KEEP CALM & CARRY ON

Let’s keep C.A.L.M and carry on

Dear Yio Chu Kang Chapel family, much has been said and written about how we as Christians should respond in this COVID-19 pandemic. And with the onset of cases springing up in local churches, it’s hitting close to home for many of us. Do take to heart many of the wise exhortations and reflections from pastors, church leaders, and others. They contain truths and reminders that can strengthen us during this time.

For our YCKC family, we would like to exhort everyone to keep C.A.L.M in the midst of this situation. Remember:

Christ is in control. He is our hope of glory; the One in whom we can place our trust and in whom we can still have joy no matter what happens. He says to his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart!
I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

Accept one another. We are all directly or indirectly affected by this crisis, and have different responses to it. All the more, we need to show grace and treat one another with gentleness and patience; bearing with each other in love and maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2-3). Our hearts were greatly encouraged when we saw last week how everyone cooperated with the ushers in temperature screening and Health & Travel Declarations. That’s the sort of unity that we can exhibit as a Church! Trust in the Lord, pray too for our leaders – that they might have wisdom to make good decisions for the church.

Love others. Look out for ways to show God’s love, helping those around us, encouraging those who are feeling weary, fearful or discouraged, supporting and praying for those who are affected by the virus or who are working on the frontlines. Continue praying not just for protection for our loved ones but also for those in China and the rest of the world.

Meet, in whatever way possible. The heart of the Church doesn’t lie in a building or in a large gathering. The heart of the Church lies in men and women who meet together to remember Jesus and from there, go forth and impact this world for Him. In the situation where we may not be able to meet as a congregation for worship service, all of us can continue meeting as Church in our small groups instead. This was how the early Church responded even when persecution or pandemics struck. Wherever they were, they continued meeting in each other’s home, in small groups to encourage each other’s hearts to press on in Faith and Courage. We can do the same. Small groups are THE HEART of the Church and the clearest demonstration to the world that, come what may, Christ will be our strength and unity when we meet. We will be wise and take the necessary precautions but continue meeting, we will. And should we not be able to physically meet together even as small groups, let’s consider how we might use electronic means like WhatsApp or video chats to continue meeting! For a cord of three strands is not easily broken (Eccl 4:12) and it is good and pleasant when brothers dwell in unity (Ps 133:1). All the more during this time, do we need to mutually encourage and uphold one another.

As Hebrews 10:25 exhorts us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

Remember: Christ is in control. Accept one another in grace. Love others. Meet in whatever way possible.

By Assistant Pastors Adrian Ow & Jan Choo (YCKC Bulletin for 16 February 2020)