This past week, I had two Zoom meetings that included Immanuel, our national missionary in Chennai, India. As Mission Manager, he directs ACGC’s relationship with 11 ministry partners that focus on the unreached peoples of India. The first meeting was arranged by our Asian Pacific Area Director (APAD) and included members of Executive Council, International Missions Advisory Committee (IMAC) and a few others who have had contact with India. This gathering was to allow Immanuel to share about the ministry and the effects the COVID-19 pandemic on churches. I believe our time was an encouragement to Immanuel and positive for the rest of us as we heard directly about what he faces on a day-to-day basis.

The second Zoom meeting was a gathering of pastors from India who speak English with our APAD and me to share a devotion and let them share about their ministry locally and how they are affected. This meeting was taped by Immanuel to share with other pastors with a translated conversation to be an encouragement for all. It was great to see these pastors again after my trip to India a few years ago. We closed with prayer for their ministries, families and safety.

It has been exciting to hear reports of area directors arranging for churches to connect with ministry partners to encourage one another through internet meetings. This has been one of the positives that has come out of our recent experience of isolation and stretching our comfort zones. (It is important to note that these gatherings need to be coordinated by area directors or Director of International Missions Jeff Walsh)

The ministry partnerships that we have around the world allow us to do more together than we can do individually. Our denomination has ministry partners in 35 countries around the world, which is a powerful testament to God’s blessing us through the years. Please continue to pray for all of these ministries, their pastors and families as they struggle to share the gospel and comfort their people.