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:

• The Haiti Executive Team is up and running! Project Help (PHH) Director Mike & Dawn VanDervort are coaching PHH Liaison Denis Droicin and Assistant Watson Joseph as they oversee the various medical, church, and educational ministries of PHH. Also on the Executive Team are Kathi Baker (Treasurer), Rod & Mila Ayers (Secretary), Tim Arthun (vice Chair), Ben Tobias, Travis Helm and Lance Finley. Pray for Haiti as the country continues to deal with political instability and gang activity.
• ACTS Teams to Argentina, Nicaragua, and the Southwest are receiving applications, and the deadline is coming up at the end of March! Please visit Global Reach | Churches of God GC (cggc.org) for more information, or contact ACTS Team Coordinator Hannah Crider (hannahcrider@gmail.com).
• Urgent prayer alert for Charusheela Singha! She has been dealing with cancer for the past year and is very weak. Please lift her up in prayer as well as Samir (Director of the India Mission) and their daughter Madhumita.
• In memoriam: Pastor Carroll McNutt passed into glory on Jan. 29, followed by Pastor James Manning, Sr. on Feb. 8. These two leaders in our Southwest Ministries leave behind a wonderful legacy of ministry in the Navajo nation. Continue to pray for their widows Geneva McNutt and Maybelle Manning, and for the many friends and family who mourn with hope. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Ps. 116:15).
• Urbana 2022 Missions Conference: We’re looking for missions-driven, passionate disciples of Jesus who want to change the world! For over 70 years, the triennial Urbana Missions Conference has gathered many thousands of college-aged young adults and challenged them to cultivate a heart and mind for God’s mission to save the world. Global Reach wants to send a cohort of qualified CGGC young adults to next year’s Conference in Indianapolis (Dec. 28-31), and we will cover the registration costs. Please contact GR Director Ben Tobias (BTobias@cggc.org) to find out about qualifications, and check out the Urbana Missions Conference at URBANA STUDENT MISSIONS CONFERENCE for more information about Urbana.

 
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 (BTobias@cggc.org) or Travis Helm (Travis@cggc.org) for more specific and up-to-date information.Ben Tobias, Global Reach Director
BTobias@cggc.org
Travis Helm, Global Reach Assistant Director
travis@cggc.org
Jenn Schlumbohm, Global Reach Administrative Assistant
JennS@cggc.org