IPHC > World Missions Ministries > People to People
Editor's note: Following is a letter from Jimme and Angie Pope, People to People regional coordinators for East Africa, and
What a wonderful opportunity it is to be servants of God and to be His hands extended to help the needy just at the very moment that they feel like giving up hope. That was our privilege as People to People Coordinators here in
I sat in my car preparing and praying about the message I was about to share with the displaced families who had experienced something that I myself could not comprehend physically, but asking God to give a word that would let these individuals know that He Himself had been where they were and that He understood their pain.
The Spirit took me to the cross and gave me such an inspiring revelation of that day on the cross, where He Himself suffered, yet found strength to forgive, and gave insight to what a true vision is; which is to look around at others who are also suffering and take our eyes off ourselves so that we can reach out to those thieves on the right and left of us.
I watched as many slowly made there way into our church, some I have never met before because they are members of other IPH Churches in the surrounding areas. They looked so heavy, with no expression, no expectations because of all they have seen and experienced in the last few weeks.
Are these believers I asked myself? Do they not know that God is with them even in this storm? Where is their faith? You know, that is so easy to say when you are standing on the other side of the fence. What if I was in their shoes? How would others see me?
God, give me a word that will bring healing to their mind, body, and soul and remove all bitterness that they feel against those who persecuted them.
What a powerful day as these people shared with us at the end that they had gone back to the cross where their Savior had suffered for them. They recognized that they themselves was once that thief who was a nobody and full of sin. That His love was so strong that He gave of Himself so that they may have life and have it more abundantly.
How even in the depth of His pain He cried out, “God forgive them for they know not what they do.” They new they had to see those who persecuted them through the eyes of Jesus and forgive them.
They saw the thief who said “remember me” and was encouraged by Jesus himself who was feeling the same pain and suffering, yet looked to him and encouraged him and comforted him. So must we be that to others who don’t know Jesus, who needs to be encouraged and told of a Savior who cares about what they are going through.
God again was faithful as He was that day on the cross! He still looks at us and speaks such encouraging words that comfort us through our very darkest storms. He remembers us at that very hour that we want to give up.
These people didn’t look at themselves as displaced spiritually. They knew that they had a place in paradise with their Heavenly Father that awaited them when He called them home.
They were encouraged, not just because of the monetary gift that we gave them before they left, but because of eternal life, that no one could ever take from them. It was a good day for Jim,
Jim and
We want to thank everyone at the People To People headquarters that made this day successful. We want to especially thank those who reached deeply into their pockets and gave so those who had been affected could be effected with a new hope. You are always faithful, and you bless us in our desperate times of need. We send back blessings of prayers over each one of you, that you will be spiritually touched in a new and special way.
Thank you,
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