What can we do today?

Our world is changing by the minute. We are familiar with the stories of fear and panic, but I am encouraged to see people sharing positive stories about how people are helping each other in times of crisis. At Outreach Canada, we've decided to cancel all of our training events, meetings, and travels for the next month, and we are making the most of the opportunity to host virtual meetings and events.

As we work from home, there are many things that we can do to be agents of hope and encouragement. Here is a list of things we can do as churches and individuals to help support our communities.

Suggestions for churches:

• This is a great opportunity for the church to provide relevant love and support for the community. Find creative ways to reach out and offer hope.
• Offer assistance to those who are shut-in or in need of assistance.
• Engage with community responses and service needs.
• Write and share daily devotions and prayers on your website and social media sites.
• Contact your community leaders to offer prayer and encouragement. Ask how you can help.
• Connect with your international missionaries. Ask how they are doing and how you can be praying for them.
• Be creative in how you connect with people and meet the needs of others.

Suggestions for Individuals:

• Share encouraging stories, thoughts, and prayers on social media.
• Pray for and encourage your pastors; they are under a lot of stress.
• Continue supporting your church and missionaries financially.
• Ask your pastor how you can help serve the community.
• Offer to help neighbors or others who require assistance.
• Take breaks from media to spend time in prayer, Bible reading, and serving others.
• Share your faith and hope that comes from Christ.
• Pray that the Gospel will be more contagious than the virus!

Need some encouragement yourself? Check out this article on COVID 19 & Fear: COVID-19: A response from our Executive Director

Craig Kraft is the Executive Director of Outreach Canada.  Craig and his wife Heather have four adult sons.  They have been involved in pastoral ministry in western Canada for fifteen years before becoming a missionary with OC.  Craig served with OC in southern Africa and now leads the ministry in Canada. After returning from Africa, Craig assisted with the formation of the OC Global Alliance, a partnership of over one thousand missionaries working around the world.  Craig is a graduate of Northwest Baptist Seminary at ACTS and he is completing his Doctor of Intercultural Studies degree at the Asia Graduate School of Theology.  His study has focused on diaspora missiology in Canada.  His dissertation explores the potential for revitalizing Canadian churches through the practice of biblical hospitality with refugees and immigrants.