Message from the Indianola Ministrial Association

COVID-19 has undoubtedly affected the lives of all of us dramatically. For some, the virus has been the source of a lot of pain and loss. For others, it has been a nagging worry. Even those whose livelihood and health have not been impacted have had to adjust to new ways of doing things and have probably experienced isolation and loss of freedom. In the face of these unprecedented challenges, your area churches want to bring you a message of hope and remind you that we are not created to have a spirit of fear. We are conquerors.
What do we need to be reminded of in times like this so that we can conquer discouragement? Let us share just a few truths with you today:

God has a plan for us.
God makes and keeps promises.
We are a fellowship of believers.

In today’s fast-paced media and social media society, we sometimes fixate on each new crisis in a way that makes it seem the world is spinning out of control. The truth is that our God is a God of order, and God does have a plan. True, we live in a fallen world, and we don’t have to look too far to see people’s inhumanity to others or the challenges of a fast-paced global society. As Christians, we know how the story ends, though. We need to remember that God has a plan and wants the best for us; and if we accept the gift, we will have eternity with Him. In the words of 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (NIV). If we accept that God has a plan for us, this will help allay our fear.
If we dig into God’s Word, we see that God makes and keeps promises. One of those promises is in Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (NIV). It is important to understand that this promise was given to the Israelites as they entered 70 years of captivity in Babylon. God encouraged His people to put down roots and grow where they were planted in exile. They certainly didn’t choose to be uprooted and replanted, but God was with them, promising to bring them through it. Our community didn’t choose COVID-19 either, but we will get through it with God’s help and encouragement. If we can stay focused like the Apostle Paul did we can claim his courage: “I press onward toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me homeward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) We will feel God’s hand upon us and will know that He is has a plan for us and that God makes and keeps promises.
A beautiful thing about being human is that we are designed to be in relationship. We are a fellowship of believers. We are united with the saints of the past and believers of the future. 2 Corinthians 13:11 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (NIV).
This COVID-19 challenge has necessitated churches to try new things to stay connected and engaged in worship. Some people have had their faith rekindled because of the need for support during the pandemic. Others, who had perhaps become comfortable and complacent in their faith, realized how important Christian fellowship really is. We have seen new appreciation for the ability to come together to worship, learn, and socialize once our ability to do those things was limited. Your area churches have resources to help you if you are in need or feeling isolated. Reach out to your local clergy or others in your fellowship if you feel yourself floundering or needing encouragement. Our God is bigger than any challenge, and He wants us to uplift and support each other.
We will leave you today with the encouragement God gave to Joshua as he prepared to lead the people after Moses’s passing: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord Your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). We are here to support you, too, and pray that you will experience God’s peace.

The Indianola Ministerial Association


Message from the Indianola Ministrial Association COVID-19 has undoubtedly affected the lives of all of us dramatically. For some, the virus has been the source of a lot of pain and loss. For others, it has been a nagging worry. Even those whose livelihood and health have not been impacted have had to adjust to new ways of doing things and have probably experienced isolation and loss of freedom. In the face of these unprecedented challenges, your area churches want to bring you a message of hope and remind you that we are not created to have a spirit of fear. We are conquerors. What do we need to be reminded of in times like this so that we can conquer discouragement? Let us share just a few truths with you today: God has a plan for us. God makes and keeps promises. We are a fellowship of believers. In today’s fast-paced media and social media society, we sometimes fixate on each new crisis in a way that makes it seem the world is spinning out of control. The truth is that our God is a God of order, and God does have a plan. True, we live in a fallen world, and we don’t have to look too far to see people’s inhumanity to others or the challenges of a fast-paced global society. As Christians, we know how the story ends, though. We need to remember that God has a plan and wants the best for us; and if we accept the gift, we will have eternity with Him. In the words of 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (NIV). If we accept that God has a plan for us, this will help allay our fear. If we dig into God’s Word, we see that God makes and keeps promises. One of those promises is in Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (NIV). It is important to understand that this promise was given to the Israelites as they entered 70 years of captivity in Babylon. God encouraged His people to put down roots and grow where they were planted in exile. They certainly didn’t choose to be uprooted and replanted, but God was with them, promising to bring them through it. Our community didn’t choose COVID-19 either, but we will get through it with God’s help and encouragement. If we can stay focused like the Apostle Paul did we can claim his courage: “I press onward toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me homeward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) We will feel God’s hand upon us and will know that He is has a plan for us and that God makes and keeps promises. A beautiful thing about being human is that we are designed to be in relationship. We are a fellowship of believers. We are united with the saints of the past and believers of the future. 2 Corinthians 13:11 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (NIV). This COVID-19 challenge has necessitated churches to try new things to stay connected and engaged in worship. Some people have had their faith rekindled because of the need for support during the pandemic. Others, who had perhaps become comfortable and complacent in their faith, realized how important Christian fellowship really is. We have seen new appreciation for the ability to come together to worship, learn, and socialize once our ability to do those things was limited. Your area churches have resources to help you if you are in need or feeling isolated. Reach out to your local clergy or others in your fellowship if you feel yourself floundering or needing encouragement. Our God is bigger than any challenge, and He wants us to uplift and support each other. We will leave you today with the encouragement God gave to Joshua as he prepared to lead the people after Moses’s passing: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord Your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). We are here to support you, too, and pray that you will experience God’s peace. The Indianola Ministerial Association
What's Up Wednesday 2019 - What's Up Wednesday News You Should Know Now