“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)
Once again, we ponder why we Run to the Rescuer. Today's question: How does the Rescuer strengthen your faith with unexpected moments of joy?
Once again, we can rest in this truth:
The Rescuer is faithful to meet all of our needs.
And all means all.
Sharing Tidings of Comfort and Joy…
Natural disasters and emergency situations are such tragic equalizers. In a matter of hours, or sometimes even minutes, places can be leveled by destruction; people can be brought to their knees by loss and sorrow, or even the threat of it, like they have never known.
It's not uncommon for those suffering, whether at the hand of adversity or evil, or for those witnessing the suffering, to ask, “Where is God in the midst of this tragedy?”
As followers of Jesus, we know He is omnipresent and an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Against the backdrop of such deep pain, disasters and emergency situations extend a unique invitation to show up and serve as ambassadors of His Kingdom in the most practical ways. Together, with every prayer we utter, every backpack you help us fill and every item or financial gift you give, we get to step out and be His hands and feet here on earth. When our tear-filled eyes meet, it is possible for giver and receiver alike to experience God in a way we haven't before. It is possible, through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, for true gifts, the ones only He can bestow, to be felt - gifts of hope, healing, restoration, salvation, and dare we say, comfort and joy.
In response to multiple floods that devastated residents of Pike County, Kentucky, and Wheeling, WV, and in response to the kidnapping and hostage situation that traumatized our EWOI Children's Home, forcing us into a dangerous cross-country move, we had powerful opportunities to help Rebuild Lives in both the US and in Haiti in 2025.
In each place, despite the hardship and heartbreak all around us, God's distinct fingerprints were unmistakable, and we couldn't help but smile at His goodness, tenderness and Meticulous Orchestration of Events:
In Kentucky, we marveled at the landscape, ravaged with uprooted vegetation, piles of vehicles and small mountains of once-loved possessions pushed out to curbs, and at the same time anointed by spring rain (thankfully, in moderation), creating lush green views and beautiful blooms, a welcomed sign of hope. Serving with Baptists, Nazarenes and Non-Denominational Christians, we found a common bond in shining the Love and Light of Jesus into some very challenging circumstances. We gave thanks to God for new friendships and partnerships and for the massive doses of encouragement He so generously poured out on all of us. The founder and executive director of a start-up disaster relief organization there asked, “Do you think you can use these small grills and charcoal in your area?". In response, we said, “We don't know, but let's see what the Lord wants to do.” …
In West Virginia, just two months later, we were both heartsick and encouraged as we slowly traveled along a winding, one-lane route marked by equal parts devastation and recovery teams. It reminded us of what we had seen in Kentucky. At every turn there were glimpses of beauty in stark contrast to the disaster: Three vibrant ferns still adorned the front porch of a home with nearly all of its contents spilled into a muddy pile on the front lawn. Fresh gravel poured into deep holes in the parking lot of a business that still had an entire uprooted tree lodged in its warehouse. So many joyful servants directed traffic, operated heavy equipment and received our items, demonstrating the strength and comradery that makes a way for hope. Our cars carried items in high demand such as shovels, mops, squeegees, 5-gallon buckets with lids, cleaning supplies, Ziplock bags, toiletry items, diapers, wipes, formula, ready-to-eat foods, sleeping bags, backpacks, water bottles and those small grills and charcoal - one of the most requested and least available items! Coordinators and residents were thrilled to receive these treasures.
Back in Ohio, members of Beechwold Christian Church who had quickly played an integral role in rallying financial support and collecting disaster relief items from within their church and greater Clintonville community, continued to carry a specific burden for these WV families. The church members asked if there might be more they could do. After a few calls, it was clear that providing backpacks and school supplies would meet a significant need and make going back to school easier for many who were still suffering. Within a couple of weeks, EWOI filled another car with enough supplies for every Pre-K and Kindergarten student at Middle Creek Elementary School. Several other churches and individuals caught the vision and by the time students attended their meet-the-teacher nights in late August, supplies had been covered for each grade from Pre-K through 5th Grade. How fun to be a part of this wave of Kingdom goodness!
In Haiti, our family continues to persevere through the most difficult of circumstances. The safer location where we now reside to the north enables me to make trips back and forth, bringing much-needed items from the US, which saves precious resources. I am able to travel with up to four, 70-pound ministry bags each time, which I stuff full of as many items as I can from our long list of needs. While we still lack so many comforts of home (beds and bunkbeds, a table and chairs, couches and chairs, books and toys to name a few), being together in a beautiful rental home, wearing our matching Christmas pajamas, making paper snowflakes, hanging simple strings of lights in every room and soaking in these sentiments from my sons and daughters are bringing abundant joy: “Mom, I don't need any presents this year because you are my surprise.” and “Mom, we trust God. He has already done so many things for us.”
When headlines fill the newsfeed with reports of a natural disaster and everything caught in its wake; when the texts come through calling for emergency prayer because our EWOI Children's Home family has to move - again - and start over with only the clothes on our backs - again; what a powerful reminder that God always gets the final word. It's His Light that shines through the darkness. From an unbelievable Red Sea rescue to an unassuming manger scene, we can count on His ever-faithful lifesaving, life-building, faith-building swoops. What a privilege it is to follow His lead in bringing gifts of comfort and joy to those in need. Hallelujah! Let us give Him all of our praise.
We are so grateful to announce A NEW $10,000 Matching Gift to help us extend the Joy of Jesus and fulfill the promise of our mission. This means every gift we receive will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. Your gift will be matched through midnight on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Would you consider joining us in prayer and by giving a year-end gift that will impact many as we continue to Rebuild Lives?
