April 2020 Update

by | May 1, 2020 | Uncategorized

In a season of great uncertainty, we are more thankful than ever for the truth that our unchanging, ever-powerful God reigns on the throne. We pray that all of you – our prayer partners, supporters and volunteers – may find strength and know that He is near during this time.

We wanted to take a moment to encourage you with Psalm 46.
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
Though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” 

And then:
“Be still, and know that I am God. 
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.”

-Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11

As we take refuge in Him, He reminds us that He will be exalted among the nations. When the world feels chaotic, God is near and wants us to remember that He is still at work in the nations. What great encouragement to us! When it feels like everything in the world is shut down or operating at a limited capacity due to COVID-19, our God tells us that He remains the same.

We hope this encourages you to draw near to Him and remain in prayer for the many souls in need of the hope of the gospel. Might they trust in Him!

Grace and blessings,
Damon Davenport
Founder, Communities of Grace International

 

Pressing On

Ministry continues in Africa as we get to take part in what God is doing in this season. In order to continue teaching and caring for others at a time when it is most needed, our pastors have been hosting Facebook live discipleship trainings.

Because many have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and there is minimal work for members of those congregations, Communities of Grace International has developed a feeding program to provide for those who have been affected. We are so thankful for your generosity that enables us to alleviate their stress in meeting basic needs.

We also received news that one of the prisons was in need of masks, soap and other hygienic items. Through your generosity, COGI was also able to send money to help them purchase these items and improve the hygiene of these prisons.

How You Can Partner With Us in Prayer

We are so thankful for your partnership and encouraged by God’s work through Communities of Grace. As COVID-19 takes its toll on many, we ask that you pray with us for some very specific needs:

  • Amidst lockdown orders, sexual and physical assault cases have increased throughout the nation. Many victims do not report their cases, and those who do have struggled to receive medical care and other help in light of the pandemic. Please pray for justice and peace to go forward and that victims will receive the help and protection they need.
  • Pregnant women, too, are struggling to receive proper medical care. Pray with us that God would protect these women and their children – all precious in His sight and made in His image.
  • Many people – especially those in slums with overcrowding and poor sanitation – are struggling to practice social distancing. Please pray for God’s protection for those most vulnerable to this virus.
As always, we ask that you continue to pray for our partners and their congregations. Please pray that our Father would enable them to be salt and light to their communities, especially during these difficult times.

We humbly ask you to pray over how you can help advance God’s work through Communities of Grace whether by giving, praying or going. Contact damon@gocogi.com with more ways you can get involved!

Our team was able to participate in 3 separate women’s gatherings which were blessed to have over 500 attendees! These gatherings were focused on reaching the widows and their families in the community with the Gospel while also helping provide for their physical needs with gifts of food for them as well! What a joy that was to be a part of these conferences!

Women's Prison Ministry

John 13:12-17

(12) When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. (13) “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. (14) Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. (15) I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (16) Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (17) Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

During our time at the women’s prison, we had the fun time of washing the prisoner’s feet and also doing some nail polishing!

Noel Academy

Noel Academy has been greatly enjoying the new van since our last update!

Discipleship Program Graduates

The students have been working diligently for 3 years with our discipleship program and are receiving a John MacArthur study Bible after graduation! This class included 40 students who will be dispatched throughout Kenya for their work assignments.

New Church Updates

The roofing for the new church is nearing completion!

Prayer Requests

Please consider partnering with us through prayer.

  • For the new discipleship program for the juvenile detention inmates.
  • For the hearts of widows and their families who heard the Word spoken over them in June.
  • For God to use this group of discipleship graduates as they reach throughout Kenya through their work assignments.
  • For the Noel children who continue their studies – for growth in their intellectual skills and wisdom.
  • For the new church project to continue smoothly.

Thank you so much for the prayer and continued support as the work to spread God’s glory to the nations!