Pastoral Letter

   Nobody ever thought that we would be in a situation like this, where we would be confined to our homes, our rooms and places as it is happening now. Locked-in people, locked-down businesses, locked-out factories seem to be everywhere; not only in our city, state or country but throughout most parts of the world. COVID-19, a small, invisible virus, has made our routines come to a standstill. As per the guidelines of the Government we have followed the Social-Distancing policy & non-congregating guidelines and have closed all the Worship Services at our KMC Sanctuary. But this has not deterred us to stop worshiping our God. We are coming into your homes using digital media, through our recorded services which has enabled us to be connected, though not physically, but in Spirit, in one accord and one mind.

   We are continuously praying for the KMC family. If anyone of you need prayers, please call us and we will be happy to pray with you. Also, if someone needs help please do inform us. We shall try to help to the best of our abilities, in this ‘no-movement’ situation.

   This month we focus on the Power of the Resurrection as we come together to worship online for Palm Sunday, the Passion Week Services, Good Friday and Easter Worship Service. We are hoping that the situation will return to normal and we can soon resume our worship together once again. There are many people who feel lonely and dejected at this time. In times like these, it is especially important to remember God’s promise to be with us. He who made us, and gave His own Son for the salvation of the world, will not leave His children in this time of need.

  What is God conveying through the COVID-19 pandemic? People are dying, especially the elderly, and now young people too. Many people are crying to God, others are saying this too shall pass away and living their lives. More people of God are on online praying for the people, the World and the Church. We would like to pen a few thoughts that can make us ponder as you read this letter on our response to this entire episode.

   What is the sovereignty of God? Well, to give a definition of God's sovereignty, it's simply this: it is the right of God to govern and control the universe which He has created. He is the Creator God, and therefore it is His right to govern that universe and do as He pleases. We've been learning in recent weeks how man is so powerless. We've learnt that God is transcendent, there is none above Him, there is none beyond Him, or none like Him - He has all supremacy. If you like, the sovereignty of God is the exercise of that supremacy, it is that all-power in action, it is God's ability to use the power that He has in the way that His own divine counsels will and will have. In Isaiah 45:7 God says. “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things..” He is Sovereign; He is Supreme and All Powerful. Many a times we ask the question why is the Lord allowing this to happen? God says in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”. Man is fragile. Apostle Peter writing to the Church says in 1 Peter 1:24 For, "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off”. In this fragility we think we can do what we like and get away with it. No, my dear KMC family, God is patient, long suffering and compassionate and this all powerful God is stretching out His hands to us and saying Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

   King Solomon says in Proverbs 3: 5-6 & 8 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones”. Man thought he could control everything. The most technologically advanced countries are the ones that are facing the worst time. Governments don't like you talking about the sovereignty of God, they laugh at it. Prime Ministers, and Presidents, and Kings, and Potentates don't entertain the idea - they want to believe that all authority rests with them. Only in your hour of need do you trust God. (?) There are social media messages of people crying to God to stop this situation. COVID 19 seems to be increasing and not decreasing. Some-times God teaches us lessons through situations that He places us in. Many people now want the Church doors to be opened. When the Church doors were open, we had our priorities. We had our children’s exams, weddings, friends and even simple excuses. God is reminding us that unless we depend upon Him, we cannot survive. “My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13). Are we doing things in our own understanding? God says Trust me and you will see deliverance.

   There are times when we are reminded of the brevity of life. The News-papers, the TV and every media is talking about death and destruction. The message across the ages in the Bible was Repent and turn from your wicked ways and look upon me and I will answer you. If COVID 19 can bring the world to a halt, just imagine the Trumpet sound that can sound anytime. The King is Coming!!! Are we prepared to meet Him? Like in the days of Noah so shall be in the days of the Son of Man’s return and we see the same situation today. Are you right with God in your Life? Have you repented of your sins and have you the assurance of Salvation in your life? How can we tell others of the love of Christ when we have not come to him in all our unrighteousness? Now is the time says our Lord Jesus. The harvest is plenty and the labourers are few. In Ezekiel 22:30 “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” In 2 Chronicles 7:14 “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. As believers we need to stand in the gap and we need to be on our knees crying to the Holy One to heal us and Heal our land.

   Are you ready to stand in the Gap? In the coming days when life can be different with the economy, rumours of wars and pestilences, people will run helter-skelter to survive, what would you do? It is our desire as a Pastoral team, that even as this time the Church would be strong focus on the Sovereign one and Trust Him and be a Witness wherever He has placed us. God bless each one of you and your families as we look at a new month that each one of you will experience the Power of His Resurrection in your lives as you trust God and pass through this situation. God Bless each of you. Be safe, Be strong and Stay Spiritual.

Yours in His Service

(On behalf of Pastoral Team)