A Word from Your Mission Strategist, Steve Laughman
You are not alone.
As I speak with pastors and other ministry leaders both here in our association and throughout the state, there seems to be a growing frustration and sense of isolation. The past 18 months have challenged us in far reaching ways. Despite the hope that we would be past all of this by now, we are finding ourselves having to make hard decisions once again. Logistically we are better prepared now than we were at the onset of the pandemic, but that does not relieve the discouragement that comes from having to shut down aspects of our ministry that were just getting started again.
Of course, the human toll this has taken is the hardest part. We have all lost friends or family members. Our churches have lost leaders, Sunday School teachers, and even pastors. People who played vital roles in the life of our churches are no longer here, and we are feeling that impact. The challenges of pastoral care when we are not able to visit our folks weigh heavy on us. The struggle is real, and it has drained us.
But be encouraged. Hasn’t the Church faced bigger problems in the past? Didn’t Paul write that God’s grace is sufficient? Aren’t there believers in other countries facing persecutions that far outweigh any struggle we have? Doesn’t God prove His faithfulness daily to us in the midst of our pain? I am reminded that any trial I face is an opportunity for me to grow in grace. When I realize my own limitations, I more clearly see how limitless God’s power is. If I have learned nothing else, I have learned how very dependent we are on God each an every day. It is in that reliance on Him that we are most effective.
Brothers and Sisters, please hear my heart. I do not wish to belittle your struggle in any way. Some of you have gone through so much more than I have, and I grieve with you. I simply want to offer hope. When you feel alone, know that you are not. You have so many around you who care about you and what you are facing. You have a Father in heaven who is fully aware of your situation. You are loved, and your prayers are heard. As we walk this road together, I pray we will learn what God is teaching us, and we will be stronger, more faithful followers of Jesus.
