In our ministry globally we sometimes engage with Christians in countries where their very lifestyle resilience (noun: the act of springing back, rebounding, or resiling) is stretched. We do not mention the countries for the protection of those we partner with as they reach out with the saving love of God's grace. 

One current report includes; "Today millions of (restricted country) face enormous challenges including severe food insecurity, lack of basic health services, employment access to education, gender apartheid, and consequences of natural disaster, (loss of loved ones, homes and livelihood). Mental health of women inside the country has continued to diminish as women's rights and freedoms have been curtailed. This loss of rights for women includes: prohibited education past sixth grade, very minimal ability to work, and limited freedom of movement outside the home. The situation brings the darkness of hopelessness."

Pray for people who need hope while living under stressful political and oppressive regimes as God's ambassadors living nearby help them while sharing the saving love of God through the life and sacrifice of His one and only son, Jesus.

And pray for us as we encourage the national leaders we support. 

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me.” John 14:3

    In our daily devotional reading Bill Crowder shares AT HOME WITH JESUS in April 2024.“There’s no place like home,” says Dorothy clicking the heels of her ruby slippers. In The Wizard of Oz, that was all it took to magically transport Dorothy and Toto from Oz back to their home in Kansas.
    Unfortunately, there aren’t enough ruby slippers for everyone. Although many share Dorothy’s longing for home, finding that home - a place to belong - is sometimes easier said than done. 
    The night before the cross, Jesus assured His friends of that home, saying, “My Fathers house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2) A home where we are welcomed and loved.
    Yet we can be at home now too. We’re part of a family - God’s church, and we live in community with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Until the day Jesus takes us to the home our hearts long for, we can live in His peace and Joy. We’re always home with Him.”
  
Knowing we will be reunited with family and loved ones for eternity with God who loves us beyond measure is comforting. This love is confirmed by God sending His son Jesus to atone for our sinful nature. That is God’s plan! That plan I embrace.