As your District Governor, I am encouraged by the spirit of compassion and concern expressed by our Rotary International Leaders, District Leadership, Club Presidents, and all Rotarians in the face of the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This virus outbreak is a serious situation that has grave and far reaching, local, national, and global consequences and repercussions. At this time, in consideration of the dire implications of the Coronavirus impact, we all need a good word of encouragement. I had a wonderful conversation today with our District Chaplain, AG Mark Barbour, and I asked him to prepare a few positive words of hope that I could share with you: Brother and Sister Rotarians. In the face of the anxiety evidenced in panic buying, school closings, profound fear of our older citizens being so vulnerable, economic concerns, political and governmental response, sadly, those diseased, the logistics of providing virus testing kits, our Rotary Clubs and District Training Assembly schedule changes, and so many other ramifications, we all need an affirmative, beneficial word. In The Message Bible, Philippians 4:6-7 reads: "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when your faith displaces worry at the center of your life". Whatever your faith, whatever the situation, whatever the need, Rotarians face the day with a positive, Rotary response to the critical circumstances that now challenge us. God knows our heartfelt concerns. God knows our goodwill. God knows we will do our best to give our best and be our best during this crucial time. Thank you, District 6900 Rotarians, for your prevailing persistence in coming together in true Service Above Self! Let's try not to fret or worry! Instead, let us keep the faith and let us pray for all those affected by this drastic, urgent situation! All the best. Jim
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