March 30, 2020

Hello Church Family
I wish to begin by thanking everyone for their prayers. I am home now; a little incapacitated but not so much I can't send out a hello.  Yesterday an interview with several Christian leaders made me recall a comment from a friend of mine so let me first provide you the background of that conversation. 

He planted a church in an area of Arkansas named Bella Vista. Bella vista is a suburb of Bentonville. When I visited that church I found it thriving and full of people. He gave me a tour of the greater geographical area and I noticed that other churches of the same denomination were not doing as well even though they were relatively close. I asked him about it, and he explained that Bella Vista was primarily a community of retired Midwest mid-level executives. He then said, "they were in their sixties and seventies when they moved here. One of the reason they were receptive to the gospel is that they were cramming for finals". That comment has stayed with me many years. 

The Christian leaders interviewed said the current public health situation has caused many people to reflect, or reevaluate their current spiritual reality and relationship with God (cramming for their finals) and that this provided an exceptional opportunity to share His message. 1Peter 3:15 instructs us But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason fo the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and a respect]  

At present, we are also hearing news reports of people reacting in extreme fashion out of fear and a sense of hopelessness. Many of us know people that may be ready to hear about the hope we have in Christ, now more than ever. Let's not pass up those opportunities.
Blessings, Vic