November 30, 2012
By Beverly and Jay Bellamy, serving in Republic of the Congo
We have a deep burden for Jean-Philippe, the director of our Christian Studies Center in Pointe-Noire, and his wife, Rose, one of our Sunday school teacher-trainers.
God has greatly used this couple to reach some of the most vulnerable in this African nation, where 70 percent of the population lives in poverty. During the past several years, they have poured out their love and tears and whatever income they’ve had (including gifts from other believers) to provide housing and schooling for many orphans and homeless children who live on the streets near their home.
Because of this couple’s faithfulness, the Lord has transformed the lives of many of these kids who previously had no hope.
Last week, however, Jean-Philippe and Rose suffered several devastating blows. After days of heavy rain, they lost their home and orphanage to flooding. All of their possessions were destroyed, including their furniture and clothing. Books and personal notes pertaining to the couple’s ministries were also lost. (Rose has a business making natural medicines from plants native to Congo.) To have lost all of these possessions was devastating enough; then, at the end of the week, their adult son died of malaria.
Our hearts are breaking for this family. Please pray that God will comfort Jean-Philippe and Rose in their distress and provide relief.
In all of this, though, we remember that God is faithful and good; He will bring joy out of sorrow. We thank Him that He will never leave us and has provided for us a large family within The Alliance.
If you are among those in The Alliance who give to the Great Commission Fund (GCF), you have in some way already contributed to this couple. Gifts to the GCF made it possible for Jean-Philippe to receive training at West Africa Alliance Theological Seminary (FATEAC) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Just as important, most of our Alliance team members, who have encouraged and collaborated with this couple, are supported through the prayers of Alliance people as well as gifts to the GCF.
We are thankful that He allows us to be a part of that ministry of grace. Thank you, once again, for your prayer and support.
What You Can Do
Pray
Pray for comfort and strength for Jean-Philippe and Rose and that God will supply all of their needs “according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” Pray for Alliance workers worldwide, using the weekly Alliance Prayer requests.
Give
- Give to the Great Commission Fund (GCF) to support Alliance workers in Arica and around the world who are extending the hope of Christ to the lost and discipling new believers.
- Give now