Happy Sabbath.  I hope that you are doing well.  These are trying times for sure, but there is no doubt that God is with us, because that is a promise that He has made.

Joshua 1:9 NKJV  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV  Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV  Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU."

As of now, we are not sure when we will be able to meet together again, so our services will continue virtually.  The Home Office has asked that we all join them this coming week at 2:30, then they want us to start back with out own webcasting.  I'm not sure exactly what that will look like yet, but I will send more information within the next week.  Our webcast will not interfere with the one from Cincinnati in case you want to watch theirs also, but they would like us to begin webcasting locally to stay in touch with everyone.  I ask that neighborhood captains keep their neighborhoods informed of any information that we send out, since not everyone is connected with the internet.

I have been working to make sure that our webcast can be done from home, and have even thought about possibly setting up a webex chat room for an interactive Bible Study.  I don't know how long this will last, so we will adapt and continue on as best as we can.

I, like you, am disappointed that we will not be spending the Night to be Remembered together, but I do feel that it is important that we do our part to prevent the spread of this virus.  Again, I ask that you conform to the President's suggestion that we not gather in groups of more than 10.  Also, since we could be carrying the virus for a couple of weeks before symptoms show up, you may want to consider whether or not you have been anywhere that you may have been infected, especially if you are visiting someone with a pre existing condition that would make it worse if they got the virus, or are among the age group that is most affected.  This will pass and we will have much time for fellowshipping once again, we must act out of love.

Attached is the latest eNews, a bulletin, and instructions for keeping the Passover in your home.  I do plan on webcasting Passover services, but you may follow the instructions without following the webcast, or use the video that is online.  The information for this is in the eNews.  I am attaching this information now because we most likely will not be able to provide the wine and bread this year to our shut ins, since we are not able to even enter some facilities at this time.  Please be preparing to have the bread and wine by Passover time.  Neighborhood captains, please make your neighborhood aware of this.

Above all, do not let the events going on around us take our minds off of what God has done for us as we prepare for the Passover.  Now, more than ever, let us draw near to God.  

Have a great Sabbath!

Ron Barker