To the beloved parishioners of St. John, I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Unfortunately, these are challenging and difficult times for us mainly due to the Coronavirus. Like many of us, every day I am bothered reading and hearing news regarding this pandemic. Since we do not have a cure yet for this virus, we must be safe by sheltering in place, washing our hands with soap and hot water frequently for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching our face, maintaining at least 6 feet distance from people if in the public and refrain from being in crowds consisting of more than 10 people. If you experience runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, fever and shortness of breath, seek medical care immediately.
Spiritually, remember that God has appointed a time for each of us to transition from earth to glory which means that we will not leave this world until God says so. Therefore, I encourage everyone to Pray Mightily & Enjoy Your Life. Pray mightily (at least 3 times daily—1st prayer between 12-6 am) for God’s mercy because this Coronavirus might be a display of God’s wrath since churches arefailing to do what God desires and since the world has become so corrupt. Also, pray for God to protect us from this virus, heal those infected by this virus, provide a cure for this virus and bring this virus under control.
Concerning our Daily Bread, I encourage everyone to read 3 chapters daily beginning in Genesis and 1 chapter daily beginning in Matthew. If you have another plan that enables you to read through the Bible in a year, this is also acceptable. Just make sure you are “wording up” everyday!
Concerning giving, I want to thank many of you who are still financially supporting our church, for last week we received about 60% of what we typically receive on the 4th week of the month. I recognize that some are struggling financially perhaps because of loss of income due to this Coronavirus; however, many of us are still financially blessed. If God is blessing you to still receive income, please don’t forget to support St. John financially on a regular basis 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, one check or cash) the Sunday we resume corporate worship.
Moreover, I hope you were blessed by the message on our podcast entitled: “God Will Take Care Of You.” So many listened to this message and encouraged others to listen that we plan to proclaim another short message which should be available on Sunday through our website (www.sjmbc.org). If you have not done so, please “Join Our Mailing List” on our website which is under “Contact Us.”
Lastly, encourage yourself in the Lord with this Biblical fact: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).
May God Bless And Sustain Each Of Us.
Your Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor