Hi Everyone!
We continue to provide prayers, funds, and encouragement to those leaders in the nations where we have been working during this time when we all are dealing with the virus. The following is an update from Esther Hall, our regional director for Africa.
“Let's be the Church! Yes, this has been a scary time for me and I know for many others. Lockdowns in Kenya have taken many different forms. We are bound to the house from 7p.m. to 5a.m.; five towns, including Nairobi, cannot be entered at all. You will be arrested if out in public without a mask. Food markets have been closed, but people still find ways to gather. So many live on daily wages so this lockdown has crushed the income of millions with no plans to help them.
I am thanking God that we are staying near the house, and the month of May has been without illness. We have been able to help others with food and rent. This help will be needed for another two months. Thank you for your support and prayers. Thanks for those who said an extra prayer for us. This was a scary experience. I am thanking God that my nerves are much calmer.
I am very grateful for a small gathering on Sunday with my neighbors. Fully masked and social distancing rules in place, we have a time of worship and prayer. I am praying that we will continue to gather in our yards for house church style worship.
We do not know when things will become differently normal but we can know our Savior more. We do not know when the church buildings will reopen, but we can have church in our homes. We do not know what is next, but we do know our God is in control—that has not changed. For some, our nerves are a little calmer. For others they are heightened. With funds being low, loss of jobs, fear of the virus, sickness, deaths of love ones, and feeling trapped has marked this roller coaster time in our lives. In spite of all this—let's give thanks!
Lord, teach us to be thankful and prayerful during this time when so many decisions are being made that will forever change our lives.
Lord, teach us to discern what You are doing in Your world. Is it judgement, pruning or showing us how fragile the things that we have put our hope and security in really are?
Lord, teach us to repent, pray, draw close to you during this uncertain time. Teach us to be faithful to You, our families, and the church.
Lord, do not let fear make us turn against our brothers and sisters in Christ. Do not let fear cause us to kill, dishonor, or turn against our fellow world citizens.
Lord, help us manage our daily lives, pray for those working outside of their homes, our healthcare workers, essential workers, and those suffering alone or struggling being inside.
Lord, help those of us near by and far away who are not with family.
Lord, help those who are serving in food pantries, church groups, and community and government programs that are directly serving those in need.
Lord, give our President and world leaders wisdom and a heart to serve the people by making wise, short and long-term decisions.
Lord, give us a spirit of Thanksgiving. All of us are handling this in many different ways. May we make You proud by living godly lives, focusing on You, and be the Church of Christ even if we are scared.
One of the funniest statements I have seen in response to the lockdown is, "You will come out a monk, a hunk, a chunk or a drunk." Esther Hall
Thanks, once again, for your prayers and support. You are helping to make a difference in the lives of many in Nepal, Africa, Myanmar, Israel, Cuba, Andaman Islands, and Vietnam.
Sincerely,
Dennis and Robin
Food For Thought
“When yougothrough deep waters, I will be with you. When yougothrough rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2
He cares for you! The Lord’s desire is not for you to suffer in any way. Trust in Him alone when trouble comes your way. Talk to Him; ask Him for help. He will not let you drown in the deep waters of tribulation, oppression and sorrow.
Prayer Requests
You can be an important part of our ministry by praying for us. Prayer is a weapon of warfare, and we covet your prayers. If you would like us to pray for you, e-mail your prayer requests to us. Please pray for the following:
Pray for this virus to end.
Pray for your pastors.
Pray for our family.
Pray for our government leaders.
Pray for wisdom for our church leaders.