2026 January Newsletter

Renewed by God’s faithfulness

As we look back on all that God has done and consider the work still before us, we are reminded of His unchanging faithfulness. From generation to generation, the Lord sustains His people, strengthens His servants, and fulfils His purposes in ways seen and unseen. It is in this confidence that we continue the ministry of Live Connection. We trust that the God who calls is the same God who equips, leads, and provides for every step ahead.

Last Saturday the Live Connection executive team and members of the committee spent the day at Bundeena House to review Live Connection’s policies and procedures. We were blessed to work out on the verandah, surrounded by the sound of the ocean, and even more blessed to be in the company of people who care deeply about the heart and mission of Live Connection.

It was a productive day with positive updates made that will support our strategic growth and strengthen our focus on our core vision. Once the revised policies are formalised, they will be posted on our website for easy access. You may notice a few small changes throughout the year, but please be assured that Live Connection and our vision remain the same. What has changed is a clearer sense of direction and a more streamlined approach behind the scenes.

We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead, so keep an eye on upcoming newsletters to stay informed about events and opportunities.

On the day, we also had the opportunity to celebrate Renée Ravesteyn’s birthday. Often the quiet voice yet the strong heart of Live Connection, Renee is one of our co-founders and has been a steady presence since the very beginning. For more than 25 years, she has poured her time, energy and heart into the growth and health of Live Connection, becoming like family to many of our partners.

If you have attended a Live Connection event, you have probably seen Renée working hard in the background. What you may not realise is that her dedication continues long after the events end, through countless hours spent in meetings and in personal connection with partners and pastors around the world. We want to honour her for all she has contributed and celebrate the fruit of her faithfulness. We also know she will continue to have an impact in the years ahead.

Nigeria Update

Nigeria continues to face serious challenges, especially for Christian communities. According to the international ministry Open Doors , Nigeria accounts for about 72 percent of all Christians killed worldwide for their faith. Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List reports that 3,490 believers were killed during the latest reporting period, placing Nigeria at the centre of the global persecution crisis. At the same time, The Guardian Nigeria has highlighted ongoing attacks in the Middle Belt, where Christian villages have been burned, families displaced and entire communities forced into overcrowded camps after repeated assaults. Release International has also warned that unless meaningful action is taken, the number of Christian deaths could even double in 2026.

The violence continues to be driven by a mix of extremist groups and heavily armed militias. Analysts from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies note that Fulani militias are responsible for a large share of the attacks on Christian farming communities, with some incidents involving the destruction of homes, churches and entire villages. These attacks often force families to flee with little more than what they can carry, and they leave deep scars on communities that have already endured years of loss.

Alongside these security pressures, Nigeria continues to face significant economic challenges. Reports from Sustainable Stories Africa explain that rising debt, elevated inflation and weak infrastructure are placing strain on families already living close to or below the poverty line. Economic analysts quoted by DataPro Nigeria and Nairametrics note that although some reform measures are bringing short term stability, millions continue to struggle with food prices, employment and access to basic services. The overall picture is one of perseverance in the midst of hardship, with Nigerians showing remarkable resilience despite the pressures around them.

In all of this, the Church remains a light in difficult circumstances. Pastors and believers continue to gather, teach and serve their communities with courage and compassion. Their faithfulness in the face of danger is a powerful reminder of the strength and hope found in Christ.

Our Live Connection Team in Nigeria

We are grateful for Bishop Obiwumma Kevin Alozie, who serves as our Live Connection regional leader in Nigeria. He oversees nineteen Live Connection pastors. His steady leadership, pastoral heart and commitment to the Gospel are greatly valued as our pastors navigate the realities of ministry in a challenging environment.

Enjoy the following quotes from our Nigerian pastors’ ministry reports, giving you a glimpse into their work on the ground and the faith of the communities they serve:

“I am still labouring among my people. The spirit of idolatry is still having grip over them. So God directed me to organize a strategic prayer program from one mission field to another with the church leaders to break the grip of that spirit over the lands and I can see God is delivering them. That is what l am doing right now. This spirit of idolatry is still dominating many villages. I want to go and liberate as many as I possibly can.” Pastor Samuel Peter

“Your financial support which has been a source of encouragement for my ministerial work such as doing evangelism more than before. My wife and I visit hospitals, pray for the sick ones and give gifts to them. We do Street to Street evangelism. I have created a platform for a group of people where I preach to them every day and pray for them.” Pastor Victor Onuwanatamba

“We can now evangelize in many communities in Nigeria and outside Nigeria, no matter how remote the village may be. Our last September evangelism to Benin Republic, Togo and Northern Ghana was something else. The track we printed about 6000 copies with the help of the money we received was not even enough. We were also able to feed the team of ministers that went. We went on person to person or door to door evangelism. Our open-air crusade was wonderful... The joy of the whole thing is that a lot of souls were won for Christ through the help of Live Connection.” Pastor Enoch Celestine

If you would like to partner with a pastor in Nigeria, you may consider Augustine Onyekachi ($70) or a half partnership with Chinyem Ene ($35) .

As we continue in the work God has entrusted to us, we do so remembering that His faithfulness does not waver. The same God who has carried this ministry from its earliest days is the One who will sustain it in the seasons to come. Thank you for standing with us in prayer and partnership. Your faithfulness reflects His own.

Blessings,

The Live Connection Team