“How do you have peace in the middle of a pandemic? How do you have faith over fear and an unknown future? Here is how- you trust Jesus with your life.”  David Platt

Our lives and ministry has been turned upside down during this time, as we are sure yours has as well.  Zoom is a new member of our family as we speak to Zoom multiple times a day! Our children are home from school—everything is virtual, Aleeya’s therapies are virtual, dance classes (which are quite a sight to watch!), art classes, our weekly small group, youth group, doctor appts, seeing friends, game nights, and ALL ministry is virtual now.  We miss the face-to-face, are mourning Daniel’s High School senior year and  graduation that has been cut short and made virtual. We are trying to be creative in connecting with others around us, supporting friends and reaching out to neighbors. We pray you are all doing well also—and please reach out if we can pray or help you in anyway, or even just to talk!

During this time with the coronavirus, fear is gripping the hearts of people around the world. There is a mountain of anxiety and alarm, and it is still building. It is as real as the virus itself—but it is treatable. There are people in need that we can reach out to help. Like a fireman runs to the fire, the church needs to respond to crises around us. We who are the church need to stand up and be the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus Christ.”   Franklin Graham

Joseph recently had the privilege to help install a new pastor at a church plant in Claremont. Solid Rock Church (which Joseph helped plant 2 years ago) has now planted a new church (First Love) that is currently reaching out to the Claremont Colleges.  Joseph helped them walk through the qualifications for an elder/pastor, pray and install Pastor Michael.  We are excited for Michael and his wife, Lani, as they minister to the city around them and we love seeing churches plant new churches to reach Los Angeles!

Michael & Lani at their new baby reveal and Joseph and Michael (before social distancing!) Joseph and the elders from Solid Rock discussing qualifications for pastor/elder (Zoom style)

Ministry has also been about changing all trainings and conferences to virtual—this was/is a busy Spring as we had multiple trainings for staff and church leaders planned.  Now we are attempting to make them virtual with virtual teaching, breakout rooms and application) 

Our family has been trying to be a source of hope and encouragement to those around us.  Giving out free fruit, creating fun mazes for kids on the sidewalk, window paint for Easter and trying to meet others on our daily walks.

Thank you for your continual prayers, encouragement and support to us during this time. Please let us now how we can be praying for you as well.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:7