About two years ago we just started learning about the COVID19 virus reaching the United States. There were fears and there was skepticism. I was hopeful. I kept saying that in a two of three months we would forget about this sickness. Today we are still in the wilderness of the Pandemic. Each time we have to cancel a church program I feel frustrated and tired of this painful reality. In the last few days I received more email messages with the word “canceled” in the subject line than ever. My phone keeps ringing with messages from our church members requesting prayers for themselves or their family members struggling with COVID. My heart goes out to those whose lives got disrupted because of this illness. I still feel hopeful. This is our journey to the Promised land through the wilderness of this broken world. The Israelites had to endure hunger, thirst, enemy attacks, snake bites, etc. They had to show faith, obedience, and endurance. Their story is recorded in the Bible for our benefit. Apostle Paul tells us that “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come” (1 Cor. 10:11). Christ never promised us that our journey to the Heavenly Canaan would be easy or pain free. Keep walking. Grow in faith. God had led His people through the wilderness of the past, I have no doubts that He will lead us to the Promised Land where there will be everything new. “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”” Revelation 21:5.
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Once again the Agape Feast has been postponed. The new date is set for March 25. Not all of our church members receive or read my blog posts. Please share this message with your circle of friends and family in our church. I do not want anyone to come tonight to our closed church doors.
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Tomorrow morning we will celebrate Matt Lund’s baptism. The baptism will take place during the first service. Congratulations to Matt as he is starting his new life in Christ. We will be praying for you, Matt!
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This week we resumed our regular Wednesday night prayer meetings at church. I hope the participation will continue to grow. If you feel safe and healthy I invite you to come next Wednesday at 7 PM.
Our church website has some helpful links and is being regularly updated. Don’t forget to check it regularly. Here is the address: www.ooltewahchurch.org . You can use the website for giving your tithe and offerings; for downloading our weekly church bulletin, for watching Sabbath worship live stream and past recordings.
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Stay well and healthy. Pray for those who are struggling with COVID or other illnesses. Support those who have lost their friends or family members. Jesus is our hope.
See you this Sabbath.
pastor Peter
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 