Seeking Shalom In Uncertain Times
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with all that is going on in our world right now. Many people are afraid, confused, anxious. Regardless of how it makes you feel, all of our lives are being affected in one way or another by all that is happening surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Here at SOS, we have had to think through decisions that we have never had to consider before in our 33 year history. For example - after much consultation, research, conversation, and prayer, we have decided to suspend our last two weeks of Spring Break service trips (March 15-20 and March 22-27). We are heavy-hearted but also hopeful that this is what is best for the community that we are here to serve. Our construction team, along with a few of our alumni will be finishing up the roofs we started in the past two weeks, so we won’t be leaving any of our homeowner partners without a new roof over their heads.
But it does feel strange for things to change so quickly and so dramatically. During this suspension of activities, we will be exploring ways to ensure we remain connected to you and would love your prayer for how we can get more work done in the places we are called to serve.
Also, in this unique season, we are reminded that “the Spirit of God does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). As Christians, we have the chance to set the tone as one of peace and not panic. We encourage you to use this time and space as a way to grow in your faith. Here are some things you could consider:
Earthly chaos creates a beautiful stage for Kingdom Citizens to proclaim our King and the good Kingdom we are invited into. Friends, may we be earnest and true in welcoming our friends and neighbors into the peace of being God's beloved.
Dust off your best practices of shalom and justice and righteousness and that potluck posture, modify them a bit to respect social distancing, and show love and care to your neighbors. Maybe you can call on elderly neighbors or family members to check on them, offer to bring them groceries, or help out in other ways to keep them safe and away from crowds. If. you know someone who isn’t able to work (and therefore isn’t earning income) as businesses are closing, consider ways of helping them out.
It's likely you have a little more unscheduled time in your life. Practice spiritual disciplines and come out of this season flexing some new or improved spiritual muscles! Memorize, read, journal, meditate, pray. Download an app like Dwell or The Bible or Book of Common Prayer.
Let this time lead us to prayer. The following prayer has been at the end of camp devotions for the last few seasons. We've prayed it over you then and pray it over you still! "May you leave this place and go wherever God calls you, near or far, familiar or new. May He bless you, so that you may be equipped and ready as a source of great good for others. May He be your greatest gift and best defense. May you embody the justice and righteousness of our Father in your life, in ways big and small, and may He work through you and use you to serve, protect, and bless all the families of the earth, for His glory and our good." (inspired by God's call of Abraham in Genesis 12)
We love you and we can't wait to begin our summer programs in a few months. Thank you for your prayers during this time. We believe in being good neighbors and we hope these actions allow us to do just that.