“Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Throughout the ages God has faithfully supplied all the needs of his own across time, cultures, and circumstances. Whether giving out of their abundance or out of their poverty the attitude of the believer should be that everything they possess has been given to them by God and is to be used for the furtherance of his glory through the provision of our needs and, when necessary, the needs of his people. In any number of passages throughout the New Testament Paul speaks of the generous support he and others receive from fellow believers. In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul speaks of a body of believers having all sufficiency in everything so they may have an abundance for every good deed. This passage perfectly describes the situation Redeemer finds itself in. God has provided us an abundance to supply our every ministry need and we stand ready to cheerfully provide out of that abundance for the needs of our fellow believers in nations like Rwanda and Nigeria.
As you may know, last fall the government of Rwanda instituted a long list of new building codes which have been applied to churches, requiring them in many cases to make significant and very costly improvements to the building or face government orders to shut down. To date, approximately 10,000 churches have been forced to close their doors. Two churches in Kigali and one in Gisenyi with whom Redeemer partners have been forced to temporarily close and find other ways to gather in order to continue ministry.
Each of the churches is attempting to conduct improvements and meet the requirements laid out by the government. However, in some cases those improvements require the reconstruction of the entire building. As a body of believers, we have been in communication with the various congregations for many months and have determined where we might be of assistance. To date, your faithful giving has allowed Redeemer to provide $15,000 to our brothers in one congregation in Kigali so that, along with their own contributions, improvements to their building are being made. The joy with which they receive these gifts is difficult to describe. As you can see from the photos below work is progressing and by God’s grace they will be allowed to remain open and continue to meet as a body of believers.
Our brothers and sisters in Nigeria continue to live under the threat of violence. As recently as last week, 11 people were killed by the Fulani tribesman in the village of Bokkos. While this news brings about great sadness, with the assistance of the believers in both Redeemer Stafford and Spotsy and under the leadership of our brother Pastor Timothy they continue to rebuild the church in Mangu which was burned down during the Christmas Eve attack in 2023. This is normal life for them. They continue in ministry amidst the threat of persecution and violence. Below are photos of the progress they are making as well as a portion of the message from Timothy expressing their gratitude.
“We received the money this evening. My people were dancing, shouting praise to God, crying of joy and happiness. This is what they are saying in Hausa Allah ne ya aiko ku, Mun gode. Meaning … you are sent by God. Thank you! thank!! Thank!!! We are going to send a letter of appreciation and the details report of all the expenditure transparent. May the Lord continue to give you long life, bless the church and the family. I’m sending this text with tears in my eyes of joy. May the Lord bless you and keep you.”
Whether in our abundance or poverty we must be found faithful with what the Lord has provided us. As we continue to attempt to walk in faithfulness, we wait on His appearing. In the meantime, as a congregation, we seek to live as James describes:
“… and I will show you my faith by my works.”
He alone is to be glorified,
Clay