Dear Friends,
Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go
Joshua 1:9 (NRSV)
Greetings to you all in the love of Christ who joins us as one family in the kingdom of God. I am writing to wish you a spirit-filled and spirit-guided season as we begin yet a new Connexional year. September is a new year for the Methodist community. The year is usually characterised with new ministers moving into new places of appointment. However, this is going to be a spectacular season as we are faced with reopening of church buildings and children going back to school after such a long time and some starting for the first time.
There are so many questions, however, arising from our experiences during lockdown (COVID 19 pandemic) whilst we seek to embrace a new ‘normal’. For us to be able to face the mission before us in this year and beyond, we first and foremost need to come out of any form of fear that grips us. We will need to trust God and be willing to make those ‘baby’ steps towards the things God is sending us to accomplish in this season. We do so not in our power, but God’s strength.
We will need to keep our eyes and ears open, as we look out for and listen to the guidance from the government and relevant authorities concerning COVID 19 safety. As a people of faith, we also need to be listening and discerning to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. May our faith be deepened in the Lord on this journey, most importantly as we adapt to new ways of doing things in the church, at work, in school etc.
For the year at hand- for tomorrow and beyond, we will put our trust in God ‘Our help in Ages past’ and walk in His footsteps.
What then shall we be afraid of? We will not be afraid, but trust…
“For the Best of All is God is with us” (John Wesley).
Your Friend & Minister,
Revd. Adam Nyawo