Happy Easter from The Salvation Army Northern Division
This Sunday is Easter – a day when Christians all over the world will celebrate the day Jesus Christ overcame death and rose from the grave. In doing so, Jesus guaranteed the gift of eternal salvation for those who believe in Him.
In this posting, we would normally list where and when Easter Sunday services would be held at our Worship and Service Centers throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. But we find ourselves in the midst of an unprecedented health crisis, the magnitude of which we have not seen in our lifetime.
Public gatherings, including church worship services, have been cancelled to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As a result, we have been live-streaming our Sunday worship services on Facebook Live.
This Easter, we invite you to join us for a very special online service starting at 11 a.m. at facebook.com/SalvationArmyNorth/. Together we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and give thanks for all He has done for us – even in these uncertain times.
Relating Easter to COVID-19
As children of God, we are regularly reminded that He is in control. 2 Thessalonians tells us “the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
But in the face of adversity (as with the COVID-19 crisis), it’s sometimes difficult to remove yourself from the anxiety that surrounds us. It’s hard to forget the daily news reports advising us of the rising number of diagnosed cases and, worse, the number of deaths caused by this virus. We routinely hear of shortages regarding test kits, masks, anti-bacterial lotion and, especially, respirators.
We should be encouraged that most everyone is taking steps to help reduce the virus’ impact and give aid to those who are affected. Your local, state and federal governments are working overtime to create safe environments and to get aid to those most in need. Companies and organizations have worked to provide safe work options for their employees, and some are converting their facilities to produce anti-bacterial lotion and to manufacture masks and respirators. Individuals are rallying to help wherever they can. (Read our recent Donations in Action story highlighting a few of these efforts.)
As more people are furloughed or laid off, we see an increased strain on available resources, but all of The Salvation Army’s service centers remain open to provide food and assistance with safe, contact-free interactions. We have been responding to those in need since we opened our doors in Minnesota and North Dakota 130 years ago, and we will be here to help well into the future.
Just as we know Jesus was resurrected, we know that there is new life on the other side of this crisis. This virus will subside; medical advances and vaccines will be developed; the sick will become healthy; and we await the day we can reunite with the faithful we lost.
How do we know this? Because of our unshaking faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter morning. And we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is on His throne, in control, and will carry us through this storm.
Christ is risen! Happy Easter to all.
Please join The Salvation Army in serving those affected by the COVID-19 crisis by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer. Your help will provide emergency assistance and hope for people and families in desperate need.