Hope is not Gone
Hope is alive. His name is Jesus!
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4
Our hope has always been and will always be in the cross of Jesus! In this unprecedented time with an unwavering focus on Him, we will not only survive; we will THRIVE!
As I write this note to you, I am all alone at the offices of Haggai International. I just returned from the shopping center across the street, where I picked up birthday flowers for a Haggai team member who will be in tomorrow to process contributions. I drove all the way to the end of the shopping center, on purpose, to see all the empty, dark stores and restaurants, with signs posted on the doors – all CLOSED!
For me, the feeling is similar to the weeks after 9-11, but the emptiness feels even larger, so much more significant in the time of COVID-19. Prior to these last few weeks, if we could step back and watch our individual lives from afar, much like we watch a movie, we would see ourselves in motion – getting out of the car, walking into a meeting, turning to speak to someone, entering a restaurant to meet friends – when all of a sudden the pause button is tapped. Everything stopped!
In a matter of a few days, life shifted dramatically for everyone. It made me acutely aware of our Haggai leaders who routinely face various threats in their own countries each and every day. In the West, we rarely experience the disruptions that are all too familiar to these leaders. When they talk about these events, they clearly express concern, but they move quickly to framing them as “opportunities” to engage with others about the grace and mercy of our God through Jesus. Unlike most of us, they have had multiple opportunities and much practice in disciplining their minds to focus on HIM!
After 9-11, Dr. John wrote these words in Notes From My Diary, “The nations may seal their borders, close their airports, and jam radio signals, but the H.I. alumni — thoroughly qualified, occupying leadership positions in their nations, knowing the culture, and self-supporting — these men and women are ‘on the ground’ and are able to function no matter what rules the government may make.”
It gives me great comfort that in spite of what is going on globally, our leaders are finding ways to reach others with the Good News of the Gospel. In times like these, people are open to the Gospel, as they seek something to alleviate the fears and give meaning to their lives.
Thank you for your partnership! The world may have temporarily “stopped,” but the Gospel is reaching many, because of your faithfulness. We are praying for you and your families!
For the Gospel,
Dr. Bev Williams
CEO, Haggai International
Hope is not Gone
Hope is alive. His name is Jesus!
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4
Our hope has always been and will always be in the cross of Jesus! In this unprecedented time with an unwavering focus on Him, we will not only survive; we will THRIVE!
As I write this note to you, I am all alone at the offices of Haggai International. I just returned from the shopping center across the street, where I picked up birthday flowers for a Haggai team member who will be in tomorrow to process contributions. I drove all the way to the end of the shopping center, on purpose, to see all the empty, dark stores and restaurants, with signs posted on the doors – all CLOSED!
For me, the feeling is similar to the weeks after 9-11, but the emptiness feels even larger, so much more significant in the time of COVID-19. Prior to these last few weeks, if we could step back and watch our individual lives from afar, much like we watch a movie, we would see ourselves in motion – getting out of the car, walking into a meeting, turning to speak to someone, entering a restaurant to meet friends – when all of a sudden the pause button is tapped. Everything stopped!
In a matter of a few days, life shifted dramatically for everyone. It made me acutely aware of our Haggai leaders who routinely face various threats in their own countries each and every day. In the West, we rarely experience the disruptions that are all too familiar to these leaders. When they talk about these events, they clearly express concern, but they move quickly to framing them as “opportunities” to engage with others about the grace and mercy of our God through Jesus. Unlike most of us, they have had multiple opportunities and much practice in disciplining their minds to focus on HIM!
After 9-11, Dr. John wrote these words in Notes From My Diary, “The nations may seal their borders, close their airports, and jam radio signals, but the H.I. alumni — thoroughly qualified, occupying leadership positions in their nations, knowing the culture, and self-supporting — these men and women are ‘on the ground’ and are able to function no matter what rules the government may make.”
It gives me great comfort that in spite of what is going on globally, our leaders are finding ways to reach others with the Good News of the Gospel. In times like these, people are open to the Gospel, as they seek something to alleviate the fears and give meaning to their lives.
Thank you for your partnership! The world may have temporarily “stopped,” but the Gospel is reaching many, because of your faithfulness. We are praying for you and your families!
For the Gospel,
Dr. Bev Williams
CEO, Haggai International
Hope is not Gone
Hope is alive. His name is Jesus!
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4
Our hope has always been and will always be in the cross of Jesus! In this unprecedented time with an unwavering focus on Him, we will not only survive; we will THRIVE!
As I write this note to you, I am all alone at the offices of Haggai International. I just returned from the shopping center across the street, where I picked up birthday flowers for a Haggai team member who will be in tomorrow to process contributions. I drove all the way to the end of the shopping center, on purpose, to see all the empty, dark stores and restaurants, with signs posted on the doors – all CLOSED!
For me, the feeling is similar to the weeks after 9-11, but the emptiness feels even larger, so much more significant in the time of COVID-19. Prior to these last few weeks, if we could step back and watch our individual lives from afar, much like we watch a movie, we would see ourselves in motion – getting out of the car, walking into a meeting, turning to speak to someone, entering a restaurant to meet friends – when all of a sudden the pause button is tapped. Everything stopped!
In a matter of a few days, life shifted dramatically for everyone. It made me acutely aware of our Haggai leaders who routinely face various threats in their own countries each and every day. In the West, we rarely experience the disruptions that are all too familiar to these leaders. When they talk about these events, they clearly express concern, but they move quickly to framing them as “opportunities” to engage with others about the grace and mercy of our God through Jesus. Unlike most of us, they have had multiple opportunities and much practice in disciplining their minds to focus on HIM!
After 9-11, Dr. John wrote these words in Notes From My Diary, “The nations may seal their borders, close their airports, and jam radio signals, but the H.I. alumni — thoroughly qualified, occupying leadership positions in their nations, knowing the culture, and self-supporting — these men and women are ‘on the ground’ and are able to function no matter what rules the government may make.”
It gives me great comfort that in spite of what is going on globally, our leaders are finding ways to reach others with the Good News of the Gospel. In times like these, people are open to the Gospel, as they seek something to alleviate the fears and give meaning to their lives.
Thank you for your partnership! The world may have temporarily “stopped,” but the Gospel is reaching many, because of your faithfulness. We are praying for you and your families!
For the Gospel,
Dr. Bev Williams
CEO, Haggai International
