Wow, 2020 will go down in the books as a year to remember! As we consider the past twelve months, the Psalmist implores us to “Forget not all his benefits.” He is still the God who forgives our sins, who heals all our diseases, who redeems our life from the pit, who crowns us with love and compassion, and who satisfies our desires with good things. Nothing 2020 threw at us can change the goodness and character of God. None of God’s promises have changed. The Church may look different than it did in 2019, but He has sustained us. We serve a God who is MORE than enough, and His faithfulness has been evident all over Minnesota this year.
When the doors of our churches were shut, new doors of ministry opened online and in our communities. We saw living rooms transform into livestreaming studios. Instagram feeds were flooded with devotionals and daily encouragement. Drive-in and tent services went from oddity to norm. Zoom went from noun to verb. Toilet paper went from trash to treasure and became a hot commodity for church outreaches. The endless creativity of the church has continued throughout the pandemic: Free coffee and breakfast for first responders, hundreds of pizzas for teachers and school administrators, and face shields for medical workers. None of us could have imagined much of what has taken place, but we serve a God who is able to do MORE than we could ever ask or imagine.
When there was unrest in our cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, you responded to hurting communities. When grocery stores were destroyed, churches distributed food and supplies to those in need. Two hundred of us prayed at North Central University and determined to do more to reach our Judea and Samaria. Pastor Darrell Geddes joined our Church Health Team. New relationships were forged as rural and suburban churches connected with churches in our Central Twin Cities Section. A new MNSOM scholarship was established, and funds were designated to plant churches in our two biggest cities to be led by future black leaders.
In a year where seemingly everything was shrinking back, by God’s grace the Church was still moving forward. A couple of weeks ago, Minnesota students gave just under $400,000 to Speed the Light in one night! In September we also had the privilege of commissioning 16 new missionary families to be launched into the mission field. These numbers are unprecedented, and we celebrate that the Gospel is still being preached!
When all the world has to offer is uncertainty, doubt, and fear, He’s MORE THAN ENOUGH! The task we’re called to is great, and the headwinds are significant, but the One who called us is greater. He will continue to move us forward. I believe we’re going to see more ministers, more churches, more salvations, more people called to the ends of the earth, and more of His presence in our state. As AG Assistant General Superintendent Rick DuBose challenged us back in June, “You are here in the epicenter of something that is literally changing this nation and changing how we see. You are not here by accident. God has been preparing your heart and your soul and your very character for this moment.” We can do this, Minnesota. Why not us? Why not now?
Mark Dean | Superintendent
