Keep Looking upon God to Pray

The pandemic continues to spread since its initial outbreak in January. At the end of its first wave, we felt relieved… only to discover that the second wave of backflow cases would be faster and stronger. The number of confirmed cases all over the world has reached more than 530 thousand. The pandemic in Europe has not improved, and the numbers in Italy are surging. The World Health Organization even warns that the epicenter is moving towards the U.S. It’s sad to see the devastating situation.

However, we are not intimidated by such circumstances. We will keep praying to God, not only for the pandemic, but also for the serious damage suffered by the earth and environment. Looking at the whole world, whereas human beings are infected by coronavirus, the natural environment is also polluted and damaged. From the bushfires in Siberia and Australia, to the deforestation of Amazon Rainforest, known as the “Lungs of the Earth”, all are signaling the problems of the respiratory system of the earth.

Both man and land are under attack. Man and land are closely interrelated, and the spiritual realm and the physical world are affecting each other. Man’s problems affect the land and vice versa. Man needs rest and healing when sick, and in the same way land needs rest and recovery. Man has damaged the land in their sin. We shall confess sins and pray to God for His mercy and grace. May He forgive our sins of greed and selfishness, and heal man and land.

Thank God that in recent reports, as human activities are restricted by the pandemic, the traffic across land, sea and air has dropped dramatically, and the emission of carbon dioxide has decreased accordingly. The sky is blue, the air is fresh, and the sea becomes clear. The earth is resting and the land is recovering.

We are grateful that Tsuen Wan had found no confirmed cases in the first wave of the pandemic in Hong Kong. Although there’s a sudden increase recently, triggering concerns about community outbreak, we still believe in God’s presence and protection. We still remember our February 8-9 services, broadcast among our 33 branches around the world, in which we confessed sins before God and prayed God to heal the land: He has granted us deep peace in our midst. During the celebration of Purim, I led our male MG leaders and co-workers into deep sin confession and repentance, and we have received the anointing of turning defeat to victory. We have peace in such a disastrous time.

Dear brothers and sisters, let’s stand firmly in faith and not be afraid. We should take good disinfection precautions, avoid eating out, and keep proper social distance. We encourage cell leaders to make good use of web media to care for their members and pray for each other. Let’s look upon God in faith to pray and to stand firm on His truth. He will surely protect us and be with us!•[2020.03.29]