Dear Friends,
At times like these, it is very easy to concentrate on one’s own personal circumstances. Of course, it is vital that we take care of ourselves, look out for ourselves, do all that we can to ensure that we stay safe, protecting ourselves as best we can. But we should also continue to be aware that this is a global pandemic during which no country on earth has been left untouched. This caused me to think about our own congregation, and the links we have, directly and indirectly, with the wider world……I came up with the following list of countries…
…France, Italy, Holland, Germany, Luxembourg, Greece, Sweden, Ukraine, USA, Canada, Iran, Iraq, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, Nigeria, Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Irish Republic, England…
As a Church, this is how far we reach across the world. And some of you will have links with people in other places. It does us good to be reminded that whilst what is happening is happening to us, it is also happening to everyone else as well. No one is immune from the impact of what is truly a global pandemic…
…Of course, different countries have different approaches as to how to combat the effects of Covid-19. It might be argued that some countries have done better than others; that it is easier for some countries simply because of factors such as geography, or population density. Some countries will have well-established health care provision – although even then effects have been catastrophic – while others will have only a basic health service. It is easy to judge, and to be judged; to compare one’s experience with that of others, be it favourably or unfavourably. Whatever, in the end, no one anywhere has been able to avoid what is happening…
…And wherever there are people in the world, the Christian Church is present. In some places, more prominently than in others. But it is thanks to the enormous effort of the Missionary movement during the last 300 years or so that the Christian Gospel has been able to find its way into every corner of the world. Many such missionaries went from this country. More recently we have been pleased to welcome missionaries from other countries…
…And so, as we continue to confront the pandemic, we do so in solidarity with folk of every nation. And as Christians, as we continue to live faithfully under God, following as best we can in Jesus’ footsteps, we do so in solidarity with our Christian sisters & brothers across the world. It is good for us as a ‘local’ church to be able to engage through worship, prayer and practical concern with people from many other countries. Our fellowship is enriched accordingly.