“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
—James 1:27
James does not describe pure religion as something confined to words, meetings, or good intentions. Pure and undefiled religion moves us to action. It visits people in their trouble, cares for the vulnerable, proclaims the gospel, and demonstrates the love of Jesus Christ in practical ways.
This month, Brenda and I have been especially encouraged to see this Scripture expressed through two ministries with which we have longstanding relationships—one in Myanmar and the other in India.
A New Motorbike for ACR in Myanmar
The ACR orphanage in Myanmar, led by John Mark and Sophia (not their real names), has grown to approximately 32 children. Each child represents a precious life entrusted to their care—a life that must be fed, clothed, sheltered, educated, encouraged, and discipled.
Caring for this many children requires much more than providing a building. It demands faithful service every day. Food and supplies must be purchased and transported. Children have appointments and other needs. Ministry responsibilities require regular travel, often under difficult conditions.
This month, through the generosity of those who gave, we were able to help John Mark and Sophia obtain a new motorbike. To many of us, a motorbike might seem like a simple purchase. For them, however, it is a valuable ministry tool—one that will help them care for the children and carry out their daily responsibilities more effectively.
John Mark and Sophia send their deepest thanks to everyone who helped make this possible. They are profoundly grateful, and so are we.
Their ministry extends beyond caring for orphans. They are actively sharing the gospel and discipling believers. Their faithful work demonstrates that compassionate care, evangelism, and discipleship belong together. We meet practical needs because Jesus loves people, and we proclaim Christ because He alone offers eternal life.
Helping the “Gospel Chariot” Move Forward in India
We are also thankful for what God continues to do through
Apostle Nani in India.
When our relationship began, the work centered upon one
congregation—Jesus Christ Prayer House. Since then, the ministry has grown to
include additional churches and an expanding apostolic assignment.
Apostle Nani also oversees the India Prayer League, which is
now active in nine states. Through this growing work, churches are being
mobilized in united, strategic prayer while believers are equipped and
discipled to advance the gospel of the Kingdom.
Every month, Nani and his team also minister directly to
widows and orphans. They provide practical assistance, including food and other
necessities, while sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ. They are not
merely distributing supplies. They are building relationships, preaching the
gospel, strengthening churches, discipling believers, and bringing hope to
people in difficult circumstances.
As the ministry has grown, transportation has become an
increasingly serious limitation. Apostle Nani has relied heavily upon a
motorcycle and public transportation. These methods make it difficult to carry
a ministry team, transport training materials, visit churches, distribute aid,
and expand the India Prayer League into other areas.
For that reason, they have been raising funds for a ministry
van that Apostle Nani calls the “Gospel Chariot.”
We are delighted to report that, with the help we have been
able to provide and the generosity of others partnering with this vision, they
have now raised 54 percent of the amount needed.
The van will be far more than transportation. It will help
carry ministry teams, training resources, food and other supplies to widows and
orphans, and the message of Jesus Christ to churches and communities throughout
India.
The Vehicles Serve a Greater Mission
This month, one ministry received a motorbike while another
moved significantly closer to obtaining a van. Yet the real story is not about
vehicles.
It is about the people those vehicles will help them reach.
It is about approximately 32 children in Myanmar being faithfully cared for and discipled. It is about widows and orphans in India receiving practical help every month. It is about evangelists reaching communities, ministry teams strengthening churches, believers being discipled, and the gospel of the Kingdom advancing.
A motorbike can carry a servant of God to meet an urgent
need. A van can carry a ministry team, training materials, food, and the gospel
into another community. When placed in consecrated hands, ordinary vehicles
become instruments through which the love of Christ is demonstrated.
This is James 1:27 in motion.
Thank You for Helping Us Go
Brenda and I are personally so grateful for every person who
contributed. Your gifts have done more than purchase transportation or add
another percentage to a fundraising goal. You have strengthened faithful
servants who are caring for vulnerable children, assisting widows, preaching
the gospel, discipling believers, and building the Church.
Some gave a little, and others were able to give more. God
sees every gift, every prayer, and every act of love.
Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for standing with John Mark and Sophia in Myanmar. Thank you for helping Apostle Nani and the India Prayer League move closer to obtaining their Gospel Chariot. Most of all, thank you for helping us practice the kind of faith James describes—a faith that visits orphans and widows in their trouble and demonstrates the love of our
Father through compassionate action.
Together, we are helping faithful ministers go farther, reach more people, care for the vulnerable, make disciples, and advance the gospel of the Kingdom.
May the Lord richly bless you for your generosity, your prayers, and your partnership.
