Reza (not his real name) arrived in Athens, Greece in 2016 from the Middle East. He was a young teenager and refugee without his family, and he had a great need for community and answers. He began visiting a local Greek evangelical church where for the first time in his life he saw the love of Christ in practice. While exploring the Christian faith, he began attending an intercultural church plant and has been steadily growing in his faith as an active part of their community. This past fall, this church had the great joy and honor to baptize Reza, and they have been blessed by his servant’s heart and courage to follow Christ despite many cultural pressures. Praise God for his work to build his church and call people to himself from all over the world!
This is just one of many stories from our global partners whose projects we will be supporting through this year’s Easter Sacrificial Offering (ESO). Our global partners Philip and Joy Kirkland are ministering at this intercultural church plant in Athens, Greece where Reza was baptized.
Jesus’ special care for children is evident when he said, “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).
Tenth has had a partnership with the church of Los Olivos in Barranquilla, Colombia for many years now. This church has been reaching out to underserved children by providing a safe place where children can receive care, food, access to education, and many opportunities to hear the gospel and Bible teaching. The ESO will provide funds for this church to build a sanctuary for the children and all the adults alike. They currently meet outdoors but need an indoor space away from the heat, rain, and noise.
Colombia is not the only place where there are underserved peoples. Our global partner Boonchu serves in the mountains of Thailand to reach his own people, the Karen people. Despite Christians being killed recently by the Myanmar army and Christian families being separated from each other, Boonchu and his team of evangelists report many coming to faith in the isolated villages from both the Myanmar side and the Thailand side of the mountains. In addition to the gospel, Boonchu provides material aid to poorer villages, some of which need clean, accessible water. Our ESO will help drill new wells for these villages. The funds will also provide in-roads for Boonchu and his team to preach the gospel in these villages as they form relationships with the village leaders and people. Although the Christians are suffering much from Covid deaths, military persecution, and false teachers, God continues to build his church in Thailand and Myanmar.
It is exciting to be gospel partners, supporting these ministers and churches all over the world today, from Athens, Greece to the mountains of Thailand.
During this Easter season, we are reminded of Christ’s victory over the grave and the new life which he has secured for all who believe. Please pray for our partners, that through their ESO projects, many would come to know this new life in Christ. Please prayerfully consider giving toward the ESO projects as the Spirit leads you.
The Easter Sacrificial Offering is Tenth Church’s Project of the month in April. You can give to the ESO online.