August 9 marked the first Divine Service for the Madina Congregation (Accra Apostle Area) post COVID-19. For families who love to fellowship on Sunday mornings, it was a day they have been waiting for. While the experience brought a welcome feeling of normalcy, new measures have been taken to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, while still bringing people together to fellowship.

The Bible text, based on which Congregational Rector, Shepherd Jones Kyere, shared his key message of “hold onto your faith in Jesus Christ for that is our justification!”, was taken from Romans 5: 1–2: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

“Nobody predicted the world would be faced with a global pandemic,” said Shepherd Jones Kyere as he began his sermon, “nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. The next minute is not guaranteed, hold onto your faith.”

“Some people did not come to church because they are waiting for full proof that it is safe to gather in God’s house. Yet, many of these same people journey from their homes to their work places throughout the week. They also go to the markets, visit family and friends and even attend events or gatherings of their choice. But when it is a matter of church, they feel it is not safe enough. What if Christ comes today? What will they say to Him?” Such was the clear statement from the Rector.

He continued to mention that when our love for God is getting cold, we resort to making excuses but we should be careful and hold firmly to the faith we have especially in these unprecedented times. “Faith in God through Christ makes us children of God,” he added, “we are not justified by our understanding, wealth, health, words, thoughts nor deeds but only through faith.”

Apostle Paul made this clearer with the words, “There is none righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10).” The military commander, Naaman, was healed because of his faith in the words of Prophet Elisha. It is same in our time, our lack of faith could affect us.

“You cannot afford to miss the Kingdom of God,” said Shepherd Jones Kyere as he concluded his sermon, “hold firmly to your faith, God will take care of us.”

Priests Teho and Otoo were called to serve the congregation.