The Times, They are a-Changin'

We aren't talking about Bob Dylan here.  From Covid 19 to social and political unrest - in some respects I feel like I'm back in the '60s but know we are far from it.  This isn't just an American phenomena, believers worldwide are facing profound challenges. What isn't a-changin' is Jesus. In all things, of this I am certain, He rules and guarantees the growth of His Church according to Plan!

...in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high...(Hebrews 1:2-3)

As I shared in my last report, following the Rwandan CCI in March, having faced emerging threats to the churches, when I returned to the USA I was feeling stunned by events. ELI has been forced to discontinue all international travel (no visas are being granted). My African partners overseas inform me that they are in complete lockdown, for them merely walking outside can lead to arrest or beatings.  Churches cannot gather for worship.  Their situation is far worse than ours in terms of freedom to move around which compounds deprivation of essentials for living. One pastor I have been encouraging was eating termites to feed his children and wife.

New opportunities have presented themselves.  The Lord enabled me to partner with other workers to send funds.  God provided the ability to send resources to Theophile Rugubira in Rwanda to feed starving church members out of his facility.  The Lord also provided means to have funds sent to the brother in northern Uganda who was eating termites.  Not only did this meet the physical needs of a family, this family has given to other starving people who have come to them from other villages. 

Your partnership with me has made all this possible.  Please continue to stand with me to help others while I'm working to expand creatively the teaching ministry to pastors.  They need our encouragement!

Here was one expression of gratitude for your gifts:
Brother Joel and Sarah
Thank you for your compassion heart ,we salute your decision of sending funds to stand with poorest people in Rwanda during this global  pandemic where we are asked to stay home. People without working they can’t eat . we will share food to different families will let you know on Monday.
Theo

How does ELI effectively move forward under such circumstances?

Whenever there is suffering and hardship, that is exactly where God is at work.

With ELI, we have not been sitting on our hands. Many prayer times and briefings have resulted in the development of additional means to creatively bring teaching to our overseas partners. Though I am prepared to plan a future trip as soon as it is possible, God's work will continue well beyond our physical presence with the Africans.

Having considered options, I am concluding that given the cellular limitations in Africa, I'm going to focus on materials (ThirdMill, Ligonier Ministries), developing video meetings with key leaders using electronic systems to provide training centers for our high level pastors. This will cost but must be done.

Thank you for standing with me in this time of change. I continue to need your support in these projects.

Please pray:
-For ongoing provision to implement new technologies for continuing instruction
-For God to move the Rwandan government to act favorably to the believers and churches
-For the Rwandan people who are in lockdown just like we are
-For all of us to make use of the time we have in limited mobility due to the virus
-For the Revival and Growth of His Church here and overseas, especially during these conflicts in our nation
-For us to be reminded daily to encourage each other.

Joel McCall
ELI