We begin the second half of 2020 with the hope that we will see a positive shift in COVID-19 cases. However, I have a desire to stop waiting for things to get back to normal and begin to live and minister in our current situation. There is much to be done to help our international partners and to continue to minister to our churches, conferences and regions in our new normal. I have been encouraged by our churches’ responses to stretch themselves out of their comfort zone and reach out to people in creative ways. As we begin to meet back in our churches, we must continue to reach out in variety of new ways to touch people where they are living.

People have responded to COVID-19 in different ways and we must accept that they are not of malicious intent or based in a lack of faith. It is not our place to judge others’ responses because each of us comes from different circumstances. Many young people have little fear because they believe if they get the virus, they will be sick for a few days and get over it. Those of us with medical issues take a more cautious approach and take precautions to avoid exposure to the virus because we are uncertain about how sick we might become. Still others who have serious issues or are elderly live with the harsh reality they might not survive if they get it. We must all understand and respond lovingly to each of these groups and work together to minister to their needs in their circumstances and help them remember God is in control and will always be with them.

As we at ACGC look at our role in helping, we realize it has changed in our current world. Normally, we would be traveling to conference meetings, camps and preparing for fall ministries, but we are limited to meeting in places to which we can drive and using Zoom to reach out. As we face the consequences of this virus in North America, we also struggle with the difficulties of our churches around the world. Even the basic needs of our pastors, church members and communities are overwhelming for us to consider. As I shared last week, we are facing a serious crisis to our budget as we consider the future giving to Penny Crusade in its current form. I believe the hearts of our people continue to feel the need to minister in the name of Christ throughout the world and I trust that God will provide as move into the second half of 2020.

Please pray that God will give us wisdom as we strive to be faithful to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment that God has given to us!