March 2022 Global Reach Update
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. … Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” – Jesus, in Matt. 24:6-8,12-14. It's happening again: a major land war in Europe. For those of us who remember the Soviet Union and the constant threat of nuclear war, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 awoke long-buried fears of WW3. Not surprisingly, numerous people on Facebook are talking about Christ’s return and the end of the world – you can sense the panic of many. Among the many points Jesus makes in Matt. 24 as He teaches about “the end,” there are two items we should hear very clearly: #1 – Don’t be alarmed. Rumors of wars and the “what ifs” cause us to veer toward panic and extremism (i.e. warmongering on one hand and isolationism on the other). Christians need to trust Jesus’ encouragement in John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” #2 – The end won’t happen until ALL the nations have heard the gospel. According to the Joshua Project, there are still over 7,400 people groups (“nations”) that haven’t yet heard of Jesus’ saving work. The Great Commission to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19) is still very much in force, so let us obey our Lord and share the good news! News from Global Reach:
Financial Update At the end of February, Cooperative receipts totaled $92,845, an INCREASE of 29.5% from last year. THANK YOU for faithfully supporting the work of the General Conference! Cooperative funds come from church benevolences to their regions, which then send a portion to the CGGC. Global Reach receives funding for operations – including staff salaries and office/travel expenses – out of Cooperative giving. Your church and conference giving is critically important for the ongoing work of Global Reach! Designated giving totaled $111,403, an INCREASE of 17.8% from last year. THANK YOU for your wonderful generosity! Designated funds provide most of the funding for all Global Reach ministries and missionaries, which makes any decline a serious concern. Please prayerfully consider how the Lord directs you to respond. And consider how you can help broadcast these needs to others. Thank you so much for investing in heavenly treasures. “He is no fool who gives up that we cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose” – Jim Eliot. Below are some of the areas of shortfall, but please contact Ben Tobias ([email protected]) or Travis Helm ([email protected]) for more specific and up-to-date information.Ben Tobias, Global Reach Director [email protected] Travis Helm, Global Reach Assistant Director t[email protected] Jenn Schlumbohm, Global Reach Administrative Assistant JennS@cggc.org |
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