The Collective Storm
09 December 2020
Dear Pastors and Leaders,
We are nearing the end of this most unusual year, one defined by the COVID-19 virus that has resulted in a global pandemic. Many would suggest that this is a storm; one that we had not anticipated but we have now been riding out for months.
In Acts 27–28, we read about the terrible storm that the Apostle Paul encountered as a prisoner on his way to Rome. The storm lasted much longer than they had anticipated, and suddenly they found themselves wondering whether they would survive. Pounded by the storm, they threw the cargo overboard in an effort to lighten their load.
Throughout this COVID storm, the church has tried to adapt. We have thrown some of our cargo – regular programming – overboard, as we have tried to ride out the storm. We have made adjustments and become much more agile, but this storm is beginning to feel like the one that Paul encountered. This has not been a three-month experience. We are now in the tenth month, and while we think we see the dawning of a new day, we still find ourselves in the throes of the storm.
On the third day of Paul’s storm, the ship’s crew became so concerned that they threw the tackle overboard. Everyone would have thought that the tackle was essential, but they discovered that they could continue to ride out the storm, even without the customary equipment. They disposed of even things they thought were indispensable for their survival. Along the way, we have also discovered that some of the things that we were doing before, the “customary equipment,” may no longer be necessary. The church has been purging herself of the tackle. When we can get back to “normal,” we may ask ourselves, “Why do we do this?”
Many in the boat gave up hope, and sadly, some have lost hope during this storm as well. Pastors have become discouraged; there has been divorce, depression, sickness, death, and even suicide. Just as those on board were despairing of all hope, an angel of God appeared to Paul, telling him not to be afraid. He took these words to heart and told the entire crew to keep up their courage, for they would be saved.
We are in the midst of perhaps the largest collective storm of our lives, and we may lose a few things along the way, but we do not need to be afraid. Paul and the entire crew made it to shore, and they were able to continue with the mission of God. We anticipate that in the months ahead, we will be able to look back on this storm and celebrate what God has provided and what we have learned. We may have to get rid of the tackle along the way — those things we thought were indispensable that actually kept us from reaching shore.
The Lord we serve, and the One to whom we belong, says, “Don’t worry —Trust me.” Just like the Apostle Paul and his companions, our prayer is that we will confidently testify “Everyone arrived safely to the other side of the storm,” and will proclaim the Kingdom of God with all boldness and no hindrance, and live in the hope that Christ provides.
We keep you in our prayers with all thanksgiving.
Grace and peace,
Board of General Superintendents
Filimão M. Chambo, Eugénio R. Duarte, David W. Graves, David A. Busic, Gustavo A. Crocker, Carla D. Sunberg
Published: 12/14/2020
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