We trust you all enjoyed a wonderful Easter season. Every year as I re-read and contemplate once more this life-changing story, I am reminded that sorrow and joy can often be closely connected in our life here on earth. Literally one minute we can have our hearts bursting with happiness - and mere seconds later, after hearing just a few short words of a sad report, we can be plunged into utter shock and sadness. Over the past few weeks in particular I have learned of several friends and acquaintances who have suddenly had to deal with shocking news - of tragic death or life-threatening illness. Our hearts and prayers go out to such people and we often wish we could do something MORE to help them.
In
John 14-16 Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit and speaks words of comfort to his disciples to try to prepare them for his death that will happen just a few days later. He clearly tells them NOT to be afraid, but to be strengthened and helped by the Holy Spirit. He tells them to trust that our Heavenly Father truly is in control, and to believe in the resurrection and that we will all be together with Jesus for eternity in Heaven. It is no surprise that being "regular people" the disciples had difficulty grasping this, and in fact when the time came they were still overcome with shock and grief. Yet we read that after the Resurrection when Jesus actually appeared to them again, their deep sorrow and despair were transformed immediately into pure joy and excitement! What a miracle! Jesus Christ truly overcame death and the grave, and we CAN trust that God is in control even in the very worst of times, and experience comfort and hope.
But as "regular people" ourselves we need help when in the midst of such tragedy.
1 Corinthians 15:19 (NLT) says "
And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world." The love and prayers of others are a big comfort, but I believe the greatest help is the peace and strength and hope that come from reading the promises of God. At such times it is difficult to find key verses in the Bible ourselves, and so I have put together about 20 bible passages in the form of a simple card to give comfort and encouragement. The disciples did not have Jesus' words of John 14-16 to re-read during the dark days of the Cross, but the Word of God is truth and life to all who believe, and enables us to confront the reality and still have peace and hope. We hope you will find this little card a comfort when you pass through dark days, and maybe it will also bless others who are in need of your love and prayers. Check out the card
here Be blessed, Gerald and Shirley.
new building at JPWe have received an update from
Pastor Sika in Togo regarding the Joseph Project orphanage and believe it is time to make a push toward raising funds for the completion of the new building. As you see from this picture taken in January, the foundation and basic walls have been built, but there is still a lot to be done before it is finished. Special funds we sent enabled Pastor Sika to buy sand and gravel, but because prices have risen greatly due to heavy flooding in the area, there are no funds to buy cement or pay the workers to continue the building. Then of course there is need of a metal roof, and secure windows and doors etc to complete the project. It is difficult to get a good estimate of the cost as there are always price hikes and unforeseen problems in a country where corruption remains rife, but we can be sure that several thousand dollars would enable the majority of the work to be done within the coming months - combined with prayers against local curses and hindering spirits!
Pastor Sika reports that again he has been ill and is still awaiting his new laptop from the US, so communication remains poor. However the orphanage continues well - the thorn bush "fence" has grown and is acting as a protection around much of the perimeter; and some changes have been made in the kitchen to increase hygiene and cleanliness. Sadly most of the vegetable seeds that were planted in the kitchen garden did not survive but it has been a very wet rainy season with local flooding. Pastor Tomety continues to do great work as the pastor and spiritual head of the JP, and as the orphans grow in their faith they are bringing in more and more of the local children to the church inside the compound. This is particularly good as unfortunately many of the young people in the village have become disrespectful and rude as a result of the sudden wealth from families selling land to the mining company. Some have been given jobs there but do not appreciate the employment and always cause trouble, bringing shame on the village. We continue to pray that the JP will become a good example and witness to all in the area. In addition the 3 new churches started by Pastor Sika and Pastor Tomety in nearby villages are also growing under Pastor Tomety's leadership, so the Gospel is definitely having an impact on the area. Once the new building is completed it is hoped that the JP orphanage can be accredited by the government, opening up new contacts for national support and resources.
Please join with us as we pray and promote the needs of the new building so that the Joseph Project Orphanage can finally move ahead to its next stage in the vision. We encourage you to give a special donation and become a part of this ministry that is impacting many people and villages in that pagan part of West Africa.
Temporary shelter
Easter servicePastor Honoré in Central African Republic is also held up in the construction of their church/ministry building by exceptionally wet weather as well as lack of funds. This photo (left) shows the beginning of a small temporary shelter they are building to give shade and some protection from the rain. He reports that heavy rain stopped many from attending the Easter services though thankfully there were still plenty that were faithful to brave the weather, as seen in the second photo! We have just received the news that his wife Clarisse is finally improving in her health. She has been experiencing pain and illness for the past 7 months, and lost the baby she was carrying over a month ago. In spite of taking the prescription drugs for weeks, she was still not improving and basically had to stay in bed. Thankfully, a few days ago, it was discovered that the drugs (made by questionable African and Asian pharmaceutical companies) were at fault - once she started taking the identical drugs imported from France (more expensive of course), she noticed immediate improvement and after only two days was able to get up and cook for the family! We praise God and pray she will soon make a complete recovery now.
Michael in Kenya sent us a report saying that he had spoken recently at a university where he addressed some 2,000 students - a new experience for him, although he continues to teach many youth seminars and speak to teens. The photo (left) shows him with a coworker at Shekinah School, and the second picture shows them addressing the teens there. He continues to visit and oversee student-led bible studies at 6 local high schools, which requires a lot of work but he says is VERY rewarding. He plans to focus more this year on children's ministry - teaching workshops and doing follow-up visits. We praise God for all the doors that keep opening up for him and pray for God to bless him with strength and wisdom as he balances ministry trips with his family and local church responsibilities.
