Know that we are thinking about you and praying for you in these crazy times. While we keep our eyes on Jesus and trust Him for all steps and decisions, so many people are struggling and it seems it might get worse before it gets better. There is fear, uncertainty, and so much unknown. It is not just the sickness the Coronavirus can bring, it is now the impact of the economy, shutting down of businesses, travel, and in particular churches.  There are many things impacting us and those in our congregations.

Our mission as an association is to strengthen local churches so that they glorify Jesus Christ and demonstrate His love by fulfilling the Great Commission.  During this unprecedented time, we want to help, encourage, and strengthen you! Please tell us how we can pray for your congregations and your leaders.  Let us know what resources you may be in need of.  Tell us how we can help your church at this time.  Stan and I will be calling all of our pastors over the next few weeks to encourage and pray for them.  We as an association are here to serve the local church.

Please be aware that we also want to lead by example during this time and will, therefore, be adjusting our office hours.  I (Mike) will be in the office on Mondays and Stan will be in and out of the office the rest of the week.  However, this does not mean that we will be unavailable.  I will be working from my church office.  If one of us is not in the office then calls to the association will be directed to my email where I will then be able to return your call.  But we encourage you to contact us directly at our personal cell numbers or personal emails. I also will be checking the association’s email everyday.  Together, let us seek the Lord in unity about these matters:

1. Ask God, in His mercy, to stop this pandemic and save lives — not only in our communities but around the world, particularly in places that are unequipped medically to deal with the virus. (Isaiah 59:1-2)

2. Pray for President Donald Trump and other government leaders — international, federal, state, and local — to have the wisdom to direct us in the best courses of action for prevention and care. (Romans 13:1–4) 

3. Scripture says: Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom in this moment of fear as the foundations of what we know are shaken, that others would realize how fragile life is and how real eternity is, and they would see their need to turn to God. (Psalm 90:12)

4. Ask God to protect our missionaries and their families around the globe, using this global crisis to advance His Good News to the whole world. (Mark 16:15)

Once again, we are here to serve and strengthen you during this. Let us hold fast to this verse found in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”