On Sunday, March 29, President Trump ordered the social distancing measures to stay in place until April 30. But does social distancing have to mean social isolation? Thanks to videoconferencing programs, it doesn’t! Far from being a new form of communication, programs like these are one of the leading ways people are keeping in contact. More and more people are turning to virtual meetings.

Reading last month’s news about a once-endangered species, the trumpeter swan, provides a hope-inspiring illustration about making a comeback after venturing through past perils that risked ruin.^1,2

With social distancing measures in place, it may be tempting to think that the work of Christian missions has ceased. After all, most people are limited to their own homes and essential activities.

Yet, God is still active in the midst of the pandemic. One of the important ways God is working in our world is through the ministry of chaplains all across the United States.

This week (April 19-25) marks National Volunteer Week 2020 in the U.S.¹ All across our nation, tens of millions of people donate their time to help causes close to their hearts. Every April is an opportunity to thank those people for their efforts and recognize the contributions they have made.

Every day is a precious gift. We hear that statement so often. But do we really believe it? Each new morning we rise to a new day with God-given time to bless our Creator and be a blessing to His creation. Time truly is the greatest gift of all. Without it, all other gifts are useless!