Beneath the surface of COVID-19 realities lies greater dangers for Cote d’Ivoire and African nation-states. Several of our Ivorian friends anticipate that economic fallout from the response will outweigh the medical impact on who lives and dies. Family-run roadside businesses close. Gathered crops rot because of transport limitations in and out of the economic capital. Threats to national security by . . .
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Follow THE Leader
Follow me as I follow Christ. Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to wayward believers also communicates prime counsel for fathers to offer their children. Although every dad . . .
Does God Propose?
The last three months have amusingly let echo in our lives an expression passed among Ivorian believers. “Man proposes but God disposes” (Proverbs 19:21 TLB; Thomas a Kempis, Homo proponit, sed Deus disponit, from Of the Imitation of Christ). Reviewing our last quarterly and the weekly editions that followed, we know a virus changed the plans of millions of people even more than for us.
In February, we rushed preparations to renew contact with ministry partners in MI, ID, IL, OH, NC, FL, MO, and TN. As COVID-19 reactions struck and
Appearances
Appearances are not always as they seem. That reality resonated with Debbie this week. For a few days, she helped her parents, Eddie and Sandra Payne, sort through belongings. Within the year, they hope to move to a one-level dwelling more suited to their octogenarian health and lifestyle. She enjoyed the side benefit of new tales from their missionary career. The following is a story she heard that we reflect upon as our nation reels from sectarian-propagated violence.
Feasting CRISIS
We sense peace and stability when food in the house suffices to feed the family. Birds sense the same, too! Similarly, pandemic experiences drive home to Ivorians that churches using Community Health Evangelism (CHE) and Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) disseminate truth in culture more effectively. The peace and stability of Shalom reign in real life.
Normal is Nice
Who would have thought “normal” could sound so good! This week and last, Ivorians contacted us from Cote d’Ivoire. Some sense a growing return to former norms as the travel ban no longer applies except to and from Abidjan. Thankfully, schools across the nation will soon . . .
Hidden Treasure
. . . Virtuous women who are sure of their worth in God’s eyes, centered on fulfilling the plan for their lives, are among the most joyous, empowered, and productive persons who tread the earth. It is an added blessing if . . .
The Unexpected One
Jesus delights in using unexpected people. Our Lord did not peruse the population of Israel for the “most likely to succeed” when selecting His disciples. Instead, He chose fishermen, a tax collector, a demon-possessed harlot (redeemed!), and several were likely political extremists. The Savior-King . . .
Phone a Friend
Several trainers in our home town continue meeting in small groups. They follow government guidelines for social distancing, wearing masks, and cancel or divide gatherings of more than ten people. A regional pastor informed us that his whole church has begun using DBS all over their village. It is their means to continue meeting for prayer and study these days.
Easter Communion
Easter means that we never have to be alone again. We may be solitary or isolated at times, even if watched by cameras, but we are never alone! As we celebrate Jesus’ death, burial, trip to Sheol, and resurrection differently this year, we rejoice in the constant treasure of our Savior’s presence.
