We’re living in crazy times. We are experiencing something never seen in our lifetimes – a global pandemic!
It’s been amazing to see the response of so many churches and individual Christians stepping up and stepping out to serve the most vulnerable in our communities.
In my role as International Leader of Pioneer I’m in regular communication with Pioneer church leaders across the globe. We are all in the same position. We’re all in lockdown and practicing social distancing. We’re all trying to work out the best ways to keep our communities connected and serve those in most need in our wider communities.
Here in the UK our government has provided some extraordinary financial support packages for individuals and businesses.
But for many of our Pioneer family in developing nations this level of support does not exist. Communities are in lockdown with no means of support. Food and basic provisions are becoming harder to get hold and starvation is posing as big a threat at COVID-19.
Many Pioneer churches are doing all they can to meet the needs in their communities but with limited resources.
So, we have decided, as an international network, a global family, to set up an International Relief Appeal to support those churches in developing nations who are on the frontline serving and feeding their communities.
You can still get involved and give via Pioneer ChurchSuite. Just CLICK HERE and choose ‘Pioneer International Appeal’ on the drop-down menu. You can also give by bank transfer direct to the Pioneer account with the reference ‘Pioneer International Appeal’. Account details are:
Pioneer Trust Sort Code: 54-41-54 Number: 09711953
BIC: NWBKGB2L IBAN: GB80 NWBK 5441 5409 7119 53
We’ll make 100% of all donations are directed to those most in need.
The second thing that we’re going to do is PRAY.
On Wednesday 22nd April we prayed across the globe non-stop for 24 hours.
City Life Church Christchurch in New Zealand kicked us off and then churches across Australia and Asia picked up the baton. Then churches in Africa and the UK took over before moving across the Atlantic when our friends in Cuba and the USA brought the 24 hours to a conclusion.
Each region, church or household prayed for an hour within specific international time zones.
We produced some prayer guidelines with useful information to help everyone pray. And we also produced some creative family friendly guidelines to use with children.
CLICK FOR PRAYER IDEAS FOR FAMILIES & KIDS
You can see a record of who was praying when and where on the Pioneer Community News Facebook group with pictures or videos using the hashtag #wearepraying.
So, two very practical ways to serve our global family. We can give and we pray.
Billy
PRAYING ACROSS THE GLOBE:
New Zealand [+11] – 10am – 11am [11pm BST]
Australia [+9] – 9am – 1pm [12am – 4am BST]
Asia [+4.30] – 7.30am – 10.30am [4am – 7am BST]
Kenya [+2] – 9am – 12pm [7am – 10am BST]
Zambia [+1] – 11am – 12pm [10am – 11am BST]
UK – 11am – 7pm
Cuba [-5] – 2pm – 3pm [7pm – 8pm BST]
USA EDT [-5] – 3pm – 5pm [8pm – 10pm BST]
USA CDT [-6] – 6pm – 7pm [10pm – 11pm BST]
Watch and listen to some videos from our partners. Click here to see all the videos on YouTube.