The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Normally we think of the USA as the prime provider of the necessary needs for missions. American resources are still key to seeing God’s kingdom advance worldwide. But Bread of Life is taking the investments made by so many American ITMI supporters and turning it into a gift that keeps on giving!
Bread of Lifeis in the process of shipping a container of supplies to Ivory Coast. The container is from Europe (Belgium) funded by European followers of Jesus who had a heart to love and serve the poorest of the poor, and were able to do it because of Bread of Life.
The container will have equipment, furniture, supplies, Bibles and toys. Bread of Life Ivory Coast will use the containers contents to help and provide for the estimated 300 refugees they work with, providing them with physical and spiritual food as needed.
It’s rewarding to know that those American resources are being invested wisely and paying dividends.
ITMI is using American resources not just to provide for one-time needs – although that’s still important. And we do that as needed. But our partners are taking it a step further. They are discipling believers and getting them motivated to advance God’s Kingdom with their own resources.
Are we offended that Europe re-gifted your gifts? Not at all!
More Gift Ideas that Will Keep Being Re-Gifting
The two greatest needs of Bread of Life Ivory Coast at the moment are:
1- a van for transportation of volunteers and food.
2- development of nationals
Food Distribution Van
For over a year, Bread of Life has been praying and working toward obtaining a desperately needed van for Bread of Life Ivory Coast’s transportation of volunteers, supplies and food. This van will enable one of the main outreach programs Bread of Life Ivory Coast does – a food distribution project – to run much, much more smoothly. Obtaining this vehicle will empower Bread of Life Ivory Coast to do more and help more people.
Moving any kind of food in bulk is tough without the proper vehicle.
photo credit: John Jere
Development of Nationals
ITMI’s purpose is to empower quality nationals for maximum effectiveness in their countries. Bread of Life’s on-the-ground operations are now mainly led by nationals in their varying locations, serving the poorest of the poor in their own communities.
Daniel is Bread of Life’s lead volunteer in Ivory Coast. Not long ago, he was captured by rebels. Thankfully, they released him! This event has led to a relocation of the Bread of Life Ivory Coast office.
This serves as a grave reminder of the peril that many volunteers face in order to serve the poorest of the poor. It also stands as a testimony to their dedication and passion for their cause.
One of the constant challenges faced by Bread of Life is raising support for the salaries of national workers.
This is one of those areas where funds from the States are absolutely key – and where they can be multiplied.
These funds enable passionate national volunteers who can move mountains with their faith and can advocate effectively for projects with their connections. Worker salaries – minimal as they tend to be – will be re-given many times over through the blood, sweat and tears of dedicated workers laying down their lives to serve the poor.
