India is home to about 1.4 billion people. This massive country is experiencing the fastest pace of coronavirus infection spreading, facing a deadly health care crisis. As of April 26, 2021, India is reporting 17.3 million cases of coronavirus – with over 5 million of those cases just from April. Funeral grounds are running out of space. So many people are passing away without the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus, the one who loves them and desires to give them eternal life. Please pray for God’s mercy on the nation of India in this time of immense spiritual and physical need. In addition, we received news from Pastor Abraham that the Central Government of India has closed bank accounts of ministries and designated a bank in New Delhi, the capital, with which they can open a new account. While persecution against Christians is nothing new in India, we are seeing how the government is looking to gain even more control, which will likely lead to even greater persecution for believers. Please lift up the few faithful in India so they may stand firm in the word of God during this difficult season and also for our God to leave the door open for the gospel to spread all around India.

Would you be able to tell your entire life story to someone you have never met? It would take a lot of trust, right? One of the encouraging things we have witnessed in the COJ ministry was seeing relationships between sponsors and children who were struggling with their lives blossom. More than ever, sponsors have been intentional in communicating with their children, checking in to make sure they are doing well physically and spiritually. And the response on the part of the children? Truly amazing! They have opened up to their sponsors in their letters, sharing stories of their lives, including details of trials they face as well as joyous experiences; they are unleashing their creativity into designing and drawing their own letter paper. “Though I have not seen him, my heart knows him well.” This is a line I like in a praise song called Soon by Hillsong. Though we have not seen God with our physical eyes, we accepted His invitation into a real and intimate relationship with Him, having been moved by His great and incomparable love. In the same way, I believe the genuine care and love displayed by how you, the sponsors, carry the burdens of the children, as our Lord commanded, has opened up their hearts and uplifted their spirits. We give thanks and glory to God for you!

Mom. Dad. Such simple words, yet they carry tremendous significance. Many of us have taken being able to say these two words for granted. Amongst our COJ partner churches, there are children who have grown up without having such a privilege and some of them faced extra challenges during this current pandemic. God has charged his church to look after those in need, especially the orphans. It is only through the generous giving of faithful sponsors and partners in the ministry that we are able to continue helping children like Bertha, Estani, Baymar and Taylor and express to them His heart– that He is their Abba daddy who is always with them and loves them so dearly. How great our Heavenly Father is! Thank you for being the channel of His love to these children!

God is our ever present hope and shelter. In the midst of the uncertain times, Iglesia Jesús Esperanza de Vida (Jesus, Hope of Life Church) has continued to be a place of refuge and peace for the children and youth in a Guayaquil city community, allowing them rest from the harsh realities they face day-to-day. With more than 60 children and youth gathering at the church, Sister Carmen had to split them into two groups to accommodate for social distancing. Just two years after building a new church building, we are praying to be able to build an extension or a second floor. Please pray with us as we seek God’s direction in this matter and continue to lift up Sister Carmen who is continually moving forward with faith bigger than COVID- for God to fill her with His Spirit always and grant her strength and good health.

After nine months of being away from school, children in India, including those at the Amazing Grace orphanage finally returned to school in January. Though the children were tutored at the home, they were ready to go back to school. However, the school systems now face the challenge of trying to fit an entire year’s worth of curriculum into five months. The Bible students are also resuming their studies and ministries after several months of staying home and Pastor Abraham’s church services have been continuing since October. For Pastor Abraham, his work never ceased. Twice a day, he gathered the children for prayer. He brought spiritual revival and encouragement to many local villages and led many to be baptized in the Lord’s name. Even now, his schedule is packed throughout the month of March with outreach events. Despite the looming possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, he is neither afraid nor discouraged but moving onward for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Abraham and his family have an unsinkable hope. A bottomless joy. An unmovable faith that springs from the depths of a great love for their mighty and great Savior. Pastor Abraham is not focused on the trials or challenges but on the lovely One who is in the midst of it all. He has faith in God. Thank you, dear sponsors, for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support for Pastor Abraham. Due to your faithful support, many lost souls in India are finding their eternal resting place in God’s presence through faith in Jesus Christ! Hallelujah!