CPC THIS WEEK: THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH May 22, 2020

Memorial Day Few of us celebrate Memorial Day as it was intended. I’m old enough to remember when Memorial Day was Decoration Day. As a youth, there were numerous trips to cemeteries to “decorate” the graves of family members who passed from this life. As originally birthed, Decoration Day was a day to remember those who had fallen during the Civil War – those from both North and South. In later years, we set aside the day to remember all those who had paid the ultimate price to preserve our liberty.

But as we all know, with every physical war, there is in the background a spiritual war. Our Enemy’s ambition is that we would all follow in his footsteps – enemies against God, and one another. As believers we are in a war. That warfare is described so vividly for us by Paul in Ephesians 6. And we who live today have been called to take our place on the frontlines of battle. And despite what we may see, hear, and experience – we are winning! Every day we report for duty the Kingdom of God advances because of the gains made by those who fought before us. Hebrews 11 gives us a glimpse of those saints who have “fought the good fight.” As we remember those who fought for earthly citizenship, it would serve us well to also remember those who were recruited in the fight for our spiritual citizenship. One man, William W. How, committed his memorial in song - “For All the Saints.” Sadly, I have only included this hymn once or twice since coming to CPC – it is our loss.

The remainder of my article today is his hymn. I would encourage you not to rush through the lyrics; let them linger. For one day – and only the Lord knows – when others sing this song, it will be sung of you! So, for Christ, we wrestle until we rest!

In the Memory of Our King and those who have served Him,

PB

If you would like to listen as you read – or even sing along! (two verses are omitted) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQSLwJtkUd0

“For All The Saints”

For all the saints who from their labors rest, Who thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,

And win with them the victor's crown of gold. Alleluia! Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine, We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia! Alleluia!

And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long, Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,

And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia! Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west; Soon, soon to faithful warrior cometh rest;

Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; The saints triumphant rise in bright array;

The King of glory passes on His way. Alleluia! Alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! Alleluia!

CPC CHURCH ONLINE SUNDAY'S SERMON Title: “Soaring,Sitting,andSubjecting”Text: Ephesians 1:15-23 Pastor Bob Clark

Please check your email and watch for the texts for Pastor Bob Clark’s Saturday/Sunday Message on Vimeo. Click on the link to access the video.

If you have missed a sermon and would like to catch up,

April and current May sermons are posted on the Programs page along with their bulletins and notes for

the children (when available).

Also, be sure to check your Thursday morning email for information on how to join online

for Thursday Evening Prayer Meeting at 7pm.

If you are not receiving these messages, please reach out to the Church Office

to be added to the contact lists and for troubleshooting support that we may offer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ALL CPC STUDIES have been cancelled. We will return to an “in-person” status as soon as possible. PULPIT SEARCH COMMITTEE PRAYER – Please continue to pray for the PSC, Pastor Clark’s transition, the Pastoral selection process, and potential candidates. PSC members are: Mindy Deckard, Lori Fowler, Roger Golden, and Brian Todd; Lance Fowler will be the alternate. These PSC members join the Session appointed members of Michael Allen, Aaron Fredrick, Bill Kehlenbrink and alternate Tom Deckard. KIDS’ SERMON NOTES are available digitally for 1st through 2nd graders through emails and on the website, as available. CPC PRAYER GUIDES and APRIL MEMORY VERSES – Weekly Prayer Request Guides and monthly memory verses for CPC family and friends will be available digitally, including in the E-News. CHURCH EMAILS – From time to time our church email address book inadvertently drops a contact – perhaps this has happened to you. As we search for a permanent solution, please help us by doing this: If you have not received a general email, prayer update, or the church E-news during the course of the week, please

contact the Church Office. We will be sure to add your contact information back into our system. Thanks for your patience. CPC COMMUNICATION – Along with email communication to the congregation, we are using a robotext messaging program to alert members and friends for emergencies, cancellations, and special events. If we do not have your current cell phone information in our Church Directory, would you please email your number to the Church Office and we will add it to the contact list. Thank you. Please reach out to the office if you have any questions. *It is important to have access to robotext as it offers more immediate information regarding changes with the ever-changing responses to Covid-19.

MAY MEMORY VERSE

Psalm 71:6 UponyouIhaveleanedfrombeforemybirth;

YouareHewhotookmefrommymother’swomb.MypraiseiscontinuallyofYou.

For those memorizing the memory verse, if you would like a Memory Verse Card,

please contact the Church Office and one will be sent by the post at your request.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! MAY ANNIVERSARIES 1 Roger & Jane Arnold, 1964 2 Butch & Angie Bowen, 1987 22 Dave & Judy Hall, 1965 22 Bill & Laura Kehlenbrink, 1993 26 Jesse & Melissa Owens, 1990 29 Chris & Val Moore, 2004 MAY BIRTHDAYS 4 Owen Fowler 6 Brenda Miller 6 Leah Keesling 8 Kurt Steinfort 14 Doug Miller 24 Jim Roszell 27 Amiyah Davis 29 Judy Hall

CPC Worship Guidelines for COVID -19 CPC will resume worship services this Sunday morning, May 24, at 9:30 am. In order to provide both a safe and sanctifying environment for worship we ask that you familiarize yourself with our guidelines below. We believe the guidelines represent the recommended practices outlined by Indiana State Department of Health and the CDC, while at the same time permitting the exercise of personal responsibility as we join together for worship. Format: One Service

• Sunday Morning at 9:30 am. • The Sunday Morning Service will be streamed

on “Face Book Live” at 9:30 am. • We have decided on Sunday since that best

represents the Biblical pattern. • One service will reduce the potential

transmission of the Corona Virus. • One service eliminates the need for staff and

volunteers to prepare and be present for a second service.

• However, anticipating increasing attendance, the Session will begin a Saturday Evening service when the Sunday morning service attendance approaches our safe-distancing capacity.

Precautions: • The Sanctuary will be cleaned before and after

each service. • Weather permitting; front doors will either be

propped open or held for you. • We will ensure six (6) feet between individuals

or family units of the same households during services.

• We will use every other row seating. • The use of Facial Coverings for worship is

optional. Individuals should practice whatever measures align best with their personal convictions based on facts and faith.

• Hand sanitizers will be in high-contact locations (e.g. bathroom, entry, exit). Everyone will be asked to sanitize his or her hands after entering the building.

• Signage will be placed at entrances informing staff, members, and guests not to enter if they are symptomatic or if they have tested positive for COVID-19.

• Water Fountains have been covered and will be unavailable for use.

• Restroom door handles have been changed to a “push” entry and “pull handle” exit.

Attendance: • Since we are now planning for a single service

we ask that you please inform the church office of your intention to attend. You may use the email sent for this purpose, or phone the church office with your decision.

• Following ISDH/CDC recommendations we encourage all individuals who are 65 and above or who have an underlying at-risk health condition to stay home and watch services online.

Childcare: • Nursery and Children’s Church are suspended

until further notice.

Post-worship Refreshments: • Refreshments are suspended until further notice.

Greeters:

• Greeters will function as door attendees to minimize multiple contacts on handles.

Offering:

• Offering plates will not be passed. Those attending may use one of the two receptacles in the rear of the sanctuary. (You may continue to mail your offering to the church office.)

Greeting Time:

• Formal Greeting Time has been removed as a part of worship until further notice.

Communion:

• Communion Trays will not be passed. Participants will be directed to the Communion Table at the front of the sanctuary where elements will be double-cupped as a single unit. Cups will be spaced on the communion table for participants.

Worship Dismissal:

• Worship dismissal will be done by row: rear to front. Everyone will be encouraged to vacate the building as dismissed.

• We encourage any “post-worship fellowship” to take place in the parking lot while practicing social distancing.

Sunday School:

• Sunday School for all ages has been suspended until further notice.

CHRISTPRESBYTERIANCHURCH! WEEKLYPRAYERLIST

WeekofMay22-29

PERSONAL–CPCMEMBERS&FAMILY/FRIENDS

Haley(Owens)&GarrettBascom–RejoicinginthearrivaloftheTWINS,OliviaandWalker!!!

ShirleyKehlenbrink(BillKehlenbrink’smother)–ForGod’swisdomasdoctorsseektoresolveheartissues;God’speaceforherrest;God’sstrengthforoccupationaltherapy

OpalStackhouse–God’scomfort,strength,andhealingforOpal.ForpeaceandpatienceastheyadjusttotheirnewhomeinRichmond

KehlenbrinkFamily–God’scontinuedhealinginBill’srecoveryfromfootsurgery–walkingwithboot;God’scontinuedhealingforLauraasshereturnstolimitedwork.

ColleenMartin/Shirley(Mother-in-law)–God’scomfortfortheMartinfamilyfollowingthepassingofShirley,May11

BruceLaMar–God’scontinuedstrengthwithnewmedicationanddietchanges

MarciaMcIntosh–TheLord’sencouragementwhilequarantinedatTheLeland;comfortandpeacefollowingthepassingofherfriendAnn,May8

ShirleyMorgan–God’shealingstrengthwhileatForestPark

DebbieGentry–Godwouldcontinuetogiveherstrengthassherecoversathomefollowingsurgery

SarahPfeil–God’sguidingphysiciansregardingherhealthandcarewhileinColorado;healingandrelieffromdailypain

SamanthaDungan–God’sstrengthasSamanthahasreturnedhome.Prayforallthedetails,arrangements,andadjustmentsasshecontinuestogainstrengthandabilities

HarrisonFamily–God’sprotectionandcomfort;AmyandLeeyaarestillinChinabutnolongerquarantined.TheywillremaininChinauntilthingsimproveintheUS.

AmesNottingham–(ParentsJeffandAutumn)God’sstrengthandcomfortasherecoversatReilyfromCardio-pulmonaryconditionsfrombirth.God’speaceforJeff,Autumn,andfamily

MINISTRY/MISSIONSCPCPulpitSearchCommittee–Guidance,direction,andunityastheybeginthesearchprocessCPCReachingRichmond–BoysandGirlsClubsofWayneCountyCPCMinistryoftheWeek–MissionsCPCMissionaryoftheMonth–AmandaNelson

PCAIndianaChurches–TrinityChofBrownsburg(Brownsburg)–SteveMarusichChurchesinAmerica–UnityandcompassionforourBiblicaltestimonywiththechallengeoftheCoronavirusRichmondChurchCommunity–FortheproclamationofGod’sTruth–forgrowingsenseofonenessinministriestoRichmond

CPCFAMILIESOFTHEWEEK:Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdayPat

JamesBrad&LisaKeesling

Bill&LauraKehlenbrink

Bruce&JudyLaMar

MicheleLuker

ColleenMartin

MarciaMcIntosh

PREGNANCIES BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES

SeptOctNov

LauraWoodKatherine(Ford)PottsEmilyFredrick

5/24JimRoszell5/27AmiyahDavis5/29JudyHall

6/1DanStaifer6/2NathanDungan6/2MadelineSteinfort

Roger&JaneArnold,5/1/64

Butch&AngieBowen,5/2/87

NATIONAL/LOCAL

PresidentTrump/Nat–Faith,Godlywisdomindifficultsituations;PatienceandCivilitywithlegislativeissues;Iran;2020campaigns,governmentdirectionregardingapproachtoCoronavirusGovernorHolcomb/State–GodlywisdominleadershipoverStateissues;abortionlegislation;CoronavirusMayorDaveSnow/City–FortheMayor’snewterm;workingwithcommoncouncil;socio-economicissues;Coronavirus

PPL LIFE SUPPORT PRAYER CALENDAR

Presbyterians Protecting Life ppl.org Dear Prayer Team Member, King David remembered lame Mephibosheth and seated him at the royal table (2 Samuel 4,9); The elderly widow, Anna, was supported by and lived in the temple (Luke 2:37). These Bible examples show us how we are to step up and meet the most basic needs of the vulnerable in times of crisis. Many churches are doing just that during the current pandemic – serving meals, stocking food pantries, taking meals to hospital workers and first responders. The list of those sharing God’s love is amazing. It is the work of the Father and the Son together in and with us.

John 5:19-21 (NIV) “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing

by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does

the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. Yes, and He will show Him

even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead

and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom He is pleased to give it.”

May 17-23 John 5:19-21 (NIV) 1. Pray for God to provide food for those whose jobs and paychecks are on hold because of Covid 19. 2. Pray for the Church of Christ to be everywhere visible, helping, providing, serving, and bringing the good news that God loves us and that we are never alone. May 24-30 John 5:22-24 (NASB) 1. Pray giving thanks that at every stage of human life, God graciously gives eternal life to all who believe in Jesus. 2. Pray for God’s protection of the weak, the poorest, the most infirm, and the helpless. Pray for them to thrive and find all their needs met in Christ. Pray that not one would be left out on earth or in heaven.

SONG OF THE MONTH

“King of Kings”

In the darkness we were waiting Without hope without light

Till from Heaven You came running There was mercy in Your eyes

To fulfill the law and prophets

To a virgin came the Word From a throne of endless glory

To a cradle in the dirt

Praise the Father, Praise the Son Praise the Spirit, three in one

God of Glory, Majesty Praise forever to the King of Kings

To reveal the kingdom coming

And to reconcile the lost To redeem the whole creation You did not despise the cross

For even in Your suffering You saw to the other side

Knowing this was our salvation Jesus for our sake You died

Chorus

And the morning that You rose All of heaven held its breath

Till that stone was moved for good For the Lamb had conquered death

And the dead rose from their tombs

And the angels stood in awe For the souls of all who'd come

To the Father are restored

And the Church of Christ was born Then the Spirit lit the flame Now this Gospel truth of old Shall not kneel shall not faint

By His blood and in His Name

In His freedom I am free For the love of Jesus Christ

Who has resurrected me Chorus

Praise forever to the King of Kings

“King of Kings” CCLI Song # 7127647 Brooke Ligertwood | Jason Ingram | Scott Ligertwood © 2019 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) |

MTW

Haiti’s Political Chaos Disrupts a Fruitful Ministry Haiti has always had more than its fair share of economic struggles, political corruption, and violence. But in the last few years, the Caribbean nation’s fragile peace has crumbled to the brink of collapse, creating unprecedented challenges for MTW ministries in Haiti. The descent into chaos began in the summer of 2018, when people took to the streets by the thousands to protest a sharp spike in fuel prices. Since then, that initial unrest evolved into a larger movement against government corruption. As the economy struggled and the cost of living rose, demonstrators faced off with the police in increasingly violent confrontations. In the summer and fall of 2019, the turmoil reached new heights – much of the country’s electrical grid failed, plunging Haiti into darkness. Protestors blocked roads and well-armed gangs took advantage of the chaos to expand their territory. “Haiti is … unpredictable,” explained MTW missionary Esaie Etienne. Esaie and his wife, Natasha – both native Haitians – have been doing ministry with MTW in Haiti since 2008. After a series of natural disasters in 2009 and 2010 forced them to leave, the Etiennes relocated to the U.S. and travel back and forth to Haiti throughout the year to lead and develop their ministry – Living Stone Reformed Mission. “The main focus of our ministry is church planting,” said Esaie. “We have planted three churches since 2008, and we are working on a fourth one now.” Esaie was also instrumental in starting a small seminary to train pastors and church planters from across the

island. There’s an active mercy ministry component too: disaster response when there’s a hurricane or earthquake, and medical mission teas that come several times per year. These open doors in the communities in invaluable ways. One particularly exciting part of the Etienne’s ministry is Dociné Christian Academy – a school that provides a good Christian education, basic medical care, and free meal[s] to more than 500 children in the impoverished Haitian village of Dociné . “It’s an educational ministry … but it’s also an evangelistic ministry,” Esaie said. “It’s a way for us to preach the gospel to the kids, and through the kids to reach the parents and eventually the community. The school provides hope.” Over the years, many of the students at Dociné Christian Academy have come to Christ. In 2017 alone, 28 kids made a profession of faith. The Spirit is clearly at work in and through the Etiennes’ work, transforming hearts and futures. But the country’s ongoing political turmoil is making ministry more and more difficult. School and Ministry Disrupted Dociné Christian Academy to give an annual teacher training. Midway through their trip, another round of violent riots swept through Haiti’s cities. With the roads blocked, the missionaries were trapped, unable to safely travel to the airport for several days. Since then, Haiti’s political turmoil has continued, rendering the country too dangerous for many of MTW’s ministries to properly function. Two medical teams were forced to cancel scheduled mission trips, deterred by the threat of violence. The September 2019 launch of a Reformed presbytery in Haiti – a momentous event three

years in the making – was also cancelled out of fear for the safety of visiting delegates and leaders. And it’s not just visiting foreigners and short-term trips that are impacted. Even Esaie has been prevented from traveling there. And Dociné Christian Academy, like many schools all across the country, was shut down for months – from September 2019 to January 2020. “The country was in lockdown,” Esaie said. “It’s not only schools that can’t function. It’s businesses, banks … We gave checks to pay the teachers and employees of the ministry, but they couldn’t go to the bank to cash them. It’s very difficult. It [a]ffects everything and everyone.” Keeping Steady Amid the Chaos As protests waned in December, the government tried to return things to normal – at least in the capital. In Port au Prince, schools and roads re-opened. But still, according to Esaie, in smaller cities like Gonaives and villages like Dociné, nothing is functioning as it ought. “The ministry is working,” he said. “The churches are working, but still we need peace. We need stability. …As a minister of the gospel, my conversations with God are prayers of intercession – interceding on behalf of the people, of the country.” Despite the many challenges faced by the Haitian people, MTW’s ministry there is growing. In the face of violence and poverty and the spiritual forces of darkness, the church fights on with the love of Christ – teaching, healing, feeding, and educating village kids and budding pastors poised to change their country for the better. And despite the unrest and turmoil, Esaie continues to work, to preach, to build, and to hope. Editor’s note: As a result of COVID-19, Dociné Christian Academy closed yet again. Please pray for God’s mercy in Haiti. ANDREW SHAUGHNESSY, GONAIVES, HAITI, MERCY, May 19, 2020 https://www.mtw.org/stories/details/haitis-political-chaos-disrupts-a-fruitful-ministry

11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue

shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

ROMANS 14:11-12 ESV

GONAIVES, HAITI OVERVIEW: Haiti’s history is fraught with conflict, foreign interference, and government mismanagement. Today, it has the lowest Human Development Index score of any country in the Americas, widespread poverty, and is in a frequent state of political turmoil. It also has spiritual troubles, with voodoo still dominating in many parts of the country. Living Stone Reformed Mission, MTW’s ministry in Haiti, has been working in the city of Gonaives since 2006. Here, MTW Haiti focuses on church planting, training Christian leaders and church planters at a local seminary, and running Dociné Christian Academy – a village school that provides a good Christian education, basic medical care, and a free meal every school day to more than 500 children. Amidst crushing poverty and intense spiritual warfare, MTW Haiti strives for the kingdom, aiming to see individual lives changed and communities transformed by the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the country. https://www.mtw.org/teams/caribbean/gonaives-haiti

THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD

Voice of the Martyrs icommittopray.com

May 14, 2020 | Somalia Somali Scholars Urge Followers to Defend Islam Realizing that a growing number of Somalis are leaving Islam and embracing Christianity, Somali Islamic leaders are issuing warnings and urging their followers to defend Islam. A prominent Somali sheikh in Nairobi, Kenya, used his Friday address to warn that Somalia is not 100 percent Muslim anymore and that many young Somalis are leaving Islam. He urged his listeners to do something about those who leave Islam or share Christianity on social media. Another sheikh, exhorting his listeners to be on guard, cited a statistic that 24 percent of young Somalis leave Islam every year. Somali Christians and those who minister to Somalis report a corresponding rise in threats and attacks against them, including one murder. Pray for Somali Christians, and praise God that many are turning to Him in faith. https://www.icommittopray.com/request/2029/somali-christians/

This cleric issued a warning against a Christian ministry. SOMALIA | Restricted OVERVIEW: Most Somalis believe that to be Somali is to be Muslim, so those who come to Christ are seen as denying not only their religion but also their nationality. After years of drought and civil war, more Somalis live outside Somalia than in it. Somalis believe that any place where a group of Somalis is located is Somalia and is governed by Somali law. Therefore, any Christian missionary or Christian convert in a Somali community anywhere in the world faces severe persecution regardless of the national laws. Still, the dispersion of Somali people has also created unique opportunities for the gospel to spread among them, especially through social media. They are now more reachable, and more Somali believers exist today than ever before. Many of these Somali Christians are passionate about sharing their faith with their people. MAJOR RELIGIONS: Most Somalis are ardent Sunni Muslims. PERSECUTOR: The al-Shabab terrorist organization and other Islamist groups persecute Christians. Family members also persecute Christians, because they see conversion as betrayal. WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN SOMALIA: There are no church buildings in Somalia, and Christians do not meet regularly. It is strictly illegal to become a Christian or to evangelize. Because there is little trust between people, believers do not reveal themselves. Christians are actively hunted and, when discovered, immediately killed by al-Shabab. Christians are more likely to be killed by a family member than to be imprisoned. ACCESS TO BIBLES: Bibles are illegal, and there is almost no access to the Scriptures in Somalia.

VOM WORK: VOM equips secret believers inside Somalia and supports those who carefully share their faith inside Somalia. VOM also supports social media efforts that reach inside the country. PRAYER REQUESTS: Pray for the families of Somali believers killed for their faith. Pray for a VOM-sponsored media ministry reaching Somalis around the globe. Pray for secret believers who are unable to fellowship with other believers. Pray for the safety of believers who face persecution from family, neighbors and terrorists. Pray that believers will have access to Somali Bibles. Pray for the development of open, established churches. Pray for Somali believers who risk their lives to share the gospel. Pray for Somali believers who remain in the country to share the love of Christ. Pray that the Lord will soften the hearts of government leaders toward Christians.

https://www.persecution.com/globalprayerguide/somalia/?_source_code=WBPGGPG20B

27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul

and with all your strength and will all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” ~ LUKE 10:27 ESV

May 14, 2020 | Nigeria Militant Attacks Continue Through March In the last week of March, Christians reported multiple attacks by both Boko Haram terrorists and Fulani Islamic militants in the north. On March 23, Boko Haram ambushed a military convoy, killing about 70 soldiers and taking some captive. Three days later, Fulani Islamic militants attacked the Christian village of Miango, killing three villagers, injuring several others and burning Christians’ houses. The next day, Boko Haram kidnapped three Christian students who were returning home after taking university entrance exams. And on March 30, Fulani Islamic militants shot to death two Christian men in Dangwa village. “Even while we continue to pray for the world and this pandemic, let’s also continue to remember those who are still facing the attacks of Islamic fanatics,” a VOM field worker said. “Their hope lies in an ever-present, all-knowing and Sovereign King who is above all we could ever imagine.” https://www.icommittopray.com/request/2030/attacked-christians/ NIGERIA | Hostile OVERVIEW: Nigeria is sharply divided along religious lines with a Muslim-dominated north and a majority-Christian south. There are more than 80 million professing Christians in Africa’s most populous nation, the fruit of both pioneer mission work and the return of freed slaves who carried the gospel with them to the continent from Europe following the abolition of slavery in England in 1833. Foreign missionary activity in the Muslim majority north has declined significantly over the past 10 years as a result of the emergence of the Islamic militant group Boko Haram. Based in the north, Boko Haram is affiliated with al-Qaida and has also aligned itself with the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS). Although Boko Haram appears to have weakened in the northeast, it is believed to be the source of increasing attacks on Christian villages by a group of militant Fulani herdsmen, a tribe known for its adherence to strict Islam. They have attacked Christian villages for many years, and in the last two years they have committed more acts of extreme violence against Christians than any other group globally. Muslims in the north want to create a separate country governed by Sharia, or Islamic law, and those in the middle states, such as Kaduna, Plateau, Benue and Abuja, are strategic in the battle. The terrorist groups want to drive Christians out of these mixed states and continue their push for an Islamist nation.

MAJOR RELIGIONS: The nation is divided between Christians and Sunni Muslims, with most Christians in the south and most Muslims in the north. PERSECUTOR: Boko Haram militants and Fulani Islamic militants work together to target Christian villages for destruction. WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN NIGERIA: Nearly all Christians in northeastern Nigeria have lost family members in attacks by Boko Haram or Islamic Fulani militants. Entire congregations have been displaced, and many pastors have been forced to leave the region. Being active in church looks much different than it did 15 years ago. Today, it takes great courage and faith to openly worship and serve Christ. Thousands of Christians remain in camps designated for internally displaced people. With few schools able to function because of the violence, families are concerned about their children’s education. Life is a constant struggle, and in some places it’s even difficult to find food. Famine in the north has resulted from ongoing jihadi activities: Farmers aren’t working because of their fear of attack, food shipments are stolen and Fulani Christians are often detained for short periods in community prisons based on Islamic Sharia. ACCESS TO BIBLES: While Bibles are plentiful in the south, there is a great need for them in the north. Many Bibles have been lost in attacks and as people are displaced. Most people don’t own Bibles, and even if they were available few in the north could afford them. VOM WORK: VOM supports widows who have lost husbands in Islamist attacks and trains and equips pastors in the north. We also provide study Bibles, New Testaments and other Christian discipleship literature to believers.

PRAYER REQUESTS: Pray that literacy programs will help Christians learn to read the Bible. Pray for believers recovering from attacks in southern Kaduna state. Pray for believers who are disowned by their Muslim families and ostracized by their communities. Pray for teens attending a summer camp for children whose parents were killed by Boko Haram. Pray for Fulani evangelists who bring the gospel to their fellow tribesmen at great risk. Pray for Christian widows whose husbands were killed by Boko Haram. Pray for the many believers in northeastern Nigeria who do not own a Bible. https://www.persecution.com/globalprayerguide/nigeria/?_source_code=WBPGGPG20B

Central Asian women live under conservative societal rules. May 14, 2020 | Central Asia University Teacher Loses Job Because of Faith A Christian woman was dismissed from her job teaching Russian at a national university after school officials learned of her faith. Vera, a single mother who is raising her children without family support, had hoped that her part-time job teaching Russian would eventually develop into a full-time position. She was a good teacher, and her students liked her. But after fewer than six months on the job, she was told that the university could not allow a church member in her position, especially since she was teaching many foreign students from surrounding countries. Vera was told to either give up her church membership or resign, so she chose to leave her job. Pray that she will find another job so she can continue supporting her family. https://www.icommittopray.com/request/2028/vera/

37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me

is not worthy of me. MATTHEW 10:37-38 ESV

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Month of May Update:

Please check concerning the permissions set by our Indiana governor

and our local businesses for updates until further notice due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Month of May

Richmond Farmers Market Good news! Visit farmersmarket.richmondindiana.gov to shop from some of your favorite Farmers Market vendors whenever you’d like. Options for pick-up or delivery, no contact hand-offs, and ways to pay online are all included. For more information, visit: https://www.richmondindiana.gov/news/richmond-farmers-market-launches-

online-farmers-marketNeed help setting up an account? Visit:

https://support.localline.ca/knowledge/a-guide-for-buyers https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/richmonds-winter-farmers-market

THE CHURCH IN OUR COMMUNITY

Community Food Pantry

FOR THE MONTH OF MAY THE COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY WILL BE OPEN 1:00-3:00 PM

WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.

Because of the pandemic our Community Food Pantry is operating with a temporary alternate schedule and procedure. During April we were open 1:00-3:00 Wednesday and Thursday. Clients lined up 6’ apart and remained outside of our building. Before the clients arrived, a group of younger temporary volunteers assembled sacks of groceries for various size families.

Before the pandemic our clients always got to choose their groceries. We temporarily stopped that as it took too long, prolonged exposure for clients and volunteers and increased the likelihood of virus transfer. This approach seemed to the Executive Committee a reasonable compromise so we will continue during the month of May. We will then again reevaluate. If you or a friend or member of your church is one of our regular volunteers, please be sure they know we are continuing this alternate schedule for the month of May so they SHOULD NOT COME TO VOLUNTEER AT THE PANTRY.