Swine Flu
It is Sunday morning. But it is hard to tell. There is no rushing around, getting ready, practicing songs, quickly eaten breakfast. Church is cancelled because of the "swine flu pandemic." This past week has been rather strange as all our carefully laid plans and rushed pace of preparation for the team came to a grinding halt. Last week at this time, we had just heard of a flu going around in Mexico City. By Monday morning, our state government had closed all schools and churches, and stated that people should not meet in groups larger than twenty effective immediately and through May 6th. Reported cases of the flu seemed to be on the rise in our town as well.
We were looking forward to the team from Michigan and Ontario arriving on Thursday, April 30th. Friday, we were headed to the coast to have a retreat with the church. Many of our members and visitors at the mission had signed up to go. The theme was to be "Faith in Action." Well, our faith was forced into action in a way we did not expect. We were forced to cancel all activities. We could not even carry on with our regular routine of visiting and Bible studies. We may wonder how sitting and waiting could be a better plan than all the evangelistic activities we had planned, but we are reflecting on how the battle is the Lord's and how many times He told his people to wait, to trust, to rest, to see His hand of victory.
So instead, we are enjoying the visit from Sarah, Richard's niece. Although every day we have wondered it we should change her flights, as they even talked of closing the border. We are glad the hype seems to be settling down. But just as we were gaining confidence to resume some of our activities, we heard that Sandra, one of our regular attendees, who we had had into our house last Sunday evening, has the flu, which she probably caught from her teacher, who just got back from Mexico City where she attended the funeral of her father who died of the swine flu. She seems to be doing better as of this morning. Please pray for her. So we are continuing to practice some caution.
Many people around town are still wearing surgical masks. Even the army officers who came into town after a serious drug related shooting that killed 8 police officers. When Sarah and I went out for groceries this week (one of our few outings), we were struck by what a "mess" Tepic appears to be right now. So in a way, we are glad the team members are not here, with nothing to do. And we are thankful that their flights were refunded.
So this morning, we worshipped in our living room, as did our other members in theirs. We sang, prayed, and listened to a sermon via Internet.
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, ny God, in whom I trust.'
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. "
Psalm 91
We were looking forward to the team from Michigan and Ontario arriving on Thursday, April 30th. Friday, we were headed to the coast to have a retreat with the church. Many of our members and visitors at the mission had signed up to go. The theme was to be "Faith in Action." Well, our faith was forced into action in a way we did not expect. We were forced to cancel all activities. We could not even carry on with our regular routine of visiting and Bible studies. We may wonder how sitting and waiting could be a better plan than all the evangelistic activities we had planned, but we are reflecting on how the battle is the Lord's and how many times He told his people to wait, to trust, to rest, to see His hand of victory.
So instead, we are enjoying the visit from Sarah, Richard's niece. Although every day we have wondered it we should change her flights, as they even talked of closing the border. We are glad the hype seems to be settling down. But just as we were gaining confidence to resume some of our activities, we heard that Sandra, one of our regular attendees, who we had had into our house last Sunday evening, has the flu, which she probably caught from her teacher, who just got back from Mexico City where she attended the funeral of her father who died of the swine flu. She seems to be doing better as of this morning. Please pray for her. So we are continuing to practice some caution.
Many people around town are still wearing surgical masks. Even the army officers who came into town after a serious drug related shooting that killed 8 police officers. When Sarah and I went out for groceries this week (one of our few outings), we were struck by what a "mess" Tepic appears to be right now. So in a way, we are glad the team members are not here, with nothing to do. And we are thankful that their flights were refunded.
So this morning, we worshipped in our living room, as did our other members in theirs. We sang, prayed, and listened to a sermon via Internet.
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, ny God, in whom I trust.'
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. "
Psalm 91
posted by ASB at 11:55 AM
7 Comments:
Thanks for the update!! We are praying for you especially during these days, and also tomorrow for Sarah as she travels back home. God bless you all! love from all of us!!
Yes, thanks so much Ange -- we've been thinking of you folks a lot during these unsettled days. May the Lord continue to protect all of you & grant healing to Sandra as well. What a comfort that we are in His loving hands!
We're praying, too! And you're right - the battle is the Lord's, wherever that battle wages. We can trust Him to work things out according to His perfect will. It was so nice to chat with you for a bit today, Ang!
Thanks for keeping us posted on how things are going there. We pray the Lord would protect and bless your family!
Do you wear those masks when you go out, Ange? Thanks for posting, and we will pray for Sandra, and all of you!
We're praying for you all Ange! It is amazing how plans can change like that. Thankfully we know who is in control of everything!
Are you hoping to reschedule the team? I hope you enjoy your last few days with Sarah. Lots of love to you all from us :)
Rich & Ange, I can very much sympathize with you over the disappointment of having to cancel all your carefully made plans. I've often had to wonder how being put aside/put on the shelf (so to speak) could be better than active service. But obviously, that's exactly what I/we need sometimes to feel again our utter helplessness and dependence on the Lord, to be able to see things from a different perspective perhaps or grow in character and go deeper with the Lord.
Still its not easy. Nice that you could at least enjoy Sarah's company :). We're praying that things will settle down and return to normal soon and that you'll be able to go ahead with the retreat and team in due time.
We are glad to hear that Sandra's doing better and pray no one else there will get sick. We pray too that the Lord not allow the Enemy to gain ground and that truth will come to light and justice be done with regards to this unnatural virus also. There are so many strange, scarey and wrong things going on in the world lately, it sure is good to know that God is still in control!!
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