I am sitting at the desk of our EGM-Romania Director praying
for our field research team in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The
ministry in Romania is thriving and is celebrating nearly ten years of fruitful
ministry. We are taking our first steps toward launching a new ministry in the
DRC. In both places, we are working to see children transformed in Christ.
Praying for the children of East Africa and serving alongside our team in
Romania, I am reminded of the vast world of children and their varied needs. In
Romania, there is an emerging middle class and along with the economic advances
comes the hollow promise of true happiness through material wealth. In the DRC,
our team is confronting the material plight and spiritual darkness that is so
evident. In all of that, I am reminded of the real need shared by all children.
My colleague, Joe Cox stated it eloquently when commenting
on the DRC "Their physical needs (though alarmingly acute) are not their
greatest need." The Congolese have been broken by war, disease, poverty,
corruption and violence. Enormous efforts from outsiders have been dedicated to
meet the need for food, education and housing but most have not had any real
long-term effect. Hopelessness has destroyed a spirit of initiative, even among
Christians, and as a result, there abides a great spiritual need as the
children are hungry to know the love of Christ and the life giving truth of
God’s Word.
This is the greatest need; to introduce children to Jesus
Christ and help them experience the forgiveness and new life that He has for
them. Children here in Romania, in East Africa and at home in Southern
California can experience the love, joy and hope that comes only through Jesus
Christ. This is the real transformation that God offers and desires for boys
and girls across the globe. I am praying that boys and girls can have all of
their needs met in Christ Jesus! Thanks for joining in that prayer.
