Stories
5 Urgent Needs in Ukraine
No matter where in Ukraine, someone’s life changed drastically on February 24, 2022. The current crisis has been nine months of nightmares: constant bombings, schools destroyed, harassment from Russian soldiers, evacuations, and coming home to nothing. As urgent needs unravel daily, ServeNow continues to serve the most vulnerable in Ukraine. Thousands of survivors need your help physically, emotionally, and spiritually! Read how you can meet five critical needs and serve like Jesus.
Published on January 18, 2023
Empowering Women Around the World
Supporting women to access quality and decent work improves their livelihoods. It impacts women's rights, reduces poverty, and attends to better development. Women empowerment is a key part of achieving this. Our mission heavily depends on people like you to empower women like Maya and Syvia. These are just two of the thousands of women who are served and impacted by ServeNow!
Published on September 9, 2022
5 Powerful Prayers for Ukraine
Our hearts continue to break for our dear Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Christ, and God reminds us of the power of prayer. In all honesty, ServeNow has seen a significant decrease in financial support for Ukraine. As Russia's war prolongs and needs rise daily, our staff is dropping to our knees in prayer. We humbly invite you into these 5 Powerful Prayers. Thank you in advance, for praying and asking for God's powerful presence in Ukraine.
Published on August 26, 2022
The Story Behind The Basic Series
Discover ServeNow's story behind the Basic Series and see how these "small doses" continue to spread like wildfire worldwide.
Published on August 17, 2022
5 Ways ServeNow Fulfills the Great Commission Digitally
ServeNow takes pride in an entrepreneurial and agile spirit by adapting to needs in a digital age. That is why our team expands its reach to fulfill the Great Commission worldwide. Discover five ways ServeNow fulfills the Great Commission digitally!
Published on July 14, 2022
Facts About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is nicknamed The Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the teardrop of India. There ServeNow partners with the local Sri Lankan church and serve the most vulnerable. Discover more about this beautiful country and how you can be involved in representing the Gospel there.
Published on June 7, 2022
Why Do Pastors Need Bicycles Worldwide?
Happy World Bicycle Day! 🌍🚲 Worldwide bicycles effectively empower pastors to share the Gospel further and serve their community! Across sub-Saharan Africa and in Southern Asia, there are many barriers and factors supporting why pastors need bicycles.
Published on June 3, 2022
Top 10 Humanitarian Crises To Care About Worldwide
Where would Jesus go to comfort those mourning, feed the 5000, or heal the sick in our world? That's where we aim to serve like Jesus amid ten humanitarian crises head-on. Consider joining us as the hands and feet of Jesus to the vulnerable worldwide.
Published on May 27, 2022
The Looming Threat of Russia Invading Ukraine
Right now, you cannot miss a news headline or story about the possibility of Russia invading Ukraine. It’s everywhere; Apple News, Google Top Stories, Twitter, Radio. So why does this matter and impact ServeNow? Well, ServeNow serves 19 countries in Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Muslim World. Our nonprofit has long ties and a history of working in Ukraine. Our people are on the ground in Ukraine serving our mission, "sharing Christ’s passion for the world by serving the most vulnerable through national churches and leaders."
Published on January 26, 2022
5 Ways to Give to ServeNow on #GivingTuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. It's the world's biggest day of generosity and kicks off every Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It's a celebration for all acts of giving; voice, time, money, good, and kindness.
Published on November 23, 2021
Why Micro-Enterprise programs?
Our Micro-Enterprise programs intend to impact some of the poorest believers, who live within poverty and are in dire need of financial assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Africa is considered one of the poorest continents in the world, and 47% of its population living on the poverty line (The Borgen Project). According to the World Bank, the international poverty line is currently set at $1.90 a day. Poverty is considered “not having enough material possessions or income for a person’s basic needs. Absolute poverty is the complete lack of resources to provide the basic life necessities including food, clean water, shelter, and clothing.”
Published on July 15, 2021
6 Ways Your Partnership Is Key During A Pandemic to ServeNow
Published on June 30, 2021
In Loving Memory of Maria Sturt: September 26, 1970 - June 1, 2021
Published on June 7, 2021
2020 Recap & 2021 Vision
2020 will go down in history as a monumental year due to the COVID-19 pandemic altering reality, halting many plans, and resulting in many necessary pivots. This was also true for ServeNow. However, we determined early on that we were not going to get caught up in everything we could not do, but stay focused on what we could do. Philippians 1:12 contains a statement written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison. He too faced all kinds of challenges, restrictions, and limitations because of his circumstances imposed on him by the outside. But in that verse, he reminds the Philippian believers of this truth: Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. We feel exactly the same way and have seen the evidence of this verse in the ministry of ServeNow despite COVID-19! Below follows a brief summary/highlight recap of 2020 and vision as we look ahead to 2021.
Published on November 27, 2020
A Case for Africa
Florence is a woman who lives in Burundi and a recent recipient of a small grant. She shared with us the following: "Every day I wake up to sell my goods on my little table. I gain something for the day and save for the group. Together in the group, we can achieve more even as each is responsible for her own small business in the community where she lives. Before, it was tough for me because I did not have any capital to undertake a business. Bu now, with the small grant I received, I can fill my little table with goods to sell! I am thankful to God that I now have something to do. This new ministry of Basic Things came to support me spiritually, socially, and financially. I feel now that I am living little by little, life has a meaning. As a family and a group, we pray that God will continually help us grow and reach a big capital.”
Published on July 8, 2020
Hope Rises in Darkness
In the most dire situation caused by the Corona virus pandemic and other global crisis, we have witnessed hope rising up and smiles returning on the faces of those who have been most affected, as we continue to do our part to be witnesses for Christ, both in word and deed as we cater for the needs of our brothers and sisters globally. Through these acts, we want to see Jesus' love touching and changing lives. As one of our brothers in Africa so well said: "I have now understood that Jesus of the city is also Jesus of the village".
Published on June 30, 2020
A Gift of Love in Time of Crisis
And as the pastor explained: “We brought her a bag of rice and a bag of beans which should be enough for her family for at least three weeks. We listened to the touching and moving story of her life, with children and a husband, in a camp without water and sanitation, with mosquitoes which exposes them to many diseases including malaria and worms. We helped her set up the tent as it was getting late. We fellowshipped together in the little tent. Then we prayed for her and her children. What a beautiful time of fellowship and ministry. She said that we were the first to reach out to her”.
Published on May 22, 2020
7 Crisis Considerations from ServeNow's New Basic Series Book: When Our World Falls Apart!
In response to the current COVID-19 situation, ServeNow's leadership put together a new resource called: The Basic Things You Need to Know When Our World Falls Apart. You can read it by clicking the link on the title. Below, are seven considerations out of the book that might also be of blessing to you.
Published on April 15, 2020
COVID-19 Response Update
Durga is 80 years old and lives in a temporary plastic structure in a slum in South East Asia. After her husband died a few years ago, her sons left her on her own and she must take care of herself. To earn some money for buying her daily food, Durga begs on the highway near her hut. The lockdown in the country means that she has gone many nights and days without food. Her neighbors sometimes offer her a meal, but with their own families to take care of, and no income whatsoever, the neighbors too cannot spare much. She was shaking and shivering when we gave her a package of groceries, which is enough to last her for at least another 15 days.
Published on April 8, 2020
COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 is shaking and shutting down the world in unprecedented and global ways. Here at ServeNow, we remain committed to serving the most vulnerable around the world. We also believe in times of uncertainty, we must guard our hearts against fear, panic, anxiety, and self-preservation. Instead, now is the time to demonstrate compassion, generosity, and selflessness, especially towards those most in need. Therefore, we wanted to take a moment to share with you how some of our teams are responding around the world...
Published on March 19, 2020
New Bakery Class in India!
We have officially opened a brand-new bakery school for women in India! The women enrolled are from slum areas and most have been forced to work in a dump-yard and sell whatever recyclable waste they can find at the market. It is one of the few ways to make money and there is little opportunity to escape poverty.
Published on January 31, 2020
Recap of 2019 & Vision for 2020
We have reached MILLIONS of people literally just this year in 2019 alone through a new video series called the Road to Paradise put together through our Arabic team and pushed out through social media avenues. The Basic Series Discipleship books were launched in new languages and countries, such as KiSwahili (Kenya), French (Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin), Kirundi (Burundi) and some new Asian languages. Thousands of copies were printed and a couple hundred thousand people were impacted by these books. Additionally, being we are living in a time that is seeing a historic global refugee crisis (over 70 million refugees in the world today), I am happy that we were able to help provide aid to refugee’s around the world from a Yazidi refugee camp in Iraq, to legal immigrants at our own border in the US/Mexico, to Sudanese refugee’s living in one of the world’s largest refugee camp in Northern Uganda.
Published on December 20, 2019
Impact Story Highlights: October 2018-January 2019
Every week, we receive amazing stories of impact from around the world through ServeNow's efforts. This is only possible because of people of like you getting involved and responding to God's heart for the world and the most vulnerable. Click here to read just a few of those ways you are making a difference over the last few months: Impact Stories October 2018 to January 2019.
Published on February 4, 2019
Blankets & Basic Series Books Opening Hearts to Jesus
“Christians from the church have come here to my village today with blankets to keep us warm this winter. We are a poor community and cannot afford these things for our families. Nobody had ever come to our village like these before. I am touched by the kindness and the love of God you have shared. I wanted to have a copy of the book that said Salvation and I hope I learn more about the Jesus you have shared about through this book. Thank you for coming to us once again.”
Published on December 15, 2018
Team Member Mission Trip Experience
My name is Carol and I would like to take a moment to share with you some of my experiences on my first mission trip! Upon arriving in South Asia my first impression was the warmth of the people. We felt so genuinely welcomed everywhere we went. There were so many amazing moments, so many blessings and so much love! The mission touched my heart in unexpected ways, it was life changing!
Published on November 25, 2018
Good Deeds Reveal a Good God
The principle of the school said, “These winter coverings will allow the children to come to school on a regular basis. During the cold weather, many children do not come to school because of lack of warm clothes to wear. Thank you ServeNow Nepal for your great effort in not only providing winter coverings but in also helping and encouraging these children to come to school regularly.”
Published on November 11, 2018
Child Sponsorship Stories from Uganda
I hope to become a medical doctor and provide for my family and my community. My mother has struggled with a skin disease for years and whenever my siblings get sick our father struggles to find money to for good medical care. I am grateful to ServeNow and my lovely sponsors, for the great changes they have brought into my life and now my future looks bright!
Published on September 25, 2018
Basic Series Leading Many to Salvation
Manjari received a copy of the book Salvation from the church and asked her son to read it to her. After listening to the message, she was convicted that she had not experienced the salvation provided by Jesus Christ. Realizing her need, she went into her room and began crying before the Lord in prayer and confession and asked the Lord to forgive her sins and fill her heart. Since then her life has changed noticeably, and with the help of her son she is spending more time in prayer and God’s Word. The Lord is using her mightily and through her prayers, people are being healed and coming to know the Lord.
Published on September 20, 2018
ServeNow Medical Clinic's Aid Flood Victims
“My house was totally submerged in water and my sons and I spent over a week in waist-deep water, trying to salvage whatever we could. The exposure to contaminated water has caused me to contract a skin disease. I can't afford to see a doctor as I lost my money in the floods. This camp was sent by God to my village and today I saw the doctor and told her all my issues and even got some free medicine. Thank you for giving us a ray of hope in dark times.”
Published on September 13, 2018
43 Women Set to Graduate Tailoring Center in Nepal...and a New Class to Begin in October!
“It was a great moment in my life to go through the six-month job skill training. Now I am running a tailoring shop where I also do cosmetics and earn more than 18,000 rupees per month! I am grateful to ServeNow Nepal for saving my life when I was in distress! Through this income I am able to cover all of my expenses. Thank you for caring for us even after graduation!”
Published on September 5, 2018
Ukraine Summer Camp Impact 2018
Seven-year old Masha lives with her family in a war zone and it was a challenge to bring her to camp as the family is on a limited income, but thanks to being sponsored she was able to come! Since the war began five years ago, the children haven't seen anything different. At camp she learned that God is with her always and that Christ can give her abundant life, as well as hope and peace in her daily life.
Published on August 30, 2018
I Was Filled With Joy!
"One day I was stressed by many things in my life and tears kept flowing. During a sleepless nights at around 3:00am, I started reading the Basic Series booklet about the Holy Spirit. As I was reading, I came across the author’s notes about the Holy Spirit being a comforter and at that moment I felt someone comforting me and I was filled with joy. My pain and troubles disappeared and I started laughing and fell asleep joyfully and peacefully. I am so grateful for this booklet and for the work the Holy Spirit has done and is still doing in my life.”
Published on August 16, 2018
Medical Clinic Brings Hope and Healing
The tests done at the clinic were helpful in diagnosing illnesses which had been left untreated for far too long. I hope that we will be able to continue this partnership and reach out to many villages like these so that we can reach the unreached with the Gospel.
Published on August 9, 2018
The Lord has Heard my Cry!
"The Lord has heard my cry and sent ServeNow with this gift of a water tank to bless our community. Our people don’t need to go far to fetch clean water anymore and we are grateful.”
Published on July 31, 2018
Urgent Clean Water Need
600 million people, half of India’s population, is being faced with this crisis. 200,000 die every year because of lack of water or unclean water. Hepsi for example, is a widow with three young children. She tries to provide just enough for her family of four, but there are times when her family must go without meals. She is also forced to collect water for the family from a nearby pond which has been drying up over the past several years and is contaminated. She cannot afford to buy clean water for her family and children.
Published on June 25, 2018
2018 ServeNow Annual Report!
I am very excited to announce the release of the 2018 ServeNow Fiscal Year Annual Report! (Click here to view: Annual Report 2018). What an exciting 5th year of ministry it has been! In the report are several testimonies from real people we were able to serve this last fiscal year in our four core countries. There is no greater joy we share together than being able to come alongside people in need and seeing their lives transformed by the love of God and Hope of the Gospel!
Published on June 12, 2018
Sweet Stories from Vacation Bible School in Asia
“I enjoyed attending this VBS camp here at church. The activity book is wonderful, and I loved my new Treasure Hunt Bible too. Here I realized that Jesus loves every child and me personally.”
Published on June 1, 2018
Bibles Transforming Lives in Uganda!
“I have never seen anything like this happen to the Christians in our area regardless of their backgrounds. To be given Bibles for free is amazing! Surely God has visited our region. He is wanting us to obey his Word, now that we have received it.”
Published on May 31, 2018
New Project for Roma Children in Ukraine!
In Ukraine, Roma people (Read more here) are discriminated against and live in very poor, even slum like conditions. Many of the children are also not sent to school to study. Because of the lack of education, children later have trouble finding a job, and this leads to poverty in their community. It is a vicious cycle from generation to generation.
Published on May 2, 2018
2018 Children's Camps/VBS
Good afternoon! My name is Katya. I am 12 years old. I live together with my sister in the village in Eastern Ukraine. While we were in the middle of a war, my daddy died, and my house was bombed. We had no place to live for a long time. I asked my mother to go somewhere. But she did not let me go anywhere... I heard about the opportunity to go to the Camp, and I really would like to go there to rest from the constant explosions.
Published on March 13, 2018
Basic Series Impact & Matching Grant Opportunity!
On an average, every 3,000 copies of a Basic Series book will see the following results: * Used by 50 churches with an average of 60 people = 3,000 adherents * Used by an average of 59 pastors * 62% percent will share their faith to at least another = 1,860 people * Of those, 37% will come to the Lord = 688 people *The average church growth over the year will be 43% * Revitalization of the people in any church will average 85% * 35% in the church will respond to the calling to out through humanitarian projects
Published on March 8, 2018
Uganda Mission Trip Report & Year End Appeal
As this year ends, I want to take this opportunity to remind you that a generous couple has put up a $35,000 matching grant for another school building! That means every gift towards this can be doubled right now. I will be leading a team back to Uganda in July and if we can begin rebuilding, it will be completed in time to dedicate on that trip! We are praying God will touch hearts to make this a reality. Maybe you would even like to join us on a mission trip next year? (Find out more here: Mission Trip Link).
Published on December 26, 2017
More Heart-Touching Winter Blanket Stories
Kistavva, a 62 year old woman shared, “I had two sons and daughters. Seven years back I lost my husband because of a health problem. After that my elder son died with another health problem and even my second son died in an accident. With these incidents my daughter became depressed and died in 2016. Now I live alone. A few years ago, a tumor appeared on my face which has been growing ever since and I do not have the resources and the energy to treat it. My relatives don’t come to meet me as they think that I am unlucky and that is why I lost my husband and children. In this condition I cannot afford a warm clothing for winter. I really thank ServeNow for this great help.
Published on December 5, 2017
2017 ServeNow Newsletter & Video
Click Here to view some stories from the past several months in this featured newsletter. This newsletter also provides some mission trip opportunities for 2018 and information regarding a $35,000 Matching Grant for a New School Building for orphan and impoverished children in Uganda! ServeNow Year End Newsletter. To watch our year end Thank You Video that contains highlights from each month of 2017 click here: 2017 Thank You Video.
Published on December 4, 2017
Impact Stories in One Week
Uganda church testimony: “By the time I received the ServeNow Basic Series Discipleship booklets, I had just been sent to pastor this new ministry. The church only had three members. I was questioning myself as to why God had sent me to such a ministry? Few as we were, we embarked on studying the books. I was encouraged by the messages and through them, our confidence was uplifted. So we started sharing with people about Jesus, as well as praying to God for a big harvest...and he turned our church around! We now have over 50 new believers and our structure could not contain them, thus church expansion. Thank you so much ServeNow for sending such resourceful literature!”
Published on December 3, 2017
Special Opportunities This Holiday Season and Year End
ServeNow has several special giving opportunities this holiday season and year end. We are so grateful for your support, prayers and partnership. Here are a few specific and meaningful ways you, your family and friends can make a difference around the world this year end through ServeNow.
Published on November 24, 2017
The Difference a Simple Blanket Makes
In one week alone ServeNow was able to help 500 young and old receive warm winter coverings. People walk miles just to receive a blanket. One elderly lady said, “It’s already getting cold and I have been shivering all the way here. I shall keep myself warm with this blanket on my way back home which is a 40 minute walk from here.”
Published on November 19, 2017
Help Bring Joy to People in Need in Ukraine via Christmas Gifts!
ServeNow has a unique opportunity again this year to reach 7,000 orphans, refugee families, elderly and lonely people, disabled children and adults, Roma/Gypsy people and others in need through Christmas gifts! A small team from the US will be traveling again this holiday season to Ukraine to give out hundreds of those gifts all over the country.
Published on November 1, 2017
More than Literature and Meeting Physical Needs
For the pastors and churches we serve, that Christian literature is food to their soul. For the people being served by the meeting of physical needs or through programs (such as warm winter coverings, food, clean water, mosquito nets, medicine, skill-training etc) it is seen as tangible expressions of God's goodness and love. These "good deeds" and programs bring hope, one of the greatest human needs of all. They touch the heart in a permanent and life-transforming way, not just the body in a temporary, physical way. They open doors for the Good News to be shared and received. They result in church growth, spiritual growth and strengthening of pastors and their ministries.
Published on October 28, 2017
Ukrainian Refugee Providing Skill Training for Other Refugees!
There are almost two million refugees (or "internally displaced people") in Ukraine because of the war in the east and Russian occupation of Crimea. All of them face difficulties in finding a place to live, separating from relatives and changing friends. But the biggest challenge is to find a job. From personal experience, I can say that having a long-time job gives you confidence and takes away some fear. One of best way to help refugees is to teach them some skills and provide a job. This would truly be a long-term solution and will help their whole families as well.
Published on October 26, 2017
2017 Asia Mission Trip
Where we might sometimes see only a “program” “facility” “training” or “sewing machine”; these “things” mean something much deeper to those on the receiving end. It means hope. It means confidence. It means a future. It communicates the love of God in a way that truly opens hearts and meets the deeper more “intangible” human needs.
Published on October 22, 2017
Medical Clinic Flood Stories & Winter Covering Need
“We were hesitant to enter the camp as we thought it was only for Christians, but we now know that it was for the people from all communities and religions. We are very grateful to ServeNow for providing us with medicine and medical attention. They were a Godsend. Our health has been deteriorating due to the diseases spread through stagnant water and also the unavailability of food, supplies and medicine.”
Published on September 28, 2017
New Tailoring Classes Set to Begin in Nepal to Protect from Human-Trafficking and Prostitution
This fall, two more classes of thirty young women each, are due to start. The first is in a slum with the highest rate of prostitution. This is a new center that ServeNow will begin operating, aimed especially for those who think prostitution is their only means of survival, but also others at risk of human-trafficking. The other, is a six-month program set to take place in a remote village where many young women are at risk of being lured away by the fake promises of traffickers.
Published on September 25, 2017
August Stories of Changed Lives
ServeNow exists to holistically serve people in need in a way that produces life-transformation. Every project and effort is accomplished in, with and through local churches and national leaders/staff in each country of operation. We seek to come alongside those with the passion, compassion, vision and burden to see believers strengthened in their faith and communities reached out to in practical ways that communicates the reality of God's love in Jesus Christ and breaks down barriers.
Published on September 1, 2017
Emergency Flood Relief for Asia
Therefore, we wanted to let you know of this situation and that we are ready to respond with needed relief items such as food packets, medical clinics, water, temporary tent shelters, and then winter coverings. This winter is projected to be the coldest in many years. With millions losing their homes, this will become an even greater need very shortly and a tremendous blessing to those we can serve.
Published on August 31, 2017
Blessing Pastors in Uganda with Bicycles
ServeNow's partner in Uganda, Pastor Moses, recently held a seminar for over 70 pastors. ServeNow had also been able to donate 24 bicycles to pastors in this district. The pastors were grateful for the means of transport as they all didn’t have any means of transport. The majority used to walk 14 miles to and from their ministries. This used to consume a lot of time as they would literally spend over 6 hours on the road. Up until now, many pastors were hindered to effectively conduct ministry due to no means of transportation.
Published on August 22, 2017
God's Bakery in Ukraine
This truly is something God has done for them, because for six years they had been praying specifically for a bakery, in order to learn baking skills as a way to sell to others and for their future husbands/family. It is that story that I would like to share with you, because this project truly is God's Bakery.
Published on August 6, 2017
Another "Container of Hope" Blesses Many in Panama!
As we have given tangible expressions of God's love by meeting basic needs such as clothing and toiletries to people being held and possibly deported, we have had many opportunities to share the Gospel and shine His light into much darkness and despair.
Published on July 30, 2017
Last Ukraine Summer Camp Stories of 2017
Sofia is raised along with her siblings, by her mother. From the moment when the war broke out in Donetsk, the family came to the free territory of Ukraine. But the plan to start a new life failed. They came back and continue to live in occupied Donetsk. The shelling continues in the city and people live without confidence in the future. Sofia saw the shelling of residential quarters and came under fire when she was in the hospital. She saw the death of children and adults. Sofia liked the fact that there is peace and no shooting in the camp. She really liked nature and it was her first time in the Carpathians. She liked to weave bracelets and is doing it everywhere now! The camp gave her peace and quiet and the sense of security.
Published on July 27, 2017
A Few Summer Highlight Stories of 2017
It is so inspiring and encouraging to read the stories that continually come forth literally every week from the ServeNow world! From people coming to faith in Jesus Christ, to those at risk of human trafficking being provided a skill and generating income, to summer camps for orphans, refugee, disabled and disadvantaged children, to Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs yielding tremendous fruit, to much more...God is at work! Enjoy these handful of stories that showcase that impact by clicking here: Summer Highlight Stories 2017.
Published on July 17, 2017
Second Ukraine Summer Camp Stories
Marina, 11 years old: This family has four children. Their father killed their mother. But the father was not imprisoned or deprived of parental rights; he was admitted as beyond of the scope of justice. The father misuses alcohol, he doesn’t look after himself or the children. The older brother takes care of the kids. He dresses them. The children rarely visit their home; there is dirt, and nothing to eat. They always return with lice to the orphanage. For the first time in her life Marina went hiking and climbed to the top of the mountain. She did not want to go home at all.
Published on July 16, 2017
Basic Series Booklets Changing Lives in Asia!
"In 2016 my friends asked me to attend a church but I kept putting it off. However, one fine day they persuaded me, so I came to church and I received the booklet about The Basic Things you Need to Know About Salvation. The book design and the word Salvation attracted me to read it. So, after going home I started reading the book and I was convinced by the Holy Spirit to confess my sins and I realized that I need salvation and it can happen through Christ Jesus! Immediately I went to the pastor and said that I accepted Jesus and I want to be baptized, so the Pastor baptized me. Now I am regularly attending church and helping in the ministry. Thank you for distributing the Basic Series and helping me to know who the real God is.”
Published on July 15, 2017
First Ukraine Summer Camp Stories of 2017!
Sasha is 10 years old. Five years ago her father died. At one of the evening services at camp it was said that Jesus Christ was sent by God the Father. On that day during the service she was crying because she remembered her father who is in heaven. Sasha was thrilled because while she does not have an earthly dad, she could have a spiritual Dad.
Published on June 28, 2017
God's Word for Ethiopia as Revival Sweeps Country
"An older man told me how he, for years, had kept and treasured an old bible written in Oromo. He used it very carefully because he didn't know if he would ever be able to get another copy. He passed it on to his son, who recently passed it to his son. The grandfather in this family was overjoyed when they each received a copy of the Word of God!"
Published on June 1, 2017
Lives Dramatically Changed Since Receiving Training & Sewing Machine!
‘It was not easy for me to learn the tailoring skills as I had very low self-esteem but you always encouraged me, prayed for me and guided me to complete the training. Thank you so much for your investment in my life to make me skillful which enables me to save my expenses on sewing the clothes. I have started to sew clothes for my family. They are very happy as I repair our torn clothes. Now I even have confidence to use this skill as an income source for my career."
Published on May 29, 2017
VBS Impact on a Church, Community & Children
Mohan is just 7 years old and lives in a temporary shed with his family right next to a dumping ground infested with mosquitoes, flies and stray dogs. His father is the only earning member in the family who struggles to meet the needs of his family. He would have never been able to afford to send him to a tuition center or VBS program on his own! Mohan says “I like the Bible stories and memory verses. I came to know that God loves me and what God has given me. I love to come to VBS and learn stories and memory verses. I thank you all for giving me booklet.”
Published on May 26, 2017
Two More VBS Programs Yield Fruit
We traveled 30 kilometres (to & from) daily to attend the VBS. But it was worth traveling, or else I would have not received the blessings I got from this camp. Besides learning beautiful Bible stories from the classes and doing nice activities and crafts, I gave my heart to Jesus and decided to follow Him. Though I knew the song ‘I have decided to follow Jesus’ this time I sang it meaningfully. The finger craft taught me about how to read the Bible and how to pray every day.
Published on May 26, 2017
Possibility of a Fourth Summer Camp in Ukraine
We are so grateful to our faithful partners who have already made possible the funding of three camps. However, there is a wonderful possibility of a fourth camp towards the end of July for another 50 children if we can secure funding very quickly. This would be a six day camp for children 8-12 years old. They would be children from the war zone, refugee children and kids from poor and needy families surrounding the main local church that has this vision and camp dream.
Published on May 22, 2017
Update on Nepal Lighthouse Center
One of the children, Rasmila said, “It was very hard for me to get the satisfactory grades on the exams and I was hardly promoted to the next grade. But since I have been attending the Lighthouse center, I am very excited to see the good marks on the exams. While seeing the result, my family and school teachers were amazed! I love to come here every day as this center has become a blessing for me & my friends in many ways. I would even like to come 7 days a week. While seeing the improvement in my study, I want to be a Teacher in future.”
Published on May 17, 2017
Village Visited by Doctor for First Time!
We visited Mallaiah, one of the village elders. He and his wife were sick and bed ridden. They were overjoyed when the doctor visited them at his doorstep. He told us, “I have been suffering with a lot of health problems and cannot afford the money for treatment in the city. Thank you ServeNow for providing free medicine right at my bedside, even though I could not walk up to the camp venue.”
Published on May 13, 2017
Imagine Drinking Dirty Water...
Meena, a 24 year old married woman, who stays in slums, shares that she lives in a joint family of 9 members. She and her husband work as a garbage collectors. Sometimes they work as daily laborers. Every day they work very hard to meet expenses, Meena shares “I am very happy for the ServeNow water program. We used to have a water problem, we are used drinking dirty water, now we are able to get clean drinking water.”
Published on May 10, 2017
Vacation Bible School Testimonies
“I came for the first time to this camp with one of my friends. I do not know who Jesus is but after attending the VBS classes I came to know that Jesus is God and He forgives every small and big mistakes. I am very happy to learn about Jesus and I learned many action songs. Thank you for allowing me to attend the camp.”
Published on May 6, 2017
Thirty Nepal Tailoring Students Have Graduated!
‘I was in great need of such a training but didn’t have the ability due to several reasons. We were very unskilled women, in fact, we didn’t even know to use a needle! But now we are very happy to wear the dress which we sewed by ourselves for this graduation ceremony. We are now very confident to run our own tailoring shops to generate income to maintain our family. Now we do not need to be dependent as we have skill and a sewing machine. We are so thankful to ServeNow Nepal for providing us such a valued training, sewing machine and creating awareness against human trafficking. We are committed to work as a community watchdog for our own community, thank you for opening our eyes and saving our precious lives from being lured by the traffickers.’
Published on April 15, 2017
A Home for HIV Children
“My relatives used to keep my plate and glass separate from the other household utensils and I was made to sleep in a cold corner of the house just because I had HIV. Sleeping alone used to scare me and I wished my parents were around me. I love to stay here at the Lighthouse center, I have found myself a home and a bigger family. I sleep in my own bed with other girls / sisters in the room and my plates are not kept separate in the kitchen. I feel like a normal girl here.”
Published on April 8, 2017
Ukraine Mission Trip Experience
Check out this article that a team member who went on a trip with ServeNow to Ukraine recently wrote up about her experience: Humbled by a Mighty God. Also, why not go and experience a trip for yourself? As Gandalf once said to a uncertain Hobbit in the classic novel (and perhaps Jesus is saying to you!): "I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone...you'll have a tale or two to tell when you come back..the world is not in your books and maps, it's out there..." ServeNow Mission Trips.
Published on March 28, 2017
ServeNow in Uganda: Part 2
In Kankanda, through reading and studying this book, seven members confessed Christ as their Lord and Savior having spent several years in church but without confessing. In Kyabasiita, an unbeliever saw the pastor with these books and requested for a copy. He was given this particular one about salvation and through it, he accepted Christ and now is a church member.
Published on March 11, 2017
ServeNow in Uganda: Part 1
In Uganda, poverty is the most critical and serious problem. Children are deprived of basic needs like food, shelter, education and medical. Poverty remains firmly entrenched in the country’s rural areas. About 40 percent of all rural people still live in abject poverty. Most of these rural people are illiterate. They get their meager resources from small scale farming yet with the prolonged dry seasons, without irrigation facilities, it remains a very big challenge.
Published on March 11, 2017
The Value of the "Basic Series" Foundation Books
Sometimes there are things in the Bible that one can find difficult to understand without someone’s help. These series are perfect supplements for a Bible study which helps believers understand the teachings of the Holy Bible. The availability of these materials in different languages make these booklets even more impactful.
Published on March 7, 2017
Testimonies from Ukraine Bakery Students
I do not remember my parents. I was left at a children’s hospital when quite small. I grew up in an orphanage, then studied at another orphanage till 8th grade, and then moved to the next one. There I began to desire to bake. But it was only desire: we all graduated with being diagnosed as "mentally retarded." That stigma prevents future education for us and to even generally be accepted as a valuable part of society. But after graduation I moved to Uzhgorod and heard that there is a bakery project at the local church. I immediately went and asked them to give me the opportunity to learn. And my wish was fulfilled and I am very happy! Thank you all for not being indifferent to my fate.
Published on February 28, 2017
Children’s Lighthouse Centers & VBS
ServeNow operates several “Lighthouse Centers” in India and Nepal. These centers are for children with HIV or street children who cannot afford an education and who are on their own all day while their parents work menial jobs and long hours. Others are for children in some of the worst slums who are in need of love, care and special attention
Published on February 18, 2017
A 2017 Team Member Report from Ukraine
Imagine having 30 minutes to gather whatever earthly possessions you can fit in a small box and then you and your children having to squeeze into a van, meant to carry 15 people, with 40 other people. As you speed out of the war zone you wonder what will I do? Will I ever be able to return to my home and if so will that home still be there?
Published on January 12, 2017
Pastor Training & Equipping
While biblical teaching flourishes in the US, with more resources than we know what to do with, it is the opposite for many pastors around the world. Sometimes they are the only ones that even possess a Bible. In most cases, they themselves lack any biblical teaching, training or systematic Bible study, let alone their congregation.
Published on October 27, 2016
Churches in Uganda in Need of Prayer
Among those affected by this tribal war was Pastor George and his family. He was attacked one night; four of his children were killed instantly, his wife and one-year-old baby were hit with pangas (bladed African tools like machetes) and were left unconscious. Murderers thought that they had killed them too. Thank God they didn’t die, but they were badly wounded. The wife is still in much pain and in need of medical attention.
Published on October 5, 2016
Why ServeNow?
When Ben Foley asked me to write about what drew me to ServeNow, I blanked at first. Truly, what drew me to ServeNow? Was it the people that I could help? Or was it the diversity of the people their help benefited? In all honesty, it is the fact that working with ServeNow helps me to take the focus off of myself and put it on someone else; someone who may not have a voice strong enough to help themselves.
Published on September 26, 2016
Extra! Extra! Read all About it!
We are excited to share the third issue of the ServeNow Gazette, filled with stories from the past several months of how lives are being impacted! Read about how a summer camp in Ukraine resulted in a girl now attending church regularly, how thousands more people are being impacted by God's Word through the addition of a new division of ServeNow, the difference water, medical camps, bicycles, mosquito nets, school buildings and more are making in hundreds of others lives! Check it out here: ServeNow Gazette 3rd addition.
Published on September 22, 2016
The Blessing of Medical Clinics
My child has been suffering from the flu for some days now, but I have not been able to visit the doctor, because I would have to travel about 50 miles to see a good doctor. This medical camp that ServeNow is hosting is exactly what I needed! I am very glad for the free treatment and medicines for my child. Thank you!
Published on September 17, 2016
I CAN project in Ukraine - testimonies
Julia, 37 years old: I have a child with special needs. He is not accepted in kindergarten or any school. So I'm staying home with him. I always have to be home. I do not know how to operate a computer at all, although it is now difficult to imagine. I really want to make money and be helpful to my family. I want to open a business. I want to grow as an individual, I want to improve my literacy. So I'm glad for this opportunity. Thank you for the chance!
Published on September 8, 2016
The Basic Series Impacts Lives
*Sammy and his wife are attending Word for the World Fellowship. Sammy is very impressed by The Basic Series booklets. He said that he used to feel awkward and shy to serve people and to work for them. He also had a proud heart. Yet, after reading The Basic Things You Need to Know About Jesus, he realized that the King of Kings himself came to serve and not to be served. So, now he has a serving heart, and he helps others without feeling awkward.
Published on September 1, 2016
Ukraine's I CAN Project
One of the participants of the project said: Thanks to this project I have a new desire to live and an interest in life back again. I am an old woman, my children and grandchildren are all grown up, but I still want to live a full life and be useful to others. This training helps me a lot; I will use this knowledge to help others.
Published on August 20, 2016
Bicycles for Pastors - Uganda and India
Many pastors, especially in more remote/poor villages, walk miles every week due to having no means of transportation. They cannot afford even a bicycle, let alone a motorcycle, car or truck. Some of these faithful pastors actually serve more than one congregation or are out visiting the sick, or sharing the Gospel with other villages. Their feet are blistered and dirty, but Romans 15:10 is certainly true of them: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
Published on August 15, 2016
Ukraine - Bakery Skills Bring Hope
She says: The lessons at the bakery gave me confidence. I learned so many new things to bake, and I especially like to make croissants and biscuits. I will continue to help in the bakery as much as possible.
Published on August 13, 2016
Medical Camps in India
Every day, 23,000 people die in India; 6,000 of them died due to lack of proper medical attention and the lack of medical facilities. According to the latest statistics, there is only one doctor for every 1,700 Indians. India is a nation of 1.3 billion people, and 70% of the population live in rural areas with inadequate or no medical programs. Sadly, this results in people dying from diseases which could easily have been cured with basic medication.
Published on August 1, 2016
Third Ukraine Summer Camp Stories
We thank God for the opportunity we had to host 3 camps this summer. We were able to minister to 218 children in need; including 49 orphans, 52 children from large, poor families, 22 children from dysfunctional families (often with a single mom), 34 refugee children, 25 disabled children, 8 children whose parents are fighting in the war in Eastern Ukraine or who died during the war.
Published on July 26, 2016
The Story of Jesus - Reaching Out to Children and Teens
Norbu, one of the children who received The Story of Jesus, said: I am from a Buddhist family, and I heard about Jesus a few years back. And now I got The Story of Jesus which is a very nice book. I really enjoy reading it and now I know more about Jesus. This helps me to tell my friends at school the story from creation to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for this great book. Children like me really love this booklet!
Published on July 22, 2016
Winter Coverings - Delivering Love and Hope
In India, every winter millions of people struggle in extreme cold temperatures, resulting in countless deaths. In fact, winter is the second largest cause for death as a result of a natural disaster. In the last couple of years, more than 15,000 people died from exposure to the cold, and thousands of others were at risk, especially the young and the old.
Published on July 21, 2016
More Stories Ukraine Summer Camp 2 - Carpathian Mountains
Marina is 9 years. She doesn’t have a father, and her stepfather died recently. Therefore, her mother has to raise Marina by herself. The mom is in a very difficult financial situation, and she would not have been able to send Marina to a camp. Marina made friends with all the children, and she began to trust adults more. For her, it was very important to be among believers and to learn from positive examples. After the camp, Marina will go to Sunday school and learn more about Jesus Christ.
Published on July 15, 2016
Mosquito Nets Can Save Lives
Imagine living in a remote village during the monsoon season, where it doesn’t take long to get infected by a mosquito that carries diseases and can cause death in just a matter of days. First, there's the recurring high fever, then pain throughout the entire body, then overall weakness, and then, without proper medication, you die. Most of these remote villages have no access to a doctor or any kind of medical help. These kinds of conditions are especially prevalent in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the tea gardens of West Bengal and the jungles of Odisha within India.
Published on July 14, 2016
Stories Ukraine Summer Camp 2 - Carpathian Mountains
Vlad is 12 years old. His parents were both soldiers when the war in Eastern Ukraine broke out. Sadly, his dad was killed in the war. Vlad misses his dad very much, and his mom has to raise her son by herself. The camp was very good for him. After one of the Bible lessons, he expressed his wish to have his own Bible.
Published on July 13, 2016
Child Sponsorships
Let me introduce you to Malkaram, a slum in the outskirts of Hyderabad, home to beggars, street people, and stonecutters. An environment that breeds sickness, disease, alcohol and drug use. It’s a harsh existence of open sewage, exploitation, child labor and hopelessness. ServeNow, in cooperation with a local pastor, is dedicated to reach children in Malkaram with nutritious meals, education, medical camps for those in need, and warm clothing in the winter.
Published on July 8, 2016
Rebuilding Classrooms for Orphans in Uganda
2.5 million Ugandan children are orphans, of which 1.2 million are orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Due to the nature of HIV/AIDS transmission, the infection of one spouse usually leads to the infection of the other, leaving children without primary caretakers or with poor and old guardians, living below the poverty line of $1 per day. This makes it impossible to meet the children’s basic needs such as food, clothing, education and basic medical care.
Published on July 6, 2016
Stories Ukraine Summer Camp 1 - Poltava
Almost half of those who attended were not Christian and had never been in a Christian camp before! We are happy to report that about 30 teenagers came forward during a call to repentance one evening to pray! Many of them were crying and testifying to feeling God's presence as they were being convicted and drawn to Christ. Volunteer's and staff will continue to follow up with these teenagers in the days and weeks to come.
Published on June 30, 2016
Medical Camps - India
Sanjib walked 3 miles to reach this village with his infant son when he heard about ServeNow’s free medical camp. He shares: My child has been suffering from the flu for some days now, but I have not been able to visit the doctor, because I would have to travel about 50 miles to see a good doctor. This medical camp that ServeNow is hosting is exactly what I needed! I am very glad for the free treatment and medicines for my child. Thank you!
Published on June 29, 2016
Summer Camps Update
This was Prooja's first time at a summer camp. She said: I am glad that I was given the opportunity to come to this camp. I learned a lot from the teaching sessions and activities. This will help me grow in my new faith in Jesus. I am thankful to ServeNow for conducting such a wonderful camp!. I feel so encouraged and blessed; I will go home to my village and share with my non-Christian friends all that I have learned about Jesus.
Published on June 28, 2016
62 Million Children with Stunted Growth in India
There are hundreds of children in India who only get one daily meal or sometimes only a few times a week. At ServeNow's lighthouse centers in the slums of Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad, we make sure that these children receive daily meals. Of course the children don't come only for the food; they also come for the love and care they receive from the staff, for learning new things, and simply for having a fun time with the other children. There are about 100 children-at-risk who are part of our lighthouse center programs. Most of these children belong to families who live below the poverty line and who do not get to eat 3 meals a day.
Published on June 23, 2016
Changed Lives Through The Basic Series
Before reading this book, I was a victim to fear. I lived my life being afraid all the time, I had no hope at all. I was afraid of anything and everything in life and as a result, I felt overwhelmed most of the time. I was often in tears. But I thank God for this book, because it has revived my life. Its message has encouraged me to have faith in God and in his Word. I have learned to trust God, knowing that he enables me to overcome all situations. My joy and hope has been restored through the message in this book. All my fears are gone and the Word of God is abundant in my life. I have come to desire the Word of God. It is my daily bread. I look forward to attend services where the Word of God is shared. I am so grateful for what the book has done in my life.
Published on June 21, 2016
More Water for Life Testimonies
Ramlatha is a young woman from the a slum where her husband works as a stone-cutter. She is 6 months pregnant and since they are poor, there is no money for medical care and good nutrition to keep her and her growing baby healthy. Every day, she had to fetch water from quite far., for her entire family. And even then, she knew that the water she brought home for her family wasn’t clean enough to drink and would be harmful for her and her baby. Yet, there was no other option; she could not afford to buy water, because that would cost almost 20% of her husband’s daily wages. She said: ServeNow’s water project is a great help for me and my unborn child. I would never have been able to afford to buy clean water for my family. It is literally a life-saving gift. Thank you so much!
Published on June 14, 2016
Clean Water Leading to Living Water
In just one month (from April to May), ServeNow provided clean water to nearly 1,200 families in 12 communities in 4 states. We will continue to visit these same families through the dry season, providing them with 40 liters (approximately 10 gallons) of water per week. We aim to expand this ministry into new villages, reaching about 2,000 families. We are encouraged to see that hearts have opened to the Good News of the Gospel, sometimes even for the first time!
Published on June 3, 2016
A Breakdown of ServeNow Projects
Some people wonder why ServeNow focuses on so many different things in several different countries. Others have a hard time getting time getting their heads around “the big picture” of ServeNow. In this article I have included a brief summary of each project we are a part of and why (or what the need is) and you can read this article in regard to the Philosophy, Heart, Vision & Future of ServeNow.
Published on May 31, 2016
Wheelchairs Bring Hope to the Disabled in Ukraine!
In May, through ServeNow's Containers of Hope ministry, many wheelchairs have been distributed to bless and serve those who are disabled. Thanks to generous partners, medical equipment has also been donated to poorly funded hospitals and medical clinics, benefiting patients in need. Below are more details as well as stories from those who have been recipients. The impact that a container can make in the lives of those who are in need is absolutely amazing! How many lives are you impacting?
Published on May 28, 2016
The Priority of Prayer
Every Thursday morning, our staff in the US gathers for prayer. We pray for needs and issues around the world that ServeNow is facing, but we also pray for our ministry partners and for personal matters that may arise among staff. We would count it an honor and would love to pray for you if you have any requests. Feel free to contact us and let us know how we can pray for you. Our staff (and kids!) around the world also pray faithfully and fervently, especially for partners and friends of the ministry.
Published on May 25, 2016
Monthly Subscriptions Make a Big Difference!
Here is a thought-provoking but interesting question: how many monthly subscriptions do you personally have and pay for? Often, we subscribe for monthly services without batting an eye. Yet, have you ever thought about what difference that same amount would make in the lives of others who could never dream of subscribing to the things many of us subscribe too? We want to challenge you to take a look at the following 20 common subscriptions and the difference that same amount could make in the lives of others and then consider matching that monthly amount in an area (or two) through a ServeNow monthly subscription.
Published on May 23, 2016
The Plight of Orphaned Children in Uganda
According to UNICEF, Uganda has 2.5 million orphans; 1.2 million of them are orphaned as a result of AIDS. Education increases the chances of better life quality. It is the key to a better future, and ultimately breaking the poverty cycle.
Published on May 23, 2016
Become a ServeNow Ambassador!
Have you ever wanted to make a greater difference around the world in regard to orphans, refugee's, combating human trafficking, providing winter coverings or clean water to those in danger of death, getting Scripture into the hands of believers without bibles, discipleship resources to those with no solid teaching, medical clinic's for those who cannot afford medicine or have never seen a doctor before? Simply put do you want to serve those in need in a greater way than ever before? Perhaps you wish you could do more right where you are to help those around the world. Now you can! This year, ServeNow has rolled out a new volunteer program! You can become a ServeNow Amabassador right here at home, in your own community!
Published on May 20, 2016
Touching Lives through ServeNow Medical Clinics
Since the spring harvest was far below expectation, the farmers have been struggling to feed their families and trying to survive. The drought in the state has made it next to impossible to earn money as a farmer, which is especially stressful because of the bank loans they took out during the sowing season, anticipating a good crop. It’s not only hard for them to feed their families, but also to take care of those who are sick. ServeNow’s medical camp is a great help to many of the villagers, some of whom have been sick for days, weeks and sometimes even months.
Published on May 18, 2016
Lighthouse Centers Changing Lives
*Deenu was a tailoring student at the lighthouse center last year. After completing her course, she kept visiting the center and wanted to know more about Jesus. She also requested our local leaders to visit her home and pray for her family. Now, one year later, she and her entire family attend church regularly. She has also begun to share the Gospel with her neighbors. In fact, Deenu and some of her neighbors get together once a week at her house for prayer meetings.
Published on May 16, 2016
The Basic Series Continues to Transform Lives
All along I have been reading the Bible just because my pastor told me to read it. I never realized the importance of this great book until I read The Basic Things You Need to Know About Reading and Studying the Bible. I now realize that I was missing a lot by not truly studying the Bible, but simply reading it to pass time. I now seek God through studying his Word often, and I have benefited a lot. I feel like I am in a new world!
Published on May 14, 2016
Water Stories from India
Recently, Rajeshwari was scolded by the owner of the well because she belonged to a lower class and is not supposed to draw water with the other high caste villagers. For Rajeshwari and her mother, the couple of liters of clean drinking water distributed by ServeNow was a God-send. Their joy was evident in the smiles on their faces.
Published on May 12, 2016
Life and Ministry in Eastern Ukraine: Conflict Zone
People here suffer much from shelling, and many people have left town. Nowadays, only old people are still here. However, there is much work for the church here. We use the offerings gathered in the church to get food packets.
Published on May 11, 2016
Containers of Hope
In Ukraine, hospitals have benefited from medical equipment, but most of all disabled children and adults have received quality wheelchairs for the first time! In Ukraine, being able to afford a wheelchair is out of the question for many people. We have had so many heart-moving stories come from those who have been recipients.
Published on May 10, 2016
Summer Camps: Make Paradise a Reality!
In distant villages of the mountains of India and in bombed out areas of Eastern Ukraine, where refugees live in temporary shelters, there is no end of hurting children. In the same area there may be some government-run orphanages, where some of the children have never been outside the surrounding fenced-in area. These are children who cannot even dream about what it would be like to be invited to a mountainous region, far from their daily poverty or war-zone, to eat healthy and nutritious food as well as do crafts, play games, travel by zip lines, and hear stories about someone who can positively impact their lives.
Published on May 4, 2016
New Lighthouse Centers in Nepal
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. Besides all the regular problems the government needs to deal with, slum problems have been a major issue for many years. A recent study has shown that the number of slums have increased each year in the Kathmandu valley. It is estimated that more than 20,000 people live in the slums in Kathmandu.
Published on April 27, 2016
Nepal Earthquake: One Year Later
One year ago, on April 25, 2015 at 11:56 am local time Nepal was struck with 7.8 Richter scale earthquake which was recorded by Nepal’s National Seismological Centre (NSC). Nepal had never faced a natural shock of comparable magnitude for over 80 years...The aftershocks brought landslides and new dangers, hindering survivors’ efforts to find loved ones, seek shelter and re-build. This devastating earthquake was followed by more than 400 aftershocks greater than 4.0 magnitude killed 8,686, injured more than 22,000 people; some 3 million people have been displaced and over 800,000 houses are either destroyed or damaged.
Published on April 25, 2016
Water Crisis Update: First Stories and Pictures!
This year the water scarcity has made life tough for the poor like us who cannot afford to buy water. ServeNow’s water program is a great relief for me, my family and the entire community here. Thank You ServeNow. Never has anyone provided drinking water to us in the past 20 years!
Published on April 23, 2016
Refugee Crisis
Over 60 million people are refugees today. Globally, one out of every 122 people is either a refugee, internally displaced, or seeking asylum. If this were the population of a country, it would be the world’s 24th biggest!
Published on April 21, 2016
Roma People: Ukraine
There are more than 40,000 Roma people in Ukraine and they are one of the groups with great need. Most of them live in isolation in their villages. These areas are characterized by poverty, misery and filth. Often, they are not accepted in the Ukrainian society.
Published on April 20, 2016
Highlights from a ServeNow Mission Trip to Ukraine
The first day, we spent time at a state operated orphanage for children with disabilities doing crafts, games, and activities. Many have been given wheelchairs and walkers through ServeNow. This was one of our favorite days! I, Bethany, took boxed brownies to make with the older girls. They were thrilled, because they said they had never baked before. They don't have brownies in Ukraine, and one girl said she would eat them every day if she could!
Published on April 20, 2016
Water Crisis in India
With temperatures reaching as high as 45 degree Celsius (113 F), the city I live in (Hyderabad) has already recorded the highest temperature in 40 years, and the heat wave has already claimed more than 112 lives! Kolkata, where we run a school for slum children, had to declare their school summer break earlier than usual as nearly one third of the students are down with dehydration and heat stroke. Just this morning I learned that during these past few weeks more than 30 people lost lives in a heat wave in Orissa. The Meteorological Department has already issued serious warnings of an oncoming heat wave throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Published on April 16, 2016
Combating Social Problems in Ukraine
Today in Ukraine there are many young women and girls whose rights are especially affected. One of the main reasons is the more than one million refugees from Crimea and the eastern part of Ukraine. Young women are unable to continue their education in new areas and are forced to work long hours every day in low-paid work. Also there are many young women without work and education who are forced to be with children and are not able to find any jobs.
Published on April 13, 2016
ServeNow Gazette: Second Edition
"I was, and still am, honored every time I get to work with ServeNow. Their heart for the lost and broken is so evident in everything they do. They continue to amaze me with each new step they take toward fulfilling the great commission!" -Lindsay Graham, Singer/Songwriter
Published on April 11, 2016
Bakery Skill Training, Ukraine
“Leaving boarding school I asked myself: what will be my future? Most of my friends got involved in prostitution or went to jail. .. I lived in constant fear of being raped. My defense was pretending that I was a guy. I dressed like a boy, walked like a boy and even get a boys name. Now that I know God I thank Him that I'm not in prostitution or ended up in jail...”
Published on April 11, 2016
Basic Series Equipping Churches
My church members are so encouraged. They talk at length about this subject, because they’ve all become Christians just recently through our outreach ministry. We are now able to talk about Jesus more in depth at our weekly Bible study.
Published on April 10, 2016
Behind the Scenes: Tanya & Andrey
But the following words became so alive to us: Sometimes we can’t change the situation around us and we have to accept things like they are, but it is totally our responsibility to continue to serve God and be faithful to Him in every circumstances.
Published on April 9, 2016
India's Medical Clinics
The residents of the village have to walk at least 3.5 to 4 miles (there are no other means of transportation) to see a doctor. This is very difficult for the elderly, especially during the scorching heat in the summer. We had people come to our medical camp for treatment from even further away. This was the very first camp in this particular area.
Published on April 8, 2016
Partners & Deeper Waters
I am writing this article to put out a “signal” to other “fishermen” and “partners.” Our “nets” are "breaking" because we are facing a harvest and a need beyond our current capacity. This is a wonderful “problem” to have! And the solution is to send a “signal” to other partners, in other boats, to come and share in the harvest.
Published on March 24, 2016
Revival in Uganda
Each week we are continually awed and amazed by the stories and reports we are receiving regarding the impact the Basic Series is having in individual’s lives and churches around the world. However, the stories coming out of Uganda are nothing short of a term I do not use lightly: revival. Believers, schools and entire churches are experiencing a “revival” through these basic discipleship resources.
Published on March 23, 2016
The Philosophy, Heart, Vision and Future of ServeNow
At its core ServeNow is all about quickly meeting real needs in a way that results in life transformation. Our heart is to partner with churches and pastors around the world to strengthen the church internally (spiritually) to then reach out externally (serving in tangible ways their communities) in order to fulfill the great commission globally.
Published on March 19, 2016
Grace Lighthouse Center
In today’s world, more than 2,000,000 children are in forced prostitution and 95% of them are girls. In India alone there are 500,000 young girls in the vicious grip of the sex slavery. One out of every six girls don’t live to see their 15th birthday.
Published on March 18, 2016
Time is Now and Time is Short!
The more I look at the world, I realize time is short. Political turmoil, so many refugees in the world, wars, not just militant Muslims, but also militant Hindus. Just this week a huge conference in India, which one of our own staff was there to attend (on the organization’s own property) was cancelled by militant Hindus, supported by the police...it suddenly became winter in that part of India!
Published on March 18, 2016
New Slum Project in India!
ServeNow has been requested by the local church leader in this slum, Pastor *Jason, to start a tuition center in the area to help children of the laborers who cannot afford to go to schools with good facilities. These children will be taught elementary school subjects by volunteers and also introduced to the love of Christ. Through this program we wish to reach around 30 of these children and help them grow both in their studies and spiritually.
Published on March 18, 2016
What Does ServeNow Do?
The question we are frequently being asked is, what does ServeNow do? It seems like an easy enough question, but the answer cannot be given in simply one sentence. So, let me try to untangle the web of the various ministries ServeNow is involved in by addressing one country at a time.
Published on March 17, 2016
One Child at a Time
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the needs in the world and by one’s own inability to help everyone. Through our sponsorship program, ServeNow offers a very effective way to help children in need, one child at a time.
Published on March 17, 2016
The Basic Series is Changing Lives!
At the heart and core of all ServeNow does is equip believers in need around the world with basic discipleship resources in their language and in a simple way anyone at any level can understand. Twenty-five percent of the world still lacks bibles in their language or hands, let alone basic discipleship resources.
Published on March 6, 2016
Reaching and Serving a Mountain Tribe
More than 1,100 people live in this mountainous region, and they have no access to medical facilities, roads, schools or shops. It was a joy to serve these people!
Published on February 28, 2016
Mission Trip Opportunities 2016/17
We would like to invite you to join us on one of our many life-changing ServeNow mission trips! For this year and the next year, we have scheduled trips to Sweden, India, Uganda, Ukraine and Nepal.
Published on February 11, 2016
Update from Around the World!
So many exciting things are happening in the world of ServeNow! The last two weeks has been a historic time.
Published on February 11, 2016
HIV Home in India
Unfortunately, children with HIV are stigmatized by much of society and rejected by family. As a result, thousands become orphans. They wander the streets, without a home, and without a family who cares for them. Living in poverty, many either starve to death or end up living in "cages", like animals (we have rescued some children out of these very situations). Almost every week someone contacts the ServeNow office, pleading with us to take in a new child.
Published on January 21, 2016
Interviews in Ukraine
This is an amazing project, and I know other books will be coming as well. These books are very important and life-changing to those who are new Christians, and even for unbelievers. While reading, they will receive a better understanding of salvation, who Jesus is, how to pray according to God's will etc. At the same time, it helps us pastors enormously in preaching the Gospel in our churches.
Published on January 16, 2016
Uganda Classrooms
Through January 2016, ServeNow has been offered a matching grant for $31,900 to build an entire school building for orphaned children in Uganda! We have already received some gifts, and we are a little over 10% of the way there!
Published on January 14, 2016
Stories from Cosmetology Class
Manisha, who comes from a troubled family and who has an alcoholic father, said: “I am happy to say that this cosmetology training is really a blessing to me. I learned many different skills in this course, like cutting and styling hair, doing facials, eyebrow shaping etc. This course is not only a physical blessing to me, but also a spiritual blessing. Recently, I have started to attend church, and I also learned how to pray and how to be a witness to others. Thanks to ServeNow!”
Published on January 13, 2016
Weekly Update From Around the World
Each week, ServeNow staff and board members from around the world receive an update about what transpired during that particular week in ministry. It constantly amazes us what the Lord does and can do in just one week’s time! We wanted to share with you a few highlights of what happened during this holiday season, and we pray that it encourages your heart to know that God is truly at work around the world!
Published on January 12, 2016
ServeNow Nepal 2015 Mission Trip
A team of six people from the US have just ended a very special and heart-moving/wrenching trip to one of the poorest countries in the world: Nepal. One of the unique aspects of a ServeNow mission trip is that you are exposed to a variety of different people, places, projects and programs.
Published on January 9, 2016
Christmas in Ukraine
For many of the children it was the first time to receive Christmas gifts. The presents were opened with much laughter and tears of joy. Before handing out the presents, the true message of Christmas was shared with them.
Published on January 5, 2016
Who are we waiting for?
We have just finished the advent season, the four weeks before Christmas. In many churches and homes one candle has been lit for every Sunday in Advent. We know that this points to the celebration of the arrival of the Son of God to earth. But the advent season also reminds of the King, who is going to return to earth.
Published on December 27, 2015
Tailoring Students in Nepal Making Progress!
"I wish for the expansion of this organization to many other places where people are in need. This kind of training helps people like me have an income.” -Durga, Nepal
Published on December 24, 2015
The Need for Winter Coverings
It takes so little to make such a big difference. Every $10 we are able to provide a warm blanket, hats, socks, gloves and jacket. $10 can literally and physically save a life this winter. And it is also a powerful way to show and share God's love. I recently got back from a trip to India where we provided these same winter coverings to those in need in Northern India. It was a moving experience to wrap blankets around children and adults. We shared with them that it was not just a blanket being wrapped around them, but God's love for them.
Published on December 20, 2015
The Difference God's Word Made this Week
"I thought I already knew enough about the Bible, but after reading the book and taking the Bible class, I realized that I did not know the Bible. There is so much more." -Lubov, a Roma woman in Ukraine
Published on December 17, 2015
Reaching the Unreached
Pastor Ranjun asked ServeNow to visit a tribal village here to conduct a medical camp and provide warm clothing to the tribal people who still live without basic amenities. Ranjun has a vision to reach them with the Gospel. These people live without electricity or sanitation, far from modern society. Dozens of villages like these nest deep in the forests of the hills.
Published on December 17, 2015
New Tailoring Class in Nepal!
"I wanted to take life skill training for my better future but due to many factors I was unable and now my dream has come true. Thank you ServeNow for this opportunity. I am hoping to learn many new things during my time of training."
Published on December 12, 2015
Medical Clinics: a Blessing for Pregnant Women
"I am very thankful to ServeNow for providing free medical treatment. I received medicine and also a special multivitamin tonic that will keep me healthy. These medicines are expensive and I would not have been able to buy it with my limited finances. I am a housewife and my husband is a daily wage laborer. This camp conducted by ServeNow is a blessing to me and the community here."
Published on December 11, 2015
Impact of "The Basic Things" Series in Ukraine
Gregory, 21 years old, was inspired to pray more and glorify God after studying the book. Vyacheslav was impressed that God will never remember his sins, even those from many years ago for which he was very embarrassed. It helped him to forgive himself. Miroslava, 21 years old, just came to the Lord, affirming that she cannot save herself. "It is only by grace through faith and this is the gift of God. She saw that all people need to repent, so that sins may be forgiven, and each may receive salvation."
Published on December 10, 2015
We Are Accountable to Those We Serve and Our Donors.
Our accountability to our donors is one of our highest priorities. Our goal is to use the funds entrusted to us as wise stewards. To do this requires continued monitoring and annual audits of our fund distribution. ServeNow is also a member in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), Guide Star and Excellence in Giving (EIG).
