March 24, 2020
TO ALL RUEBU CHURCHES
Peace to you dear brothers and sisters - members of our RUEBU family!
Video Message from the RUEBU President
Видео oбращение прeзидента РУСЕХБ
We all find ourselves in a most unexpected situation that has developed in the world as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which is spreading in almost all the countries in the world. It has also touched us as believers in our local churches and had deprived us of the opportunity, at least temporarily, to gather as a congregation for joint worship and edification in God’s Word. Just a month ago no one could even imagine that such a thing could possibly occur in our day.
In connection with the current situation, people around us ask many questions and receive many very different answers. We, as believers, living in this society, must also listen and follow the advice and instructions of doctors and local authorities, who care for us. However, our main source of encouragement, comfort and hope is our God, who has revealed Himself to us in His Word.
The prophet Amos wrote: " When disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it?" (Amos 3:6). These words remind us that everything in this world is under the control and sovereign will of our Heavenly Father. That is why in our present situation we should not succumb to panic and fear that today have taken possession of this world but, together with the prophet Jeremiah say, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven.” (Lamentations 3:40-41)
When Jesus Christ spoke of the events, which will take place in the end times, to those who surrounded Him, He was warning us as well: " Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36.
During this troubling time for all of us, we invite all members of our RUEBU churches to join in prayer and fasting on two consecutive Sundays: March 29th and April 5th.
Let us intercede on behalf of our nation and plead with God to pour out His grace, heal our land and encourage many hearts to repent and accept the Lord Jesus as their Savior!
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer!"
(Romans 12:12)
God bless you all!
The Executive Committee of the Russian-Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Union, USA
Ashford, Connecticut