NAIROBI – MARG FOREMAN - Today I want to pass on some great reports that give us much to praise the Lord for!  Sometimes I ask you to pray and then forget to let you know what the Lord has done.

1. Mike & Sheila Middlebrook arrived in Nairobi last night with their twin daughters, Gabriella & Moriah (age 12).  These past 10 months have been a battle as Sheila was diagnosed with cancer just a few weeks from their planned departure date at the end of last December.  It has not been easy – but today they are here and we give  God all the glory for His wonderful intervention for this fine missionary couple.  Pray for them as they assume responsibilities as Academic Dean at Pentecostal Bible College in Kisumu – and for their family – the girls who face all the adjustments that MK’s have to go through with new schools here in Kenya – and the 3 older children who are left behind in Canada - and for increased strength and recovery for Sheila.  Praise be the name of the Lord.

2. Marty & Margit Mittelstaedt, with their 3 daughters landed in Kigali, Rwanda this week to work at CLA with Elmer & Sherry Komant.  In a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise funding for all of us, this is no small thing that God has done.  They will be involved in some of the worship, some video production and Margit with the children’s ministry.  WELCOME to AFRICA!

3. CONGRATULATIONS TO... REV. DR. J. KIRK KAUFFELDT, BA;  M.Ed; D.Ed.

Yes, it's official – Kirk passed his oral defence on Wednesday, Sept 16th, walked up and put his name on the wall at U of T - Dr. J. Kirk Kauffeldt.

Only those who have taken on the challenge of ‘higher education’ have any idea of how much work goes into an accomplishment like this.  Untold hours; dedication, commitment to hang in to the very end and finish... and a wonderful supportive wife and kids who have supported this dream.  Kirk & Shelley, we are so very proud of you!.

So today – rejoice at how God has been working in us, and through us, and with us... and we look with eyes of faith and hope to what is coming in the days ahead.

God bless you today,

Marg Foreman

(Photo/David Kariuki) Last week Nairobi Pentecostal Church celebrated it's 50th anniverary! Birthed in a Bible study in the home of Rev. John and Mr.s Ella McBride, it has grown to a congregation of almost 50,000 which meet in 8 centres of worship! Present for the glorious occasion were former pastors Rev. Mervyn & Shelia Thomas, Rev Roy and Mrs. Upton, Rev. and Mrs. Dennis White. National dignitaries included His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki, and Vice-President Kalonzo. This week the church was honoured to baptize the Speaker of the House. How we thank God for the tremendous influence of His Spirit through this part of His church!

CITAM – Christ is the Answer Ministries (the umbrella group of this ministry) is preaching the Gospel in so many ways to diverse segments of Kenyan society. It’s daily faith-building broadcasts through its FM Radio Hope FM are heard in all kinds of businesses around the capital city and across the nation. Christian Schools teaching Christian values while pursuing excellence in education are a significant investment in their goal of transforming the nation. Meanwhile their missions outreach to the unreached and marginalized testify that they have heard Christ’s CALL TO ALL!

Today I am writing from Blantyre, Malawi, where I am on a missionary journey with Rev. Martin Mbandu, soon to be CITAM’s first foreign missionary, or as we say today “first global worker!”. Martin is the pioneer pastor of Kisumu Pentecostal Church. 10 years ago God called him to this ministry and this Easter the 6,000 seat auditorium was dedicated DEBT FREE to the Lord! The church has a present congregation of 3,500 but has already seen the building filled on more than one occasion! Praise God for the power of Pentecost! This week Martin and I will be in Namibia. Please pray for God’s blessings to accompany us!

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 Leaders, delegates and members from all points in Zimbabwe converged upon Bulawayo – the city of Kings to SIEZE THE MOMENT of PAOZ’s Biennial General Conference. Emerging from a climate of hyperinflation ( ) the conference was nothing less than a venture of faith!

Crowds swelled to over 1,000 and were privileged to receive world-class ministry from a national and international complement of inspired speakers: Bishops Trevor Manhanga,, Cephas Mafuruse, Elijah Rice, Rev. Muparutsu all from Zimbabwe (PAOZ), Bonfies Adoyo, Kenya (CITAM), Simon Peter Emiau, Uganda (PAG) and International Missions Director, Rev. Murray Cornelius, Canada (PAOC),

The conference theme was explored from a number of different angles including:

• Personal Preparation – Queen Esther seized her moment believing that she had “come to the Kingdom for such a time as this!”.
• Prophetic Caution – from the failure of Jerusalem to seize her moment - “How often would I have gathered you as a hen gathers her chicks – but you would not” said Jesus
• Pastoral Exhortation – a call to seize the moment for service – the sign of true greatness. Jesus, knowing that all things had been given to Him, and knowing from where He had come and where he was going, took a towel and served the disciples.
• Providential Exaltation – it was just another day in the life of David, the king-in-waiting, when his father sent him to take food to his brothers – but it was the day that God had prepared to exalt him as the leader of His people. Through the defeat of Goliath God showed that “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favour to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.

One of the highlights of the conference was the ordination service. How wonderful to witness the high calibre of men and women that have responded to the call of God on their lives. In a climate of much adversity they have seized their opportune moment to be servants of the most high God. Special words of congratulations and thanks were expressed to Rev. Gary Schell – outgoing Academic Dean of Pan Africa College and his wife Marvelyn. Under Gary’s ministry the college became an affiliate of Pan Africa Christian University (Kenya) and many improvements were made in the Bible College. Several ordinands completed their theological studies through the scholarship funds that the Schells raised in Canada.

Continue to pray for Zimbabwe. There are so many challenges – but the potential is tremendous. May the Lord send revival to the land! May God’s people be willing in the day of His power! May they SIEZE THE MOMENT!

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WARNING – THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE MAY MAKE YOU WANT TO COME TO AFRICA – READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

I almost missed it … After preaching in 2 services (from 9am until 1.30) and photographing the construction site of the 5-storey multipurpose building – I was ready for some lunch and a restful afternoon. I got neither! My text messages excusing myself from a third service never reached their destination and the telephone rang – my ride would be there in 10 minutes.

Len Mittelstaedt pulled into the DPC lot (Dar-es-Salaam Pentecostal Church) and 5 minutes later we were on our way to see church growth – Tanzania style!

14 months ago 300 members from Dar were released from a city church to start a new church. They were finding it difficult to come to the centre of Dar-es-Salaam, so they were glad to start a branch church in their neighbourhood. Len’s church had helped plant it and by all reports it was doing very well. Rev. Phillip Kniessel was going to preach, Len would interpret and I went along for the ride! WHAT A RIDE! The traffic was terrible – but the service was great!

You could feel the music as we drove onto the site – the makeshift church was packed! There was a buzz of excitement in all that they were doing! We went to the pastor’s office and closed the door so that we could hear ourselves think and then discussed what the ministry would look like that afternoon. Phillip and Len would preach for about an hour then there would be an altar-call for salvation, another for divine healing, and then the leadership would be invited to come and receive prayer.

Phillip opened to to the book of Acts and preached missions – “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature” and then gave an altar call - dozens responded and prayed the “sinners prayer”. Then the sick were invited to come for prayer and some women started to shriek as demons began to manifest themselves. The Holy Spirit began to fall upon the lives of the sick as they cried out to God! Then dozens of elders came forward for prayer and I was invited to address them.

I told them that leadership begins at home and that it doesn’t begin with their spouses but with themselves - “we must lead ourselves – first and foremost!” Then we need to lead our spouses and our children. We need the whole armour of God to protect ourselves and our families from satanic attack. I reminded them that we must not lead our homes with harshness, but rather with grace – just as Christ has led us. As leaders we must lead in reconciliation – in seeking forgiveness. Our lives must be above reproach – we must be “workers together with God” (2 Cor.6v1). Finally I called upon them to work, to work together, and to work together with God - in unity of spirit and purpose: not like the cat and the mouse that were tied together – there was unity, but not unity of purpose. As we prayed for the leaders the Holy Spirit began to move upon them and renewal began to happen! Praise the Lord!

Have a good look at the photos attached to this report and you will get the feel of what church growth looks like in Africa! In just 14 months this church of 300 people has grown to 1,300. Yes, “that’s 1,000 new believers in 14 months – not bad for a church situated in a predominantly m*slim area! Not bad for a church that doesn't have a lot of money! Not bad for a church that doesn't have an adequate church building! What they lack in the material realm, they do not lack in the spiritual realm! Pray for them! I challenged their pastor to send missionaries to the North of Africa! This is a new day in missions – but the opportunity will not last forever. Can you help find us some sponsors for African missionaries? $100 per month is what we are thinking about! Let us know how you can help!

The Apostle Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Cor.3v6). What would ministry be without God giving the increase? Yesterday was graduation day at PAG Bible College, Mwanza Tanzania – a day of remembering those who sowed – those who watered – those who weeded – but a day to remember that God gave spectacular increase! From its humble beginnings on a mission station to the move by faith to the city of Mwanza – the Lord has been giving the increase. Increased students, increased buildings, increased programmes!

The Valedictorian (come preacher) did a fine exposition of Paul’s words to the Phillipians (3v12-16) – reminding both students and professors that “we have not yet arrived!”. Called to press on – called to break through the barriers to our progress – we concentrate on the future prize of the upward call in Jesus Christ as we focus on what is ahead!

Rev. Phillip Kniessel – Chairman of Mission-Link – the agency responsible for the founding and development of the Bible College, was the special guest of honour and the graduation speaker. He challenged the graduates with the same words which Jesus gave His disciples - “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature!” That is the next and logical step for the African church. Approximately 300 million Africans have no access to the Gospel. Most of them are in the North of Africa and among Muslim peoples.

This week I spent 3 days working with PAG leaders on the concept of a SWOT Analysis – STRENGTHS – WEAKNESSES – OPPORTUNITIES – THREATS. We used the letters of Jesus to the 7 churches as a working model. They found that helpful – Africans love to work from the concrete to the abstract – probably the opposite of Westerners who work from abstract to concrete. Like most of us – it’s easier to dwell on our strengths than our weaknesses – but we need to envisage both. The advantage of this tool is that it leads us to look for our OPPORTUNITIES too! Africans are really creative when they are encouraged. Sadly though, colonization has  robbed Africans of a good self-image. Our next chapter in missions is bringing Africans into full partnership for the glory of God.

Over the next year, Steve and Elaine will be filling an urgent need at the Starehe Children’s home and will be accompanied by their daughter Katie who is 14 as well as their son Mike who is 19. They have three other children who will be remaining in Canada. Jenn and Stephanie their two oldest daughters are both married and reside in Ottawa. Their oldest son, Tim is preparing for ministry through PAOC educational programs.
Starehe is an orphanage that has been run under the direction of PAOC missionaries, Ron and LouDell Posein, since 1997 when the government of Tanzania asked them to take over the orphanage near the city of Mwanza. In 2005 Trent and Rhonda Lipinski joined Ron and LouDell Posein as Directors of the Starehe Children’s Home. For health reasons, the Lipinski’s returned to Canada in 2008 and are currently on extended leave. There is now a requirement to recruit new missionary workers for Starehe, however, this will take time. Steve and Elaine will be interim Directors over the next year, working alongside and supporting Ron and LouDell in meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children at Starehe.

BBC News Three foreign aid workers have been kidnapped in Kenya and taken across the border into Somalia, officials said. About 10 Somali gunmen crossed the border to abduct the workers from the border town of Mandera. The nationality of the workers was not immediately known. Kidnappings are not uncommon in the region and most people are released unharmed. Two French hostages were seized earlier this week in Mogadishu and have been handed to a Somali Islamist group.

'Guard shot'In the latest incident, the three aid workers were taken from their office in Mandera, in north-eastern Kenya. Aid workers and journalists are particular targets for kidnappers and are often released after ransoms are paid. One official told Associated Press that a security guard had been shot in the head during the abduction and was being treated in hospital for "life-threatening injuries".

Please pray for the release of these workers and for the protection of Debbie Sirjoosingh who travels in areas of similar risk.

Can Africa Be Saved? original publication

Source: Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images

Despite its immense potential, Africa is drowning in seemingly insurmountable problems. Is there a solution? By Robert R.. Farrell June 05, 2009

Africa is fabulously rich in natural resources, more than any other continent. According to Capitalism Magazine, it has 50 percent of the world’s gold and diamonds. It possesses a seemingly endless supply of minerals, including most of the world’s bauxite, chromium, cobalt, manganese and platinum, along with large untapped oil reserves. It has an abundance of timber, millions of acres of fertile land, and lakes and rivers capable of producing 40 percent of the world’s supply of hydroelectric power. The list could go on. Simply put, Africa is a treasure trove of natural resources.

Source: Mohamed Dahir/AFP/Getty Images

War, disease and drought: A fighter belonging to the al-Shabab militia runs with his weapon as he and others engage Somali government troops in the streets of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu (May 22, 2009).

Source: Mohamed Dahir/AFP/Getty Images

A child collects water from a puddle after a rainstorm near the Torotoro village, 125 km southwest from Mogadishu (March 27, 2009).

Yet, despite these riches, most Africans live in societies troubled by war, instability, corruption, poverty, hunger, disease and untimely deaths. The United Nations said that Africa has the largest number of poor countries of any continent, including 34 of the 50 least developed countries. Tragically, as many as 50 percent of Africans live on less than $1.25 a day (USD throughout article).

Wars ravage the continent. Since 1981, no fewer than 28 nations in sub-Saharan Africa have been at war.

Deadly diseases like AIDS and malaria wreak havoc throughout nations.

The world’s wealthiest countries have provided billions of dollars in aid, but to no avail. Indeed, Africa is poorer now than when it first achieved independence from the colonial powers some 50 years ago. Every year, the continent is high on the list of the world’s priorities for development, but its circumstances continue to deteriorate.

As the international community ponders the plight of this troubled continent, the question must be asked: “Can Africa be saved?”

Why Africa Matters

Africa is the earth’s second-largest continent; a vast expanse stretching some 5,000 miles (8,000 km) between its most northern and southern tips, and 4,500 miles (7,000 km) between its most eastern and western points. With a population of approximately 1 billion, it is also the world’s second most populous continent, accounting for 15 percent of the global population. It encompasses numerous ethnic groups in 53 countries, speaking over 1,000 languages.

The continent also leads the world in strategic minerals (rare minerals absolutely vital for industry), possessing 80 percent of the world’s platinum, 49 percent of its palladium, 55 percent of its chromium and 45 percent of its vanadium, among others.

Its fertile fields have the potential to feed not only itself, but also many other countries. Its forests have enough timber to build homes for much of the world. Moreover, Africa’s massive rainforests have the potential for maintaining or destroying the equilibrium of the earth’s atmosphere and ecology. For example, massive deforestation could deplete the world’s ozone layer and adversely affect Earth’s climates.

If the continent’s economic decline can be reversed, a prosperous, vibrant Africa, with its population of 1 billion, would become a huge market of consumers for products and services. A talented, educated populace would provide a skilled workforce, driving African economies capable of competing on the world stage, thus reducing—and possibly even eliminating—the need for aid.

Africa already contributes internationally in many fields of human endeavour—and its contributions would be even more significant if the potential of its peoples and lands were fully unlocked. All nations would benefit.

A Beautiful Continent, a Litany of Problems

Those who travel to Africa are enraptured by its beauty. From majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, to the exotic savannahs of the Serengeti, to the giant Great Rift Valley, to beautiful Lake Victoria, to the mighty Nile River, to the imposing pyramids, to the beauty of Table Mountain, Africa leaves an indelible mark on many a visitor.

It is simply a unique continent. It has both the world’s longest river and largest desert. Scores of animals not typically found elsewhere abound in Africa: zebras, gazelles, rhinoceroses, magnificent giraffes, impressive cheetahs and mighty hippopotamuses, to name a few. Rainforests containing an immense array of flora and fauna straddle the equator. Africa’s wildlife is stunning.

But the beauty of the continent also lies in its people. Africans—a kaleidoscope of races and ethnicities of seemingly every shade under the sun—are some of the most friendly, generous and easy-going people on Earth.

Many envision images of Africa with only grinding poverty. However, according to the Washington Post, perhaps as many as one third fall into the middle income category. Like anywhere else, Africa has its share of nice neighbourhoods. The view of the entire continent as being desperately poor is simply incorrect.

Still, Africa does face tremendous problems that have stifled its development.

 Wealth and natural resources: A man weighs gold in a market in Iga Barriere, 25 kms north of Bunia, north eastern Congo (Feb. 16, 2009).

Source: Lionel Healing/AFP/Getty Images

 A man holds raw diamonds at Gold and Diamond department of Sierra Leone Central Bank in Freetown (Aug. 10, 2007).

Source: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty Images

A general view of the city center in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital (Jan. 9, 2007).

Source: Marco Di Lauro/AFP/Getty Images

Poor Leadership

Lack of true leadership is a reoccurring theme in many African countries. Since achieving independence, corruption, instability and violence have hampered the development of former European colonies. Dictators arose, oftentimes poorly educated military leaders. Instead of serving the people, they served themselves and their cronies. Some deliberately fanned the flames of ethnic rivalry, marginalizing other ethnic groups, and applying a “divide and conquer” approach to leadership. Some dictators amassed billions of dollars in personal fortunes as they allowed their citizens to starve to death. Others favoured those of their ethnic group above others, establishing virtually one-man states, killing or imprisoning the opposition, and fuelling wars and conflicts.

To say that Africans have been underserved by their leaders is an understatement! Incompetence and lack of vision is prevalent: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he” (Prov. 29:18).

Men have established governments based on their own ideas of right and wrong, primarily to benefit themselves. They ignore the Law of God, which is a lamp of understanding to any who keeps it (Psa. 119:105).

However, “The prince that wants [lacks] understanding is also a great oppressor” (Prov. 28:16). Certainly, this verse describes Africa’s brutal dictators, whose greed has been fuelled by their own covetousness. On the other hand, “he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days” (same verse).

Africa has had many leaders who ruled for decades, yet their people remained poor. With few exceptions, its leadership has been weak, ineffective, oppressive, incompetent, corrupt and downright inefficient.

The strength of any society depends on the quality of its leadership. If Africa is to recover, it must have leaders who can, and are willing to, properly guide the way.

Widespread Corruption

From top to bottom, corruption permeates many African societies. Graft, nepotism, discrimination, bribery and outright thievery are prevalent in far too many nations. According to Transparency International, in 2008 seven of the 10 most corrupt nations in the world were African.

Corruption manifests itself in numerous ways (often blatantly) in government, industry, politics, and even in obtaining basic services. Sadly, to get important matters accomplished, individuals often face the prospect of paying bribes.

For Africa to have any chance of improving, honesty and integrity must become ingrained in its societies.

Poverty

The UN Human Development Report for 2003 revealed that the bottom 25 countries were African. Shockingly, 80 percent of Africa’s people live on less than $2.50 per day. The average poor person in sub-Saharan Africa lives on just 70 cents per day.

Adjusting for inflation, the average person was poorer in 2003 than he was in 1973! In addition, the number of impoverished has almost doubled over the past 30 years, from 200 million to 380 million, according to the World Bank.

Along with poverty, illiteracy abounds—60 percent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa are illiterate, and 40 percent of children in sub-Saharan Africa are not in school.

Unless poverty and illiteracy are resolved, Africa will be unable to tap the full potential of its citizens.

Underdevelopment

Throughout Africa, infrastructure remains a problem: 36 percent of households in sub-Saharan Africa are without an improved water source; 73 percent are without improved sanitation; only five percent have a telephone; and 37 percent are without electricity (Africa Infrastructure Country Diagnostic). Africa’s Sub-Saharan 48 countries (pop. 800 million) generate roughly only as much power as Spain (pop. 45 million).

The continent suffers from impassable roads and broken-down railway networks. Basic services such as electricity are unreliable. A satellite image of Africa at night reveals a continent in darkness, the result of a lack of electricity. Its agriculture is largely dependent on primitive technology and, therefore, highly depends on rainfall. Irrigation is seldom used: When it rains, crops are plentiful; when it does not, there is famine.

Scarce resources are often used for military purposes instead of benefiting the continent’s development needs, which could be channelled into schools, roads, hospitals, irrigation facilities, telecommunications, roads, and other areas vital for Africa’s development.

For trade, industry and agriculture to reach their potential, Africa’s infrastructure must be drastically improved.

Disease

Disease stalks the continent: poor sanitation, inadequate water supply, malnutrition, and ill-health afflict many people. More than 250 million do not have access to clean water, and more than 200 million do not have access to health services.

AIDS threatens the very foundation of African nations, with 15.5 million people having died from health-related complications since 1981; at least 25 million were HIV positive in 2007 (WHO/UNAIDS). Sub-Saharan Africa has an astonishing 70 percent of global infections. At least 95 percent of AIDS orphans are African (UN Food and Agriculture Organization). A 2008 UNAIDS report revealed that more than 11 million children have lost their parents to AIDS. Average life expectancy is 47 years in sub-Saharan Africa; just without AIDS, it would be 62.

Malaria is another major killer. Some 3,000 children die from it daily. Tuberculosis is also significant, along with Ebola and other deadly diseases.

Raging Conflicts

Africa faces severe and mounting problems that are not easily solved. One of the greatest is war. Presently, 15 countries are either engaged in war or are experiencing post-war conflict and tension, be it civil or external. Africa, in recent times, has been wounded by the scourge of war perhaps like no other continent. Here are just five:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo: During the past decade, this massive country has been gridlocked in a brutal civil war. At times, up to seven nations have been directly involved in this conflict for control of the country’s vast mineral reserves. Since 1998, over 5 million people have died, the highest loss of life in conflict since World War II. To put this in perspective, its death toll is up to one thousand times greater than the more widely reported Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A peace agreement was signed in 2003, reducing the war’s intensity. Nonetheless, skirmishes still flare up with significant loss of life.

• Sudan: A bitter war continues between the Sudanese government and rebels in the Darfur region. Rebels took up arms after allegations of decades-long neglect and abuse. Government forces retaliated swiftly. Accurate details of the death toll are hard to come by, but the UN estimates that over 200,000 have been killed and millions displaced. Despite UN intervention, the war rages on, creating a humanitarian disaster, with refugees flooding into Chad and other neighbouring countries.

• Somalia: The country collapsed into anarchy with the ousting of long-time ruler General Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. A U.S.-led intervention to restore order was unsuccessful. In 2006, Islamic militants briefly seized power, but were defeated by Ethiopia. Since then, Somalia has been in a state of lawlessness.

• Liberia: This once peaceful country, created by freed American slaves in the 19th century, was rocked by civil wars in 1989 and 1999. The war came to an end in 2003 with the resignation of Liberian ruler Charles Taylor. After several years of upheaval, peace was finally restored, and the nation is moving forward under the leadership of its first female prime minister.

• Sierra Leone: In the 1990s, rebels fought the government for control of the country’s diamond resources. The rebels were notorious for recruiting child soldiers. Human Rights Watch estimates that over 50,000 people have been killed and 1 million displaced. Since then, Sierra Leone has started the long road to recovery.

The spectre of war has never been too far from Africa. Other nations that have been recently ravaged by war include Rwanda, Angola, Mozambique, Ivory Coast and Uganda, among others. Even in nations now at peace, various ethnic groups eye one another with suspicion in an uneasy truce. Since the end of the Cold War, more than 9 million have died due to civil unrest in Africa. War has also led to over 9 million refuges and internally displaced people.

Africa’s natural resources have so far proved to be a curse rather than a blessing.

Africa Will Be Saved!

Addressing Africa’s plight has been on the agenda of the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the world’s richest countries for decades, which have often described the continent’s development as a top priority.

Aid has been poured into projects and industry in the region to improve the standard of living. Over the last 40 years, more than $2.6 trillion has been provided to developing countries, of which 25 percent has gone to Africa, totalling a staggering $500 billion. Some of these initiatives have achieved a measure of success. But overall, Africa continues to wallow in war, poverty, hunger, disease and death.

For decades, Africans have tried to solve their continent’s problems. For decades, the world has been trying to solve Africa’s problems. Yet to no avail.

Why? Why have billions of dollars and good intentions been unable to lift Africa out of its myriad of problems? Is there something that has been overlooked?

The reasons behind Africa’s problems are fundamentally spiritual in nature, not physical. War, oppression and corruption are rife in Africa, the major factors that stifle development. The motivating factors behind these are hatred, envy, malice, jealousy, lust and greed. When these are prevalent, they lead to the downfall of any nation or continent: “Righteousness [keeping God’s Commandments – Psa. 119:172] exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).

Until these things are removed, Africa’s problems will not be solved. Throwing money at them will not work if the underlying causes are ignored.

The good news is that there is a new world-ruling government coming soon. With this government, wars, corruption and oppression will be removed. True leadership will come to Africa. Under the government of God, the laws of God will be enforced. It will not be a government by the people, but for the good of the people (Isa. 11:1-5).

War, oppression and corruption will be removed. Everyone will speak the truth with his fellowman, and will work for the benefit of all. People will learn to love—have outgoing concern—for each other. There will be no place for graft, nepotism, cronyism, discrimination, lying or any other form of corruption.

At that time, with the government of God in place, Africa will become a prosperous, vibrant continent, a place of joy, where every African—along with all peoples—will realize his or her full potential!

Greetings from Nairobi, Kenya!

KEEPING SCORE

Last night I slept in Kenya and in my own bed for the first time in 22 days. This year has been full of missionary travels throughout the continent - until the end of March I had been in 13 different countries and since Mothers Day in May I have been in 10. On average that’s a different country almost every week! I’ve started keeping score for how many days I spend in KENYA vs. ELSEWHERE – as of today, July 13 Kenya is losing 62x132

ZAMBIA – FROM HUNDREDS TO THOUSANDS!  (Country Profile)

Together with a great team of African leaders I have been on the road and in the air for the last 22 days and have wonderful things to report like –the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Village of Hope in Chongwe, Zambia followed by ministry at a great conference for church leaders on the theme MOVING FROM HUNDREDS TO THOUSANDS! Yes the Church is Africa is bursting at the seams and we are intent on empowering the Captains of Thousands!

NAMIBIA – UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES – ENVISIONING THE FUTURE (Country Profile)

   In Namibia we ministered in a church conference in our central church in Windhoek on the theme “Understanding the Times” and then spent 3  intensive days with the leaders of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Namibia leading them through a renewal of their leadership structures focussed on visioning and team-building. PAOC is sending the Derosiers to Namibia later this year to facilitate the growth of the work. Please pray for Darrell and Sharon as they raise their budget and prepare their hearts for this challenging call.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – LEADERSHIP – LOST PEOPLES – MISSIONS (Country Profile)

Last week we were in Butembo and Beni in Eastern Congo holding leadership and missionary conferences. Yes the African church is waking up to missions. Rev. Bethuel Kivuya organized the conferences – you will remember that he was the African that God called into missions and his pastor told him he couldn’t possibly be a missionary because he had no money or vehicle. This week I met that pastor – still a stubborn man in his spirit and tried to reason with him but to no apparent avail. He reminded me of the biblical Eli who was so out of touch with God that he thought a praying woman was drunk!

Pr. Kivuya continues to do a great work for God, building a team, and has opened up a humble missions-teaching course. Last Wednesday (July 8) we went to minister to the Pygmy people that they are reaching out to. It was a holy privilege to follow these Africans into the forest and preach the Gospel to this forgotten people. Earlier this year PAOC churches sent $1,000 for this work. I thought they would have used the funds for support of the workers who survive by the Grace of God – but instead of that they bought some land to establish a centre where they can preach and teach the pygmies in their own environment.

PRAYER REQUESTS

PYGMIES: - As we surveyed the work we felt that we need to help them to enlarge that land so that they can have a diversified ministry including a simple school, agricultural and poultry project. We need about $2,500 to get the land and would ask you to pray that the Lord will make that possible. (News article) 

KIVUYAS - Pr. Kivuya and his wife and family are also facing a major challenge. They need the Lord’s guidance and help as they address their children’s need for education and the call of the Lord to the Pygmies. 

MALAWI (Country Profile) - Pray for Malawi where the church is not functioning at the desired level. Recently we were able to avoid a major church-split by allowing another church to be planted but we are not where the Lord wants us to be. Some of the structures of the national church need urgent review and to that end a special conference has been called for the last week of July. I will be there together with some of our other African leaders from the continent to bring counsel. Please pray for the Lord to have His way.

ZIMBABWE (Country Profile) - Pray for Zimbabwe – a country with so much potential but with so many critical needs. We thank God for the solid achievements of missions team – Gary and Marvelyn Schell in the Bible College, Gord and Anita Coolege in Village of Hope and Cecelia and Felix Chiseri in Child Care Plus, Youth work and AIDS prevention seminars. August is the General Conference of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Zimbabwe and that will give us a chance to review our work and chart the course for the future. It seems like some of the old wineskins need replacing. We are praying for the Lord to give us more flexible structures to develop the potential in Zimbabwe and ask you to join us.

Here is an update on our poultry project in Kumi, Uganda under the leadership of Dr. Charles Apedel.

June 24, 2009 - Greetings dear pastor, It is long since we met, hope that you are okay in the lord at your place. Kumi is good and the work is moving on well.

Let me take this time to thank God for your support to the ten pastors of kumi as we discussed the setection of this pastors went on well and out of 40 pastors, we managed to get ten using the form which is attached and we developed the write up so that the project  can continue well.

Pastor the a God that used you is true God becausethe ten  pastors sent the heart fil gratitude to you and this are their words "May God richly bless you for the open heart"

3.0 Introduction to the poultry project:

PAG-Kumi as a church has since its inception been able to do a tremendous job especially in the area of winning souls to Christ; this is evident in the number of churches that have been opened coupled with the number of people that are being led to Christ in various churches. Many conferences meant to disciple and equip leaders in their ministries have been done and the fruits for which are evident.

However, though PAG through its development arm got into holistic Ministry it has supported many communities to develop but little has been done to help the ministers be able to manage their families holistically yet it is a biblical requirement for any leader. The district therefore through the department of youth conceived the idea of starting an income generating activity for the Assembly leaders beginning with the assembly pastors. A proposal sent was sent out and was able to attract Fifteen million six hundred fifty two thousand Ugandan Shillings (Can$9,200) which is specifically for the assembly leaders poultry project.

3.1 Objectives of the project:

3.1.1 To improve the livelihoods of the assembly leaders.

3.1.2 To enable the assembly leaders meet their basic needs.

3.1.3 Improve on service delivery at the church.

3.1.4 To improve on the level of giving (tithe &offerings) in the church.

4.0Target beneficiaries:

The project is targeting all assembly leaders (Assembly Pastors, Branch Pastors ,women leaders, youth leaders, development leaders, evangelists and Deacons) of all the four PAG Zones which include; Ngora, Mukongoro, Kumi and Bukedea. The project is however planned to begin in Bukedea Zone then later rolled to other Zones.

5.0 Roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders:

In order for any assignment or work to be carried out smoothly and successfully, clear terms of reference for all the parties who shall be involved at any stage of the assignment should be clearly spelt out. This creates a sense of responsibility and enables accountability which later offers a direction in case of decision making. All organizations that have adopted the system have never regretted but rather celebrated their successes.

It is therefore upon this back ground that PAG as an institution has adopted the good practice which enhances performance.

5.1 Roles and responsibilities of the beneficiaries/Assembly leaders:

5.1.1 Required to put up the poultry unit before they benefit.

5.1.2 Shall be responsible for feeding, treatment and entire management of the poultry

Project.

5.1.3 Provision of the land for the construction of the poultry shelter.

5.1.4 Ensure that ten female chicken (mature enough and ready to lay eggs) together with

One male are passed on to the next beneficiary after six months of the project.

5.2 Roles and Responsibilities of the Assembly committees:

5.2.1 To monitor and evaluate the project at the assembly level.

5.2.3 Ensure that all the chicken to be passed to the next beneficiaries are mobilized.

5.2.4 Report quarterly to the District on the progress of the project.

5.3 Roles and responsibilities of the District:

5.3.1 Overall supervision and monitoring of the project performance.

5.3.3 Providing technical support e.g. training on poultry management, training of the

Para vets for easy project implementation e.t.c

5.3.4 To provide each of the beneficiaries with ten female chicken and one cock.

5.3.5 Ensure that the project benefits revolve to cover all the assembly leaders.

5.3.6 Carrying out reviews to assess the progress of the project towards the achievement

Of the stated goals.

6.0 Selection criteria:

The following criterion was followed to select the first zone and shall apply for the rest of the zones;

6.1 The capacity of the committee to manage and monitor the project.

6.2 Functionality of the committee

6.3 Existence of other developments.

6.4 Availability of the poultry shelters.

6.5 Interest of the assembly in the poultry project.

6.6 Most assemblies have NOT benefited from PDS interventions.

6.7 Zone where PEP has performed well.

In 1981 Heather’s sister Colleen headed to Zambia with her husband Brian and their 2 daughters. The Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Zambia had about 27 churches, most of them small and rural. 28 years later they have grown to over 1,000 churches and are present in every city and provincial centre. Tomorrow they are looking forward to raising up mega churches. Our PAOA Leadership Conference was built around this aspiration - TRANSITIONING FROM HUNDREDS TO THOUSANDS. Rev. Don Mann (formerly of Evangel Montreal)  brought messages on REINVENTING THE CHURCH. Dr. Bonfes Adoyo (CITAM Nairobi) brought messages on the challenges of pastoring a mega church, and who better to do it with a weekly congregation of more than 30,000 meeting in 8 congregations. Rev. Simon Peter brought messages on facing the challenges of the world of tomorrow and led very profitable group discussions. I ministered on the link between process and miracle in Scripture and also on Creative Leadership Paradigms from Genesis 1. How we thank God for the high calibre of leaders handpicked to participate in this strategic conference! Please join us in prayer for the germination of the seed of God’s word! For more information on ZAMBIA click this link ZAMBIA 

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.”

Edgar A. Guest

Dear friends

We have increasing interest among the pastors of the National Church here in studying and taking courses with Global University.  Phil has ordered several French text books to come through the mail to help students in Senegal.  We were exited that the first box with 20 books arrived in the post office last Thursday – but we cannot get it out of the post office!  Now here’s the prayer need:

It seems that the government has passed a new law about any literature coming into the country and books need to be approved before they can leave the post office and enter the country.  Phil had to bring samples of the books to the Ministry of the Interior today so they could be “examined”.  One of the people said, “We need to study the books because often there are things hidden in them.”  The representative took them and was quite suspicious of anything Christian.  She will look through them tonight and tell him if they are approved tomorrow.  There is a real sense for Phil that this is a spiritual struggle and we are taking up our armour.  Please join us in praying…

That those reading our books would be moved closer to the Kingdom

That the books would be permitted to come into the country

That we wouldn’t have to do this with every shipment of books that arrives (there are several still on the way)

Phil will be offering a gift of the book “All that the prophets have spoken”.  Pray that the official takes it and reads it.

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 MADARAKA DAY JUNE 1 - KENYA

 First Madaraka Celebration (1963)

“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons, freely you have received – freely give (Mt. 10v8).

Rev. James Tumwijukye doesn’t just believe this Scripture – he lives it! On 7 different occasions to date, he has seen the dead raised in the Name of Jesus and all manner of healings and deliverances - he welcomed me to his home this week in Kabale, Uganda. The testimonies are so many and varied that I have asked him to allow me to write them up. He told me of his first amazing experience of seeing the dead raised.

It all began when a mother whose 5 children had died brought the sixth child to Pr. James to pray that this one would live and not die. He prayed and the child grew up with good health and as a teenager lived with Pr. James and his wife Joy. Tragedy struck one afternoon in 1982 when Joy came home and found the girl dead. She had not been sick and the death was a complete shock! Immediately she called her husband but it was several hours before he arrived home. The death of the 15 year old really bothered Pr. James – he had prayed specifically for this child not to die! What could he say now to the bereaved mother who had put her trust in God. When he arrived home the girl had been dead for about 7 hours and their house was full of mourners.

As he looked at the dead girl the power of God came upon him and he commanded her to come back to life and jump up! Immediately she sprang to life and the panic-stricken mourners fled everywhere in his house breaking chairs as they trampled each other! The next day a Muslim Sheik and some of his leaders visited the pastor to see what power he had used to raise the dead girl. The Name of Jesus, replied Pr. James. The Muslims questioned him over and over for about an hour. There was nothing to elaborate – Jesus raised the dead girl – that was all there was to it! 

Heather and I were delighted to celebrate our grandson's birth on Easter Saturday, even if it was somewhere around 2am! He made a mom out of Gloria (our youngest daughter) and a dad out of Justin. Everyone is doing really well!