26 Jun Empowering Women and Children
James* and his team minister on one of the islands in Southeast Asia. They help house churches grow into spaces for believers to gather and share their lives together, while growing deeper in the knowledge of Christ. They encourage their members to reach out and invite others in the community, who do not know of Jesus, to visit and engage with the house churches, and share a meal together. The relationships built in this manner encourage the community to explore what is different and why they follow Jesus.
Sarah* is a member of the community that James and his team work in. Coming from a different faith, even considering becoming Christian poses many challenges. She faces expulsion from her community if it were revealed that she wants to learn about Christ or accepts him as her Lord and Saviour. Yet, she chooses to be open to listen when James and his team share Jesus with her. There are many like Sarah who must hide their desire to learn more and need to be careful about whom they interact with. But God is at work and makes a way where we humans may see only the obstacles.
In one of the villages that James serves, the children have little access to education. The village is in a forested area. When it rains (which it often does), the muddy roads make it hard for children to get to schools that are outside the village. James’ heart was moved when the head of the village explained the situation. He told them that if there was land, a multi-purpose building along with a kindergarten school could be built. Soon, the head of the village got back to him, announcing that a piece of land had been donated for the building project to begin. God is faithful and continues to guide them as they proceed with the project.
Pray for:
- Those like Sarah who may want to know more about Jesus, but face challenges at every step, particularly within their families and communities.
- The building project in the village
* names changed to protect privacy