I send this email after much thought and prayer over the past 24 hours. I do so in part to explain WHY we are remaining open despite Governor Pritzker's recommendation that gatherings of people should be canceled. I already know that we will be criticized either way - some would criticize us if we canceled our services and some will criticize us for staying open. There are no right or wrong answers to this pandemic, and each church and its members will have to do what they feel best.
There could be many reasons for H.O.T Church to remain open, but I'll just focus on these three:
1. Let's respond with caution but not fear. As of this morning, we're told that a total of 32 people in Illinois have contracted the virus. Thirty-two. That's 32 people out of a population of more than 12 MILLION people. I don't intend to minimize the danger, but I also don't want to walk in fear or hysteria promoted from the media. Instead, let's use wisdom and caution, as we've already done with the preventative measures we've already implemented at HOT Church. If you are not feeling well, please stay home. Wash your hands. Don't touch your face. Exercise all the personal hygiene recommendations.
2. Let's consider God as well as man. That was the conclusion of the Apostles in Acts 5:29 when the authorities sought to shut them down. I have considered and concluded that, for HOT Church at this time, we should NOT discontinue Sunday services. Please understand: I am NOT criticizing any church or pastor that chooses to close during this pandemic - and I'm not criticizing you if you feel you should not attend - each of us should hear from the Lord as to what is right for us and our family. But as I have prayed and thought about this, I feel we should continue to be open at HOT Church.
3. We are here to serve. Not only do I feel a responsibility to obey God; I also feel a responsibility for people who need to be encouraged during this time when so many are anxious and afraid. I want to give people hope despite the media's daily reports. I want to feed people's faith instead of adding to emotions that would deny the Bible's clear instruction for us to trust God. I also know that during times like these, it can be the Church's finest hour, as we find ways to serve our community in their need.
If you are in good health, I invite you to join us this Sunday to enjoy anointed worship and the Presence of God and an encouraging message from God's Word. In the meantime, I encourage you to personalize the words of Psalm 91:
Today, I dwell in the secret place of the most High,
and so I abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Today I say of the LORD,
You are my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in You I trust.
Surely you deliver me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
You cover me with Your feathers, and under Your wings I trust:
Your truth is my shield and buckler.
And so, I am not afraid for the terror by night;
nor for the arrow that flies by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness;
nor for the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at my side, and ten thousand at my right hand;
but it shall not come near me.
Only with my eyes do I look and see the reward of the wicked.
Because I have made the Lord my refuge, even the most High, my habitation;
No evil befalls me, nor does any plague come nigh my dwelling.
For He gives his angels charge over me, to keep me in all my ways.
They bear me up in their hands, lest I dash my foot against a stone.
I tread upon the lion and the cobra:
the young lion and the serpent I trample under foot.
Because I have set my love upon Him, therefore He delivers me:
He sets me on high, because I have known His name.
I call upon Him, and He answers me:
He is with me in trouble;
He delivers me, and honors me.
With long life He satisfies me,
and shows me His salvation.
With much love,
Pastor Sergio Lopez