Dear Indiana Conference Church Family:
As our nation continues to face the COVID-19 crisis, there is growing concern among many that the spread of the virus may continue through May and even to the early part of the summer. Government leaders and health officials are trying their best to contain the deadly viral disease. However, at this point, there still is no clear timetable that reveals when this crisis may end.
During this time, Seventh-day Adventists have increased opportunities to return to the basics of our faith and focus on our personal relationship with Jesus. Through prayer and the study of God’s word, we find strength and help as we go through these challenging times. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, we are to move forward in faith and fulfill the mission to which God has called us.
As you may know, the world church has called for 100 Days of Prayer from March 27- July 4. Originally, this focus was planned for the 100 days leading up to the 61st General Conference Session this summer in Indianapolis. However, due to the COVID-19 crisis, our world leaders recently voted to postpone the session until May 20-25, 2021. What I so appreciate is that they decided to continue with the 100-day prayer focus.
The theme of the 100 Days of Prayer is “Calling Upon Jesus in Our Urgent Need.” If there ever was a time to come together for prayer - if there ever was a time to seek Jesus and His help, it is now. God saw our great need well in advance, and He has given us an opportunity to unite as one people and pray for our communities, churches, and family members. With so much happening in our world right now, we must be on our knees pleading with God that He will hold this virus back and that He will bring healing to our land.
If you would like to sign up to participate in 100 Days of Prayer, simply go to www.revivalandreformation.org/100days. You will receive weekly devotional readings as well as daily prayer points via email. I personally signed up for this opportunity and have been remembering the suggested prayer points each morning in my personal devotional time. The first reading was written by Pastor Mark Finley, teaching us how to find peace in the middle of a pandemic. What a blessing it was! I find it impactful knowing that I am joining my global church family and praying to Jesus for the needs of others. It reminds me of what it will be like when Jesus returns a second time, and we are all together in heaven with Him. Even so come, Lord Jesus!
March 31- April 7 Prayer Points
(taken from 100 Days of Prayer):
1. Pray that fear would be replaced with peace, and that we as a
people would stand strong in the midst of chaos, trusting that
God is in control.
2. Pray for those who are struggling with the coronavirus or who
have lost loved ones in this pandemic. Pray for hope and comfort
in the midst of the pain.
3. Pray for our Bible workers, pastors, teachers, and others who may
not be able to carry on the same face-to-face ministry as before.
Pray for divine wisdom and ideas for new ways to minister.
4. Pray for the churches that have been closed because of the virus.
Pray that congregations will find ways to stay “together” through
internet live steaming and witnessing in appropriate “social
distancing” ways.
In His Service,
Pastor Vic
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
Weekly Ignite Prayer Line – Each Thursday
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
605-472-5637
Access Code: 190685
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Vic Van Schaik
President
Indiana Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists
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