May 2020 Prayer Letter
May 21st, 2020 Prayerletters No Comments

To download the prayer letter in a printable PDF format with picture and graphics, please click HERE

“I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:”

~ Job 5:8-9 ~

While the goings on in our world have been nothing short of unusual, we are reminded of the fact that nothing can hinder God’s working in our lives.  No matter what the circumstances may be, our God IS good, DOES good, and continues to work in marvelous ways.  

Like all of you, our life and ministry have been impacted greatly by the COVID-19 virus and the resulting restrictions and regulations.  Here in Newfoundland as of the writing of this update, we have had only 260  total cases province-wide with only 11 active cases.  Despite the low number of cases, Newfoundland has taken a very cautious approach to reopening, and we are currently at Alert Level 4 out of 5 (5 being the most restrictive).  At this current rate, it could possibly be well into July before we are able to meet again as a church body.

This has forced us to get creative with our services and our preparations as dining rooms have been transformed to broadcast booths each week and offices have been converted into recording studios.  Although it has been a challenge at times, we are grateful that the Lord has blessed us with the technological means to be able to continue to share God’s Word even in this time of pandemic.  Since the beginning of March, we have been live-streaming our services from our homes on our church’s Facebook page.  Each week, we have seen over 100 total views and many are joining us live each Sunday.  We are praying that many of those who watch the service will come to the church services when we are allowed to meet again.  If you would like to view our church’s Facebook, you can follow us @newhope4stephenville.

Family News and Happenings

Spring has been a long time coming this year.  While we’ve had a few nice days with the temperatures in the 50s (F), there have been just as many days that hovered back around freezing with a sleet, snow and freezing rain mix.  Regardless, we’ve been able to explore our island more and the kids (and mom and dad) have enjoyed biking many of the trails around our town.  Although, at times, we’ve had to push the bikes through ankle-deep snow, it’s been fun to get out and enjoy God’s creation.

Elliot and Kara will soon be finishing 4th and 2nd grade school work, and they are excited for summer break and being able to do more with their cousins.

Ministry Prayer Request

One of the biggest ways that the COVID-19 restrictions have impacted our ministry is that we have lost our meeting place for the church.  We had been meeting in the local community college and enjoyed a great relationship with the administration there; however, they have suspended all use of their facilities by third parties until further notice.  We also just found out that they are not planning to hold in-person classes this coming fall semester.  Because of that, it does not look like we will be able to meet at the college anytime soon.  

In light of all of these events, we (ourselves and the O’Briens) have been looking for a suitable meeting place.  We have already looked at a few places to rent and plan to look at a building that has recently come up for sale.  I will be sending out another update soon with more details, but for now, please partner with us in prayer for wisdom as we seek God’s leading for our church meeting place.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. We are truly blessed to be His servants and your representatives to the people of Newfoundland.

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Prayer Praises

Health and safety through this time of pandemic

The ability to live-stream our church services thru Facebook

Positive feedback from those who have been watching the services

The relatively low number of COVID-19 cases on our island and in our province

Prayer Requests

God to provide a church building in the right location and at the right price

Wisdom for myself and Bro. O’Brien as we work through our local regulations about when and how to reopen our church services

For those who have been watching the online services to come out to church once the restrictions are lifted

To download the prayer letter in a printable PDF format with picture and graphics, please click HERE

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