By IET Communications
Paul, when writing about the Body of Christ, said that we “should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).
As a result of the global coronavirus pandemic, we have seen many Navigators around the world face increased hardship. And we have seen others in our Worldwide Partnership share in that suffering. As a result of this mutual concern, Navigators hit hard by the economic impact of the pandemic are receiving financial assistance—an expression of international partnering.
In early Spring, as governments imposed lockdowns to slow the spread of the disease and as unemployment around the world consequently surged, the International Executive Team and regional directors implemented a Pandemic Compassion Fund. The fund was established with IET resources and many donations.
As of late June, the fund had distributed nearly $63,000. This financial support has so far assisted 313 families, numerous churches where Navigators have discipleship ministries, and many rural villages where food has been scarce. Below is just a small sample of the needs.
In Eurasia, directors of a missional enterprise (a learning center) intend to use the compassion fund’s resources to continue paying salaries to local staff during the shutdown. Leaders have also requested assistance to buy a significant supply of much needed fingertip oximeters for at least two hospitals.
In Francophone Africa, where Navigators are serving among Muslims and in poor rural villages, the pandemic has taken a severe health and financial toll on many large families. Financial assistance was requested to support these families who otherwise would not have food or medicine. Local leaders in just one rural area (predominantly Muslim) plan to channel financial support to farmers so that they have seeds and fertilizers to start vital planting on time.
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where pioneering ministries occur through businesses and professionals, many Navigator laborers suddenly lost their sources of income. Therefore, leaders in the region intend to use these resources to help people pay their rents, buy food, and keep their businesses alive until after the lockdowns end. As a result, they will be better able to continue ministering to non-believers.
The fund has helped many nations in the Asia-Pacific region. For example, in Nepal, 16 Navigator families have struggled to pay their rents and buy food after losing income as a result of the pandemic. In addition to supporting those families, the compassion fund is aimed at supporting numerous college students who study and work in Kathmandu but who have had to return to their hometowns without any income.
Please continue to pray that God would protect Navigators financially and physically through these difficult times. May the name of Jesus be glorified among non-believers as they see the Body of Christ bearing the burdens together.
If you would like to contribute to this fund, please contact Bob Meredith, at bob.meredith@navigators.org.
