This month we’re pushing back the darkness and fear the world is experiencing through COVID-19’s grip. 

Left, our boys in the Egypt Child Sponsorship Program had fun trying on the masks provided in their family’s monthly food packet.  Meanwhile as much of Egypt and the Middle East remains on lockdown, ministry continues. Join us in this issue as we look at getting beyond fear and not just stumbling into the future, but reaching for the future God has in store beyond dark days.

Pushing Back Against the Darkness…Prime Minister Winston Churchill led England through World War II’s turmoil of darkness, evil, fear and terror that surrounded England. A uniquely skilled leader, he turned England’s focus from fear into action; “Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning.”

What does God see in these days of COVID-19, riots, isolation and fear?  He sees the same neediness he’s witnessed in men and women from the days of Adam and Eve. The exposed truth in our hearts of varying degrees of loneliness, frustration and fear, yet he also sees faith and courage.  If you’re struggling, even in isolation or illness, he’s right there with you, standing as your strength between you and the darkness you may be facing.

Joshua had spent years in training for the moment God made him the leader of the Hebrews after Moses’ death.  God knew what was ahead, yet he had chosen and prepared Joshua for this next immense challenge.  The similarities of Joshua’s journey and ours are not too far off;  he faced unbelievable odds and fears, and we do too.  We’ve been told COVID-19 will return…a great darkness looming for many of us. But Joshua was also privileged to know God’s promise of his presence and his success.  We do too.  God will never leave or forsake us. How has God prepared you for this unusual crisis?  Can you see his hand in your life even in this darkness? Joshua took courage from God’s promises and as a result took on the task ahead of him.

Countless millions in the world are living in need; they not able to receive stimulus checks or good medical care should they contract COVID-19 or any other illnesses, but most of us are. Many live in a spiritual darkness that has been brought to new light.

As the cost of this pandemic has hit home to our nation, cities, churches, our families and this ministry, the weariness of it all has settled in. But if we have God’s presence and promises, shouldn’t this be the time we push back against the despair, division and isolation?  Should we not stand up for the weak, and sick, help widows and orphans in their distress? If not us, who?  If not now, when?

Because of Joshua’s faith and courage, the Hebrews responded to his leadership and accepted the challenge of their journey into Canaan without fear of failure. God told them over and over, “do not fear, don’t be dismayed, don’t tremble…” Fear of failure or, COVID-10, in our case, has pushed its way into many of our hearts…and gained a stronghold.

God has you right where you are for a reason.  He is with you; he will not leave you nor forsake you in your time of need. He already has the courage you need ready and waiting.

At Indigenous Ministries we firmly believe God has us right where he wants us…standing together with you and with many thousands of the most needy in areas of deep turmoil.  He will continue to be our great strength and shield. Thank you for your partnership in these days.  May the Lord bless you. 

COVID-19 could bring more darkness by stopping education to children, but we are pushing back by raising funds to buy backpacks, school supplies and uniforms for refugees and other needy children in the Middle East. These kids can’t learn online without computers, so they must prepare to go back to classes. You easily can make a difference in a needy child’s life. Join us!

 

 

Cost for the gift of education: $85/child

(Backpack, school supplies & uniform)

Any amount helps! Goal: $70,000; amount raised so far: $8,104.  Thank you to each of you who have given to this worthy project. Would you help us get to $20,000 by July 1.

On June 15, the girls’ (top) father came to our office and began crying as he gently asked… ”please, please take my children into your program.  We have nothing, I need food to give my family.”  Every week our office in Erbil, Kurdistan, receives dozens of phone calls and visits like this.  With no jobs and an economic shutdown the affects of COVID-19 are devastating to refugees. Thank you to our amazing sponsors who are already helping!!

SPONSORSHIPS – Over the past month, we’ve received your heart-warming responses to the request for more sponsors…six children have been sponsored. Thank you so much for the love, prayers and action.

We continue to ask for help as the need is enormous and urgent; we are asking for help to get 154 children sponsored immediately.  Would you help?  You can be guaranteed that you will help change the life of a boy or girl with your prayers and financial help of $39 a month. Your child and family will receive regular food – which is significant need right now.  To sponsor, simply visit our website, indigenousministries.org or call our office.

GIVING FOOD – Until the economic impact of COVID-19 lessens, as we’ve mentioned throughout this newsletter, food for refugees and others in great need in the Middle East is the most urgent physical need.  Your gift to the Rapid Response Fund in any amount is used to help families in desperate need. In May, $6624 was given and hundreds of family have received help.  We will continue to help as resources come in. Thank you!

Central India – Grace Bible College, which normally begins its school year the first week in July, is planning on opening its 2020-21semester in August, as India reopens after COVID-19 lockdowns throughout this massive country.  Next month we will be featuring an update on GBC’s application for accreditation, which we are incredibly excited to share with you! Please pray for Principal Pramod and the faculty and staff and students.

As Reda Khalil shared in his article last month, COVID-19 has been having a profound affect on Christians and Muslims alike in Egypt. IM’s Egyptian church planting pastors and teams continue to hold online church services and visit families in their communities – with PPE of course. Thank you for praying for the ministry in Egypt.

A word from CEO John Cook – As the global COVID-19 pandemic crisis continues to ramp up, I have watched our national pastors step up in ways that so impress me. Men who have given their hearts in service to shepherd God’s people are helping them find spiritual and physical shelter in the time of this COVID-19 storm.

Just before the COVID-19 took over Iraq, shuttering business, refugee camps and streets, I was talking with one of our pastors, pictured here with me, who said, “It is not good for a Christian who is not in some way going through testing.” Interesting words from this man, himself a refugee and war veteran. Just a few days later, Dee and I were winding our way home through the Middle East on emergency flights as borders closed behind us.

As we said a tearful goodby at the airport, Fadi, our young ministry staff manager said, “Don’t worry Pastor, go back and share with everyone, that we have this. This is our time to care for the people.” I was so touched. Since that afternoon, our ministry teams have been praying and encouraging those who are overwhelmed with fear, isolation, dread, and uncertainty for what is taking place. Imagine if you as a refugee were leading your family through yet another crisis, how important it would be to have someone, anyone, say “We’re with you! God is with you! You are not alone! We also have some food for your family.”

Our teams are seen in the eyes of the government as “First Responders” because of the massive need for food. As the result of your continued financial support, they’ve been delivering food and the love of Christ. Some Muslims have been so impressed with the confidence they see our staff has in the Lord that they are asking questions wanting to know more about this relationship with Christ.

Each Sunday our pastors and churches are online sharing praise music and messages from the Word and many are hearing the Gospel in the privacy of their own homes. In the midst of all this difficulty and disconnection, the Church is that foundation for isolated people who need the encouragement of the Word of God. I think of that old hymn, “How firm a foundation you saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.” It is this confidence in the Lord that is making such a difference in the lives of people!

As our own country begins to open up, I have a renewed sense of the blessings that are coming; deepening friendships and closer marriages. We have the choice to treasure the bonds of relationships we will hold even more dearly.

We may have received orders to shelter in our homes from governments, but God has a special call for us to shelter in His arms, close to his heart and to find the protection and courage we need from him during the storms of life. No matter what challenges you are facing today, my prayer is that you would lean into the Lord and draw from his strength. May the Lord bless you and your family in these days.

I’d like to encourage you from the Word of God in these days of storms:

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8. NIV

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28 NIV

For you are a refuge for me, a strong tower against the enemy. Psalm 61:3 NRSV

We need your help!
Annual Backpack/School Supplies Fundraiser

COVID-19 won’t stop the children from going to school in a few months UNLESS they don’t have the supplies and uniforms they need. You easily can make a difference in a needy child’s life.

Cost for the gift of education: $85/child

(Backpack, school supplies & uniform)

Pastors, this is a great online cause for your congregation, Awana or Sunday School classes to raise money for. Any amount helps. Goal: $70,000; amount raised so far: $3574. 

Donate Backpack Here

SPONSORSHIPS – Would you sponsor a refugee child like Tania, pictured left, in Iraq or a child in Egypt today? We have 158 children waiting for a sponsor!

Most days our office receives 25 or more calls a day asking if IM would take their child into the Sponsor a Child Program because they have no food. The need is enormous and urgent; we are asking for help to get these children sponsored immediately. Would you help?

You can be guaranteed that you will help change the life of a boy or girl with your prayers and financial help of $39 a month. Your child and family will receive regular food – which is significant need right now. To sponsor, go to this link.

A word from CEO John Cook – Food is reaching refugees, but the those most exposed to COVID-19’s health and economic fallout will face unprecedented hardships in months to come. COVID-19 has taken a parade of Who’s Who very much by surprise including presidents, lawmakers and health organizations revealing a staggering level of unpreparedness. As we try to fathom the effects and impact of the COVID-19 virus, only One has not been surprised by this crisis: God is in control even over COVID-19!

Before I share about the ministry, how are you and your family doing? I pray the Lord encourages and strengthens you, that your needs are being met, and you’re leaning closer to the Lord and loved ones.

As difficult as this crisis is, I want you to know that just by your participation with Indigenous Ministries with prayers and financial gifts, you have been making an impact in the lives of thousands of people in places hit very hard by this pandemic. This month we’re sharing updates with you on food reaching refugees in the midst of COVID-19’s fallout, which I believe is just beginning. We are in a race against time.

My heart has been especially concerned for those we minister to who already live in poverty. The weakened, abused and forgotten. God has given us a special ability to be His hands and feet to them. The first question on many of their hearts is, “will you leave us now?” No, we won’t, because we are confident we are right where God has us for His purposes.

What’s particularly tough is that refugees who were just beginning to get on their feet have been knocked down once again as the shattered global economies and shelter in place orders which have brought a the lockdown of laborers has stripped away their daily wages.

Certainly news EVERYWHERE seems most grim. At this point, we simply cannot digest more bad news. We need to know SOMETHING besides COVID-19 is at work. God is at work! His people are too.

So let me share with you GOOD NEWS!! HOPEFUL news that means we together CAN and ARE making a global impact sharing Christ, and assisting people literally on the ragged edge of survival. Because of your giving, because of your CARING HEART, you’re bringing a measure of comfort which is not lost on the families in our program.

Additionally, this month, because of your gifts to our Rapid Response Fund, EVEN MORE families have had food; again, these are the families extremely challenged in this crisis. But with the clock ticking, and families not able to work, the need to get food into the right hands grows by the hour.

Families also received additional soaps and cleaning resources included in distributions which has helped with cleaner hands and homes against COVID-19.

Are you sponsoring a child (or children)? If so, you are on the front lines with our teams helping the vulnerable deal once again with catastrophic events. Because of your faithfulness in sponsoring your child, these families have received food this month.

This has eased the burden of many both those in our “Sponsor a Child” program and one time gifts to families who have been waiting to be sponsored.