Giving thanks even during lockdown

posted by Navigators on September 29th, 2021 in Evangelism | Generations | Gospel

By Levi Swartzentruber

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Let me share two reasons I have for giving thanks, even during COVID lockdowns. The first is the opportunity I have had to

build into Aiden’s life.

Aiden is a relatively young Christian who desires to grow, but he is not a reader and struggles with the discipline of spending focused daily time in the Bible and prayer. He mentioned to me once as we were catching up, “It would be really helpful ifsomeone could read the Bible with me more regularly.”

I left pondering that comment. “I would love to help him make daily time with God into a habit in his life, but how do I make the logistics work?” I wondered. Then the COVID lockdown hit. What seemed awkward to do in person – meeting a few times a week for just 15 or 20 minutes focused on Bible reading and prayer – seemed much more feasible when done virtually. He was excited by the idea as soon as I asked him!

Since then, we have met three times a week to read and pray together. Aiden has told me frequently, “That was really good!” at the end of our video chats, and I concur. I am thankful for this opportunity, which only happened because of the lockdown.

The second reason I have for giving thanks is for your continued generous support of the work of Navigators at the ANU and around the nation, even in difficult times.

Levi and Lindsey Swartzentruber lead the ministry at the Australian National University (ANU), seeking to raise up generations of disciples of Jesus.