In this time of fear and uncertainty, during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can be a “hope dealer” in your community.
First, we can decide to live by faith and not by fear. “By faith [Moses] left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible” (Hebrew 11:27).
Second, we need to discern fact from fiction. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it’s important to listen to the right voices. “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish” (Proverbs 18:13, NLT).
Finally, we can declare and demonstrate God’s love: “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9).
We should be mission-ready. What does that look like? Here are some practical ways you can be a hope dealer today:
- Be a hope caller: Connect with people who are alone.
- Be a hope shopper: Shop for someone who is self-isolated.
- Be a HoP starter: Start a House of Prayer (HoP) at your place, at a central location, or online.
- Be a hope church: Watch Hope Channel with your friends.
Check out some of these resources below to help you and your church respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
You can also find some tips for your church in this pdf.
Much love and blessings to you, your family, church and community.
Pastor Eddie Tupa’i is president of the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference.
