Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Giving Joyful Thanks to God

You are a blessing in our lives, and to those God has called us to minister to.  Because of your heart of love, your faithful prayers, and generous giving, the love of Jesus continues to be shared with many people in countries around the world. 

Most of the nations we travel to remain closed to international travel.  Through the generous support of our donors, we have been able to send finances to our ministry partners in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Ghana.  They are taking the opportunity to reach out with practical help, food, medicine, all in the name of Jesus. Families are being cared for, the Gospel is being preached, people are receiving Jesus as Savior and receiving water baptism.

So, two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers … will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.   2 Corinthians 9:12 NLT

The nation of Myanmar (formerly Burma) is heavy on our hearts. 

Myanmar is the scene of the longest civil war in the world, which began in 1948. Christians are vulnerable to persecution by insurgent groups and the army, and more than 100,000 Christians in the north live in Internal Displacement Camps (IDPs) where they are deprived of access to food and health care. 

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military took over the nation, arresting and deposing the elected officials.  The Burmese people protested, and the military responded with violence and death.  Communication and news were cut off for weeks at a time.  Our contacts have been in touch when they have internet access.  Photos they sent show villages being burned, people fleeing through the jungle. They remain safe for the moment, even while packing and preparing if they need to flee their village.

Why? It’s a combination of persecution against primarily Christian tribes, and the military’s goal to consolidate their power and rule through fear and oppression.

Will you pray with us for Myanmar and the Nations: Lord Jesus, bring peace to the ongoing conflict impacting so many nations, and provide ways for Christians who’ve been internally displaced to return home. Comfort, strengthen and heal all believers affected by violence. Thank You for the many people who’ve boldly given their lives to You, despite opposition from their family and local community. Help them to stand strong and grow in their faith, and may their transformation touch the lives of their loved ones. Amen.

Against all odds, the church is active and alive. Persecution is rising – but that only happens where Christians are living out their faith and taking a stand for the gospel even when it costs the most.

Regardless of what changes in our world, in our lives; when things don’t look the way they used to; when challenges and loss overwhelm our hearts; or during seasons when things are going well – we rejoice in the unchanging love and faithfulness of our amazing God.

Jesus told his disciples to rejoice that their names were written in Heaven (Luke 10:20). It is the greatest blessing of all - the gift of eternal life through Jesus.

What Church Looks Like


During this season of Thanksgiving, may your heart be encouraged and renewed as we rejoice together giving joyful thanks to the Father, because He we share in the kingdom of His light. 

We pray this so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,  being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10-12 NIV

With thankful hearts - Gary and Pat


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