A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Matthew 21:8-9
It’s hard to believe that we have already passed the Easter season. Since the end of last year, our world has seen much suffering, confusion, and panic. On a global scale, we have seen the speed of life come to an abrupt halt. Business and transit are shut down, millions are unemployed, economies are suffering, thousands of people have died, and first responders scramble to save lives. The most coveted items are masks, Tylenol, and toilet paper. Yet amid suffering, hope continues to exist.
In the midst of the global pandemic is Easter, the reminder of sacrificial love. Easter is the fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God who was despised and rejected, beaten for our transgressions, and crushed for our iniquities. Led like a lamb to the slaughter, he took what was ours and conquered sin and death, becoming THE way for eternal life in heaven.
In years prior to this pandemic we (generally speaking) would pause our lives maybe for lent, and for most, one weekend. Yet, here we are and all of life has stopped. We can’t even go to church. It’s quite remarkable when you stop and think about Easter this year. Remembrance is an act of the individual mind and heart. There is no distraction for us this time. As we continue to ponder the miracle of Christ’s resurrection, it is our prayer for you that your hearts will be filled to the brim with the love and presence of Jesus, our Savior. We are praying over your safety, your families, friends, and communities. Please reach out to us for individual prayer. We would love to stand with you, praying specifically for your needs.
On a personal note, due to downturn of the economy, Living Bread Ministries needs your prayers and support now more than ever. The neighborhoods that our families live in have been greatly affected. With poor nutrition and living conditions, these families are at high risk. As you pray over your families, co-workers, and our economy, we ask that you please continue to pray for our church plants in Brazil and in Thailand and the communities around them.
Please pray for:
- Pastor Somchai, his family and the Phanatnikom community in Thailand. Pray for health, strength, renewed spirit, discipleship opportunities, and encouragement.
- Pastor Kahrom, his family and the Huatanon community in Thailand. Pray for health, strength, renewed spirit, discipleship opportunities, and encouragement.
- Pastor Tae, his family and the Ayutthaya community in Thailand. Pray for health, strength, renewed spirit, discipleship opportunities, and encouragement.
- Pastor Alex, his family, and the Vila Safira community in Brazil. Pray for health, strength, renewed spirit, discipleship opportunities, and encouragement.
- Pastor Lindomar, his family, and the Capão community in Brazil. Pray for health, strength, renewed spirit, discipleship opportunities, and encouragement.
- City hall to approve construction of the church building in Capão.
- Pastor Gilmar, his family, and the Torres and Passo de Torres communities in Brazil. Pray for health, strength, renewed spirit, discipleship opportunities, and encouragement.
- Pastor Eliezar, his family, and the Planalto community in Brazil. Pray for health, strength, renewed spirit, discipleship opportunities, and encouragement.
- Pastor Daniel, his family, and the Cabrobó, Ibó, and Bom Jesus communities in Brazil. Pray for health, strength, renewed spirit, discipleship opportunities, and encouragement.
- Pastor Magioli and his family. Pray for health, strength, encouragement, guidance/direction, and opportunities to share about the work of Living Bread Brazil.
- Pr. Magioli’s upcoming trip to NE Brazil to fundraise for LBM Brazil (trip has been delayed due to COVID-19).
- Support for the work in Brazil, due to downturn of the economy various donors have stopped giving.
Bonded through Christ,
Living Bread Ministries