“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
Many often wonder what they can do to help others in need. With the pandemic surrounding our world, not only are we affected at home, but hands on ministry has been affected as well. Where we would have organized trips down to visit our church plants in Brazil and abroad in Thailand, because of travel restrictions due to COVID, we have had to postpone those trips. However, this has not stopped the work of God among the these communities.
Brazil now has 1.9 million cases and 74,000 deaths, second only to the US. Due to the lack of proper health care, the favelas in Brazil have been increasingly affected. While these numbers may seem insurmountable, we are seeing people respond to the crisis and help one another.
Meet Pastor Gilmar and Lizanrda. They serve in the Torres community in Brazil. With the help of a local neighbor, and God’s provision, they were able to borrow a sewing machine and began making masks. They said, “We had the idea of exchanging masks for non-perishable goods so that we can put together food kits to be distributed for those in need.”
As a result, they have collected enough goods to put together 10 food kits and continue to provide masks for those in need.
Pastor Gilmar and Lizanrda are beautiful examples of what it means to love your neighbor as yourself and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
With the many blessings God gives us each day, it’s important to give back to the Lord, and one way is through sharing with your community. We would love to hear good news from your own lives during this crisis. Not only are we blessed by the stories of neighbor impacting neighbor in Brazil and Thailand, but they are encouraged by God’s work in our lives as well.
If you would like to contribute to the continued efforts in meeting needs among the global poor, you can give here!