The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has had a  recent outbreak of a rare strain of the Ebola virus. The World  Health Organization has declared this a public health emergency of  international concern with more than 1000 cases and near  250 suspected deaths. There have been additional cases in Uganda.

The situation is dire, and the Church in the affected  communities is in urgent need of our prayers and support.

Pentecost is the birth of the Church and a powerful declaration that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for every people, every tribe, every nation and every tongue on earth. After Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, the disciples gathered together in Jerusalem waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. Then came the moment that changed history forever.

Pentecost was the beginning of that great gathering. May we be a Spirit-filled Church with hearts for the nations, faithfully proclaiming the Gospel until every people group has heard the name of Jesus.

Each year, fifty days after Easter, Christians around the world gather to celebrate Pentecost — a moment of divine power, purpose, and promise. It is the birth of the Church, and marks the day the risen Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled His promise by pouring out the Holy Spirit upon His followers. What began as a group of frightened disciples hidden in an upper room transformed into a bold, Spirit-empowered Church sent to the ends of the earth with one mission: to make disciples for the glory of God.