1. A world famine

A new church was started, and Christians were just starting their mission to take the gospel to the ends of the earth – and then disaster struck!

A prophet called Agabus came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Through them, the Spirit predicted a famine throughout Rome during the reign of Roman emperor Claudius, who ruled from 41-54 AD.

What did they learn?

The disciples realised the need to help, not only by preaching the Word but also practically. Christians started to care for one another. They loved one another in a very practical way,

The body of Christ was suffering, but this produced unity. Believers in Judea were being persecuted for their new faith in Jesus. Persecution of believers in Antioch, a large, prosperous city, had not yet begun. Suffering can divide the world but unify the Body of Christ by sharing resources. According to their ability. The apostle John later said, ‘when we see our brother in need, but do nothing, God’s love is not in us.’ James confirms this by saying faith is demonstrated by helping people in need.

Barnabas and Saul took the gifts from Antioch to the believers in Judea. These gifts must have been financial because Antioch is about 800 km from Jerusalem.

We ought to serve one another and share ... pass God's blessings on. The world will be full of fear and panic. We can deliver hope.

This famine was perfectly timed to bring the Church together. It taught believers to invest in each other.

To those suffering a financial disaster, ensure your need is known. You don’t need to solve your problems alone. Be vulnerable and share your problems with your church or other trusted believers.

God delivers His solutions to financial disaster through His people!