spiritual — Cross International

5 Prayerful New Year’s Resolutions

January 12, 2021 by Cross International

Perhaps many of you have already set your New Year’s resolutions in stone. If not, might we recommend you consider ways to grow closer to Jesus in 2021? It’s not hard to do. Here are some ideas to help you develop new behaviors to maximize the power of prayer.

Arrange some quiet time.

(VERSE)
He says, Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
-Psalm 46:10 NIV

2020 was a noisy year. Start the new year with a new attitude by setting aside a special time each day for quiet reflection. It doesn’t have to last long, but it’s important to set aside that special time for the Lord. Whatever time you choose — in the morning or before bed — it’s your time, for you and God.

Say a prayer for the giver.

(VERSE)
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,
Not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerfully giver.
-2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

Every time you use a gift, give thanks for that gift. This continual act of thanks will be a constant reminder of the kindness that was extended to you. In turn, your prayer will be an extension of that kindness, creating a cycle of goodwill that is never broken.

Commit random acts of prayer.

(VERSE)
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
-I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Pick someone to pray for throughout your day. It could be a friend at work, someone in a passing car, or a shopper in the grocery line. If someone makes you angry, pray for them. You will feel better — and God will bless you both.

Pray for strength.

(VERSE)
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
-Matthew 26:41 NIV

It is easy to fall into temptation, especially during the holidays. We should be focused on the Lord, but instead we get careless and immerse ourselves in all the excess and over-indulgence. During the holidays, be ever vigilant about watching what’s going on, even as you pray. God will watch over you.

Pray during downtime.

(VERSE)
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
-John 15:7 NIV

What do you do while standing in line or waiting in traffic? How do you handle the downtime when you are at the doctor or waiting to see a client? You could easily turn these inconsequential moments into moments of incredible consequence. Say a prayer. You’ll be amazed at how this downtime can become the best time of the day.

Would you like us to pray for you?

Resilient faith, hopeful strength in Haiti during COVID-19

May 14, 2020 by Cross International

“The biggest weapon we have against COVID-19 is prayer. We have an opportunity to care, to love, to use our God-given abilities for His glory. That’s where I’m standing. That’s what I am fighting for.” These are the words of Gladys Thomas, Founder and CEO of Cross International’s ministry partner Foundation for the Children of Haiti, which is home to Hope Hospital, two orphanages, three schools, and a technical academy.

Logistically, things look different at the foundation these days. With COVID-19 impacting Haiti, Hope Hospital, which was built with generosity from Cross donors, made the hard decision to close their outpatient clinic–its main source of income–in an attempt to keep people safe.

What has remained constant is Gladys’ optimism and spirit to answer God’s call to serve His children.
Every night, Gladys sits at her sewing machine making cloth masks and washable gowns for the hospital staff. She knows Haiti can’t rely on government assistance, and she considers each handmade mask she passes out on the street a direct gift from God.

With schools closed, Gladys and her team are working hard on a platform that allows students to learn online and maintain a schedule. An internet connection is hard to come by in the area, so they’re using every iPad, phone, and hotspot they can find to offer limited learning opportunities.

Gladys continues to encourage her teachers, students, and parents with words of hope and innovative solutions.
“We may have to take some steps back in our learning, but we will eventually come back better. We may feel like we are in the pit, but there is pressure under that pit that will propel us forward, higher,” she says.

The orphanage houses 111 children, some very young, and others with severe disabilities. The 32 staff members remain on campus to care for the children’s needs. On the limited occasion staff has to leave campus to go to the market, they practice strict hygiene–from wearing masks and gloves to using hand-washing stations and taking showers before reentering the orphanage. As of now, there is enough food for the children through the end of May.

Gladys tells her staff that God’s plan is not for us to suffer but for us to prosper. This, too, shall pass.
Gladys embodies Cross International’s spirit and mission to continue to transform the circumstances of vulnerable children around the world for the glory of Jesus. We’re helping our ministry partners adapt to each new challenge, but we can’t do it alone. Please consider joining us in giving today to help us meet their unprecedented needs.

A biblical example of compassionate action

May 7, 2020 by Cross International

The word “uncertainty” gets plenty of use during times of crisis. Each day unfolds with new and unexpected developments, and the future is unclear. For many of us, the coronavirus pandemic is the first time we’ve felt uncertainty of this magnitude. For those we serve in the developing world, uncertainty is a constant companion.

Thankfully, there is a source of peace and guidance that can alleviate our fears of uncertainty: God’s love and God’s Word. These we know are certain. The stories of godly men and women in the Bible can show us how to handle uncertainty and find our way through trying times. The story of Nehemiah is a wonderful example.

Nehemiah was living in the royal court, serving as cupbearer to the king of Persia, when word reached him about the crisis in the city of Jerusalem, far away. Jerusalem’s walls had been ruined by conflict, and the people were vulnerable and afraid, living with no protection from thieves or hostile forces. Nehemiah was moved with compassion and took action, using his position of favor with the king to gather resources and lead an expedition to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the walls and gates. Families of the city joined with him, each working on a section of the wall, even in the face of uncertainty and danger from those who opposed them. It’s an amazing story with many helpful parallels for us today.

Compassion, Even During Uncertainty
The families of Jerusalem were facing uncertainty and danger. But rather than thinking only of themselves, they also worked sacrificially for the good of others. This is truly inspiring! There is wisdom in thoughtfully protecting our own families and taking care of our needs, but it truly shows a divine grace when we can be attentive to our needs, and still be moved to take action on behalf of others. It is good for us to remember to do as they did: come together, care for each other, and work side-by-side to build something wonderful.

Compassionate Action, Even Across Distance
Nehemiah is an amazing example of compassionate action. He was far removed from the crisis in Jerusalem, living in relative safety and plenty, but the story of their needs moved him to act. Like him, we are separated by distance and experience from those living in poverty around the world. When we hear about the danger, vulnerability, and uncertainty faced by children and families in deep need, we also have the opportunity to use the resources we have been given to take action and provide help.

Building a Bright Tomorrow, Together
Nehemiah was a man of long-term vision. He didn’t just provide protection for the people through a temporary military guard. He came alongside the people of Jerusalem, helping them rebuild their city and ensure a brighter future for generations to come. We share this philosophy, seeking to not only meet the needs of the developing world as they have been affected by COVID-19, but to partner with them in rebuilding a strong future with sustained hope and opportunity.

Cross International is honored to be your partner in reaching out to those in deepest need around the world. Now, as always, we want to work shoulder-to-shoulder with you during these uncertain times, to take compassionate action. Those we serve are facing the uncertainty of COVID-19 in addition to the daily challenges they face: hunger and lack of clean water and secure homes. But they can experience the certainty of God’s eternal love. Will you join with us to take compassionate action for these children and families in need? We invite you to give today and help them build a brighter future!

5 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

March 13, 2018 by Cross International

Lent is becoming increasingly popular with young evangelicals. They are embracing opportunities to implement spiritual disciplines more often associated with other Christian faiths (i.e., Catholics, Lutherans and Anglicans).

Lent began on Ash Wednesday and will end on Holy Thursday, a time for reflecting on the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus ate with His disciples. It is a period of preparation for Easter and many Christians use the time to remember the life of Jesus through prayer, an attitude of contrition, and fasting – eliminating meals or favorite foods.

The ultimate goal of fasting is greater intimacy and dependence on God. When asked to identify the Greatest Commandment, Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30). He continued, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Fasting is a practical spiritual discipline that helps Christians connect with God while engaging soul, mind and strength. It helps us to:

Draw closer to God.
Focus on the life of Jesus.
Reflect more deeply on Scripture.
Initiate new habits of devotion.
Unplug from a noisy, distracting world.

Worshiping God and loving others helps Christians put their faith in action through prayer, contrition and acts of charity. But consider this option during this season of fasting too. Rather than just give up meals, use the sacrifice to bless others. Commit the cost of those meals to feed children who have little or nothing.

One possible recipient of your compassion could be Esperanza de Vida (Hope of Life). This partner of Cross International rescues hungry children from the brink of starvation and nurses them back to health. The project reduces the infant malnutrition and infant mortality rate among the poorest of the poor in rural Zacapa, a rugged, mountainous region in northeastern Guatemala.

Integrating this kind of charity into your Lenten experience will bless the heart of God, transform the lives of the poor, and bring spiritual growth into your life.

Learn More about Fast and Feed