Dear Cobham Park Church Family,
When a house is well over a hundred years old, there’s reason to be wary of its condition. The
roof looks fine in our 19th-century farmhouse, but looks can be deceiving. How can a person know for
sure? How can leaks be found? Wait for a storm—the more severe, the better. Then climb into the
attic with a flashlight and discover the truth!
Something similar has happened at Cobham Park. When I joined this church over a year ago,
you appeared to be a wonderful family of believers. It was easy to love you. But experience has taught
me to be a little wary. A church can look great when things are going well, but its true condition only
becomes evident in a storm. The last few months have certainly provided such a test. I praise God for
what I’ve seen!
1. Beyond external appearances, your faith is sound. All the externals of church life were upended by
the Coronavirus: events, meetings, buildings, offerings, ministries, pastoral visitation, etc. And yet I
was constantly encouraged by your trust in God. You relied on the strength of Christ. You were not
shaken. No leaks of despair or anger could be seen. You know that the Lord is our true shelter in
life’s storms.
2. You’ve shown that you understand what a church really is. The vacant church building didn’t even
slow you down. You instinctively knew that you are the church! From the very start of this crisis,
you’ve been praying, reaching out, and helping others for Jesus Christ. You’ve taken initiative and
proved that I’m not the only minister here—we all are! You will never know how much joy and
encouragement this has given me. Thank you!
3. The beautiful character of Jesus is shining through your lives. Under pressure, it’s only natural to
lose patience—but you have demonstrated extraordinary patience. During this storm, I’ve been
forced to make very difficult church decisions. The transition back to “normal” is going to be long
and complicated. I fully expected a backlash no matter what I decided to do about meetings and
ministry. You, however, have been nothing but supportive. You haven’t been drawn into the divisive
spirit which seems to dominate our country at present. You’ve been unselfish and kind both to me
and one other. I was afraid that we might drift apart as a church family. Once again, however, God
has shown Himself through you. The bond we all share wasn’t broken by distance or difficulty. If
anything, our mutual love is stronger than it ever has been. To tell you the truth, I’m in awe of
Christ in you.
4. You have been faithful. Without your unwavering prayers, wisdom, and ministry, this church would
have sunk. And without offerings, I wondered how we’d be able to pay church expenses. But your
faithful giving has actually been stronger than it was before Covid-19! This defies all-natural
explanation, so I’m chalking it up to God’s generous provision; He is so good!
“I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you,
now that you belong to Christ Jesus (I Corinthians 1:4; NLT).”
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Keith
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