Pastor's Corner - April 2, 2020

Wow, how quickly life can change! Not that many weeks ago we heard about “COVID-19” on the news, and now we’re a part of that news.

Like you, I’ve been observing a variety of reactions throughout our local area, nation and the world. In some ways it has brought out the best in many people, but in other ways the worst. I also find it interesting that this is all happening around Easter when believers in Christ celebrate the “living hope” that is found in Him due to his resurrection.

Whether it’s a pandemic like the current one, weather-related tragedies, economic downturns or sometimes a combination of events, people’s hope is challenged. Experiences like the current one often raise the question in everyone’s mind of where hope is ultimately found.

I Peter 1:3-9 tells us that we can have a “living hope” through faith in Jesus Christ because He is alive. My prayer for Shafter, our nation and the world is that this current situation will lead many to find their ultimate hope in Jesus!

Pat Coyle is pastor of the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church.