Your Brethren In Africa Need Your Urgent Help!

Recently, I have had correspondence with brothers Mike Divis (IA) and Carl McMurray (IN). Both are capable gospel preachers. They have been involved in evangelism locally and abroad for many years. Mike and Carl recently returned from a missionary trip to Zimbabwe. They were shocked and dismayed when they learned of the state of the brethren when they returned this time.

Upon arriving they quickly learned that many of our brethren have starved to death. Times have been hard in portions of Africa for a long time, but it has taken an extreme turn for the worse.

There is no doubt in my mind that the poor will be with us always (Jn. 12:8). However, to neglect the poor is to neglect Christ (Matt. 25:42-45). John wrote, "But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17).

As individuals, we can help our brethren. In order to make this possible, Mike and Carl are putting together a means of delivering funds to those who have the greatest need. Please consider the starving brethren in Zimbabwe. Check out their web site www.openheartshelpinghands.com. Visit also our blog of the trip.

Brethren, so many of us have never gone to bed truly hungry or worrying about where our next meal might come from. Your brothers and sisters in Christ need your help! No amount is too small, every dollar can be used. In fact a family of about six can live an entire month on just $40! $40!...I have spent that on one meal going out to eat at a restaraunt! (I have a family of six.) Surely we can do something to help.

For those who may have concerns, I want to stress this is an effort put on by Carl and Mike alone (as messengers to deliver funds). It is not a "Missionary Society" as the funds will only be used to help provide the physical needs for these brethren. Additionally, it will be tax deductible once all of the paperwork is in place and 100% of the funds will go toward the Christians. Mike and Carl are not expecting to pocket any of the funds for their efforts. Additionally, they are looking for help with some of the operating costs. (contact them about this).

Someone asked me in concern why they are not asking the churches to help. If a church desires to help, you might contact Mike or Carl to see how that might be possible though their non-profit will not accept donations for this effort from Churches, only individuals. This does not stop what the church may do in a scriptural manner, but that is a different subject to address.

The fact is, a church may collectively decide they chose not to help the brethren at this time. That would be their decision to make. However, within that local congregation there may be individuals who would like to take of their means to send to help. There are no restrictions placed upon the help one individual can provide for another. However, restrictions do exist concerning how church funds can be used.

Please share this information with all of those you know. Contact Mike or Carl with any questions or concerns you might have and please consider this earnestly in your heart. Consider making this part of your monthly budget, rather than a one-time consideration.

Thank you for your consideration,

Michel Mahler