USA – North Carolina
With April 19 being Power of Camp Sunday and in light of all the uncertainty looking ahead at camping season, Dulin’s Grove Church (Charlotte, N.C.) decided to start a week-long Facebook fundraiser. We encouraged people to give as well as to share pictures and memories of how God has blessed them through the Appalachian AC Campground in Blowing Rock, N.C. We surpassed our $2,020 goal for the week in less than 24 hours. To date we have raised $3,170, demonstrating AC camp ministry’s lasting impact on our denomination.
India - YJM Ministry Partner: Christ Special High School
Paul Nilivan, ministry leader of Addres Centre, holds a feeding for the poor in this crisis. Below are photos of the feeding:
Pastor Paul Nilivan is also the Director of the Christ Special High School (for physically handicapped and hearing impaired children) that provides the best possible academic and practical training and education. He writes, “Today [April 20], is Christ Special School’s distribution of food provisions for students’ families by management and teachers.”
(Click photos to enlarge).
The Addres Centre and Christ Special High School are our Advent Christian ministry partners in India. They are supported financially and in prayer by our Department of International Missions.
Liberia
Conference President Moses Gbaa writes:
“I want to be grateful to the Almighty God for his goodness towards us. He has been protecting every one of us in Liberia since COVID-19. This is the grace of God.
“Our country, Liberia, is in lockdown. We are to stay home and only go out for essential purposes. At this point, there is no movement between counties as we are to stay in our local communities. All residents of Liberia are to stay home for a period of 60 days. Only essential businesses remain open and to be closed at 3:00 p.m.
“The Liberian government closed schools, churches, mosques, entertainment centers, video clubs, etc. sports, parties, weddings and funerals of more than 10 persons are banned. Banks and restaurants are restricted to five people at a time. Taxis are to carry three people and tricycles two. Supermarkets are restricted to 10 people at a time.
“The country now has 76 confirmed cases and seven deaths of COVID-19. Two counties, where we have some of our churches, are affected. There is a need for you to join us in prayers and we also join you in prayers so one day there will be no more COVID-19.”
Malaysia
Ministry Leader Ruth Devairakkam writes:
“Greetings in the Name of the Lord.
“We want to thank you so much for praying for us and for your care and thoughtfulness. Here, by the grace of the Lord, our group and our family are fine. “During the stay-at-home order, it is a time of reflection for our group here, to draw closer to God, to put things right in our lives and to increase our dependence upon him. It is increasing our faith in him, that we are not alone and he is in control of all things, bringing greater assurance to our hearts.
“One of the young men from our group was in a serious accident on the highway, about 100 kilometers [approximately 62 miles] from our place in January 2020. He was badly hit by a speeding vehicle. Together with his motorcycle, he was stuck underneath that vehicle and dragged into a ditch. He remembers crying out the name of Jesus before becoming totally unconscious. The paramedics were shocked to see him alive. They actually thought that he had passed on. It was soon discovered that his ribs were broken, and one of the broken ribs could have damaged his heart.
“We had been visiting and praying with him regularly. He testified that he can feel the healing within his body. He is recovering very fast and is full of smiles. Because of the present stay-at-home order, we are unable to visit him, but only pray for him from home.
“One of our contacts had two heart surgeries a few years ago. His family had been keeping in touch with us for the past few years. They have been visiting us, too. Last week, he passed away peacefully. They have been very supportive of our work here. Pray for them, for God’s peace to overshadow, console and comfort them during this time of grief.
“With the stay-at-home order, we only pray from home and encourage our groups and contacts with the Word of God over the telephone. Pray for our group and contacts and also for our outstation ministry that God’s protection and safety will be over them during this difficult time. Pray that the present situation will cause them to draw closer to God, so they will be able to overcome all kinds of fear and find strength in God’s Word.”
Mozambique - Advent Christian Conference
Conference President Samuel Kasakatira writes:
“I am saddened to see some church members worshiping God under trees while we have houses we live in. God gave us hands, legs and energy to build church buildings ourselves. I am challenging our people to build church buildings.”
Below are photos of Pastor Kasakatira as he is teaching and helping Mozambique church members to build their own churches (click to enlarge):
Thailand - Christian Mission Naratchakwai (CMN)
Ploy, a leader of the ministry team at CMN, writes to our mission office:
“I hope everybody is safe from the virus; especially in the U.S.A.
“Our country is in lockdown and we are quarantined. In Nakhon Phanom, people cannot get in nor get out. The curfew is from 10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m. Most restaurants are closed, which has affected Parn’s part-time job. This is a hard time for many people – losing their jobs, no work, no money and can’t go home!
“A person was sick from COVID-19 in Nakhon Phanom, but is fine now. The supermarkets still open only for necessities and food. Thank you, God, that we are farmers in the countryside. We plant vegetables and have animals and fish enough for quarantine. It hasn’t affected us too much, but for many people COVID-19 is a big problem.
“Our church is closed following the government order to stop spreading COVID-19. We don’t know when we can reopen the church again. It could be one or two months before we can worship together. We still send the gospel to each other by phone or by online messenger. Our ministry team sends prayers for everyone to pray for one another.
“Maeo is sick from “Herpes Zoster.” I visited her and took care of her for a few days until I had to come back home. Her son and daughter-in-law went to Bangkok last month, but are unable to come back to the hometown. They must stay in Bangkok until the situation is better. Maeo has been home alone. Thanks to Dtee, Maeo’s brother, who is staying by her side. He can visit, take care and help her. Please pray for Maeo.”
