“SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD”
Exodus 14:13-14 (KJV)


13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

As your pastor, I greet each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Our world is experiencing a severe crisis known as the Coronavirus which is pandemic. In many places, such as the Bay Area, we are ordered to “shelter in place.”  We are instructed to stay home as much as possible and avoid being in the presence of others (especially crowds consisting of 10 or more people).

Of course, this has caused already a major problem for many, especially employees and small businesses.  Children are not allowed to go to school which is creating a hardship for a lot of parents and children. Financially, many cannot afford to comply with the order to “shelter in place.”  Personally, since I have been inviting people to church for over 33 years as a pastor, last Sunday was one of the most difficult Sundays in my lifetime as a pastor to stand and tell everyone to stay home and that all St. John facilities will be closed for at least the rest of the month.

Complying with the order to “shelter in place” at times feels like house arrest, and  sometimes I feel like I am incarcerated in my own home. So much can be said about the inconvenience that we are experiencing as a result of the Coronavirus.

Is there anything positive that can be said?  Is there a word from the Lord? Well, people in the days of Moses were feeling pretty much the way we are feeling (probably worse).  God sent many plagues upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians which indirectly affected the Israelites. For example, when the Israelites were fleeing from the Egyptians, their “backs were up against the wall” having Pharaoh’s army behind them and the Red Sea before them.

Moses instructed them to be fearless and stand still to “see the salvation of the Lord.”  The message from Moses is the message I share with each of us today: “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”  Keep praying at least three times daily, and make sure the first prayer is between 12 am and 6 am. Pray to God regarding this Coronavirus and regarding anything else in your heart or on your mind, and continue to keep your church and pastor lifted up in prayer.  God is going to “Show up and Show out,” and we shall soon “see the salvation of the Lord.”

Moreover, please check your emails daily and the website at least weekly because this is a great way for me to communicate with you.  For example, on Sunday, I am trying to prepare an audible message for you.

Finally, don’t forget to support your church financially while we are deprived from assembling together.  You have three options concerning your giving: 1) Mail your Tithes and Offerings to the South Campus (662 South 52nd Street – Richmond, CA  94804), 2) Give online by going through our website (www.sjmbc.org) or 3) Set aside weekly your Tithes and Offerings and give the total amount (individual checks or one check) the Sunday we resume corporate worship.

May God Bless And Sustain Each Of Us.

Your Servant In Christ,

Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor