Dearly Beloved,

Strange way to begin a letter, eh? Not really. As I have stated previously, I consider myself blessed to be the Lead Pastor of ONE&ALL Church. We seem to be a perfect fit for each other, and I have grown to love you.

Therefore, I want to encourage you to stay on mission. This lockdown is frustrating, confusing, and economically devastating. I hear stories of depression and anxiety, not to mention the obvious issues of health and financial hardship. Not surprisingly, political camps employ these unfortunate circumstances to promote other agendas. When God takes something that is meant for evil and uses it for good, the Devil will launch a counteroffensive. Satan loves to divide and distract us in order to defeat us. Paul wrote to us in the book of Ephesians and reminded us that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers in the spiritual world. As Pastors and Christ-followers, unity is paramount. Satan knows this and will attempt to destroy our solidarity. A house divided will not stand. When we reopen our worship centers, we should do so with wisdom and compassion for all. In reality, our church has never been closed, nor will it ever be. The church is not the building but its people. The people of God have been spiritually thriving during this horrible virus. Journalist Peter Baker once said, "Pandemics do not just throw light on the world as it is. They also rip open the fabric of normality. Through the hole that opens up, we glimpse the possibilities of other worlds." Through this illness, eyes opened to a more stable reality, the world of the kingdom of God and her people.

In this isolation and separation, Jesus is bringing people out of the shadows into His glorious light. Friends, Family Members, and Neighbors, previously apathetic toward spiritual things, are seeking God and His Church. Something supernatural is in our midst! I am sure I have never before witnessed such an interest in Jesus Christ.

Soon, we will once again meet together in large numbers. No secular or religious agency will dictate the timing. Striving to be as informed as possible concerning the virus, we will first and foremost seek the wisdom of God and His timing.

Like most of you, we are eager to reopen. The thought of thousands of people raising their voices in praise and listening intently to the power of God's Word, thrills us! However, a closed building cannot close God out. A stagnate auditorium will not stop a powerful movement of God. We may be held back from coming close to each other, but that will not stop us from bringing people far from God near to Him.

So, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Heb 12:1-3).

I can't wait to be back worshipping together again. In the meantime, let's stay on mission and see what God can do. Let's see a fully-devoted follower of Jesus in every home in this valley and beyond.

- From Pastor Jeff