Thank you for your prayers for the challenging situations in Romania, Nigeria, and the Philippines. God is at work but more prayer is needed.
(1) In Romania, the massive demonstrations have continued daily but there has been no further violence. The doctor who quit his position to protest the proposed new health care law has returned to work after the new law was set aside, ending the crisis that caused the demonstrations in the first place. Now the opposition parties are taking advantage of the demonstrations to call for President Basescu to step down and call for early parliamentary elections, hoping for political gain. Responding to their call 7,000 demonstrated in Bucharest on Thursday and with smaller crowds in other cities. Wednesday, President Basescu agreed to the creation of an economic council of experts from the government and the opposition parties to sit down together to find new ways to create jobs so Romanian young people will not have to seek jobs in other nations. Pray that this move will bring an end to the demonstrations and that all political parties will work together in peaceful cooperation for the sake of the Romanian people. Pray that God will give the leaders wisdom in dealing with the challenges they face, a heart to seek after Him, and a desire to become servant leaders who will put the welfare of the Romanian people first before personal political advantage.
(2) In Nigeria, the situation continues to deteriorate in the North. The militant Islamist group Boko Haram planted a bomb that destroyed the regional police headquarters in Kano, the second largest city in Nigeria. This group has already been responsible for killing 76 people this month alone. They have vowed to kill every Christian and burn every church in the nation. President Jonathan has closed border crossings and airports in an effort to keep jihadists from entering Nigeria to join in the “holy war”. Pray for God’s protection for His children and His intervention in bringing peace to this troubled nation. Pray for wisdom for President Jonathan to know best how to deal with this threat.
(3) Good news from Mindanao. The flooding continues but we have received no further reports of churches or homes being destroyed. We have a great opportunity set before us. The tribal people have been working hard in setting up FAITH gardens (Food Always In The Home). These gardens provide opportunity for the people to grow their own food and also to sell the excess to earn an income so the ministry can become more self supporting. We have been giving the opportunity to purchase a large heavy duty truck which will enable the people to ship their produce to the lowlands where they can earn better prices. The same truck can also transport ministry teams to bring the Gospel into new areas. We can purchase this truck for just $3,000.
We have an opportunity to buy a truck like this one for only $3,000
The problem is we simply do not have the money to do so. We spent all our resources to go to West Africa to encourage the Believers there. That was clearly God’s timing, especially for the Believers in Nigeria who were so blessed and encouraged in the light of what they are now being faced with. In fact, we are still paying for the airline tickets that made that trip possible. We have no way to take advantage of this opportunity but our God is not broke. There is no recession or joblessness in heaven. God is more than able to meet this need. Please pray with us that God will touch the hearts of those He wants to bless with this opportunity to have a lasting impact on the ministry on Mindanao. Thank you in advance for your continued prayers.
GOD LOVES YOU!!!
Rev. Howard & Barbara Gard
Church Triumphant
www.churchtriumphant.com
hgard@juno.com
PS – We have attached photos of the tribal FAITH gardens and of a truck similar to the one we have been offered.
This FAITH garden will provide food for this tribal village.These tribal people are learning how to grow their own food.