W&D Magazine Summer 2020

INSIDE

SUMMER 2020

Guatemala

The Impact of Sponsorship

Myanmar Rays of Hope

COVID Relief Update Helping Hands in Times of Need

Country Profile Packages Subscribe to Word & Deed’s YouTube Channel

The Official Publication of Word & Deed An International Reformed Relief Ministry

>foreword By rick postma

Chaos. Humility.

Rebellion. Hope. Prayer.

Chaos. Humility. Rebellion. Hope. Prayer. Those are the five words that come to mind as I consider the state of the world today.

Chaos. The microscopic COVID-19 virus caused panic in one form or another throughout the world. Governments gave contradictory orders, often changing their minds within days, if not hours. Millions, having migrated to urban settings to find jobs, rushed to get back to their ill-prepared home villages even as lockdown eliminated any means of transportation other than their feet. Many never made it home. Far too many, especially the elderly, died alone with their loved ones unable to comfort them by their bedsides. More recently, viral protests in the US have rapidly spread through the world with anarchists causing death and mayhem, even while valid concerns were being expressed by many others about racism in our societies.

Humility. Disasters seem to rarely strike the Western world and when they do, recovery is generally quite rapid. But COVID was the great equalizer, with numbers of infections and deaths very comparable, if not greater, than the rest of the world. Now we are receiving emails from our partners expressing concern for us and telling us they are praying for us even as we do the same for them. In a twinkling of an eye, the Lord ripped away our self-confidence about our economy and our general wellbeing. Previous generations learned this from war, famine, and, yes, pestilence. We have built a tower of Babel in which we, perhaps subconsciously, have placed our confidence in ourselves rather than in the Lord.

Rebellion. As I wrote in the spring issue of this magazine, which languished in many garages and homes waiting for churches to reopen, we have a far more serious problem than COVID or out-of-control protests. We are born with the sin virus. Everyone is infected, no testing required, no exceptions.

Physical and eternal death are imminent if the virus isn’t treated.

Hope. But the Lord has provided a vaccine through the Lord Jesus Christ. By God’s grace, many of us have received that vaccine. Have we told others about Christ, the cure for the deadly sin virus?

Prayer. Disasters such as COVID should bring us to repentance and prayer. May the Lord forgive our sins as we often worship the idols of this world, just as the Old Testament Church did. May He teach us to count our transgressions and to rip them from our lives even as young King Josiah did during the great revival he led. May God instill in us a growing self-sacrificial love for Him and for our neighbor, both near and far — imitating the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this online issue, we provide some brief updates on COVID relief efforts in a number of countries. In all the countries where our partners reside, schools, businesses, afterschool programs, and even medical clinics that are not equipped to handle COVID were shut down. Please pray for Word & Deed and our partners, that we may bring relief where needed and offer wise counsel as many programs contemplate reopening and as some already have. W&D

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Rick Postma is the Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.

WORD&DEED

meditation

Official Publication of Word & Deed An International Reformed Relief and Development Agency Free for sponsors and friends

SUMMER 2020

By Dr. Arjan de Visser

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Editor Rick Postma Assistant Editor Scott Koopman Graphic Design Knor Graphic Design Solutions Copy Editors Shelly Crites, Hanna Korvemaker, Kara Luiting, Susan Trentacosti Word & Deed North America is an evangelical and Reformed humanitarian relief and development organization. Our aim is to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people in the developing world in accordance with biblical principles for the glory of God. With cooperating offices in St. Thomas, Ontario, and Hudsonville, Michigan, Word & Deed partners with Christian agencies in Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Myanmar, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Malawi, and South Africa.

Director of Projects John Otten Director of Public Relations Rick Postma Director Heidi Pronk Support Staff Scott Dekorte, Scott Koopman, John Kottelenberg, Kara Luiting Dave Vander Meer Canadian Board of Directors Chairman – Harold Leyenhorst Vice-Chairman – John Vangameren Secretary – Dave Wielinga Treasurer – Henry de Waal Wilf Bout, Pastor Christo Heiberg, John Jagersma, Corney Les, Bert Mulder, Lyle Ypma USA Board of Directors President – Paul Laman Vice President - Jay Van Voorst Secretary – Harry Kooistra Treasurer – Karen Vander Sloot Paul Beezhold, Eric Brandt, Rev. Adrian Dieleman, Eric Greendyk, Pete Vander Stel, Advisory Committee Mr. Jim Beeke – International Educational Consultant

Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes – Professor of

Old & New Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Rev. Richard Bout –

URCNA Missions Coordinator Rev. Danny Hyde – Pastor, Oceanside United Reformed Church

Rev. Mark Vander Hart –

Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies, Mid-America Reformed Seminary

Rev. Frank Van Dalen –

Former Executive Director of the Foreign Missions Board of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

Canada Office PO Box 20100 St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4 Toll free 877.375.9673 office@wordanddeed.org United States Office PO Box 157, Hudsonville, MI 49426 Toll free 866.391.5728 usoffice@wordanddeed.org

Registered Charity Number (Canada) 89 120 0941 RR0001 EIN Non-profit Number (USA) 37-1429283

Bible quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.

Word & Deed and COVID-19 This article is a shortened version of opening devotions at

a Word & Deed meeting

held on May 8, 2020.

We have been confronted with the horrible effects of COVID-19 all around the world.

Does the Bible have anything to say about this or should we simply lament the situation and try to help where we can? It is important for us to have a biblical understanding of what is happening. Let us consider three biblical insights.

First, God’s Word tells us that there will be war and famine and pestilence in the world.

Revelation 6 speaks clearly about this in the vision of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. John saw a pale horse. Its rider’s name is Death, and he is followed by Hades. The two of them together are given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and famine and pestilence and wild beasts.

We should not be surprised when there is war and famine and pestilence in the world.

These things must happen. This is a terrifying idea, but at the same time it is comforting to know that natural disasters do not happen randomly. They happen because they are part of God’s plan of redemption. We should also note that it says that one-fourth of the earth will be affected. That is huge—no less than 25 percent of the world is affected. At the same time, it tells us that there is a limit—only a quarter of the world is affected! This points to the mercy of the Lord. He still allows people to

live on earth, He allows them to rebuild, and He gives time to repent.

Second, natural disasters and pandemics should serve as a call to repentance. Luke 13:1–5 is an important Scripture passage in this regard. In Jesus’ days it was common to assume that people who died in disasters and accidents were punished for their personal sins.

The Lord, however, teaches us that we should not think that people who are killed in accidents or natural disasters are worse sinners than others.

Rather, he says, there is a message for all of us: “I tell you, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Everyone, you and me included, will have to appear before the judgment seat of God. This has implications for our work as Word & Deed. As we send money for food packages in India and as we assist our partners to care for vulnerable children in Ecuador, Guatemala, and Colombia, it is our prayer that this work will also help to draw people to Christ. “Let us not grow weary of doing good,” Paul says, “for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9) Third, a pandemic like COVID-19 offers Christians in affluent societies an opportunity to assist brothers and sisters who are suffering in other parts of the world. In 2 Corinthians 9 Paul encourages the believers to put together a collection for the church in Jerusalem. He identifies two beautiful results of giving generously: first, this ministry of giving is supplying the needs of the saints in Jerusalem; second, it will lead to many people giving thanks to God. As Word & Deed, it is our mandate to receive and manage the donations of Christian believers in North America, and use them to alleviate the suffering of brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. It is a beautiful task. May the Lord bless this work and may it indeed lead to the praise of His name being multiplied! W&D Dr. Arjan de Visser is professor of ministry and mission at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Ontario.

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>GUaTeMala

By Aura Lidia Morales Alonzo

the

Impact

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Sponsorship

My name is Aura Lidia Morales Alonzo and I am 27 years old. My father is a farmer and my mother is a stay-athome mom. My parents taught my siblings and me to always put God first in our lives. They also taught us to work hard to achieve our goals. I started studying at the Colegio Mixto Bethel in Patzicia in 1997. It was there that I was introduced to the sponsorship program of AMG (Word & Deed’s partner) and had the opportunity to be a beneficiary of it. This program was very helpful to me and my parents. I remember going to Bible classes and receiving good food at lunch time. Every December, I waited with expectation to receive my Bundle of Love (a gift that every sponsor child receives at Christmas).

Another important opportunity of the program was to attend Camp Canaan every year. I was always so happy and excited to attend! I would meet children from other schools, make new friends, play, and eat but, most importantly, I would listen to lessons from the Bible. At the campfires, the staff would explain the eternal love of God for us and the hope of eternal life. Each year my spiritual life was strengthened because of all the different activities, especially the Bible instruction.

My family has always struggled economically. My dad did not always have steady work. I wasn’t sure if I could continue studying in junior high and high school, but again AMG, through the Student Scholarship Program, helped me and supported me to continue in school. I graduated as a bilingual secretary but I needed to find a job. I was hired by AMG at my elementary school. This allowed me to connect again with my school, which brought back the memories of how the school helped me. I became the AMG coordinator at the school and was now directly involved in the sponsorship program. I could now be involved with the program that had given so much to me. AMG has always been present in my life and has been a real blessing for me. I was able to get a scholarship to continue my studies in Business Administration and was able to be a part of the certification process for the school and we are now one of the few certified schools in the area.

Last year AMG asked me if I wanted to work in the administration of the hospital in Cubulco. I prayed about it and then decided to take the job, believing that God would prepare me for it. I am thankful for AMG and for every sponsor because I know the impact a sponsor can have on someone’s life. I have experienced it firsthand! W&D Aura Lidia Morales Alonzo is the Administrative Director, Hospital Señorita Elena, Cubulco, Guatemala

ABOVE: Aura Morales at her class in Colegio Bethel.

LEFT: Staff at the Cubulco Hospital.

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>MyanMaR

By Lal Engpar

Rays

of

Hope

ies. I was not sure if I could become the “Would I be able to continue my studperson I wanted to be. ies, and become a blessing to people?”

That was the question that stuck both In spite of those struggling moments, in my head and heart back in 2008.

God is indeed good to me. I came to My father taught us since childhood Good Shepherd Children’s Home and, that we live here on earth to serve God with the help from sponsors through and to serve people. And looking at my Word & Deed, I could continue my father, I love him and respect him for studies. I finished my basic high school who he is and what he has been doing. level and now I am studying third year He is not rich financially, but he serves Chemistry at Dagon University. During God and His people wholeheartedly. I my second year, I worked as an apprenwanted to become like my father, to be tice at a child care center for six months a blessing to others. Since childhood, (in my free time). And in the summer, I had a dream of becoming a doctor I was able to go home and help the or teacher so that I could be a help to church by teaching Sunday School (this others. But life is not always smooth. Pastor Van Bawi and his wife who year we are not able to have Sunday lead the Good Shepherd Home.

Originally from Zahau Dihai in Chin School due to COVID-19). I am confiState, we moved to Zonuam, Kalay, Myanmar. and had dent that the Lord will lead me and give me opportunity to to start our life anew. We have a small piece of land and become a blessing to other people. nothing else. No cattle, no farm, nothing. My father is a I am grateful to God that your prayers and financial conchurch pastor there, and my mother and seven younger tributions for my studies have been rays of hope for me. siblings rely much on him for everything. With our siblings And I believe and pray that God will help me to become a growing, our needs at both home and school became person that can give rays of hope to other people too. W&D greater. We came to the point in 2007–2008 where my parents had trouble supplying our basic needs. I was Lal Engpar is 22 years old and is a Third Year Chemistry wondering whether I would be able to continue my stud- student at Dagon University in Myanmar.

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COVID RELIEF Update India, Mission of Peace Making (MPM)

Costa Rica The staff of Education Plus works in threeshanty towns of San José, Costa Rica. The nine Bible clubs have been postponed. The staff of Education Plus has been delivering food baskets to the neediest families of the shanty towns. Each time a basket is dropped off, the relationship with that family is strengthened and discussion takes place about their need for Jesus and counseling for spiritual growth with practical application. When making food deliveries, the staff also brings weekly Bible lessons for the children. The high school groups receive a short weekly video lesson as well. The situation changed in the last week of June. Two shanty towns had a spike in COVID-19 cases and there is now a strict curfew from 5 p.m.–5 a.m. This means the staff temporarily cannot visit these shanty towns right now but hope to do some quick food drops soon. There is a concern that this might become a “lost generation” academically. A tutoring plan to remedy that as much as possible is being developed by the Education Plus staff.

On March 24, the Indian government issued a mandatory lockdown.

This lockdown was extended a few times and, at the time of writing this update, remains in place in some regions. According to Pastor Anup Hiwale, this seemingly has reduced the COVID-19 infections but pushed a few hundred million day laborers to the brink of famine. Mission of Peace Making (MPM) initially provided raw food supplies to the needy and poor in their congregations and to local poor day laborers. They then started using a local kitchen to distribute cooked rice to the needy people around them. The theological training students have taken their studies home and they volunteer in food distribution in their home areas. Women from the vocational sewing programs are helping sew gowns and masks for the local hospitals. Plans are being made to have seven medical brigades later this year when the COVID-19 crisis has subsided. Word & Deed sent emergency funding to MPM, as well as two other partners in India, to help with food distribution for three months.

malawi

Click Here to Watch a Video Update from Costa Rica

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Relief efforts in response to COVID-19 began several weeks ago when schools shut down. Word & Deed sent funds to support those efforts with a particular focus on households with no adult presence and households where an elderly grandparent is the primary caregiver.

These households are at-risk all the time but particularly vulnerable now due to the school closures and suspension of the feeding programs. Over the last two weeks, food packages consisting of maize flour, cooking oil, salt, sugar, peanuts, and soap were distributed to 180 of these households. The process of visiting these homes revealed that many of these children are even more vulnerable than previously thought and new, longerterm interventions may need to be considered. In addition, over the next couple of weeks the Logos staff will be doing some church trainings, which will also incorporate hygiene and disease prevention training for church leaders and the distribution of water buckets and soap to some of the rural churches.

Click Here to Watch a Video Update from Malawi

Sponsorship update videos

indonesia In Indonesia, people that live in rural areas such as Nordale, East Rote, have not only been hit hard by the pandemic but they are also suffering from the impact of drought.

They could not harvest their rice fields as normal due to lack of rain. The drinking water in the wells is also drying up, so people are gathering at the only well in Nordale that is still producing drinking water for the community. A local pastor has had great opportunity to share the Gospel and to pray with them, as this well is near his home.

Due to the pandemic, Children of Light was forced to shut down their schools. The teachers have been working hard to connect with their students, ensuring that their basic needs are being met and that they are able to continue with their education and Bible lessons.

Please continue to pray for the Lord’s blessing over these students and teachers.

More COVID video updates are available by clicking the links below. These updates focus on the status of the sponsorship program in Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Haiti. You will hear briefly what has happened in these countries and hear what Word & Deed partners are doing during this time of crisis. These videos should be informative even if you don’t have a sponsor child.

Colombia Video Click here to watch a video update from Colombia

dominican republic When the COVID-19 virus first reached the island nation of the Dominican Republic in mid-March, a feeling of uncertainty settled in the communities.

The Sociedad Lucas Hospital closed, as asked to by the government, since the small hospital was not equipped with the necessary means to stop the spread of the virus. The doctors and staff continued to treat its ongoing patient needs and to do necessary consultations via the phone. Those showing symptoms of the virus were directed by the staff to

the government hospitals for further testing. The country is in lockdown but has slowly been opening up again, as is the hospital. They are starting to see patients by appointment only and are using necessary protective equipment. Word & Deed assisted 35 needy families living near the hospital with groceries for three weeks.

Many people have lost their jobs and face food shortages in these areas, so the clinic staff will continue to assist where needed, physically and spiritually.

ECUADOR Video Click here to watch a video update from Ecuador

GUATEMALA Video Click here to watch a video update from Guatemala

HAITI Video Click here to watch a video update from Haiti

Visit our YouTube Channel Click Here to Watch a Video Update from the Dominican Republic

and subscribe to keep up to date with our new videos.

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Country Profile Packages Donors, are you interested in learning more about different countries that Word & Deed partners with?

SUBSCRIBE TO WORD & DEED YOUTUBE

Parents, are you looking for something to keep your kids occupied over their extended summer vacation?

TODAY!

Sponsors, are you interested in learning more about the country where your sponsor child is from?

Teachers, are you looking for a creative way to educate your students on different countries, while also promoting a missional focus?

Look no further! Word & Deed is in the process of developing Country Profile Packages for the countries that we partner in. We have some available for your use already, with more coming your way over the next months. These packages include a standalone video as well as optional accompanying materials (follow-up questions about the material, articles to read for further study, teacher’s materials). Our goal in putting these packages together is to educate our supporters on the Gospel work that is being done in various cultures, circumstances, and geographical locations around the world.

Come, travel the world with us!

View them all on our YouTube channel: Click Here to Watch the colombia Education Video Click Here to Watch the Guatemala Education Video Click Here to Watch the Haiti Education Video Contact Dave Vander Meer at dvandermeer@wordanddeed.org for access to the additional resources associated with these videos.

Integration: Integrate Bible, history, geography, critical thinking, current events, and reading comprehension (etc.).

Missions: Challenge students to consider short-term mission trips and the use of their time, talents, and money to the glory of God while also having them ponder their relationship with the Lord.

Problem Solving: Develop problem solving skills in response to problems presented in the articles.

Awareness: Dramatically raise students’ awareness of what people in the developing world face on a daily basis. It will shape them for life.

Compassion: Elicit compassion when students come face to face with the very difficult lives of their peers in the developing world.

Thankfulness: Encourage thankfulness for God’s blessings in their lives.