Knowing the Unknown
As some of you know I am not usually short of words or voice. Though we are all currently living through this pandemic and are busy consuming the constant onslaught of COVID-19 news, I would like to share with you some of my thoughts as it pertains to our ministry specifically.
As you might imagine, I have been busy not only keeping up with what is happening around the U.S., but staying abreast of what is now happening in the places we serve. There are now Coronavirus cases in 3 of the 4 countries in which we serve, and the number of cases are growing. In addition, there are many places in our own country where the spread is overwhelming. Our governor in Colorado announced a “Shelter in Place” order affective today. So with much going on you might wonder what we are doing as a ministry as we serve vulnerable children around the world.
Last week I had an exchange with our board that required I consider the ministry’s outlook and way forward. For most all us when considering needs abroad our inclination is to withdraw and worry about what is happening at home. Our gut reaction becomes ‘no’. Should we support this project, ‘no’. Support this child, ‘no’. Feed these children, ‘no’. (I feel icky just typing all of these ‘no’s’!) It is natural, but we are called that through this ministry of Jesus to move in the supernatural -beyond our human condition. This is often contrary to our humanity.
The tenets that guide my life outlined in the scriptures do not change in crisis. The scriptures only become more alive as they illuminate our role in the current environment in which we find ourselves. I can also share with you a couple of constants that remain during this health crisis; Jesus loves us, I love each of you, my safety is not my primary concern, the children we serve are in need of our support, my provision does not come from this world (yours either), and people around us still need Jesus. These things have not changed. This does not mean that I am insensitive to some of the anxiety that exist around me, but my thought process goes far beyond this.
At the minimum, the uncertainty in this moment can be unnerving, however, as followers of Jesus this is exactly what we have been trained for is it not? We are elite warriors that have been honed over time, and for some of us decades. In fact, as an elite team recruited by the heavens this is what we have been waiting for. By the Spirit we move forward knowing that God is with us as we venture forth into the unknown. Isn’t this awesome?! We can know in the unknown! We know what to do as the Holy Spirit guides us.
2 Timothy 1:7 -For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
I am not oblivious to what is happening, nor ignorant. I am quite aware of our current circumstances as I consider how we move forward with serving His children, whether we deploy mission teams (and where). There is great uncertainty, and the flames are being fueled over a hyperactive media. I would encourage us to remain steadfast. Stay encouraged!
This month we continue to serve 1,303 children in DR Congo, Kenya, South Sudan, and Zambia. There are new emerging needs that could put us over 1,400 children in May, however, as you might suspect, in the current environment funding has been an issue. Our Jan-Feb 2020 Financial Results follows:
Most of our difficulties have been with the level of funding through the first 2 months of 2020. Through the efficiency of our partners in the field we have made up part of this difference, however, services and care to the children should be the last place we look to reduce our costs. Additional consideration will be given to reductions that we can make with our administrative and fundraising investments, but this only makes maintaining the ministry in the field more challenging.
I would ask you to prayerfully consider supporting this effort for these precious children. You can accomplish this on this website under ‘Donate’ or click on one of the links below. The needs of these children are no less significant today and we can take action in confidence into the unknown, knowing that all of our needs to be met by our Father.
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Global Orphan Relief has been serving orphaned children since 2005. We have accomplished this work to date through local partners in each country that provides oversight and distribution of care.
Today we serve 1,303 children in DR Congo, Kenya, South Sudan, and Zambia with our Home-based Care, Nutrition, and Scholarship Initiatives.
You may send support or other correspondence to Global Orphan Relief, 16352 Prairie Farm Cir, Parker, CO 80134 or you may give also give electronically at Support the Global Orphan Relief Children.
Movement of FAITH | Voice of HOPE | Act of LOVE
Global Orphan Relief is a Christian relief agency serving Orphans in need and a recognized U.S. public charity, tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.