– Pastor’s Corner –

– Pastor’s Corner –

By Pastor John Kilde New Hope Assembly of God • Cornell

Unity and Uncertainty

Over the last few weeks, the local churches have worked together for Vacation Bible School (VBS). With everything happening in our current world – COVID-19 pandemic, the division between people throughout the U.S., AND just living in uncertain times, it was very refreshing to see people working together, the local churches uniting, rather than dividing, to serve our community.

We had six churches represented and working together July 1, to build floats, props, candy and gift bags, all to bring together this year’s VBS. This year looks a lot different, because of the current state of the world.

It is encouraging to see all different people coming together to reach our families and kids throughout the area. For me, it refreshed my hope in the midst of the chaos. Seeing everyone coming together, and working together on projects and a shared goal, reminds me of the church in the time of the book of Acts. In Acts 2:42-47, we see the believers in the community working together in a single goal.

They devoted themselves to the teachings, sharing in meals and in prayer. They shared all they had together. With joy and generosity, they praised God and enjoyed a mutual goodwill with ALL the people. Each day, more and more people were able to see God with their hearts, and come into this united family.

During this time, anytime really, it is easy to look around us and see the bad, evil and ugly around us. It’s constantly near our eyes and fingertips. But what about the good? Its like a quote from Mister Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” I think this applies to us today. When I look around, for example at the VBS workday, this is exactly what I see. People working together for a common goal – to share the true love and hope of Jesus.

Different denominations, different races, different backgrounds, different personal histories and different stories all come together, as we all believe one main point... that Jesus died for us, rose from the grave and is coming back one day. This is our hope.

God did this for each and every one of us. That means you. He loves you. He cares for you. He is calling to you right now. To turn to Him, to not be alone, to not be divided, to not be fearful and to not be anxious.

The Bible tells us to cast all our fears upon Him. We can trust Jesus and not carry these burdens.

Make this your prayer – your heart cry to Him. “Reveal Yourself to me. Help me to share and see with the eyes of Your hope through Your son Jesus. Help me to see my role in Your body of believers. In Jesus’ name, amen.”