Over the last few weeks the local churches have been working together for vacation bible school. With everything happening in our current world - COVID 19 pandemic, the division between people throughout the US, & just living in uncertain times it was very refreshing to see people working together, the local churches uniting rather than dividing to serve our community. On Wednesday, July 1st we had 6 different churches represented & working together to build floats, props, candy & gift bags, etc. all to bring together this year’s VBS. This year looks a lot different due to the current state of the world.  It is encouraging to see all different people coming together to reach our families & kids throughout the area. For me it refreshed my hope in the midst of the chaos. 

Seeing everyone coming together & working together on projects & a shared goal reminds me of the church in the time of the book of Acts. In Acts 2:42-47 we see the believers in the community working together in a single goal. They devoted themselves to the teachings, sharing in meals, & in prayer. They shared all they had together.  WIth joy & generosity they praised God & enjoyed a mutual goodwill with ALL the people.  Each day more & more people were able to see God with their hearts & come into this united family.  

During this time, anytime really, it is easy to look around us & see the bad, evil, & ugly around us.  Its constantly near our eyes & fingertips.  But what about the good? Its like a quote from Mister Rogers, “When I was a boy & I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” I think this applies to us today. When I look around, for example at the VBS workday, this is exactly what I see.  People working together for a common goal - to share the true love & hope of Jesus.

Different denominations, different races, different backgrounds different personal histories, & different stories all come together as we all believe one main point...that Jesus died for us, rose from the grave, & is coming back one day.  This is our hope.  God did this for each & every one of us. That means you.  He loves you. He cares for you.  He is calling to you right now. To turn to Him, to not be alone, to not be divided, to not be fearful, & to not be anxious. The bible tells us to cast all of our fears upon Him. We can trust Jesus & not carry these burdens. 

Make this your prayer - your heart cry to Him. “Reveal yourself to me. Help me to share & see with the eyes of your hope through your son Jesus. Help me to see my role in your body of believers. In Jesus’s name, amen.” 

If you are looking to partner & be apart of a local church family feel free to message us at cornellhope.com or call/text 715-239-6954. For daily encouragement, checkout our lunchtime devotions live on our facebook page, New Hope Assembly of God Cornell, WI. 

Pastor John Kilde