“…but deliver us..”
Matthew 6:13b
If you count crying in the corner and acting like a deer in headlights as being an expert, then I’m definitely an expert at delivery. I’ve been a part of it five times. Well, six, if you count my own. There is truly nothing more beautiful or more terrifying than participating in the birth of a child. Every emotion is operating above capacity. But childbirth is not an isolated event. It is the last step in a long process of pregnancy. Delivery is just the payoff. It is the moment that redeems nine months of discomfort and the pain of labor. Delivery is the best part of the process because it immediately gives you something back. You get a baby.
Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord says, “Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” God’s chosen people were longing for restoration as a nation and for their current circumstances to change. God promised them delivery and the hope of what was to come. He said, “For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance.” He was looking at their pain, their questions, and their labor and promised it was only temporary. Delivery would come. It had to.
The same is true for us and those in this guide, regardless of the season we find ourselves in. In Christ, no pain is wasted and difficulty never lasts forever. Sometimes we get to experience delivery in this life, sometimes it is waiting for us in the next. As sure as we struggle and labor, delivery is certain and the payoff will be worth it. Until it comes, we keep waiting in hope and we keep trusting His timing.
“Our Church” – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
About “Our Church”:
Buumenbaatar became pastor of “Our Church” in 2000. The church has services for children and adults during the week, as well as times of fellowship. They are intent on sharing the gospel with those who feel abandoned, Buumenbaatar says. When asked about their goals for the future, he responded that they want to be a strong local church, sharing the gospel and caring for the lost, as well as preparing missionaries to send out. They also have plans to seek a building before winter, when the cold makes it difficult to gather.
How You Can Pray:
1) That God would enable them to find a place to worship for the winter.
2) That believers would find a way to worship God at home while the coronavirus prevents them from gathering.
3) That God would give Buumenbaatar guidance for the ministry.
4) That God would help Buumenbaatar’s family and church to follow God with obedience.
Iglesias Fe (Faith Church) – Diriamba, Nicaragua
From Pastor Arling Ramirez:
“I am 40 years old. My wife’s name is Jessenia Flores, and my daughter’s name is Alicia. She is 15 years old. I’ve been a pastor for 4 years and it has been a blessing. My church is located down the road from Diriamba. We have services 4 times a week. We haven’t been able to visit homes because of the virus, but we are all okay. We usually have 30 people attending but right now there are only 15 coming. We trust in God that all of this will get better.”
How You Can Pray:
1) That the countries that are suffering would be relieved and able to navigate the pandemic.
2) That God would protect our families.
3) That God would heal those with the virus.
Sonomjid – Caregiver, Mongolia
About Sonomjid (middle):
This is Sonomjid, one of the caregivers at New Hope Children’s Home. She has a husband and two children, one boy and one girl. In her free time, she enjoys playing ball outside. She actually worked at New Hope a few years ago, but due to health issues had to leave for treatment. Thanks to God’s healing, she has been able to fight her health problem and return to New Hope to lend her service in these trying times. “God is doing great things,” she says. “I’m very grateful to be back to work and rejoin New Hope.”
How You Can Pray:
1) For her mother, brother, and sister to receive Christ.
2) That God would continue to grow her family spiritually.
3) That God would heal her body completely.
Vicente Vado Gago – Guard, Nicaragua
From Vicente:
“I am 57 years old, and my wife’s name is Adilia Selva. We have 10 children together, half live at home with us and half have their own families. We are doing okay– I’m a little bit scared about the COVID-19 situation but we are praying. We only have 3 cases here. I feel protected here because we work in a really safe way. I am so blessed to have a job. We feel so blessed because in other countries people are going through such a hard time.”
How You Can Pray:
1) That God would guide other countries that don’t know how to respond to the virus.
2) That the virus wouldn’t come to this place.
3) That God would protect all the people working for WEGO in Nicaragua and the USA.
Azaa – New Hope Children’s Home, Mongolia
About Azaa:
This guy is Azaa. He’s 14 years old, and he wants to be the president of Mongolia when he grows up. That’s not unlikely either, he’s one of the most sincere and genuine people you could ever meet. He’s a good sport on the basketball court with the younger kids at New Hope, but he also loves a good game of cards or Ankle Bone, which is a traditional game that’s sort of like jacks, and a lot less terrifying than it sounds. Here’s a link to how to play one of the variations, because let’s face it, you probably have a lot of time on your hands.
How You Can Pray:
1) That God would keep him healthy.
2) That the coronavirus would stop its spread.
3) That he would grow in his faith in God.
Ricardo Neftali – Bible Club, Nicaragua
From Ricardo:
“I am 9 years old and I am part of the Bible Club. My mom is Karla Gonzales and my dad is Evert Espinoza, and I also have two brothers and a sister. We all go to church and sing together. I enjoy helping my parents around the house, and I love playing soccer and my English class. I really love coming to the Bible Club, my teacher is the best. I’m a part of the feeding program as well, I feel so blessed to be able to eat this wonderful food. Thank you all for helping us and praying for us. We will pray for you.”
How You Can Pray:
1) That God would watch over all the children who are suffering.
2) That all of you would be kept safe.
3) That all the families that need food would be provided for.