March 30, 2020
“Fourteen Days: A Letter to the SFCAC Family”
Dear SFCAC Family
Since March 17th, we all have been experiencing “shelter-in-place” for fourteen days. We don’t usually commemorate "Fourteen Days", whether it’s Fourteen Days of work or vacation of traveling abroad with friends and family. We soon forget the feelings good or bad associated with the time we spend. However, we have experienced many unprecedented trials during these present “Fourteen Days.” Under the shelter-in-place order, we must stay home from school and work, and keep social distance from people. We cannot meet with family, friends or church brothers and sisters. People are concerned about not being able to get basic daily necessities like toilet paper and groceries. When people go out shopping, they are protecting themselves, covered in full gear with masks and gloves. People do deep cleaning immediately after returning home. Those who still need to work outside are worried about being infected by the virus and in turn, may infect their families. These "Fourteen Days" have been unforgettable. Everyone is looking forward to the end of this shelter-in-place order and the epidemic. We all want to go back to normalcy as soon as possible.
For many who have young children and work from home, in addition to dealing with daily work, they must also arrange time to home-school their children, play with them, and then do housework and cook. Those who go outside to work are worried about being infected when their companies do not take serious epidemic preventive measures. Without the supply of face masks and sanitizers, employees are constantly worried about being infected and cannot stay focused at work.
As for medical workers on the front line, the situation is even more challenging. With limited supply of protective gear and equipment, medical workers are risking their own safety and health as they treat patients with COVID-19. Some medical workers are staying in hotels alone and temporarily separating themselves from their families in order to prevent possibly infecting them. The most devastating news is that some medical personnel are unfortunately infected with the virus. We heard very sad news that a friend, Dr. Xu, who practiced in Florida and was known by some of our SFCAC family members, is now home with the Lord due to contracting COVID-19 last Friday (March 27).
In the face of this severe epidemic, I encourage you, my SFCAC family, to keep doing your part in this period of shelter-in-place. As medical workers emphasize: "We stay at work for you. Please stay at home for us”. I like to especially address young people, in consideration of the wellbeing of the elders at home, please be patient and stay at home. In fact, Dr. Arabia, a doctor serving in the emergency room, stated that in the cases she saw, the virus does not selectively attack and take away the lives of only elderly people or patients with underlying conditions. Therefore, everyone, old or young, please stay at home as much as possible. Flatten the curve. Let’s not increase the burden that is already on the medical system. I also encourage my brothers and sister at home-- don’t just spend time on the Internet, playing games, indulging in TV dramas… but take this time to draw closer to God through spiritual practices like reading the Bible, devotion, and praying. During this time, I myself have seizee more opportunities to read spiritual books and in that process have gained a lot. I thank God because I know that many of you chose to do spiritual devotion, Bible reading, prayer, and worship together as a family.
As for us as a church, we have not stopped serving each other. Regular small groups, fellowships, prayer and ministries meetings, across the three congregations, will continue to meet online. Our Caring Team has been busy with weekly acts of love as well! Last week, they made “Comfort Food Deliveries,” in which brothers and sisters made and delivered home-made food to SFCAC members at their homes, so that we all deeply experience the love of Christ and the beauty of serving each other. This week, we want to encourage a new continuous act of love and that is to encourage you all to take the initiative and call, care, and pray for each other as well as those outside our church family. I believe that each of you can participate and care for people inside and outside the SFCAC family.
According to the latest announcement by the US government, the next two weeks will be the worst and most critical time of the epidemic. People are advised to stay alert and vigilant. For the worldwide church, these two weeks are equally important and have spiritually significance. It is the last part of the Lent season as we celebrate Palm Sunday this Sunday, followed by Good Friday and Easter.
Finally, allow me to encourage you with my favorite hymn "Because He Lives.” We believe that the resurrected Lord is still walking with us today. We have hope in our lives and in this difficult time. Although I don't know how many more rounds of “fourteen days” are ahead of us, let us not forget that “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.". With this faith, let us together face this historic challenge and build a memorable "Fourteen Days" filled with positivity and spiritual worth.
1) 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 Savior lives.
2) How sweet to hold a newborn baby? And feel the pride and the joy he gives. But greater still the calm assurance. This child can face uncertain days because He Lives.
3) And then one day, I’ll cross that river. I’ll fight life’s final war with pain. And then, as death gives way to vict’ry. I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He reigns.
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.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Sam Lai
Senior Pastor
