Encountering Hope
Every day, someone is affected by catastrophic loss. As major tragedies are reported in the news, many question the reason for suffering. This is the situation as Cleopas and a friend were walking home to Emmaus from Jerusalem on a Sunday afternoon. A stranger joined them and asked what they were talking about.
Cleopas explained that they were talking about Jesus’ tragic execution, but some new developments gave them a glimmer of hope: “Today is the third day since these things happened. Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see” (Luke 24:21b-24).
On the evening of January 30th, 2025, a Learjet crashed into Cottman Avenue outside Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia, killing all on board. The sudden explosion damaged 366 properties, destroyed 4 homes, killed a man in his car, and severely injured 24 other people. Jeffery H. and his group distribute booklets in that mall each week. He heard the news of the plane crash as he was packing the Help From Above booklets in Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and English to hand out the next morning. More than 50 people accepted a WMP booklet as they grieved the senseless loss of life.
Sharing the hope of Jesus with those who are hurting might be the catalyst to a transformed heart. “Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.…Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him” (Luke 24:27, 31a). You too can be the “stranger,” giving the Word of God, so people can know Jesus.
Encountering Hope in the Midst of the Fire
Two deadly wildfires that became the most disastrous in California history have recently devastated Los Angeles County. The Palisades and Eaton fires erupted on January 7, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong Santa Ana winds. After 20 days, the fires burned 57,660 acres, destroyed 16,249 structures (many family homes), and killed 29 people.
Mirna C., a World Missionary Press distributor living in Las Vegas, felt a strong burden for the people of California and began praying for an opportunity to join the front lines and share the love of Jesus with the victims and first responders.
As the magnitude of the fires grew, the emotional toll on the firefighters and police officers was overwhelming. The local chaplains asked for reinforcements to help meet this need. It was Mirna’s answer to prayer, and she made two trips to the fire area.
“It’s one thing to see the pictures in the news, but it’s different when you experience it, when you see with your own eyes. You are standing on someone’s house, or someone’s property, and you start thinking this was someone’s living room. This was the children’s room, and it is just ashes. It is heartbreaking to see.”
Because she was wearing her chaplain’s badge, the Lord opened doors for her to go into restricted and evacuated areas. There she prayed with people and gave out How to Know God, The Path to Life, and Help from Above booklets. When asked how praying for people and giving them a booklet make a difference in such overwhelming circumstances, she said, “For a moment, they forget what they lost. Inside, they realize material things are not important. They feel God’s presence. He gives them hope. They are refreshed. They are grateful for someone who showed their care.” One person said, “It feels like an angel came down from heaven.”
A local church started using the booklets Mirna left behind and were giving them out with food to firefighters and police officers. Many pastors took booklets and ordered more for their church’s outreach ministries.
Even in the midst of tragedy, the simple act of handing out World Missionary Press booklets filled with God’s Word offered hope to those who were in the midst of loss and suffering.
Encountering Hope in the Midst of the Flood
Hurricane Helene had downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reached Tennessee. However, it still caused catastrophic damage and many fatalities. Most towns situated along the Nolichucky River experienced extraordinary flood damage, resulting in the loss of over 200 lives.
Witnesses reported that the town of Erwin was destroyed beyond recognition. In response, one of WMP’s partners, Ben G., and a team from his church traveled to Erwin with Next Step STORM to assist in the rebuilding efforts. Ben brought along 2,000 various WMP booklets in both English and Spanish for distribution during their visit. He shared his trip with us:
“The focus ultimately lies on the individuals and the assistance we provide to them. By offering help, we conveyed the message of God’s love and instilled hope within them. While traveling on the bus, I prayed for opportunities to distribute booklets, and my prayer was fulfilled. Each day presented the chance to connect with individuals from various states, leading to new opportunities for sharing the booklets. I encountered numerous people, likely over 40, who received the booklets and subsequently shared them with others.
This created a ripple effect, allowing a greater number of individuals to participate and broadening our outreach efforts. I distributed booklets to those we assisted, including Dave and Carolyn. When I handed a few booklets to Dave, he expressed his gratitude multiple times, stating, ‘This is what I need.’ He mentioned that he has recently resumed attending church. Please pray that he engages with these booklets and that his relationship with Christ deepens.
I left a box of booklets with Jackie, a fellow homeowner we assisted. Two months later, I discovered that she had distributed
all 500 booklets to children residing in the mountains. Jackie had a rose garden that was devastated by the flood, but one of the initial volunteers came to her aid, performing landscaping work that revived the roses. During my visit, I witnessed them in full bloom. She now refers to it as the Garden of Hope, symbolizing that even in our darkest moments, we can hold onto our faith in Jesus.
One thought that sticks with me came from our team leader. ‘God doesn’t need your help. He allows us to assist.’ When we all work together to distribute booklets, we reach a wider audience, allowing the Gospel to shine through. Simply ask God for guidance and the right words, and He will provide. Anyone can do it.”
Twelve:24 Campaign Update
Generous friends of WMP have donated $450,000 of the $900,000 needed, and they challenge us to collectively match their generosity. We are halfway to the goal, and your gift today will help us meet that challenge! Learn more at: wmpress.org/projects/capital-needs
Our topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies make it easy to share the Gospel with everyone around you! Check out a few of our resources:
