Greetings in the name of Jesus. We’re near the end of Mission to Children’s fiscal year. As I look back on this year, I feel excited to share a few things that I’m thankful for. And as we look back together on God’s faithfulness, I believe it will help us move forward with courage because He is faithful!
First of all, I’m thankful for Jesus. This past year reminded our staff and board how wonderful it is to be led and cared for by our Lord and Savior. Psalm 46 often came to mind, reminding me that through the gospel we have both a future hope and present help. That help is the comforting and Christ-exalting presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God has led Mission to Children through one of the most challenging years in our history. And today we’re more resolved because He is faithful.
Secondly, I’m thankful for you! I’m amazed how God has brought us to this point in history. In partnership, our work has touched the lives of children like Jane, a precious 8-year-old girl who lives in Uganda.
Through a gospel outreach in her slum, Jane enjoyed a meal while she learned that Jesus loves her so much, He came to die for her sins. Now she’s a participant in a discipleship group led by a Ugandan pastor who has a heart for children. Jane believes that God will never abandon her .… even in hardships. That’s hope because the transformation God has brought about in her heart will touch the lives of everyone she’ll ever meet.
If we don’t meet children like Jane where they’re at in life, many will not find hope this year—or possibly ever. Yet by feeding children physically with a meal and spiritually with God’s word, we join God’s work in that community.
Thirdly, I’m thankful for the collaboration God has provided through Commission to Every Nation. Because of this collaboration and your partnership, we’re launching our first gospel outreach to street children in a Muslim community of Mali, Africa.
This will be a modestly-sized outreach due to religious and social issues. Just like our other gospel outreaches, this strategic event will include the Good News, a meal, and some special activities led by local believers. Like many areas of India, this area of Africa can be volatile because of the transformational message of the gospel. Yet through the presence of gospel messengers in that community, we believe God has already begun a great work there. (Your gifts are already at work in this important ministry opportunity.)
Developing countries have so much God-given potential for global missions. Yet to realize this hope for tomorrow’s world, we must equip front-line Christians who spread the gospel in word and deed to children today (Romans 10:14). Again, this is why I’m grateful for your partnership in the gospel and the conviction that God’s word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).
As I close this letter, let’s remember that there’s still a lot of work to be done. Until Jesus returns, we Christians will always have a mission. Please join me for another twelve months to strategically pray, evangelize, feed, and disciple more children in developing countries.
May the faces of global missions tomorrow be the children you and I reach today.
In Christ,
Byron Garmo, President
P.S. Please pray:
- For stability, peace, and safety in Mali in the midst of a recent coup. Please also pray for wisdom and discretion to carry out the gospel outreaches in ways that build up local believers, and do not further endanger them.
- That children in Mali will have a thirst for God’s word and His righteousness.
- That we encourage our partners in India. They’re in another lockdown and overwhelmed by the growing needs in their country. Please ask God to open doors so that they may effectively minister to marginalized children and families in their communities.
- For God’s love to engulf children in developing countries so that they see themselves as participants in the Great Commission, not as recipients of charity.
One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4
