You Are Helping Multiply Disciples Amidst Global Chaos

The Gospel Advances Amid Worldwide Lockdowns and Restrictions
Greetings!

It seems like the world is spinning into more chaos – a militant Islamic authoritarian takeover of terror-laden Afghanistan, horrific Western wildfires and the continual devastation of a worldwide pandemic among undeveloped nations. And yet, thanks to your partnership, the Gospel advances and sometimes flourishes!

Sometimes we all experience the phenomena of "out of sight, out of mind." America has been fortunate to develop multiple vaccines, which about 60% of American adults have received -- AND new booster vaccines coming this fall.

However, many nations will not see their first vaccination until 2022 or longer.

So we wanted to give you some snapshots of just some of the nations where we equip and multiply leaders are experiencing challenges:

  • Laos is in lockdown due to COVID. It is against the law to travel, and you will be imprisoned if you violate the lockdown.
  • Schools in Uganda are on lockdown.
  • Curfews are in place in Morocco to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Tourist destinations are closed.
  • Myanmar is in lockdown. The military is withholding oxygen production for those suffering from Covid.
  • Cases are rapidly rising in Guatemala.
  • There are border closings, stay-at-home orders, and business closures in Brazil.
  • Indonesia is experiencing another wave of Covid. Pastors are dying from the virus.
  • India is experiencing a reprieve as the cases subside after a tsunami of cases in April and May due to a Hindu festival at the Ganges River.
 
What is God doing through all of this? It seems that He is shaking up the world. Suffering also gives an opportunity to reflect on our lives and align our lives with God’s Word.

We know God works in all things to accomplish His purposes. He will never leave us nor forsake us. God is working in all things for the good of those who love Him.
Filipino Church where Pastor died from Covid 19
Over the last month, we have been coordinating update meetings with supporters and national directors. We were greatly encouraged by Henry Ventura when he gave an update on the Philippines. Here was his report.
Henry Ventura, CCI National Coordinator Philippines
People are trusting in Jesus Christ.
Churches are growing.
Leaders are being trained.

One pastor sadly died of Covid 19. But the congregation responded by 38 people signing up for our CCI classes so they could be equipped to do the work the pastor left behind. If your pastor died of Covid, is the church equipped to continue without him? I pray so.

In the Philippines, we now have a record number of people being trained – over 2,072 students. They meet face to face and online. They wear masks in face-to-face classes. People cannot travel from island to island or province to province, but they can meet in small groups.

Henry said, “Covid has been a wake-up call for many people.”

Now is not the time to retreat, but to organize, be trained, get retooled, and grow in our relationship with God. God is working through all of these things for a great harvest of souls. Through this, a great hunger for spiritual things is growing. Thank you for your partnership. 

Also, as many of you know, there was a massive earthquake in SW Haiti, followed by torrential rains from a hurricane. Please see a special article about this and more as you read the rest of the August edition of CCI Equipping and Multiplying News.

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!" 2 Timothy 2:8-9
We greatly appreciate your partnership in ministry.

Grace and Peace,

David Nelson
President & Founder
Crossing Cultures International
Haiti Earthquake Devastation
Haiti Suffers 7.2 Earthquake and Tropical Storm

Continued Prayers Needed for Nation and CCI Leaders
On August 14, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Haiti near the southwestern port city of Les Cayes. At the time of printing, almost 2,000
have died, with many still missing and thousands injured.  The quake was three times greater than the one endured in 2010. 
 
Further complicating the already devastating situation, tropical depression Grace dumped large amounts of rain into the hardest-hit areas causing mudslides and road blockages. Nearly every home, hospital, school and business on the entire peninsula is damaged or destroyed.
 
Praise God that we have received word that all of our staff in Haiti is safe. However, one of our coordinators, Pastor Calixte, has family in Les Cayes, and the earthquake has severely impacted their lives. He and his immediate family are fine, but his in-laws’ home was destroyed. The family will need several tarps of varying sizes, a tent (temporary shelter), a water filter system (gravity type), water jugs, washtubs and freeze-dried foods. Please click here if you would like to contribute to Pastor Calixte’s family.  
Pastor Calixte's In-Laws' Home in Les Cayes, Haiti
Last month a special plea went out for prayer in Haiti. This has only been magnified many-fold. Haiti is still recovering from the assassination of its prime minister on July 7, which produced great instability triggering an uprise in criminal gang violence.  
 
Please pray for all those impacted and for relief responders heading that way. We will keep you updated on CCI’s Social Media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Thank you for your prayers.
In His Own Words

Read how Your Giving Helps Equip and Multiply Leaders in Thailand
Toon Moon Mani CCI Equipped Thailand Leader
"My name is Toon Moon Mani served the Lord at Kham Sawan Church as President of men and women. Thank God for studying the Crossing Cultures International course and learn about the principles of interpreting the Bible. 

In the past, there was no knowledge and understanding of the interpretation of the Bible. But now I learned more about observing, interpreting and applying. 

Now, I've learned a lot more about observing, interpretation and application for self-strengthening and brethren in the church.

I thank God for studying the Crossing Cultures International course and learning about the principles of interpreting the Bible."
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August Edition CCI Equipping and Multiplying News