Glory to God!

by Haley Simmons, Co-Director of the Storyteller Team

“Glory to God!” Pastor Francis proclaims as he sends images of his garden to us. He and his family are using the lockdown to work in the garden, keeping children fruitful during this time at home by harvesting cassava roots and planting groundnut for next season’s harvest.

“All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.” Psalms 104:27‭-‬30

“Glory to God!” we repeat, for the goats in Lulu Liberia have given birth and we see sustainability coming to life. In this time of shelter, we joyfully anticipate the birth and renewal springing up.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4‭-‬7

“Glory to God!” we cry out, as Holy Week passes and we are reminded of the grace of our Savior.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

“Glory to God!” we declare, and invite you to rest in the peace that He is Risen, and by His abundant grace we are healed. ?

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24‭-‬26

PRAYER FOR OUR LULU FAMILIES – FROM MOMMY EMILY

Friends I’d also like to ask you to join in praying for our Lulu families in Africa — for those in Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Sudan, and Uganda. Even though the COVID-19 cases are few (for which we’re grateful) the governments are doing severe lockdowns which, in some places, are causing unrest due to people being unable to earn money and thus potentially starving to death (many, for example, will go out daily to sell toothbrushes or charcoal in order to bring home enough for supper). Oh how we need wisdom for these times! Cry out to us to the Lord for His hand to be upon the poor and helpless. Love to you all.