Johnstone happenings
In January we shared some of our plans for 2020, knowing full well they may not happen. At the time, I (Troy) was closely watching events unfold in China and knew that if it broke out around the world, then my wife and children likely would not be able to travel to the other side the world. Even now, like so many people, we are unsure if ANY of our plans for the year will materialize.
Now, with COVID-19 here, like everyone else in the world we are trying to keep up with rapidly unfolding history.
Things we are thankful for:
- Flexibility in schooling: We were able to pull our kids from school early as their curriculum is easily transferred to a homeschool environment. Naomi was already homeschooling a couple kids to a certain degree, so shifting to full-time with all three wasn’t a big adjustment.
- Flexibility at work: While practicing social distancing, we are still going to the office (sometimes bringing the kids too), while our other co-workers work from home. This way, we can continue to ship evangelism and discipleship resources out and keep other parts of the ministry going.
- Family: Spending lots of extra time together, and we pray it will be a positive experience.
Sharing Hope in Uncertain Days
In these uncertain times, as we watch people at all levels of society struggle to cope with the fallout from COVID-19, we want to do all we can to help you present hope and answers to those around you. Many people who were resistant or indifferent to the Gospel before are suddenly much more receptive at this time. Let’s be ready to provide the answers to those who are seeking.
First of all, please do take advantage of the many e-books we have on our website, available in many languages as well. These are great to send electronically to friends near and far. We don’t want financial considerations to limit your ability to reach out to those who need it, so please utilize the code GOODSEEDFREE if you need to.
Also, the VideoBook for The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus is available for free viewing on our website. While great for personal study, this course would also be ideal for online Bible studies or Sunday school classes. Churches may wish to utilize this course for taking their congregations through an overview of the Gospel.
When all is said and done, may we be known for the love we have shown and the hope that we have offered as believers during this incredible time.
Baptism
A few weeks ago, Ethan took a step of faith and was baptized. He had wanted to do it last year when his sister was being baptized, but he broke his arm just days before. We are thankful that we were able to do this before our church was closed.
Ethan was really nervous but our pastor was great and really helped Ethan feel at ease. Some of his friends cheered when he went on stage. He shared a bit of his testimony and his grandfather shared a few words too. Ethan said that when he went under the water it was so quiet and then coming out of the water he heard people applauding and cheering. It was a very special day.
Birthday
Last week we also celebrated a birthday in our house. Ellie turned 15. Fifteen!
Our party was a bit smaller because of the ol’ social distancing thing, and we had to delay our usual family birthday adventure, but had a good time at home as a family. We’re thankful for this young woman and the joy she brings into our lives.
Lastly, I thought I would share a letter from my home church in Sackville, New Brunswick, which we thought was very well-written to address some of the issues Christians now find themselves facing. May it encourage you as well.
Thank you for praying for us. May God bless you and keep you safe!
Troy, on behalf of us all
“I sat down to write this letter a few times this week, and each time I did, the next day brought news that changed things for us as a church and for the people we love and live with. You know that we are living in unique days. Some of our people remember epidemics from the past, but now we have more information and disinformation than ever before. We want to know what is happening and some of us are anxious over what is happening. It is vital that we think through this situation and our lives with courage and wisdom.
1. We will remember that God is still God, and we choose to trust in Him and not fear.
Many Scripture passages instruct us not to fear. We all know that there are some healthy fears – like not running around on the highway – and there are destructive fears, like being anxious about tomorrow (Matthew 6: 25-34). It is easy to be at rest when things seem to be under control, but the rest God wants to give our souls is His peace in the middle of challenging circumstances. Our help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121). We are called to be still and remember that HE is God (Psalm 46:10). He has promised never to leave us, and He will help us (Hebrews 13:6). No matter what comes, we know that God is FOR us and loves us (Romans 8: 31-39). The righteous is not afraid of bad news; he trusts in God (Psalm 112:6-7). God is still sovereign over viruses. He is faithful and kind. We must preach these truths to our hearts in this time.
2. We will be compassionate with those who are affected.
Faith does not negate mourning or sadness in this life. Our trust in God does not mean that we always understand what is happening. So, as we trust God, we will remember our humanity and not ridicule those who are upset in ways we may not be. We cannot say “It’s not a big deal”, or “It will all work out” because we do not know. It is possible that people we love will get sick and even might die from this virus, and we will be called to mourn them while hoping in God.
3. We will neither become news-addicts, nor news-ignorers.
God has given us opportunities to be aware of the world around us so we can pray and prepare. From our government and other places, we can get real facts about what is happening and what we can do to mitigate our exposure. We are told to wash our hands well, use hand sanitizer, and not touch our faces. We may be told that we cannot congregate for a time. We will not look at the government as either our Saviour or our enemy. We will seek to obey and trust our authorities in every way that does not specifically violate Scripture.
4. We will continue to minister well in all the ways we can. In doing so, we will seek to both love well and lay down our lives for others, and for the gospel.
There seems to be two parts of this. The first is loving our neighbours well. This means that we stay home if we are feeling ill, are frail, or have been exposed. It means that we cannot shake hands for a while and that we might need to stand away from people we care about. Those actions of love are attempts to keep our loved ones and others as safe as possible. But love also means that we check on our neighbours and friends and seek out ways to help them. We might need to do grocery shopping or get meds or help walk their dogs.
Love also means laying down our lives for others. Christians throughout the centuries have, because of their hope in the gospel and the resurrection of the dead, run in where others are scared and running away. Some of us might be called to dedicate ourselves to the care of one ill person or family and isolate ourselves with them if our hospitals are over-run with patients. All of us will have to reach out by phone or other means to care for others. Isolation is not an excuse to think only of ourselves.
5. We will look for ways that God is using this unique chapter in human history to cause people to see the insufficiency of what they are trusting in, and point people to the gospel.
It has been interesting to watch as things we thought “would never be moved” suddenly are shaken. What we have treasured and put our security in – economic systems, scientific breakthroughs, sports and entertainment, control and power, ease and comfort – have all been radically challenged by the impact of this virus. People are feeling vulnerable in ways that they have not often felt. God is using this time to point people to the brevity of life for all of us at all times, and the need we have to find our salvation in the cross of Jesus Christ. We will look for ways to point people to Jesus, the one who saves the repentant sinner and gives him or her an undeserved destiny with Him forever, because of His grace.”
Pastor Andrew Swanson, Main Street Baptist Church