We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
The heart of Shepherds’ Support is to encourage, equip and engage pastoral couples. Our founders, Steve and Connie Troxel, consistently demonstrated those values and a spirit of generosity towards others. They established a practice of always traveling to our training conferences with extra funds to help with special needs or projects that they became aware of.
We see this same spirit of generosity demonstrated through the pastoral couples we serve today. During this time of restricted travel, Shepherds’ Support has been partnering with them as they demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways to those affected by COVID19.
In Peru
Pastor William and Ruth discovered an unexpected need. Neighbors started coming to their house to use their printer. All of the children were sent home from school and needed to print their homework assignments, but every store was closed. William and Ruth’s printer was the only one in the whole neighborhood that worked so they made it available to serve others. William recently wrote and said that sadly, it broke a couple of days ago. That didn’t keep them from finding other ways to care for their neighbors.
William and Ruth also saw that as incomes were falling, the price of food was rising. Some of their neighbors desperately needed food. So, William and Ruth donated some of their own limited resources and, with the help of Shepherds’ Support, made up packages of food supplies that they delivered to the most hard hit families in their neighborhood. They were all grateful for God’s provision. William writes, “Thank the Lord and you all for making this possible.”
It is our prayer that as we help our partners help others, God will bless these families and continue to multiply the Gospel throughout the community.
Training Conference Update
Here are some ways that you can be praying:
- Pray for the ongoing ministries of Pastor William and Ruth in Peru: The circumstances in Peru are challenging and William and Ruth have lost friends and co-laborers to the virus. Please ask God to guide and protect them so they can continue to serve others in their community and nation. May their home be a place of refuge, peace and service to all in need so that they might hear and believe the Good News of Jesus Christ.
- Pray for Pastors Bernard and Sarah, our partners in Kenya: Most of the people that Bernard and Sarah shepherd live from hand to mouth. Now, that most businesses remain closed many people lack food and supplies. Pray that they might demonstrate trust and faith in Christ and that God would provide for their needs.
- Please continue to pray for the Lord to make a way for us to go to Georgia in September: Our team continues to prepare and trust that God will lead our paths. Our teaching team is coming together from Ohio, Florida, Texas and Uzbekistan.
As these days continue to call us to act with an “abundance of caution,” may our lives remain characterized by an “abundance of faith.” Jesus really does change everything!
Grace to you and peace from God our Father,
And the Shepherds’ Support Board:
Steve and Connie Troxel
David and Beth Butler
Jack and Nancy Shirley
Sid and Zane Williams
Daniel and Kate Wurzberg