3 minute read
Holding On To Hope
By Pastor Dwight Shawrod Riddick, II
Through It All…. We hold on to hope.
Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” I think we can all agree that the last year or so has presented some forms of darkness. I must admit that Sunday, March 15th, 2020 was not the brightest of days. Though I knew we were not gathering as a congregation as a result of the unprecedented scenario that disallowed large group gatherings, I sat in the empty sanctuary attempting to hear God and then be able to convey a message to our congregation. I have always loved gathering with the church family in the House of God, and the thought of that soul stirring fellowship ceasing brought about a myriad of difficult thoughts. A year later, I can say that God is and has been faithful. Not only has life transforming ministry continued, but our congregation and community have stepped up in tremendous ways. Ministries challenges gave birth to creative and St Mark family rallied together to check-in on those in need. Impactful ministry to our congregation and in our community never stopped and for that, I am grateful. God in His infinite wisdom led us to acquire new media equipment prior to the onset of the pandemic. We were ready to move as needed even though we did not know what God was getting ready for. He supplied both equipment to stream and anointed and equipped personnel willing to sacrifice time to keep it all working.
Preaching to the souls but only seeing cameras has been different, but I am thankful for the testimonies received and how God has expanded our reach to further share the Gospel. Our most recent sermon series, “Being a Goal Getter”, prayerfully has reminded each of us that there is still much that God has set before us and called us to do. May each of you acknowledge the winner in you and go after every God-given goal in your heart. I am also excited about our new sermon series, “Holding On to Hope”. It is no secret that the pandemic has left every sphere of our lives forever changed. From the economy, to the educational system, to the Christian community, how we fulfill our mandates has changed. The message of Jesus Christ, and my desire to help others see Jesus, has not changed, but our methods have had to stretch to be relevant. My prayer is that as we are discovering new norms for our lives moving forward, that we will hold on to our hope in Christ. For every uncertain moment that you may have, please insert your faith and hope in a God who can do the impossible.
I thank God for all that He has done, and for all that is still on the way!I am thankful for the faith filled team of leaders, worshippers and community agencies that have synergized to impact the Kingdom and support our community. Remember that God has caused us to overcome last year and since you made it to 2021 we declare that you have WON! Now know that God has affirmed that you are to keep winning in every area of your life.
