COVER LETTER
Dearly Beloved:
REJOICE IN THE LORD AT ALL TIMES.
Hurricanes in Florida. Earthquakes and tsunami in Asia. Deadly mud slides in California. Unruly weather across the world. One newsman said, "Is something really big happening, something no one can explain?" The tsunami is being called the worst disaster in modern history. Think also of over 600,000 killed in civil war in Rwanda and now thousands killed in Sudan.
In light of all these things coming on the earth, we must remember what Jesus told us: "Upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25–26).
What do we believers do in this time of shaking? We pray diligently for the suffering ones. We examine our own hearts, lest we think those who died were more sinful than others. Jesus said, "Take heed that you repent, or you shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). God help us to live a repentant life, living in expectance of the Lord's coming.
Christians around the world have responded generously to the tsunami crisis. Immediately after news came about the destruction from the tsunami, we were able to get two plane loads of food to stricken areas. We pledged to help rebuild destroyed evangelical churches and to build homes for homeless believers.
Soon, most relief efforts will stop. The disaster will be only a bad memory for a world benumbed by disaster. But we feel led by God to be there when the homeless and devastated need shelter and a roof under which to worship. We would like to build 500 homes at $1000 each, and at least ten churches at $10,000 each.
We are working with well-established, trustworthy missionaries and local pastors. We saw pictures of huge piles of food wasting away in the hot sun, and we determined that every dollar we send will be accounted for. We are limiting our efforts to believers in Christ. Charities across the nation report that their funds have been drastically reduced. People only have so much to give, and most of that giving is going to aid tsunami victims.
Our ministry is not in panic. Over many years now God has proven faithful to meet all our needs. In my fifty years of ministry, I can say not once has God failed me.
We will continue giving to the poor and needy as God supplies. Beloved, let the peace of God reign in you as the day of our crowning draws near.
Love in Christ.
His bondservant,
DAVID WILKERSON
DW:bbm 12.31.69
DISCLAIMER
Our policy is that all gifts designated for a specific project be applied to that project. Occasionally we receive more funds than can be wisely used for the designated project. When that happens, we use those funds to meet other similar pressing needs in the same country to advance the gospel.
