It is May and we should be out walking in parks and planning our summer activities, but we’re not. I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t really feel like spring to me. No one really seems to know when life will return to normal. I know we will get through this pandemic at some point, but what will life really look like on the other side? Governments, individuals, businesses, churches and ministries- we have all had to adjust our routines. Some of these changes may linger for a long time.
Some time ago I embraced the responsibility for sharing our vision, our mission and our current campaigns with you monthly. I have been a part of this ministry from the beginning and I am certainly familiar with the projects we normally undertake and the campaigns we all love to support. Yet normal does not really seem to fit right now. So, while the world continues to struggle with this crisis of global magnitude I know that the way we connect and what I share with you will have to be different.
First of all, we will continue to produce a monthly newsletter in this smaller format. Our lives are being lived with fewer frills, so it seems fitting. Second, I may not be telling the same kind of stories because some campaigns we are simply unable to undertake during strict quarrantine measures and COVID-19 realities. Third, MPI is getting regular updates from our partners overseas about the difficulties they are currently facing. These updates are being shared regularly on our social media, especially on our YouTube channel. The fourth and last thing I need to communicate today is my unwavering committment to sharing the authentic love of Christ and actively demonstrating the truth and hope of the Gospel, however I am able.
We all know that this nasty virus has affected countries around the world. For countries like Ukraine and Belarus, where people struggled with poverty before this crisis, their needs are now much deeper and more challenging than ever before. To help you better understand how this is affecting every day people overseas, I want to describe a scene for you. I hope you can indulge me for a moment and picture life as I am describing it.
First of all, we will continue to produce a monthly newsletter in this smaller format. Our lives are being lived with fewer frills, so it seems fitting. Second, I may not be telling the same kind of stories because some campaigns we are simply unable to undertake during strict quarantine measures and COVID-19 realities. Third, MPI is getting regular updates from our partners overseas about the difficulties they are currently facing. These updates are being shared regularly on our social media, especially on our YouTube channel. The fourth and last thing I need to communicate today is my unwavering commitment to sharing the authentic love of Christ and actively demonstrating the truth and hope of the Gospel, however I am able.
We all know that this nasty virus has affected countries around the world. For countries like Ukraine and Belarus, where people struggled with poverty before this crisis, their needs are now much deeper and more challenging than ever before. To help you better understand how this is affecting every day people overseas, I want to describe a scene for you. I hope you can indulge me for a moment and picture life as I am describing it.
You are an elderly pensioner living in the province of Lugansk. You live in a disputed region where Separatists and the Ukrainain army have been trading artillery fire for years. Some time ago, part of your home was destroyed by shelling. You are not sure which side is responsible. Either way, your home has been destroyed and you have no money to fix it. All you really want is for it to be over. Maybe then you would be safe. Now there is a terrible virus running rampant through your community. You are afraid, but you also haven't eaten in days and you wonder how long you will survive.
There are no government subsidies in Ukraine or Belarus. Millions are unemployed and simply have nothing. Thinking about those in the east and how they are coping with COVID-19, on top of being in a war zone is almost more than I can comprehend. Thankfully, we have already been able to send some aid out to the east and to other regions in Ukraine. But so much more is needed. I am committed to making sure we can feed people who are starving. Will you continue to stand with us as we press on?
Remember that our prayers are with you and your families during this time! I am praying that God continues to cares for your needs. Stay safe, keep trusting. We’re in this together!
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