GBC Community Update: Struggling with the 'new normal'?

​Good morning!  It’s nice to have a break from the heat, what a beautiful day today!  It was nice also to see our provincial government move to phase 3 of easing restrictions.  There’s no real change for us as nothing changed for churches. Still, nice to see some changes.
Are you struggling with change?  Read my thought for the day below. 
Finally, I was excited to hear we raised enough money to purchase 700 masks for front line workers in Africa and South America. Thanks to Helen and our mission’s team for leading this!
 
Mission’s Update
Mark and Gretchen Potma (Czech Republic)
-Back Again
-Ladvi Church
-Ongoing work
We made it!  Praise the Lord, our trip from Prague to Windsor was uneventful.  We had no lines or delays, and now we are in mandatory quarantine.  It’s just as well to have quiet time after a very busy month in Prague.
Mark commissioned three Czech leaders to lead Ladvi Church with God’s help over the next four years.  He handed over leadership to Pastor Tomas of Network Church while we are on our home ministry assignment.
Another missionary, Amy, will lead Gretchen’s moms and kids club while we are away.  Gretchen also hosted her English and Bible class at our home with an end of year campfire after another successful school year.
Please pray for these churches and believers as they testify to God’s grace in the Czech Republic.  Pray that God would use us to do the same during our home ministry assignment.
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Jacob and Karen Ginter host a weekly prayer gathering on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm. Join them as they pray through scripture for this current situation and for all of us.  You can connect through Zoom or by phone.   Here are the details:
GBC Wednesday Night Prayer
Time: 7-8pm
 Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/923156764
 Meeting ID: 923 156 764
 To join by phone…
Dial  +1 647 374 4685 Canada and then enter Meeting ID
 
 
A thought for the day: Struggling with the ‘new normal’?  Focus on what’s not changing.
I don’t know about you, but I find a lot of things are changing these days. For a long time I just thought: ‘wait it out and things will go back to the way they were’.
That’s not likely going to happen.
I know, hard to hear for some (me included!).  While we’ve seen a lot of things change, I suspect we don’t even know all the changes this pandemic will have on us. These are all things we never dreamed of a year ago and now we’re told we need to get used to a ‘new normal’.  So, what is it? I don’t know. So then how do I move into this new reality?  Be flexible with change and remember what hasn’t changed.
The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). In the midst of all that’s changing, you can count on that truth. You can also know that God’s love for you has never changed. God’s forgiveness and plan of salvation hasn’t changed. And even in a pandemic, God’s call on your life hasn’t changed. So, don’t let all the changes make you lose sight of everything that is still the same.
So, with that in mind, let’s enter into this day with a smile on our face as we look to Almighty God who’s in control. He’s got this.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris