Today our guest blogger is R.A., a missionary serving with her husband and five kids on the far ends of the globe. I hope this post will help you see (1) how connected our world really is, and (2) some ways you might pray for missionaries in these unprecedented days of COVID-19.
This past Sunday night, I listened to an online sermon. Pastor Tim struck me with one sentence: “There’s no emotion that you are feeling during this time that you shouldn’t take to God in prayer.”
Our family is now under a Restricted Movement Order. For our safety during this pandemic, the government says we need to stay at home. I have been at home for 15 days, but my heart wanders. I am feeling:
- Fear. Coronavirus is scary. The suffering and death of the pandemic is mind boggling.
- Disappointment. We planned a family vacation before our eldest son leaves for university in the US. The trip was cancelled. We are unable to reschedule it before graduation.
- Joy. Stuck at home, we are making some silly, happy memories. We have time to dance in the rain and run a home-made obstacle course.
- Longing. I miss my friends. I miss my church family. I miss normal life.
- Worry. My parents, sister, and in-laws live on the other side of the world. With few international flights and quarantines, I cannot get to them quickly.
- Thankfulness. Our family likes each other. Our front porch lets us sit outside. We are able to get food. We are healthy. God gives blessings every day.
- Frustration. I like to help. Friends struggle. A family member lost a job. Migrant workers, homeless people, and refugees in our city are without food. Needs surround me, but I cannot leave home to help.
- Comfort. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He knows us and loves us.Biblical truths flood my heart with stability in a world out of whack.
- Jealousy. Friends in the US post about quarantine at the beach and hiking in the woods. I want to be happy for them, but sometimes I feel envy.
- Grief. We know someone who died from Covid-19. I remember him joyfully leading worship and playing soccer with my husband.
- Conviction. God shows me things my heart valued (like control and routine) far more than their worth.The idols need to come down.
- Anger. Seven people stuck in one house say and do unkind things. Too often, my response is anger.
- Guilt. What more can I be doing? Am I a bad mom because my kids are on electronics? Why are we safe at home when many others struggle?
- Encouragement. Our family prays together. Friends share Bible verses to encourage me.
My emotions are all over the map. Your heart might be racing all over the place too. If so, remember Pastor Tim’s exhortation: “There’s no emotion that you are feeling during this time that you shouldn’t take to God in prayer.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Chuck I would like to share a praise report. Last Sunday PhoneLiveStreaming.com broadcast 28,000 minutes of the Gospel and 48,000 this Sunday. About 3,000 homes are calling in to listen to their church’s live stream. Thank you for being one of the first resources to let other know about this ministry tool. The technology used is only three weeks old.