Let’s gather in spirit this Easter and lift our songs of praise to the Lord from our homes. Let us lay our grief, fear, and pain at the feet of Jesus and remember the hope of His resurrection. He is risen! He is present in our broken world today as our refuge, redeemer, and friend.
Let us rejoice through these photos of Christ-followers from around the world worshipping the Lord. These are moments from the past — before the time of physical distancing (formerly social distancing, here’s why!) and shelter in place. But they remind us of what is and what is to come. We are a worldwide chorus, and we will gather again in His name.
And through it all, through it all,
My eyes are on You.
And through it all, through it all,
It is well.
Honduras
Patricia Perez (far left) and her son Noe, 8, worship at Los Mangos Catholic Church in Yamaranguila, Honduras. Noe is a World Vision sponsored child. Patricia is committed to progressing social development in her community. She organizes women’s groups and trains communities on domestic violence prevention and the rights of children and women. She also helps women start microbusinesses and keep at-risk kids in school. She has taken every training offered through World Vision so that she can contribute more. “World Vision is like mother and father to me,” Patricia says, “always nurturing, supporting my growth.” (©2020 World Vision/photo by Jon Warren)
Kenya
Reverend Japeth, an enthusiastic partner with World Vision in spiritual and economic development programs, worships during a baptism service at a church in Kalawa, Kenya, where there are 3,700 sponsored children. Kalawa has suffered from numerous droughts over the years. The poverty index is 64%, compared to the national poverty index of 40%. Sponsorship supports the spiritual nurture of children and meets their medical needs. Christian witness is key to World Vision’s work in Kalawa and is integrated into every project. Staff work to empower the church and faith leaders, nurture children through Bible clubs, and ensure Sunday school teachers have proper training. (©2018 World Vision/photo by Jon Warren)
United States of America
Congregants at Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi, pray fervently as they participate in World Vision’s Matthew 25 Challenge. This week-long challenge guides church members through a series of daily text messages. Each day, families receive suggestions for ways they can step out of their comfort zones and engage in God’s love for “the least of these brothers and sisters,” who Jesus calls us to care for in Matthew 25:35-40. (©2018 World Vision/photo by Laura Reinhardt)
Malawi
A children’s church choir sings and dances during Sunday services at United Pentecostal Church in Nkhoma, Malawi. On this day, the pastor preached from Romans 1:8: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.” And the members of this church have deep faith in Jesus. They share their testimonies of one answered prayer after another, after another. (©2019 World Vision/photo by Jon Warren)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo
In Central Kasai Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 10-year-old Grace received a special blessing during church service from leaders, surrounding him in yellow robes. He has lost his father and two siblings due to conflict. Grace’s favorite part of the church service is when everyone sings at the end: “I like to sing. When the pastor finishes preaching, we sing.” After sharing this, Grace sang, “God the Almighty, descend down and help us. Without your help, we can do nothing. Come down and help us.” (©2018 World Vision/photo by Jon Warren)
Armenia
A mother lights candles while holding her daughter at Khor Virap Monastery in Ararat, Armenia. (©2015 World Vision/photo by Laura Reinhardt)
Cambodia
Samady May, left, prays at the end of a World Vision hygiene and sanitation activity at a local church in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia. About 40 children join this monthly activity to learn about handwashing, clean water, and other sanitation activities — and to learn about Jesus. (©2018 World Vision, photo by Oscar Durand)
Uganda
A children’s choir in Uganda marches their way to the front of their church to sing worship songs during services. (©2016 World Vision/photo by Jon Warren)
Philippines
World Vision staff in the Philippines worship together during the annual World Vision Day of Prayer. (©2018 World Vision/photo by Crislyn Felisilda)
Bolivia
Bolivian mothers and grandmothers go to their knees in prayer during Sunday services at Reformed Church of God in Soracachi, Bolivia, where World Vision sponsors children and provides communities with clean water and economic empowerment opportunities. (©2015 World Vision/photo by Eugene Lee)
Rwanda
Young girls get up and dance jubilantly during worship services in Nyamagabe, Rwanda, where World Vision has helped to bring reconciliation and transformation in the years after the 1994 genocide. (©2013 World Vision/photo by Jon Warren)
Zambia
Children, many of them sponsored, hold candles while singing “This Little Light of Mine” in Moyo, Zambia. Child sponsorship and Gift Catalog goats have transformed this community. (©2017 World Vision/photo by Jon Warren)
