For Firefall International, 2020 was some kind of year.
Challenges
The largest single project our Firefall friends and national partners took on was the construction of the Glory Community Center in Myanmar. Because of the pandemic, materials were hard to get, prices increased, and the number of workers on site was limited.
Opportunities
On the other hand the pandemic created more opportunities to reach suffering people than ever before with food, water and compassionate expressions of the love of Jesus. We could never have dreamed how God would open communities and hearts like He did.
Together, by the grace of the Lord:
We assisted Pastor David to complete the Glory Community Center in Myanmar. Even before its completion, it was impacting the community, reaching out with aid to suffering people, distributing water in a drought and launching a monthly feeding program that touched thousands
The community leaders used it as a polling location for 1200 people
It will become the new library/reading room for the community (over 1000 members)
The Glory Reading Room provides education to children whose families are too poor to send them to government schools.
The Glory Football (soccer) Club suspended operations but will resume with new offices in the Center
We dug a new well in an area in Rakhine State, one of the most dangerous in the nation. The well will help build relationships for a church planter there
Pastor David has formed a network of 15 church planters with a vision for multiplication
More church planters in Myanmar are supported by friends of Firefall
We supported Bible purchase and distribution for Christmas outreaches in 4 locations (Thanks for answering our call for support last week. The need was met within a day!)
In Vietnam, we:
Provided flood relief in the form of food and water purification devices for thousands
Repaired storm damage to the Hope Center ministry to children who, if not for the center, would wander the streets while parents work.
Helped poor children have a brighter future through English lessons
Mentored a couple in ministry (Minh & Blessing) who are replicating seminars for couples in ministry to help them to be healthy and effective in family and ministry.
Israel
We kicked off the year by leading a Tour of Israel. We made some new Firefall friends, enjoyed the amazing experience with long-time partners, and everyone enjoyed fellowship with David and Minh. The Lord was in the timing so that we returned to the US before lockdown began. (Learn more about our 2022 Israel and Jordan trip and watch our trip video.)
For many, 2020 was a trying and even tragic year. In the midst of trial and loss, the Lord made a way to make disciples of all nations and bring glory to the Father.
Thank you for allowing Firefall International to be part of your lives through prayer and your generous investment!