Monthly Prayer Focus

While the global economy begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s poorest, who have felt the greatest impact, have not. In fact, there has been a sharp increase in global poverty, with “about 97 million more people living on less than $1.90 a day because of the pandemic,” according to the World Bank.¹ In areas where GFA World serves, multitudes have been unable to work, and thus unable to provide for their families. As a result, many have faced the risk of starvation alongside that of contracting the virus.

GFA missionaries and churches have responded compassionately to the need for food and other essentials in light of this crisis. Many believers have prepared meals and distributed food kits as well as other essentials to bring relief in these dire circumstances. But, as developing regions struggle to recover from the pandemic, the need persists.

Please join us in praying this month for GFA World’s feeding efforts and the people who continue to grapple with hunger in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

1 Sanchez-Paramo, Carolina, et. al “COVID-19 leaves a legacy of rising poverty and widening inequality.” World Bank. https://blogs.worldbank.org/developmenttalk/covid-19-leaves-legacy-rising-poverty-and-widening-inequality. October 7, 2021.

In response to needs around them, GFA pastors have personally made grocery runs and congregations have pooled resources to feed the hungry. GFA ministry partners have generously donated to help people in other parts of the globe fight the pangs of hunger. Together, they have provided for people’s basic needs with Christlike compassion. But both the need and the work continue. More resources are necessary to meet the persistent needs.

Please pray God will provide the resources necessary for GFA missionaries to meet the needs of desperate people in their communities. Pray God will continue to raise up ministry partners to support this critical work.

For two years, GFA missionaries and churches have been busily responding to the needs of people affected by the pandemic, distributing food and other essentials. The work, though vital, can be draining. Faced with such a daunting challenge, these missionaries could easily grow weary, discouraged or overwhelmed. They need strength to persevere in doing good and demonstrating Christ’s love to people in need.

Please pray that God will strengthen and encourage missionaries, that they will not grow weary in doing good. Pray God will fill them with vigor for the work and with His love for the people.

GFA missionaries, and the people they serve, are not immune to sickness. Missionaries put themselves at risk to help people in desperate need. Sickness prevents missionaries from doing the work God has called them to do, and it keeps parents from caring for their families. They need health to carry on to the best of their ability.

Please pray God will protect GFA missionaries, and the people they serve, from sickness. Pray that any who are sick will be healed and others will remain healthy and able to work.

The pandemic has dealt an economic blow to many impoverished families. For example, many daily wage laborers have suddenly been unable to work. These families often had little to no savings to sustain them in this crisis. In some cases, parents’ desperation compelled them to take on debt just to feed their families.

Please pray for local economies to recover from the pandemic and for breadwinners to be able to work and provide for their families.

In addition to food for the physical body, GFA pastors and missionaries have offered spiritual nourishment throughout the pandemic. Pastors have been careful to provide spiritual support during these trying times—visiting families when restrictions allowed, making phone calls, praying with people and offering encouragement. Along with the practical help offered through food distributions, believers have offered hope to the destitute. This hope has been greatly needed and appreciated.

Please pray food recipients will also be spiritually nourished, that their spirits will be bolstered with hope beyond their present circumstances. Pray recipients will experience Christ’s love through the generosity of the Church.

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