Feeding the Hungry

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — Like most of the world, Congo has shut down much of its economy to halt the spread of the coronavirus. Unlike most of the world, there is no social safety net to cushion the blow. No government stimulus package, no Medicaid, no subsidies, and no insurance.
 
Pastors studying at Shalom University moved their families to the city at great cost and in great faith, and now they are hungry. For people who purchase dinner with money they made that very day, this is a full-blown crisis.
 
In partnership with the school and our generous ministry supporters, we gave each of the 60 students’ families their own “stimulus package” — 22 pounds of rice, 22 pounds of beans, four pounds of sugar, two liters of palm oil, and a month’s supply of soap (see photo above).
 
“Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You?” the righteous ask in Matthew 25:37. Through your prayers and gifts to Crossworld, you have done just that.

Talking to Jesus

EAST ASIA — Before the coronavirus hit here, I went to the nail salon for a personal treat. As the women shaped my nails, they spoke of fear and anxiety about COVID-19.
 
“When you’re afraid, you should ask the Lord Jesus for peace because He gives it generously,” I said.
 
One of the young women perked up and said, “I've heard of Jesus, but no one teaches me about Him.”
 
“You can start by talking to Him on your own,” I suggested.
 
Just a few days later, our city joined the rest of the world in quarantine. I heard the salon owner had to lay off most of the staff, but I hope to see this woman again and continue our conversation.

Answering Life’s Questions

ITALY — As the coronavirus situation ramped up in Italy, so did social media posts with trite, religious platitudes. I decided to start a group on Skype to search the Bible for true answers to questions like, “How can we know our faith is real and not just made up?”
 
About 20 people have participated every day for the last five weeks. Some are believers, some aren’t. There’s no devotional and no lecture — we’re all discussing together the tough questions that have arisen during this season and seeking God’s wisdom.
 
Never in my 30 years here have I had an opportunity as rich as this. One person said, “Believing in Jesus means relinquishing some deeply ingrained expectations.” Another said, “I’m learning to live closer to Jesus and appreciate my salvation more.”
 
Many in our church have had the virus, and countless families are grieving the death of their loved ones. With God’s help, we’re walking together with renewed hope. 

Your part in these stories...

Thank you for praying for Crossworld workers! You are making ministries like these happen.

• Just like you, Crossworld workers are facing cancelled plans, financial uncertainty, and isolation fatigue. Pray for God’s peace to reign in their hearts, and for creative opportunities to bring God’s love to life.
   
• Pray for the least-reached people around the world who are living through this crisis without hope in Jesus. May they seek God during this unprecedented time.
   
• As restrictions begin to loosen around the world, pray for open doors of opportunity for the gospel.