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A 'locked down' Pastor, yet not 'locked out' of Ministry

A 'locked down' Pastor, yet not 'locked out' of Ministry

As I drove down the road I mused to myself. Who would ever have thought I’ would enjoy volunteering as a delivery service or that this van of ours would become such an important means for ministry.

Newmarket-on-FergusTony O'Rourke

Whew! I wiped my hands on my jeans and glanced at the time. That the time already! I was headed to Spar to collect the grocery parcels ready for delivery to isolated customers. On my way I wanted to deliver a load of firewood to a needy family who I know will struggle to make ends meet this month. As I drove down the road I mused to myself, who would ever have thought I would enjoy volunteering as a delivery service or that this van of ours would become such an important means for ministry. I have had numerous opportunities to use the van to help people and then minister to them at their doorstep with a prayer and encouraging word.

COVID 19 has definitely challenged me in my ministry. Yet, as I reflected over the past few weeks, there have been numerous blessings. At the start of the lockdown I realised that, without a bit of resourcefulness, I would be confined to my office. I have been exploring how to help in practical ways. Having the van has opened doors for me to connect with people. Technology is another means to minister. Zoom is proving very beneficial in having Bible Studies, Sabbath Services and Children’s Programmes for my three churches. Interestingly I have noted that people are joining us who are not members of our congregations. My wife Betty sends out a mid-week Bible Study Lesson to her group and also a weekly Sabbath School Lesson summary and Life Application to the three Churches WhatsApp group. She also phones ladies living alone, some of whom are not church members but all are in need of encouragement and comfort.

I might be a 'locked down' Pastor, but I am not 'locked out' of ministry. All around me I am finding new and innovative ways to practically help my community and be a blessing to those I meet. People, isolated by the pandemic, are struggling with fear and are grateful for spiritual dialogue and prayer.

My prayer is that, as Christians, we may be used by God to share His love in these uncertain times.