“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10
God’s light in us can often shine the brightest during times of hardship. Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ in Africa have suffered greatly and yet, they have taught us how to shine.
Those who have suffered have taught us to pray – and so we remember you in prayer. We understand you—our ministry partners—represent many families, businesses, local congregations and ministries that will bring the hope of Jesus Christ to your communities during this crisis.
We are also praying over our already suffering Christian friends, whose situation will most likely worsen during this pandemic. In 2016 alone over 1.3 million Africans died from respiratory tract infections and Tuberculosis. Viral and bacterial infections are extremely common in our ministry environments. Every winter in Stone Hill, locals who suffer with TB frequently endure near fatal flareups.
And while we are always careful as far as diseases are concerned, we are—at great expense—building a large security wall at our home to avoid becoming part of the crime statistics in South Africa!
Limits on gatherings and changes to transportation networks are affecting our ministry, as with our outreaches among the children in the Stone Hill informal settlement during the forced extended winter vacation. Games and physical contact, which so many so desperately seek, will need to change.
While authorities are still assessing the full impact, which will vary in different countries, we know that supply shortages and economic crunches will surely complicate life for some believers in Africa’s most difficult places.
These believers already face a myriad difficulties and dangers from militias, political or religious opponents, or hostile state apparatus.
In some African countries, with significant viral outbreaks, they have little or no access to basic provisions like medical supplies, and they will receive no emergency aid or medical services.
No matter how difficult or complicated this scenario becomes, though—through your gifts—we will carry on discipling the nations and furthering the Gospel of the Kingdom. We are committed—no matter what—to continue taking Bibles, discipleship training, emergency relief, medical assistance and clothing to suffering Christians during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.” Matt 25:40
Please join us as we stand with the “least of these” during this hour of great need. Not just ensuring that we and our neighbors have a reasonable stock of medicines or hand sanitizers in our homes, but to ensure those who are vulnerable, struggling and financially crippled, in the Body of Christ, have what they also need to survive and to experience the tender mercy and saving grace of Jesus Christ.
If God lays it on your heart, we invite you to join us now in obeying Christ’s call to care for the poor and vulnerable. To pray for those who face more severe need and few resources. And to believe together that when we bless others, the Lord uses our support in far greater ways than we can ever imagine.
For the immediate future I’m postponing my international ministry travels. John-Marc (17) and I have postponed ministry in Zimbabwe, where borders are being closed; we will still work on setting up structures to build a permanent ministry base, so that we can have a much more effective Gospel outreach platform to disciple the nation.
Christ’s work must go on!
We will also be praying that God gives your family all you need to be well and at rest.
Yours in the service of King Jesus!
