Pushing Back the Darkness
With darkness pressing in from all sides, the fight for justice and mercy is always filled with urgency.
And with the COVID-19 pandemic, the urgency is heightened.
This is a rescue mission. Which means right now, it’s not about my timetable or your timetable—it’s about the orphan’s timetable.
I was shaken when I heard the following from our program director at Lifesong Liberia:
“People will die of hunger and starvation before they die of coronavirus…”
That’s the reality when borders, food markets, and schools are closed.
Schools are often the most dependable place a child can receive meals. Not only do schools prevent hunger, but they also provide a layer of protection against trafficking. So with schools closed, kids are highly vulnerable to being abused and trafficked.
Lack of food creates desperation.
History shows us: desperate people do desperate things.
With jobs lost and employment low, adults and children are roaming in search of food. Girls as young as 4th grade are forced into prostitution in order to survive.
The thought breaks my heart.
A 14-year-old girl who had been trafficked came into our care without knowing how to write her name.
40 girls we serve in Zambia are highly vulnerable to being forced into prostitution to survive.
This is a complete injustice. You and I—as image-bearers of Christ—can not allow this to continue.
They need rescue… now more than ever.
And praise God, many of you have radically given in the last few weeks to fuel food drops, clean water, and hygiene kits.
In Uganda, one team leader noted:
“…This food means entire families won’t starve. But even more, this will prove to many of the often-resistant Muslim households that we are truly there to serve them with the love of Christ. In a land that is very familiar with corruption…this public display of significant relief without regard to religion or clan is noteworthy. This witness of provision in an unprecedented time of hunger will be spoken of for generations. For all of these people, I say thank you…”
Families blessed by food distribution had tears in their eyes as they said:
“We really needed this today. We’ve been without food for a month and didn’t have anything left.”
“I know God touched your heart to come here today. He saw me and He sent you here.”
“I’m a single mom with 7 kids, I had nothing else to give them”
Our teams deliver packages to children in each country we serve, including Cambodia (left) and Zambia (right).
Three graduates from Lifesong Zambia served alongside our staff to help distribute food, offer hygiene tips, and pray with members of the community. Orphan graduates in Cambodia are reaching hundreds of people living in slum communities. Similar food drops and evangelism is happening in each country we serve. Rescue is being sent in the name of Jesus!
What does God want to do in & through us in this time?
Whatever it is, I don’t want to miss it. I’ve been clinging to three specific promises…
1. I have PERMISSION to grieve. “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) Not only is this the shortest verse in the Bible, but it’s a powerful reminder. Expressing pain is valid and necessary. Even holy.
2. I have a PROMISE when I mourn. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
3. I have a PROMISE to place trust in. “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) When it comes to pain, hurt, and pure evil we see in the world, I rest in these words Jesus spoke. Evil and injustice don’t stand a chance against our God!
Christ within us is more powerful than evil around us. The same Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is in us. That makes us powerful in the Kingdom of God.
Paul reminds us in Romans that we don’t overcome by evil, but we overcome evil with good. Our response can do harm to evil. God gives us money, time, and skills for a purpose: to make a ripple. Let’s use our God-given powers for good.
Let’s keep pushing back the darkness!
HELP FUEL THE COVID-19 RESPONSE.
$50 provides one month of food & hygiene supplies to one person. And as always, 100% of your gift goes directly to the need, helping orphaned and vulnerable kids.
