends, co-workers who do not believe in God; or if you know persons who no longer have an interest in attending church, studying the Bible or having a relationship with Jesus, this is the program for them. The Speaker/ Host for the program is Pastor T. Basil Sturrup.


NORTHERN CARIBBEAN UNIVERSITY
Event: Homecoming 2020
Theme: Refocus…Reset…Renew
Date: November 2-8, 2020
Registration: Link to Come

Activities: The 50th Anniversary Celebration of NCU Nursing Programme
1. Interacting and sharing
2. Worship and inspiration
3. Reflection and celebration
4. Webinars
5. Recognition and awards

Fundraising Virtual Banquet – Department of Nursing
Date: November 5, 2020
Theme: Celebrating 50 Years of Quality Education: 1970-2020
Time: 6:00-10:00 p.m. EST

-Shannette Smith, Communication and Publications Officer, CCMPR Office
Northern Caribbean University
Telephone/Whatsapp: 876-890-1208
ssmith@ncu.edu.jm or ccmpr@ncu.edu.jm


Please Email Weekly Announcements
To: sbclogos@gmail.com
Or logos@sbcadventist.org.bs
By Tuesday at 3:00p.m.

 CALL 341-4021
SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
October 3, 2020 - 6:53p.m.

Happy Sabbath!