Hello from Macau. We trust that you are doing well. Here, we are preparing for the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year week that begins on 22 January. Somehow, the city is trying to be in a festive mood. It feels like our city is trying to ignore the pain and loss of the past few weeks, yet the funerals continue apace and family celebrations will be less bountiful this year.
I recently read that, “sadness does not sink a person; it is the energy a person spends trying to avoid sadness that does that.” (Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor, p. 80.) A friend said, “People in Macau have spent three years like caged animals, pacing in the same circle. Even with the cage open, many are still pacing.” The only way out is to face our sadness, sit in our sadness.
Thank you for sitting with us as you pray:
With the influx of tourists, there is the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 sickness. May the Lord protect people through wisdom and good choices.
Pray for our friend Crystal to know that Jesus loves her. She is a kind, caring person yet often is full of fear. May the Peace of Jesus be for her.
Guest Workers in Macau face extended hours and pressure to keep working when others are on holiday. May they have good health, strength and times for rest.
As we pray, may we all know the reality of Psalm 6:9, “The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.” (NLT)
Maranatha!