Dear Sisters and Brothers in CHRIST, In Ephesians 6 the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand.” The world is marshaling its resources against COVID-19 in a desperate effort to contain the spread of a worldwide pandemic. God’s people are alert and continue to marshal our spiritual weapons against a much greater and more insidious enemy, the prince of darkness himself and all his forces of evil. The devil lulls people into complacency with a soaring stock market and a booming economy. Eat! Drink! Be merry! Worship Mammon! Live for this world, and indulge in all the pleasures it offers! Forget God, repentance, humility! Trust your money! Watch your retirement account! Revel in your paycheck and all the fun it can buy! Then when those false props collapse, the world is plunged into despair. Panic! Pandemonium! Hoarding! Runs on banks and supermarket shelves! Trust in God and love for neighbor are out the window. The enemy is not a virus; COVID-19 is just a tiny symptom of all that’s wrong with a world infected by sin and sentenced to death. The enemy is the evil foe, who takes our eyes off Jesus and turns human hearts toward false hopes or despair These challenging times bring to light the devil’s schemes in stark ways. These challenging times bring tremendous opportunities for us as Christ-followers to let the light of the gospel of peace to shine as brightly as ever. Of course God’s Word, the bedrock of faith, has many comforting things for souls in distress. These are just a few brief thoughts that we can share with our brothers and sisters in Christ and with our communities: “Repent and believe the good news.” A reminder of our mortality is a time to reflect upon the brevity of our lives and the futility of this temporary existence on earth. Turn from sin and turn to God. Jesus is our Redeemer and our Righteousness. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God’s love for frail sinners transcends everything. God is love! He earnestly desires that all should know his love for us in Jesus, trust him, and live with him now and forever. We serve a living Savior. Jesus lives! “Christ, who died, more than that, who was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Jesus still rules and governs the direction of this world and the course of human history for the glory of his Name and for the good of his body, the Church. “Peace I leave with you, peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” We don’t need to get caught up in the turmoil around us. Our hearts are filled with peace that transcends understanding. God’s Spirit fills us, and we produce the fruit of peace. We have God’s forgiveness now and forever, and we rest in God’s providence for our care and protection right now. Your heavenly Father cares for the birds of the air and clothes the grass of the field. He will give us our daily bread and everything we need for body and soul. Love God and love your neighbor. Be gentle, kind, courteous and compassionate. For the rest of March we will be suspending our normal worship gatherings for midweek and Sundays and all scheduled meetings or events are postponed. This decision was made not to add to the confusion, but rather to put hearts and minds at ease knowing that practicing concern for your own health as well as the health of others is God-pleasing, and we can still carry out our ministry by using the technology that God has blessed our congregation with to be strengthened and built up by God's Word and share it with others. We are encouraging all our members to make use of Our Redeemer's website: www.ormartin.org and our Facebook page: Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church -Martin to view new recorded sermons by Pastor Hillmann for midweek services and Sunday Services. Hard copies of the sermons will be mailed to those without internet. We are also encouraging folks to make use of the Lutheran Radio service on THE TWISTER, which airs on Saturday afternoons at about 12:30pm. Other resources to consider would be streaming our sister congregation St. Paul's - Rapid City or Time of Grace ministries, reading your Meditations, browsing www.wels.net for other ideas. or reading with your children "The Story Bible", (I have copies here at the church that you may pickup no charge), which highlights different events/miracles throughout Our Savior-God's Word to us. As we continue to carry out our ministry of sharing the saving peace of Christ Crucified and RISEN for the Salvation of all, a reality hits home, bills. Just as the bills don't stop coming to your mail the same is true for our congregation. Thus despite our suspension of gathering in person for worship, please be mindful of your offerings to the Lord. If you would like, you can certainly mail in your offerings. If you'd rather simply keep track and make a one-time offering when we are able to gather again that would be fine. Please know that Pastor Hillmann is available to each of you and if you'd like to meet with him or have him visit please call/text his cell phone 308-870-4387. In Christ's service, Pastor Josh Hillmann "In You I TRUST My GOD!!"