but you needed more...

Emergency food distribution provided earlier this year

by CBM and FEBAC in Mangaten, South Sudan

During a recent visit to Canada, we were encouraged to witness a genuine desire amongst local churches to deepen their engagement and presence in their communities. As one woman shared, "we want to be a church that has a heart for our community, and community at its heart." This is what it means to embrace the full Gospel of Christ that calls us to an inseparable commitment to love God and our neighbours.

In Richard Sterns book The Hole in Our Gospel, he shares his own realization that the Christian faith is supposed to be tied to the loving and compassionate mission of God in the world. At one point he paraphrases the words of Jesus in a way that speaks directly to challenges in the world today.

“For I was hungry, while you had all you needed. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved." 

Richard Sterns, The Hole in Our Gospel

Sterns words are challenging for us as individuals and for the Church as a whole. One particular phrase stands out to us "but you needed more." Stern refers to clothes, but we could plug in any number of things that we mistake for "needs". How might we be called to shift our attitudes, our priorities, and our perspective?

As we pray for the needs that our Canadian Baptist partners are facing throughout the world, we recognize that we are also called to do our part. Individually, none of us have the resources to tackle the various crisis around the world, but together as we each play our part, God brings about change.

Thank you for joining us in prayer for these concerns, and for being a part of the story of transformation in the way that God has called and equipped you. 

Ebola Response

The Ebola epidemic in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to raise concern as the infection rate increased to 162 reported cases, included 74 deaths. Ongoing issues of insecurity and new cases emerging near the Ugandan border are distressing. In response, East African countries are intensifying collaboration and preparedness with increased border screening and disease surveillance.

Please join us in praying for the response of our local church partner, the Community of Baptist Churches of Central Africa, and for the international teams that are working with local health authorities to halt the spread of Ebola.

To learn more about CBM's response and how you can get involved click here.

Indonesia Earthquake and Tsunami

"Please join us in praying for those affected by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Indonesia’s Sulawesi island last Friday. The disaster, which has claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people, has left survivors injured and displaced. 

Please pray that God would give strength and endurance to emergency responders who are putting their own lives at risk to reach those trapped under rubble. Pray that God would guide and protect them as they serve their community in this sacrificial way. Also, remember to pray for the children who are now left as orphans due to this disaster. We pray that surviving families and communities would come alongside those in need as they seek to rebuild their lives in the aftermath. 

May God’s comfort and peace be with those who are mourning the loss of loved ones – both in Indonesia and around the world." CBM

Join the emergency response by clicking here.

South Sudan Emergency Response

Currently, 5.3 million people face acute food insecurity in South Sudan. Canadian Baptist Ministries and our local partner the Faith Evangelical Baptist Churches are preparing for the potential of a third phase of response in Melut County, the area that has experienced the most intense fighting during the war between government and opposition forces.

Please join us in praying for a resolution to the civil war that has gripped South Sudan for the past five years. We also remember the pastors, relief workers, and volunteers that are risking their lives to assist the displaced people in desperate need of assistance.

"So many people are crying out to God for His help. Might you be the answer to one of their prayers?" -- Richard Stearns