May 5, 2020

Dear Trinity Baptist Church Family: Perspective changes everything. Yesterday I received this report from our Tri-M missionary: “We have heard reliable reports that this lockdown to flatten the curve in the country (South Sudan) has basically shut off all markets to these refugees in the overcrowded camps. The main threat for their health now is starvation. Some were able in the past to go over the border to farm small plots of land for their food. That has been restricted as well.” Compared to pastors attempting to minister in African refugee camps, how are you doing? Compared to them I am safe, fat, and selfish.

Or how about this for perspective? Matthew 24:6-7 “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” Compared to current South Sudanese Christians or the time to come that Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows” we are doing pretty well in small town Midwestern USA. It’s time to focus on the grace and goodness of God and not our frustration with the responses of many humans to current circumstances.

Join us this afternoon (Tuesday) at 1:45 p.m. in the north parking lot of the City/County government building on Macy Street to celebrate the Shaeffer family adoption of Taven, Sophia, and Kinley. Maintain physical distance to honor our government, but be ready to cheer and let the Shaeffer’s know of our love and support. Cards and gifts are appropriate.

Wednesday evening is Awana Drive-By! Leaders are going to be checking books to prepare for a September 2nd Awards Night. Bring a car load by the church between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. There will be goodies for the Clubbers and a letter about Grand Prix, VBS, and the fall start-up.

I’ve attached notes prepared by Charlie for tomorrow evening’s Bible study. Charlie will be in Genesis 3 and mankind’s fall on Wednesday on our Facebook livestream at 7:00 p.m. The notes are an outline for the first 11 chapters of Genesis.

Lin and I are going to join Carol’s daughter and sister-in-law at Estabrook Cemetery on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. for Carol’s committal. Although I have not been authorized to invite others, I don’t think it would be offensive if others showed up. We will maintain distance and I will share a short thought and pray. Continue to pray for Ross, Pat, and others who are grieving during these strange times.

Wow, much is happening and God is good. 

Embracing Truth, Pastor