Empart rescues communities... for eternity!
As you may know, Empart's churches are centers for community transformation- addressing the spiritual and social needs of the local people.
We are committed to a holistic approach to church planting, where evangelism
and social action are distinct yet directly linked. All social development programs
that Empart undertakes must emanate from, and be of benefit to, the local church
and the gospel. Through Empart, successful social development programs have
both immediate and eternal results. In this way our social action gives credit and
glory to the Lord who motivates us.
All Empart Aid and Relief projects operate on these core principles. As
a result, our projects include the following strategies:
• Wherever possible, the local Church Planters lead the relief work with
active participation from their congregations.
• All relief work seeks to address both the spiritual and emergency needs
of the community.
From our commitment to these strategies, we often see:
• Immediate results as the community benefits from practical help.
• Eternal results as beneficiaries are pointed to the Lord who brings
true transformation.
• Benefit to the local church as they grow and gain credibility in the
community.
Here are some of the ways we minister through Aid & Relief:
Farm Animals
Farm animals are a vital asset in poor rural communities. An animal can provide
food, manure for gardens, and income for healthcare or education needs. All
Empart aid and relief, including farm animals, is given through the local churches, giving credit to the Lord and the Gospel.
For more information about the types of animals we provide, visit our Giving Center click here>>
Persecution Assistance
Over the past few years, the persecution of Christians in Asia has increased significantly. Every year thousands of Asian believers are fired from their jobs, rejected by their families, and denied access to community wells. Many are
beaten and tortured. Some even pay the ultimate price as they are martyred for
their faith in Jesus.
One area that has received international attention since 2008 is the Indian state
of Orissa. As of this writing, thousands of Christians are still in relief camps there
after having their homes and churches destroyed by Hindu militants. One of those refugees is an Empart Church Planter named Kirat. The following article excerpt shares his story...
"Kirat recently described the conditions of the camps to Empart Founder, Jossy Chacko: 'We all live under a plastic roof. There are no toilets or bathrooms - we
have to use the nearby fields for toileting but now the villagers are angry at us for messing up their fields so they throw stones to stop us going there. We get one
bowl of rice a day, with a watery soup added every second day. It is terrible. I wish they would put us in jail - life in a prison would be much better than the camp.'
Authorities have been 'thinning out' the camps by sending reluctant refugees
back to their villages. Kirat, for example, was escorted back to his village by local administrative authorities, but the Hindu village people would not accept him. Someone in the crowd slapped him, in front of the policemen, telling him to go
back to the relief camp.
In all his suffering, Kirat's faith is strong! He insisted on leading Christmas celebrations in the relief camp. "We used loud speakers and other instruments, performing some dramas and enjoying the Christmas singing to the Lord.
Thank you for the prayer and support - the functions were very peaceful,"
says Kirat.
While in Orissa Jossy Chacko met with a delegation from the European Union
which was in India to investigate the reports of persecution. State government authorities would not give them permission to enter the devastated Khandamal district. However, as only God can organize, they were able to meet with our
Church Planters from Khandamal and hear their stories firsthand. They were
deeply impacted by this and went directly to Delhi to meet with the federal government. As a direct result of them meeting with our Church Planters and petitioning the federal government, 5000 federal police were sent to Khandamal
to maintain peace over Christmas and beyond. Praise God for His timing.
The Church Planters ask for continued prayer for their situation. They are
concerned that when the additional security forces leave the area, the radical
groups will resume their assault on Christians."
Disaster Assistance
Floods, cyclones, droughts, landslides, earthquakes, terrorist bombings- for many people living in Asia, these kinds of disasters are all too common, adding great distress to already challenging lives.
When disaster strikes, we want to be there- sharing the Gospel and practical assistance with those who suddenly find themselves homeless, injured, sick, or grieving the loss of loved-ones.
One recent event that captured global attention was the Bihar Flood of 2008.
The following article excerpt provides an example of how sudden disaster can
impact the lives of millions:
"It has been a month since the Kosi river breached an embankment in upstream Nepal, swamping hundreds of villages and affecting over three million people in
Nepal and the North Indian state of Bihar.
Almost one million people have so far been evacuated to safer places. Countless homes have been destroyed, crops ruined and families separated. Empart Church Planters are now taking physical relief and spiritual comfort to the suffering. Your generosity will ensure that needy believers are given assistance and that the Light
of the Gospel can be seen in the midst of this tragedy."
As you can see, the people of Asia often face tremendous challenges- difficulties
we can hardly imagine here in America, yet that are frequently a part of their everyday lives. When persecution or disaster strike, Empart will continue to be
there- sharing the eternal hope of Jesus while also meeting physical needs with
love and compassion. Won't you consider joining us?
To find out more about how God is using practical assistance as part of
his plan for changing the world, contact our office to get your FREE Aid
& Relief Ministry Information Packet. click here>>