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Even worse than a  global pandemic is the epidemic of lonliness that the America struggles with today. There was a 2023 study that led the Surgeon General to lable it so. The Surgeon General's Advosory noted that:

“lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.” 

But what did God say at the very beginning of his Word?

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18

So we know the problem - it is well defined in biblical text and in social/medical science. What are we to do about it?  That is addressed in this article from Summit Ministries that you can access by clicking --> here <-- (7 mniute read)

The broad categories within which the article groups the solutions are:

1. Be Active and Don't Wait

2. Be Regular and Intentional

3. Find a Community and Purpose

4. Enjoy Solitude, not Isolation

5. Know That You Are Never Alone

I would add:  Discipleship and Prayer to those mentioned in the article. Discipleship is the church community openly inviting others into the fold to learn, grow, and fellowship together. This is the church's responsibility for outreach to the lonely. Prayer should be the backbone of discipleship. There is no better way to connect with the lonely than praying with and for them, based on what they are going through.  

May we at Sojourn be the church that provides every outlet for the lonely to feel connected, loved, seen, heard, and compelled to sanctification and a deep relationship with God!