Okotoks Seventh-day Adventist Church Doing Well During COVID-19

Submitted by Ria Schurig, Communication Director Okotoks Seventh-day Adventist Church

The church has been doing its very best to keep meeting through internet communications. Prayer meeting is being held over the internet on Thursdays. Zoom has been efficient for the church serice, and the attendance has been good for both the Sabbath service and prayer meetings. The only difficulty we have encountered has been with song services causing issues for participants, but a number of options to resolve this are being considered. To be able to get together and see each other is a wonderful experience. We need each other during this stressful time, to know and see that we are doing well. A few of our members were missing due to having the virus but we praise God that they are on the mend.

An emergency board meeting was called to discuss ways to assist the communities of Okotoks and High River in this difficult time of fear and uncertainty. The project for these towns was started almost immediately by purchasing products and medicines to build up the immune system and fight the coronavirus. In addition, one of Mrs. White's books was added to each parcel as well. People known to have the virus were One houndred parcels were given to people having the virus in Okotoks, High River and South Calgary area. We are praying that the Holy Spirit will speak to their hearts through the books delivered to them. They gladly accepted our offer and no one has refused so far. The parcel included a short letter by Dr. Lady Jane Padilla, who represented the Okotoks Church, offering help in facing the current uncertainties and fears. She offered suggestions to have confidence in facing the unseen enemy by using the principles of the NEWSTART health program that have shown to be immune-enhancing.

At prayer meeting, we have been studying Last Day Events by Sister Ellen White. Brothers and sisters, we are so close to Jesus' coming. Let us remember that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof” (Psalm 46:1–3, KJV). May God be with us all.

Contents of the parcel included ginger, lemon, and tylenol.

People known to have the virus were asked for permission and offered a parcel and permission was requested to deliver it. They gladly accepted it. No one refused so far.

At prayer meeting, we have been studying Last Day Events by Sister Ellen White. Brothers and sisters, we are so close to Jesus' coming. Let us remember that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof” (Psalm 46:1–3, KJV). May God be with us all.

Vitamin C needed to have a strong immunity to help fight the virus.