A Word from our Executive Director

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Human history is full of asking “where are you, God?” It is one of the most common refrains throughout scripture. Like the year before it, 2021 was another historical year of suffering. For the men and women who make up the ministry of Harvest Bridge, there were many opportunities to ask this same question. Where was God as war, disease, flooding, and starvation swept through our countries? Where was God in a year this full of death, destruction, and injustice on a global scale? As you read this report, you’ll find a theme echoed by our country leaders—God was present and palpable, sometimes in ways they had never experienced before. God made His presence known. Our God was on the throne of grace, welcoming us to come boldly to Him (Hebrews 4:14-16). As believers came with wordless prayers of pain, the Holy Spirit interceded (Romans 8:26). He was filled with anger toward the injustice and evil that led to unnecessary death and suffering of innocent people (Proverbs 6:16-19). Our God drew close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18). He gave power to the weak, and to those who had no might, He increased their strength (Isaiah 40:29). Because of the strength He provided, God’s presence was seen and felt through the response of His Bride—the Church—in the face of suffering. He was present when the starving child on the road was brought food by a follower of Jesus in a Bangladeshi village. When the woman on her deathbed received life-giving oxygen in India. When a freezing man was given a blanket in the Kashmiri winter. When the soon-to-be-imprisoned protester against the military junta in Myanmar was provided water.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40).

Our God was present through you—members of the local church in the U.S.—who supported members of the local church in South Asia and Myanmar. They gave of their time, safety, and energy to serve, and you gave of your prayer and finances to make their service possible (1 Corinthians 12). This is a key reason why Harvest Bridge exists: to make it easier for the Body of Christ to be connected across the globe, so the Gospel can be shared in word and deed, especially in a year like this. I pray that as you read this report you are reminded of God’s presence, and encouraged and challenged by your brothers and sisters to love like Christ. Thank you!

In Christ, Kate Therese, Executive Director