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SfK March 2020 Newsletter
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| "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4) |
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As the world monitors and responds in fear of the outbreak of the coronavirus, we as Christians put our hope and trust in the Lord. Because of our faith, we should respond differently and shine brightly during these uncertain and fearful times.
The following discussion is from a Christian Freedom International article that was posted on February 19, 2020. How we respond in times when we feel powerless may offer a greater opportunity for growth for us and to witness to others.
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Christians and Coronavirus: “We Are Facing a Test of our Faith”
February 19, 2020
( https://christianfreedom.org/christians-and-coronavirus/)
As the number of death and infections climb from the coronavirus, Christians are reaching out to help even as oppressive governments clamp down.
- In China, Christians hand out aid and masks – and share Jesus. Government officials reportedly initially arrested Christians and confiscated the aid. Tough new laws restricting Christian activity, teachings, and communication came into full effect on Feb 1.
- North Korea has sealed its borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Christian Freedom International’s partners are getting rice and Bibles into North Korea in bottles carried by river currents.
- Pastors in Wuhan encourage Christians not to fear and to pray. A new seminary — one of the largest seminaries in China –is in Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus.
An anonymous pastor in Wuhan wrote a heartfelt guide for Christians worldwide:
It is readily apparent that we are facing a test of our faith.
The situation is so critical, yet (we are) trusting in the Lord’s promises, that his thoughts toward us are of peace, and not evil (Jeremiah. 29:11), and that he allows for a time of testing, not to destroy us, but to establish us. Therefore, Christians are not only to suffer with the people of this city, but we have a responsibility to pray for those in this city who are fearful, and to bring to them the peace of Christ.
First, we are to seek the peace of Christ to reign in their hearts (Hebrews 3:15). Christ has already given us his peace, but his peace is not to remove us from disaster and death, but rather to have peace in the midst of disaster and death, because Christ has already overcome these things (John 14:27, 16:33). Otherwise we have not believed in the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15), and, with the world, would be terrified of pestilence, and lose hope in the face of death.
Why do only Christians have this peace? Because of sin, humans deserve the trials and tribulations that come upon them, Jehovah says: the wicked have no peace (Isaiah 48:22). We were all sinners, but Christ, because of faith, took our penalty and gave us his peace. Therefore Paul says, who can bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (Romans 8:33). Christians may with the world face the same tribulations, but such tribulations are no longer punishment, but a new opportunity to grow nearer to the Almighty, to purify our souls, and an opportunity to proclaim the gospel.
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Ministry Updates
1. February 2020 - SfK Life and SfK Korea board meetings and their respective business plans and budgets were approved. All missional businesses that belong to SfK MB Community are also preparing their own business plans and budgets. Please pray that all businesses will gain God's favor in carrying out the business plans even under challenging circumstances..
2. February 2020 - Sri Lanka trip. We identified a young entrepreneur who is beginning a journey towards an IT business. Please pray that he will persevere to develop into a missional entrepreneur in His perfect time.
3. February 2020 - Focused Training in Kathmandu. SfK trained 7 leadership members, including a couple of board members for a week, and approximately 15 staff on certain general management topics. We praise the Lord for our agreement to serve Him and His Kingdom together as part of the SfK Missional Business Community. Please pray that this new found relationship will grow deeper and fruitful.
4. February 2020 - Kathmandu, Nepal. During the focused training, SfK had follow up meetings with the graduates of SfK MBA BCT Kathmandu 2019 and a few potential missional entrepreneurs. The meetings were fruitful. Please pray that they will continue taking necessary steps towards achieving holistic transformation impact in the lives of people they serve.
5. February 2020 - Focused Training in a South Asia nation. SfK provided an intensive training for key personnel with this missional business. After the training, this business became a member of the SfK MB Community. We praise the Lord! Please pray that this missional business in this nation of high persecution index will continue developing into the salt and light of the society and the nation.
6. February 2020 -- Tbilisi Georgia. SfK spent several days with a missional entrepreneur who graduated from the SfK MBA BCT Irvine, California 2018 to brainstorm a road map toward a missional business. We met an American BAMer who runs a successful food chain store. Their story was inspiring and encouraging. Please pray that the steps to be taken in the next 12 months will pave the way towards an effective missional business for this important region.
7. February 2020 - Madrid, Spain. SfK spent a few days with a Kingdom Fellow to explore how he may participate in the SfK Ministries more effectively. Our dialogue was cordial. Please pray that we will continue discovering the ways to attain the collaboration for His Kingdom.
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Upcoming Events & Prayer Requests
- March 2020 - Trip to Tunis, Tunisia - SfK will make a short trip to Tunis, Tunisia to explore the potential opportunities to serve in this nation.
Please pray that the meetings will be fruitful.
- April 2020 - Trip to Morocco - SfK will explore the ways to serve in this nation.
Please pray that the Lord will show us the way to meet right people in His perfect time.
- April 2020 - Trip to Cairo, Egypt - SfK will spend several days with a missional entrepreneur who graduated from SfK MBA BCT Phnom Penhh 2019 to explore the ways to work towards holistic transformation in this strategically important nation.
Please pray that the meeting will bear much fruit.
- April 2020 - FBA Forum in Jomtien, Thailand - This event has been canceled due to the COVID-19 that continues to spread.
Please pray that FBA may draw God's wisdom in taking the next steps.
- April/May 2020 - BAM Congress - This global event has been rescheduled to 2021.
Please pray that the leadership and organizers may depend on God's guidance until the next schedule is determined.
- May 2020 - Hesed Cambodia - SfK will provide a follow up training for the leadership of Hesed Cambodia to enhance their leadership and business management skills.
Please pray that this missional business will continue developing into an exemplary one to be modeled by other businesses.
- May 2020 - SfK Life in-person board meeting - SfK Life Corporation will hold its annual in-person board meeting in Southern California in May 2020. Please pray that the meeting will review what the Lord has been doing and ;lay the foundation for future plans.
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Thank you for standing with us in equipping and empowering missional businesses in Asia and Africa through your prayer and financial support.
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May the good and faithful Lord bless you abundantly and keep you from many challenges, including COVID-19, so that you may become a greater blessing to people in need around you and around the world!
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Consider a charitable contribution in partnering with SfK
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