Your Heart of Christian Compassion Points Their Hearts to Christ Himself

If there is one thing we hear often from SGA-supported missionary pastors across the former Soviet Union, it is this: Compassion Ministry is used by the Lord to open doors for the life-changing Gospel!

Compassion Ministry can take several forms. It can mean a distribution of food and other aid to a needy individual or family, given in the name of Jesus. Each year, SGA raises support for Operation Winter Warmth in several former Soviet nations, and we have supported Heat and Hope in Ukraine to help churches serve their people in the midst of an awful, devastating war. We endeavor to do this in the most cost-effective manner possible. These days, SGA rarely ships aid overseas via sea container as we did during the 1990s, but instead enables the churches we serve to obtain the aid from where they are. And it truly makes a difference for many people.

The Gospel element is the most important of all. I think of what James said in his epistle . . . If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that (James 2:15-16)?

Sharing the love of Christ and the hope of the Gospel is paramount when the churches engage in Compassion Ministry and distribute help to people. And the impact is profound. So many individuals and families have been moved by the love shown to them, and have begun coming to the church in response. They want to know more about what motivates believers to reach out to them, expecting nothing in return. And God gets all the praise and glory!

I’m so thankful to be a part of this wonderful ministry, and I trust you are as well. We truly could not do it without you. Please know that you are helping to make an eternal difference in countless lives.

For our Savior,

Michael Johnson
President