…then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them!
Psalm 126:2
As we close out the Ethnos Coalition COVID Relief Fund in Spring 2022, we give great thanks to God for the generosity of PCA churches, families, individual donors and grantors who have contributed a total of more than $278,000 over the past two years to alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Christ in ethnic minority churches across the country, who were disproportionately impacted by the disease itself and resultant job losses.
A total of 47 grants from this fund have provided great encouragement to 30 pastors serving particularly vulnerable congregations in economically disadvantaged communities in 19 states, and to 6 church-sponsored non-profit agencies. These grants have allowed deacons to minister to the significantly increased needs, weeping and praying with those they serve, as they have provided food, hygiene supplies, eviction prevention, burial funds, and other tangible assistance. During a most difficult time, these grants have been a strong witness in those communities to the merciful character of God and the unity of the body of Christ. “The Lord has done great things for us!” (Psalm 126:3) indeed!
It has not just been the receivers who have been blessed, however! Many donors have experienced a deepened understanding of Christ’s words recorded in Matthew 25: 1-46, in which He equates our attitudes and actions toward those in need to our true relationship with Him.
Furthermore, “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” 2 Cor 9:11-15
May one positive result of these difficult last few years be a heightened awareness of the needs of ethnic minority churches, of pastors who are bi-vocational of necessity, and of congregations serving economically disadvantaged communities. We encourage all churches to consider partnering with one or more such churches in your own Presbytery or a neighboring Presbytery, to develop a relationship of ongoing encouragement and mercy support.
May God be glorified among us as we continue in the joy of loving one another as He has commanded!
With our deep thanks,
The Mission to North America Ethnos Coalition