Grace and Peace unto you, the wonderful members of the Body of Christ:
I write this note to you all with great concern for all of us during this time of uncertainty that is prevailing in the world today as related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have heard over the last few weeks of the rise of cases and deaths from COVID-19. With the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and the soon following Christmas and New Year holidays, I am concerned for the health of each of us and our loved ones.
I am sure that you were like me–waiting for the holidays to come that you might enjoy time with your family and loved ones. Parents, children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, and just friends in general–I have always loved the holidays and the opportunity to be together. However, the informed opinions of medical professionals and the data are before us. As much as I do not like the idea of not having my traditional family gatherings for the holidays, I must adhere to their advice for my health, and the health of my loved ones.
My beloved brothers and sisters, I urge you, as your Presiding Bishop and the leader of this great Organization, to be extremely careful through this holiday season. Please adhere to the guidelines that have been set before us by our local, state, and national leaders and health professionals. Though uncomfortable, I urge you to have the courageous conversations with your loved ones if large gatherings were in your plan for this season. We firmly believe that God is in control. There is no doubt of His sovereignty. However, the Word of God also admonishes us to use wisdom in all things.
Lady Brooks and I send our love to you all. We want you to be safe and enjoy the many Thanksgivings, Christmases, and holiday seasons that will follow 2020 until the coming of the Lord. This season, Lady Brooks and I will be home safe, our children will drop off dinner with social distancing, and we will Zoom everyone in to laugh and talk. We want to make every effort, and ask that you do as well, to remain healthy and safe until the day when we can see your faces in person again. Lady Brooks and I are praying that the Lord has mercy and grants good health upon each of us. We love you to life and pray that you enjoy this modified Holiday season despite the circumstances.
The Blessings of the Lord be upon each of You.
Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr.
Presiding Bishop
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.