Archive for: cyclone
I had an unexpected, but welcome visitor today. He’s a civil engineer by trade, getting ready to finish up a major construction project at a local church. He’s in his 70’s, and lately has been particularly burdened by the recent tragic events in Myanmar and China. This burden has sparked his interest in being used by the Lord overseas, particularly in “third world” countries. He’s not sure what his next assignment will be, but has made himself available to the Lord. He asked me if I would be on the lookout for ministry opportunities where his expertise and experience would be of value. His humility, sincerity, and desire to be used by the Lord were obvious.
Here’s a man in the last half of his life who is totally open to be used by the Lord. He has what I refer to as “eternal perspective,” the desire to make a difference for the kingdom. I pray that the Lord will open just the right door of opportunity in His perfect timing. It is a privilege to meet and work with people who have put their future plans in God’s hands and are willing to go anywhere, anyplace, at any time for the sake of the gospel and the kingdom.
From one of the missionaries to the orphans. She is detailing how they are using the funds we were able to send her:
“I thank God so much for His provisions and using you as our parents. I am carefully using the resources you have given for most needed area. We went to the market and got some ambrelas (umbrellas), slippers (sandals), under wares, and school needs for the children (orphans). We will pray and use wisely the rest for helping the children as much as possible. Please tell everyone who are helping us; we have unspeakable thanks to them and pray for them too.”
Prayer:
Father, thank you that the funds we sent made it to our partners on the ground in Myanmar. I pray that you would continue to meet their most basic needs and protect them in Jesus name. I also pray that you would abundantly provide for us to send even more resources to this country in desperate need of the hope of the gospel.
Here is a letter from one of the indigenous missionaries relaying a big thank you from those receiving food and water and the gospel:
“As I mentioned before, our friends stay in small temporary tents. (This refers to a house church among the very poor Buddhist people and another area about 30 miles out of town which is nearby a prison. They have started another house church there with a prison guard who has accepted Christ. In both areas, they lived in bamboo shacks – now obliterated). They were thrilled for your love gifts of food and water and it means so much for them. There is no ferry boat to get across the river anymore so we have to take a small boat which is very dangerous because of the floods. Please pray for our safety.”
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for their bravery and heart for the lost. I pray that you would continue to keep them safe as they bring food, water, and your love to those who are now homeless.
From one of our main partner evangelists who is using some of the funds we provided for the basic needs of the people:
“Our friends in that regions have lost their homes and they stay in small temporary tents. The needs are so huge and it is more than we can do for them. So we visit them every day and tell them how our heavenly father love them and care for them. Some friends were sick because of the rain and we give them medicines. When we give them rice and the next day thousands of their friends have come to us.”
Prayer:
Father, I pray that You would abundantly provide for the needs of the believers and for those they are ministering to in Burma. Give them boldness as they let the people know the provisions come from You.
Here is another letter from our director of operations:
“I myself with some of my friends had personally been to the storm-hit areas and saw how great the basic needs of the victims was, such as food, shelter, water etc. I am still collecting whatever we can get here with my friends to visit those suffering people as I am convinced that this is the right time to show the father’s love to the victims by sharing what we have. In doing so, we expect a future approaching bridge through which the life-giving Word can be easily communicated to them. Please share with all of your friends there the very great needs we have here that are not being yet being met.”
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the servant leadership of our Burmese partners who, in the midst of trying to survive themselves, are reaching out to their neighbors for the sake of the gospel.
In my most recent correspondence I am amazed by their perspective. Regardless of circumstances they are praying to our faithful Father. Please join them and pray for them daily. Here is another letter from our partners on the ground:
“To get access to e-mail takes two to three hours with very low connection. I am very concern now that I have not heard from the neighboring region. Their area was one of the worst areas where the storm hit. Please continue to pray for them. The road is still blocked so we can’t send anyone by bus to see what happened there. [In "good" times it is about and 8 hour bus ride]. The rest of the outreach people are OK but need to fix their houses. One of the roofs is wide open and water is up to their knees now inside their house. Other houses are completely under water. Please continue to pray for that God will take care of us as He did in the past many years.”
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your faithfulness to your children throughout the ages. I pray that you would take care of the believers in Myanmar as they try to survive and help those in desperate need.
