Our partners around the world are actively expressing the love of God by loving their neighbors. Some are finding creative ways to spread God’s great story:

“With total lockdown enforced by the government, the Maasai community has been grounded. They cannot even make the cattle grazing migration they are known for.

One of our lead storytellers initiated a storytelling relay model of storytelling, which is like the old way of letter delivery. As a result of this amazing, creative method, 16 storytelling groups have been started in 16 manyattas, villages that hold about 20-30 households, this month. Today they are involving 267 persons in studying the bible from Genesis.

Here is how it happens. A story is told in one village and a storyteller is charged to take the story to the next storyteller at the first village border post and that way it is carried on to several villages.“

Our Donors Generosity

Early on in this pandemic, God made it clear to the SIU team that we had an opportunity to generously give towards the critical needs happening among our partners and the networks they serve. We were able to combine SIU’s benevolence fund with the amazing generosity of our supporters who gave to the Partner Relief Fund and distributed grants to approximately 50 partners. The funds were extremely timely and helpful for food, supplies and other needs for partners, their leaders and their communities. We praise and thank God for our generous donors!!

God Using this Crisis for His Good

God continues to work through this time of crisis to show His love as our partners love their neighbors and share the Good News with them. Many chose to give the food and supplies to local families in their community who were hurting the most instead of keeping it for their own family. One of the partners shared with us that they now “have an open door to share the Gospel through Bible stories with these families like they have never had before”. God is drawing many people into His Kingdom as a result of this love and care given in the name of Jesus.

Not only are people being fed physically, but men are stepping up spiritually to lead their families as many churches are closed because of the lockdown. They are memorizing many new stories and telling them to their families. Many of their family members are growing in their faith and others are coming to faith through these Bible stories. Rather than ministry coming to a stop because of the virus, believers are being strengthened as they are going through the refiner’s fire. They are increasing the number of stories memorized. The pandemic and resulting shutdowns are revealing the value and necessity of having the Scriptures hidden in their hearts and retold in their homes and communities. They are seeing family and friends coming to faith like never before. Families now have many Bible stories in their hearts, that will be with them wherever they go – even into the darkest, most desperate times and regions. The light of Christ is shining brightly through our partners and their networks!

Our partners are thankful for God’s provision!!

“We are so grateful to SIU for this encouragement through special help during this difficult time. Our team is very busy in relief work among very needy families, especially daily wage earners and those who have lost their jobs. These are the people who are believers, or seekers or storytelling group listeners. We bless you and your team and those who have contributed generously.” – C. Asia Partner

“This is going to be great relief for us and our ministry leaders! We were also able to help feed 450 people for three days. May the Lord bless and multiply it at this relief for our country.” – S. Asia Partner