Where there’s a will, there’s a way
The Dirranbandi KYB Group (SW Qld), a group of 6 wonderful ladies, have been studying Acts 13-28 titled Message & Mission. I have been particularly encouraged by Paul’s perseverance to proclaim the Good News of Christ Jesus despite having much opposition, hardship & physical affliction. Those he ministered to were hungry for God’s Word. These encouragements have also been a challenge for me. Am I prepared to do everything possible to meet regularly with the ladies in my KYB group or even attend church (particularly in the last 12 months with restrictions)? At times, I fail miserably but God is faithful & makes a way…online technologies!!!
I thought (& was hoping) that our Zoom KYB Studies would be short term just to get us through those months in 2020 when social distancing & home isolation was at its peak. At times, it is awkward knowing who is going to talk & frustrating with weak internet connections. But God has enabled our group to use Zoom no matter where we are. It has become a real blessing. One lady in our group lives 60km from town, so at times it suits her to Zoom in rather than miss out altogether. We have had a lady join in from NSW last year & currently we have a lady joining from Innisfail.
One of the unusual times we zoomed (which actually sparked the writing of this article) was while I was away on the Gold Coast. I was hoping to join in from our unit, but the timing was all wrong. Our car had lots of servicing jobs that need attention. So while my husband was driving around, I joined my KYB group from the passenger seat. That was a faith journey in itself – I am a passenger who likes to keep one eye on the road! While at the next garage, I sat outside on a chair juggling an umbrella, laptop, Bible & KYB booklet. It certainly wasn’t the perfect Bible Study, but it was important to keep meeting, be encouraged to persevere in our faith & pray for one another.
It is too easy to find ways of not meeting with the normal busyness of life, let alone having pandemics, floods and plagues to work around. Whether you struggle to attend Bible study or church, I encourage you with this Scripture,
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
He just wants us to have those simple natural conversations as we go about our daily life. It might be with neighbours, friends or complete strangers. Not forcing the issue, but if the opportunity arises, introducing others to our most precious friend Jesus. You see, the world may have changed, but God is the same. We are here to do his work. And the work he has given us to do, is to tell others about his son Jesus. His message is the same, yesterday today and forever, no matter the circumstances. Sometimes telling others about Jesus can be scary — perhaps for some even more scary than the virus — but don’t be afraid my dear friends! He does not expect us to do this alone. He has promised that he will be with us to the very end!
Sal Hemming, Dirranbandi KYB Leader
P.S. On behalf of the Dirranbandi KYB Ladies, I would like to thank our city KYB women who have been praying for us, sending us words of encouragement & gifts over the last few years. God has answered your prayers in some amazing ways.