christians are afraid, too!
Author has an inspiring message for readers troubled by coronavirus pandemic
In “This Crisis Is Not Cause for Alarm”, Fred Willis provides a brilliant response and gives redress to guide believers through the Coronavirus pandemic. After fruitful ministry in Galilee, the disciples joined Jesus in a ship but later encountered a storm on the sea. This tempestuous trial is where our journey in “This Crisis Is Not Cause for Alarm” begins. Breaking news of the global pandemic thrust the world into a state of shock, uncertainty, dread, and dismay. Willis analogizes the Coronavirus pandemic to the storm on the sea of Galilee and has felt the same sinking feeling the disciples felt in their storm watching family, friends and colleagues battle the Coronavirus---some did not survive.
rEAD A SAMPLE OF "THIS CRISIS IS NOT CAUSE FOR ALARM"
His wife is an essential worker and since March has seen her worry fluctuate with each new case at her place of employment. Willis feels a deep responsibility to share this message of hope, especially with believers. As a substitute teacher, his school and work year ended unexpectedly when schools made the wise decision to finish the school year virtually. As a parent, he shifted to homeschooling his three children and saw helped his oldest child complete his journey through elementary school at the close of the year. Though this unknown virus has upended hopefulness and expectations for greatness this year, Willis knows that one word from the Lord can change everything.
Mark 4:35-41
35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
“Peace Be Still” calmed the water, the waves, the wind and the disciples and Willis believes it will calm believers struggling to trust God in such trying times. Such a message may not be warmly received by those who have lost friends, family members and their livelihood due to the pandemic, but Willis also provides direction for what this pandemic can mean for believers. “This Crisis Is Not Cause for Alarm” includes a missive to churches, musicians, singers and believers in general to discern the times (Luke 12:56) echoing Jesus’ message to the disciples in Matthew 24:6-14. Fred Willis wants believers to re-purpose their fear and uneasy feelings into a quest to share the gospel.
Matthew 24:6-14
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
In the same way that the disciples safely made it to “the other side” after the storm on the sea of Galilee, Willis believes that we too can safely journey through this pandemic to safety on “the other side” to achieve the Lord’s purpose for us there and then. This inspiring book is available wherever eBooks are sold and includes a 10-day devotional. Hard copy and pdf versions can be purchased directly from him, here.
About fred willis
Fred Willis is a musician, journalist, broadcaster and digital media entrepreneur. His thought-provoking pieces and news/event coverage has been published in numerous publications but upon hearing the call to write books, he fearfully declined. Because he knew that God would bless his obedience, he reluctantly began to write. His first book "The Journey to Genesis: A Discovery of Your Created Purpose" in August 2019 and "They Saw Him First!" released at Christmas 2019. As a minister, he knows that the call to preach is not separate from the gift of writing. Much of what he has written could easily function as a manuscript for public speaking though he prefers the world's libraries as his lectern.
As an award-winning broadcaster, Fred has held purposeful conversations with some of the world's greatest faith-based entertainment and business leaders. His greatest joy has been creating space for little known artists and newsmakers deserving of recognition. As a journalist, he has made it a point to “tell the whole story!” This led to the creation of his platform and since 2012, he has worked tirelessly to level the playing field to make news coverage more accessible to those without representation. As a benefit to him, this style of storytelling helped him define the voice with which he writes his books. This voice has gleaned many lessons learned in conversation with faith, business, sports and entertainment leaders and has graced him with the confidence to boldly present what God has given him to share. His desire as an author is simple, that readers are encouraged and inspired by the message and calls to action.
As an award-winning broadcaster, Fred has held purposeful conversations with some of the world's greatest faith-based entertainment and business leaders. His greatest joy has been creating space for little known artists and newsmakers deserving of recognition. As a journalist, he has made it a point to “tell the whole story!” This led to the creation of his platform and since 2012, he has worked tirelessly to level the playing field to make news coverage more accessible to those without representation. As a benefit to him, this style of storytelling helped him define the voice with which he writes his books. This voice has gleaned many lessons learned in conversation with faith, business, sports and entertainment leaders and has graced him with the confidence to boldly present what God has given him to share. His desire as an author is simple, that readers are encouraged and inspired by the message and calls to action.
