We in Canada have been asked strongly to not meet in groups of 50 or more(so no Church) and the government is thinking of imposing the emergency measures act which means the military rules. "Our English Teacher" who was sent to China from our church came home after isolating herself for 14 days we now can't get to close to her because of social distancing. It is now we could be calling our neighbor and giving them hope. Here is a beautiful letter sent from my dear Brother In the Lord I would love to share. Lois Voyer is a Lay preacher who travels all over North America.
My Dearest Friends in Christ:
My lovely Laura and I are well. We trust it is so also for you all and your loved ones.
For several years, mostly in the summer and fall seasons of the year, I was given the opportunity to sail aboard Great Lake ships. Over the course of 3-4 days, I had the privilege of sharing the Word of God with the sailors on these vessels - which belonged to the National Gypsum Co. & then later, to the Lafarge Cement Co.
These vessels would carry cement which was produced in a plant that was located in Alpena (Michigan) on the NW coast of Lake Huron.
During a few of these journeys when we sailed mostly on Lakes Huron & Michigan, there were storms met along the way. It is understatement to say that I am NOT blessed with a sailor's stomach.
I cannot recall another instance when I turned down strawberry shortcake - but as the ship was battered by the waves, I knew this would be a first. Looking at me with sheepish grins, the less sympathetic sailors remarked: "You should be on here when it really gets rough!" Great! I am surrounded by floating comedians!
Taking pity on my condition, a kinder and more sensitive mate said: "Listen - go to the bottom of the ship. It will help you to feel a bit better!"
I took his advice and headed downwards. I was quite amazed: for the more I did so the less I could feel the storm that was still raging on the surface. The ship did not roll as much as I descended into the bowels of the ship. No longer could you hear the howling of the wind. It was as though the storm had ceased. Peace and silence prevailed.
From one end of our world to the other, people are experiencing a fierce STORM like no other which they have known in their lifetimes. It would also seem that in Canada and the United States, the storm has not yet reached its zenith.
I think of a well-known hymn which says,
There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where we our Saviour meet,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.
The PLACE in question is A PERSON - as the refrain of the hymn reminds us:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.
The stormier the days - the sweeter His fellowship and peace! BLESSED BE THE STORM that reveals Him to His own as an everlasting Friend who will never forsake them.
