2024 July Newsletter

The Olympics and those who made the teams are currently headline news and the world is watching with bated breath as the results come in. We can’t wait to see the best athletes compete for the ultimate prize. But whether you have chosen to support the Green & Gold, or perhaps the Red, White and Blue, you must always remember Who you belong to – and with Jesus in mind …

“let us- (that is – You and me) run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2.

We are all in this race, but perhaps competing in different disciplines. While some are out in front of the crowd, most of us are cheering from the stands. But that doesn’t make our role any less important! Remember that the Olympics simply isn’t possible without the support of those who work behind the scenes. Similarly, it is your support that empowers our wonderful pastors. Your role is vital to their wellbeing and success. Never underestimate the support that you send, not only in terms of money, but more importantly, the impact of your prayers.

Fun fact: Zimbabwe is sending only seven athletes, but with 67 people as part of their support team! Behind every athlete, there is truly a whole team of people working hard to bring home the prize.

PRAYER CALL UP NOTICE

At the end of August, Paul will be taking a small Missions Team to Africa. We ask that you cover them in prayer as they go to encourage, train, refresh and empower the Pastors on the front line. This is a hugely expensive exercise (+/-$15,000 ) as the pastors come from all over the country, and we are trusting God to cover costs for transport, food and lodging for the days they are there.

Starting in Livingstone, Zambia (28 August – 2 September)

then off to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (2 September to 5 September)

then to Nsanje, Malawi (6 September – 10 September) and finally,

a Missions Team Retreat in Durban in South Africa (10 September – 17 September).

Thank you for standing with them!

LETTERS FROM THE FRONT LINE

Almost all the letters coming through see the same theme emerging – that is, while many are facing real hardships, God is always faithful. I am equally sure you, as the partners, can echo “Amen”!

Pastor Alex Mtundwatha from Malawi writes:

“The ministry is still growing well. The church is sourcing some funds to manage a feeding ministry to children. We have been doing children ministry but this time I want to do it differently. God communicated to me in a special way when I was at a prayer mountain. I was directed to read Judges 2:10-12 where I found these words ‘’another generation arose after them whom did not know the Lord, they forsook the Lord of their fathers’’ then it was followed by a great conviction about the future generation at risk if we do not invest Christ in lives of the children. Therefore, I started viewing children ministry in a different way. Building the future generation by planting a seed in the little children. Currently children are meeting every Saturday 8am. I hope by doing feeding ministry we can reach more children physically and spiritually.”

And From Mozambique, Pastor Oracio writes:

“I would like to report to that we had two days leadership conference last month around our community. The reason was to equip church leaders with apologetic approach and teaching them some basics in the Bible. This comes at the time when the church is under attack from various false prophets. Witch doctors are hiding themselves in the name of the Lord by naming themselves prophets. They have lost their business because not many people now days goes to witch doctors. They now build what they call a temple and use the bible as the tool but use their charms for the healing processes and foretell.

The Gospel has done a lot in the hearts of people. Great transformation indeed! Deliverance, healings done in the name of Jesus. People trust God.

However, it brought a great confusion in the body of Christ. That is why I called for leadership trainings to safe guard the church. We praise God because it was a fruitful conference.

Thank you so much for the support. I could not be where I am without your support.”

Stop Press!

I have just had a call from one of our partners. Her pastor sent her a letter plus picture of his new church, waiting for a roof- and she has donated $1000 to help complete the building! Thank you, C.L., it is so exciting when the pastors’ Support Team are able to make a difference!

Finally, my fellow team members, I encourage you to “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.”

2 Tim 4: 2-3a

Have a great day!

Blessings,

The Live Connection Team