April/May 2020 - Our God of Crisis

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in

all circumstances: for this is the will of God i

in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:18

 Are you serious?  With a viral crisis like COVID-19, I am supposed to be “giving thanks”? . . . Yes . . .  As clarified by Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, God does not instruct me to be thankful or to rejoice “for the circumstances” – but to be thankful and to rejoice as God leads me and helps me “through the circumstances.”

This is Robby Conn. I am a member of the Sports Outreach Board of Directors. I initially wrote a Sports Outreach newsletter for April based on my visit to the Sports Outreach ministry in El Salvador in June 2019. But, suddenly—the world changed! The coronavirus, COVID-19, was upon us.

We are very fortunate. Jesus has our backs not only figuratively (as in the photo above taken during a ministry event in El Salvador), but also in actuality. I am thankful to be a Christian and to know that God “has my back.”

Thankful with joyful smiles although “tested” with health issues (El Salvador ministry)

For many of us, COVID-19 has thrown numerous stressful issues in our face. I am reminded:

“Do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.

Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.”

Matthew 6:34

I know other Christians who have “troubles for the day” that are much more difficult than mine. During my trip to El Salvador last year I met many people who are joy-filled despite the complexity of their “day’s troubles.” For many people in other countries, their daily life could be described as a “crisis” when compared to life in the United States—but they are still thankful and rejoice. While visiting the Sports Outreach ministry in El Salvador, I saw some of the struggles of life faced by people there. Nevertheless, in the communities where ministry is occurring, there is a strong foundation of happiness. They face hardships, but the SOI ministry brings them joy through Christ.

Thankful with joyful smile, although “tested” with housing issues. (El Salvador ministry)

Pastor Rick explained how our faith is tested in a crisis, but that creates opportunities to respond in ways that develop endurance, and, which act to mature our character. This COVID-19 crisis has changed my whole way of thinking about how best to deal with some of my important issues. In fact, this crisis has caused those issues to ignite in various ways so that they have been brought to the forefront. I am amazed at how, with God at my side, this coronavirus crisis is teaching me lessons that I have never learned before with respect to dealing with those issues. I am learning vital things through this crisis, and all the while God “has my back.” Despite this crisis and my test of faith, I will come out a better person in the end.

WHERE ARE WE NOW ?

“We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him,

who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Most residents and businesses of the United States are dealing with issues thrown on them as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Sports Outreach must now also deal with the issues it is facing.

Sports Outreach does not receive income based on “product sales” like a normal business. However, its current income and in the months ahead is being severely impacted as its supporters go through hardships, and as the SOI ministries lose the survival income received from the international trips to visit the ministries. Those trips have been forced to be cancelled or postponed. Each ministry location is losing crucial operating income and program income, as well as guest services income for those locations with a guest house for international visitors.

 My coronavirus financial issues are smaller those faced while living in a “branch-house” with a roof made of plastic sheeting. (El Salvador ministry)

Most of us are facing income, investment, and/or retirement challengesas our economy shudders. However, if you are in a position to give special assistance to Sports Outreach – now is the time. The more we can do to minimize the probable six-month plummet of funds anticipated by Sports Outreach, the more Sports Outreach will be able to keep its worldwide team members from falling off the tightrope. A boost of income for six months will also keep programs conducted throughout the ministry from faltering.

Thank you for giving this consideration. God is with us all, and our prayers are with you.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, and with the first fruits of all your

produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will

be bursting with wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

Blessings to all of us as God leads us “through all circumstances!”

Robby