In a previous Tenth Press article, we spoke about the work the Lord is doing through our Global Partners and the two relief projects we’re supporting for our 2020 Easter Sacrificial Offering (ESO). If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can find it here.
In that article we distinguished between relief work and development work. Relief work provides an immediate solution to a pressing need, whereas development work is oriented around a long-term solution, looking to provide communities with the necessary means through which sustainable improvement can be accomplished. Following this model, our three ESO projects working in development ministries are as follows:
Children’s Ministries in Colombia
In the gospels, one of the things that has often struck me is Jesus’ care for children. In Mark 10 we see the disciples rebuking those who are bringing little children to Jesus, but the text tells us that “when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them” (Mark 10:14-16). While this passage speaks to the characteristics of those who will enter the kingdom of God, it also shows us a beautiful image of Jesus’ love and care for children. When he could have sent them away, Jesus calls them to himself and blesses them. The Lord’s care and compassion for children is one of the characteristics our partners in Colombia seek to model. In areas where children lack sufficient resources, and many come from difficult households, our partners are working to provide a safe place where children can receive care, food, access to education, and hear the good news of Jesus Christ. In connection with our long-standing partner, Rafael Leal of La Roca Church, this project will provide structural, aesthetic, and material improvements to three facilities providing care for at-risk, homeless, and underserved children in Barranquilla and Santa Marta.
Building Up the Church in Egypt:
Our partners working in Egypt are serving in an area where Christianity is in the minority, making up less than 10% of the population. What our partners have found is that of those who identify as Christian, few actually know the central tenets of the faith. Our partner’s goal is to see nominal Christians come to a true faith and pastors trained in sound theology, that many would come to know the Lord. While seeking to see Christians grow in their faith, our partners are also working to meet the physical needs of the community, to reach them with the gospel, and then train them to faithfully proclaim it in their own towns. Your contribution will enable their ministry to develop new training centers, raise up new leaders, and meet the physical and medical needs of many Egyptians.
Reaching Lebanon with the Gospel
Like Egypt, our partners in Lebanon find that the churches in their communities lack sufficient training and their pastors are eager to learn sound doctrine. In connection with a long-standing Tenth partner, this ministry’s goal is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to Lebanon. They’re working to train pastors and congregants in sound theology and provide holistic care to those in the community that are primarily made up of different religious groups. They provide food, medicine, and clothing to those in need while also sharing the good news of our Lord.
A Global Church
As our Apostles’ Creed reminds us, we’re part of the one “holy catholic church,” not only made up of the saints of old, but also of all the believers around the world. Praise be to the Lord that his church is still being built, and that in his providence he allows us to take part in his work. During this time at Easter, we’re reminded of Christ’s victory over the grave and of the work taking place around the world. Please pray for our partners, that through them many would come to know the love and glory of our Lord, and please prayerfully consider giving toward our ESO projects as you feel so led.
“And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the Lord” Isaiah 66:20.
We encourage you to pray for the work taking place around the world and invite you to give as you feel so led. You can give to the ESO here.