Just a Thought - 09/25/2020

Greetings to all in the name of the only One who can forgive sins.

I hope that everyone is paying close attention to the current happenings in the Middle East. As Turkey continues to assert itself with a build-up of naval vessels in the Mediterranean, Greece is prompted to float her own military defense war ships in the region. The Turks allied with Libya pose a formidable threat to Greece and its ally, France. As you know, the EU is carefully studying this potential aggression in order to plan for an avoidance of a possible conflict between the two sides. Of course, in one of my previous 'Just a Thought' publications, I explained the reason for this ongoing event, so I will not restate any of it here. Perhaps when we open FHG, we'll be able to discuss how these trends may be fitting into bible prophecy.

Today, Israel enters another 2-week complete lockdown, This will extend through the Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) holidays in a bid to stem the spiking corona virus infection rate. I know as members of FHG, you all know about Yom Kippur and the Feast of Tabernacles.

"The second wave of the corona virus is hitting the entire world and it is also hitting us. In recent days, almost every western country has seen record morbidity numbers and they are imposing severe restrictions on their citizens. Some of these countries have also imposed lock-downs over very extensive areas, including some that are larger than the State of Israel."

"The pandemic is expected to exact an additional heavy price in human lives. I regret telling you this, but it is the truth."

"Due to the sharp increase in corona virus morbidity in Israel, we decided today on necessary measures to save lives. These lock down measures are not easy but saving lives takes precedence over everything."

"This is a national emergency. We are in the midst of a prolonged war - the corona virus war. This is a war for the economy, for health and again, this is a war for life."

The above quotes were taken from talks given in recent days by PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Unfortunately, yesterday, Israel registered 7,527 new cases of the virus. The number of hospitalizations have doubled in the past 2 months and several hospitals have exceeded their capacity. The death toll from the virus stands at 1, 378 which for a small population, is quite high. Only food and medical supply stores along with vital businesses are allowed to serve customers.

I know that all of you are monitoring the daily COVID news here at home and have noted that our numbers have remained consistently low for the past several weeks. This is not true for all communities or all States, and not surprisingly, there seems to be a correlation between higher corona numbers and certain types of activities. That said, and assuming that the San Diego county reports continue to show low numbers with no alarming spikes, we may be able to open-up FHG by mid-October. Naturally, no one would be permitted inside the facility without a face mask. Deacon JT would be completing a no-contact forehead temperature check for everyone. So you know, these measures would exclude very young children. Admittedly, I am very anxious to open our church facility, but very reluctant to do so at the risk of anyone's health.

Pastor and sister Brinker have been calling me almost daily to express their frustration and anger over our unopened FHG. Sister Norma told me that CNN recently reported that fish in the sea continue to violate the 'face mask' rule while birds are deliberately not social distancing from each other. Pastor Brinker further informed me that he has covered all their home furniture and house plants with face masks and they all appear to be doing very well. Frankly, I confess my inability to respond to these conversations, and always just simply thank pastor Brinker for his deep thoughts.

Earlier today, I tried to contact Deacon George to discuss the possible October opening of FHG. I did not get the chance to speak with him as sister Marie told me he was busy completing the final 'touch-ups' on their Halloween costumes. I will call him again later. I was grateful to hear from our deacon JT yesterday however. He, along with several other FHG automobile enthusiasts decided that it was time to enjoy a "car break." Deacons JT, Ken, Carl and Fletcher along with brother Andre, excitedly took a few days off from their very busy schedules to attend the annual public car show advertised in the small town of Fort Apache, Arizona. They drove through 120 degree temperature over a 3-day period only to discover that instead of enjoying the "CAR BREAK" they anxiously expected, they instead found a "CAR BRAKE" One native American Indian gentleman was giving away an old and broken car brake. Our FHG gentlemen are now angrily blaming each other for the horrible misunderstanding as they complete the 3 day, 120 degree temperature journey, back home. Brother Andre has called to report that some of the men often remain totally speechless for hours at a time while deacon Fletcher weeps. Of course, deacon George luckily did not accompany those gentlemen, wisely choosing instead to stay at home sewing and knitting.

I trust that you are all doing well, staying safe and accessing the FHG website. Please continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem as well as for cities and States across our great country. May the good Lord bless you all, now and forever. Amen.

Just a Thought

Pastor Chandroo