Dear Friends and Supporters of HOPE worldwide,
As we are all painfully aware, we are experiencing a time of uncertainty due to the coronavirus. So many of us are hurting, fearful for our futures and concerned about caring for our family and friends. As we all feel like the ground is shaking under our feet, we are so incredibly blessed to know that God is our refuge, shield and stronghold. In a strange way, although we are purposely isolating ourselves, it feels as though we are coming together around the world as the coronavirus does not distinguish between rich and poor, black and white, stranger and friend. Now is the time to “wrap our arms” around our neighbors – even if from a “social distance” or virtually.
During challenging times, we look to those who can inspire us to trust in our great, compassionate and merciful God. We at HOPE worldwide are no different. We rely on spiritual encouragement as we strive to spiritually encourage our HOPE worldwide global community.
In this spirit, we are extremely grateful to share with you that Reese Neyland has agreed to serve HOPE worldwide as Interim Chief Evangelist. After 38 years of dedicated service as an evangelist, Reese was planning to retire. But, knowing the importance of building on the spiritual foundation at HOPE worldwide and strengthening HOPE worldwide’s connection to the incredible family of churches whose support of HOPE worldwide is invaluable, Reese put his retirement on hold in order to “stand in the gap” until the position of Chief Evangelist is permanently filled.
Reese is very qualified to step into the role of Interim Chief Evangelist. He has served for six years on the HOPE worldwide Board of Directors and as chairman of the board’s church relations committee. Reese sought the input of ICOC leadership and was unanimously affirmed for this position by the ICOC regional family chairpersons. He will also be able to provide advice and counsel in the selection of a permanent Chief Evangelist for HOPE worldwide.
We are extremely grateful, particularly at this troubling time, to have Reese Neyland join and provide great spiritual inspiration and encouragement to the HOPE worldwide team.
We are also thankful to share with you a brief, encouraging message from Reese:
Tips on how to love people during this crisis:
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- Call someone and encourage them.
- Send a text to a friend or neighbor.
- Use social media to share a voice of hope and love.
- Pray with someone using FaceTime or video chat.
- Share online educational tools/resources with families homeschooling.
- Order groceries and supplies online for the elderly and those without internet access.
- Be creative on how we can love digitally.
We will have more opportunities and updates coming soon from HOPEworldwide on how to help during this crisis.
For more information regarding HOPE worldwide updates and events affected by the coronavirus, visit hopeww.org/coronavirus.
Thank you, as always, but now more than ever, for your continued support of HOPE worldwide. Please welcome Reese Neyland to our team.
Thank you and may God bless you,
HOPE worldwide
TO: Disciples of Jesus all across the world
RE: International Day of Prayer and Fasting on March 26th
FR: The Catalyst Team on behalf of the Regional Family Chair Men and Women
Dear Brothers and Sisters –May this note find you faithful and experiencing peace beyond the understanding of this unprecedented hour in which live. And, may the joy of knowing Jesus prevail deeply in our hearts and minds as we navigate this tumultuous time.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven… Given the events unfolding in our world at this time, it seems that now is a time to fast and now is a time to pray. From the men and women representing each of the regional families of churches across the world: We would like to invite all disciples to participate in a day of fasting and prayer on March 26th.
In one 24-hour period, from midnight to midnight on March 26th, we are asking disciples, our family members, and all of our friends who are willing, to participate in a worldwide day of fasting and prayer. Just imagine, in this time of challenge, for a whole day, the whole world will be bathed in the prayers of disciples of Jesus. And, given the wonderful unity and expanse of our global fellowship, that means someone will be praying every second of that 24-hour time.
It really is a time to fast and lift up prayers to God. It is time to pray for each other, for those experiencing sickness, for those experiencing loss, for those who feel alone, for those who are afraid, and for those who are seeking God. It is a time to pray that we can truly be a light and that the good news of Jesus can be made known to a world searching for hope.
On March 26th let us prepare to pray in our personal time with God, let us connect online and pray with each other, and let us pull our children in and pray as families. Ultimately, let us prepare to fully put our hearts before our good and gracious Father and ask Him to be our refuge and our strength in this time of trouble.
We look forward to this time of connection. We look forward to hearing how God works as we pray to Him. May God give us all a fearless spirit at this time. May we experience the love of God and one another in the days ahead.
In Christ’s Love –
The Catalyst Team (on behalf of the Regional Family Chairs)
PARA: Discípulos de Jesús por todo el mundo
RE: Día Internacional de Oración y Ayuno el 26 de marzo
DE: El Equipo Catalizador en nombre de los Representantes Regionales de Iglesias
Queridos hermanos y hermanas:
Esperamos esta nota los encuentre fieles y experimentando paz más allá de la comprensión en esta hora sin precedentes en la que vivimos. Y que la alegría de conocer a Jesús prevalezca profundamente en nuestros corazones y mentes mientras navegamos este tiempo tumultuoso.
Eclesiastés 3:1 nos dice: Todo tiene su momento oportuno; hay un tiempo para todo lo que se hace bajo el cielo... Dado los eventos que se están desarrollando en nuestro mundo en este momento, es aparente que ahora es el tiempo de ayunar y ahora es el tiempo de orar. De parte de los hombres y mujeres que representan a cada una de las familias regionales de iglesias en todo el mundo: Quisiéramos invitar a todos los discípulos a participar en un día de ayuno
y oración el 26 Marzo.
En un período de 24 horas, de medianoche a medianoche del 26 de marzo, estamos pidiendo a los discípulos, a nuestros familiares y a todos nuestros amigos que estén dispuestos a participar en un día mundial de ayuno y oración. Sólo imagínense, que en este momento de desafío todo el mundo este siendo cubierto por las oraciones de los discípulos de Jesús por todo un día. Y, dada la maravillosa unidad y extensión de nuestra comunidad global, eso significará que alguien estará orando cada segundo de esas 24 horas.
Realmente es un tiempo para ayunar y levantar oraciones a Dios. Es un tiempo de orar el uno por el otro, por aquellos que sufren enfermedad, por aquellos que experimentan pérdida, por aquellos que se sienten solos, por aquellos que enfrentan temor y por aquellos que buscan a Dios. Es un momento para orar y pedir que seamos verdaderamente una luz y que las buenas nuevas de Jesús puedan darse a conocer en un mundo en busca de esperanza.
El 26 de marzo, preparémonos para orar en nuestro tiempo personal con Dios, conectémonos por internet y oremos unos con otros, e incluyamos a nuestros hijos y oremos como familias. Por último, preparémonos para completamente entregar nuestros corazones ante nuestro Padre bueno y clemente y pedirle que sea nuestro refugio y nuestra fortaleza en este momento de dificultad.
Anticipamos este momento de conexión. Ansiamos escuchar cómo Dios trabajará mientras le
oramos. Que Dios nos dé a todos un espíritu valiente en este momento. Que podamos
experimentar el amor de Dios y de uno a otro en los próximos días.
En el amor de Cristo,
El Equipo Catalizador (en nombre de los Representantes Regionales de Iglesias)
Greetings Brothers and Sisters of the Westside Church,
"You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14, 16) “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” (2 Corinthians 8:21)
In view of the current local and global concern regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that as Christians we speak and act in faith, trust, and charity as bright lights in our community. After consultation with LA Church leadership, local medical professionals, our local facilities provider (Culver City Senior Center) and in line with the California Department of Heath gathering guidance (see attached) we are transitioning our large meetings of the body (Worship Services, Midweeks, Devotionals) to small house church gatherings throughout the month of March and possibly longer effective immediately. Also, Women’s day will be postponed. (Details will be sent to current registrants)
Also in line with recommendations from public agencies regarding social distancing practices we strongly advise no handshakes or hugs until further notice. A kind word, smile, and/or elbow bump will be our preferred greetings and salutations during gatherings. This request may be the most difficult for people in our fellowship, but we want to do our part to alleviate concern and show respect for those who would prefer to attend, but would appreciate boundaries. Furthermore, if you are in one of the high risk categories it is advised you not gather with groups larger than 10 and if anyone is sick or feeling under the weather it is advised that you remain at home.
We would encourage you to visit the CDC website and California Department of Health to keep updated on this current situation and for information on best practices to protect yourself and those around you.
We are asking each group to duplicate last week’s house church plan and for each group to discuss meeting and location plans for the coming weeks. We will live stream Sunday lessons each week on our website www.thewestsidechurch.com and will keep everyone updated on Westside Church ministry through email and online.
Pre-packaged communion cups have been purchased for each family group.
For the offering please encourage everyone to give online in one of 3 ways:
1. Through our Church App (Tithe.ly Church app search: The Westside Church)
2. Text To Give # : (855) 575-8767
3. Go to our website: thewestsidechurch.com
Let’s remain faithful in giving throughout this time of small group meetings. (2 Corinthians 8:6-7)
We believe God is working through the current situation to open hearts and opportunities to share the gospel and be a light. We look forward to hearing how God is working among our small groups as we hold out the word of life and as we love our neighbors as ourselves. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
The Westside Church Leadership
