You may have heard that statement. You may have said it. Do you know its etymology? It’s actually from a Yiddish proverb “Men tracht und Gott lacht”. Supposedly it is based on Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Hebron had a plan for this spring and summer. It included: worship, teaching, ways to connect with each other and to build relationships, as well as opportunities to reach our community and the world with the love of Jesus Christ. Then the COVID-19 pandemic happened and those plans became inoperable. So, what now? Hebron’s staff and congregation were – scattered.
It did not take long for us to step back and say, what is our Plan B? God is in control and He does not change – therefore, He has called us to do ministry, so how do we do it under these unprecedented circumstances?
We prayed. We met virtually – via Zoom meetings – something many of us had never even heard of before and were loath to do. But we learned and we did it! We made plan B and C and D.
First – worship continued to happen via the website. Barrett used the technology available to us to see that worship scattered was available on our website each week. Doug and Henry continued to preach through their series on the Book of John. Each week creative adjustments were made and many of you tune in each week to worship from your homes alone or as a family.
Second – teaching opportunities were developed by our staff. Doug, Jerry, and Amy provide a new post each week on our website. Henry has taught a virtual Bible study and most recently a 10-minute series on daily devotions. Also, the Knapps and Slippys have posted a seminar for parents.
Third – connecting with each other and building relationships. This is hard with social distancing, but not impossible! Our staff and leaders are making phone calls, Jerry is sending a weekly letter to those over 70, Zoom meetings and gatherings are happening. Student and children’s ministry have developed creative ways to stay in touch, provide teaching opportunities, and have fun virtual activities.
Fourth – opportunities to reach our community. From working with The Blessing Board to deliver potatoes, to providing free potatoes to the community, to being a distribution site for free bag lunches on Monday, Wednesday and Friday – we have sought to be a beacon of Christ’s love to the community.
Ministry continues to happen, due in large part to you and your faithful giving. The Lord has established our steps and we will continue to walk in the way He directs. Does He laugh? Perhaps with delight that His people continue to persevere, trusting Him regardless of our circumstances. We don’t know when we will be back to “normal”; but we do know that our God is – BIG, GOOD, and IN CONTROL.
