Isolated Church: Week Three – Lack

Grow with God during the COVID-19 lockdown

Week three: Lack…

We’ve all experienced ‘lack’ in one way or another recently. It may be that you are missing or feeling the lack of your youth group/church. Maybe it’s the lack of time with your mates, maybe it’s some food, maybe even loo roll?

We want to encourage you with stories from our persecuted brothers and sisters across the world who are – through lack – holding onto Jesus, praying big things and instead of stockpiling stuff, are generously giving.

So, for the next 20 minutes or so (see the note on the below if you’re not a big reader), take some time to focus in on God, a source of comfort, hope and friendship in these times of enforced isolation and social distancing.

We also know that during this global crisis our church family around the world are in need. Where we may lack packets of pasta or we may miss hanging out with mates, many Christians are facing incredible difficulties. In India, many Christians come from poorer communities. Being on lock-down means they can’t work, which means no money for rent or food. They are facing serious lack. And this is where we can help with what we have. Please check out the new coronavirus crisis appeal here, share the link and help your church family around the world. Thank you!

Week three: Reflection download…

Download this little devotional for prayers, stories, activities and some Bible stuff to help you see this time of lack and emptiness as an opportunity to grow with God and give out of the abundance that He has! Reading through, with some time to stop, think and pray, shouldn’t take no longer than 20 minutes max, but take your time, we want this stuff to sink in for you! This reflection works alongside the video, so you can either stream it or download a copy…

Download the Isolated Church ‘Lack’ reflection…

Download the Isolated Church ‘Lack’ video…

Short on time? Only got ten minutes?

If you haven’t got loads of time or aren’t a big reader, don’t panic, you can still use the materials. Try this:

  • Download the reflection and read through the Mama Kwama story
  • Then watch the video and think through the two question in the video section of the reflection
  • Finish by praying the final prayer on page 2 of the reflection

Simple.

Week three: Youth leader notes…

We’ve also adapted the reflection above to give you some ideas and content to use in a virtual youth group setting. Have a look at the notes below to see how you can work through the stories, discussion points, prayers and activities with your group in an online chat. You don’t have to use all the material, see what will work for you.

Download ‘Isolated Church: Lack’ leader notes…

If you’d like one of our team to join your youth group via video – we’d love that! We’re often out speaking at Youth Groups and events and would be happy to present a quick thought or devotional to help your group grow through the current crisis. If you’re interested, then drop us a line at youth@opendoorsuk.org…

That’s it for this week. Thanks for checking out the resource. We hope you’ve found it useful, challenging and inspiring. Let us know what you think and tell us any things you’d like us to cover in future weeks too. Drop us a line at youth@opendoorsuk.org – we’d love to hear from you.

Want to access other Isolated Church reflections?

Head to the Isolated Church landing page to download all the reflections we’ve produced so far.

We support people who are beaten, tortured,
imprisoned, falsely accused, and hated simply for following Jesus.