Back in Rīga and OK,
Dear friends and supporters,
I apologize for invading your email in-box twice in a week! But I have heard from a number of folks who were concerned that our recent newsletter of last week reported I was in Russia to teach a brief course at the Koltushi seminary and that they had heard that the Latvian government was closing its borders to non-Latvian travelers as part of its strategy in combating the COVID-19 virus.
We learned of this last Saturday evening. I want to let you know that I was able to book a flight back yesterday (Sunday) and arrived back in Rīga in the afternoon. We are thankful that we heard the news in time and that a flight was still open: otherwise, I would have been obliged to stay in Russia for over a month and Connie would have been alone in Rīga for that time. God answered our prayers.
So, we are both well and are grateful for those who expressed concern. As we all know in view of the massive dislocations of “normal life” happening right now that it is for us as children of God to trust Him who has promised to guide and guard us in all our ways. In the current climate, we also serve our neighbor best by living our daily callings in the fear, love, and trust of God.
THANK YOU for your prayers for us; we also pray for God’s care and blessings for you.
PSALM 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
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Yours in Christ Jesus,
Chuck and Connie Cortright
Rīga, Latvia
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