A note to the Lincoln Family and Stockton Community:
I am heartbroken about these past few days in America, and I am sorry for the challenges that we are going through - for the hard times of Covid-19 and now the hard times of civil unrest in our community and nationwide. Racial discrimination has gone on too long and I weep and mourn for the victims of these past few days as well as anyone who has ever experienced this. I hurt for the afflicted and am both frustrated and angry with the afflictors. I admit, I am unprepared and inadequate to speak as an authority on this issue, but I do care and want to offer this: As a church, we do desire to live in a community where people, regardless of race, are loved and respected. As a church we are listening and we are learning more about the pain that people are experiencing. Here is my prayer. Please hear the heart of our prayer and the desired growth in caring for all people.
"Dear Lord, There is a lot going on in our world right now. And we are asking You for peace and help in our nation and in our local community. We are asking for our leaders to have wisdom, people to be respectful and loving toward one another. We are asking You to penetrate the lives of people, and for Your hand to be providing safety for all people. We need help in being listeners, in being thoughtful and respectful in response, in building bridges to people, in caring for and helping those in need, and in standing up for those who are being violated. Lord help us to continue to be part of the solution and not be absent-minded or withdrawn. May we seek You and may we seek assisting both individuals who are hurting and supporting agencies that minister to and help those who are hurting. At this time, much more than other times, we ask for Your intervention in the lives of people. May we be Your hands and feet always. We love You Lord, and ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.