Dear Friends:
My name is Michael
McDougald and I live in Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.A.
I am a Christian and I am happy to tell you a little about
Ebenezer Ministries. I have known Brother Ebenezer and
the Vesapogu family for several years now. I was in need
of prayer for friends and ministers in Africa, when I
enlisted the prayer support of this excellent and well-established
ministry. They have encouraged me, prayed for and with
me, and during that time I have come to understand their
hearts and vision toward the lost and the needy and suffering.
Here in the US, my formal work has been as a therapist
and administrator so my experience lies in evaluating
people and circumstances. I have supported Ebenezer Ministries
with my prayers and with my funds. Each time I wished
to contribute, there would be a discussion about where
the money was needed, and how it would be spent. Each
time I received a receipt showing me what was done and
where. I never asked for receipts, I am aware that every
ministry has the need of many things. There cannot always
be receipts. But, even though I never requested anything,
I was always sure that the money I sent to India was being
used appropriately. You may be like me; you may have a
burden for the poor who do not have the things we have.
You may wish you could do something and make it count
for the Kingdom of God. If so, God has placed that interest
on burden on your heart to prompt you to act.
The first priority of this ministry is to reach
those who have never heard, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Secondarily, the ministry has as its other primary goal
ministering to the needs of the widows and orphans. The
weakest and most helpless in our societies, often have
no one. No one to understand the needs of someone who
has nothing and no one. No one to offer love and kindness.
No one to develop educational and vocational goals and
programs with a view to improving lives and giving hope.
No one to undergird them and make sure they have food,
and housing until they are able to obtain and maintain
these things for themselves. No one to present Christ
to them. No one to show them the love of Christ; by binding
up their emotional and sometimes physical wounds, and
seeing them saved and well and happy. I am often overwhelmed
by what I see and read. I think I am here, and I can do
nothing. The simple answer is finding a way to help. I
cannot be on the streets of India ministering to the aged
who are hurting and who have no food. I cannot be there
along the paths where children sleep alone because they
have no one. But, I can be there helping with my prayers,
understanding, and funds to help this wonderful family
and ministry act as the very hands of God, reaching down,
lifting up, healing, encouraging, and most of all loving.
There is no way to express my deep gratitude and thankfulness
for what Ebenezer Ministries is doing in the hearts and
lives of the Indian peoples. I am thankful every day for
them, and for their hands of compassion and hearts of
love. God has blessed me incredibly through my participation
and involvement with this ministry. As I have prayed and
partnered I have found great satisfaction and peace in
knowing that I am supporting those who are dedicated to
sharing the love of Christ daily, with those who are in
great need of Him.
So, for you, dear reader, I pray that you, as you
are led by Christ; will find the same peace, joy and happiness
as you pray and support this outreach. May God richly
bless you as you follow Him.
In Jesus,
Michael McDougald L.C.S.W.
