It seems like I’ve been stuck at home forever, but it’s only been a week or so since we were ordered to stay home, in an attempt to stop the spread of the Wuhan virus. My schedule has dramatically changed and I feel like a kid that has been grounded for misbehaving and sent to my room. Time passes slowly and I spend too much time on the computer.
Church related activities normally take up a good bit of my week. It’s a 30 mile drive one way and I get there early to fellowship, pray and prepare for the service. I take my grandchildren on Wednesday nights, which takes up more time and I get a few hugs and kisses. Workdays at Church get me out of the house again and we get a chance to complete some overdue projects.
Now that I can’t attend regular services, my “Church” is online and services don’t last very long. Our Church is “open” in Wilson County, but my County won’t let me leave the house to attend. It’s strange that liquor stores are considered essential but Churches are not. That means I can’t attend until this is over. We contact our grandchildren only by phone and text messages.
Grocery shopping, medical appointments and picking up refills are “essential” and briefly get me out of the house, but I hurry back to the safety of our home. We are trying to limit possible exposure to the virus and obey the restrictions. I can still mow the yard, but my little yard doesn’t take long. That leaves me with way too many hours and too little to do.
Fortunately GOD hasn’t been “grounded,” though “the thief” continues to try. I see churches around the world reaching out to their congregation across the internet. There is something for everyone, with Sunday and Wednesday services at the normal times, and then they post services online if you missed the live one. Special programming for youth and children is available and daily prayer sessions. Some Churches hold services in their parking lot, to follow the rules and a few, like ours, continue with regular services for those who can come. We are told not to forsake “the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25 KJV) because the day is here.
I post advertisements for our Church services and internet presence, even I can’t attend. I keep giving time and money, so the Church can continue to give to others. JESUS said “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38 KJV). The government may not consider the Church “essential,” but GOD does. I’ve also increased my online witness. I post my “Good News to Share” stories on more pages and as comments. I’m not limited by walls and service times. I boosted my stories to reach a wider audience overseas. International borders and time zones don’t mean much, except for China, where they restrict the internet. Why go to all that trouble? Because “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV) and I believe and have been commanded to share this Good News with others! GOD is still open for business!
Wayne Lance (2020)