AP1S21-04
October 2021
C ovid-19 Christmas Dear Friend: Many of us have hoped that things would improve by the end of this year, so that we could once again begin to celebrate Christmas with friends and family and in our local churches. Sadly, it does not seem to be that way. With the pandemic not showing any signs of abating in several countries in Asia Pacific, it would appear that daily life will continue to be tough for the rest of 2021. Many of us are suffering from the impact of Covid-19, both directly and indirectly. At Our Daily Bread Ministries, the production and distribution of our resources have proven to be a challenge for many of our country offices. Necessary restrictions have made it difficult to transport our materials and to share them with churches whose congregations are unable to meet in person regularly. Yet, we are well aware that at this trying time, biblical resources are needed more than ever before. Believers need the assurances of God’s protection and provision, the reminders of hope in Christ, and the life-giving wisdom that can come only from the Word of God.
Believers need the assurances of God’s protection and provision, the reminders of hope in Christ, and the life-giving wisdom that can come only from the Word of God.
Amid our challenges, then, we give thanks to God for enabling us to keep sharing our resources in new and creative ways. Though Covid-19 has made it harder to distribute printed resources, we have found new avenues to share God’s Word through audio, video, and digital means. We have also produced many more local content, so that readers and viewers in Asia Pacific can read, view, and
hear the life-changing wisdom of the Bible explained in a way that understands their local culture and situation. As Christmas draws near, therefore, I would like to encourage you to focus on the unchanging truth of the gospel—
that Christ died for our sins . . . that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3–4
Christmas 2021 may once again be a muted event, but nothing can take away the joy, wonder, and majesty of the message of the birth of Jesus, the Messiah whom God has sent that we might have everlasting life and hope. What a privilege it is for us to know this truth and to share it with those who have yet to know Jesus as their Saviour and Lord! I pray that you’ll find our latest resource (see response slip) helpful in focusing your heart on Jesus, and leaning on Him in these unprecedented times. In His Grace,
Tan Meng Poo Senior Vice President Global Ministry Operations, Asia Pacific