Whoever thought that the year 2020, will be called the year of the new normal! The way we work, interact with one another, think and in fact our very faith, have all undergone a change and these changes are here to stay a while longer. India, for one has witnessed a few good things from this new normal. Respect for personal space is welcomed, establishment of sustained hygiene is magnified, reliance on the labor of one's own hand personified. Offices have shifted home helping us clear up our pollution levels, schools have gone digital and church services have gone online!
With economic downfall and job losses the situation has uninvitedly called upon a lot of ambiguity. During these times of despair and fear, there is only one way that can lead to hope. Amidst all the uncertainty, there is One who remains a constant and that is Jesus. His promises are everlasting. Your riches cannot guarantee you safety nor your fame provide you protection. Everything call fail, but the God of the Bible never fails. Making the best use of the opportunity at hand, multiple churches started broadcasting their services on YouTube and various TV channels. In fact, Bethel AG International Worship Centre has done a phenomenal job in bringing hope amidst this turmoil. Since the day the lockdown began, they started daily devotion service with their congregation called prayer in the times of Covid.
Visit their prayer in the times of Covid playlist on YouTube. There is a message for everyone and for everyday. It speaks about fear, uncertainty, hope, strength, protection and ends with Reverend Johnson, praying over the viewers.
The Bible says,
"But those who wait upon the Lord, will renew their strength. They will mount up on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint" - Isaiah 40: 31and that is exactly what Bethel AG Church, Bangalore has witnessed. With their eyes fixed on the plans God has established for the church, they continued nurturing their members via their daily devotion services, keeping communications line open and supporting those in need. When Government of India decided to open religious institutions, they were thrilled but with it came another dilemma. How do they welcome a ten thousand plus member church?
Bethel AG tackled this situation the way they tackle every situation. They turned to God.
"For the God gives wisdom; From His mouth comes knowledge and understanding" - Proverbs 2:6
They used the resources, wisdom and people God provided them to come up with the first of its kind church service in India called WOW - Worship On Wheels. Maintaining government protocols, ensuring safety of its members, regular sanitisation and zero touch interactions, Sunday the 14th of June, 2020, witnessed worshipers worshiping in the church ground seated in the comfort of their cars and bikes.
View how Bethel AG conducted its Worship On Wheels service.
Members participated in partaking the Holy Communion with warrantied hygiene and disposal. "It is an indescribable feeling to partake the communion especially when done with my church family, something I have missed for over 3 months" says a joyful Sherlyn - an old member of the Church. If you are in Bangalore, you should visit Bethel AG Church at Hebbal on Sunday to experience one of the best outdoor service.
Train up a child in the way he must go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. If you want the best for your child, Bethel AG Church, conducts special online Sunday services for Kids of various age groups. Visit the Church website at https://bethelag.in/ to learn more about what they believe in and what they have to offer.
