The small group picture above was taken on Thursday, February 28, 2020, the day our new mobile home arrived. “V” is for “Victory!” And on Sunday, March 1, we had our first official gathering for Sunday school and breakfast, celebrating the Victory (our trailer’s name) together. The manufacturer’s model name for our trailer happens to be “Victory Plus,” which is absolutely no coincidence. There’s more to this Victory. It’s Victory Plus!
The next week we had our largest weekday gathering ever. 28 children and one adult heard how God parted the Red Sea and made a way for His children- even when there seemed to be no way. We had a hot dog supper together and shared another story of victory. So many folks came by to share our joy and excitement.
But on the next day and in the weeks that followed, the seriousness of Covid-19 set in. In this crazy, unprecedented time in the world and among those we serve, Covid-19 continues to produce not only physical and financial stress, but also a great deal of fear. How grateful I am that when we feel hopeless and helples, God still parts our Red Sea and makes a way for us.
We are not meeting at Victory at this time. We are staying prayerful and careful, practicing social distancing, using hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes when we are out ministering, helping those we serve to be diligent in offensive and defensive ways. Ministry is outside instead of inside. And in spite of social distancing, ministry continues to be intensely real and personal.
TMC has been able to assist those who have lost income and jobs. We’re providing food and personal items. And like everyone else, we are hoping that soon we will see toilet paper on the empty shelves again (…although surely there are some folks out there who won’t need any more toilet paper for months?!). We have been giving encouragement and hope to those who feel afraid. Because of Covid-19, hearts are being stirred. During this week alone, three different adults have asked for a Bible. It’s as if a veil is being lifted, and people are recognizing their hope comes from the Lord.
One of the greatest joys I’ve had this week is getting to reconnect with a former resident. She called the manager and left her contact information, asking me to get in touch with her.
Since I have last seen her, this woman has become a new person. God has given her a beautiful new heart and spirit. And in the midst of Covid-19 she is eager to pass on the goodness God has shown her. So she brought me all of her personal savings. She kept saying, “Before, I was living in such deep darkness! But now I am in the light. I want everyone to have this revival that’s changed me, that’s taking place in my heart! I don’t need the money sitting in my savings account. I don’t need it. This is about my heart!”
Wow. What a story of VICTORY! O Lord, have the victory in every heart!
Even when we can’t see it, the Lord is working. In every storm, the battle belongs to the Him…and so does the victory! I thank God even now for the Victory.
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth….” 1Chronicles 29:11