Greetings
The storm of Covid-19 has rocked and shaken us all. Each bubble, each person - in fact the whole nation, and maybe all of the world - are in disarray. The invisible enemy is wreaking havoc like never experienced before. We have a common foe. “Keep the faith, stand firm, do not be afraid.” These are the words of our Lord Jesus to his disciples in times of trials, fears, death and uncertainty. Our Lord speaks these words to us, today.
Please keep going forward with how you have faced this intruder in the past seven weeks. Your resolve and your desire for life is profound. There is nothing stronger in life than human will. It is a precious gift of God from the beginning of time. You are making a difference, for yourself and others. You are appreciated, valued and loved. “Keep going, do not be tired of doing good.” (1 Peter 3:13)
Beloved, this dark cloud will not subdue us or cause us to surrender or concede. We will live, we will learn, we will prosper. We hold on to our hope and to our faith. Our God is the Creator of heaven and earth. In the image of God we were created. Praise and thank God always.
For our part also, keep everything and everyone in daily prayers. Call, email, and make contact with others as the Covid-19 alert level moves down to two. Adapt, adjust and do more where you can. We must lead by example, adhering to government guidelines. Remember the “front liners” in these unprecedented times. Look out for the least, the ill and the unfortunate.
Build and rebuild the church of our Lord wherever you are. Let the Spirit of God guide and lead. Many of our church services are online, reaching thousands weekly, globally.
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus,” the old hymn calls of us today.
Blessings
Fakaofo
Right Rev Fakaofo Kaio
Moderator, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
E: moderator@presbyterian.org.nz