4 minute read
Global Reach Updates
As we move into summer and we see restrictions start to lift here in the USA, many of our fields in Latin America and Asia have seen spikes in Covid-19 and they have been suffering through new lockdowns. It is easy to become discouraged, so we need to be in prayer for our brothers and sisters now more than ever. During so much suffering, God is still at work advancing His Kingdom. The following updates give testimony to His redeeming grace and power.
Haiti
Mike and Dawn VanDervort report that Haiti continues with political problems. Opposition to the current president remains active. For two years, they have dealt with “peyi loc”, the roads all closed with barricades and burning tires. Though they see this on a lesser scale, we are now dealing with well-armed gangs and many kidnappings. One recent weekend, twelve kidnappings took place including priests, nuns, and doctors. Despite the political and socio-economic problems, we see evidence of God working in Haiti. Our churches remain open and well attended. Pastor Watson just sponsored a conference for the chaplain ministry the Friday and Saturday of Easter weekend. It was well attended, and three people accepted Christ as their Savior.
Venezuela
The Acostas report that Venezuela is reaching out more than ever! They are very active in social service to their communities. Pastor Adam and Nurbis Garcia head up the work in Calabazo. They pastor “Fuente de AguaViva” meaning “Fountain of Living Water.” Their motto is “Called to Serve.” They serve a community of children from “Sector Campo Alegres” which means “The Neighborhood of Happiness.” Here they have sport events, games, a food program, and share God’s Word. They see how God has been faithful to them in this mission. They have been able to serve even more under the pandemic restrictions than before the restrictions. Adam and Nurbis continue to reach out to the children in their community through a program called “Bread and Life” or “Pany Vida.” They believe that serving is one of their greatest blessings!
Thailand
At the time of publication, Bryan and Katie Crabtree should be traveling or have just arrived in Thailand to begin their journey serving there. Please be in prayer for them as they possibly serve a quarantine period, look for suitable housing, and get adjusted to a new culture for them and their one-year-old daughter Elli. They are also expecting their second child in November. Pray for the whole birthing process as it may be a little different experience for them in Thailand. They appreciate your prayers and support.
India
India and many other parts of Asia have been dealing with their highest level of Covid-19 cases and deaths. Lockdowns were reinstated back in May shortly after people started to be free to move around. These reinstated lockdowns have proved very difficult on everyone but especially the younger generation. The secondary and higher education schools had reopened and then closed again once the spike occurred. Primary schools have never really reopened since March of 2020. Despite that, our workers in the more rural areas have been able to gather the children on some special occasions to help encourage them and bring fellowship to them. We were also able to provide them some good meals. Our workers were also able to provide a village with a deep water well during these recent lockdowns. This has brought some encouragement to these people in a time when they need it most.
Bangladesh
As Covid-19 cases recently surged in Bangladesh, Dr. John and his team have started providing the third wave of relief food and items to families where we serve in Bangladesh. Dr. John was able to join in with our latest Global Reach Virtual Summit and give us the latest updates. It was good to see his face and hear his voice.
He shared about the extreme rise in Covid cases and deaths as well as some recent tornados that went through some of the ministry areas. One of the older structures was damaged (pictured below). Dr. John was also able to share about some of the new initiatives the Mission hopes to focus on through 2021 and into the following years.
