A message from Jill Clarke, Past International President
Nehemiah had gathered people together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They were discouraged, afraid the enemy’s would attack at any time.
Nehemiah said to them “Don’t be afraid of the enemy. Remember the Lord who is Great and Glorious. Fight for your friends, your families, your homes.”
We may at this time think of Covid-19 as our ‘enemy’.
We may be discouraged because deep down we are afraid of the spread around the world of this new threat to our lives. That’s understandable.
But we need to remember that God is still in control!
We cannot see the end to our situation, but God knows the end from the beginning.
All is not lost. We see many people now looking after others. Concern for others is becoming more evident in society.
May we through our faith in God who carries us through our difficulties, by our kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness of others be carriers of Christs love to all.
If you are totally ‘shut in’ as we are here in New Zealand – it is for your own safety, and that of our fellow citizens.
Keep your attitude one of gratitude.
May God bless you & keep you in his care,
With Love, Jill
A message from Joyce Evans, Past International Treasurer
God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone,
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
This song was written in 1971 and over the last almost 50 years it has been a blessing to so many facing different trails and problems. In each situation God has used it, to bless and assure His children, that Jesus lives!
The Bible tells the Easter story, when we can share some of the experiences of the character of the Story, Peter, Mary, Judas, Pilate. Let us look at Luke 24:13-35 the two friends on the Emmaus Road.
As you have read/remembered the story, how did the events burn within your heart? Are you rushing to tell others about Jesus? Put yourself in these friends’ position. They were sad, not understanding really what had just happened. Then He was there, He appeared to them and they recognised Him in the ‘breaking of the bread’. Jesus disappeared. Excitedly they ran back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples.
Are you struggling with your family, job, church, GB? In the current situation, use it, be sure to have time with God, ask Him to burn with your heart, spend time in His Word. Pray using Phil 4v6 ESV ‘do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God.’
It is not possible for you to go out, it’s “stay at home” but, let’s share ways we have done GB differently. I have heard of GB Ireland challenging their girls to write a poem, create a dance, post a hug. GB England & Wales offer online activities, some are using Zoom for company evenings. Please share what you are doing.
Because HE Lives, I can face tomorrow.
Joyce Evans
Past International Treasurer
A message from Vivienne Aitchison, Past International President (2014-2018)
Dear International Friends,
It is a privilege to be asked to bring a message to you at this very strange time.
All around the world we are contending with this new virus with its unexpected restrictions, unprecedented challenges, frightening pictures, utter confusion and unknown outcomes. It is hard for us, for our families, for our friends, for our workmates and for our girls to understand it all and deal with it.
As the Easter season is upon us, I have been reflecting on the narratives of Holy Week. It struck me that many of the feelings we are experiencing right now, were similar to those faced by those who journeyed with Jesus that week. Were they not confused? Did they not get frightened? Weren’t they challenged by the circumstances? Didn’t they face an unknown future?
How we deal with such times is important. Some panic. Some get ‘down’ and some feel useless. Some try to pass blame – on the government, on society, on past decisions or on ‘the authorities’. Some try to hide away or pretend it isn’t happening. But some determine just to see what they can do! Look at the women in Mark 16:1. They must have shared some of those scary, emotions as they watched their friend Jesus die. But they were determined to do what they could and we read that they got busy and ‘bought spices that they might anoint Jesus’ body’.
As GB leaders around the world read these words, this Easter time, I commend you for being just like those women. Despite the confusion, fear, uncertainty which reigns around us, I am reading of the many ways you are reaching out to your girls, maintaining contact giving them words of hope and encouragement, helping them to see what they can do. Thank you for being those hope bringers, those joy givers, those beacons in the darkness – doing what you can!
One of our local GB leaders here in London issued a challenge to all her church and GB friends. I share it with you now. In the dark days she reminded us of these words:
“whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
… and she challenged us to find one beautiful, good, kind, or lovely thing each day and share it. Let’s all do that in these difficult days and we, and the girls we serve, will be blessed with His promised peace.
“The God of peace be with you!” Philippians 4:9
Vivienne Aitchison
Past International President (2014-2018)
