BEARING BURDENS COALITION

Friday, April 17, 2020 Dear Friends, JOSEPH PROJECT – “BEARING BURDENS COALITION” Joseph’s ability to organize disaster relief saved the lives of untold numbers. His quick action and clear vision were the reasons for such results. Our churches have always been “Lighthouses of Hope” in communities because of such leadership. Once again, we MAY BE called on to do the same for our churches and our communities. ORH is suggesting a "Bearing Burdens Coalition" in each state so churches can quickly mobilize when needed. To be a part of the "Bearing Burdens Coalition" go to www.operationrenewedhope.org.  On the home page choose "Contact." Complete the form and submit it. Your church will not send money to ORH nor relinquish your church's autonomy. JOSEPH PROJECT – “LOVE THY NEIGHBOR” EXAMPLES REEDY CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH, LEXINGTON, NC Pastor Ben Farrell is a very innovative pastor. He has led his church with great vision for the lost during the pandemic. He sent ORH the following: "Our church had been praying about a way to minister to our community during the COVID-19 crisis. We decided to take up a collection to provide a boxed lunch for the Emergency Department staff at our local hospital. We contacted Chick-fil-a and explained what we were trying to accomplish. Their marketing director jumped at the opportunity to partner with us in this effort. They ended up donating over 50 boxed lunches for the ER staff. We contributed bottles of water and energy bars labeled with our church logo and a message that we are praying for the medical staff. It was well received by all involved. Now we are exploring other ways to invest the benevolence funds to impact our community for Christ." We need this great encouragement during these days. Although we are unable to meet face to face, we can still engage in good works for the sake of the gospel. GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH, PARKER COLORADO Pastor Ward Smith has been feeding people for many years. It was my privilege to work with their feeding station while I was visiting his church. Please read what he wrote. "With other food banks closing down during the pandemic, Grace Baptist Church of Parker Colorado was able to secure more food for free distribution to the community. Earlier this year we averaged 20,000 pounds per week. However, last week, we did 95,000 pounds of food in just one week! Praise God for our hard-working volunteers." The picture below is the traffic back-up in front of Grace Baptist Church. Pastor Smith expressed to me that possibly 1500 people came to his church, and that seven policemen came to direct traffic. Please understand that many people are out of work and need the basic food stuffs. Pray what your church can do to help "Love thy Neighbor." Neither of these churches were inspired by ORH to love their community. Both Reedy Creek and Grace Baptist were led by Pastors with a commitment to love their community. ORH is very pleased to encourage you with their initiative. If you have a story, send it to jan@operationrenewedhope.org. If you wish to give by credit or debit card, go to www.operationrenewedhope.org and choose “Network for Good.”  Please designate the gift for your specific purpose using “My preference is” then stipulate your preference. If you wish to give by check, please send the check to Operation Renewed Hope, P.O. Box 43242, Fayetteville, NC 28309.  Please designate the gift for your specific purpose using “My preference is” then stipulate your preference. God bless you, The Operation Renewed Hope Family Around the World!