Is it possible to hold on to hope, our hope in Jesus Christ, in our eternity with Him, yet still feel heartbroken? God knows we are human, He knows we are imperfect, He knows we will fail, stumble, and even sometimes fall. For this reason, His Word is full of encouragement for us. We’d like to give you a couple of verses to ponder, meditate, memorize, keep in your heart, and share with those around you.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
"The Lord is near the broken hearted; He delivers those who are discouraged.” Psalm 34:18
"God is our refuge and strength; a well proven help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the Earth be removed.” Psalm 46:1-2 | | This newsletter is different. We are usually bursting to tell you about a child, Abuelito, mom, dad, family, project, something that has us excited and keeping us busy. To be honest, with this newsletter our staff is feeling powerless. It’s a weird feeling to have when you are used to coming to the rescue, when you are used to fighting for those in need, and now we have to stay home. After a lot of prayer, we are sure that staying home and closing ministry projects for a time is the best decision to have made even though it is the hardest choice for Impacto to make.
It’s hard to wrap our head around the fact that the entire world is experiencing the same situation. People are having to make the same hard decisions, feeling the same heartbreak, praying the same prayers, and looking for the same answers.
Not having teams is something we miss more than we know how to express! Teams give us such encouragement and support. Those of you who have had to cancel, please reschedule for 2021!
So, let’s all come together as the body of Christ, and lift our eyes to Him. Don’t let go of hope, seek Him every minute of every day, it is now the time when we must share the Gospel as much as we can through every platform available. And, in Jesus’ Name, we will see victory, for we must remember, He has already won the war! | | “...Stand fast in the Lord, beloved." Philippians 4:1b | | Sadly, this corner comes in the middle of a crisis -- Coronavirus, or COVID-19. But, there are so many passages in the Bible that will motivate you in dealing with this crisis. Today I want to share a short devotional of 4 basic principles found in Philippians.
In Philippians 4:1b it says, “stand fast in the Lord, beloved.”
This means that there is temptation to become depressed, to be bored. But, to "stand fast" means for us to not part from His presence, reading His Word, and praying. This corner wouldn’t be big enough to go into detail of each principle, but in verse 2 in talks about unity. It mentions Euodia and Syntyche that were having trouble in being united. Paul urges them to come together, during times of crisis such as the one we are now facing. One of the best things we can do is to be united as brothers and sisters in Christ.
I have received phone calls and emails, asking if Dinora and I are doing well, if we need food, if we need money. Everyone is constantly asking how they can help and I think this is the best attitude we can have as Christians in times such as these.
Then, Paul also tells the Philippians to help the ones in need, and in verse 4, it’s interesting when Paul says, “rejoice in the Lord always.” Knowing that Paul wrote this letter from prison is very impressive. It’s almost hard to comprehend why Paul wants us to rejoice, but he knows that the joy of the Lord is our strength. In verse 6 it says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” As a result verse 7 says, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
So, these are 4 principles for us to experience to the peace of the Lord - To stand fast in the Lord
- To stay in His presence
- That we be united and help those in need
- To rejoice in the Lord always and to present our requests with thanksgiving
And He will give us His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
May we have peace and may the joy of the Lord be our strength.
Blessings to all. | | We thank you for your continued prayer and financial support. While we are not able right now to carry out our ministry projects like normal, we are gearing up and preparing for when the President of Guatemala allows us to return to "business as usual." We are well aware that many of our Happy Tummies' families, Abuelitos, workers, pastors, Bible Institute students, etc., will need help and we'll do our best to provide whatever support we possibly can.
In Maryland, where our office is located, our volunteer is now unable to get into the office to pick up checks. So, if you've sent a check, please be patient with us. Once the "stay in place" order is lifted, our volunteer will once again begin picking up checks from the office and depositing them in the bank.
Here in Guatemala, anyone caught out between 4 pm and 4 am who is not a "first responder" is automatically put in jail for 30 days.
If you would like to give to Impacto quickly, online gifts via PayPal are coming through daily.
We all appreciate your prayers, emails, and faithful financial support. | | When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 | | | WANT TO STAY IN TOUCH? check our website or e-mail us for more information. | | | | SUPPORT OUR MINISTRY Support Impacto by shopping consciously through AmazonSmile. | | | | | | | | |
