The Nantzs and McQueens encourage the community to rest in His peace
Rodney and Kristy Nantz coupled with Paul and Anne McQueen say they are relying on scriptures to get through this Coronavirus pandemic.
A verse for me is Ephesians 3:16 ‘I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith,’” Anne said.
Paul followed stating his go-to scripture is 2 Chronicles 7:14, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
The McQueens remind us that the Lord tells us to submit to our earthly authorities in 1 Peter 2:13, and we should also think of others above ourselves. “Whether we believe our faith is stronger or not, it’s not about us. It’s about doing what is best for others,” Paul said. “We are praying for our leaders, the medical professionals, the sick, those who have lost loved ones and so much more.”
During this pause from normalcy, the McQueens are still involved with the community. “I’m trying to post a few things on the Refuge’s Facebook page for students such as recommendations for reading books and math tutorials,” Anne added.
Kristi McQueen said she is posting workouts. In addition to encouraging people to exercise, Kristi offers recommendations for ways to spend your time. “I think this is an important time to be with family, to spend time in prayer, and to spend time in God’s Word seeking His way. If you feel desperate, please reach out to someone for help. Don’t make rash decisions based on fear or hopelessness,” Kristy said.
When reflecting on life in Olney during the past few weeks, Rodney Nantz said, “This is definitely a different time in our lives, and it has affected our community, but there is not a tine or place in human history that the Lord has not been in control. We continue to remind one another that the Lord is sovereign, and the He loves and cares for His children, and that the Lord will see us through each circumstance as we put faith and dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Well in a very dark hour of Timothy’s life, time when persecution was at its highest and people were losing their lives, Paul told Timothy, for God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. But even though we’re not to be driven by fear in this lifetime, we are also told to use great wisdom in the midst of each circumstance.
The word of God is very clear in Romans 13 that every person is to be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God. Therefore, whoever resists these authorities has opposed the ordinances of God. I am also aware of Acts Chapter 5 when Peter was asked to stop preaching the gospel because their message had filled all of Jerusalem. Peter replied, “We must obey God rather than man.” But I have not heard the governing authorities telling us not to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, as a matter of fact they’re asking us to pray for our country. I believe during this short time we should, as Christians, seek to help those in whom The Lord has put in charge over our country and seek to help prevent this virus from spreading to others. I do not believe that this is being driven by fear but of love and a sound mind.
Our leaders, during this time, do not have all the answers concerning the cure of this virus. But as time goes forward, as we continue to pray, we will find an answer to this epidemic and things will return back to the everyday operations. But until then we should seek to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Although the Refuge is currently closed, we are using this time to reflect upon those who are in need and how we may be able to help them. We are setting different times for daily prayer for the needs of our community, as well as seeking to support the local churches, the local school district, the local grocery store, and whoever may need help during this time. We are praying as well on a daily basis for the hospital and the local businesses that provide jobs for those who live in our community. We are making contacts, by phone, to those whom we have built relationships with over the past five years taking prayer requests. We are also doing a bible study that we are recording Tuesday and Friday, making it available to the public on the Refuge’s Facebook page. We are on a waiting list to help Stewart’s, the school district and the local churches in whatever services they may need.
Rodney concludes with this final thought for the community:
“Proverbs 3:5-8 ‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. We want our community to know that we are [continuously] praying for the cure of this virus and for all of those whom it has affected. We truly love and care for each person in our community and want all to come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Christ Jesus. And that if anyone needs help during this time of difficulty, we are available, and we seek with all our hearts to strengthen the families and to see God glorified in the lives of everyone.”
Kristy Nantz adds words of encouragement, too, and she shares the verses she leans on: Psalm 46:10, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Chronicles 7:14.
“[I encourage people] to not be afraid, obey our government, and to be sensitive to others. That God is most definitely in control. He is not shocked or surprised by this virus. This Coronavirus pandemic has different effects on different people. I read an article that I thought explained it well. For some this is a break, a respite of sorts, extra time to spend with family, have dinner together and do things they normally would not have time for. For others, this time is a little more challenging. Perhaps they don’t have provisions, or their job is dramatically affected and they are fearful. And for others this time is a raging storm, they have been laid off or possibly a loved one or they themselves are inflicted with COVID-19. So while it is perfectly okay to enjoy the time with family and time to read or bake, remember those who are greatly affected and pray often for them and our community.
Pray for those who work in the field and are keeping our community going. Pray that God would use His church to be the hands and feet of Christ and show love and truth through His word and our service (even if that means being still). If we all come together, as we have already seen, our community will be stronger and more grounded in the word of God, because of this virus. And for that, we will be grateful and continue to sing our praises to the one who gives and takes away. Please don’t look back and regret how you spent your time. Spend it wisely. Use this time to tell others about Christ and to build yourself and your families up in His word and spend more time on the one thing that seems to be the most neglected. Prayer. And when this is over. Go to church!”
Additional scriptures recommended by Rodney Nantz:
Psalm 93:1 “The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.”
Habakkuk 2:20 “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.”
Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”