As you already know, we have closed our offices and most of our staff are working from home, joining most of you in isolation from our normal schedules. I know for most of our pastors this isolation is extremely difficult because they cannot minister to their flocks by being there for them in person. However, it has been amazing to see how many have found ways to connect through phone calls, internet worship services, daily Bible studies and providing ways we can reach out and help one another even in acts of service.

One of the results of this stay at home order has been that people have realized the privilege of gathering and worshiping together. Yesterday morning, I read the report of a pastor in Florida being arrested for defying the order and continuing to have worship services in his church. I’ll resist the temptation of expressing my opinion of this action in light of our current situation, but I do think we need to realize that we must focus on ways to bring people together safely to support and encourage one another in our faith and ministries.

We want you to know we are here for you. If there are ways we can help you or your church continue to minister, please call us individually or e-mail us, (to view a list of staff e-mail addresses, click here).

We have a unique opportunity to worship with our brothers and sisters around the country. To view a list of churches’ livestreams, click here (scroll down to see the list). This past Sunday, I participated in about 10 services from pastor friends and former churches who gave me a great sense of being with them. Even if you cannot view the entire services, you can certainly watch enough to join in the fellowship. If we missed your service, please let us know so we can include you.

Dawn Rutan is monitoring the updates on the government’s plan to help during this crisis. If there are ways that we can help you find this assistance, we will let you know.

Please remember to pray for one another and encourage each other during this time. We are better together as we strive to minister in the name of Jesus!