People is all about community and logistics… One of the best ways to prepare for crisis is to be connected in relationship to others who share your values and who you can rely on. There is strength in numbers. There is strength in community. God refers to this as being part of the family. There is beauty in being able to bear one another’s burdens. Being together lifts everyone’s spirit. Being together assures you that you are not alone. It breathes courage and a sense of belonging into your soul. There is a reassurance in knowing that others who share your values “have your back”, are there for you when you need it, and vice versa.
Covid also showed us that isolation from one another is deeply destructive in every way – mentally, emotionally, physically, relationally, and morally. God made us to be in community with each other. And when crisis hits and lockdowns are imposed, we discover how fragile we are. We discover our need for one another. We discover our need for the expertise and resources of one another. And we rediscover the beautiful design of community.
From a TJP Church Network perspective, every church that joins the network will have a designated Watchman and Warriors.
The Watchman takes the point. In biblical terms, Watchmen were responsible for keeping watch and protecting their communities from threats, attacks and other dangers. They also were positioned to deliver warnings and instructions; it’s important that they are rooted in their faith and also committed to the overall spiritual strength of those they serve. They understand the times and have a passion for helping people get prepared.
They will coordinate the overall church strategy of preparedness and help develop a game plan for emergencies. They will help recruit and organize the Warriors in their church who have particular expertise in areas of preparation.
The Warriors are people with particular expertise in areas of preparation including communications, water, food, energy, self-defense, medical care, education, spiritual growth, transportation, physical health, prayer, and more.
It includes having an emergency communications plan. It includes having the ability to communicate with your loved ones. It involves having experts at each church and in each region for all of the essential provisions and protections. It involves training so that you’re proficient and capable to execute the game plan.