From the Desk of Jim Firnstahl – April 6 2020

Dear Beloved CBMC Colleagues:

These are truly unusual times! The Coronavirus has altered many aspects of our daily life and this fact alone causes many to be fearful and wonder what the future will bring. Yet for the Christ-follower, we know the Lord wants to give us His strength to carry on. Knowing the great challenge that Joshua faced before entering the promised land, God instructed him this way:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be dismayed, for the Lord is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Please stay strong and courageous during these difficult times. God will bring us through this and together we will continue to bring His Gospel to the marketplace.

Allow me to I offer three simple practices:
1. Keep praying everyday for family, local church family, neighbors, co-workers, employees and CBMC colleagues. Ask God to guide your every step, grant you his peace and safely deliver you. Keep praying also for those on your Top 10 List.

2. Try and meet with your CBMC team every week, online if necessary. Pray with and encourage one another; go through devotionals (Monday Manna) together and help each other with issues at work and home; keep planning events in the future and keep discipling. Allow God to knit you together during these trials into an effective CBMC team. This may also be a good time to go over the basics of CBMC ministry: the Six Ministry Practices and Operation Timothy.

3. Try to speak with one or two people everyday outside your close circle of family and friends; old friends and work colleagues, neighbors and your Top 10 list. Phone them or go online. Let them know you care about them; show them love, kindness and gentleness. This could have great impact. As we spend more time apart, we will need to hear from and be encouraged by one another.

Finally, please contact me directly or the CBMC International office with any concerns or questions you may have. We are here for you. May the love, grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be yours in abundance.

Blessings,
Jim Firnstahl, President