02/18/2022
Good afternoon! It has been quite some time (more than a year) since the ministry has posted anything to our followers and friends. You might be wondering what's going on. I'm going to try to fill you in; and then ask for your prayers and input....
There was this little thing called COVID. If you were planning to attend our April 2020 retreat, you'll remember that we ended up having to change our format for that weekend to a virtual series of "zoom meetings" with our planned speaker, Chou Hallegra.
At that time, we had talked about starting a ministry page based Bible study group...but then we sort of seemed to disappear! Let me explain!
This ministry is rooted in a vision given by God to Elizabeth Fry, and her husband, Chuck Fry. However, in May 2020, along with many others, Chuck lost his job in the Harrisburg area. God had a plan (he always does); and by the fall Chuck began working with a new company....near to Pittsburgh! We are so grateful for God for His provision! (Phil. 4:19) Before too long, Beth and Chuck moved into an apartment in the Pittsburgh area. They have been able to keep the house in Perry County; and they have been maintaining ties to the area, in hopes to return there in not too many years, Lord willing. (Prov. 16:9)
At the beginning of 2021, many aspects of thier life were uncertain; including how and if and when Living Now Ministries would resume activities. As it ends up, 2021 was a year filled with changes and loss for the families most directly involved Living NOW Ministries. (Job 1:21)
Now we join many others in wondering what the future will look like. Remember when we all thought this would be a passing thing, and we would soon be able to return to "normal life"? Here is the thing: GOD KNEW! From the beginning of any "temporary" changes in our lives, God always knows how things will be different in the future. COVID, and the many direct and indirect changes it has brought to so many of our lives is no different than anything else....GOD KNOWS THE END FROM THE BEGINNING, and HE HAS A REASON AND A PLAN! (Is. 46:10, Jer. 29:11)
The reality is that this ministry was born out of such a time as this! The ministry name capitalizes the word NOW because initially, Beth was turning to God asking him how she should live now....then it was "now that I have cancer." (she is now in remission more than five years! Praise God!)
At this time we are asking God "how does this ministry, Living NOW Ministries move forward in our world that seems to have changed so very much? (Prov. 3:5, Ps. 25:5) This ministry was initially thought to be intended to reach out to support and encourage women within the "Harrisburg Area". But how do we do that NOW? How do we do that now that Beth and Chuck are mostly living near Pittsburgh (and some other board members have moved even farther away). That question is only one of many that have been coming to the forefront of our thoughts about the ministry. Are we to stay a "para-church ministry", or are we to align ourselves with a church in one or the other (or both) cities? Or are we to align ourselves with one or more other community based ministries in one or both of the areas? How will we manage the business aspects? And on and on and on it can go....Beth is a great "overthinker"!
Recently Beth has been feeling moved to make Living NOW Ministries an active entity again....in whatever way God has planned for us. (Jer. 33:3, Ps. 37: 23-34)
That's where we ask for your prayers and your input. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE LEADERSHIP OF THE MINISTRY! Please pray that God would give them clear direction, and then boldness to step into His plan!
We are ALSO asking for your input! We NEED input from the people we have come in contact with over the years since the ministry was started. Please either comment here, or message us, or email us to tell us what God is telling you about us....([email protected])
We are actively seeking God's will for the ministry, and we are trusting that God will use your input to help guide and direct us.
For now; thank you for reading this far! God bless you!
One last thought....no matter HOW hard life becomes, never forget that God loves you, and He has a plan for your life. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you! (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8, Eph. 1:5, James 4:8)
