by Jon Konnerup
Not only are there economic issues affecting our missionaries’ outreach, but also natural disasters affecting our missionaries’ ministries and the people to whom God has sent them. The flooding in the Philippines and the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile have wreaked havoc. They have been devastating to the believers in those countries as they have lost family members, homes, and churches.
The wonderful fact about BBFI-affiliated churches is that they have a heart for missions and concern for the people in these affected countries. Since the flooding in the Philippines, $62,730.71 has been sent to various missionaries whose people and works have been affected. Also, $457,848.83 has been sent for the relief and rebuilding efforts in Haiti.
Just when things seemed to be overwhelming, on February 27, 2010, our missionaries in Chile were awakened by an 8.8 earthquake and an average of 20 aftershocks for the next few days.
Word from our missionaries has been that none of them were injured and so far no one in their many churches was killed or received major injuries. However, there has been much property damage.
Church leaders have worked alongside the missionaries to provide medical relief and assistance during the initial stages. The missionaries are formulating a plan right now to begin the reconstruction phase for their church buildings. Damage is being assessed and the process for rebuilding is being planned.
The Mission Office has set the Chile Relief Fund to receive special funds to assist the missionaries and local churches as they rebuild and reach out to their communities. One hundred percent of what is sent will be given directly to the needs in Chile.
As a reminder, don’t forget to plan to attend the Cebu Global Fellowship Meeting on February 21-24, 2011, in Cebu, Philippines. It will be a wonderful time of fellowship with other church leaders and believers from around the world. Already there are people from all over Asia, Mexico, Europe, South America, and the U.S.A. who are making plans to attend.
To learn more about this event and for travel information, go to www.Cebu2011.com.