Luke 13:3 “But unless you repent, you too will all perish”


Sitting in our bubbles over the Covid 19 lockdown has given us more than enough time to put a few improvements into our daily patterns . Against all odds I have overcome an age-old resistance to going for vigorous walks, and can now report that I can more or less keep up with Ruth who moves like a Whippet. I simply had to make a start and then hang in until my sulky body began to co-operate.  There are other facets of my life that could do with rejuvenation.  My tardy response to my sins is one of them. 

Confessing our sins is relatively easy once we realize how offensive they have been to God. Whatever has locked us in to them, we know that the way out has been made simple, thanks to the cross of Christ. We only have to get around to doing it. The Lord will hear our confession any time day or night.
So far so good. But whereas confession is a simple and easy matter, repentance is quite another. Repentance is where we get to see our true colours. Are we for him or against Him? To continue on with the same old sins hardly becomes us, even though our temptation or habit leads us there very quickly. The call to repent, i.e. to change our minds, to turn 180 degrees away from the sin, comes with a warning (above). The word “unless” is a heavy signal in itself, and the word “perish” should remind us of the heavy consequences of refusal. 

Ultimately we are responsible for our weaknesses. We can become conquerors or we can remain victims. The Lord has done all He can to lead us back to right relationship. We simply have to want to, and to want to more than linger in whatever attraction our sins put upon us. The choice is ours.
Simon Peter discovered that his own determination was not enough to prevent his disowning of Jesus when put to the test. We too have to learn this lesson over and over again. We feel sure that we should have all it takes to remain loyal to Jesus and His teachings, yet how quickly we too can betray him with an ill-chosen word or action.

But we are without excuse for doing nothing about it, for the way back is easy. It is simply a matter of spotting which is the better choice, then begin doing it. We will soon detect the Lord’s encouragement and assistance. But the decision to turn is ours alone.

Barry Struthers

Today is Budget Day, and was expected to be geared towards infrastructure, housing, job creation, and small business assistance.
We are fortunate to have the advantage of food security, and by improving our infrastructure, we can add value to our foods to increase our export income. This is the single biggest budget New Zealand has ever had; costing us an eyewatering $50 billion! It will ease us through the inevitable years of economic pain. Today’s announcement of extra heath spending is generous, and funds to use in creating new jobs is good news. With the high levels of joblessness expected, there are initiatives to ease the social disadvantage of those who have lost jobs, thanks to Covid. Free re-training for kiwis in formal education programmes is a good move to improve our work-force . The old fashioned way of apprenticeships will see more kiwis in employment. The tourism industry recovery package is $400 Million, while more to be found later. Their challenge is to adjust and innovate and change their offerings. There are generous support packages provided for Maori & Pacifica initiatives.
Level 2 Covid ‘Promotion.
The Covid crisis has damaged our economy in ways we couldn’t imagine or control. Our government has had the unenviable task of balancing potential health outcomes with economic destruction. It was – and still is- a fine line to walk between excessive timidity and accusations of recklessness.
The medical community is calling out for caution, while the business world is demanding a rapid return to ‘normal’ trading freedom. Today we have tentatively moved from Level 3 to Level 2 and the advice is to Stay Alert.
I recall the old rhyme I’ve taught generations of children:
“Stop says the Red light, Go says the Green
Be careful, says the Amber light, winking between.
That’s what they say, and that’s what they mean.
All must obey them, even the Queen.”
Today’s increased freedom does not mean a return to the good old pre-Covid days. We still have that ‘amber light’ warning us that we are dangling between the ’red light’ of return to lock-down, and the ‘green light’ of increased freedom. Each one of us, (what our PM calls the Kiwi ‘team of 5 million,’) is supposed to respect social distancing, have scrupulous personal hygiene, think of those around us, and be prepared to put the ‘greater good’ ahead of our selfish desires, our need and greeds.
In the last 2 decades, the world has faced the challenges of Sars, Swine Flu, Mers. Ebola and Zika pandemics. Now it’s Covid, and it reached our ‘safe’ country through the rapid movement of people from around the globe. We can no longer count on our remote Pacific Island status to protect us from the world’s ugly viral destruction. Such outbreaks increase inequality in poorer more crowed countries which are worst affected. Unemployment rises, and the ability to send money home to
support impoverished families from jobs overseas is dramatically reduced. Sadly, the poor will continue to be dragged under debt and pain for many years to come. This warning is from International Monetary Fund.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, unrest is growing. Our leaders realise that ‘Lock-down’ cannot continue for ever, and we are urged to use our common sense in every situation. As we move today into the ‘amber light’ area of Level 2, it will give more certainty for businesses. Families will be reassured about increasing their bubbles with more family members and friends. It is a welcome step into a more normal life.
There is now a pattern emerging of where clusters of Covid are taking hold. There is a differential impact depending on age, health and geography around the country. Re-opening various sectors of the economy, and less affected parts of the regions will ease anxiety. Cities are crowded and more at risk, while our rural areas are less affected, so they could move into a ‘new normal’ level’. Younger people, say under 40, are less likely to be infected, so they could also be given a more generous release timetable.
Level 2 is a tentative step forward on the road to recovery. Every community was eagerly awaiting the Budget announcement today. The funds are not infinite and some groups will be disappointed with their acknowledgement and fund allocation. It is impossible to please everyone. But that ‘amber light’ will also be clearly in our sights, urging caution because, depending on our behaviour, the zone will move back to ‘red light’ instead of the much anticipated ‘green light’ o post- Covid danger.
As a community of faith, Nativity family, we will respect our leaders as God requires. We will continue to refrain from risky activities, and strive to act responsibly. God gave each of us a conscience, and a mind to think with. We can honour Him by our actions every day, as Covid’s tentacles stretch and envelop the globe. Above all, we can pray for the victims and their families, the jobless and homeless and all whose lives have been badly impacted by this monstrous silent destroyer. We can also pray for a vaccine to be rapidly developed and shared generously with all affected countries. ‘No man is an island’, wrote John Donne, While any country still has active Covid cases, the entire world is at risk of further outbreaks. We depend on each other for ultimate safety from this grave threat.
As businesses return to work, schools re-open, sports resume, social activities increase, may we give thanks that God has steered us through the worst of feared outcomes. Let’s continue to encourage and assist the stricken, and share with them the Words of life and hope that sustain us.
May God guide us, protect us, and keep us close in His Bubble.
In His Name
Rosemary Francis.

There are mixed feelings about this expansion of our safe place to mingle with others.
We have all developed new routines, which have replaced our old way of doing things.
Some of us have been locked away from our families. Others have enjoyed the closeness of their loved ones compulsorily restrained to their homes, elevating home to the safest place to be.
Some parents are anxious about releasing their children to the school system, and are holding back to see how the ‘guinea pig’ students and teachers adjust to the new rules. How will they control children’s natural jostling and playing together? Social distancing is virtually impossible to sustain with younger children. Frequent handwashing may be manageable, but preventing the touching of faces is wishful thinking.
We have been blessed by mostly fine autumn weather through the lock-down. Social isolation in patient queues outside supermarkets, pharmacies, medical clinics and other necessary places, will be unpleasant and risky when rain and chilly weather overcomes us towards Winter. Reduced restrictions, plus more mobility may cause a renewed outbreak and potential spread of the virus. Self- quarantine will continue to be expected of responsible citizens as the regular flu, coughs and colds naturally attack the vulnerable among us.
Like Alice through the looking glass, we’re tentatively stepping into new territory. The whole world is likewise moving carefully from isolation back into bubble-bumping of a ‘new normal.’ “For the former things have passed away, behold I make all things new.”
As I speak to other seniors, a surprising number have appreciated this enforced restriction imposed on us all. It has been a time of quiet; less busyness and pressure, fewer interruptions, more time to read, contemplate and spend time with God. We’re turning from ‘Martha’ into ‘Mary’ (Luke 11 v 39-42) We seem to have listened to our bodies, rested more and eaten more sensibly. Most of us began with a busy programme of being productive, cleaning, sorting and reducing clutter to simplify our home lives. As the lock-down continued, the seniors, (who have previously been busy with grandparent duties, voluntary work and keeping brains gainfully occupied) have allowed themselves to slow down. One friend described her days thus : I slowed down and the drive to be ‘doing’ disappeared. I started reading in the middle of the day, napping in the sun, pottering, baking for fun. Eating and sleeping when I felt like it, bingeing on a good book or movie at odd hours. Communicating with others when it suited us both.”
We older people who have been “cumbered about with much serving” of others, have marked Jesus’ gentle admonition; “ Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. Mary has chosen the good thing, which shall not be taken away from her.” Mary preferred to sit at Jesus feet, and learn of Him, rather than rush around serving him. There is a time and place for everything, it’s a re-organising of priorities.
Another older friend has spent her time knitting, a skill that has become more difficult with health challenges. She’s not able to make up fancy patterns, but she’s making lots of beanies. She’s handing them out to children who had nothing warm to cover their heads “because God cares for them.”
Her generosity reminds me of my dear grandmother who spent her last years slowly, painfully knitting tiny baby garments. I remember her gnarled old arthritic hands slowly contorting to make each stitch. She would be hunched over her work, peering through rheumy eyes at the blur of wool coming together. As she finished each tiny garment, it was wrapped in tissue paper and set aside in a box. Every Christmas we took Nanna for her big outing, to the Cathedral; where she laid her box at the foot of the charity Christmas tree. It was the ‘Widows mite.’ How many needy babies were comforted by her hundreds hours of work we’ll never know. What I’m certain of is that her devotion to honour God and care for those with desperate needs was a lasting impression on me. It has helped me to re-prioritise what is important in life. Thank you Nanna for the example you set 70 years ago.
Today is Nurses Day, and indeed, this is The International Year of Nurses and Midwives. How timely that we can single these professionals out for special gratitude and praise; they have toiled and sacrificed to keep our health services running during this epidemic. Much of their work involves close contact with patients and clients, so they have been on the Covid front line which is the most risky place. A number of them have become infected with Coronavirus. I am most grateful for the caring nurses in our eventide homes. There are many confused and disabled people who can’t understand why they are enclosed and unable to be close to their loved ones; especially those who are near the end of their lives, and under palliative care. Our fine ‘Florence Nightingales’ have managed Zoom and Skype sessions to enable distressed patients to communicate with their anxious families. Some nurses have chosen to isolate themselves from their own family bubbles to protect their loved ones while they continue to serve their patients. Their dedication and generosity is a blessing to us all. May they be respected and remunerated appropriately as we begin to increase our bubble sizes. Such palliative care staff are earning 10 per cent less pay than their DHB colleagues. We encourage those handling budgets and wage subsidies to acknowledge the carers and nurses and show our gratitude for their continuing faithful service.
“Inasmuch as you do these deeds for the least of my people, you do it unto me.”
Happy bubble blowing!
Rose Francis.

With shops still closed, and social distancing required, like many mothers I suspected that Mothers’ Day 2020 would be a fizzer.
​
Fortunately our tech-savvy children and grandchildren were thoughtful and managed to make contact, bringing cheer and fun into our isolating ‘bubbles.’ I was blessed with a big box of fruit and vegetables, with no identification of from whom, or from whence it came. (Having seen Sally Army and other charities preparing and delivering care-boxes to elderly and isolated people, I assumed I was on their list.) It was only when one of my sons told me they’d arranged delivery of a gift for Mother’s Day that the ‘penny’ dropped!’ Their hand- crafted card was posted a week ago, so I await NZ Post delivering it at some future date.
My eldest son, and his daughters in Singapore phoned and we had a great chat; catching up on Covid restrictions and their life in isolation as they deal with a fresh and serious outbreak of the virus. Another grand-daughter will be returning to Singapore from studying in UK, and will be placed in hotel isolation for a fortnight by their government.
Three grandsons in Australia also e-mailed me separately, and it was so good to share their ‘happenings’ and challenges of studying on-line. Energetic lads, they’re all frustrated by the compulsory close-down of sports training grounds, gymnasiums and swimming pools. Lock-down is tougher on the active young than it is for the more mature and sedentary.
My ’local’ son and his family came around late in the afternoon, arranged chairs 2 metres apart in my garden, and we had a lovely afternoon tea they’d brought; wearing warm jackets as the sun was low and temperature dropping. Our 3 dogs cavorted joyfully around us, and we had our first social gathering in several months. We later walked along the Opaua River with the hounds, enjoying the gorgeous autumn colours, clear reflections in the water, and the last brilliant rays of sun as it slipped behind the hills. I felt thoroughly loved, and grateful for the family God has blessed me with, and allowed me to nourish, cherish and pray for.
In earlier years, we’ve had lock-downs, from the Spanish Flu in 181 and various outbreaks of Poliomyelitis in 1930s to 1950s. Mothers in those days didn’t have the benefit of computer contact with their isolated loved ones. Through Skype, Facebook, Zoom, instantly transmitted photos on-line, and all manner of other modern communications; we can keep at safe distances and still enjoy the company of our significant friends and family members. These electronic meetings are such a consolation for our current lack of physical contact. While this has been a hugless Mothers’ Day, we know our families are keeping the ‘distancing rules,’ out of love;o to prevent the potential transmission of Covid. So too, the advised wearing of masks. We wear them to protect others around us, not just to protect ourselves.
God willing, we will not require such draconian measures to keep families physically apart again. Let’s remember how God has guided protected and encouraged us in the past, how He lit our path today so that we wouldl not stumble. And we know He will walk with us and support us through whatever happens in the future. Life without that reassurance is tough and full of anxiety. Let’s share our “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine” with others. We have the Word of Life and hope. Let’s share it!
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing.” (Psalm 127:3)
Rosemary Francis

Covid Reflection.

Out of ill, God can bring forth good.

 May 7th was the US National Day of Prayer and it presented a unique opportunity to reflect on how God has moved upon our nation during this time of national and global crisis.  You won't hear about it in the mainstream media, but a significant tremor of spiritual revival has been happening across America during this traumatic time, so much so that it is now being referred to as "The Great Quarantine Revival".

Prophecy News Watch has made the following encouraging observations.


While no doubt many have turned to periods of self indulgence in their time of isolation and quarantine, many have used this opportunity to question and search for meaning and purpose in life. Often we do not see how desperate we are until our health is taken away or we experience the loss of a job and realize we are up against something so big that we need outside intervention.

That's us right now. We are in deep need. Not only because of this virus-plague, but because we have forgotten God. We think our greatest need is to get a vaccine or to get the economy back up and running. These are important, but they are not our greatest needs. What we need more than anything else in this land is a spiritual awakening.  

With no sports, little entertainment and lots of time to reflect without distractions - it is a unique time in history where people are acutely aware of their need, and willing to reach out to others.  Not only do people have the time to listen but are open and willing to do so. 

A poll conducted by the Joshua Fund back in March found that 43.4% of all respondents say yes, we are experiencing a "wake up call" from God.  One-in-five non-Christians (21.5%) polled said the crisis is causing them to start reading the Bible and listen to Bible teaching and Christian sermons online even though they usually don't, search online to learn more about Bible prophecy and God's plan for the future of mankind, and have more spiritual conversations with family and friends. 

For Christians it has also been a time of deeper spiritual connection with four-in-ten self-identified Christian (40.1%) respondents said they are reading the Bible more than ever, watching or listening to Bible teaching and Christian sermons online and searching online to understand Bible prophecy and God's plan for the future of mankind.
The polls' indication that people are willing to read the Bible more than ever before has been reflected in record numbers of Bible app downloads including the YouVersion Bible App which saw 40.6 million people complete daily reading plans on Easter, up 54 percent. During Holy Week, another 14.1 million people shared verses, up 30 percent from the year before.

Traditional print Bible sales also saw a dramatic rise in April as did Google searches for "prayer" and "Christianity".

That wake up call has taken many forms and shapes but the response online for salvation according to several ministries has been unprecedented.

One of the largest online evangelistic events was put on by Nick Hall of Pulse Ministry. An estimated 1.7 million people from 167 countries across the world tuned into Pulse's service which included translation into 40 different languages.  

The crusade featured talks by Hall, renowned apologist Ravi Zacharias, bestselling author Max Lucado, NFL Super Bowl Champion and Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy, Francis Chan and Rev. Samuel Rodriguez. It also had worship by Lauren Daigle, Michael W. Smith, and singing duo Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes.

As a result of the online crusade over 100,000 people indicated they wanted to put their faith in Jesus after hearing the gospel.

The responses, which came via international call centers, email, website and text messages, are evidence that God is at work in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Nick Hall, who founded Pulse and was the creative mind behind the outreach.

"We were literally getting smartphone photos from all over the world--from Nigeria to India and China--of families gathering in their living rooms around 18-inch cathode-ray TVs, laptops and HD screens watching our services," Hall said. "The doors to our church buildings may have been closed, but the church has not closed. We are living through a Great Quarantine Revival, and I think God is just getting started."

Two other well known ministries are reporting similar experiences.
David Jeremiah, senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, and host of the radio program "Turning Point," says that ever since the shutdown began, viewership of his online services has dramatically skyrocketed.

"The church is alive and well and may be more responsive now that I can ever remember except for the possible exception of 9/11," he said. "What we've learned from all of this is God doesn't need a building for there to be a church."
The founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries revealed that on Easter Sunday, a staggering 90,000 people tuned into his online worship service.

"I'm preaching right now to more people than I have ever preached to my life," he said, adding that after the service, he gave viewers the opportunity to receive Christ.

According to Jeremiah, over 600 people clicked on that button.

"I've been doing this for over 50 years; I'm all over media, and I've never had anything like that happen, ever," he emphasized. "Would I rather have the 12 or 15,000 people that we have on Easter sitting in the church with our choir and orchestra and the Easter lilies and everybody cheering and praising? Yeah, I'd rather have that. But this is a new and different thing that God is doing. It's unprecedented."

Megachurch Pastor Greg Laurie received quite a bit of attention during the pandemic when President Trump said that he planed to tune into his online service during Easter.  Laurie says that increasing numbers of young people are starting to embrace the Gospel during this time.
"Last week, we had over a million people tune in for church. These are people literally from all around the world, from every age and background, who are missing church. So, to the best of our ability, we are bringing church to them. What's more, hundreds of thousands of them are people whom marketers would refer to as the 'target demographic' between the ages of 18 and 34."
Ever since the shutdown began, viewership among millennials has increased 235%, he said.

Churches have been attempting to reach younger generations with the Gospel for decades, seemingly in vain, Laurie elaborated, highlighting the plethora of news stories and surveys in recent years about declining church attendance and the rise of the "nones" -- those who never have or no longer affiliate with any particular religious tradition.

But the worldwide coronavirus outbreak has fundamentally changed the environment.
"Could it be that simply by responding as best and as quickly as we could to something no one saw coming, we've unwittingly stumbled into part of God's answer to a generational riddle?" he asked.

"But here is the most surprising thing to me about this new, burgeoning online congregation. At the end of my message, I extended an opportunity for people to pray and ask Jesus Christ to come into their lives. At last count, over 31,000 have responded. That's in four weeks," Laurie said.
"You've heard of 'life imitating art.' Well, this is virtual reality becoming actual reality.

Let's hope and pray that it continues. America is long overdue," Laurie concluded.

The pandemic has triggered a "historic spiritual moment" - but like the lessons learned after 9/11 - we can easily be lulled back into complacency.  Churches that were full after 9/11 quickly went back to normal in the weeks after.  Let us pray  that this revival lasts.

I wonder if the same can be said of New Zealand as we prepare for a widening of our Covid-enforced bubbles. Will we go back to our old ways of doing things?  Or will we search God's heart for our nation and listen to His  words on our future directions?  We each have a God-shaped emptiness in our souls until we seek and find His fulfillment.  That empty place is what is causing the lonely, frustrated and fearful to seek God.  Please join me in praying for a wave of repentance and a fresh revival of His Spirit over our land.

Covid has been a 'full stop', and a wakeup call causing whole nations to grind to a halt within a few weeks.
We're vulnerable, our pride has been questioned, and we are more open to acknowledge our powerlessness.
 This is the state of humility when we are receptive to God.
"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 them from Heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land."

  (2Chronicles 7 v 14.)

The next move is ours, people of God!

In His Service,
​
Rosemary Francis.

We are so sorry that we can't be celebrating Mother's Day with you in person this year. We miss the tradition of giving little posies of flowers that are so faithfully prepared by our wonderful team of 'home florists'. So, in lieu of flowers this year, we would like to share this song that we thought captured how we all feel about our mothers:

​Sunday 10th May is Mothers' Day.  This year, Covid will deprive many Mothers of special hugs and visits from loved ones.  We're still restricted in movement under Level 3, and some will be unable to get home to honour their mother. 

That's regrettable, but in these dangerous days, we honour our elders by not risking their health with close contact. We are fortunate to have other ways of contacting our Mothers nowadays, with phones, computers and posted gifts or cards.  My personal favourite 'distance consolatio'n is Skype, where I am beamed into the homes of my children, and able to interact with grandchildren.

Mothering Sunday was instituted in the  16th century in England.  It was held in Lent.  More recently, the commercial sector saw it as another way to boost sales of cards, flowers and gift items for mothers, and that market increases.  I reckon all mothers deserve big celebrations.  To nurturing a baby through pregnancy, birth, babyhood, childhood, teen age years and into adulthood takes enormous effort and sacrificial love.  Mothers are not perfect;  it's a commitment where they learn on the job.  Some can't cope with the responsibility, and give up their baby for a - hopefully- better life experience.    All of us who are reading this, have a birth mother.  Some may also have a Mother who chose you and gave you a new home.  Some have married and gained a mother in law as well.  These are the women who link us down through the chain of our family history. we literally owe them our lives, and pass their genes along with our own, to our following generations.  What a privilege!.

Looking back, with the perspective of having four children of my own, I admire my mother’s perseverance.  

What ever good I may have done in my life is due to Mother's example.  She was  courageous, hard working and loyal.  She brought up her family through challenging times to respect God and obey His commandments.  I thank God for my mother, and it thrills me to see her high standards and positive personality traits in my children.

"I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did.  I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day.  I remember your tears, and I want to see you very much, so that I may be filled with joy.  I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother...and your mother....also had.  I am sure that you have it also.  For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you.... For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead His Spirit fills us with power, love and self control."  2 Timothy 1 vv 3-7)

For all mothers.  Thank you for your great contribution to our nation.  What a privilege to share with God in the creation of a new generation.  may He bless you and your your family.

Rosemary Francis.

This is an abridged version.  For the full reflection please see the Nativity Facebook group or contact info@nativity.org.nz.

Blessings to all mothers in our lives this day and always!

Whatever happens in this time of lockdown, it is important to hold onto the things that matter. This period of inactivity need not apply to our minds; having time and space on our hands is not to be squandered. Cleaning out the kitchen cupboards is one good use of our time, but cleaning out our mind-sets is another. The various tests that that we have all been under in our segregated “bubbles” will have brought to the surface both the good and the bad in us. What clowns we are, if we let the opportunity go by to reset our compasses in the relative absence of distractions.

As our Communion liturgy says, “some sins are plain to us, some are hidden, and some we cannot face.” What are we to do, apart from confessing them, to safeguard ourselves from being constantly at their mercy? Is there some housekeeping that we can do to tidy up our act?

We could start by identifying those sins that keep reappearing, and taint our relationship with God. While we all know that He is slow to anger and quick to forgive (Psalm 110) do we also know that there are things that He expects us to do to keep the door shut, to both our sins and the demons that take advantage of the footholds that we give them?

I have found it helpful to identify the point at which any recurring sin is given my permission. What I find is not ignorance of what is right or wrong, but rather a justification that I have presented to myself for not doing the right thing. Therein lies my enemy. If you ever hear yourself say “but where’s the harm” or “I was provoked” or “everybody else is doing it” just know that your enemy the devil pricks up his ears.

Before confessing our sins next time, perhaps we could start by confessing our justifications.

Barry Struthers

​This is America's National day of Prayer.  Their needs are great under the scourge of Covid 19.
A Day of Prayer is a great way to unite our voices and intercede for god's grace and mercy.  We can join our voices with those of other countries, and share their pain.
Let us also pray for our country, which, under cautious and wise leadership has seen - so far- a very limited death toll from Covid.  We are tiny islands, far flung from the big centres of infection, and we're( mostly) obedient to the authorities which have urged stringent measures of cleanliness and isolation to combat the virus.  USA and UK, plus many other nations have not been so blessed. We know that Prayer changes things, and we can lift our concerns to God from our bubbles at this time.
I have attached here  the words of Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee and former president of the National Day of Prayer.
"The National Day of Prayer is Thursday (May 7). l have a deep conviction and commitment to praying for our nation.
We must be vigilant to pray for America consistently and even daily as we face the COVID-19 global pandemic. As we prepare specifically the 2020 National Day of Prayer, please consider using this prayer guide below. It is a powerful way to pray for America (and other nations.)
Please tell your friends to pray. Share these prayer points with them, as well as with pastors and churches, and everyone working in business, education, healthcare and all areas of life. Let’s join in clear agreement, visible unity, and extraordinary prayer as we focus on praying for America on Thursday, the National Day of Prayer."
In God we Trust!
Rose Francis.

This is America's National day of Prayer.  Their needs are great under the scourge of Covid 19.
A Day of Prayer is a great way to unite our voices and intercede for god's grace and mercy.  We can join our voices with those of other countries, and share their pain.
Let us also pray for our country, which, under cautious and wise leadership has seen - so far- a very limited death toll from Covid.  We are tiny islands, far flung from the big centres of infection, and we're( mostly) obedient to the authorities which have urged stringent measures of cleanliness and isolation to combat the virus.  USA and UK, plus many other nations have not been so blessed. We know that Prayer changes things, and we can lift our concerns to God from our bubbles at this time.
I have attached here  the words of Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee and former president of the National Day of Prayer.
"The National Day of Prayer is Thursday (May 7). l have a deep conviction and commitment to praying for our nation.
We must be vigilant to pray for America consistently and even daily as we face the COVID-19 global pandemic. As we prepare specifically the 2020 National Day of Prayer, please consider using this prayer guide below. It is a powerful way to pray for America (and other nations.)
Please tell your friends to pray. Share these prayer points with them, as well as with pastors and churches, and everyone working in business, education, healthcare and all areas of life. Let’s join in clear agreement, visible unity, and extraordinary prayer as we focus on praying for America on Thursday, the National Day of Prayer."
In God we Trust!
Rose Francis