As much as this is a difficult situation for everyone, as Advent Christians, we are reminded that the Bible talks about these types of situations occurring more frequently leading up to the coming of the Lord. However, we also need to remember that we have nothing to fear, for we know who it is that we serve, and we can be confident in His desire to lead us home. Let's just stay close to Him during this time,
while pointing others to him whenever the opportunity presents itself.
As you are all aware, the COVID-19 situation has started to affect our daily lives here in Kamloops. Consequently, it is our responsibility to encourage strict adherence to the protocols ordered by the authorities for the health and well being of ourselves and those that we care for, especially our elderly.
Effective Immediately: The Kamloops SDA Church will be closed for all regular services until further notice.
Small groups such as prayer meetings and Bible studies will only be held at the discretion of the group leaders. Contact your group leaders for more information. If these meetings do occur, these groups must follow all protocols described below, or the groups will be required to disband until we officially resume regular meetings again.
We strongly counsel our members to practice safe and practical guidelines as available on the conference website at www.bcadventist.ca to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
As a reminder:
- Practice social (physical) distance by maintaining a safe distance of about 2 meters from other people. Also, avoid hand shaking or hugging
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water or by using sanitizer with 60% alcohol when hand washing is not possible
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces - i.e. door knobs, taps, etc
- Cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing. If you do not have a tissue paper, then utilize your arm or sleeve to cover your mouth and nose
- Stay at home if you are sick
- Seek medical advice if you have any symptoms of the coronavirus
- Avoid non-essential travel, especially outside of Canada
- Keep in touch with family and friends by phone, e-mail, text messages, etc. This is a time to pray, support, and encourage each other
You will find attached the direction from the conference as well as the order from the Health authorities. Within these documents, there is reference made to limiting the number of any meeting to 50. However, if things keep moving the way they have been and the gov't responds the way we see other provinces respond, then that number will continue to drop.
We need to keep praying for guidance, keep reaching out for one another, and keep studying our Bibles. When an opportunity presents itself where we can share our confidence in God to carry us through this fiery furnace, then we should do our best to proclaim that truth, unreservedly.
Brothers and Sisters, there has not been such an amazing of an opportunity in recent years as this, when hearts might be more open, minds looking harder for answers, and an openness not usually found to consider what the Bible tells us about end time events and how the love of Jesus was displayed through His sacrifice for our sins. People want hope. Jesus is our Blessed Hope.
Over the coming weeks, you may be contacted to be involved in reaching out through phone calls or whatever means possible to help us connect with others who need us. We pray that you would accept that request if it comes, and help us to support our Church family in the best way we possibly can.
If you have any questions or concerns or require assistance, please do contact us at any time.
Please forward this email on to anyone that you feel could benefit from it. We want to reach as many people as we can so we ask that you help us out by forwarding this email. Also if you are not receiving this directly from the board we ask that you please send your contact information to us so that we can ensure everyone is included in future updates.
May God continue to lead you and be your light. May He help us to lean on Him during this time and have the confidence to shine His light on others whenever possible.
John 16:33"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
We would like to encourage you to check out our website regularly for any new updates at
https://www.kamloopsadventist.ca/. We will work on keeping it updated as to the most recent information.
