Last week, leaders from the Greater New York and North-Eastern conferences engaged in a crucial Zoom conversation, addressing the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their communities. While many are weary of virtual meetings, the urgency of the situation in New York City demanded immediate digital connection. These leaders, representing a wide network of churches including members and supporters of Pioneer Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church, shared sobering news: the pandemic had transformed New York City into the nation’s coronavirus epicenter, deeply affecting the local Seventh-day Adventist community. The reports revealed that tragically, 400 members were infected, and 100 had succumbed to the virus.
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These dedicated leaders described the proactive strategies already implemented within their congregations. Food pantries were established to combat food insecurity, health seminars were conducted to disseminate vital health information, and counseling programs were launched to address the growing mental health needs. Recognizing the necessity to offer holistic support, one leader emphasized in an email the need to “give more direct attention to presenting Jesus as the ultimate solution to all our concerns in this crisis—bringing hope and healing to New York.” This realization led to a significant initiative: an invitation to preach an eight-evening series entitled “Healing Hope: Renewing Faith for New York.”
This evangelistic series is planned as a live stream event, broadcast each evening at 7:00 PM from May 16th to 23rd. Originating from a personal living room, the messages will be transmitted across web and social media platforms, reaching individuals and families throughout New York City and beyond. The core themes of these eight messages will be built upon two foundational scriptural texts: “Love suffers long” (1 Corinthians 13:4) and “An enemy has done this” (Matthew 13:28). These verses serve as “twin explanations” for understanding the profound human suffering caused by the ongoing cosmic conflict impacting our world.
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The organizers of this series, deeply connected to the Pioneer Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church community, earnestly request intercessory prayers in the days leading up to and during the eight-day event. The gravity of the situation in New York City, and indeed across the globe, weighs heavily on those providing spiritual guidance. God’s impartial love and boundless compassion extend to all who are suffering, seeking to comfort and uplift. As Jesus reassured, “If not one [sparrow] will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care… you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-30). This powerful promise underscores God’s deep personal care even amidst widespread crisis.
Drawing historical context, in 1902, Ellen White highlighted the spiritual potential of New York City, stating, “New York is ready to be worked. In that great city, the message of truth will be given with the power of God.” She further emphasized the urgent need for dedicated workers and resources to advance God’s work in New York and other major American cities (Evangelism 384). In 1910, her words became even more poignant: “It is time to wake up the watchmen. … The burden of the needs of our cities has rested so heavily upon me that it has sometimes seemed that I should die.” (ibid 34). These prophetic insights underscore the enduring spiritual needs of urban centers like New York City and the critical role of churches such as Pioneer Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in meeting those needs.
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Therefore, continued prayers for New York City are essential. Please also pray for the speaker delivering the “Healing Hope” series, “that whenever I speak, words may be given me…to fearlessly [and compassionately] make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). While the speaker is engaged in this series, gifted preachers will be delivering God’s Word in their absence, ensuring continued spiritual nourishment. Let us all pray that this pandemic, despite its devastation, may open a “great door for effective work” for Jesus and His mission throughout the earth, strengthening communities like that served by Pioneer Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church.
