FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH - PUT A "MINISTRY FACE" ON COVID-19

FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH, RALEIGH, NC

The distribution of food to children in our community has been a true blessing.  Our leaders have worked to make the distribution go smoothly.  From pick-up of the freshly prepared foods to the actual distribution, the work has been a blessing.   Workers have registered to be available on certain days of the week from 11 am to 1 pm to distribute the food with the gospel. 

Our team secretary has kept the flow of information going between group members.  She has sent  reminders for work days and collects information for briefing.

The church has also engaged in preparing a tract just for this Covid-19 time period.  Our church graphic designer has carefully put all the information for distribution together.  She is making certain that the gospel is well adorned.  She has designed the daily children's devotion, "Jesus Fed the Multitudes", to be appealing to children.

We are thankful that our Spanish Pastor is working with us in the food distribution to make us capable of communicating with the Spanish speaking families which we serve.

The next way our church is putting a ministry face on Covid-19 is our mailout campaign to our community.  The special tract prepared is put in the envelope with other materials in both English and Spanish.  We have made a database of addresses all very close to our Church.  Mailing labels are created and then put on the envelopes as they are stuffed with the gospel materials.  Our first mailout went to approximately 1000 homes immediately around our church.

Beside the food provided for the children, FBC is putting together food sacks for families.  While the food distribution to the children is happening, the sacks are distributed to families who come by the distributions point.  Our workers are also distributing these items to the doors as well.

We are practicing social distancing and wearing PPE gear.  Our church ladies have made masks so we are compliant.

A little boy who has been coming to get the meals provided by the school system brought a special gift with a message.  The picture below is the gift with message.  It is rewarding to see that the families receiving the food do appreciate the effort of our volunteer, even in rain or heat, to constantly distribute the food.

ORH - PUT A "MINISTRY FACE" ON COVID-19

Sunday, April 26, 2020 Dear Friends, Youth Special Operations for Christ YOUTH TRAINING FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE AROUND THE WORLD Go to http://www.operationrenewedhope.org/contact/index.html and ask for information now. JOSEPH PROJECT – Nehemiah’s Network “Bearing Burdens” Nehemiah's Network directed by Pastor Alan Jenkins is a partner of Operation Renewed Hope. Pastor Jenkin's ministry sent 250 masks to Belvedere of West Lake Assisted Living. He wrote the following: "So far we have given to nursing homes 250 (masks)." Nehemiah's Network received this kind note. (Click on logo to see pictures and more.) "Good Morning Pastor, I hope this email finds you well. Myself and my staff at The Belvedere of Westlake are grateful for the masks that were given to us from Cleveland-West Face Mask Sewing Group and Nehemiah's Network. Please thank the group on our behalf for all their hard labor. The masks are of great use during this time. Sincerely, Lauren Arbogast, Health Care Coordinator" There is more to read and see.  https://orhnews.blogspot.com/2020/04/nehemiahs-network-love-our-neighbors.html. JOSEPH PROJECT – Faith Baptist, St Matthews, SC “Bearing Burdens” Pastor Ernie Medlin has been a great friend to the ministry of Operation Renewed Hope. His church, Faith Baptist, has always extended a gospel reach into his community. They are extremely involved with food outreach. While visiting his church, I saw first-hand the work they do to be a shining light in their community. Please go and read their report about what they are doing during the Covid-19 restrictions to reach their community. There is more to read and see. https://orhnews.blogspot.com/2020/04/faith-baptist-church-st-matthews-sc.html. Joseph Project – Kotvas Family, Deaf Ministry, Lima Peru, “Bearing Burdens” ORH asked the Kotvas family of Macedonia World Baptist Mission how they would use $1000 to minister to their people in Peru. "With 1000 dollars we would buy 10 bags of 50 kilos rice at 40 dollars each..85 chickens at 4 dollars each. And 8 25 kilo bags of beans for 38 dollars each. We are in a crisis here because of the lack of work as the people have been under strict quarantine since the 12th of march. There are many Venezuelan refugees here that have absolutely nothing. We have flour and sugar that we give and as we receive it...vegetables. These would be added into a gift pack and gospel tracts. We also are baking bread to give as we can. We are publishing online for children and teens and adults the gospel message. We are taking bread as well to local police with tracts." ORH, first, sent $500 to help, but after their first report came in the other $500 was sent. ORH is very glad to work with the Kotvas family during COVID-19. More to read and see. https://orhnews.blogspot.com/2020/04/joe-and-lisa-kotvas-report.html. Please pray for our Covid-19 efforts in India, Uganda, Ukraine, Liberia, Ghana, and Peru. Requests are coming each day from others. 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!

(As per counsel, for the benefit of our donor’s tax-deductible donations, Operation Renewed Hope has added the following statement.  The IRS requires that Operation Renewed Hope retain control over distribution of all donations; therefore, please use the designation description “My preference is” before the designated reason for the donation.  Thank you for helping ORH honor you and the IRS.)

YOUTUBE ORH VIDEOS WATCH ORH PRODUCED VIDEOS TO TELL YOU ABOUT OUR MINISTRY.

Faith Baptist Church St. Matthews, SC - "Love thy Neighbor"

Faith Baptist Church St. Matthews, SC

Dear Jan, I am sure you have heard about Lori  and Oleg by now...we are not trying to toot our own horn, but here is what  we are doing  during the Covid-19 shut down.  Your  letters are  very encouraging  and I pray this will be as well  my friend.

Faith Baptist Church (done by John, Paul, and Gary and Celeste) have been  able to continue their food distribution  in spite of the lock down.

The men  have been supplying the muscle and Mrs Celeste has been  bagging the food and supplies.

The  folks  who receive the food come by, NOT able to come in, but they come to the back of the church and they are giving supplies.

Also, many ladies in the church bought early on lots of medical supplies and  toilet paper to be able to use as outreach  supplies for people who need these in the community.

Also on Sunday  since we have  a  large front yard....we have been able to NOT miss even one Sunday AM service we have a DRIVE IN service like the old  drive in outside movies used to be. It has grown every week with visitors.....from the community.  These  services are also streamed  on Facebook by a lady in the Church (Sharon); Pastor Ernie Medlin

JOE AND LISA KOTVAS REPORT

From: Lisa Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 2:38 AM To: jan@operationrenewedhope.org Subject: Re: Relief in peru

We wanted to send you an update and praise.  We thank you so much from here in Peru.  The quarantine has been quite crazy here and so many lives affected. We have asked God to use us as His hands here to share with others his great love and care for them in this very hard time.  Each day we have seen Him answer that prayer. A few examples and some pictures:  Wee bought a sack of rice and a smaller sack of lentils and split peas. The supplies are sometimea limited on choices. These were taken to our ministry by the airport an hour away also Efata Baptist Church. There were many blessed by these supplies and they were received with a gospel tract.   We also bought 2 sacks of rice and 2 sacks of split peas here in Villa El Salvador as soon as we were received monies from operation renewed hope.  ORH.  We bagged 100 bags of rice and 100 of split peas and before we finished began

responding to the phone calls and the doorbell.  Filling their market sacks with these as well as a bag of sugar and 2 cans of  cans of chicken  that God sentas well as a few green onions and anything else we could.get together. Each person that came was masked to fulfill the military police's requirements, yet their eyes showed their hearts as they described having empty kitchens and asking God to PLEASE supply the next meal! And how He had....how he just opened up heaven and held out his hand. They thank us and start to reach out to give a hug but remember they can't...seeing us step back and smile regretfully that we can't express our hearts in this way but pointing up and saying oh...thank God! He sent it for you today.  He loves you.   We give them a tract in their bag that shares more and when we can tell them the rest of the story. Saturday was special! Jenny a new middle aged lady from Venezuela prayed with me in this entryway to receive Christ. She said..in really not sure how to pray right but should I just .. Just ask him? Then she asked God to be her

Father and told him she did believe in Jesus and his death burial and resurrection and she cried as she continued and asked Him to forgive her and save her.  She lives close by in a room she is renting she is a widow with her mother and 3 teenagers all living in that room. She said she was going to go tell them what Jesus did.  We thank God that He saw her desperate heart and used us to show her His love. We thank you for the money that you sent so we could buy that sack of groceries.  Thank you!!! Lisa and Joe Kotvas

NEHEMIAH'S NETWORK "LOVE THY NEIGHBOR"

Nehemiah's Network "Love thyNeighbor"

Boxes of food ready to distribute

Alan C. Jenkins, we received this message from one of the Nehemiah's Network deliveries we helped with earlier this week: "I can't believe all the things in the box and bags you dropped off.... what a blessing that was. Thank you!"

A note sent from the nursing home to say thank you!

Nehemiah’s Network had the honor to provide lunch for this wonderful team of servants on the front line of helping coronavirus patients. Praise God and pray for these wonderful people at Marymount Hospital. May their families be protected!

Front line servants of the community at Marymount Hospital.

Today Nehemiah’s Network had the privilege to honor the courageous men and women who serve in the First District Police Headquarters with lunch. Please pray for these 120 who serve during the 24 hours of a day in 3 shifts. They are truly worthy of our respect and prayers that they return home safely each day.

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!

BEARING BURDENS COALITIONS EXPLANATION

JOSEPH PROJECT 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.  Joseph's work is the foundational philosophy of all modern day relief.  Our churches have always been such leadership in communities. Once again, we MAY BE called on to do the same for our churches and our communities.  Please consider the following information and join the coalition by providing a person in your church to receive coalition information, an email and cell phone for contact.

“BEARING BURDENS COALITION” UNITED STATES

We must remain consistent doctrinally.  We do not expect absolute agreement except in the major issues of doctrine.  Our goal is to work with like-minded churches in leadership and helps.   Although we seek to work with like-minded churches, ORH will never turn away any individual in need, but we must not support spiritual organizations who do not share doctrinal beliefs. NO COALITION CHURCH WILL BE SOLICITED FOR MONEY FROM ORH. NO COALITION CHURCH WILL GIVE UP INDEPENDENCE; THE CHURCH MAY PARTICIPATE AS IT CHOOSES. A CHURCH MAY ENTER AND LEAVE THE COALITION AS IT WISHES. PURPOSE OF COALITION In case the economic problems should be prolonged, ORH is forming a church coalition by state.  Churches could face overwhelming needs with salaries, mortgages, and missionary support.       ·         Prayer groups to encourage and access needs constantly       ·         Unite churches in need with churches that can help       ·         Computer database that will unite and inform the churches       ·         Phone communications to maintain instantaneous contact       ·         Create food distribution sites where needed       ·         ORH-TELEHELP – Medical professionals on call for churches       ·         Resources for severe problems beyond the coalition’s ability or purpose       ·         Situation Report capable of being made daily for awareness worldwide

Operation Renewed Hope Assets       ·         IT director that has created the computer database that can be accessed through the internet joining needs to solutions       ·         Director of Disaster relief that is FEMA trained and is a professional first responder       ·         Staff of people creating database of churches nation-wide (hired out of work people in churches at $200. per month based on minimum wage)       ·         ORH-TELEHELP – MEDICAL PROFESIONALS ON CALL       ·         Covid-19 situation report through intelligence agency TAM-C for the entire world       ·         Software for computer webinars, training, and communications worldwide WE MUST BARE OUR OWN BURDE...BUT ALSO BEAR THE BURDENS OF OTHERS.

ORH - LOVE THY NEIGHBOR

Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Dear Friends, JOSEPH PROJECT – “LOVE THY NEIGHBOR Joseph wrote the book on disaster relief management. He was able to save the world from starvation through foresight, management, and good logistics. ORH is recommending that we follow Joseph's relief manual, the Bible. Entire communities are going to be hurting very soon. This is a time for the local church to go to work with the gospel and good works. Pastor Daniel Jones and his church in Mountain City, Tennessee are forging ahead with "Love thy Neighbor."  To red about “Love thy Neighbor” go to https://operationrenewedhope.blogspot.com/2020/04/joseph-project-love-thy-neighbor.html JOSEPH PROJECT – MAKE YOUR OWN MASKS The need for a mask could increase. The masks might not be accessible. ORH has compiled important information about making masks. One of our wonderful nurses, who travels with ORH, made her own mask as seen in the picture. If you would like information about the masks, please, go to our information page.  https://operationrenewedhope.blogspot.com/2020/04/n95-type-masks.html JOSEPH PROJECT - PERU Buddy Fitzgerald sent the following to ORH about the needs in his Peru ministry. "Dear brother Jan, As you probably know, Peru has already been under quarantine for more than 2 weeks, and we are scheduled for 2 more weeks. Many of the people we minister to are day-laborers, making $12 to 15 dollars per day, and obviously not able to save much money at all. For that reason, we have begun to purchase food staples and distribute them personally or through some of our church people. We always have the goal of opening doors for the gospel and have had many chances to witness. I would like to request funds to help with this endeavor and allowing us to share with other local pastors to do the same. Grace and peace, Buddy" ORH has sent $1000.00 to help Buddy and a partnering missionary help the people in Puerto Maldonado. Requests from other missionaries are coming to ORH. Pray we can continue helping. 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!

(As per counsel, for the benefit of our donor’s tax-deductible donations, Operation Renewed Hope has added the following statement.  The IRS requires that Operation Renewed Hope retain control over distribution of all donations; therefore, please use the designation description “My preference is” before the designated reason for the donation.  Thank you for helping ORH honor you and the IRS.)

YOUTUBE ORH VIDEOS WATCH ORH PRODUCED VIDEOS TO TELL YOU ABOUT OUR MINISTRY.

Saturday, April 4, 2020 Dear Friends, IF YOU KNOW A MISSIONARY OR CHURCH IN NEED, WRITE ORH AT JAN@OPERATIONRENEWEDHOPE.ORG. ANNOUNCING!!! ORH-TELEHELP The worldwide response to Covid-19 has brought all to a time of uncertainty. Many missionaries, pastors, and those they serve need a source of reassuring information. Also, many health professionals simply need someone to listen who understands as a professional. ORH-TELEHELP can provide that reassuring information about medical issues by a phone consultation. ORH-TELEHELP is not for diagnosis or prescribing treatment. It is a source of information only. It is "a compassionate voice on your phone" listening to medical concerns and giving information which can help the ones served better understand medical needs. The ones served must always seek local, licensed health care professionals to evaluate and confirm the information. At the top of the ORH home page is a box, "ORH-TELEHELP", which the missionary, pastor, and one served may "choose" to be connected to a professional. A medical caregiver with information that could help them will be available. Encourage your missionaries and pastors to go there now for personal information or for those whom they serve. The experience begins with paperwork. Please, complete all the forms and return them. If you simply need someone to speak with, sign the paperwork and in the reason for inquiry write, "need to talk." Send these forms immediately back to jan@operationrenewedhope.org. ORH professionals can do skype or zoom by phone, or they can do a phone conversation only. It is your choice. Medical doctors, dentists, optometrists, nurses, and paramedics are prepared to help many through confusing times both medically and spiritually. Share with missionaries, pastors, and those around you so they can receive information about their needs. ORH WORKING WITH NYC The Church must begin and sustain intense prayer for the Covid-19 victims and families. We ask all to join with ORH in the supreme effort of prayer. The deaths related to any virus are tradgic and Christian's need to pray. Sadly, the response to the Covid-19 virus could cause a collateral disaster for over 99% of people in the United States. A disaster which could threaten the existence of thousands of churches because of lost income leading to unpaid mortgages, rent, utilities, school operations, ministry operations, missionary support, and salaries. ORH's first efforts will be to help church members who are without work. Eventually, should the present response continue or become more severe, these families will face very difficult times concerning food and lodging. Pray that ORH will be successful. The needs will be great, but the families and the churches must be helped. This will be a time of supreme effort. ORH is thankful for the opportunity to work with churches in New York City where the needs are very pressing. Churches which were very prominent in Hurricane Sandy once again are in the forefront of disaster relief work. Pray for the pastors of these churches as they navigate the needs. If you are aware of any church in need contact ORH. Send full contact details to jan@operationrenewedhope.org. ORH will always follow our three steps in disaster relief: 1. stabilize pastors, 2. stabilize churches, 3. empower churches to stabilize their communities with good works and the Gospel. Pray our funds will be sufficient to help feed people with food and the gospel. IF YOU KNOW A MISSIONARY OR CHURCH IN NEED, WRITE ORH AT 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!

(As per counsel, for the benefit of our donor’s tax-deductible donations, Operation Renewed Hope has added the following statement.  The IRS requires that Operation Renewed Hope retain control over distribution of all donations; therefore, please use the designation description “My preference is” before the designated reason for the donation.  Thank you for helping ORH honor you and the IRS.)

YOUTUBE ORH VIDEOS WATCH ORH PRODUCED VIDEOS TO TELL YOU ABOUT OUR MINISTRY.