Yoder Update - October 2021

View in Browser

We have chickens and enjoy the fresh eggs they provide for us. There is one chicken that is constantly roosting and never seems to come out into the yard like the others. Every time I go out to the chicken coop, she is sitting there on eggs that are laid protecting them. When I gather eggs each day she puffs up as I reach under her to get any eggs she may be sitting on. Sometimes she pecks at my hand and if I don’t get the egg fast enough, she will push the egg back under herself where it will be safe and warm.  This often reminds me of Psalm 91:4. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

I have been asked about the safety of the CWO staff by many people over the last year. This is, of course, partly due to the COVID pandemic and wanting to know if staff are safe from health concerns. It is also due to reports of riots, strikes, natural disasters, political instability and all the other challenges going on in the world today. Voice of the Martyrs list Burkina Faso as “hostile”. Because of Christians in Burkina being the target of attacks, Voice of the Martyrs reports that, “More than 200 churches have reportedly closed in northern and eastern Burkina Faso due to security issues and threat of attack. As many as 10,000 Christians have fled their homes as a result of violence and threats against Christians. Nearly 800,000 people in total have been displaced by the conflict, adding to an already strained economy amid political uncertainty." “Buddhists are the primary persecutors, sometimes led by Buddhist monks who openly stir up communities against the Christians who live among them. Hindus also oppose evangelism and conversion to Christianity.” This is why Voice of the Martyrs also lists Sri Lanka as hostile.

The situation in Haiti is tense and unpredictable more than ever. Staff and leaders never know what tomorrow will bring as they continue to minister there. Zimbabwe is much the same with the economic instability. Recent civil unrest in South Africa caused ministry to be put on hold for a short time.  I do praise God that I have been able to report that our staff and leaders have been safe and healthy despite all that is going on. We were concerned when Blessing, who is a valuable staff member in Zimbabwe, was very ill but God saw fit that she recovered. I would also ask you to pray for the CWO staff in Burkina Faso, Haiti, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe as they navigate through all the different issues each country is going through. Pray for the CWO staff and leaders as Jesus did in John 17:15 “My prayer is not that you take them out of this world but that you protect them from the evil one.”

Also, pray that the staff and leaders will remember passages like the following ones as they face unsafe times. There is no safer place to be but under the wings of our God.  “So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6   “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.” Psalms 16:8-9   “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.” Psalms 138:7-8 Thank you for praying. Thank you for encouraging. Thank you for giving. Serving Together, Greg and Laura

Visit our website

Contact Us

Donate Today

Give anytime between November 1 and Colorado Gives Day on December 7! Just click HERE and give. All our Colorado Gives Day donations this year will go to our Single Moms Raising Sons ministry.

Christian World Outreach 303-723-0333 cwomissions.org [email protected]

‌ ‌ ‌