We love this post by Jessica Renshaw of Hidden in Jesus–read about all the good things that are happening around the world as a result of the pandemic. If you are encouraged, please share in the comments.

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ALBANIA – The pandemic has created an unprecedented level of openness to the gospel. Local missionaries have begun using text messages and social media along with their evangelistic meetings as the country that is less than 1% evangelical adjusts to COVID-19 restrictions. Workers need donations for the tools, training and means to bring the gospel to hurting people… reeling from COVID-19, economic paralysis and an anti-religious history.

PHILIPPINES – COVD-19 has left the poor without jobs and more destitute. Workers are distributing groceries to slum-dwellers, food to street children and school supplies to kids from indigent families. . . Ethnic Manobo villagers in a remote area recently heard the gospel for the first time when local missionaries established a base among them, and many of the tribal people committed their lives to Christ. Workers visiting homes elsewhere found people suffering from the coronavirus pandemic were unusually receptive to the gospel.

CHINA – People going through hard times have more questions for local missionaries than they did before the pandemic, which workers are answering through texts, phone calls, Zoom talks and small groups, bringing people closer to Christ. Ministry team leaders are being trained online, with many of them discovering and trying new ways to plant churches.

SPAIN -The leader of a local ministry’s refugee center met a woman who fled her country because her husband had tried to kill her and her daughter. A few days after hearing the worker speak of Christ’s love, she and her daughter put their faith in Him, became ardent evangelists and now have one of the most fruitful house churches in the area. . . Refugees from Syria, Iraq and other countries in conflict are not only parents anxious to provide a safe environment for their children but young singles and even minors who have no resources for shelter, food or health care. Local missionaries help minors with legal counsel and referral to government shelters for youth. The food, baby formula, clothing, integration help and other services they provide to all refugees can mean the difference between life and complications that lead to death.

SRI LANKA – While COVID-19 prohibited most local missionaries from going to the lost, many people came to workers’ house churches and received divine healing and salvation. A lame woman came to a prayer meeting and walked out praising the Lord. “In spite of the COVID-19 problem, God is working in a wonderful way,” a ministry leader said. The father of a physically and mentally ill boy lost his job to the pandemic, and when they visited a church and accepted Christ, the son was healed, and the family soon bean a new business.

NEPAL – Two families who belonged to a sub-Christian church and had long resisted the gospel often argued vehemently with a local missionary. The worker continued meeting with them and persisted in proclaiming the salvation of Christ, and over time the Lord changed their hearts. The families now worship Christ at the local missionary’s church. Throughout the country, local missionaries recently led more than 100 people to Christ, with discipleship taking place mainly through phone and video call amid a country hard-hit by COVID-19. They request prayer for safety and provision as pandemic lockdowns continue.

TURKEY – Even the few refugees who can find work in a pandemic-ravaged economy are barely surviving and frequently call local missionaries asking for help. Workers provide food, water, and other aid, along with hygiene items such as disinfectants, soaps and masks. In so doing they develop bonds of trust and respect and are able to reach more people with God’s Word.

LEBANON – Local missionaries have seen their responsibilities increase in the wake of economic collapse and last year’s Beirut port explosion; among other needs, frightened children of displaced families swelled the numbers involved in a program for kids. Amid the needs, workers established several new house groups. one worker delivered food packages to a refugee father in tears as he was unable to feed his family; the man said the aid was an answer to prayer and prayed to receive Christ. Pray for resources to re-hire staff member laid off due to the economic disaster.

PAKISTAN – In spite of pandemic lockdowns, local missionaries went to several villages and shared the gospel with 1,500 people

INDIA – A woman who suffered a form of insanity for six months was healed after prayer by local missionaries, and then she and her whole family put their faith in Christ. Another woman who was depressed and anxious for 25 years also trusted in Christ and received healing. In the face of coronavirus lockdowns, two or three families come together for worship, and many also pray for each other over the phone. Among other outreaches, local missionaries screened gospel films in 49 places and proclaimed Christ in 881 new villages over a six-month stretch. Pray the Lord will show them more ways to be salt and light.

NORTH AFRICA – COVID-19 has revealed the vulnerability of the working poor; with the pandemic eliminating many jobs, they are even more dependent on food from local missionaries. Mothers unable to afford two meals a day are especially thankful as they come from near and far to obtain food for hungry children. Such aid keeps parents from sending their kids to beg in the streets and helps young students to succeed in school.

ARMENIA – Families displaced after attacks by foreign forces last year were grateful when local missionaries provided food, clothes and Christian literature to 150 families. A Christmas outreach provided 650 gifts to impoverished children, and workers are helping more than 90 poor families with coronavirus-related medical costs, utility bills, clothing and food. Local missionaries request prayer for peace in the country and encouragement and safe travel for workers.

SYRIA – Amid economic ruin and military conflict, local missionaries find many Syrians are displaced within their own country. While providing aid, workers have innumerable opportunities to proclaim Christ and disciple those who receive Him. Pray for recovery of staff reduced due to skyrocketing inflation.

NIGERIA – People living in the shadow of Islamic extremist violence and COVID-19 saw a bright spot in their lives when local missionaries provided six boreholes to provide clean water, raising sanitation levels and reducing water-borne diseases.

IRAQ – A young doctor had nothing but contempt for local missionaries when they led his parents and sisters to Christ, but when his mother and father were dying of COVID-19, he asked the workers for prayer, When both parents suddenly recovered, he knew it had to be more than a coincidence, and he now worships Christ with them and shares his testimony with others at his hospital.. . Many people infected with COVID-19 have sought the Lord amid their suffering, and local missionaries have guided them to Christ. Workers shared the gospel in home visits, special church meetings and aid distributions, among other ways, and 12 families recently accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. In addition, a program to teach the Bible to children led to 64 of them putting their faith in Christ. Many church meetings were held online due to the pandemic, and workers trained family heads to lead small services for those without internet access.

JORDAN – Refugees from Syria, Iraq and other troubled countries arrive having suffered unimaginable loss and tragedy. The help they receive from local missionaries gives them hope for survival and the tools to restart their lives: educational supplies for kids, medical care, job skills training and Bible study. Teams visit refugees in their run-down homes every day to share the gospel. Workers also meet myriad physical and spiritual needs of local Jordanians. They request prayer for strength and wisdom as they face health needs and tough economic times.

Share your thoughts and prayers in the comments below!

(Article by Jessica Renshaw. Reprinted with permission, from Hidden in Jesus. Photo Credit: Yanin Diaz/Unsplash).