A global pandemic threatens the most vulnerable
When the world shut down in March/April of 2020 due to the coronavirus, no one could foresee all the ramifications, especially for children in developing nations.
However, the Children’s Gospel Box ministry began to get reports from its ministries around the globe. Action, in many different forms, needed to happen, and happen quickly!
Kenya
Tragically, in the poorest nations children are often the most neglected and the last to receive assistance. A shutdown of restaurants can mean no more throwing out of food in the garbage. Many street children survive on the food others throw away. We were told of this crisis by our CGBox volunteers in Honduras, Panama, and Egypt. In Kenya, leaders saw hungry children come to CGBox rallies.
Fortunately, under the leadership of CGBox Director Natalie Werking, a “Snack Pack” given out prior to rallies was instituted months before the pandemic. According to one African leader,
“The children actually listen to our message when we feed them first.”
When the crisis hit, the snack packs were even more critical. In Kenya, despite all the challenges, ministry continued with the help of funds for food sent by FMP. One of our CGBox leaders there wrote,
“Sometimes I wish the whole congregation could have the commitment these children have… they have devoted their lives to do God’s will… even though they come from poor backgrounds, this has not hindered them from preaching the Good News.”
The president of Foursquare Kenya recently wrote FMP saying,
“On behalf of the children’s ministry in Kenya, we thank you for the support you have given to the children which has led to their growth, both spiritually and physically.”
Egypt
In Egypt, where the CGBox ministry has seen hundreds of street children clothed, fed, and given the gospel, funds from FMP helped their outreach during the pandemic, reaching 200 of these orphans, giving them shoes, clothing, food, and the gospel.
While in Honduras, our gospel resources were used by a local couple to bless their street children suffering from the restaurant closures. They also fed and comforted these kids, and do so on an ongoing basis.
Honduras
Venezuela
Even in America, families that have lost jobs due to the shutdown faced essential food and gas needs. One local church, ministering in an economically challenged city, was assisted by FMP donors to be able to feed and give gas cards to hundreds of local residents in need, often praying over them, in Jesus’ name.
Although the pandemic continues, FMP and CGBox ministries will also continue to ship resources and wire funds where most necessary. Your prayers and support make it possible.
