Dear BIC U.S. pastors and congregations,
A lot has happened since our previous statement. The global COVID-19 pandemic has continued to impact all of our lives. Government leaders and medical professionals continue to offer recommendations and, at times, mandatory stay-at-home orders.
Leadership Council (LC) of BIC U.S. has been extremely busy in seeking to lead, guide, and resource our congregations, pastors, and missionaries. As the situation has developed across the country and around the world, LC has been in frequent email communication (often multiple times per day) and has weekly video-conference meetings. Regional conference bishops have been in regular communication with their pastors and congregations and BIC U.S. World Missions has been in regular contact with missionaries deployed around the world.
I am deeply grateful for the ways in which our congregations and missionaries have responded to the challenges and difficulties that we face. We recognize that we are the Church, citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and that we are commanded to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. In addition to these commandments, our commission is to make disciples of all people. In short, we are called to be and to do — to be God’s people and to do the work he has called us to do.
It now seems clear that this global pandemic is going to impact our lives much more severely and for much longer than we originally thought. In light of this developing reality we want to call the Church to prayer.
- Pray that we will be who God wants and needs us to be in these days. Pray that the Holy Spirit will be at work in and through us.
- Pray for those who are sick and for those who mourn.
- Pray for the safety and health of those who are on the front lines caring for the sick—we are deeply indebted to all of them for their tireless and sacrificial work.
- Pray for government and medical leaders who are working to guide us and are often required to make difficult decisions.
- Pray for those who have lost their jobs and are facing financial and employment stress.
- Pray that our pastors, congregations, congregants, and missionaries will be salt and light in their communities.
- And as you pray for all of these things in the U.S., remember to pray the same for our brothers and sisters around the world, some of whom are facing these difficulties without the resources many of us often take for granted.
One final word at this time, we are working to develop a new section of our website that can be specifically dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will provide a place where we can post statements, news, and updates, as well as links to suggested resources. We will also be using social media to share resources and keep our community informed. Be sure to follow our Facebook page to stay up to date.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Prayerfully,
Alan Robinson
National Director