Ministry in These Challenging Times

When the year 2020 began, none of us suspected the careening detour it would take. Quarantines, curfews, social distancing. Who would have thought these kinds of words would become part of our everyday language?

Yet, even as we find our schedules cleared from many normal activities, our hearts may be flooded with increasingly anxious thoughts.

We would do well to remember Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Of one thing we can be sure: God is not wringing His hands. He remains sovereign, even as his heart breaks with the pain of His children. The truth is that we can always trust Him. He has a long history of working good out of the most dire circumstances.

In all of this, perhaps you are wondering how the work of World Missions is affected.

Is the home office closed? Yes, the physical location is closed, but work is being done from home. We can still accept donations, and missionaries and fields still need our support.

Speaking of our missionaries, how are they doing?

Two families, whose work is in Asia and Europe (and whose names can’t be mentioned here), were able to return to the United States.

*Pray for these families as they face ministry situations left unresolved and decisions for their future. The family home from Asia has been home the longest and are very busy with continued online contact and homeschooling.

The Doyles from Papua New Guinea were already home on furlough.

*Pray for the Doyles, whose once-full travel calendars are understandably clearing. Although we are considering a new method of reaching out, the task of raising necessary support to return as scheduled seems impossible. Ask for God’s guidance and provision for their needs. Also, pray for more donors to pledge monthly support to enable their continued ministry.

The two Woods families continue working in the Cayman Islands.

*Pray for David and Zenia and their boys in Red Bay and Gayle and Micki in Cayman Brac; they face strict curfews as their government tries to prevent rapid spread of the virus. Ask for God’s blessing on them as they try to stay in touch with their church people.

What about our national directors on our other fields?

There’s not a country untouched by the virus. Yet, it remains to be seen what the full effect may be. Pray for wisdom and blessing for our directors and churches. Remember ministries in areas already troubled by poverty and poor healthcare. If you would like to donate to bring relief, please go to www.coghworldmissions.org/give. 100% of donated funds will be sent to ministries in need.

A Prayer for Our World

We appreciate your continued concern and support for our brothers and sisters worldwide. In this time of global struggle, thank you for standing and praying with us.