March 18th Update
The treasure that is unseen is infinitely more valuable than the treasure that is seen. I was reminded of this truth yesterday as I made a trip to the bank to grab some of my earthly "treasure". With the panic surrounding coronavirus, many people are rushing to the bank to withdraw as much many as they possibly can in preparation for the economic fallout that seems likely to come sooner rather than later. Many harbor the fear of losing access to their "treasure" in this time of trial.
After I received the "treasure" I was seeking, I looked at the disfigured and grimy bills and came to a stark realization. We spend our whole lives working insane hours and killing ourselves for what amounts to a dirty pile of paper. We are told that these bills have a backing in a treasury we have never seen with gold that we will never possess. Yet so much of our world is enthralled by these unsightly, green pieces of "treasure". We would do anything to hold on to it, to get more of it, and in times of crises, we would dare even lean on its value. If our world really did fall apart, and those people that provide the "backing" for these bills disappeared, what value would they amount to? I am not saying money doesn't matter, of course it does. However, do we make it so that it matters more than it should?
As Christians, we can easily forget that our treasure is not here on earth but in heaven. Our treasure is eternal, unfading, undefiled, and cannot be lost (1 Peter 1:3-5). More than that, our treasure is not some measly paper but is the eternal inheritance of salvation. (Galatians 4:7, Romans 8:17). We will reign with Christ for all eternity in the heavenly kingdom (Revelation 3:21). What value could be put on the such a "treasure"? Yet, God gives that treasure freely to all who have faith in His son (Romans 10:9-13).
I wanted to spend a minute reminding you of this fact. I know that fallout of coronavirus is causing great fear regarding our health and our wealth; however, as we have begun to discuss on Sunday, Jesus is our hope! The health and wealth that Jesus promises is not for this life but the next. We are adopted sons and daughters, heirs of the kingdom of heaven, the fullness of Israel, the chosen of God (Ephesians 1:1-14). There is no greater reality than that.
Brothers and sisters, I encourage you during this time. Do not grasp for earthly possessions, it will fade. Do not grasp for earthly health or wellbeing, it will fade. Do not grasp for power or influence, it will fade. Do not grasp for whatever "security blanket" you may have for yourself; it will fade. Reach out, grasp at, and do everything you can to grab hold of the salvation we have in Christ. Press on! (Philippians 3:12).
With that being said, a few announcements concerning the Coronavirus:
- We will be continuing to have services online in the coming weeks. We will be streaming at http://live.surprise.church at our normal services times, 9:30 and 11:00 this Sunday. I appreciate your continued support! I saw all your likes, shares, and comments on social media. I am grateful that you enjoyed the service and I hope we do it even better this week! We will be gathering again as soon as we can!
- All our normal resources are on our website surprise.church. On the website, you can give, put in a connection card, a prayer request, or any questions you may have. I encourage you to utilize those resources and I thank you for your continued financial support. I have been amazed with your faithfulness over the last year and we as a staff are thankful for the trust you have put in us and, more importantly, the trust you have put in in God with your finances.
- We are continuing to do Easter Baskets for Sunshine Homes for the foster kiddos. I am making a big ask that you guys support this effort so these kids can receive these Easter baskets! We do this every year and I know we will step up to the plate this year as well. Here is some info on that:
Suggested Items for Boy's Basket
- Matchbox cars, pokemon cards
- Candy, Legos, $10 gift cards, chocolate
- Something that represents the reason for Easter
- Playing Cards
- Small balls, sports items
- Sidewalk chalk
- Markers, small books, balls, markers
- Crayons/coloring books
- Small games
- Colored pencils
Suggested Items for Girl's Basket
- Something that represents the reason for Easter
- Playing Cards, perfume, chocolate, candy, crayons, coloring books
- Small books, markers, body lotion
- small games, $10 gift cards, stuffed animals
- Colored pencils
- Make-up (over 13 yrs.)
- Hair supplies
- Nail items
- Jewelry
Items will need to be brought to 17513 W. Aster Drive, Surprise by Wednesday, April 8th. Please call or text Dawn Merritt at 623-297-4079 or outreach@surprise.church to coordinate drop off.
4. Imagine Prep, along with many other schools around Arizona, are providing meals for students under the age of 18 who do not have access to food at home. You do not need to attend imagine prep to get these meals; however, the student who is receiving the meal must be present. You can find that information here https://surpriseprep.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=621418&id=0
5. Missionaries Jordon and Ember Stangler were scheduled to come speak last Sunday. Unfortunately, because of the school shutdown and the craziness of trying to get a digital service together in 24 hours, I was unable to get a spot for them on Sunday to speak. Nonetheless, I would love for you guys to support their amazing mission in Uganda. You can support them here http://www.rescuehope.org/donate.
We are continuing to work on how we can help our community face coronavirus. We will have an opportunity for you in the coming weeks. Continue to follow our social media, website, and COVID-19 blog post for updates. I am praying for all of you. Stay strong in the faith and persevere. We will make it through this and be stronger for it. I love you all. Peace and Grace to you and your household.
Sincerely,
Drew Carroll
Lead Pastor