Contentment
Dear Friends:
I pray that you and your family are healthy, both physically and mentally! Staying at home to “flatten the curve” is just as much about maintaining our spiritual and mental health as it is our physical wellbeing. Thankfully, we can pray and be in God’s presence. This brings us back into proper alignment with our Creator. We can apply the words of Paul in these moments, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil. 4:11). We are empowered to be content because God gives us the strength to do so; “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).
Meanwhile, our hearts break for those who are facing the pandemic without the benefit of a relationship with Jesus. They are forced to face being unsettled emotionally, physically, and even financially without having Jesus in their boat amidst life’s storm. I would not want to be in their situation!
It appears that people have gone online searching the Internet for hope, help, and to escape their present reality. Network211 has seen two indicators that make us believe this to be true.
First, we have seen over 21,000 visitors to our “COVID-19 Support” page on www.JourneyOnline.org. This page was created the end of March to address the current pandemic that has captivated the world. Also, the most visited JourneyAnswers life issues on JourneyOnline are:
- Love.
- Insignificance.
- Depression.
- Death.
- Anxiety.
- Illness.
Previously, Death and Illness were life issues that were much lower on the list. A while back, we were even considering not offering Illness anymore! But, it is now bringing the hope of Jesus Christ to people who are focused on the current state of their health.
Second, more people are writing to us now than ever before. Just before the COVID-19 changed our world, Network211 upgraded to a new reporting system that tracks our statistics more effectively. While one reason for the increase is that we are tracking them better, a major factor is that more and more people are writing to convey their need for hope and help. The daily average of people who make a discipleship connection by writing to us in March was 44.6. But, in the last 31 days, the daily average has risen to 82.5. This significant increase that shows people are going online more than ever and they are searching for hope and help during these somewhat trying times!
It was because of this great need to connect people to Jesus that the Network211 team has continued to work diligently. While we follow the “stay-at-home” orders, we continue in evangelism and discipleship. The ministry must go on! We keep our daily prayer meetings via ZOOM as well as our regular team meetings throughout the week. You can see that we were built “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). So, the ministry of Network211 to fulfill the Great Commission is ongoing with even greater results.
Now, all of what is happening is due to the grace of the Lord, and we give Him the credit and glory! Also, we thank you for your strategic and faithful prayer and financial support, especially during these trying times! It is because of your willingness to be steadfast and our foundational support that Network211 stays online and impacts lives with the Truth of Jesus Christ.
You are giving hope and help to those who are in desperate need of new vision and salvation. As you are “content” in your circumstance, by the grace of God, you can reach others and connect them with our Savior.
I ask that you continue to pray, continue to invest in Network211, and continue to present the Gospel to thousands of individuals worldwide each day. You are making an eternal difference!
Blessings,
Mark
Dr. Mark Flattery
Network211 President
www.Network211.com
