GOD IS NOT LOCKED DOWN

“You are god! You are god!” the Hindu woman said with tears streaming down her face and clutching the large bag of rice to her chest.  Because of the lockdown her family had run out of food and had not eaten in several days.  All of a sudden out of nowhere a young man arrives bringing them food. “No, no!!” the young man said. “I am not a god but I can tell you about the God who loves you and brought me to you”. The young man sat on the dirt floor and began to tell about Jesus, the Son of God..

India has been on total lockdown since March 24.  Many people have suffered bitterly not being able to get enough food to survive.  This is especially true amongst the poor who work as day laborers and get paid daily for their work.  Now there is no work, no money and no food.

My friend Ashish knew of a family in his church that was suffering very badly but he had no way to get to them because of the lockdown.  If you go out without permission the police can beat you with sticks or even arrest you.  But Ashish felt that God was telling him to go.  So with a little fear in his heart he gathered some groceries from his own house and set out.

Sure enough, he was stopped by the police who began to speak very harshly to him but with great humility he was able to calm them down and one even went with to deliver the groceries.

Once the policeman saw the condition of the family and what Ashish did to help them God touched his heart. He took Ashish to his superiors who asked him, “Can you help more families like this? Do you have money to help them?”  “Yes,” said Ashish, “I can help many families.” (Actually, he had nothing and was speaking by faith but he knew he had a rich Father and this was His will.)

Now in the middle of this lockdown, this young man with no position, no title, no sphere of influence has obtained permission to travel freely all over the district delivering food to people who had been starving. Because he was obedient to reach out to one family he now has access to thousands.

Ashish has gained a great favor and influence amongst the government leaders and the people of Himachal Pradesh.  He has even been interviewed on national television giving glory to God. With every delivery Ashish takes time to pray and tell them of the love of God through His Son, Jesus.

God is not locked down!  The Gospel is being preached and the poor are being fed. We now have more access to people and villages in North India than at any time of our ministry.  What an amazing God we serve!

Each day, Ashish goes to the government warehouse and purchases food in bulk then takes it home and divides it into smaller bags for delivery.

Would you consider helping us take advantage of this great opportunity to reach families with food and the love of God?

$15.00 feeds a family for one month.

$100.00 feeds 7 families for a month

$500.00 feeds 35 families for a month.

5 Rivers has committed to sending $500.00 a week until the lockdown is lifted but we would like to do so much more.  The need is great and immediate. Our goal is to reach at least 1000 families with food and the good news of Jesus during this time.

If you are able, and would like to give toward this project, please designate “Food for India” when you give. Donate Now or let us know you’ll be sending a check and see address on our website. We thank you in advance for partnering with us.

Almost daily Ashish is in contact with me sharing miracle stories. In the days to come we will share these stories with you so you can rejoice with us over what God is doing.

We understand that many people are suffering all over the world at this time, and this is just one small effort to bring relief – but it’s the door God has opened for us, allowing us to touch hearts and lives with His love. If you also are hurting right now during this season, we pray He provides for every need in your life, and blesses you in a beautiful way. You are so very loved!