Hi to all on this Odyssey together!

Firstly, with the reality of our 1st payday month under lockdown, many are having to deal with the devastating financial effects on their businesses and personal households. So, we want to point you to some helpful financial resources around these topics. The first is a podcast/article called 'Leading beyond the blizzard: why every organization is now a startup' and will help you think through the long-term effects (12-18 months) of this pandemic. 

Then we have used Jubilee Church's responses (direct link below this message): Steve van Rhyn's 6 minute talk, and articles on 'Payday Advice,' 'Survival strategies for small businesses', 'All the help for South Africans during the Coranavirus crisis,' & UIF and Social Grant application details.'

Next week I will give you an update regarding Odyssey church and particularly our Mercy/Relief efforts.

Secondly, I am sure you enjoyed seeing the different churches around the globe partnering for the sake of the gospel with PJ's message, which we aired on Sunday 19th of April. Now we have an opportunity to hear from 3 Common Ground pastors in the city over the next 3 weeks as they preach through a very relevant portion of the Scriptures, 2 Corinthians chapter 1, over the next 3 Sundays.

Roger Haynes, who leads in Table View, was scheduled to come preach at Odyssey at the end of June, does the 3rd message. Ryan Termoshuizen, leading the Rondebosch am congregation, starts this Sunday. We are grateful for these friends in ministry at this time.

Thirdly, I watched a webinar Wednesday night with Matt Woodley hosting John Ortberg on 'Preaching through disruption' John made the point of how helpful it is to know that we are not alone and stories of how others are grappling with lament can help us along on our journey. I had just spoken to Rigby Wallace that morning and he told me about his message from Sunday 26th April. So, on yesterday’s blog I have pointed you to a powerful section in Rigby' s preach, 'A Scroll of Lament,' which gives voice to fellow pilgrims in Cape Town, including a number of kids, grappling with this season. There is also an article advising how you can write your own lament.

God bless and keep on keeping on!

Craig