I had the privilege of meeting with a new believer in a communist country who is eager to learn more about the Bible.  I asked if he had a Bible and he showed me the one that he used that had both English and his native language. He also showed me an illustrated children's Bible that his daughter used.  He explained that it was very hard to get Bibles in his country and he was forced to smuggle it in using a hollowed-out textbook (see picture above).

It caused me to think about how we take our religious freedom for granted in the West and whether I would be willing to risk my job, freedom, and my family's safety for the Word of God.  Do I cherish it as much as the psalmist when he wrote, "Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold." - Psalm 119:127 (NLT)?

Please pray for the persecuted believers who must always be careful when and how they speak about Jesus.  They don't always know who is listening and what will happen to them if they are caught with a Bible.  We must pray for their protection and encouragement through the Holy Spirit.  Will you make a fresh commitment to treasure the Word of God in your daily walk?

Last month, our India team was blessed by a generous gift from a local church to meet the needs of the poor and hungry suffering during the pandemic.  They delivered 80 grocery kits (each able to feed a family for a month).  Also, 20 families received financial assistance for medicine, med bills.  Another 200 people received cooked meals. It's remarkable how our "loaves and fishes" are multiplied.

Two families with 4 children (shown above) came from another state to make and sell bricks. They are from a lower caste and had been struggling for work and food to support themselves.  After they received the food, the team shared the gospel and the family invited them to come to their home and study the Bible. Other children from the village also received some sweets (also shown above).

More help is being planned and disciple-making workshops will be conducted soon to train others on Discovery Bible Study (DBS).  Please pray for their protection as they do this compassion and vision-casting work.

Matthew 25:34-40 (ESV)

[34] Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. [35] For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, [36] I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ [37] Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? [38] And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? [39] And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ [40] And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Hope Brokers has partnered with Pray Thru the Bible, a blog written by our sister in Christ, Mary Skelton. Mary provides a daily reflection and prayer based on a New Testament Bible reading.  Please visit her blog and comment on any of the prayers.  She really appreciates the feedback.  Thanks!

Here is a sample prayer for the Romans 15 reading:

Dear God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, please give Your adopted children "patience, steadfastness, and encouragement. Help [us] to live in complete harmony with each other--each with the attitude of Christ toward the other. And then all of us can praise the Lord together with one voice, giving glory to [You]." (Romans 15:5-6 TLB) God of all hope, please give Your people hope, and keep us content and full of peace as we trustingly rest in You. I pray that You will help us overflow with hope in Christ through the Holy Spirit's power within us. I pray for believers around the world to be protected from those who oppose the things of God. I pray that these children of Yours will receive all that they need to carry on Your work. I pray that Your workers will have happy hearts as they refresh each other. May You, the source of all true peace, be with Your people wherever they are. AMEN"