Wales: The Revival is at Hand
In the early 1900s, God ignited powerful revivals in the beautiful nation of Wales – and now He’s on the move again . According to The Quiet Revival, a survey commissioned by the Bible Society, church attendance in the UK has risen by 50% over the last six years!
This growing momentum was clearly evident at a recent Harvesters Kick Off event in Llandrindod Wells, where Festival Church members gathered expectantly, ready to reap the spiritual harvest God has prepared.
But First: The Gospel
The Quiet Revival also revealed that “adults in England and Wales are unlikely to encounter the Bible in everyday life.” This places a great responsibility on the shoulders of Christians to take the Gospel to the unsaved. But first, they must fully understand it themselves.
Before the Kick Off, Pastor Erold of Festival Church expressed concern that many Christians don’t have a clear grasp of salvation. “Many people want to share their faith,” he said, “but they don’t always have the confidence of knowing how.”
Adam, another attendee, echoed the need to “get back to the simplicity of the Gospel.” The basic facts that we have all sinned and fall short of the Glory of God and that we need to acknowledge sin in our lives and repent is “what we need to convey to people.
Get the Gospel Story Straight
This is exactly what Harvesters tries to address through our training – giving believers the confidence and tools to share the Gospel and motivating them to trust the Spirit to work through them. “Within our team we were equipped,” affirms Pastor Elrod.
Marian, who leads a small group, said she was especially impacted by a practical exercise in which participants shared their personal testimonies, while clearly presenting the Gospel, in just a few minutes. “I was thrilled about how easy it was to tell my story but still get the Gospel in,” she said.
For many attendees it was the first time in years that they had practised sharing the Gospel with someone. This experience prepared them to take the message beyond the church walls. The Spirit is awakening the Body of Christ in Mid-Wales to share the beautiful Gospel of Jesus with the lost!
Discipleship Follows Evangelism
Evangelism is only the beginning! “Once people are saved… many times we celebrate… yes, the person got saved, and that’s it, we stop there,” says Pastor Elrod. “But what is the process after salvation?”
Following the Kick Off, Festival Church now has the tools to begin the next step: the discipleship journey. They are looking forward to implementing the 15 Spiritual Disciplines – a programme developed by Harvesters founder, Steven Loots – to help believers grow in their faith.
“Not many people have the resources or the time available,” said Pastor Elrod, “but Harvesters comes alongside. They equip us to make disciples that make disciples as we go along.”
With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, Pastor Elrod, Marian, Adam and others are now part of the movement that will cement the outflow from the Quiet Revival into lasting transformation in Llandrindod Wells – and the entire nation of Wales.
Ethiopia: From Tragic Loss to God’s Power Displayed
In the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is home to more than 130 million people, including 33 unreached people groups – presenting a vast mission field. Despite its recent economic growth, it remains one of the world’s poorest countries, marked by political instability.
But God has not forgotten this country or its people. As we pray for this nation, we draw hope from the believers who stand firm in the face of intense persecution. Among them is the powerful testimony of Pastor Abdi* and his son-in-law Birra.
Victory Amidst Persecution
In July 2022, a faithful pastor named Abdi was abducted by an armed group in his home village, located in the troubled region of Oromia. After a week in captivity, he was brutally murdered — not for any crime, but because of his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
To the world, it may seem a senseless loss. But he lived and died for Christ. And in that, there is unspeakable victory – a victory that becomes tangible when we see how God has used Pastor Abdi’s life and death to display His grace and power. As Tertullian once wrote: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” This is what we are witnessing in Ethiopia today.
From Bloodshed to Breakthrough
The region is known for instability, violence and religious extremism. While the armed group that controlled the area claimed political motives when arresting Pastor Abdi, their true agenda was clear: No faith but Islam would be tolerated in the area.
Yet what the enemy meant for evil, God has used for eternal good.
Since Pastor Abdi’s death, the church has experienced explosive growth. His son-in-law, Birra, has fearlessly continued his father-in-law’s mission, walking the same narrow path paved with sacrifice and glory. Trained as one of Harvesters’ first Hub Leaders in Ethiopia, Birra has already planted three churches and shared the Gospel with more than 5,000 people. This is a powerful breakthrough in the region – resurrection power at work!
Encouraged, Motivated and Mobilised
And Birra is not alone. Across the region, a growing number of Harvesters’ Hub Leaders are rising up, bold with holy fire.
In May 2025, they graduated after three years of church planting and theological training with Harvesters. The graduation does not mark the end of the pastors’ journey, but rather a new beginning – they are more encouraged, more motivated and more mobilised to spread the Gospel than ever before. The fields are white with harvest, and they are ready. Let’s pray for their mission, and that their courage would ignite our own.
Pray for Ethiopia
In the face of threats and violence, Pastor Abdi could have run. But with quiet courage and a heart anchored in Christ, he simply said: “I want to obey Jesus. I will stay.” He chose the cross over comfort, the will of God over personal safety. Let’s honour this legacy by praying for Ethiopia:
- Pray that those who are persecuted in Ethiopia and elsewhere will also stand firm in their faith.
- Pray for the Hub Leaders who recently graduated. May they also have quiet courage and hearts anchored in Christ.
- Pray that Christians in Ethiopia, in your own community and across the world, will also choose the cross over comfort, the will of God over personal safety.
- Thank God for His faithfulness – confess that what the enemy means for evil, He will turn into eternal good.
Pastor Abdi may have died for his faith, but the story doesn’t end in death. It begins again in resurrection power.
*All names throughout changed for security reasons
Celebration, Honour and a New Season
In August, Harvesters marked a milestone in God’s story for this ministry. Through a series of conferences and gala evenings, we gathered to thank the Lord for 27 years of church planting, discipleship and transformation — and to honour the efforts of many supporters, partners and staff.
One of the most significant moments of the evening was a time of tribute to our Founder, Steven Loots, and his wife Hannalie, who have obediently followed God’s call since day one. In a moving and prayer-filled handover, Steven officially passed the leadership baton to our new CEO, Francois Rauch.
The mission remains unchanged: GO where no one is going, TELL the Good News of Jesus, PLANT a church to DISCIPLE new believers, TRAIN a pastor right where they are, and REPEAT the process — until every nation hears.
It was an unforgettable night, full of gratitude for the past and excitement for the future. Here are just a few powerful excerpts from the speeches delivered by Steven and Francois:
Steven:
“Tonight is most certainly not just about me. it’s also about the future. It’s always fantastic looking back. We need to have times when we look back and say thank you and so on. But we also need to look forward. And there’s a part of me that’s excited about this. I know that there will probably be a bit of grief later on. You hand over something, suppose like a father who hands off his daughter… But it’s time. What’s coming is huge. The growth curve is at a point now which takes us into the stratosphere in terms of church planting. 130 churches a day is going to become 200, it’s going to become 400, it’s going to become 500. Purely mathematically, there’s just an inevitability to it, but it still remains a spiritual thing to stay on track, do the right thing, do the process, train the pastors and so on. So a part of me says, well, it’s the end of a journey for me. But a part of me says, this is exciting to see someone else take what you’ve devoted most of your adult life to, to take it further. Further than you can. And I recognise that it’s time for someone to take over the reins. Francois loves Jesus dearly. He has a passion to see the gospel preached globally. He has the ability to communicate the gospel and the vision in extraordinary ways. And so, Francois, I symbolically hand over the leadership of Harvesters Ministries and I bless you as the new chief executive officer. The ministry leader. My prayer goes with you, my brother, that you would experience the blessing that I have experienced of the Lord and the support of people that I have enjoyed. And may the Lord use you in a mighty way.”
Francois:
“It is impossible to do any of all whatever we’ve done all alone. These men and women that you see around you have spent many nights, some of them in jail, some of them being arrested, chased by safety officers, chased by police and security staff and personnel. But these are the people that’s paying the price. And I just want to say truly they have done whatever it took to get the job done and it’s not finished yet. And I truly want to say these are the generals of God, I call them the Christian barbarians of God, because that’s how they live and that’s what they do, and there’s never a no, ever. If God has said yes, that’s the yes. And I salute you.
“What Steven told me and taught me was, never underestimate the power of one church. You see, this is what Harvesters is. We love the church. We believe the church is the hope of the world. And we love pastors. We truly love pastors. And we love the lost. We plant rapid growing churches. That’s our business around the globe. How do we do this? We do it through evangelism. We plant a church just about everywhere. We can’t control our church planting anymore – and isn’t that fantastic? Harvesters Ministries is more than just a church planting movement. It is a kingdom church planting movement driven by a divine calling from God to reach the unreached and to cultivate indigenous leadership. And to expand the reach of the Gospel to every corner of the globe. Every village, every tribe, every nation, every language. That’s what God has called us for. But to be responsible, and Steven said it, we have to train a leader for every single church and never leave any church fatherless or motherless. But to make sure there’s enough leadership. We realised that indigenous leadership and local ownership is everything for us. And that’s what’s happening in the mission world.
“Throughout this journey, Steven has demonstrated, and with honour, a radical faith. Steven’s leadership has inspired countless ministry partners and wonderful leaders and supporters worldwide to embrace the vision of church planting and this movement that can still truly change the world. And Steven, tonight I do not understand the price you’ve had to pay totally. Tonight giving over, that pain I do not understand. But I know one thing. That as a team, as a group, and with many partners… What’s about to happen in the next few years would be just simply awesome and amazing. And we give all the glory to God because it’s all about Him. And Harvesters is in good hands. Not because it’s in mine. And I thank you Steven for trusting me. But because Harvesters is in the hands of a living, wonderful, miraculous God that brought salvation through Jesus Christ. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, I believe we’re in for a very fast, tough, adventurous ride. God bless you. God bless you, Steven. Thank you very much.”
Newsletter August 2025
The August newsletter is out now – download your copy below.
Inside: Pastors from Ghana are excited to return to the foundations of church growth, and Pastor Warren from South Africa asks you to pray with him for a vision from God. Plus, hear powerful testimonials from people being impacted by the work of Harvesters around the world.
Thank you for your prayers and support which makes the work and impact of Harvesters possible!
Download the August 2025 Newsletter – USA
Download the August 2025 Newsletter – UK
Download the August 2025 Newsletter – South Africa English
Download the August 2025 Newsletter – International
Download the August 2025 Newsletter – Afrikaans
Discipleship in USA Revitalised by Disciple Makers
Christians in the USA are among the first to acknowledge the challenges faced by the modern church. But, although surveys indicate that the church is shrinking in size in and influence, Disciple Makers from Harvesters offers a simple roadmap back to the basics of evangelisation and church growth.
Joining Disciple Makers means allowing God to work through your life and being ready to experience healthy church growth. West Cobb Church in Georgia and Agape Christian Fellowship in Vermont embraced this journey, and participants have had their perception of discipleship transformed. Their testimonies highlight three steps on the roadmap to true discipleship.
Step One: Be Obedient
True discipleship begins with surrender. It means offering yourself to be used by God and being open to the work of the Holy Spirit. Gloria Hunter from West Cobb Church shares, “The Lord decided that He wanted to make something out of us, even though we didn’t know it was possible. We’re glad to be here in this time of service to the Lord. He’s asked us to continue His work until He returns.”
Pastor Bryan Ganntt from Agape Christian Fellowship resonates with this call to radical obedience: “The church needs to get out of its four walls and get involved in the world… we need to be Kingdom-minded. Not building our own kingdom but building the Kingdom of God.”
We praise God for preparing the members of these two churches to take the first step and join the Disciple Makers journey in obedience to God’s call.
Step Two: Renew your Mind
Next, believers must rediscover the heart of the Great Commission. Too often, churches turn inward, serving only themselves while their communities remain unreached. “People in America seek God less because we… kind of live a good life and have everything that we need,” observes Griffin Banks from Powder Springs, Georgia. “So maybe it doesn’t seem necessary for people to go seek God.”
Disciple Makers challenges these passive mindsets and refocuses the church on its mission. Taylor Elrod, also from Powder Springs, says: “Right now my favourite thing that we’re learning is about the Great Commission, and I love that I grew up in church but now I really know what it actually means.”
Meanwhile, Rob Kuehl’s idea of discipleship was transformed. He learnt that “it’s an intentional relationship, friendship, centred around the Word of God and prayer.” Sheila Earwood had a similar experience: “I think a lot of times when we hear the word ‘disciple’, everybody kind of has their own definition of what being a disciple is.” Discipleship is “not something that is idealistic in the Christian community but, actually is something that we very naturally and supernaturally do because Christ is living in us.”
Only once existing perceptions regarding God’s church and its purpose have been renewed can we expect church growth and subsequent transformation.
Step 3: Go Make Disciples!
Finally, God expects us to take the leap and do the work He has prepared us for. Gloria explained, “I don’t want to be someone who the Bible talks about as ever-learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth, so I want to be able to utilise the truth effectively.”
Disciple Makers offers practical guidance on achieving this. Two years ago, Pastor Bryan’s church saw a rich harvest of 300 new converts. He had to contact fellow pastors to ensure that these souls were properly discipled. “But the thing that we found was we were woefully inadequately equipped to disciple and to handle that many people receiving Jesus so suddenly,” he shared. “And so we have been searching for something that would teach our people how to disciple, how to become disciples, how to become disciple-makers. And I think we have found that in what Harvesters Ministries is doing. Learn to be a disciple, be a disciple, learn to make disciples.”
Gloria sums it up perfectly: “Just be obedient to the things of God and do what He tells you to do the way He tells you to do it, and you see God-results.”
Pray for Zimbabwe: Growth is Tangible!
Zimbabwe in southern Africa has a difficult history of political unrest, extreme poverty and societal hardship, but the supernatural power of the Gospel can heal even the deepest wounds. And God’s church in Zimbabwe is flourishing! In Harare and Bulawayo, the country’s two biggest cities, believers are boldly evangelising in their communities, believers and leaders are being discipled, churches are being planted, and the Body of Christ is growing. Tangible growth is unfolding – and you’re invited to be part of it through prayer.
Accepting the Call
At the launch of Harvesters’ pastoral training programme, known as a Kick Off, students are challenged to plant at least one church before their next phase of training. When Harvesters returned to Harare and Bulawayo six months after their Kick Offs for Phase A training, we were excited to find that pastors had pursued this call relentlessly. The fruit of their obedience was tangible: new believers had come to faith and fresh church plants were being blessed with growth.
Pastor Zongoro, ministering in the rural region of Mondoro, has already planted two churches and helped lead 57 people to salvation – many of whom were formerly caught in addiction. Now, they are being discipled in Christ. But his mission is not finished. “I am [hopeful] that God himself will help us plant… more churches,” he declares. “I have a vision that the area can be [liberated] from worshipping idols to worshipping Jesus Christ.” Let’s pray into that vision together.
The Spirit Sparks Growth
Other pastors were also keen to share the stories of growth they had experienced since the Kick Off. Big or small, one could clearly see the Spirit at work. One lady from Seke, on the outskirts of Harare, shared that she has planted a small but growing church – proof that no act of obedience is too small when the Spirit is involved.
Pastor Emily Tigora is another powerful example. Through one-on-one evangelism in Chinhoyi, a small town northwest of Harare, 15 people were brought to Christ. They will soon start services in a nearby school. Along with Pastor Stephen Mashaga, she also planted a church in Harare that grew to over 80 members in just one month. “We are seeing God in it,” says Pastor Emily with joy.
Pastor Josephat has seen similar growth – from just 15 members to 80. He gives all glory to God, declaring: “We thank God for that church in Jesus’ mighty name!”
Churches Planted, Society Transformed
Not only are pastors seeing supernatural growth, but they also testify of societal transformation and new leaders raised thanks to the power of the Gospel.
Pastor Josephat is discipling two emerging leaders to shepherd two future churches, and Pastor Bigboy Haswell from Harare is doing the same – mentoring leaders for two churches he’s already planted. Pastor Zongoro knows that raising leaders is the key to advancing further, saying more pastors must be trained for him to “move on to plant some more churches.” These leaders can sow seeds of change in a society plagued by addiction and poverty.
In Masvingo, Pastor John planted a church in an unlikely setting: a former bar. Today, that beer hall has been repurposed as “a church hall to worship Jesus,” explains John, where entire families, even those struggling with addiction, are hearing the Gospel.
Pray for Zimbabwe
These are but a few of the overwhelming testimonies that have reached us from Zimbabwe, where Christ’s servants are making a significant difference. Join us in praising God for the growth and praying for the continued commitment of His faithful servants in this ripe harvest field.
- Join Pastor Patricia Matsatse from Murewa in praying for small groups of new believers that might grow into thriving churches.
- Join Pastor Zongoro, who is praying for social transformation in Mondoro and Zimbabwe as a whole.
- Join Pastor John in praying for pastors to be trained to lead the churches that have been planted.
- Pray for continued church growth with Emily and Stephan from Harare.
- Join Pastor Josephat in thanksgiving for the growth that is already apparent.
Major Obstacles in Church Planting Today—and How Harvesters Responds
An Article by Founder and CEO, Steven Loots
Church planting is a spiritual and strategic endeavor that is increasingly challenged by complex global realities. However, Harvesters Ministries is uniquely positioned to respond with scalable, biblical, and contextually appropriate solutions through its Hub Church Model and 4-year curriculum.
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Cultural Barriers and Worldview Conflicts
Challenges:
- Miscommunication due to language or cultural misunderstandings.
- Deep-rooted traditional beliefs (e.g., animism, ancestor worship, caste systems).
- Resistance to Christianity perceived as a “foreign religion.”
Harvesters’ Solution:
- Local Leadership Development: Harvesters trains indigenous leaders, who understand their culture and language, to reach their own people.
- Contextual Evangelism: The evangelism tools used are adapted to cultural realities while remaining biblically sound.
- Discipleship Emphasis: The 4-year curriculum walks new believers through biblical truth, helping them abandon syncretism and develop a biblical worldview.
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Spiritual Opposition
Challenges:
- Spiritual warfare, fear, demonic oppression.
- Persecution from dominant religious groups (Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, etc.).
Harvesters’ Solution:
- Prayer-Covered Expansion: Every church planted is supported by a network of intercessors.
- Training in Spiritual Resilience: Pastors are trained to expect persecution and are equipped biblically to stand firm.
- Community Multiplication Model: Rather than isolating pastors, Harvesters works through Hubs and Streams, so leaders are part of a relational and supportive network.
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Legal and Political Restrictions
Challenges:
- Government hostility to Christianity and church gatherings.
- Surveillance and harassment in restricted nations.
Harvesters’ Solution:
- Underground and Low-Profile Church Planting: In closed countries, Harvesters equips leaders to operate within legal limits while still multiplying believers through house churches.
- Modular Training Delivery: Training can happen discreetly through Hubs in homes, shops, or remote areas without requiring formal institutions.
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Financial and Resource Constraints
Challenges:
- Many pastors lack income, resources, and church buildings.
- Bible materials and discipleship tools are expensive or scarce.
Harvesters’ Solution:
- Hub Church Model: By training multiple pastors at once, the cost of planting a church and training a pastor is reduced to approximately $200—one of the most efficient models in the world.
- Free Bible Training Curriculum: Pastors receive a complete 4-year theological and discipleship course at no cost.
- Bivocational Encouragement: Leaders are equipped to sustain ministry alongside basic livelihoods.
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Leadership and Discipleship Gaps
Challenges:
- Lack of trained, biblically sound leaders.
- Immature churches lacking spiritual depth.
- Burnout among isolated planters.
Harvesters’ Solution:
- Comprehensive Pastoral Training: The 4-year curriculum covers evangelism, discipleship, church planting, pastoral care, and leadership.
- Mentorship Through Streams: Leaders walk alongside each other, fostering peer accountability and encouragement.
- Multiplication Strategy: Each trained pastor is equipped to train others, creating a self-replicating leadership pipeline.
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Community and Social Challenges
Challenges:
- Extreme poverty, substance abuse, lack of education or healthcare.
- Suspicion or resistance from traditional community leaders.
Harvesters’ Solution:
- Holistic Discipleship: Discipleship includes teaching biblical stewardship, community health principles, and ethical living, which elevate communities over time.
- Transformation Through the Gospel: When churches multiply, crime drops, forgiveness increases, and villages change from the inside out.
- Bridge-Building Approach: Harvesters teaches leaders to serve communities with humility, which often wins over hostile leaders.
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Urbanization and Population Mobility
Challenges:
- High turnover of people in urban or slum areas.
- Distractions of materialism and secularism in cities.
Harvesters’ Solution:
- Flexible Church Models: Training includes how to plant churches in informal spaces like apartments, schools, or workplaces.
- Focus on Disciples Making Disciples: Even when people move, they carry the gospel and model to new locations, continuing the multiplication.
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Safety and Personal Risk
Challenges:
- Violence, conflict, and disease in many regions.
- Long travel distances with poor infrastructure.
Harvesters’ Solution:
- Localized Training Hubs: Training happens near pastors’ homes, minimizing travel risks.
- Empowering Nationals: Because leaders are locals, they can navigate dangers with greater wisdom and lower risk than foreign missionaries.
Practical Examples
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Malawi: From One Church to Over 100 in Three Years
Background:
In a rural area of Malawi, a single passionate pastor was trained through a Harvesters Hub. With no formal education, he received the 4-year biblical curriculum and mentorship through the Streams training process.
Transformation:
- Within three years, over 100 new churches were planted in surrounding villages.
- Several church members were trained to become pastors themselves.
- Communities once dominated by witchcraft and alcoholism reported drastic social change.
Result:
An entire regional network of churches emerged, led by locals, with gospel impact stretching into neighboring Mozambique.
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East Asia: Secret Hubs in Closed Nations
Background:
In a highly restricted Muslim-majority area, believers met secretly in homes. A covert Hub was established using discreet training sessions and digital resources.
Transformation:
- Six underground pastors completed their training and began discipling small house churches.
- Despite surveillance, churches multiplied, and over 60 people were baptized within a year.
- One former radical became a passionate evangelist, now training others.
Result:
A network of house churches formed, discipling believers in a region hostile to Christianity—proving the model works even where faith is illegal.
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East Africa: Gospel in War Zones
Background:
Amid ethnic conflict and poverty, a team of national missionaries trained through a Harvesters Hub in a war-torn country in East Africa began planting churches in refugee camps and tribal villages.
Transformation:
- Pastors started addressing not only spiritual needs but community trauma and forgiveness.
- Former combatants converted and reconciled with their enemies.
- Churches became centers of peace and aid, helping distribute food and medical aid through trusted networks.
Result:
Harvesters-trained leaders are planting churches where few outsiders can go, reshaping war-torn areas with the gospel of reconciliation.
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Brazil: Multiplying Churches in Urban Slums
Background:
In the favelas (slums) of a major Brazilian city, a single urban church became a Hub for training lay leaders who had come out of gang life and addiction.
Transformation:
- Over 40 micro-churches launched in drug-infested neighborhoods.
- Discipleship and biblical ethics led to the formation of job programs and addiction recovery ministries.
- Crime rates fell in the areas where these churches were planted.
Result:
A grassroots movement of indigenous evangelists transformed a violent region through gospel-centered community engagement.
Final Thoughts
Harvesters Ministries is not just addressing obstacles—it’s pioneering scalable, indigenous solutions to global church planting. Through its Hub Model, Streams training structure, and biblical discipleship focus, Harvesters is enabling rapid, healthy, and cost-effective church multiplication even in the world’s most difficult mission fields.
Is Seminary Training the Answer to the Declining Church in America?
An Article by Founder and CEO, Steven Loots
The emphasis on seminary or university training in the USA is a given. There are few churches with over 500 members that would even consider calling someone who does not have at least a Ph.D. Many smaller churches demand a master’s degree. Never in history has the clergy been so well-educated; however, the church is in decline. More churches close each year than new churches are planted. Attendance numbers are down, and the influence of the church is at a historic low. In addition to this, there is a swing toward Progressive Christianity, Catholisism, and the Prosperity Gospel is spreading globally, and cults and bad theology abound. Fewer people identify as born-again, and few believers consider themselves to be disciple-makers.
Ed Stetzer recently published a list of Full-Time Equivalent students at the top 16 seminaries in the U.S. The entire list totals 18,610 students. If we expanded the list to the top 25, it is doubtful we would reach 25,000. Not all of these students intend to become pastors, and many will drop out along the way. This is the future workforce that must fill existing posts as older pastors retire or pass away. This is the workforce that is supposed to take up the task of fulfilling the Great Commission.
In contrast, multiple non-academic institutions are producing tens of thousands of “less-qualified” ministers and missionaries. One example is Harvesters Ministries. Harvesters is a rapid-multiplication church-planting ministry that trains a pastor for each new church planted, using a “plant-and-train” model rather than the traditional “train-and-send” method. Harvesters alone has over 40,000 current students globally.
Let’s compare the two methods for a moment. On one hand, the academic model is far superior in terms of the level of education its students receive. No one doubts the important role seminaries play and how all denominations need highly trained theologians. On the other hand, the practical approach of the mission world requires each student to pay no tuition but mandates that they plant three churches in their four years of study.
The question is this: What does the church really need? What does the world really need? Do we need more certificates hanging on walls or more people winning souls for Christ and planting multiple new churches?
This is not a criticism of the individuals involved. They do what they are required to do. They study the required materials and complete the practical work assigned to them—on both sides of the equation. Whether you are at the top seminary or being trained by a “Hub Leader” somewhere in the Amazon jungle, you follow the guidance of your mentors. Thus, the problem lies within the system. The seminary system is heavily dependent on funding and student fees. It is expensive and must answer to accrediting agencies. It teaches what the denomination requires, and students are prepared to become maintainers of the status quo.
Here is an easy way to assess this. How many of the 25,000 seminary students will win even one person to Christ during their student years? How many churches—if any—will the 25,000 seminary students plant in the next three to five years or even in their lifetime? In contrast, Harvesters (and many other organizations’) students will evangelize many people and plant at least three churches each with new believers in the next four years. They will continue to do so for the rest of their lives. They will be prepared not to defend a thesis but to do the work the Kingdom requires, and they will have no student debt at the end of it.
Formal theological training requires a rethink. We need to ask, “What does the Kingdom and the Church need?” We must not focus on what the seminary needs, which invariably ends up being “more students.” Informal theological training should be viewed differently, especially when connected to outcome-based curricula such as those provided by Re-Forma. Instead of looking down on such training or trying to merely turn it into a feeder system for seminaries, we should learn from it. There will be no real gospel impact in the USA unless there is a return to a more biblical system for training future church leaders and infusing in them a passion for the Great Commission. There will always be a need for higher education; Masters and PhDs have a place, but they should not be entry level requirements to ministry.
New Nations, Same Mission: Reaching Denmark and Ireland
In recent weeks, Harvesters has taken exciting steps forward in Europe, launching our very first Kick Off trainings in Denmark and Ireland. As we continue to pursue the Great Commission, we’re thrilled to see doors opening and hearts igniting in these spiritually strategic nations. From the reflective streets of Denmark to the passionate churches of Ireland, the Gospel is moving – and local believers are stepping boldly into their callings.
Denmark: Bold Faith in a Cautious Culture
Our Denmark Kick Off revealed something both poignant and beautiful: in a culture known for restraint and self-sufficiency, there’s a quiet hunger growing for real, active faith. Over several days of training, Danish believers confronted deep personal questions – fears of stepping out, perfectionism, and the belief that they needed to “wait for the right moment.” But as the training progressed, so did their courage.
One participant put it plainly: “What am I so afraid of?” Another, Michelle, shared how she picked up the phone to call someone she hadn’t spoken to since 2017 – and that call led to a heartfelt prayer and an encounter with Jesus. Others began to look to their neighbours and communities with new eyes, ready to share their stories and disciple others.
Another attendee, Tobias, captured this fresh sense of purpose when he said, “I look very much forward to speaking with my neighbours… and to talk about Jesus and tell my story… so I can try to make them disciples as well.” His excitement reflects the broader shift taking place, a community moving from contemplation to action.
The tone in Denmark was reflective, thoughtful and deeply authentic. But the shift was unmistakable: a new sense of ownership and readiness is rising. One seed at a time, a movement is beginning.
A New Fire in Ireland
Ireland has now officially joined the Harvesters movement, with our first-ever Kick Off held in the town of Navan, just outside Dublin. The church community of Joshua, led by Pastor Liam, opened their doors and hearts wide as Regional Director Paul O’Neill delivered core disciple-making training. From the outset, the hunger was clear. Leaders, evangelists and everyday believers embraced the opportunity to be equipped, and their bold response reflected a nation ready for something new.
The weekend was filled with testimonies of transformation and commitment. Joe, a participant with a powerful story of redemption, shared how he had been set free from addiction and depression through a radical encounter with Jesus. “If He can save me,” he declared, “He can save anyone.” His passion to now bring that same Gospel to others encapsulates the very heart of the training. One lady from County Cavan shared how the experience reignited a love for the Gospel and brought new clarity to what it means to disciple others: “It’s not so complicated, it’s simple. And now I’m just excited to see what God’s going to do.”
Pastor Liam described the weekend as a divine continuation of their church’s journey. Providence, another participant, reflected, “The course reignited my passion to win souls and plant churches.” What stood out was not just the openness of the people, but their readiness to run with the vision. As Paul O’Neill said, “This is a miracle day in Ireland. The sun is shining, and so is the light of Jesus.” It’s clear: God is stirring something powerful in the Irish Church.
One Mission, Many Expressions
What we’ve seen in these two nations is both deeply encouraging and strategically important. While Denmark and Ireland are culturally unique, the fruit of disciple-making looks remarkably similar: lives changed, courage found and communities stirring with spiritual hunger.
Harvesters is committed to walking alongside the local church in nations across the world. In Denmark, this means continuing to build trust, encourage authenticity and equip believers to act even when it feels unnatural. In Ireland, it means fanning the flames — giving leaders the tools and confidence to multiply what God is already doing.
Europe is ready, the Gospel still active. And wherever there are willing hearts, disciples will be made.
Disciple Makers: Lessons in Fishing
South African churches are re-awakening to their true calling as Harvesters’ Disciple Makers gains momentum. Increasingly, congregations across the country are seeking solutions for challenges such as a declining attendance and influence. Disciple Makers is guiding Christians back to the solution found in Matthew 4:19 where Jesus commands His disciples to follow Him and learn how to fish for people.
Disciple Makers is a journey that realigns churches with the Great Commission. Leaders and members alike are joining this movement and rediscovering their purpose.
Casting the Net
Harvesters has already presented more than 40 Disciple Makers trainings in South Africa since launching the new version in 2023. The eight-hour training is the start of a discipleship journey that lasts a lifetime. It equips church leaders and members to evangelise their communities and to disciple those who are desperate for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.
Churches nationwide are finding Disciple Makers useful and necessary. Pastor Reggie Strauss from Vredendal Full Gospel Church shared that his congregation has found “a refocus… and a realignment to what is really on the heart of the Father for His Church: The Great Commission connected with the Great Commandment to love.”
This March, we had a record breaking 94 believers attending one Disciple Makers event in Welkom, Free State. Pastor Roemien Joubert says that the seed has been sown and they are eager to keep the momentum going. We trust the same for upcoming Disciple Makers as we keep on casting our net as widely as possible.
Nets Breaking with Fish
In the book, Disciple Makers, author Steven Loots writes: “Every believer needs to live and grow as a disciple of Jesus. But every disciple also needs to be a disciple maker.” Disciple Makers motivates and equips ordinary people to allow the Spirit to do extraordinary work through them.
Patience, a believer from a town called Bronkhorstspruit in Gauteng Province, is one such an ordinary person. She was already obeying God by evangelising in her community but Disciple Makers led to a drastic change in her approach. “I used to lead people to Christ and then after that I leave them behind,” she recalled. “When I came here, I remember they taught us, if you lead somebody to Christ and then leave her without teaching her the right way to live, it’s like a giving birth to a baby and just leaving her. That touched me so much and I started to pray that God must restore them. That is why now I’m having 133 disciples.”
One hundred and thirty-three disciples! Patience’s story echoes Simon’s experience in Luke 5:5-6. When Jesus instructed him to cast his nets again, Simon obeyed and they caught “such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” Obedience to Christ’s call yields incredible results.
Anybody Can Fish: The Right Tools
Although we hear amazing testimonies like Patience’s, it remains daunting to get out of the boat and become fishers of men. That’s why Disciple Makers provides a practical evangelism tool as well as a book called Transformational Discipleship, designed to guide new believers in their faith.
Louis, a believer from Gees en Waarheid Church in Phillipstown, found these tools invaluable. He explained how they helped his church to progress “step by step” and to show the love of God to people. “I really feel in my heart that [Disciple Makers] can work for you as well,” he shared.
We thank God for this growing movement of fishers-of-men and disciple makers. We join Louis in encouraging you to embark on the Disciple Makers journey with Harvesters and other churches. Together, we can cast our nets and bring in a harvest for Christ.
Newsletter May 2025
Download your copy of our latest newsletter today. Inside, learn how Harvesters is addressing a global need in remote places like Kenya. Plus, discover the principals of multiplication being learned in Malawi, and church expansion in Mongolia!
Download the May 2025 Newsletter – USA
Download the May 2025 Newsletter – UK
Download the May 2025 Newsletter – South Africa English
Download the May 2025 Newsletter – Afrikaans
Download the May 2025 Newsletter – International
30 Million Unreached! Pray for the Mission in the Philippines
The Philippines is a vibrant nation of over 110 million people, scattered across more than 7,600 islands. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality and deep-rooted Christian heritage, it is the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia. Yet, despite the strong presence of churches, a spiritual crisis remains. Millions still do not have a personal relationship with Christ, and many communities are hungry for discipleship and access to the Word of God.
Harvesters is on the frontlines, addressing these needs through church planting, discipleship and pastoral training. As we launched our first church-planting movement – known as a Stream – with a Kick Off in Cebu, we shared our vision and strategy for rapid church multiplication through evangelism. Over one hundred pastors from Cebu, Leyte, Butuan and Manila committed themselves to the mission of church planting and discipleship.
The country, predominantly Roman Catholic, is in desperate need of churches planted among the rural poor, and of local leaders trained and equipped for ministry.
Bishop Noel Santino from Cebu shared about the urgency of the Gospel mission in his country. “We have quite a [number] of churches, but not to compare with the number of the lost that we are looking at,” he said. “When we were hearing how the Gospel needs to be preached, declared all over, we just felt that we are just scratching the surface of this need. This is not just a need; it’s a must!”
The opportunities for church planting in the Philippines is huge, but there are also many challenges, including limited resources and remote areas with little to no Gospel witness.
As part of the Kick Off event, pastors participated in a mapping session, revealing that out of 42,000 barangays (the smallest administrative unit in the Philippines), 23,000 have no evangelical church. These areas represent a staggering 30 million people who have little to no access to the Gospel!
But thankfully Noel and other pastors are committed to spreading the Gospel throughout their beloved nation. He reminds us of the power of church planting in fulfilling the Great Commission:
“Church planting connects with the very grain of our hearts’ desire—to reach out, win them, evangelise them, and disciple them. Through church planting, they have a space, they have room to grow and develop.”
As the church in the Philippines rises to this challenge, we invite you to stand with them in prayer. Together, we can be part of this great movement to bring the hope of Jesus to every island and community.
As Bishop Noel so passionately expressed, “Let us hold hands together and make this country and the countries of the world one for Christ.” Thank you for your prayers and support in this mission. May the Lord continue to bless the work being done in the Philippines and beyond!
How You Can Pray for the Philippines
- Pray for the lost – That millions who have yet to hear the true Gospel will encounter Christ and experience His saving grace.
- Pray for pastors and church planters – That they would have strength, wisdom, and perseverance as they labour in the harvest fields.
- Pray for resources – That Bibles, discipleship materials, and training opportunities would be abundant for those answering the call to ministry.
- Pray for the unreached areas – That the Gospel would break through in remote islands and communities where there are few or no churches.
- Pray for a mighty revival – That the Holy Spirit would move powerfully, transforming lives and drawing the Filipino people closer to Jesus.
Bibles for Lesotho: Mountains, Miracles and Horses
Lesotho, known as the Mountain Kingdom, is renowned for its spectacular hilly landscapes. Its people, the Basotho, are proud of their ability to live and thrive in the extreme conditions that result from the high altitudes and rough terrain of the Maloti mountains. Recently, thanks to Biblica and other supporters, we were able to deliver 800 Bibles to believers in newly planted churches nestled deep within these mountains.
Taking God’s Word to those longing for it involved treacherous roads and vehicle breakdowns, but we praise God for brothers and sisters willing to do whatever it took. Twice, when all seemed lost, God opened the way through unexpected means.
A Horse, a Maize Bag and Answered Prayers
The Bible placement team was eager to meet fellow believers and present them with Bibles in their own language. But as they ascended one of the highest mountains in Lesotho, their excitement turned to concern. Their vehicle’s gearbox gave out, smoke billowing from the engine. Stranded with no way forward, the team feared the believers at the mountaintop would be left empty-handed.
But, when serving an almighty God for whom all things are possible, trials often turn into testimonies of His faithfulness. The Student Pastor of the church heard the news, jumped on his horse and grabbed a bag that had been filled with maize meal. Downhill, the team members, almost ready to turn back, were surprised to see this friend coming down the mountain road on horseback – an answer to their prayers.
Soon enough, disciples at the top of the mountain were holding their own copies of God’s Word in their hands – Bibles delivered not by human means but by God’s provision, and received by joyful recipients who faithfully put their trust in Him. How the team and their vehicle made it back is another testimony of God’s grace, but one thing is certain – the mission was accomplished.
Once Again, God Sends a Horse
The very next day, another group from Team Lesotho found themselves in a strikingly similar position. They had gone as far as their truck could carry them up a steep and rocky road in Mohlakeng. Heading towards expectant believers waiting to receive their Sesotho Bibles, the team navigated the winding path, dodging donkeys and cattle. Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of screeching brakes filled the air – the road had claimed another vehicle!
In a coincidence that can only be considered providence, a man on horseback approached. This time he was a stranger, but it did not require much convincing for this Samaritan to load the precious cargo onto his horse and transport it up the hill to the waiting church members. Not long after, the delivery of the Bibles was confirmed by a phone call. Thanks to the supernatural provision of our faithful God, His servants had received their Swords with which they can continue to fight His battle in Lesotho.
Equipped and Ready to Do Whatever it Takes
These miraculous deliveries demonstrate God’s provision and faithfulness to His people. Providing Bibles to 30 churches planted through Harvesters’ Hub Model inspired awe at the dedication of Christ’s servants in Lesotho.
Julia, 83 years old, received a Bible in her own language, but in spite of her age, its impact will not stop with her. “I’m going to teach other people. My neighbours, my children… everybody in my community,” she rejoiced.
Pastor Ntebo Mosenye, who has recently planted a church, echoed Julia’s fervour for discipleship: “We don’t just get saved to be just a congregation, but we go and make disciples, we go and plant churches.”
And Mamolemo Tikiso from Ha Nkoebe Village declared, “We shall continue to read the Word of God… we shall continue to tell others that Jesus is Lord and He saves people from their sins.”
We praise God humbly for His provision and for devoted followers willing to do whatever it takes.
Testimonies of Hope and Multiplication in Egypt
Amidst ongoing challenges in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), God is powerfully at work. Through the faithful discipleship and church-planting efforts of pastors trained by Harvesters, the Good News of Jesus is reaching new communities –advancing in places once considered unreached or hostile.
This region, marked by both incredible opportunities and deep struggles for Christians, remains a critical area for advancing the Gospel. Let us lift them in prayer, as we celebrate their testimonies and support their work with intercession. You will find prayer points below.
Testimonies of Hope: Sudanese Refugees in Egypt
In Egypt, Harvesters is training a group of Sudanese refugees. Reflecting on his experience, Pastor Marco expressed deep gratitude for the “true discipleship” training he has received. Coming from a difficult background, he had searched for solid, Biblical teachings but found many programmes lacking in depth and practicality.
“This is the best discipleship school I have experienced because it teaches true Biblical truths and texts. It transforms the Christian life,” he said. “May the Lord bless and use us to win many souls.”
Pastor Simon, another Sudanese leader, echoes Marco’s sentiments, praising the simplicity and applicability of Harvesters’ teachings.
“This study has made a significant difference in my life,” he shared. “The book and its steps are very clear. It helps anyone disciple others. We pray that we don’t just learn and remain silent but share these teachings with those in need.”
Pray today for these leaders that God is raising up, some of whom will return to Sudan and South Sudan with the teachings they’ve learned and expand the Kingdom in their home countries.
Multiplication Across the MENA Region
From another group being trained in Egypt, one pastor shared the “profound impact” of receiving Harvesters’ training and how it became the catalyst for church planting in his home country – a North African nation closed to the Gospel.
“By God’s grace, we have now started planting churches – seven so far – and have appointed seven leaders to pastor them,” he shared. “The Harvesters programme is truly unique in how it facilitates expansion and multiplication in God’s Kingdom, resulting in real and tangible growth. Your training has been wonderful for us.”
Despite operating in a region where Christianity faces intense challenges, leaders like this are bold in their faith and unwavering in their commitment to God’s mission, but they cannot do it alone. Your prayers are vital to strengthen and sustain them.
How You Can Pray
As we celebrate these incredible testimonies, we also recognise the ongoing need for prayer and support. The work in MENA is far from easy, but the fruit is real and growing.
- Pray for Sudanese Refugees in Egypt: For their spiritual growth and ability to disciple others amid hardship, and for provision as they face challenging social and economic conditions. Pray many will return to Sudan and South Sudan to share the Gospel.
- Pray for Church Planting in North Africa: For protection and courage for leaders in closed countries, for the seven new churches to thrive and bear fruit, and for wisdom and perseverance for pastors leading these multiplication efforts.
- Pray for the MENA Region: For an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to transform individuals and communities, for peace and stability in conflict zones, and for God to open doors for the Gospel to reach the unreached.
A Sick Cow and the Gospel Open Hearts to Jesus
In a remote, Muslim-majority village in South Asia, where the name of Jesus had never been heard, a church planter arrived with a mission on his heart. His goal was to find a community where he could plant a church, guided by the Holy Spirit and equipped with the tools he had received during his training from Harvesters.
A Family, A Cow and the Power of the Gospel
As he walked through the village, he encountered a couple in distress – their cow, their only source of income, was gravely ill. They asked him to pray for the animal and, sensing an opportunity to show God’s power, he agreed. Afterwards, he shared the Gospel with them using the Heart of Man Chart, a powerful evangelism tool. The Heart of Man illustrates the state of a person’s heart before and after knowing God, making it an ideal way to share the Gospel with those who have never heard it.
He explained their need for a Saviour, highlighting the spiritual condition of every person apart from God: ensnared by sin and unable to rescue themselves. “You need Jesus,” he told them. He explained the profound price Jesus paid on the cross and the promise of eternal life through His sacrifice. They listened intently, visibly moved, but asked for time to consider his words.
The very next day, the couple reached out to him with open hearts. They were ready to commit their lives to Christ and be baptised – not only the husband and wife but also another lady they had prepared.
Baptised and Commissioned
As the pastor prayed blessings over them during their water baptism, he reminded them that this commitment wasn’t only for their own salvation. “Now it’s your duty to go and tell others about the Gospel,” he said, commissioning them to spread the Good News that Jesus died, was buried and rose again on the third day.
In the following months, the impact of their decision radiated across the village. The new believers faithfully shared the Gospel, and 30 people accepted Christ and were baptised in Jesus’ name.
From among these new converts, the pastor identified a young man filled with passion and potential, whom he began to train as a Student Pastor with Harvesters. This Student Pastor quickly took up the call to evangelise further, travelling to neighbouring villages and planting house churches where new believers could be discipled and baptised.
Growth and Multiplication
Today, this movement continues to grow. Together, the church planter and his Student Pastor have already established three house churches in unreached villages. Transformation is spreading as each new church brings spiritual change – all because a family asked for prayer for their sick cow. The Lord has opened the way!
This is just the beginning. In this closed nation, Harvesters has already established two church-planting movements, known as Streams. Each Stream consists of pastors committed to evangelising unreached villages, planting churches and training new pastors – creating a cycle of rapid multiplication.
The vision of Harvesters is to see Streams multiply across this nation and into the surrounding regions of Asia, carrying the light of the Gospel to those who have never heard it. Let us pray for more Streams to open, for the Gospel to penetrate hearts and for the Good News to spread across Asia, transforming lives and communities for God’s glory.
Pray for Madagascar: Seeds of Sacrifice Ready for Harvest
We are excited to share an update from Madagascar, where we’ve recently launched a second church-planting movement. The Lord has shown us that the harvest is ripe, and we are grateful to be a part of it. This is a place where the Gospel has been fought for in ways few can understand, with many paying the ultimate price for Christ. Now, we reap the fruit of their sacrifices and ask for your prayers as we continue this important work – prayer points are listed at the end of the article.
The Heavy History of Madagascar
Madagascar has a rich yet painful history, especially in its relationship with Christianity. While the Gospel first arrived in the 16th century, it’s spread was severely hampered during the reign of Queen Ranavalona I in the 1800s. She saw the spread of Christianity as a direct threat to her authority and responded with horrific violence, forcing the Church underground. Thousands were martyred and many more suffered for their faith.
As we continue our mission here, we are entering fields that have been tilled by the blood of martyrs. God is moving, and He is answering the cries of His people. We encourage you to join us in praying for Madagascar’s transformation, both spiritually and materially.
Poverty And Access to Training
Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries with over 70% of its population living in poverty. Despite the struggles, the people are resilient and hungry for ministry training from Harvesters.
A unique aspect of Harvesters is we take training directly to pastors in their villages, enabling them to stay and plant churches in remote communities that desperately need them. This approach allows us to reach those who might otherwise not have access to training. And the best part? The training is provided free of charge. The contribution of enrolled pastors is to plant at least three churches during the programme.
Currently, almost 300 pastors are in training across two church-planting movements in Madagascar, known as Streams. Eager to reach their communities with the Gospel, many have prayed for this opportunity for years. As Pastor Alain, Harvesters’ Country Leader for Madagascar, said: “These are the things we prayed for.” God is at work in this land and our prayers can have an impact.
Unreached People and Need for Churches
Today, around 40% of the population profess to be Christians. But with 11 unreached people groups still on the island, there is an urgent need for evangelism and churches. Furthermore, there’s a deep need for discipleship, as many believers are mixing traditional practises in with Christian teachings.
During the launch of our second Stream in Tamatave, an area increasingly influenced by Islam, the pastors applied their new evangelism methods. In one afternoon, 60 people came to faith in Christ! Pastor Alain shared, “Harvesters teaches us an easy way to present the Gospel.”
Hope for the Future
The harvest is indeed ripe – and there are more pastors waiting to get involved. Perhaps most encouraging of all is the rising passion of young people in their 20s who are eagerly signing up for church planting training. There is even the potential for seven more areas across Madagascar to launch new Streams!
In the words of Thinus Botha, Continent Leader, “There’s a need for church planting, there’s a need for discipleship, there’s a need to share the Gospel… That’s why Harvesters came to Madagascar!”
Prayer Points
- Pray for the protection and boldness of pastors as they plant churches and evangelise.
- Pray for the 11 unreached people groups to encounter the Gospel.
- Thank the Lord for faithful leaders who want to see their nation won to Christ.
- Pray for the physical and spiritual healing of the people of Madagascar.
- Pray for young people in training to become bold leaders for the Great Commission.