Pray for one another –
as we minister and grow through this time of the CORVID-19 Virus
– We are all LPD Churches of the Week
– and in this together!
– thanks to Anna Crumback (Ben) of Sointula Community Church for producing the Church of the Week.
This is what the Lord says:
“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
or the strong boast of their strength
or the rich boast of their riches,
but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23,24
It was just three weeks ago that we held our LPD Conference! It is hard to believe – so much has changed in this short time.
In the midst of all that is going on, I am so proud of the way that you and your church have stepped up and responded!
- You have “embraced” (even reluctantly) “new” technology, and have learned to “do church” in new ways! Good for you! Most of our churches have some kind of online service on Sunday. From Aggasiz to Sointula, services can be found online. This Sunday, Karen and I plan to host another “Family Zoom” gathering/devotional at 9AM, and then will “join” Tim, Emily and family at Parkdale EFC, at 10AM, where I will deliver my sermon to the congregation gathered in a Zoom Service. You are welcome to join us at 10AM: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/524202306
- You have also embraced “old” technology. Many churches are making a point to see that all attendees receive a telephone call from a leader/another person in the church each week. In this, you are functioning as the Body of Christ.
- You are volunteering to help – delivering groceries to “shut-ins,” volunteering in your communities and encouraging and assisting first responders and community programs.
- You are offering words of hope to a world that has become obsessed with the “bad news.” We, of all people, have security in our Lord – and we know where our true home is!
- You are finding an upside to “self-isolation.” More time for family meals and conversations. More time for Bible Study, for crafts and for contacting friends, family and those God brings to mind.
- You are teaching and encouraging our children! Much can be confusing for them at this time – they see the worry and concern.
What opportunities are you seeing God providing for you in this time of COVID-19? Let us know, and we will be glad to share it!
***
Gaining a Vision beyond the Virus
Each week, I like to share useful articles pertaining to ministry in the local church. Today, I share an article from Tim Stewart’s Blog that I really appreciated. I encourage you to read this as well – you will find this to be a blessing and encouragement!
Here’s the link: gaining-a-vision-beyond-the-virus/
***
COVID – 19 on the Downtown Eastside.
Our LPD is blessed to have a number of missionaries. Their ministries range from church planting to ministering to the people on the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Jonathan Ng (Harmony) is committed to the rather incarnational ministry to residents of the DTES of Vancouver.
This community has been specially challenged by the COVID-19 virus. Self-isolation is more than challenging, and sanitation is at best limited. Please take time to read Jon Ng’s latest newsletter, and learn how to pray for and support this ministry:
Jon_Ng_DTES_Report_March_2020.pdf
***
Please remember all of our LPD Missionaries (and all missionaries) at this time:
Here is the link to their information and how to support them:
https://www.lpd-efcc.ca/donations/
***
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CHURCHES REGARDING COVID-19
We in the LPD are here to serve you and your church through this time. Several churches have contacted us about caring for/managing their church staff at this time, and we are glad to help.
Please contact our LPD Office for information on:
- Online Giving Options for your church – helpful, especially when your church cannot physically gather.
- Employment Resources: Through this time, you might find that you need to consider the employment options for some church staff. Please let us assist with best practices, creative options and caring for one another.
***
Henry and Kim Ngugi
EFCCM Missionaries to Kenya
It is exciting to know that God is calling some of our own to service overseas! I had the privilege of being Kim’s (then Kim Holbrook) pastor at North Delta EFC, and her dad, Bruce served alongside as youth pastor. She married Henry, after meeting him in Kenya while on a short term mission, and they returned to Canada so Henry could pursue theological studies. While studying, Henry interned at New Westminster EFC, while our son, Tim (Emily) Stewart pastored there.
We are excited and thankful for how God has led and called Henry and Kim, and we invite you to join in their prayer and support team. They trust to travel to Kenya to begin this ministry in September of this year. Here is a link to their newsletter, “The Daily Move.”
TheDailyMoveMarch.pdf
Website:
https://movedchurch.org/
***
Please pray for:
- Tom and Sandy Ford and family, as he awaits transplants, made necessary through the impact of his diabetes. He asks for urgent prayer for healing of the ulcer on his foot and for physical strength to undergo a kidney transplant. Hosanna EFC, where Tom has served have set up a GoFundMe page for Tom and family, and we encourage you to participate in this ministry to Tom and his family. https://www.gofundme.com/f/2020-care-package-for-the-ford-family
- LPD Churches and Missionaries – please remember to pray for one another, and to continue to financially support our churches and district and foreign missionaries as we see COVID-19 through.
- Pray for first responders and our leaders through this time. May they humbly seek the Lord for His wisdom. 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
- God is sovereign and in control. May God use the COVID-19 virus to His Glory. May He protect the front-line service providers, and may this be a “teachable moment” for our world.
- Josh and Clara Lok, as they have successfully completed their church planter assessment, and we look forward to moving forward with them toward church planting.
- Town + Field Church, in their time of pastoral transition. Pray for Matt (Val) Myers and team, as they provide interim leadership. Pray for their pastoral search process. http://townandfield.ca/leadpastorhiring/.
- Fort Langley EFC, in their search for an Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults. https://www.flefc.org/news/hiring-associate-pastor-of-youth-and-young-adults–210
- Joshua and Nicole Fast, LPD Missionary, beginning “Priceless Youth Ministries,“ a ministry to families of special needs children/youth.
- The Steveston Project Team – Allen and Hannah Chang and Daniel and Joyce Wong. We are thankful for their fresh vision and growth, and we look forward to what God will do in the days ahead.
- LPD Board. Board members are Randy Lemke (Allana) – Chair, Patrick Chan (Sarah) – Property and Finance, Ben Crumback (Anna) – Island Liaison, Charles Labun (Carolyn) – Church Board Liaison, Rob Stewart (Karen) – D.S., Tim Stewart (Emily) – Innovative Ministries, Sang Hyun (Sam) Cho (Eun Young) – Korean Church Liaison; Phil Yung (Grace) – Church Planting, Philip Leung (Karen) – Chinese Church Liaison and Josephine Papp, LPD Office Administrator – Recording Secretary.
