Love God, Love People

Loving God Loving People COVID-19 Articles and Stories That Inspire Faith

BEHIND THE SCENES The making and compilation of articles and resources for this book were mostly done from home. From the initial meeting to talking about the concept of this special project, dividing the workload to designing, contacting translators, writers, and editors—all were done online.

This is our workshop: not in one place, but spread out all over the city. Nevertheless, thanks to technology and by the grace of God, all of us synergized and worked together to deliver the book that you are holding and enjoying now. Our immense gratitude to everyone who joined forces to help us make this book possible: you are all incredible! As it turned out, distance and time could not hold back the love of God and His amazing gift for all of His children.

May this book be a blessing to you all.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” —Jesus Christ MATTHEW 22:37-40

LOVING GOD, LOVING PEOPLE COVID-19 Articles and Stories That Inspire Faith © 2020 Our Daily Bread Ministries® All rights reserved.

Editors: Dwiyanto Fadjaray, Monica Dwi Chresnayani Online Editors: Aryanto Wijaya, Dhimas Anugrah English Editors: Poh Fang Chia, Leslie Koh, Hudy Mulia Proofreaders: Santi Simamora, Sofyan Lie Translators: Christina Natasha, Cynthia Cecilia Chandra, Elvi Tambunan, Margaretha Maria, Tja Hanli, Yudy Himawan Graphic Designer: Felix Xu Cover and Interior Illustration: Shutterstock, Unsplash, Pixabay, Freepik Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Printed in Indonesia First edition: October 2020

TA B L E O F C O NT E NT S Carrying Out God’s Mission Faithfully Amidst the Pandemic ���������������������������������������������������� 7 Loving God: Living Out His Word Finding the Peace of God in Suffering ��������������������� 11 Reflection on Psalm 91: Understanding God’s Promise Accurately ������������ 13 Plagues, Quarantines, and Lent ������������������������������� 19 Loving God: Struggling Together with His People Why We Should Stop Meeting Together ������������������ 25 Online Worship: The Church’s Contribution to Help Contain the Spread of COVID-19 �������������� 29 Artwork: Every Day Brings New Stories ���������������������� 36 Loving God: Trusting in His Purpose Pain and Suffering ���������������������������������������������������� 39 Worry about Coronavirus? ���������������������������������������� 43 COVID-19: From Threat, Hope Rises ������������������������ 48 Loving God: Holding On in Sorrow Out of Darkness Into the Light ��������������������������������� 55 My Family in the Shadows of Death ������������������������ 59 God’s Unexpected Plan for My Family Through COVID-19 �������������������������������������������������� 64 Our Daily Bread: An Important Command ����������������� 69

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Loving People: Caring for Ourselves When I Am Struggling, God Alone Is My Source of Sanity ������������������������ 71 Stay Faithful during Economic Crisis ��������������������� 75 Loving People: Serving as His Witness Jesus the Caregiver ������������������������������������������������� 79 United Against Pandemic: Andrias Harefa �������������������������������������������������������� 84 United Against Pandemic: Sanny Fulianty �������������������������������������������������������� 86 Loving People: Strengthening Family Bond How to Talk to Your Children About Disease ���������� 89 United Against Pandemic: dr. Vimaladewi Lukito ���������������������������������������������� 96 Loving People: Striving to Care for Others When Lives Converge ����������������������������������������������� 99 United Against Pandemic: Irene Hasugian ������������������������������������������������������ 102 A Divine Appointment �������������������������������������������� 104 Our Daily Bread: Love Needs Expression ���������������� 107

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Carrying Out God’s Mission Faithfully Amidst the Pandemic

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ife has a way of surprising us. The first time I heard about the COVID-19 outbreak was at the Our Daily Bread Leadership Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, in mid-January 2020. I left Thailand just one day before the government of Thailand announced its first case of COVID-19. Just a week before, we had been so carefree, meeting up with friends at public places. Since then, the virus has restricted social activities not only in Thailand but also in many countries in various continents, including Indonesia.

In early March 2020, Indonesia reported the first two COVID-19 cases. In response, ODB Indonesia immediately implemented safety measures in the office and prepared a contingency plan to continue operation in the event of a lockdown. By mid-March, all ODB staff started working from home.

Many people panicked and started stockpiling food; public transportation was limited; and public places and places of worship were closed. Many people were laid off due to the economic slowdown. All day, every day, most television channels and social media platforms focused on just one 7

topic: Coronavirus. The numbers of new cases escalated quickly, so much so that experts thought that if we did not bring the situation under control soon, we would be witnessing a serious pandemic in Indonesia.

I kept receiving bad news on my WhatsApp. Friends were diagnosed with COVID-19, and some died because of it. The first two weeks of working from home were one of the most difficult times I have ever experienced.

Uncertainty about the future compounded my panic and anxiety.

Though we may not see the end of this pandemic happening any time soon, this situation has not, in any way, lessened or diminished our morale at ODB Indonesia. I am thankful that God continues to strengthen our faith, and teach us to lean on His love and grace daily.

He has called us to serve Him and to focus on loving the souls who are in pain now. God reminded us to press on faithfully to serve others, and to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to people who need the wisdom from God’s Word so as to navigate through these difficult times.

This book contains carefully chosen articles and resources which we had previously published digitally, and which had blessed many people during the pandemic. The title of the book Loving God, Loving People takes its inspiration from the Great Commandments in Matthew 22:37-40.

In the Loving God section, you will read articles that will help you discern what it means to lean on God’s 8

promises and hopes, which He reveals through His Word.

I hope this will help you experience first-hand how God’s presence manifests in each of our lives during the good and bad times.

In the Loving People segment, you will read inspiring stories and articles, such as those from medical frontliners who serve others selflessly, putting their own safety at risk every day, and those who had found life’s true meaning as they serve God by serving others.

It is my prayer that this book can help you reflect on your own faith journey during this season. Though we may struggle to press on, as we take a pause and look back on the days, may we see the Holy Spirit at our work in our life, strengthening our faith and making us more like Christ. We hope this book will help you through these challenging times, reminding you to put your trust and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ alone, who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Enjoy your reflections with God as you read this book.

With a grateful heart,

Executive Director ODB Indonesia

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LOVING GOD Living Out His Word

Finding the Peace of God in Suffering

This is a difficult time for all of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives dramatically. We may ask ourselves: Where is God in this situation?

Can He really help us? How is He going to help us?

Questions like these have been raised many times throughout the history of the Christian faith. The Bible recorded people in ancient times asking God the same questions. Job struggled with his great suffering (Job 7); Jeremiah wrote his lamentations over the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah (Lamentation 3); Habakkuk cried out to the Lord, “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2); and the book of Psalms lists the struggles of people in difficult circumstances.

A GOOD SUFFERING King David, who lived in ancient Israel, experienced great sorrow and grief. He often wondered how there could be goodness in suffering. In Psalms 6:6-7, he wrote: “I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.”

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In these verses, we see David showing his honesty before God. He expressed his heart of despair. His tears were falling and his body was weary. He didn’t pretend to be tough, and think that he could conquer his own grief. Haven’t we experienced similar situations? Haven’t we grieved greatly when we lose our loved ones, or are confronted by other crises that hit us?

Dealing with a crisis is tough. Our efforts to think positively and stay optimistic are often overwhelmed by the circumstances. But we can learn something from David: despite our difficulties, God never ignores us. God may not make our problems disappear instantly, and He may not turn the cloudy sky clear or calm the storm. But one thing is for sure: God will give rest to our soul.

In Psalm 4:8, David also says: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Being honest with his distress before God did not make David resent Him; in fact, it helped David to fully trust God. He could thus say: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4).

God may not always answer our prayers in ways that we understand, but just as He had listened to David’s cry, we can say: “God has surely listened and has heard my prayer” (Psalm 66:19).

God does not turn His face away from us, nor does He ignore us.

He never plays favoritism, nor is He too busy to care for us. He cares about every struggle we face. Our troubles are precious in His eyes, and He brings hope to our souls.

Excerpted and adapted from “My Hope Is In You: Psalms that Comfort and Mend the Soul” by Bill Crowder © 2018 Our Daily Bread Publishing Rev. Bill Crowder is the vice-president of teaching content for Our Daily Bread Ministries. Bill spends much of his time in a Bible-teaching ministry around the world.

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Reflection on Psalm 91: Understanding God’s Promise Accurately Yakub Tri Handoko

As the number of COVID-19 patients in Indonesia continues to climb, we can no longer turn a blind eye to the threat. All of us respond to this pandemic differently. Some of us are calm, while others are fearful.

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Psalm 91 is an oft-quoted passage to allay fears. It has been used to offer hope to both Jews and Christians throughout the ages. Some people even turn it into an incantation and recite it when their lives are under threat. Psalm 91 is a favorite of several missionaries in dangerous mission grounds.

Indeed, it makes sense to find refuge in the promises found in Psalm 91. This psalm is loaded with words that relate to protection: shelter (v.1), in the shadow (v.1), refuge (vv.2,9), fortress (v.2), shield and rampart (v.4), dwelling (v.9), and salvation (v.16). Similarly, there are several verbs that point to the same concept: save (v.3), cover (v.4), guard (v.11), lift up (v.12), rescue and protect (v.14). On the subject of COVID-19, this psalm seems to guarantee that plagues and pestilences will not frighten the faithful (vv.56). While “a thousand may fall at [their] side”, believers “will only observe with [their] eyes” (vv.7-8).

But, does Psalm 91 truly guarantee absolute protection from all dangers? Is it true that Christians will never be afflicted by diseases? A careful inspection reveals that this psalm must not be interpreted as if bad things would never befall believers in any way.

A REFUGE FOR ALL BELIEVERS IN THE MIDST OF FEAR. Firstly, notice the use of personal pronouns in this psalm.

In verses 1-2, the psalmist notes: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Then, in verses 3-13, the psalmist addresses such a person as “you”. In verses 14-16, God is the speaker. Many Bible interpreters are convinced that the use of these various pronouns suggest that the psalm might have been sung in a call-and-response format during worship.

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If that was indeed the case, all the promises in this psalm are generally intended only for God’s people. Though the specific circumstances of each person may differ and God may have different plans for different individuals, this psalm can be seen as a refuge for all believers in the midst of fear.

ANYONE CAN CONTRACT A DISEASE Secondly, notice the types of danger mentioned in this psalm: wars (v.5), plague (v.6), harm and disasters (v.10).

These dangers can be understood as God’s punishment on the wicked. This assumption is supported explicitly in verse 8: “You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.” Moreover, the “fowler’s snare” (v.3), “plague that destroys” (v.6), and “disaster” (v.10) are used to describe the evil plans of the wicked who try to harm believers. God, however, responds by punishing the wicked instead. As such, we may convince ourselves that all evil intentions will never succeed. Even if they seem to succeed, it is intended for our good (Genesis 50:20).

If this is the intention of the psalmist, we cannot apply Psalm 91 absolutely to the context of the spread of COVID-19. There is no indication that this specific disease is God’s punishment on the wicked. Disease is a commonplace issue; everyone might contract a disease.

Even some of the patients are Christians who truly love God.

POETIC LANGUAGE Thirdly, notice that Psalm 91 is a poem. Every piece of literature has its own characteristics and interpretation, and the same applies to Psalm 91. We should not read historical books the same way we would read a poem, and vice-versa.

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The psalm was written in poetic language with the use of metaphors, wordplay, repetitions, and figurative terms.

For example, let’s take a look at verse 13: “You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” Should we interpret this verse literally?

Of course not! It would be ridiculous and reckless to tread on ferocious animals and expect to remain unharmed. We are not to interpret this verse literally.

What would have been the use of obtaining protection but failing to fulfil God’s calling?

THE PROMISES ARE APPLICABLE TO SOME ONLY Fourthly, notice that the promises are only applicable for God’s people, specifically to those who dwell “in the shelter of the Most High [and] rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (v.1). As such, all the promises in this psalm are conditional; they are not applicable to everyone.

The word “dwell” is closer in meaning to the original Hebrew word yāshab rather than “sit”, which is used in the Indonesian Bible. We are not merely to sit, but to really dwell in God’s presence. “Rest” (lûn) implies sleep and tranquillity after a long trip (“spending the night” in Indonesian). In other words, those who dwell and rest in God are those who make God their refuge and fortress (v.2). The metaphor in verses 1-2 is repeated in verse 9.

So, once again, this promise is only applicable to those who make God their refuge and dwelling.

What does it mean to make God our refuge and dwelling place? The psalmist explains in verses 14-15. Taking refuge and dwelling in God means enjoying an intimate personal relationship with God (v.14). This intimacy is 16

expressed with the phrase “because he loves me” (NIV), “he holds fast to me in love” (ESV), or “he has his heart set on me” (CSB). Another expression from verse 14 which describes the intimacy is “he acknowledges my name” (NIV). The verb “acknowledge” in Hebrew speaks of more than just being aware of; it is about being deeply and personally acquainted with someone. And the term “name” is more than just a label; it speaks about the person. In other words, knowing the name means someone knowing intimately.

Making God our refuge and dwelling place also means relying on God through prayer. Those who obtain God’s promises are those who “call on me” (v.15). Prayer is born out of weaknesses, limitations, and helplessness (“in trouble”). Moreover, prayer is made in faith, out of a heart that courageously says: “my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (v.2).

LEARN FROM JESUS ON HOW HE APPLIED PSALM 91 Fifthly, notice how Jesus applied this psalm. When tempted in the desert, the devil quoted Psalm 91:1112. The verses certainly contain a divine promise that God will command the angels to guard the righteous person so that his feet will not strike against a stone (Matthew 4:6). Jesus is a righteous person, isn’t He? The angels will surely lift Him up, won’t they? Did Jesus jump because of this promise? Of course not! The Lord Jesus understood that this text may not be interpreted and applied recklessly. Applying this verse irresponsibly is tantamount to tempting God (Matthew 4:7).

Our Lord Jesus’s attitude when tempted by the devil, and how He applied Psalm 91, offers critical insight on how to view divine promises accurately. The most important thing for Jesus was not His own protection, 17

but the fulfilment of God’s plan. What would have been the use of obtaining protection but failing to fulfil God’s calling? Let’s take heart that God will certainly intervene if deliverance is indeed necessary for the fulfilment of His plan. In essence, everything is for God’s sake, whether in life or in death. May we follow in our Lord Jesus’ footsteps to choose whatever glorifies God more.

I hope that these five points will help you to gain a better understanding on how to interpret and apply God’s promises in Psalm 91, and keep you from reckless living.

Let’s do our part to prevent ourselves from contracting COVID-19 by washing our hands properly and regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough rest, not stressing ourselves, diligently working out, and avoiding crowds. And let’s avoid activities that may expose us to the virus. Christ was not reckless in applying God’s promises in this psalm, so neither should we. Our task is to protect ourselves to the best of our ability while drawing closer to God. If something bad happens, let’s rest in the knowledge that God has prepared something better for us than just mere protection. He is including us in His plan.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Rev. Yakub Tri Handoko, Th.M is a pastor at Reformed Exodus Community Surabaya.

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Plagues, Quarantines, and Lent Robert M. Solomon

Many people are now confined to spending time at home and working from there. There is more time available to read and relate with loved ones. Instead of just passing the time trying to amuse ourselves, let us use the time we have to read, pray and minister in whatever way the Lord shows us.

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In my younger years, I read Albert Camus’ The Plague.

Camus was an existentialist thinker and an atheist, and wrote his novel in 1947, just after World War II. The story is about a plague in the Algerian city of Oran; it had to close its borders and fight the plague as best as it could.

The story shows the kinds of human behavior and motivation in a crisis like this. For Camus, the meaninglessness of a godless existence forces people to find some kind of meaning—and for him, it was in human solidarity.

His hero was a medical doctor who rolled up his sleeves to save as many lives as possible, even though he knew that the situation was quite grim. The priest is described as quite useless, only good to voice words that were not able to heal nor help people in the plague.

Camus was an atheist and may not have known that during the bubonic plague in Europe in the 14th century, the death rate among the priests of the church was 20% higher than it was for the general population—as much as a third of Europe’s population was wiped out.

This was not because of some extra punishment on the priesthood, but because priests were ministering to the infected and dying. The priest is not as useless as secular society may reckon. In fact, the Christian message offers the greatest hope to humankind in an apocalyptic situation, as C. S. Lewis reminds us.

In his article, On Living in an Atomic Age, at a time when there was great fear of the danger that escalation of nuclear weapons brought to humankind, Lewis wrote these words. We can simply change “bomb” to “coronavirus” and the truths and principles still remain true.

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have added one more chance of painful and premature death to a world which already bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty.”

“In one way we think a great deal too much of the atomic bomb. ‘How are we to live in an atomic age?’ I am tempted to reply: ‘Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and cut your throat any night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of syphilis, an age of paralysis, an age of air raids, an age of railway accidents, an age of motor accidents.’”

“This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts— not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds.”

“In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation.

Believe me, dear sir or madam, you and all whom you love were already sentenced to death before the atomic bomb was invented: and quite a high percentage of us were going to die in unpleasant ways. We had, indeed, one very great advantage over our ancestors—anaesthetics; but we have that still. It is perfectly ridiculous to go about whimpering and drawing long faces because the scientists

For Camus, the virus also represents human evil—such as was exposed in a big way during the world war. It lingers in human hearts and society and emerges every now and then like an endemic infection.

He did not have any real solution or hope.

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It is different for Christians—we look forward to the day when Christ shall return to wipe every tear and put an end to evil and suffering (Revelation 21:4).

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is our real hope. He is the one who has conquered the problems of sin and death that plague humankind—by defeating them at the cross and at His resurrection. Let us look to Him and be encouraged even as the storm gathers.

He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

The word “quarantine” was first used in 14th-century Venice, linking for us its relevance in the current horrific circumstances in Italy. At that time, Venice was a trade hub with a busy port.

In order to prevent the plague from obliterating the city, the authorities ruled that ships had to be out in the sea for 40 days before being allowed into the port.

The original word was quaranta giorni, which meant a period of 40 days. This word then became the word “quarantine” in French and English and was also associated with the 40 days of the testing of Christ in the wilderness (Mark 1:12-13) and the 40 days of Lent.

It is thus significant that we are in a most unusual period of Lent where daily we hear about quarantines and lockdowns. Our thoughts are naturally on the COVID-19 situation which is exploding in many countries. But it is important to also turn our thoughts to the Lord Jesus Christ, for Lent is a season that particularly remembers His sufferings, death and resurrection.

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Yet, many Christians have forgotten that we are in the season of Lent! How a virus can alter our attention, like the way Peter took off his eyes from Jesus to the frightening waves—and began to sink (Matthew 14:2930).

So, let us honor our Lord by fixing our thoughts on Him, trusting Him, obeying Him and serving in His name.

We must not lose our holy habits of worshipping Him individually and corporately, even as we face our current challenges.

Let us be “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). As we face quarantines in different ways, let us observe Lent by remembering what we usually do at Lent (pray, fast, turn to the Lord, consecrate ourselves fully to the Lord and do good).

Let us use the solitude and stillness to be with the Lord. Even as we hear the buzzwords “social distancing” and feel isolated and lonely, may we be challenged to find spiritual intimacy with God and in the abiding life of the body of Christ.

What Scripture says is true: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3, KJV).

Robert M. Solomon served as Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000–2012. He has an active itinerant preaching and teaching ministry in Singapore and abroad.

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LOVING GOD Struggling Together with His People

Why We Should Stop Meeting Together Dr. Alex Tang

Why should Christians stop meeting together during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Is it because we lack faith that God will protect us? Did God not promise His protection in Psalm 91:5-6 that we may not “fear the terror of night . . . nor the plague that destroys at midday�?

More and more churches are suspending their services and other meetings in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Many are instead streaming their services online, or have a link to other online platforms to provide their members encouragement, connection and the Word of God. The meeting of together physically is an important part of the Christian church tradition. We meet together for koinonia; communion, fellowship, prayer, worship, and edification. Even in times of extreme persecution, the Church has always tried to meet together secretly in spite of the danger. So why should we not have a physical face-to-face meeting now? Why should we try to cancel all physical events?

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NOT LACKING FAITH, BUT WE DON’T TEST GOD First, it is not a lack of faith in God when churches suspend their physical meetings. Instead, it is having faith in a God who created rational human beings so that they will behave rationally. Yes, God has promised His protection. But do we then step off a 10-storey building and trust Him to send His angels to catch us before we go splat? Didn’t Psalm 91:11-12 say, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; . . . so that you will not strike your foot against a stone”?

We need to think if this an issue of faith or pride. The devil suggested the same to Jesus when he brought Him to the highest point of the temple and told Him to jump.

The enemy even quoted Psalm 91:11-12 (yes, he knows the Scriptures too). But Jesus’ response was instructive.

He said that we are not to test God, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah.”

As Jesus rightly said, the issue here is not about faith but about testing God. In Massah, the Israelites argued with Moses about the lack of water, and Moses rebuked them for testing God with their disobedience and lack of faith.

That is why Moses’ generation did not see the Promised Land, but were condemned to wander the desert for forty years until they were all dead (Psalm 95:8-10).

So when we question each other about our faith or lack thereof, we must be sure that it is not to test God. Sometimes, we just want to see if He will keep His word.

I would like to suggest that the suspension of meeting together is not a lack of faith, but an act of worship to God.

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SOCIAL DISTANCING IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY Second, social distancing is found to be an effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19. This virus can only live in human beings and is spread from one human to another by droplets (coughing) and contact (including contaminated tables and chairs). The virus spreads easily when groups of people come together and one of them is infected. When the infected person is identified quickly and treated (there is no effective treatment, just supportive), the virus dies and cannot spread.

Stopping human-to-human spread will curb the pandemic. Hence, the need to cancel all public gatherings where people come together. This is called social distancing and it is our social responsibility to act on it.

It is to protect one another, especially those over 65 years old who are most at risk to die from this virus.

Another effect of social distancing is that it slows the spread of the coronavirus. If too many people are infected and become sick at the same time, our healthcare system will be overwhelmed such as is happening in Italy and Iran right now, and what happened in China.

CAN WE DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT? Again, no. What we can do in our little part of the world is to maintain our personal hygiene and trust our own healthcare services to do their job.

SOME PRACTICAL TIPS FOR US ALL: – Stay at home as much as possible.

– Avoid trips both local and overseas if possible (even if you have paid, your health is more precious than your money).

– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water at home, and with hand sanitizer outside the house.

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– If anyone is sick with fever and cough, stay at home and do not visit your friends.

– Takeout and eat at home as much as possible.

– If you have to eat out, use hand sanitizer to spray and wash the area you will be sitting and bring your own eating utensils.

– Avoid touching your nose and face and then your mouth.

– Try to sit two meters away from other people.

– Avoid crowded places, even playgrounds and open-air spaces.

This social responsibility is our act of worship to love our neighbors. The decision to cancel or suspend face-to-face church activities is a responsible response to the coronavirus pandemic. Churches must find different ways to connect with their congregations online, as the technology to do so is already available. Let’s continue to pray that the pandemic will be over soon and we can resume our traditional services.

Dr. Alex Tang is a preacher, speaker, social technocrat, author and founder of Kairos Spiritual Formation Ministries. He is also Senior Consultant Paediatrician at KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital in Johor Bahru and Associate Professor of Paediatrics, Clinical School in Monash University.

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Online Worship: The Church’s Contribution to Help Contain the Spread of COVID-19 Yakub Tri Handoko

The impact of COVID-19 has been widespread. Almost no area is untouched. Corporate Sunday Service is inadvertently affected too. Many churches in Indonesia, Singapore, and Hong Kong have cancelled large congregational gatherings and move their church service online either though live streaming or pre-recorded.

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Online church service has both pros and cons. My church in Surabaya wrestled with whether we should cancel mass gathering and meet online too. Should we have online worship service because of this pandemic?

Or should gathering physically to worship God together be maintained? What does the Bible say about this?

To understand this issue well, we need to first of all understand the logic behind cancelling mass gathering. We do this because we want to play our part in contributing to society and prevent the spread of the virus, and not because we are afraid of contracting the virus.

As reported by the authorities, avoiding large gatherings is an important and effective step to stop COVID-19 from spreading further. If we do not play out part, this pandemic wave will not subside and the number of fatalities will continue to increase. Hospitals in Indonesia will be over capacity, and there will be shortages of health workers to help the patients. Some scientific estimations indicate that if the situation does not change, it will become chaotic.

In the midst of this, churches are called to contribute, not with words but with real tangible actions. There are many things that a church can do. One of them is reviewing the need to hold conventional services. I believe that cancelling mass gathering and holding church service online does not conflict with the Scripture.

Firstly, physical distancing is a necessity, and has been strongly encouraged by the government. As good citizens, it is both unwise and socially irresponsible 30

complicated to observe the Sabbath. There were rules on top of rules. Our Lord Jesus disagreed with them about these rules. One day they questioned the disciples who picked some heads of grain and ate them on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8). Jesus justified the disciples’ actions by giving the example of how David and his companions had broken the law when they were hungry and in need (Mark 2:25-26). Jesus stressed that Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). This means, do not let “compliance” to the religious law or certain rituals make you ignore what is important, which is human life. This point was also taught by Jesus when He healed a man or did good on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1013). The point, once again, is to not let the observance of Sabbath in stopping us from doing good.

to disobey this good recommendation (Romans 13:1-7). Besides, God also orders His people to seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which He has taken them into exile (Jeremiah 29:7). Though this commandment is given to the Israelites, it is relevant for us today as well. Reducing the number of meetings and congregants who attend the conventional services is the social responsibility of all, including Christians.

Ignoring the recommendation would send a message to the world that Christians are not socially sensitive.

Again, being complaint to government recommendation is not because of fear or lack of faith. Absolutely not. Rather, it is because the church is concerned about caring and contributing to society.

Secondly, observing the Sabbath is not a reason not to do good. Our Lord Jesus often debated with the Pharisees and the Torah experts about how to observe the Sabbath. The Pharisees’ traditions made it very

Thirdly, historical consideration about the essence of worship gives us room to conduct worship services differently. Let’s take a look at a historical 31

example, that is the destruction of Solomon’s temple by the Babylonian army. For many centuries God’s people (especially the kingdom of Judah in the south) considered the temple of God in Jerusalem as the epicenter of worship and their pride. The key elements of worship took place there: the observance of the day of atonement, the sacrifice offerings, and many more.

When the temple was destroyed, the people of Judah were forced to reconsider the essence of their worship.

They came to realize that true worship lies not so much in their offering, but in their obedience (1 Samuel 15:22).

The exile presented a big shift, for the better, in the way God’s people worshipped: a shift from a focus on ritual (sacrifice, offering) to obedience (teaching of the Word of God). Worshipping together on a large scale was replaced with something much smaller. Some scholars attributed the birth of synagogues to the Babylonian captivity, focusing on the teaching of Torah laws.

H ave w e f or gotten that the c h u rc h is th e people and not the b u il din g?

The example shows how God’s people behaved in certain situations. They were forced to reevaluate the essence of everything. They wrestled to distinguish what was important from what was even more important.

Fourthly, theological concepts about church and the early church traditions also provide clear guidance.

Church is the people, not the building (1 Corinthians 1:2). Wherever God’s people gather, that is the church.

The important thing is the presence of God, not the physical house of God. Not surprisingly, where the first congregations worshipped varied quite a bit. Sometimes 32

him in spirit and made a decision together about one case in the congregation (1 Corinthians 5:3-5). Being in a different place did not stop Paul from being present in spirit. Similarly, online worships, especially under special circumstances, can still accommodate fellowships.

they met in the temple of God, in the synagogue, or in their homes (Acts 2:42-47). The number that attended each service was limited.

This practice continued in the later periods, especially in the times when the persecution towards Christians increased and expanded. They had to gather in small groups and in secret in order not to be detected. They used different worship styles and liturgies, depending on the circumstances. The most important element for them was fellowship with other believers, regardless of how the worship conditions were or where it was held.

Based on the above, I encourage churches to seriously avoid large scale in-person worship services.

This is our social responsibility.

The world is watching us. Let us not become a target or stumbling block to others.

I suggest that churches offer various options for corporate worship to accommodate as many participants as possible.

Below are some practical tips to try:

Fifthly, the Christian fellowship is not restricted to physical locations. The church comprises of people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2).

This is called the universal church. Christ is the Great Shepherd. The significance of this fellowship is unity. The location is not an obstacle.

For example, Paul invited the Corinthians to unite with

1. Provide online worship option. A church with adequate equipment and sufficient internet speed can consider live-streaming her service proceedings. Make sure the uploads and downloads are fast and smooth. Avoid technical problems glitches (slow networks or crash).

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If live-streaming is not possible, pre-recorded worship service can be an option. These recorded services can be uploaded to the internet (there are many options), and the link is then sent to the congregation on Sunday mornings (or according to the worship time).

2. Having small group meetings in different locations.

The more location options available, the fewer they will gather in one place. This is very good in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Church buildings can be used as one option. If the church leaders hold the worship as usual in the church building, that will not be a problem, because the attendance will be less anyway. Participants are spread out among different locations. Don’t forget to clean the rooms and equipment as much as possible, at the church and in other locations.

3. If a church has many lay leaders, they can be asked to deliver the Word of God in small fellowship groups at various locations. If it is not possible, each fellowship can watch the pre-recorded or live worship service together.

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4. Consider conducting family worship. Each family is encouraged to have a Sunday worship among themselves. The chaplains can provide a liturgy and a summary of the sermon as a basis for each family. If the head of the family is not comfortable preaching, he can just read the summary that is provided. If necessary, invite all family members to follow the online services together.

Hopefully, this article provides some ideas to many who are confused. I believe that this seemingly bad situation is in fact a good invitation from God to churches to meditate on the nature of church and worship. Are we so comfortable with our tradition and worship that it is difficult to consider something new? Have we forgotten that the church is the people and not the building? That fellowship is not just a gathering? Are we serious in supporting the slogan “a church is a big family and a family is a small church�?

Soli Deo Gloria.

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ARTWORK: EVERY DAY BRINGS NEW STORIES

Every day brings new stories. For you who work or study at home, what are your stories?

For those going out for daily chores, please stay safe and healthy! Whatever you do, do it all for God!

Sonia

I really miss the office, but it’s ok.

Though at home, I have to stay productive!

Putra

It’s so hot inside my home, but I’m still eager to do my work, and once in a while helping mom look after her shop.

Anto

My dining table has changed into a work desk. Full of paper and documents!

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Indra

Need double concentration! Doing my work while sniffing mom’s cooking aroma!

Shela

Studying has gone online. I miss my friends, but this is quite a new experience!

1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

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LOVING GOD Trusting in His Purpose

Pain and Suffering Robert M. Solomon

When I was a youth, I came across a story of a king who welcomed his battle-weary sailors home after they had fought valiantly to defend their country. They returned in their badly battered ships and lined up to be received by their king.

They stood tall, some missing an eye, others a limb, and many more bearing various injuries and bandages. With tears in his eyes, the king embraced each of them.

If a less than perfect earthly king can welcome his faithful and valiant soldiers in this deeply moving way, how much more will the perfect heavenly King welcome home His faithful saints?

In his old age, Paul had a battered body, carrying the marks of his various trials and sufferings (Galatians 6:17) that had failed to deter him from standing up for Jesus and obeying Him. In his last epistle, he wrote to Timothy, reminding him of his many sufferings for Christ.

In particular, he referred to what he endured in Lystra, Timothy’s home town.

There Paul had been stoned by a mob and dragged outside the city; everyone thought he was dead. Paul 39

must have lain motionless after suffering this severe, hate-filled stoning instigated by his Jewish enemies. The disciples probably gathered around the still figure of the apostle, praying for him. Amazingly, Paul (most likely bleeding wounds and all) “got up and went back into the city” (Acts 14:20). Such tenacity and endurance in the face of violence must have left a deep impression on the young Timothy, who is reminded by the ageing apostle of the “persecutions I endured” (2 Timothy 3:11).

Instead of complaining that God was “unkind” to him, Paul readily offered thanks when recollecting his many sufferings: “Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them” (2 Timothy 3:11). Paul was eager to talk about God’s kindness amidst his hardships. Such was his character. Upon reflecting deeply about all the pain he had to endure, Paul had this to say: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Paul was convinced that no pain or suffering comes our way without God’s permission, and that in God’s economy, no pain is wasted or meaningless. The sufferer is eventually the victor, who gains what cannot be gained otherwise. Christian character helps one endure suffering, and this in turn deepens Christian character.

Paul did not say much about his pain and disabilities arising from the many injuries sustained during the course of faithful ministry. Many scholars believe Paul had eye problems, and perhaps that was the thorn in the flesh he referred to in 2 Corinthians 12:7 (see also Galatians 4:13-15; 6:11). Also, tradition says that he was bow-legged and disfigured because of his injuries. But in the midst of it all, he was thankful to God because his sufferings enabled him to grow in Christlikeness. He was determined to become better, not bitter.

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As we age, we also collect many wounds and scars. These are our spiritual medals of honor, if they were received for the sake of Christ. They take the form of social or psychological suffering, giving up a lucrative career, or simply becoming chronically ill because we went to some remote area to spread the fragrance of Christ. As a result, our suffering may grow more pronounced in old age, adding to the normal aches that come with advancing years.

As pain, disability, and suffering increase, it is possible to grow disheartened, and even doubt whether God still cares for us. If and when this happens, it is important to recognise some truths, besides seeking medical help for our conditions: m We must remember how good God has been to us in the past, and that He will never leave nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). Remember His promise that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). m Remember that for the Christian, though the going may get more painful by the day, ultimately, there will be a quantum leap into a far better and more glorious day. Paul expressed it in these words: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us�

(Romans 8:18). Such a view of the distant end (no more tears, suffering, and pain; Revelation 21:4) helps us bear with present suffering. m We need community to help us. It has been said that a burden shared is a burden halved. Getting together with other ageing saints, who may all be hurting in some way, can be mutually encouraging. We spur one another to persevere and be resilient. Also, those in the larger community (as the one in the local church) can minister to seniors who may need help— praying with them, bringing them to clinics, running errands for them, and just talking to them.

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Why do some suffer more than others? We do not know the answers to such questions, but instead of trying to find answers, we must offer our love and understanding.

Those who feel that they have been “selected” to suffer more than the rest must stop comparing themselves with others and indulging in self-pity.

The Lord Jesus, when asked by Peter about John after Jesus revealed to Peter how he would suffer, told him simply, “You must follow me” (John 21:22). Each disciple has his own path to walk, carefully chosen by the Lord with all His wisdom and love. Whether we have more pain or less, we must stay on the path and be faithful to the Lord till the end.

REFLECT Reflect on why pain and suffering are part of life, and especially of Christian discipleship. How has your own experience been in this area, and how do you feel about it?

Review the three bullet points: God’s presence, promise, and people. How do these help when one is facing growing pain and suffering? Think of how you and your church can help seniors in this situation.

Excerpted from Growing Old Gracefully: Following Jesus to the End

by Robert M. Solomon © 2019 Our Daily Bread Publishing 42

Worry about Coronavirus?

Until now, the COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions of people and caused many deaths all over the world. It is not yet certain when this condition will finally slow down, since the examinations carried out around the world still show expansions in the affected areas.

Are you worried about falling sick? Are you burdened by how it’s getting more and more expensive to see a doctor and buy medicine? Are you worried about the health of an aged parent or sibling whom you are taking care of? Do reports of new outbreaks of disease bother you? If any of these things have crossed your mind: rest assured, you’re not alone.

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All of us worry about our health; it’s only natural. No matter what we do to stay healthy, we will always lose the battle against disease at some point in our lives. We have no real power over it. Another is the fact that disease may result in death. The biggest risk of being ill is that we may not recover.

Most of us will try our best to build up this “wealth” in our bodies. We live healthily by exercising, taking vitamins, eating properly, and going for regular check-ups. We try to prevent disease by inoculating ourselves and practising proper hygiene. When we do fall ill, we seek treatment immediately. And we buy insurance so we can pay for this treatment if needed.

But when we’re sick, daily life can become a struggle.

We become weak and unable to achieve our full potential as a parent, a student, or a professional. We can’t do what we enjoy doing or want to do. It can be expensive, as we have to visit the doctor, buy medicine, and seek treatment.

Unfortunately, we find that medicine and technology do not offer us a guaranteed cure. Scientific advances and discoveries may enable us to prolong life and discover new medicines and treatments, but there will always be diseases that remain incurable.

Does this mean that there is no solution to all our fears and worries about falling ill? Is there a way of coping with them, or some sort of answer that can give us comfort and assurance?

We need something that will offer a more sure and secure hope, so that we can find joy even when we are sick.

We also need something that will address not so much health itself, but the ultimate consequence of illness— death. The Bible tells us about the Creator God, who formed our universe and everything in it.

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This God created each one of us, so he knows how our bodies operate and how they fail. The Bible explains that our bodies fail because of this thing called “sin”. Sin means missing God’s perfect standards, and it’s what happened when the human race chose to reject His authority over their lives, and to live the way they wanted.

Sin separated us from God, who is holy, and also resulted in disease and death. God, however, continues to love us dearly. And because he made our minds and our hearts, he understands how we suffer when we fall ill, and our fears about death. He wants to comfort us and give us the assurance that he is always there for us, no matter what happens. God is thus the perfect answer to our fears and concerns.

And there’s more. God also wants to give us something that is even greater than life itself: everlasting life after death. The Bible tells us that after our frail physical bodies die, we will go on to a new life in God’s presence. This new life will be free from disease and suffering, and it will never end.

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This gift gives us hope, because it is a firm assurance that no matter what happens to us in this life, disease and death will not have the final say.

W h en we f eel f ear f ul or a n x iou s, G o d w ill giv e us assur anc e a n d p e ac e .

God promises us that we will be with him forever. The Bible tells us that some two thousand years ago, God sent his son Jesus to earth as a human being. Jesus came to show us that if we turn from our sinful ways and turn back to God, we will go on to life after death. He said: “Those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life” (John 5:24).

Because Jesus lived as a man, he was also subject to human frailties. He knew what it was like to feel weak.

But he showed us that he had power over disease and death, which he demonstrated by healing many sick people and raising several who had died to life.

What all this means is that if we acknowledge our sin, ask for God’s forgiveness, and believe in God’s ability to give us eternal life through Jesus, we will no longer need to fear the consequences of disease and death. We will also no longer need to worry about having no control over our own lives, because we will have the confidence that God is in full control.

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Of course, you may ask: What about now? How will God help me with my present-day worries about health and disease? Again, the Bible assures us that if we turn to Jesus and follow him, we will enjoy his love, care, and companionship every day.

He promises to be with us through sickness and health, and he will help us to cope with our worries about our health.

When we feel fearful or anxious, he will give us assurance and peace. When we feel physically weak or ill, he will strengthen us mentally and emotionally. When we feel at a loss, he will comfort us and give us guidance to make wise decisions.

Of course, we will still have to cope with health issues.

We will still face the ever-present risk of illness, and still have to bear with the inevitable consequence of disease.

But if we follow Jesus and trust him to take control of our lives, we will find peace and comfort to overcome our worries, fears, and weaknesses. And we will be able to see beyond good health and find something of much greater value than health and mortality—we will have hope.

Adapted from Looking at Life, “Failing Health”

by Our Daily Bread Ministries.

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COVID-19: From Threat, Hope Rises Kim Cheung

51 days have passed since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) first broke out on 31 December 2019, and it’s been 29 days since the cities near Wuhan (including mine) have been on a lockdown.

Many like myself have been banned from leaving our homes, uncertain of when we can resume work, or have resorted to working from home.

Is the outbreak going to worsen further? Exactly how long more will our lives be affected? No one has the answer.

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Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen many Chinese people share their experiences being in lockdown on social media. Some have lamented about their boredom. Some joked that they have finally experienced “life in jail”, and some others have said that they now understand why mothers in confinement would get depressed. Still, as the number of diagnosed cases and deaths continue to rise, no one dares to act rashly.

The past 29 days have felt like a century to me. It isn’t just about the long hours of being trapped at home. Each day, l am confronted by what I’ve often seen in movies like Contagion (and assumed would stay in movies), making me reflect on life at large.

Certainly, we see the truth more clearly in difficult times.

As it says in Ecclesiastes 7:2, “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.” In the face of disaster and death, we are forced to reckon with the grim reality of life: we’re all headed for death.

In the face of disaster and death, we are forced to reckon with the grim reality of life: we’re all headed for death.

And in the meantime for those of us who are still alive, we’re living in fear and feeling trapped.

FEAR IN THE ABSENCE OF HOPE Over the past 29 days, none of us have had it easy. When faced with an epidemic outbreak, our fears are amplified.

People have lost their sense of judgment—exhibited in the form of panic-buying of essential items like food and medicine, and succumbing to rumors.

I hadn’t given the news much thought until I reached the supermarket nearby and saw for myself the shopping 49

frenzy around me. That’s when fear set in. The two packs of biscuits I intended to buy became an entire box, along with a carton of milk and other food items. What if I don’t have the chance to buy these in the future? What if I ran out of food in my own home? On top of the groceries, everyone was scrambling to stock up on cold and fever medication, hoping that these would give us a sense of security we so desperately wanted.

Rumors were rife and getting more ridiculous with each passing day. On one occasion at midnight, an official statement was released saying that a popular Chinese medicine called “Shuang Huang Lian” could stop the coronavirus. Many mistook it to be double-yolk lotus paste mooncakes because of how similar the words sounded in Chinese. When I woke up the next morning, not only had the medicine sold out, the mooncakes had too.

Fear drives people to do all kinds of absurd things.

When we lack peace that comes from knowledge of the truth, it is easy for us to believe in lies, to be trapped in fear and anxiety.When we lack peace that comes from knowledge of the truth, it is easy for us to believe in lies, to be trapped in fear and anxiety. However, as people belonging to Christ, we have the truth, and the peace and hope that He grants us (Romans 15:13). Because of that, we don’t have to be fearful or anxious about what’s to come—but can continue to place our hope in Him as we battle the uncertainties ahead.

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THE SICKNESS THAT ENSLAVES US Besides fear, we have been feeling trapped. But a conversation I had with an overseas friend helped put my country’s current crisis into perspective. When I confided in her that the past 29 days of being at home was “suffocating”, as if I were locked in jail, she told me that life has always been like this—just in a different way.

Before the outbreak, we are chained to our busy schedules, caught up in the rat race. A line from the film The Shawshank Redemption sums it up: “We get busy living or get busy dying.”

Back then, we were already enslaved. But work and leisure tricks us into thinking that we are free. The world we live in is nothing more than a bigger prison. Though we seem to have the freedom to choose what we want to do, we can’t escape our responsibility to our studies, work, and family. Neither do those who lead carefree lives or travel spontaneously have true freedom.

That’s why many people are anxious and depressed. And though we fantasize about moving abroad and starting life anew, we don’t realize that we are merely repeating the same life elsewhere.

True freedom can only be found in Christ (John 14:6).

When we come to Him, He sets us free from our desires and endless search for satisfaction and purpose in the things of this life.

This outbreak has also brought to light another bondage which lies beneath the surface. Over these past few days, we have seen the dark side of people. Because of the shortage in mask supplies, some sellers have marked up the prices (a single mask can cost over RMB 30, the equivalent of USD 4.30) as well as resold used masks.

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Supermarkets have also increased the prices of groceries—a Chinese cabbage now sells for RMB 60 dollars (USD 8.60)! It was also reported that the Wuhan Red Cross Society had secretly withheld most of the donated masks and protective gear. These items could not reach the frontline medical staff as a result.

And then there’s the news about the armed gang in Hong Kong that stole HK$1,600 (USD 206) worth of toilet paper from a supermarket due to fears that there would be a shortage of toilet paper.

Reading news like these is even more disheartening than reading about the increasing number of cases. I believe that with the joint efforts of world health experts, we

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will eventually find a vaccine against the virus. But the sickness in all of us—sin—will remain. Even if we were to find a cure to all kinds of physical ailments and resume our “peaceful” lives, those who are corrupt will remain corrupt.

Our souls are sick, and this sickness is much scarier than the coronavirus. No medicine, spiritual practices, or religion can cure this sickness, but only one doctor can: “On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners’” (Mark 2:17).

Jesus is our great Healer. He Himself bore our sicknesses and paid the full price for our sins with His death. And this healing is completely free. He gave it to us out of love.

In times like this, we need not fear or feel like our freedom has been curbed. Instead, may this crisis point us to Christ, leading us to trust in Jesus and receive the greatest blessing—the healing that we need most.

Kim Cheung lives in China.

This article was written in early 2020.

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LOVING GOD Holding On in Sorrow

Out of Darkness Into the Light Amelia Linda

When God called my husband John home, my life turned dark. I wasn’t ready to be left behind, least of all for him to die so suddenly due to COVID-19. After John passed away, it felt like the strong and lush tree that I had been leaning on, had been ruthlessly uprooted. His passing left an unbearable void in me. My heart was hurting so much. I often woke up at midnight with a heartwrenching pain. Every morning, I started my day with a suffocating burden. I often asked myself: How can I live on with this great pain?

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John was a very loving husband. As his wife, I was treated very well. At church, he was friendly and warm to the congregation and everyone he met. As the head of the family, he was also very responsible. He took care of everything and provided a sense of peace and security to the household.

At church, John served wholeheartedly as a pastor. He always put others ahead of himself. When he learned that one of the church members was sick, he visited him even after he found out that the member’s child had contracted COVID-19. He was at the hospital to encourage the family and accompany them in communicating with doctors and hospital staff. That turned out to be his final ministry. He caught the same virus, and later, I was tested positive, too.

G O D w ill always be ther e to s u p p ort an d take c ar e of my fam ily.

Catching this virus meant that we had to be isolated and quarantined. No one was allowed to visit. The medical staff who were taking care of us wore full protection suits. In that lonely ward, God called my husband home.

I was thankful that God gave me a chance to talk with John in the ICU room, when he was in critical condition.

When his heart stopped, I was allowed to go into his ICU room to see him one last time. I caressed his body, realizing that he wasn’t there anymore; he had gone to his beloved Father and God. Yes, I was very thankful to have that almost impossible opportunity to bid a final farewell.

But what was I supposed to do after that? I had been tested positive myself and hospitalised. Who would 56

take care of my husband’s funeral? Then God provided in the most unexpected way. A stranger helped arrange my husband’s funeral, and even purchased a lot in the best cemetery in Jakarta for my husband’s resting place.

I was deeply touched when a friend said to me: “God had given John the best place even here on earth.” And a senior minister said to me: “God rewarded John with the opportunity to die as a shepherd for his sheep, just like how Jesus died for His sheep.” I was reminded that Jesus’ tomb was also bought by a rich man outside His family. Indeed, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” (Psalm 116:15).

And that wasn’t the end to God’s goodness. On-site services were prohibited during the pandemic, so the church held an online memorial service for my husband.

More than a thousand people attended that service!

Seeing this, a friend of my younger sibling in Surabaya spoke highly of John: “Your brother-in-law was an amazing person.”

God’s protection was also clear when the results of the swab tests for my entire household—three children and my two ageing parents—all came back negative. Three of us had been sleeping in the same room with John, and John had been helping Dad with his insulin injection every night.

When I was being treated at the hospital, friends and family rallied around to us to provide for my family’s needs so I didn’t have to worry about them. I received so much help and assistance, all of which were the extension of God’s helping hands. Even though I was under a lot of stress, I wasn’t suffering from any COVID-19 symptoms while being treated in the hospital for 40 days. Though I tired easily, I slowly recovered. One night in the hospital, I sensed a spiritual attack, but I felt 57

God’s presence driving the devil away. A friend said: “God is taking care of you like the apple of His eye. Though He had called John home, He is taking care of you and your family well.”

Our lives have changed drastically. Living without John is like walking with only one leg. But I believe that God will take care of us. He has made His presence felt in this sudden storm, and He will always be there to support and take care of my family. With God’s help, I will continue to move forward, believing in God as I bear the cross until my lips whisper: It is done.

God didn’t get rid of darkness when He created this world. Darkness was still there. But He created the sun, the moon, and the twinkling stars. I’ve seen the sun, the moon, and the stars during the engulfing darkness in my life, witnessing the wonderful works of God in taking care of me and my family. May He use our family’s suffering to glorify His name. Amen.

Ev. Amelia Linda is a minister at Gereja Kristen Kalam Kudus in Jakarta and wife of the late Rev. John Margono 58

My Family in the Shadows of Death Monica Dwi Chresnayani

On the morning of Friday, 4 September, 2020, I woke up feeling a bit feverish. My whole body ached and felt tired. Then, all through Wednesday, I had been feeling unwell. I had also started losing my sense of smell and taste.

What was more scary, though, was seeing my daughter develop the same symptoms. Worried, we decided to do swab tests.

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On Saturday, 12 September, we felt like our world had collapsed around us. The swab test results for three of our four family members arrived that evening, and confirmed us positive with COVID-19. The next morning, my son was also swabbed, and was confirmed positive with the disease which had already taken a lot of lives across Indonesia.

In the midst of shock, we saw a ray of hope: we were able to get a room for the four of us to be treated together at a private hospital. Being admitted and treated together in the same room, we hoped, would allows us to cheer each other up, and hopefully boost our collective immune systems to fight the virus. But, to be honest, my first reaction to my family being confirmed positive with COVID-19 was that of anger and shock.

I was angry because I had been religiously following all the rules and health protocols to protect myself and my family. Since the onset of the pandemic in March, we had not left the house for anything other than essential things, like grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy.

We had not hung out with friends, not gone to any mall, and had avoided socializing of any kind. We had all dutifully worked from home. Yet, we had still been infected! Furthermore, CT scans of both my husband’s and my son’s lungs showed that they had developed pneumonia. Even though they were okay clinically, we knew so little about this new disease that the fear mounted inside me and left me worried sick.

I lost all my optimism. This was even more ironic because until then, I had been actively involved in 60

to pass slowly. My heart raced continuously. Both my feet and hands felt clammy with perspiration. My blood pressure, which had always been normal, suddenly rose to 175 and did not come down.

church ministries. Together with my husband, I led a small congregation, preached occasionally from behind the pulpit, and dealt with the words of God every day. But when my family and I went through this very difficult situation, it seemed that all those beautiful verses that I had read, had gone without a trace from my memory. Why did I suddenly seem to lose my faith? Why did I feel that God was nowhere to be found?

In the depths of that abyss of fear that had swallowed me, however, I was suddenly reminded of a song that gave me strength when my daughter had to undergo an appendectomy six years ago.

That song talked about God as the voice of hope and the anchor of souls. It spoke of Him as the One who was able to show the way where there seemed to be no way. He was the Prince of Peace amid adversity. I quickly found the song on YouTube, put on my headphones, and started to sing it over and over again, crying and holding up my hands, worshipping Him. I forced myself to keep doing it, all the while bawling my eyes out. At that moment, I really felt God’s presence descending upon me, hugging me close to Him, and consoling me. Slowly but surely, His tender love crept

All of God’s words, all of the articles I had ever read about strength, hope, and joy in God—they all seemed to have lost their power.

Now, they were just writings without meaning. Throughout that time, I was extremely stressed out. Minutes seemed 61

inside my heart, took it over, and overwhelmed it with unimaginable peace.

After I calmed down, the Holy Spirit started talking tenderly inside my heart. All of God’s powerful words kept coming back to me and strengthening me. Yes, I must not be afraid! I had to keep believing that God would take care of our lives. We do not know what is waiting before us in the future, but God wants us to surrender all to Him, and not to worry about things we cannot control. We prayed and asked for complete recovery, and even though we hadn’t received it yet, we believed that we had already been healed (Mark 11:24).

The next morning, after our family finished our prayer and devotional time inside the isolation room, my husband told us that he had difficulty falling asleep the night before. Not because he was worried, but because God’s voice had kept echoing inside his heart, telling him not to be afraid. God had also made his heart keep singing these worship songs, so all through the night, he had been serenaded with heavenly songs which had strengthened him.

“You are with me all through the seasons of my life, You never forsake me. The strength of my soul is to be with You. I never doubt Your love.

With You, Father, I go through all. Your grace is what keeps me going. Your grace overflows.”

My husband gave us God’s message to us: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

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This moment was extraordinary, because right after that, in a small prayer group with colleagues done through a video call, one of them confirmed God’s message by giving me the exact same verse!

I hadn’t even told her about my personal struggle. It re-instilled this faith in my heart that our God is a living God who is with us all through the seasons of our lives. He knew I was going through a very dark time, and He reached out to me by delivering the exact same message to two different people. That was proof that He was really looking out for me. He knew I was in this agonizing fear, and that I needed to be comforted and strengthened.

I don’t know when our family will be able to leave this place. Maybe soon. Or maybe not so soon. In the days to come, there will probably be tough times when I will feel fearful and worried again. But I must not give up. I have to be strong, resilient, patient, and brave. I have to keep my faith that even in the darkest of times, Jesus is always near: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

May God strengthen us and all of our friends out there, who are still struggling to keep on living in the middle of this ongoing pandemic. God keeps us all. Keep up the spirit!

Monica Dwi Chresnayani is an editor and content development staff in ODB Indonesia. After undergoing treatment for 17 days in the hospital,

by God’s grace, Monica and her family have been declared cured of COVID-19 and have returned to their normal activities. They are actively sharing their testimony to help encourage other COVID-19 patients who are experiencing the same struggle.

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God’s Unexpected Plan for My Family Through COVID-19 Fedora Aletheia Putri Leuwol

It all started when I had a fight with my boyfriend.

In spite of the COVID-19 social restrictions, he had gone to play futsal with his buddies in an enclosed stadium— without a mask on! I got really angry with him for being so careless and forbade him from seeing me for two full weeks.

If that sounds unreasonable, there was actually a good reason for it: I was worried that he could’ve contracted the virus, and then passed it on to me, and that might potentially affect my dad’s health. My dad works as a doctor, and over this period, I had been living in constant fear that he would contract COVID-19 since he has comorbidities: diabetes and hypertension. So if he got infected, it could be fatal, and I didn’t want to lose him.

Ten days passed without any signs or symptoms. But just as we were approaching the day when I could meet my boyfriend again, I woke up feeling feverish and my eyes felt like they were burning. I checked my body temperature, and it was 37.5 degrees Celsius. I quickly downed a few Panadols, hoping they would bring down the fever. Thankfully, it worked.

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sanitizing his hands. So, how could we have contracted the virus?

But my relief didn’t last long. I felt just as feverish the next day, and this time, my temperature had risen to 38 degrees Celsius. I felt so uncomfortable I couldn’t concentrate on my online classes that morning. I also started to lose my ability to smell and taste, and was unable to enjoy my favorite beef stew that my mum had prepared.

But to be safe, my parents decided that we would take swab tests for COVID-19 at a nearby hospital. I tried to stay calm but deep down, I was petrified. For the swab test, we had to get our throat and nose swabbed. It didn’t hurt much but I got a ticklish sensation and it made me tear a little bit. However, the discomfort I felt was nothing compared to the feeling of having to wait anxiously for the results of the swab test all night.

As fear began to creep into my heart, it struck me that my mom had developed the same symptoms three days ago.

Did we get ourselves infected with the coronavirus? But it was impossible! Ever since the pandemic broke out, the only person I saw outside of my immediate family was my boyfriend. And neither did my mom or my younger brother meet anyone. The only person who had been leaving our home was my father, and it was for work. I knew that he had been religiously following all the health protocols and had taken every precaution possible: He wore a face shield and a face mask, washed his hands, and was always

The next day, we received our results and felt like we had been struck by lightning.

Both my parents and I had tested positive! I couldn’t believe my eyes. My mind was racing with questions: “Oh God, what should I do? Am I going to lose my dad? What about my mom? Could we have infected my younger brother too?”

My mom was also bawling her eyes out. In her state of shock and frustration, she started blaming my dad for getting us infected, and that was when 65

we learned that he had been in contact with a COVID-19 patient who was asymptomatic at that time. Hearing this, we were momentarily struck dumb, unsure of what to do next. Eventually, we got ourselves admitted into a hospital for treatment, along with my younger brother, who also tested positive two days later.

At first, I was really angry about the whole thing. It wasn’t just that I had gotten COVID-19, but the whole situation seemed so unfair to me.

I stopped going onto Instagram because I didn’t want to see the Instastories of my friends happily getting together or hanging out at the mall without any infections, while here I was—stuck in an isolation room in a hospital with COVID-19, even though I had been religiously following all the health protocols by staying at home, and constantly disinfecting our belongings and home.

THE ONE HEALTH PROTOCOL WE NEGLECTED But it was while we were stuck here in this terrifying isolation room that God reminded us as a family that there was one “health protocol” we had completely forgotten, and it was to pray for protection! That was the most important thing we should have done, but we hadn’t.

I have learned from this experience that everything we do is futile if we only rely on our own strength and wisdom.

As Job in his anguish cried out: “What strength do I have, that I should hope?” (Job 6:11), and later concluded that: “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his” (Job 12:13), we now see the 66

parents’ extended family would even take turns to visit us with delicious food and ensure we had everything we needed.

importance of taking the time to pray and seek God’s help for the trials that we face.

Over the past few months since COVID-19 broke out, we had allowed our busy lives to get in the way of our prayer time as a family, a practice we usually did first thing in the morning and before bed.

Instead of intensifying our time in prayer, we lost ourselves in our hectic schedules and forgot to pray for God’s protection over ourselves, and especially our dad, letting him loose to fight the pandemic alone.

Most importantly, we are thankful that our fear that my dad might lose his battle with COVID-19 did not materialize.

A CT scan revealed that his lungs have been affected by the virus, and he will need more extensive treatments, but so far, he’s been recovering well and has been able to resume his daily activities.

Still, even when we weren’t faithful towards God, we saw how He went before us to work through our circumstances. We were thankful that we could be admitted into a hospital immediately, and had our entire family warded in the same room, while many others had to wait for days just to get a bed since so many hospitals were running at full capacity.

Even though we had neglected to look to God during this season, we got a taste of His goodness and mercy towards us, and saw that He is always there for us and with us. He unexpectedly turned our time together in that isolation room into a family retreat and

We were also so overwhelmed with love and kindness from friends and family who prayed for us and cheered us on. My 67

reminded us to rebuild our family altar which we have neglected to do for so long.

It’s now been two weeks since my family and I have been discharged from the hospital and gone back to our lives as usual. Through this experience, we’ve come to realize how much we need God in every aspect of our lives. So we’ve gone back to our practice of praying for God’s protection over our family twice a day—in the morning and at night. And since we don’t know when the pandemic will end, we’ve also expanded our prayers to include those close to our hearts, such as our extended family, colleagues, and friends.

Dear friends, even as we continue to keep vigilant or observe health protocols in our fight against COVID-19, let’s not forget to start and end each day in prayer.

Observing health protocols without God is futile. After all, He is our God who will go before us, and who will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Fedora Aletheia Putri Leuwol is the daughter of Monica Dwi Chresnayani and a student majoring in psychology at a public university in Malang.

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OUR DAILY BREAD

MARK 12:28-34

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. [ MARK 12:30 ]

AN IMPORTANT COMMAND

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hen asked by a lawyer to identify the most important rule in life, Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (MARK 12:30). In those words, Jesus summed up what God most desires from us.

Wonder how I can possibly learn to love God with all my heart, soul, and mind. Neal Plantinga remarks on a subtle change in this commandment as recorded in the New Testament. Deuteronomy charges us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength (6:5).

Jesus added the word mind. Plantinga explains, “You shall love God with everything you have and everything you are. Everything.”

That helps us change our perspective. As we learn to love God with everything, we begin to see our difficulties as “our light and momentary troubles”—just as the apostle Paul described his grueling ordeals. He had in mind a “far more exceeding and eternal . . . glory” (2 CORINTHIANS 4:17).

In the advanced school of prayer, where one loves God with the entire soul, doubts and struggles do not disappear, but their effect on us diminishes. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 JOHN 4:19), and our urgent questions recede as we learn to trust PHILIP YANCEY His ultimate goodness.

The most treasured gift we can give to God is one that He can never force us to give—our love.

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LOVING PEOPLE Caring for Ourselves

When I Am Struggling, God Alone Is My Source of Sanity Septiana Iskandar

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.� (Psalm 46:1) People say that no one can be wise or remain wise when they are isolated. Is that true? What happens when, as social beings, our human need to interact with others are not fulfilled? Can a person remain as wise or even wiser when he is isolated? Or could it be the opposite—that one would lose his sanity because of his suffering in isolation?

During this pandemic, many people are experiencing disruptions, not only financially and physically, but also spiritually and mentally. Problems between husband and wife or between parents and children are intensified when they are all forced to stay at home during the quarantine period.

One wife lost control on seeing her husband becoming very passive all the time at home. She got tired because she had to keep reminding her husband to do even trivial things. The husband, meanwhile, was expecting his wife 71

to serve all his needs. He said that his wife looked good and spoke politely in front of the children or the maid, but turned cold in the bedroom.

He felt so lonely that it sparked a thought: “Would it be wrong if I desired to have another wife?”

One mother found her husband going back to drugs while their family continued to struggle with financial issues.

And one child who had been clashing with his father became increasingly depressed because of his dad’s worsening behavior at home. The child could not stand it any longer, and thought of ending his life.

HOW MUCH LONGER, LORD? Being isolated at home can change a situation from bad to worse, causing one to lose his sanity. Relationships with loved ones can suffer due to uncontrollable rage.

Deep sadness and depression can make one stop functioning. Such great distress can compel a person to hurt himself and others.

As God’s children, we are not immune to this struggle.

Some of us may start to lose our faith and hope when the truths that we have been taught about God contradict the reality that we experience. In turbulent situations, God may seem silent and distant. In such times, we may cry out like David in Psalm 13:1-2: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?”

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Hardships may not make sense to the people who believe that God blesses those who are obedient and punishes those who are not. Yet, from His Word we know that hardship is not always the result of punishment for personal sins. Rather, hardship and suffering are a consequence of living in a fallen world.

A HEALTHY WAY OUT Psalm 46:1 says: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.� We are reminded that God offers relief to everyone who suffers. He provides protection for every soul who lives in fear, anxiety, and insecurity.

He adds strength to every weary heart. He reminds people to lean on Him to find a healthier way out, rather than flee to selfdestructive behavior such as alcohol or drug abuse.

He gives hope to those with nowhere to go.

Healthy solutions are also provided by God through a community of caring believers as well as those gifted to be counselors. As social beings, we need to reach out to others to talk about our difficulties and struggles, to seek help and relief. Those struggling need courage to be open and to share their deepest secrets with the people they can trust. Sharing with the right people will usually lessen the pain. Therefore, churches or institutions providing counselling services can recommend people who are trained to provide such 73

help. The goal is to create a comfortable and safe space for every individual who is struggling.

If you are grieving over the loss of loved ones, feeling abandoned, getting depressed because of the economic turbulence, facing conflict at home, or feeling tension in relationships in the family, do not hesitate to seek help. Let us be grateful that in a time like this, God provides His help. Keep on trusting God, a true help and source of hope!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, in the midst of all the troubles we are facing, direct our hearts and minds to You, Lord. When we lose our way, show us the path of light. When our bodies and souls are weary, remind us about Your great plan in our lives. Give us courage to step up and welcome outstretched hands to heal our wounded hearts. Amen.

Septiana Iskandar is a counselor and the Executive Director of Lifespring Counseling and Care Center that gives counseling for individuals, couples, and families.

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Stay Faithful during Economic Crisis Dhimas Anugrah

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the world’s economy. In the first quarter of the year 2020, recessions have already hit Singapore, Hong Kong, European Union, and China, and many countries have suffered. Job losses and unemployment rate have also increased: in Jakarta alone, as many as 500,000 workers have been laid off. The National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) predicted that unemployment may hit 12.7 million by next year.

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These challenges have impacted believers everywhere.

A lot of us have had our salaries cut or have been laid off. It has not been easy. According to Armand Larive, the author of After Sunday: A Theology of Work, “losing a job brings not only a severe spiritual crisis” of losing our purpose in life, but also “a feeling of being torn from ordinary human transactions, of not being needed, of deflated self-worth”.

Naturally, many of us are asking: Will the situation improve soon? How can we respond to this economic crisis?

As believers, we are not spared the economic troubles that happen in this world. The Bible contains stories about crisis after crisis that impacted God’s children.

Abram had to go to Egypt because there was a famine where he lived (Genesis 12). There was also a famine in Isaac’s time, so he had to go to Gerar (Genesis 26).

The sons of Jacob went to Egypt to buy wheat because there was a great famine in Canaan (Genesis 42). These accounts show us that difficult situations can affect the lives of God’s children.

GOD HAS HIS PURPOSE AND HE CARES So what can we learn from the Bible that might help us in this time of crisis?

Firstly, we can find comfort in knowing that God has purpose for all of us. He reigns and has authority over everything that happens in the world, including this ongoing economic crisis. God knows every little thing about our lives: from our current financial situation to the very hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7). Even though this crisis has affected many of us, we know that God will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4). This truth brings us joy and strength, for we can put our trust in God, 76

knowing that He will help us get through this crisis.

God will meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:19).

WE NEED TO LIVE WISELY AND RESPONSIBLY Secondly, knowing that God is in control and will take care of us helps us to live wisely and responsibly.

The apostle Paul said, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15).

This crisis has taught us to manage our finances more wisely. Perhaps God is tenderly taking our hands and guiding us to look closely at how we have managed our lives and our finances, and to reflect on where our priorities lie. Paul told us why he could learn to be content in any and every situation: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).

This world-shaking economic crisis has left many of us suffering in its wake, but God has promised that He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Even though we cannot see it now, He will help us in His own way and time. As God has saved our lives through His miraculous ways, He is more than able to strengthen us so that we can stay faithful in the midst of this difficult crisis.

Dhimas Anugrah is an editor and content development staff for ODB Indonesia.

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LOVING PEOPLE Serving as His Witness

Jesus the Caregiver

When Jesus Christ came to earth, He came not only as a redeemer, but also as a caregiver. He tended to people with illnesses, and consoled them in their suffering. He healed bodies and souls alike, and the touch of His hands extended beyond the temporal to the eternal.

What can we learn from our Lord, the ultimate example of caregiving?

He drew strength from the knowledge of who He was. Jesus was as susceptible to exhaustion, weariness, discouragement, and frustration as we are (Mark 6:31). He too felt the weight of crushing responsibilities—and the desire to flee them. But He also knew that as God’s son, He had the inexhaustible resources of God at His disposal (John 6:35-38).

So He drew strength from this relationship, living in constant communion with His heavenly Father through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. This gave Him sufficiency as well as an intimacy with God that shaped every action, thought, conversation, and motive.

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We, too, need to base our role and tasks of caregiving on our identity as God’s children. Then we can draw on His inexhaustible riches of strength, trusting that God not only knows our deepest needs and longings, but is also always ready to meet them.

He put His confidence in God. When Satan tempted Him, Jesus responded with quiet confidence. He was able to do this because He knew who He was, as well as the source of His power (Matthew 4:1-10). When Pontius Pilate questioned Him, Jesus was able to handle his questions with authority—again because of whom He trusted (John 18:33-37).

Whenever crisis came, Jesus didn’t panic, manipulate, or try to shift the blame. Instead, He stood confidently in His identity as the Son of God and spoke the truth.

A lot of us tend to live in panic, speaking and behaving as if God is losing His grip on this world. But Isaiah 32:17 reminds us that God’s righteousness will produce everlasting peace, quietness, and confidence.

He spent time in prayer. No matter how busy He was, Jesus always took time to draw aside from His work to pray (Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12). He knew that staying in communion with His Father would refresh His spirit and give Him strength and courage to face rejection in His ministry. His private prayer life powered His public ministry.

In our times of struggle, we too need to spend time with God. We need to lean deeply on His strength and cry out to Him for wisdom. When was the last time you were alone with God? When was the last time you took time out for much-needed rest—to sleep, to watch a sunset, or to lay your head on God’s heart and pour out your sorrows?

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He prayed with His closest friends. For Jesus, prayer was not just a time of communion with the Father, but also a time of intimacy with closest friends. He could have kept His prayer a private time of seclusion, but He chose to invite others to join Him (Luke 11:1-4).

We too need the communion and accountability of friends and loved ones. Just knowing that they understand our struggles can feed our souls.

In our times of struggle, we too need to spend time with God. He publicly gave thanks and reflected glory back to God. After long, wearying days tending to the crowds, Jesus didn’t immediately retreat into His private sanctuary. Instead, He publicly gave thanks and praise to God, drawing people’s attention to His Father’s goodness and provision (Matthew 14:19). He did the same whenever He encountered doubt, trouble, and criticism.

Instead of grumbling or blaming God, He turned them into opportunities to glorify God. As we talk about our own circumstances, we too can choose to reflect truth in our conversations with others.

Instead of complaining and implying that God has given us a raw deal, thus drawing attention to ourselves, we can choose to give glory to God and speak of our confidence in Him.

He delegated to others. While Jesus had the power to perform any kind of miracle, He didn’t always do everything. Sometimes He chose to delegate work and responsibility to His disciples. When feeding the five thousand, for example, He got His disciples to distribute 82

the five loaves and two fish—even though He could easily have made the food appear in every person’s hands (Mark 6:30-44). We can assume that He did this because the disciples had something to learn from the experience— perhaps the opportunity to be involved in a miracle, so that they could see God’s blessing for themselves.

Your friends may want to be involved because they care for you. If you insist on doing everything yourself, it may suggest that you don’t value or trust them. Allow them to help. Show how your friendship means that you are willing to accept their help.

He grieved the loss of those He loved with an eternal perspective. When He heard that John the Baptist had been killed, Jesus went away to grieve privately (Matthew 14:13). When told that Lazarus had died, He mourned with Mary and Martha, even though He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:32-35).

Jesus knows how we feel. He recognises the depth of our grief and understands the loss and suffering we feel when caring for others. Yet our grief is not without hope; it has an eternal perspective. We grieve with the glorious knowledge that God has written an end to our stories— one that promises redemption and a future beyond what we can see now.

Excerpted from He Walks with Me: Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God © 2018 Our Daily Bread Ministries.

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United Against Pandemic Andrias Harefa

During this period many businesses have collapsed, and many people have gone through economic difficulties. Andrias Harefa who worked as a trainer was not exempted from this difficulty.

No training activities can be carried out due to social restrictions. However, in the midst of difficult times, Andrias and his family took the initiative to do something that could bless others.

We hope that Andrias’ story can encourage us all to live out our faith evenmore during the difficult times that we are facing now.

During the pandemic, my business as a trainer stopped because I couldn’t do activities that required onsite meetings. The small enterprise business I ventured in has also experienced a decrease of tens of percent in turnover, so much so that I could only cover operational costs. So, I gathered my wife and children, and asked them to think of ways we can still do to live out our faith in a context like this. Aren’t we used to talking about being salt, light, and loved by God? So, how would God’s love move us to do something in these situations?

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After that, my son tried to serve people around him. Every day he buys two or three portions of food at a food stall, each worth IDR 50,000, and distributes them to online motorcycle taxi drivers.

I also tried to do something I had never done before—facilitating the provision of a public kitchen owned by a religious leader in Medan Satria, Harapan Indah, Bekasi. My fellow alumni from Faculty of Law donated enough for us to distribute food to residents who have a lack of food and the needy in these crowded areas throughout the month of Ramadan.

During this pandemic season, we are trying to share God’s love in a simple way to a community that has never crossed paths with us before. I am grateful to be able to do these things, because I can acknowledge how God’s love in my life moves me to meet and serve those around me in these unusual moments. I am also very grateful to be part of a movement of kindness that can strengthen our unity as one nation.

SCAN TO Andrias Harefa is a prolific writer, trainer, advisor, consultant, dan founder of PT Mitra Pembelajar.

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WATCH THIS TESTIMONY

United Against Pandemic Sanny Fulianty

The COVID-19 pandemic hitting Indonesia has affected the economic power of many people, including those who have probably escaped our attention: roadside food vendors, public transportation drivers, online motorcycle taxi drivers, daily wage workers, and those who have difficulty making ends meet. This is a testimony from a Christian who was concerned when she saw the situation around her. May this testimony remind us to manifest our love in a concrete way by being a light and a blessing in whichever place or neighborhood we are in.

At the beginning of the call to “stay at home� I saw on television an online motorcycle taxi driver telling the reporter how his family could not eat for a whole day, because there really was nothing to eat. Hearing that news, my heart was so sad, but I also thought about what I can do at home to respond to the news. I thought I could cook for people like them, so I straightly went shopping for groceries and cooked meals of rice with very simple 86

side dishes. First I cooked 50 packaged meals, then 100, and finally up to 200 packaged meals. For me it is simple—I see what I have in my hand and what I have to do with it. The packaged rice was then distributed by friends who had contact with some coordinators in the field, so whenever there is a need for food, I could immediately go and distribute it there.

Am I tired of cooking hundreds of meals by myself? Of course I am, but it is nothing compared to my unbearable feelings when I imagine there are people who cannot eat, children who are starving, mothers who cry when they see their children starve, fathers who cry when they see their children and their wives starve.

Every day we find people who haven’t eaten all day, or for two days—they are confused and desperate—so I wonder, how can I stop doing this? With all the limitations I face, I have never doubted how I will continue, because I experience God’s presence every day.

I hope that, as human beings created by God, we are able to see the many people around us who need our helping hand. The need is great, but what is lacking is a willing hand to give. Proverbs 22:2 said, “The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.” God has His own plan for us in the present condition. God is never mistaken to let us live in the midst of this pandemic. God is sovereign, therefore let us ask ourselves, what would He want us to do as His people living in this age and time?

Sanny Fulianty is an entrepreneur, theological student, and founder of Eat and Shine Foundation, an effort to give education for unfortunate children.

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SCAN TO WATCH THIS TESTIMONY

LOVING PEOPLE Strengthening Family Bond

How to Talk to Your Children About Disease Ruth Wan-Lau

With the spread of the COVID-19, use these pointers that help connect the topic of disease and sickness with our Christian faith, as you talk to your children.

The ongoing spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has had significant impact not only in China, where the virus originated (in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province), but also around the world.

In Singapore, the government has moved swiftly to enact various public health and safety measures. Masks have been distributed, large group events cancelled, and HR policies implemented to reduce the risk of further spread.

Declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization at the end of January 2020, this novel coronavirus is being discussed and debated by all.

Your children may have questions about COVID-19, and about sickness and disease in general. As we talk to them, it might be a good opportunity for us to share how these things relate to our Christian faith. What does the 89

Bible tell us, and what biblical wisdom can we share with our children to point them back to Jesus in such troubled times?

Here are some suggested pointers:

1. OUR COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE IS IN GOD It might be worthwhile to ask your children what they’ve heard about COVID-19, and how they feel about this viral spread. Do they feel anxious? Listen to them talk about it.

Just as we need to acknowledge the reality of the spread and the potential danger of the virus, we must acknowledge to our children that sickness and disease are hard to understand. Nobody has all the answers. And, we’re learning new information about sickness, disease, virus and bacteria all the time.

However, here’s what we know and can trust in 100 per cent: God is with us. And, He cares.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1) There is no need to fear any virus because we know that God is more than able to walk His people through sickness, disease and even death. In short, God is our comfort and confidence as we face troubled times.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4)

2. DEATH CAME FROM SIN The current focus on COVID-19 might be an opportune time to engage our children about the origin of death and what the Bible says about disease and sickness. You could ask them: “Have you wondered why people get sick? Why do people die?”

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Genesis 3 is a chapter that you could read with your family. While God created a perfect world and called everything in it good, Eve, the first woman, was tempted by the snake and ate the fruit God forbade her to eat.

Adam did likewise. Romans 5:12 explains that through this, sin entered the world, and with sin, death: Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12) Death, and with it, the corruption and failing of our bodies due to sickness and disease, entered the world because of sin. Death is God’s judgement for sin.

The Bible also says that Satan and his demons can cause suffering (see Luke 13:16).

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And, the Bible points out that sometimes, suffering can happen to good people too. Job is an example of a blameless and upright man who experienced severe sores all over his body.

The most important point to emphasise to our children is that even though death is God’s judgement for sin, God is in control and He has a plan to save us. This is our third point.

E m p h a s i s e t h at d i s e a s e a n d s i c k n e s s i s n o t t h e e n d o f t h e s t o r y.

3. GOD IS IN CONTROL AND HE IMPLEMENTED A PLAN TO SAVE US Sin, death, disease, sickness and suffering may be part of our fallen world and human experience today. But, that’s not the end of the story.

As Christians, we of all people are able to confidently and joyfully share with our children the happy ending of this story: God is in control. He continued to love the fallen world and sinful man; and He showed this by sending His one and only son Jesus to become a man, take on our sin, and die for us on the cross. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, we have been freed from sin and death (Romans 6:17).

What this means is: Trusting in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour doesn’t just give us comfort and confidence to face troubled times, it also gives us the ultimate hope that even if we die physically, we will live eternally in heaven with God. God did not leave us to struggle in fear and despair in this fallen world, with its disease, sicknesses, virus and bacteria.

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God put together a solution for us: a vaccine that immunizes us against eternal death; a medicine that heals us from the eternal consequence of sin. It is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He said: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) And Jesus promised that when the new heaven and earth arrive: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4) It is vital to share the gospel message with our children during this uncertain time of despair, as the viral outbreak continues. Emphasize that disease and sickness is not the end of the story. That God in His mercy had put a plan together (as early as Genesis 3:15) to save us from sin and death.

Therefore, we can hope in God. There is no place for fear or despair.

4. KEEP CALM AND HOPE ON Encourage your children to be calm and confident, even as they see others complain, despair, or panic. Ask them: “What would being calm and confident look like, sound like, feel like?” Brainstorm ways to remind each other to be calm and confident.

Keep reminding them to look at the Big Picture Plan that God has already put in place to save us. Their hope in God is the basis for being calm and confident.

And, practically speaking, here’s some suggestions on what we can do with our children:

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PRAY • Pray for the doctors, nurses and health workers at the frontlines. Pray for God’s mercy and protection over their health.

• Pray for the scientists analysing the virus and trying to put together a vaccine or a cure. Pray for God’s mercy and wisdom to guide them.

• Pray for seekers and skeptics to open their hearts to the Gospel—God’s plan to save us from sin and death. Pray that these troubled times will somehow lead to more people coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

• Pray for the health of family, friends and neighbors. Pray for God’s mercy and protection.

BE LOVINGLY RESPONSIBLE Be informed of the facts, and do not spread rumors or misinformation that might result in unnecessary panic.

That would not be loving to others, and God is love and wants us, His people, to love others by not spreading lies.

Based on increasing factual evidence about mode of transmission, sanitise your hands regularly and do not touch your face with unwashed hands. If your hands are unwashed, minimise touching other people.

Minimise contact with others if you are feeling unwell. Stay at home and practise self-care.

The biblical principle to share with your kids is to be other-people centered.

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In other words, to be loving to others.

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Philippians 2:4 NLT)

HOPE IN GOD Share the pointers and Bible verses from this article that give us true and lasting hope in God: • Our comfort and confidence is in God. He is with us and is more than able to walk us through troubled times.

• Death came from sin, and with it, sickness and disease.

This is a fallen world and we are sinful people. There is suffering.

• But God is in control and He implemented a plan to save us. He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins on the cross, so that if we trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are freed from sin and death. We will have eternal life in heaven with God. Jesus is the ultimate reason we can keep calm and hope in God. Let us pray, be lovingly responsible, and continue to hope in Him!

Ruth Wan-Lau comes from Singapore and has worked in public communications and publishing for 15 years. She has authored over 30 books for children.

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United Against Pandemic dr. Vimaladewi Lukito

What struggles does a doctor experience when she has to treat COVID-19 patients while thinking about her husband and children at home who have to be temporarily separated from her? This is the testimony of dr. Vimaladewi Lukito, Sp. A about the conviction of faith she experienced through meaningful prayers and spiritual strength she received in the middle of her duty.

My name is dr. Vimaladewi Lukito, and I am a pediatrician who works at a private hospital in Jakarta. During this pandemic I often came into contact with COVID-19 patients, those who were positive or those who had just been suspected. If I am asked about any inner struggle I have, and whether I am afraid, of course I have some fear in facing a pandemic like this. However, for me, the biggest struggle is that I can no longer touch my children, sleep with them, hug or kiss them, because I am afraid to pass or carry this virus to them. Moreover, one of my children also suffered from a disease that affects her immunity. I am afraid that I would bring illness to my family.

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In those times of struggle, I always said a prayer, “Lord Jesus, if this is Your will, let me continue to endure, so that I can be with my children until they all have grown up.” Whenever I was afraid, I always said that prayer, and God strengthened my heart. Day after day, before I go to work, I pray to the Lord that He will protect me and my family, and after that my heart calms down and feels ready for work.

But I have experienced something that made me very sad. Recently I have been sleeping apart from the children, so as much as possible I have prevented them from entering my isolation room. However, one morning, I woke up and saw my children already crammed and sleeping on the floor beside my bed. Apparently at midnight they sneaked into my room to sleep near their mother. I don’t know if I have to be sad, moved, or grumble at them.

In the midst of uncertain circumstances, we can do our part by following the recommendations made by the government and medical personnel. Keep your distance, stay home, and practice hygiene regularly. For me, you are actually the frontrunners at this pandemic. We, the medical personnel, are in the last line. We all have to work together to stop this virus from spreading.

Let us do that by always trusting God and praying without fear, because we know God’s plans are the best for us. Be strong in faith, and always remember to pray. Together we can certainly beat this pandemic.

SCAN TO dr. Vimaladewi Lukito is a pediatrician who works at a private hospital in Jakarta.

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WATCH THIS TESTIMONY

LOVING PEOPLE Striving to Care for Others

When Lives Converge

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him.

(1 Corinthians 2:9) When Jesus asked the Samaritan woman at the well for a drink (John 4:4-26), His goal wasn’t to be served by her. Rather, He was orchestrating a meeting that would change the course of her life forever.

Through His words and actions, He showed that He knew her story, that He empathised with her, and that He cared about her heart and her life. As a result, she would walk away from the encounter changed forever—all because Jesus walked into her story with a commitment to rewrite the ending.

Likewise, when Jesus healed the lame, the lepers, and the blind, His goal wasn’t simply to restore physical wellness.

When He fed the 5,000, His purpose wasn’t just to meet a physical need.

All these meetings were more than mere incidents of caregiving—they were moments of convergence. As Jesus met them in their time of need, it gave Him the opportunity to share His compassion, intimacy, and the revelation of who He was and who His Father was.

These moments would eventually lead to redemption in 99

their lives, as they caught a glimpse of God’s love and mercy, realised their own sinfulness, and understood their need for His salvation. In His role as a caregiver, as in all things, Jesus was a redeemer.

When lives converge, God’s work begins.

And that may be exactly what is happening in your life today. In your caregiving journey, God may be using you to reach out and redeem others through the convergence of your life with theirs. Redemption begins when lives converge, as they did when Jesus reached out to the woman at the well.

As we interact with the people we care for, we will start to see that we are all the same— broken and inadequate,

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in need of forgiveness and grace. When we care for others, we enter their lives and help to make God’s story of redemption real to them. And, in the process, our own hearts will be touched as well.

As caregivers, we often view our roles as doers, performing acts of service for those we minister to. But that is only an entry point for our journey. As we provide care for others, our lives will converge, allowing us to share intimacy, empathy, and compassion. True caregiving is perhaps the most redemptive work we will ever do.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for this opportunity to pour Your grace into the life of another. You have given me the joy of joining You in your plan of redemption; You have chosen me as Your partner in touching lives. Help me to see my work as a rich gift that will change the life of Your loved one. Give me the grace, wisdom, and provision that I need each day to carry out the tasks that lie ahead.

Excerpted from He Walks with Me: Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God Š 2018 Our Daily Bread Ministries.

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United Against Pandemic Irene Hasugian

These days many of us live in fear and exhaustion in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially true for the medical teams and volunteers who are struggling at the forefront in facing uncertain situations. Irene Hasugian is one of them. Read her story of going straight to deal with COVID-19 patients who are in fear and despair.

My name is Irene Hasugian. I work as a nurse in an ICU facility at a private hospital in Karawaci, Tangerang.

I had a remarkable experience treating a patient who was diagnosed positive for COVID-19. When I found out that the patient was positive for COVID-19, my heart was broken, sad; I even experienced a mood swing, not knowing what to do, trying to withdraw and avoiding questions from my family. Previously, I had told my family that I was treating a COVID-19 patient and hoped that when I returned home I would not bring the disease to them.

However, one night when I was treating this patient, I saw that she had not slept yet, and one time, she even 102

shouted that she wanted to die. My heart was sad but also touched, but then I remembered that the patient’s newborn baby was also struggling to live in a NICU. I decided to share the condition of her baby who at the moment was struggling to stay alive, so that the mother was also encouraged to keep fighting.

I also told her that as a nurse, I would fight to take care of her with all my heart, therefore she had to keep trying to get well, too, so she could see her baby again. The patient then fell silent, she could not believe that her baby was still alive.

Some of my friends in other shifts showed her videos of her baby in the NICU, to make her feel excited and less restless, and then her condition began to stabilize day by day. I pray for the healing of the mother and the baby, so that they can both go home and be with their families.

I hope that my calling as a nurse can become an extension of God’s hands by being a blessing to others. As a nurse, there are many things that strengthen me, and one of them is the song Semua Baik (All is Well). I feel that God is so good, even though sometimes we don’t know why we are in the path and place that God wants us to be right now.

I also want to encourage my fellow medical personnel, especially doctors and nurses who are handling COVID-19 cases. We must stay vigorous in our service. I know everyone has their fears and worries, but I trust and believe that God will protect us.

SCAN TO Irene Hasugian works as a nurse in an ICU facility at a private hospital in Karawaci, Tangerang.

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A Divine Appointment

The call to be a caregiver is a call to sacrifice.

We are expected to be totally selfless and put aside our personal priorities as we adapt to a life of caring for an ailing spouse, an aged parent, or a special needs child. We are called to give, give, and give. And if someone suggests that the experience will ultimately benefit us, we would probably be dismissive.

“What is there,” we may retort, “to gain from being a caregiver?”

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Consider, however, this idea: caregiving is a divine appointment with God. How so? Two things come to mind. First, as we adapt to our role as caregivers, we will find ourselves evaluating our priorities, values, and feelings as we try to balance personal needs against those of the people we are caring for. In the process, we will discover more about ourselves, our relationship with God, and about God himself.

The demands of caregiving can strip us down to the basics, such that we begin to see our true motives, passions, agendas, and priorities. At the same time, the experience can show us what it truly means to live like Jesus—selflessly and passionately pouring out our lives for others, just as He did.

Second, as we deal with the overwhelming feelings of frustration, resentment, anger, and helplessness, we will learn to turn to God for strength to keep on going. There will be moments, of course, when we will feel so burdened that even crying out to God becomes difficult. And there will be times when we will feel like throwing in the towel and giving up altogether.

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But it is precisely at these times, when we are at our weakest, that we encounter God in a deep, personal way (2 Corinthians 12:9). In Luke 15:3-6, the Lord describes how a shepherd joyfully shoulders his lost sheep and returns home. How comforting!

Imagine being carried up by God the loving Shepherd when you are at your weakest, and taken home in His loving hands.

No wonder Isaiah could speak of finding strength in God this way: But those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

(Isaiah 40:31)

PRAYER: Oh Lord, You have promised me that Your grace is sufficient for me, for Your power is made perfect in my weakness.

Give me the faith to keep looking to You for strength, for I know You will carry me in my weakest moments. Give me new eyes to see my journey as a caregiver in a new light, as a divine encounter with You. And give me a new understanding of Your grace.

Excerpted from He Walks with Me: Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God Š 2018 Our Daily Bread Ministries 106

OUR DAILY BREAD

MAT THEW 22:34-40

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. [ LEVITICUS 19:18 ]

LOVE NEEDS EXPRESSION

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omehow the command to love doesn’t get through to us.

We may confess that we lack a strong faith, but seldom do we admit that we are deficient in love. Perhaps we feel we’re as loving as the next person, and maybe a little bit more.

After all, we’re sensitive to the hurts of other people. Our hearts go out to battered wives and abused children when we read about them in the newspaper. We shift uneasily in front of our TVs when we see little children sobbing with hunger or sitting in silent despair beyond crying.

But deep inside we know that genuine caring reaches beyond feelings to action. Caring, like steam or electricity, isn’t worth much unless something happens as a result of it. Love without deeds is useless, just as talent not demonstrated in creative ways is wasted.

Both must be expressed or they are no better than a myth.

Because we can’t do everything, we often don’t do anything. If you want to be a loving person, don’t start by taking on the needs of the whole world. Start with caring about one person and build from there.

You can’t do everything, but you can do something. What you can do, you should do. Today, determine that in the power and HADDON W. ROBINSON grace of God you will do it.

In a world that couldn’t care less, we are to be people who couldn’t care more.

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SOURCE INDEX Plagues, Quarantines, and Lent https://ourdailybread.org/article/plagues-quarantines-and-lent/ Why We Should Stop Meeting Together https://ourdailybread.org/why-we-should-stop-meeting-together/ COVID-19: From Threat, Hope Rises (original title: COVID-19: One Month Later, I’m Still Trapped at Home) https://ymi.today/2020/02/covid-19-one-month-later-im-stilltrapped-at-home/ God’s Unexpected Plan for My Family Through COVID-19 https://ymi.today/2020/10/gods-unexpected-plan-for-my-familythrough-covid-19/ Stay Faithful during Economic Crisis https://ourdailybread.org/article/stay-faithful-during-economiccrisis/ How To Talk To Your Children About Disease https://biblical-parenting.org/articles/how-to-talk-to-yourchildren-about-disease/

OTHER ARTICLES IN INDONESIAN: Finding the Peace of God in Suffering https://santapanrohani.org/article/menemukan-kedamaiantuhan-di-tengah-kesusahan/ Reflection on Psalm 91: Understanding God’s Promise Accurately https://www.warungsatekamu.org/2020/03/refleksi-mazmur-91belajar-memahami-janji-tuhan-dengan-benar/ Online Worship: The Church’s Contribution to Help Contain the Spread of COVID-19 https://www.warungsatekamu.org/2020/03/ibadah-online-salahsatu-kontribusi-gereja-redakan-pandemi-covid-19/ 108

Every Day Brings New Stories https://www.instagram.com/p/B951l9qgkBS/ Pain and Suffering https://santapanrohani.org/article/sakit-dan-penderitaan/ Worry about Coronavirus? https://santapanrohani.org/article/khawatir-pada-virus-corona/ My Family in the Shadows of Death https://www.warungsatekamu.org/2020/09/keluargaku-dibawah-bayang-bayang-maut/ When I Am Struggling, God Alone Is My Source of Sanity https://santapanrohani.org/article/allah-sumber-warasku/ Jesus the Caregiver https://santapanrohani.org/article/yesus-teladan-pelayananyang-penuh-kasih/ United Against Pandemic: Andrias Harefa https://youtu.be/xnbMBk_MAdU United Against Pandemic: Sanny Fulianty https://youtu.be/xrZGVtEABcg United Against Pandemic: dr. Vimaladewi Lukito https://youtu.be/aw7euYSHPWo When Lives Converge https://santapanrohani.org/article/pertemuan-yangmengubahkan/ United Against Pandemic: Irene Hasugian https://youtu.be/4rZtEKOFUF8 A Divine Appointment https://santapanrohani.org/article/perjumpaan-ilahi/ 109

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Feel blessed? Tell us your testimony via email to indonesia@odb.org or share on your social media (Facebook/Instagram) and mention us (Santapan Rohani).

To support Our Daily Ministries through giving, send it to: ‘Yayasan ODB Indonesia’ BCA Green Garden A/C 253-300-2510 BNI Daan Mogot A/C 0000-570-195 Bank Mandiri Taman Semanan A/C 118-000-6070-162

Scan this QR code to donate using any e-wallet app.

If making a gift, please inform us by: WhatsApp +62878-7878-9978 Email: indonesia@odb.org santapanrohani.org

Santapan.Rohani 110

Loving God, Loving People Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.

In 2020, a tiny virus COVID-19 has changed the life we knew drastically. Physical distancing and masks wearing are new norms.

Due to restricted travels and lockdowns, economy has slowed down. A big recession is looming ahead of us.

Amidst this turmoil, we at Our Daily Bread remain committed to serve God’s people. Working remotely from home, we worked together to release a series of articles, videos, and artworks related to the pandemic, to help God’s people stay focused on God and His promises.

Loving God, Loving People contains specially selected COVID-19related articles that we have published digitally, and some new resources. You will find articles that will strengthen your faith in God and His Word. You will also read inspiring stories of believers who responded to God’s call to minister to those who are sick, hurting, and suffering during this pandemic.

We pray that this book will help you reflect on your own faith’s journey, and come to the same conclusion as we did—that God is always with us.

Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported mainly by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organization.

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