"...I pray to God that both you(King Agrippa) and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains." Acts 26:29.While waiting for a trial in Caesar's court, Paul was confined to house arrest but bound to a soldier 24/7. He had freedom to receive guests. It was definitely a unique stage of his life and ministry. Paul may be in chains but the gospel runs free.
Precious gifts to the church for all ages were penned in imprisonment. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon were written while incarcerated. He addressed specific needs of the first century church. He appealed to Philemon to receive Onesimus back as if he'd receive Paul. His ministry was amazingly effective in lockdown!
So, how do we respond to this new challenge--the limitations caused by this pandemic? First I need to come to grips with the new normal.
1. When I've done all I can to protect myself(and others) physically, I rest in God's care?
2. Do I put my trust in my nest-egg or do I trust God?
3. When is enough of watching news and getting pulled down into feeling despair?
Many have asked, "Is ministry still going on?" Oh yes, in fact in some ways it has been enhanced. Our ministry has basically been with individuals and family units. We've tracked with many of them for years. Contact with our friends has been made eaiser since most of our Muslim friends are isolating at home. They have time on their hands. Many are also afraid, what does this mean and what is the future? It is a tender time.
We thank God for the gift of media right now. We've made numerous Zoom and WhatsApp calls to our friends. It has been neat to connect with people who have moved away. We've been warmly received! Some have confided in us their fears and worries. We are able to speak into their needs right now and pray for quite a few of them over Zoom or WhatsApp. It's a first for our Muslims to experience something like this. They are good sports and hold their hands up as if we are there in person.
We ask many of them if they have any needs. Some ask us the same thing since we are older than they are and they want to care for us too. A mom with 6 kids whose husband is stranded overseas and will be for some time asked if we knew of anyone who has a freezer for sale. It's not advisable to buy a freezer and pick it up from a stranger's home. So we felt the Lord was directing us to order a freezer on-line and have it delivered to their door. Our prayer partners have been generous in sending in extra funds for things like this. It was a long wait but they were soooo grateful once it arrived. Now the mom can stock up on some extra foods and make fewer trips to the grocery store. It spoke of our care for them.
