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"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
(Psalms 23:1-3)
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In light of the civil unrest in the U.S., we would like to take a pause and lift up a prayer for our country:
"Oh Lord,
we pray that Your name be lifted high even in the midst of all social unrest and division taking place in the U.S. and around the world. We believe that Your justice will prevail. Please restore social justice and eradicate the racism that divides and destroys our great nation. It is rooted in hatred and injustice, and we ask you, oh Lord, to heal our country for You are the God of unity. Prince of Peace, give us wisdom and compassion and help us take actions that are necessary to correct the issues in a way that will bring unity, peace and understanding.
In His name, we pray. Amen."
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| The following article is by Peter K. Greer, President and CEO of Hope International. It was originally posted on Mr. Greer's blog site on June 2, 2020.
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When Not Helping HurtsJune 2, 2020
By Peter K. Greer( https://www.peterkgreer.com/2020/06/02/when-not-helping-hurts/)
The coronavirus pandemic is having a devastating economic impact on people living in global poverty. We are in a moment that requires immediate, full-scale relief.
Such a statement may come as a surprise to those who know me. As head of a Christian organization focused on economic development and microfinance, I have been a vocal critic of indiscriminate charity and long-term handouts. Too often, misapplied relief is like a Band-Aid stuck on a broken bone. Instead, it’s jobs and sustainable development that can make a marked difference in the lives of individuals, families, and even entire communities.
Spending the last 20 years in international development, I’ve seen firsthand how charity efforts have not only failed to help but have caused lasting damage in communities around the globe. Books like Dead Aid, Toxic Charity, and When Helping Hurts have put to paper what the world has experienced when aid has been misapplied.
Yet, over the past few months, even this pro-business, pro-entrepreneur, and pro-sustainability leader has become pro-relief. We’ve seen the coronavirus pandemic wreak havoc across our world—precipitating country-wide lockdowns and sending the global economy into a tailspin. The impact is even more severe among families living in poverty. Many of these families were the least equipped to deal with COVID-19 and have been the most devastated by it.
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Ministry Updates
1.SfK Life board meeting, May 2020 - The SfK Board met via video conference to go over our monthly agenda.
2.SfK Korea board meeting, May 2020 - This board meeting reviewed the operating performance of two businesses in which its holds an equity stake.
3.SfK's emergency relief grant has allowed for many positive outcomes in several countries. Here is another story from Nanuri Ltd. in Rwanda, another member of SfK MB Community. Amidst the COVID pandemic and lock down situation in Rwanda, Nanuri LTD has supplied maize flour, beans, and cooking oils for 538 low-income households (1,891 persons) in 11 churches since March 2020. This was only possible through the relief grant and many generous donors who sent over $12,000 for the last two months.
Nanuri is engaged in operating a medical clinic, a guest house and a Christian academy. Their relief work was based on the following scripture: ‘The poor you will always have with you and you can help them any time you want.’ (Mark 14:7) Praise the Lord who has put the burden of compassion in their hearts.
4.Karen Huduma in Kenya is another member of the SfK MB Community, operating a travel agency, a guest house, an auto repair shop and a used car sales business. Despite its own severe suffering from the COVID-19 lock down, it shared food supplies with its 40 plus neighbors in need. Please pray that the situation ease and stabilize soon.
5.A consulting arm of SfK Network has begun a new business collaboration relationship with a member of SfK Missional Business Community in a South Asian nation. Please pray that this new venture will be mutually beneficial and synergistic for the Kingdom.
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Upcoming Events & Prayer Requests
- SfK Missional Business Academy's E-learning session #1 and session 2 are scheduled for early July and late July, respectively.
Please pray that these pilot sessions will progress effectively for the missional businesses in remote areas.
- SfK Korea in-person board meeting is scheduled to take place in August for two days in August.
Please pray that this planned gathering will gain God's favor and will proceed as planned.
- SfK Korea will continue to refine the details for the business combination transactions currently under discussion, hopefully completed by the end of August.
Please pray that the discussion will be edifying and synergistic for His Kingdom.
- SfK Life is considering a loan to finance the purchase of a building for expansion for a member of SfK Missional Business Community. Please pray that the process will draw godly principles and practices.
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Thank you for standing with us in continuing to equip and empower missional businesses in Asia and Africa through prayer and support during this challenging time. You are an encouragement to our ministry.
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May the faithful Lord bless you abundantly 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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