The Good Work of the Lord Abounds During the Time of COVID-19!

Written by: Manohar Paul COVID-19 is possibly one of the more deadly things that we have witnessed in our lifetime. While no one was prepared to face this pandemic situation, many countries had their own plans to fight back against coronavirus.

At the beginning of their lockdown, Manohar Paul and his wife, Sneha, made worship of the Lord and times of prayer a daily practice in their home. They knew that this connection to God’s Spirit would be an integral aspect of maintaining health during an unpredictable time that they could otherwise lose their mind. This practice has also helped them to remain sensitive to the needs outside of the walls of their apartment.

When India announced its first complete lockdown of 21 days, it created a chaotic situation all around, especially with the working class, which included laborers working on construction sites, rickshaw pullers, maids and so on. The sight from my balcony was painful when I first saw people walking back sometimes hundreds of miles to reach their hometowns. They no longer had a place in the city where they lived hand to mouth, and so they were forced to migrate to home villages in hopes of finding the means to survive there.

As I was praying, I was led by the Lord to be an instrument at this time. I called up a friend who works for a NGO and possessed a government-approved pass to be on the field. Together, we were able to buy food supplies and water to distribute to a multitude of day-laborers in need.

While we were helping the migrant workers, I started to receive calls from people we know, asking for help due to COVID-19 related unemployment. Even buying groceries was a huge task for them. Not knowing how to fulfill their demand, I shared my burden with our India regional team. Within a few days, we were able to help these beloved families with groceries and other essential supplies.

To be pregnant during a global pandemic is one thing. To have an unplanned home birth, with limited access to sanitization and health measures, during a global pandemic is another thing. We were thankful that this friend and now mother-of-two reached out to us for support during this difficult time for her family.

During this time, we learned that Mahima, a close friend, delivered a baby at home. Since she wasn’t working anywhere, our help to them was a great relief during this time and they were thankful for the timely provision that God provided to them.

Kavita, a friend and mother of two children, called me seeking a job. I knew it wasn’t about the job, but that she was in need and unable to express her need. Upon inquiring how they were doing, she said they didn’t have enough food to last even a week, much less for the duration of this unknown lockdown. I knew she would be benefited with the help that team was able to provide.

Samuel, who used to work with us, had resigned that month but then became stuck in the NCR during the lockdown. As a result, he couldn’t return to his hometown to work with his family as he’d intended. He was not prepared and had meager financial means to survive during this time which continued for almost 3 months. He approached us for help and we did without hesitancy, because he was a part of us and we didn’t want to leave our brother at this crucial time. He was thankful for the timely help given to him and was able to manage his food and rent because of it.

We believe that the Lord made us aware of these vulnerable people, both outside our window and across our city, and impressed their situations upon our hearts. As it is in the Kingdom of God, we knew that we must do whatever we could to meet their needs. In the midst of this COVID-19 season that has felt long, arduous, and trying at times, if we have learned anything, it has been that we are blessed to have a family of faith who can see the burdens of the vulnerable people around us as their own to carry. Together we were able to be an instrument during this time, just as the Lord had instructed me early on.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 says, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” For those who joined us in our benevolent efforts, our most heartfelt gratitude goes to you also, for your generosity. Because you were a cheerful giver, the Lord’s good work was able to abound as we distributed it freely to the poor. May his righteousness endure forever!