Hey there,
International Development Week is acknowledged across our nation from February 6th to 12th. This week Canadian contributions to partnerships across the world are highlighted as they relate to reducing poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and encouraging sustainable development.
As followers of Jesus part of the EMCC, this provides a unique opportunity for us to reflect on language used in the Way of Jesus.
I am being sent by Jesus to bless others and invite them to follow Him.
This posture of freely sharing whatever measure of resource or blessing we have was demonstrated by the Colossians. Paul brings a particular encouragement at the start of his letter to them:
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace” Colossians 1:3-6 (NIV).
This week, World Partners will share stories of how global partners continue to address their community development needs as disciple-makers. In some cases, EMCC has played a particular role in growing these partners' capacity to bless those around them, which has further increased their own capacity. We are humbled to learn from their example.
Below is a video interview with Sandra Tjart, Paulo Sergio da Silva, and Alex Alves de Oliveira, discussing the impact of SIMUB – the education arm of the Missionary Church of Brazil. The legacy of Ron Faw’s life, and his work together with Janette, is bearing new fruit. Under Paulo Sergio’s leadership, the national church is investing to make this education digitally available across the country. Their capacity to bless and equip others is increasing, even in unlikely places – like prison cells.
