May 2021
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:10
Beloved Ones in Christ,
As many of you have heard in the news, there is much suffering in India at the present time, with the daily COVID-19 death tolls in the thousands. The pandemic we are all experiencing is taking its biggest toll there. Resources are scarce, and life is so difficult for millions of people living without access to basic medical supplies. By God’s grace we have had no Coronavirus deaths among our staff, yet the stories of infections, illness and the difficulties leave us with a heavy heart.
Please join me in earnest prayer for the people of India, that the Lord would be merciful and answer the call of His people and deliver the many who are suffering, and especially to have the hearts of people turn to the Lord, many for the first time. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:12 to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and to be constant in prayer.
Thanks to your prayers and support, IEM has been distributing food to families since the pandemic began. Because of the strict lockdown, people are not able to leave their homes. Our staff has been buying groceries at the local market–rice, lentils, fresh vegetables, oil and spices–and delivering the bags house by house to needy families. Your support in this area is so valuable.
Thank you to those who have reached out and called us and are joining us in praying for God’s mercy on this country. Please continue to pray! We are pleading for the lives of the lost in India. The good news of Jesus and his love is still being spread. We are so thankful for you and for your prayers and support of the ministry.
Yours in His Service,
G.V. and Dayan Mathai