GPBC Blog

By Mitch Lea --

All of us at Stephen Ministries hope and pray that you, your loved ones, and the people you care for are healthy and safe. I hope you receive comfort in God’s words from Isaiah 41:10:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

As we find ourselves in the midst of this pandemic, we all feel the impact of social distancing. What does social distancing mean in daily life? Social distancing is staying home whenever possible. Limiting trips out of your home to essential tasks, such as picking up food, medicines or visiting a doctor. During this crazy time, it is important that we reach out and connect with each other. One of things we do here as church members is that we take care of our loved ones, neighbors and community. In Tuesday’s email, Greg has spelled out some great ways to connect.

Stephen Ministry has shared in the class “Healthy Relationship Skills for Life”, the value and strength of listening. When we reach out and connect with others we are showing we care!

As we listen, we put effort into paying attention to what the other person is saying and feeling. People express feelings of many types. The COVID-19 crisis has impacted everyone—raising the level of stress and anxiety for many. These may be just some of the feelings you hear others express. You may be the one who wants someone to listen to you and share your feelings.

Some of you may be needing even more than church members, loved ones or neighbors can provide. Please know that our Stephen Ministers are here for you. Our ministry is one of being a caring, listening ear. We are trained to come alongside you to listen, encourage and support you during this unexpected journey you're on. Stephen Ministers provide confidential, high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care.

If a Stephen Minister would be of help to you during this time, please let us know at . During this time of social distancing, Stephen Ministers are trained to meet over the phone.
To close I would like to share this prayer.

The Pandemic Prayer
- May we who are merely inconvenienced,
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
- May we who have no risk factors,
Remember those who are most vulnerable.
- May we who have the luxury of working from home,
Remember those who must choose between
preserving their health or making their rent.
- May we who have the flexibility to care for our
children when their schools close,
Remember those who have no options.
- May we who have to cancel our trips,
Remember those who have no safe place to go.
- May we who are losing our margin money
in the tumult of the economic market,
Remember those who have no margin at all.
- May we who settle in for a quarantine at home,
Remember those who have no home.
- As fear grips our country,
Let us choose love.
- During this time when we cannot physically
wrap our arms around each other,
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of care and kindness to our neighbors. -Anonymous

Stay safe and healthy!