We are living in unprecedented times!
The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is not only a health issue but is also having a huge impact upon schools, businesses, employment and the world's economy.
Last Sunday we announced that there were no plans to cancel services. However, in light of both the President and Governor's guidelines requesting that gatherings be no larger than 10, we will need to suspend getting together for 15 days, as requested. We want to walk in submission to those in authority over us (Romans 13).
Let's remember this: The church has not changed. Why? Because we are the church. The building is not the church; you and I are the church. So we will still be the church, though how we connect might be a little different for now.
How will our worship look different for the next 2 Sundays?
Worship at your home, whether individually or with family and/or friends. I will post an audio message to our website (honoluluag.org/media) with a link to our facebook page (honoluluag). The facebook page will also include links to YouTube videos of suggested worship songs. These will be posted by Friday afternoon so they will be ready for you to access on Sunday morning.
If you would like prayer, please feel free to call me any day at 808-787-5789 (office).
Shirley and I will be at the church building on Sunday from 10am to 12pm if you would like to stop by for prayer. We will make sure there are no more than 10 people in the same place at one time. Thankfully, we have many rooms to gather in, if needed.
What are best practices for staying safe and not spreading germs?
Stay home if you are not feeling well.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Maintain at least 3 feet distance between yourself and others.
Cover your mouth and nose with your forearm when coughing and sneezing.
Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time. Use soap and water when possible. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
If no soap and water are available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
Most of all, put your trust in the Lord.
Pray and let the peace of God guard your hearts against fear and anxiety. Ask God to fill you with His perfect love to cast out all fears. The Apostle Paul instructs us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
Pray for God's help to guide governments, agencies, institutions, families and individuals to act wisely and effectively to minimize exposure to the disease. Pray also for divine intervention against the disease.
Remember, God is in control! He is with us, no matter where we are or what our future may hold.
The psalmist reminds us: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday…. 'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation'" (Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16).