Overcoming in Isolation

It seems everything is a little upside down right now. Some of us are still trying to work, but it is so much more difficult. We have been thrust into new systems, new work rhythms, coupled with new and different anxieties. When we start a new job, anxiety is to be expected. Not knowing what to expect, learning how to do new tasks, and developing new rhythms for the workday. Because of Covid 19, it is like starting a new job. Whether we are working from home or going to work, everything has changed. New procedures to learn. We have to treat our colleagues as if they have the plague. Maybe they do? We have to learn new work habits, new ways of doing things, and new ways of interacting with people. This is stressful.

Maybe you are laid off. Suddenly your life patterns have been severely altered. Families that barely saw each other pre-Covid are now stuck with each other. And in some cases it ain’t pretty. Learning how to live together in a confined space is a whole new challenge for many people. This is stressful.

Governments are promising help. Each day they promise more billions, but when we try to access it, we get recorded messages, no responses, or no information.

This is stressful.

When we are thrust out of our normal, our personal problems are magnified. Our relationships are strained. We need a supernatural strength. We need a new strategy. There is help in the Word of God.

Here is the promise. Psalm 84:5-8 (NIV) 5  Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. 6  As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. 7  They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. 8  Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah

Verse 5 – blessed, means happy, well off, prosperous, taken care of, feeling good. Get the idea. This is the promise to those that will look to God for their strength. Notice they do not live in their pain, their discomfort, their crisis, no they see it as a passing thing. They have “set their hearts on pilgrimage”, meaning they are passing through. We will get through this.

Verse 6.  Valley of Baca – Baca is related to bakah, which means “to weep.” Baca refers to a type of “weeping” tree; that drips resin or gum-like tears, such as a balsam, mulberry, or aspen tree. Often this phrase is translated “Valley of Tears”.  In the valley it is stressful, but here we can find refreshment, because God is in this Valley.

Verse 7

When we are on “mountain tops”, we can think we got there by our strength. It is different in the valley of tears. It is in this place we find out what it means to have “supernatural” strength. 

Don’t miss the opportunity presented to us during this crisis. It is then we can find the most precious thing of all – a living, vibrant relationship with Christ, carrying us through this Valley we are in.

In our Overcoming Series, this Sunday we will give tools on how to go from strength to strength during our time of isolation. Tune in to Facebook live at 10:30 am in the comforts of your home. Worship with us as we learn how to be Blessed in the Middle of Isolation.

Other Sunday Details

Just a reminder that for those who are wanting to support our Church with offerings (during this time, it is muchly appreciated) it can be done by etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com, through our website, or by calling in to the office with a credit card or mailing in your cheque. 

Thank you for your patience, remember to be kind, show grace, and have faith that God will protect us and guide us through this difficult time.

If you are feeling overwhelmed call me, or one of our Growth Group members. We need to support each other.

Prayer Meetings

We are having prayer meetings online. We would love to have you join with us from 7-7:30am on Wednesday (local) and Friday mornings for more global prayer. You can be on one or both. Let us know if you would like to participate and we will send you the login link that will be required. If there was ever a time to pray together, it is now.

S.H.A.R.E. Nelson

Due to Covid 19 and considering the safety of customers and staff, we needed to temporarily close the store. We will re-open the store as soon as possible. Please watch for public announcement for our re-opening. Thank you for your patience during this time.

Volunteering at ODB

Our Daily Bread is continuing to serve “take out” lunch and also delivering meals to homes directly, during this critical time. We are seeking volunteers, but would like one week commitments. Volunteer shifts are from 11:40am to 1:15pm Monday to Friday, or Mornings from 8:45 – 10:15am.

Please consider being involved as the hands and feet of Jesus. Contact office@kcfoffice.com or Anne-Marie if you are considering this.

Summer Retreat at Dutch Harbour

Why not consider taking a part of your holidays to join us for a Summer Retreat at Dutch Harbour. This is an inexpensive opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, Kootenay Lake, beautiful mountains and beaches, plus be inspired and encouraged. This will all happen within the community of wonderful people. Pastor Ron Short will be our retreat Speaker and Cliff Schneider will provide Children’s Ministry for the kids. Join us July 6 to 10. Contact the office to register.

Calendar

• New Date: KCF AGM, Sunday, May 3, 1pm
• Summer Retreat 2020, July 6-10 at Dutch Harbour

Jim Reimer, Pastor

April 2, 2020