Each Thursday Cru, the parent organization of FamilyLife, releases a COVID-19 update with ministry paramiters on travel and in-person ministry. Just about a month ago (6/2) the subject line of this email was ‘Good News and Important Changes’. This email spoke of heading into the ‘recovery phase’ of the virus and a slow return to ‘normal’. The subject line from the email today? ‘Equipped for the Marathon’ – not exactly where we hoped to be. The email begins with “The past couple of weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster for the spread of the virus around the nation. Some states are hitting new highs in the rate of transmission while others have been able to limit the spread. As we embrace the realities of COVID-19, I have seen the need to shift from a sprinter’s mentality to that of a marathoner. I’ve found that both perspectives require courage, wisdom and perseverance, all qualities that God promises to provide for His children. I also know that there is a finish line for each course. I’m praying today that God encourages you with the truth of His promise that “The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness O Lord is everlasting.” (Ps. 138:8 NASB)”
Though I wish we were about at the end of the sprint, too, I am encouraged to see the different ways that our organization is shifting to share the gospel in new ways for the marathon. Consider this story…
In one Asian country, our staff members, together with partnering churches and disciples, have launched a strategy of distributing 1 million face masks to reach 1 million people for Christ. They are working with a ministry partner who has direct contact with a company that produces face masks.
Each mask is distributed with an evangelistic booklet and a note that says, “If you would like to have true peace, please visit these websites.” The three websites have videos, messages, music, and articles to help point the recipients to Christ. One of the sites contains the “JESUS” film in the local language.
After one week, they had given away 700,000 face masks across the country. This initiative brought unexpected results. Since the government had ordered everyone to wear face masks when they leave their homes, the local people saw that Christians were concerned for them by providing this necessity. Some people shed tears when they were approached, as they felt valued and cared for. Plus, this initiative has helped ease restrictions for the church planters and disciples involved, because the authorities saw that the Christians were helping the communities. To date, 850,000 facemasks and booklets have been distributed through 805 churches in 63 provinces or cities in this highly secure country. What a remarkable example of reaching as many people as possible in a way that the current crisis makes possible.
Watch you mail for the July Riedy Reader to read of other creative was ministry is still going on in the current marathon circumstances!