The Fourth of July holiday in the USA is usually a time of fun and fellowship with family and friends, as we celebrate the birth of our nation almost 250 years ago. Tragically this year, we woke up to the horrific news and pictures of the heartbreaking devastation caused by the floods in Central Texas. Unprecedented rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in only 45 minutes!! Estimates of the total volume of water that fell over the area in just a few hours before dawn on July 4th compare it to 100 billion gallons – more than flows each day over the Niagara Falls, and totally unimaginable to most people! Even now, a week later, with 129 confirmed deaths and over 160 people still missing, the videos and photos of the damage are shocking and unbelievable.

As we pray and seek to do our part once again to help those directly affected by the tragedy, it is surely another reminder that our life on this earth can be over in a flash! The testimonies of those who survived reveal that many who were lost were strong believers in Christ – serving and trusting Him daily. They were not spared from the suffering and heartbreak. This is a hard fact to process and is often a stumbling block to our faith. Perhaps it’s because, as much as we read and hear the Bible preached, we tend to focus on the blessings and promises in the Scriptures, choosing to avoid those passages that are “harder” to understand! But Jesus was very clear that to follow Him does NOT protect us from suffering! As we see more and more signs of the End Times approaching, perhaps we should revisit those “hard” passages in the Word and begin to prepare our hearts, our families and our everyday lives to be able to better withstand these times of crisis and tragedy – and stay focused on the One who promises to stay by our side through whatever comes! THIS is the Good News that we must share with those around us at EVERY opportunity! In Jesus, Shirley.

Romans 8:38-39 “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NLT)

Pastor Sika in Togo – As I shared in the prayer request last month, there has been chaos and violence in Togo recently, especially in Lomé where Pastor Sika and his family live. Government soldiers responded to protests by the people, delivering swift judgement – even beating to death some people who were not even in the protests! Chaos erupted and tear gas was even thrown into Pastor Sika’s house! There is great need for a regime change, but in a country where idolatry and evil spirits abound, there are few who are truly serving Jesus.

But the ministry continues to reach more people and bear fruit. Several young adults from the Joseph Project are in apprenticeships, with some now operating their own business and sharing their faith along with their skills! The new school year will start in September with 14 students in need of school fees, uniforms and supplies. Sadly, with all the chaos in Togo, prices have again skyrocketed and the total cost for the new school year at the JP is $3,100 USD. We ask for prayers that this need will be met in the coming month and encourage you to pray as to how you could help. This photo shows the orphans and widows at the Joseph Project Orphanage.

Cost breakdown of needs for upcoming school year at the JP

3 orphans in the primary school…$ 150

8 orphans in the second grade…$ 375

3 orphans in high school…$ 550

School supplies (14 orphans) …$ 1050

Uniforms/shoes.(14 orphans) …$ 975

Pastor Honoré in Central African Republic – He reports having a wonderful visit from the Founder and President of the USA Christian organization called Julie’s Heart Cry. This ministry has a children’s home in Bangui and is involved with evangelism and ministry especially to women and children in Central Africa. These photos show that visit and service at the CEERCA church. There is great need for ministry to women and children, especially with regard to childbirth and care of young children so that they can grow to be healthy and also come to know and serve Jesus Christ. We pray the Lord will continue to develop this new ministry connection.