Philippians 1:12-14 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
I have been deeply changed by what I have experienced in the past year. I have seen a nation divided, fall into war. I have seen people separated from their loved ones, homes, ancestral lands, jobs, schools and their futures.
I have seen mothers lose children and fathers lose all hope for the future. But I have also seen something amazing in the midst of all of this pain and suffering. I have seen people touched by the living Word of God. I have seen people spiritually and emotionally lifted out of terrible circumstances. And I have seen a people who could not smile, laugh, play, relax or enjoy life begin again to find hope in their God. I have seen a rebirth of faith in the future for those who trust in Jesus Christ as their God, Savior and Compassionate, Loving Lord.
Like Paul the Apostle, these people were put in chains, not literal chains, but emotional and psychological chains that would not allow them to have hope for the future. Like Paul, they have found that these same chains have served to advance the cause of Christ in their lives. Many of them became believers in Christ because of their terrible circumstances. Others had become complacent and fell away from the faith and have now returned to a burning passion for Christ.
Gospel For Africa, with the help of our supporters like you has been able to give much needed comfort through Christ Jesus to the Ivorian Refugees in Ghana. We have provided a large tent that holds up to 500 people for church services and public activities in the camp. We teach the Word of God every Sunday and Wednesday and other days during the month. We have provided Sunday School for the children and a time for sports, games and activities during the week. God allowed us to give food, cloths, shoes, lights, batteries, toiletries, woman’s items, newborn items, soaps, medicines and more. We pray for the sick in the camp regularly and God heals them.
Our church plant in Cote d’ Ivoire is doing much better now. We have obtained another place to meet and have begun to meet regularly again. The group is small now and we can not find many of our former members. But God is faithful. He will rebuild His church in His perfect timing.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. The job is not finished yet. We still need your help. Please pray about how you can make Gospel For Africa known to your friends, family and co-workers so they too can have an opportunity to bless the people of Africa.
The Gospel Is Not Chained,
Pastor Chris Jones