Pray for Church Planting in Bolivia’s Hidden Heartlands
Bolivia is the largest landlocked country in the Southern Hemisphere. In the western parts of the country one can find the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, whilst the eastern lowlands are situated in the Amazon basin.
It is here in the Amazon basin, bordering on Brazil, where Harvesters has partnered with local pastors to plant churches in communities with a great need for evangelisation and discipleship. These pastors need your prayers as they embark on this mission to plant churches.
Hope Springs in the Amazon Basin
Harvesters recently kicked off our church-planting training programme in four Bolivian cities. We were encouraged and inspired by the reception of the pastors of Guayaramerín, Riberalta, La Paz and El Alto. Bi-vocational pastors, eager to start planting churches, received us with gracious hospitality and excitement.
These cities are strategically located in the Amazon basin along the rivers. This strategic positioning means there is a huge potential for pastors to be trained and churches to be planted deep into the most hidden and overlooked places within the jungle. Please pray with us that the training these pastors will receive over the next few years will bring hope and lead to churches being planted throughout the region.
Churches Must Stand Strong in Spite of Challenges
In Bolivia, the church faces some serious challenges. The illicit drug trade in the area means that believers here have to deal with the effects of drug cartels, the breakdown of the legal system, a culture of deception, and wealth disparity. Children and women face abuse and trafficking. A longstanding belief in witchcraft also still has its hold on the Bolivian people.
Furthermore, poverty, depression and suicide rates are high. Clearly, the church here needs to be supported and strengthened. They desperately need your prayers.
Barriers to Church Planting
In addition to the societal challenges being faced in Bolivia, pastors and their churches also acknowledge that they to do not know how to address the great need for evangelisation and growth.
Pastor Elyel from Guayaramerín lists the main issues for pastors in his region as: spiritual immaturity, division among churches, complacency and syncretism. Nevertheless, the power of God is great and Pastor Elyel already leads a thriving church with disciples who are strong lights in the community. May God use pastors like Elyel to overcome the barriers to church planting in Bolivia so that all may find hope and be transformed by the Lord Jesus.
Prayer Points:
- Thank God for pastors in Guayaramerín, Riberalta, La Paz and El Alto who have accepted the task of planting churches and spreading the Gospel in the Amazon basin.
- Pray that God will grant these pastors wisdom, spiritual maturity and strength in the face of societal challenges.
- Pray that pastors will evangelise fearlessly, confident in the power and authority they have received from God.
- Pray that God will continue to bless the relationships that have been built with local pastors during the recent training Kick-Offs.
- Pray with Harvesters and pastors from Bolivia that churches will already have been planted by the time we return to Bolivia for the next Phase of training.
Bringing Hope to Thailand’s Borderlands
During our recent visit to Thailand, we were filled with excitement about what God is doing in this beautiful land. However, there exists an urgent need for the Gospel, as the Buddhist-majority population are caught in the trappings of a dead religion. Harvesters is addressing this need by training committed and courageous pastors who are determined to change the religious landscape.
Thailand’s Refugee Crisis Provides Opportunities
In the rugged borderlands where Thailand meets Myanmar, history’s longest civil war rages on, casting shadows of fear and uncertainty and forcing millions from their homes.
Amidst the turmoil, Harvesters is on the ground in Thailand, equipping local Student Pastors who are tirelessly serving refugees fleeing from the chaos. Many of these pastors have traversed the same treacherous paths.
Across the globe, the Lord is using migration as a means to spread the Good News of Jesus. Displacement, though wrought with challenges, has provided fertile ground for the Gospel to take root. During our visit, we were privileged to witness the baptisms of two new believers in the Moei River that marks the border between Thailand and Myanmar.
As believers from these refugee communities eventually return to Myanmar, they will carry with them the hope planted in their hearts, spreading the message of Jesus Christ to their homeland.
Establishing Churches of Hope
Our journey took us on a rocky ramble through rural neighbourhoods. As we followed the worn path into the valley, a hidden church came into view – the sole beacon of hope in its community. It sits nestled in the shadow of a Buddhist temple dominating the landscape.
This church was planted by Pastor Joe, Harvesters’ Country-Leader for Thailand who plans to establish another across the border in Myanmar. With the departure of the elderly pastor, prayers for a new leader were answered as Harvesters stepped in to train a pastor for this village church.
In this sacred place, Harvesters’ Phase A training took place as passionate young leaders gathered to learn about discipleship. In a land where altars line every street and people are ensnared in a dead religion, the abundant life found in Jesus remains a distant dream for many. It’s a tragedy unfolding before their eyes, and these pastors refuse to stand idly by.
Opportunities to Open the Way
This is just the beginning. Harvesters remains poised to expand the mission wherever the Lord opens the way. Our time in Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok, revealed the urgent needs of this country as the city’s nightlife unveiled a dark underbelly of drug culture, promiscuity and despair.
Local leaders like Pastor Kiet highlighted the desperate need for the Holy Spirit to breathe life into the few churches scattered throughout the urban sprawl. Together, we fervently prayed for a divine move of the Holy Spirit to ignite a revival that would ripple from Bangkok throughout Thailand and beyond.
As we reflect on our encounters with pastors and communities ablaze with passion for the Great Commission, we are filled with hope for the future. Thank you for your unwavering support and prayers, which enable us to extend the message of Jesus to even more hearts in Thailand and beyond.
Names changed for security reasons.
Pray for Brazil: “A New Season”
Brazil is one of the largest and most populated countries in the world, presenting an urgent and vast mission field. Your prayers are vital as Brazilian pastors like Raimundo, Lourisvaldo, Flávio and Sidney take the true Gospel to the lost. Join them in praising the Lord for the fruit that our training has borne in this country and discover how to pray for Brazil.
Spiritual Growth Leads to Church Planting
Pastor Raimundo, who has already planted two churches, confirms that our mission has been fruitful. He embraced Harvesters’ church-planting method “wholeheartedly.”
Consequently, he experienced the powerful ability of the Gospel to bring about spiritual growth in the lives of individuals who, in turn, allow this growth to multiply by making disciples and planting churches.
From Disciple to Pastor
Stories like Pastor Lourisvaldo’s illustrate the outcomes of the seeds being sown in Brazil. After being discipled, God called him to be the pastor of a church-plant in Betim. He is now being trained by Harvesters and recently completed Phase E, surveying the New Testament. “This is just the beginning!” he rejoiced.
It remains our mission that every pastor who receives training should plant at least one church per year and disciple and train another pastor to lead that church. Our aim is to see healthy churches self-replicating through evangelism and discipleship.
Pastor Lourisvaldo’s testimony resonates with this aim: “I see this training as a very useful tool. Not only for today, but also for the future leaders that we will train through this church-planting programme that Harvesters brought to Brazil to help us. Amen!”
Understanding the True Meaning of Church
Church planting and discipleship, however, is not without its challenges in Brazil. Catholicism remains the dominant religion and the vestiges of traditionalism sometimes thwart radical discipleship.
Pastor Flávio admits that, for many years, they viewed the church as a temple – a building. But as a result of the pastoral training offered by Harvesters, the Holy Spirit has convicted them anew that they themselves are the true church and that means church can be anywhere.
By applying the Biblical teachings they have received from Harvesters, Pastor Flávio believes that the Lord is bringing them into “a new season”. “We, as a church, have a mission to spread the Gospel,” he declares. Your prayers today will lift them up in this mission.
Prayer Points
- Pray that Harvesters’ church-planting training will assist Brazilians in preaching the true Gospel with boldness.
- Pray that the Biblical training provided by Harvesters will assail doubts among pastors and enable them to address doubts in others.
- Pray for true disciples who will make even more true disciples.
- Pray for future leaders to be equipped to reach the lost, make disciples and plant churches in unreached communities.
- Praise God with local pastor, Sidney, for “new horizons” that have opened in Brazil.
The Impact of Disciple Makers: Testimonies from France
Disciple Makers from Harvesters is making an impact throughout Europe, with the first churches already planted as a result in the Netherlands and Spain.
Recently, we visited Normandy in France to present the second Disciple Makers in Le Havre with 16 participants. Their goal is to activate at least 20 more churches with Disciple Makers techniques, igniting a movement to spread the message of Christ throughout France.
Although France is 60% Christian adherent, only 1.5% of the population are evangelical Christians. Secularism and atheism are on the rise and over half the people are Roman Catholic. It’s a vast mission field that needs to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour.
Sadly, the fastest growing religion throughout Western Europe is Islam, due to both a higher birth rate than other Europeans and migration from North Africa. France has the largest Muslim population in Western Europe (9%).
The need for discipleship is vital. Even some Christians confessed that they didn’t fully understand how to disciple others.
“My view of discipleship before this training was to raise awareness about personal prayer time and personal Bible reading at home,” shared Antonin, a Disciple Makers participant. “What impacted me most was the [the need for] perseverance and not hesitating to regularly follow up with people so they can progress.”
Another participant, Christophe, echoed this, saying, “Before the training, disciple making was really hard because I didn’t know where to start with helping someone to walk with Jesus. I viewed it like a big mountain that was hard to climb. I didn’t know what to do practically.”
“I really love the easiness of what to do,” Christophe continued. “Because it’s not me, it’s God who is going to do the work. You can start with your family and your neighbourhood, and if all Christians in the world start with this it would bring so many people to God.”
Disciple Makers, available throughout Europe, lays out the principals of the Great Commission and provides practical strategies for evangelism and discipleship.
“It’s the only and unique way to see multiplication – by making disciples,” said Clayton Joutet, pastor of the church in Le Havre. “There is no other solution.”
Participant Roseline shared that the training has given her tools and confidence. “I believe anyone who really wants to further their journey with the Lord and obey the Great Commission should really consider taking this training to be equipped and to gain confidence,” she said.
Excitement and momentum are growing among this group of disciple makers in France. Christophe, who is sadly suffering with liver cancer, wants to be “an everyday Great Commission Christian who makes disciples” and use whatever time he has left to reach people.
“I hope this encourages you that the Gospel is reaching Europe, especially France,” says Ian Stanton, Harvesters’ Europe Continent Leader. Disciple Makers is not just a course, it’s a movement that is gaining momentum across Europe, opening the way for the world to know Jesus.
Forming a Gospel Stronghold in Central Africa
Imagine planting churches in a country half the size of the USA but with barely any roads…
Unimaginable Challenges and Urgent Needs
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), residents contend with unpaved and inadequately maintained roads that become virtually impassable during the rainy season. This, combined with densely populated cities resembling small nations, presents formidable obstacles for pastors in their mission to spread the Gospel.
The cry of local pastors like Philippe Makambo, who has planted two churches so far, is for pastoral training that is urgently needed throughout the DRC. “There are not a lot of churches [in my rural province]. If there are churches, there are no pastors trained,” he explains. “My country needs Harvesters’ training. Not only here in the capital but also in remote areas.”
The DRC is so vast, it would be an overwhelming challenge if not for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the prayers of friends like you. Pray with us using the below prayer points as a guide.
Equipping Pastors for Ministry
The Lord is already assembling an army of mighty warriors. Despite the unimaginable transportation difficulties, more than 120 dedicated pastors arrived eager to commence Harvesters’ four-year training and church-planting programme. Some travelled over 500 kilometres.
At present, Harvesters has three church-planting networks in the DRC, known as Streams, including this newly launched cohort of 127 pastors in the bustling capital city. Kinshasa, with a population of 17 million people – surpassing that of Zimbabwe – is Africa’s third-largest city.
The response was overwhelming, with attendees describing the training as “an answer to prayer” and a source of “light and clarity”. Local pastor Felix declared, “By the grace of God, many churches will be planted through this model.”
These leaders have a passion not only to see their nation embrace Christ, but also to establish the DRC as a stronghold for the Gospel throughout Africa.
A Bold Vision
North Africa, with its Islamic stronghold, presents another significant challenge for local pastors in the DRC. But they have a bold vision to establish a barrier against the persistent spread of Muslim teachings into sub-Saharan Africa.
Strategically located in Central Africa, the DRC is poised to withstand the encroaching influence from the north. Furthermore, their vision is to push back and take the Gospel into the unreached nations of North Africa, becoming missionaries to their neighbours.
Through the support of partners like you, Harvesters is equipping these faithful soldiers with tools and strategies for evangelism, church planting and discipleship. Together we are saturating unreached neighbourhoods, towns and entire cities with a Christian presence. Today we are calling upon you to pray with us and sow into this mission in prayer.
Prayer Points
- Pray for the development and infrastructure of the DRC. Ask the Lord for safe and effective outreach to remote regions where the lost need Jesus.
- Lift up the people of this nation in prayer, for them to have open hearts receptive to the message of Christ and be transformed.
- Pray for protection against spiritual opposition as these leaders take the Gospel to the corners of the DRC and beyond.
- Thank God for the passion and commitment of local pastors. Pray for their studies and ministries as they commence a four-year training programme with Harvesters.
- Pray for the vision to reach the nations of North Africa with the Gospel and stand as a barrier against the spread of false teachings.
Newsletter – May 2024
Download your copy of the May 2024 Newsletter here!
Inside, discover a newly planted church behind bars and explore the resilience of believers in India, where the Gospel shines brightly despite formidable spiritual opposition. Plus, the first churches are taking root in the Maasai lands of Kenya.
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A Muslim Girl’s Journey to Finding Jesus
Deep within a nation in southern Eurasia, amidst the backdrop of strict Muslim laws, a teenage girl named Kira found herself entangled in a web of oppression and despair. Raised within the confines of her religion, she yearned for the promised freedom but found only emptiness. However, amidst her darkest moments, a glimmer of hope emerged, leading her on a transformative journey toward the living Jesus.
Desperation in Search of Freedom
Kira’s journey began when she opened the Quran to find a promise that by staying on the path of Allah, she would find freedom. Bound by strict laws and traditions, she felt suffocated, unable to find the liberation promised by her religion. Despite her efforts to adhere to the teachings of the Quran, Kira found herself sinking deeper into despair.
“I could not find the freedom I was searching for,” she confesses, her voice tinged with sadness. “The more I searched, the heavier my heart became.” The weight of her struggles ultimately affected her academic performance, leaving her grappling with failing grades and a sense of hopelessness. “I was in trouble,” she realised.
Encountering the Living Jesus
Amidst the darkness, a flicker of light emerged in the form of Natalya, a hidden missionary within Kira’s Muslim community. Natalya covertly shared the name of Jesus, introducing Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life. It ignited a spark of curiosity within Kira’s heart.
In a moment of desperation during her final exams, Kira prayed silently to Jesus for the first time in her life, pleading for Him to reveal Himself and offer guidance. “I didn’t know how [to pray],” she said, “but I called on this Jesus who was the Way.”
To her amazement, peace washed over her, and she felt a presence unlike anything she had experienced before. As her exam results arrived, showing she had graduated cum laude, Kira realized that Jesus was with her, guiding her steps and demonstrating His love in tangible ways. “He cared and He loved me,” she declared, her eyes shining with newfound faith.”
Kira’s Ongoing Discipleship
Sadly, as is often the case, Kira’s encounter with the living Jesus was met with fierce opposition from her family and friends. Despite the persecution she faces, she remains steadfast in her belief, testifying to the transformative power of Jesus. She is being discipled and is growing in her faith with the support of Natalya, Harvesters’ missionary in this Muslim community.
Kira’s testimony serves as a powerful reminder that true freedom is found not in adherence to religious laws but in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As she continues to navigate the complexities of her newfound faith, let us stand in prayer with Kira and other new believers like her. May her testimony inspire others to seek the living Jesus and experience the boundless freedom found in His embrace.
Names changed for security reasons
Pray with Us: Pastors Kidnapped and Killed
Let’s pray together for pastors in Ethiopia who are facing threats, kidnappings and even killings. Below, you will find some prayer points to guide you as your partner with us in prayer.
Daily Struggles
Harvesters’ pastors are demonstrating astounding resilience in the face of immense pressure. Rebel groups are prowling the area, and even as Harvesters arrived recently to Adama for training there were reports of rebels nearby. This imminent threat of violence is something local pastors such as Ps Nigussi are dealing with every day.
“The rebels come to the church and ask for money,” he reports. “They take people, they kidnap people and keep them for ransom.”
In spite of the surrounding dangers, 26 courageous church planters gathered for Phase C training with Harvesters to study homiletics and sermon preparation.
“These pastors are really suffering,” shares Ps Nigussi, “But they are committed, they are eager, and they are devoted to plant more churches and preach the Gospel.”
Tragedy Strikes
During our time spent with these inspiring leaders, one tragic story came to light that illustrates the unthinkable difficulties they’re facing.
Pastor Shaferu, described as a “strong, energetic young pastor”, was one of the first pastors trained by Harvesters in Ethiopia and has just graduated from the programme.
He shared how his father-in-law, also a pastor who has planted several churches in the area, was kidnapped and held captive for a harrowing 10 to 15 days. Despite the frantic attempts of his family to find him, their efforts proved futile. Ultimately, a ransom demand came – an exuberant amount of half a million Ethiopian birr.
As they scrambled to source a solution, the captors took a heinous turn and mercilessly ended the father-in-law’s life. Heartbreakingly, the family have been unable to bury their loved one as a result.
These distressing events highlight the perilous situations faced by pastors in this region. Their courage, commitment and faithfulness is truly inspiring, but they need our prayers!
Pray with Us
- Praise God for faithful and courageous labourers like Pastors Shaferu and Nigussi (pictured above). Thanks to believers like them, the Gospel is still being preached in the midst of unimaginable personal pressure.
- As Jesus said to his disciples, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” (Matt 10:16). This passage of Scripture is particularly relevant to leaders and believers in Ethiopia. Let’s pray fervently for the Lord’s strength and protection.
- Ask God to intervene and bring an end to the cycle of violence. Let’s pray that the rebels will be transformed by the Gospel.
- Extend your prayers to Ps Shaferu and his family at this tragic and distressing time. Pray for God to bring comfort to them in their grief.
Kenya Rejoices Over Bibles
In October 2023, Harvesters had the privilege of delivering 2,600 local-language Bibles to newly planted churches in Kenya. As Student Pastors faithfully evangelise and plant churches in communities with no Christian presence, there comes a desperate cry for Bibles – a precious lifeline for God’s people.
Thanks to the support of partners and donors like you, Harvesters distributed God’s Word to disciples in 63 newly planted churches across the challenging terrains of Bungoma, Busia and Siyaya counties. Although the roads were difficult, it was all worth it to meet our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ who were overcome with joy. Below are some powerful testimonies of impact from those who received their very first Bible.
Muslim-Background-Believer Receives God’s Word
Isah Marida, once a follower of Islam, discovered faith in Christ when Harvesters planted a church in her hometown of Busia. The recently established congregation is flourishing with new believers, and the members can now strengthen their spiritual journey following the distribution of God’s Word. Isah, one of the recipients of a Bible, is advancing in her understanding and connection with Christ.
Just Two Bibles for the Whole Church
Pastor Judith Baraza, a student of Harvesters in Busia County, previously only had two Bibles to share among her congregation. Now, every member has their own Bible to read, study and use to grow closer to God. She is thankful to Harvesters and partners for providing this precious gift.
Displaying God’s Love
Leonardo Pierro, a new believer, explained that previously he was “struggling” to understand what was being preached at church. Upon being handed a Bible of his very own he thanked God. “Now, even me, I can preach, I can teach, I can do anything for God. Thank you for remembering me,” he rejoiced. “See how God loves me!”
Widespread Impact of God’s Word
Pastor Bonventure Ogola expressed his appreciation for Harvesters’ training programme, highlighting newcomers embracing faith and a positive impact on his congregation. He attested, “They have changed from their traditional ways to godly ways.” Expressing gratitude for the Bibles they received, Pastor Bonventure explained that these sacred books will help his church to “reveal the One” and bring about transformation in people’s lives and the community.
Reaching More with the Gospel
Pastor James Lukorito’s congregation will use their new Bibles to witness to others about Christ. Previously they were short of Bibles and many congregants didn’t have one. “But now, thanks to your help, it will be easy for us to reach more people than ever before with the Gospel,” shares Ps James.
Praising God for His Gift
Doreen Mercy is in her church choir and longed for a Bible of her own. “Once we were told to go and read some verses,” she shared, “and I was wondering where I would read them because I didn’t have a Bible.” Harvesters was privileged to hand Doreen her very first Bible and she rejoiced and praised God for the wonderful gift.
A Desire to Reach the Nations
Levina Okumu possesses a fervent evangelical heart. As a student of Harvesters, she credited the training programme with helping her to grow spiritually. Upon receiving Bibles from Harvesters, Levina thanked God, saying “I want to reach many people and many nations to teach them the Word of God.”
Going Deeper in God’s Word
Pastor Grace Ajiambo Juma only had three Bibles in her church which were primarily used by the leaders. Receiving Bibles from Harvesters has brought significant change for her congregation. “Now when I read Scripture, people will be able to follow along,” she rejoices. “You have done something great by bringing these Bibles to us, they are really important to us. We will continue reading God’s Word and learning.”
Pray with Us: Southeast Asia
Harvesters is expanding the Kingdom in Southeast Asia as new believers come to Christ. Local pastors are working faithfully; however, challenges abound as they evangelise in enemy territory, and we are calling on you to pray with us for them. Below you will find prayer points to guide you.
Expansion in Southeast Asia
In 2023, Harvesters opened a new nation in Southeast Asia for church-planting: Indonesia. As the country with the largest Muslim population globally – home to 13% of the world’s Muslim inhabitants – Indonesia presents a critical opportunity to reach the lost, establish churches and train pastors.
Overseeing church-planting in the Bali region are Ps Ongke and his wife Shelley. Their journey began with fervent prayers seeking the Lord’s guidance for the next steps of their church. When they encountered Harvesters church-planting methodology, it became clear that this was the path God intended for them in this season. Sister Shelley described her heart being “on fire” as Harvesters’ vision aligned with God’s calling for their future.
“This is the tool we were praying for,” said Ps Ongke. “It will help us to produce more leaders and more churches.” Already a group of key leaders has commenced the training programme. They started with six church plants and have recently planted two more.
Reaching Out
After successfully presenting Phase A in Bali, we travelled to the island of Borneo to present Harvesters’ methodology and vision to leaders in Kalimantan. We joined them for an outreach to a nearby village.
It was a privilege to see the transformative impact of the church in action as they went from house to house bringing food, caring for people, and looking for opportunities to share the Gospel in this primarily-Buddhist community.
We saw how God’s Word transformed the lives of many people, leading individuals to accept Jesus Christ. Together, we spent time in praise and worship, celebrating what God had done in their lives. So please pray with us for the Church in Indonesia, that God will not only establish His Church here, but also see it grow as more and more people come to faith, as they respond to the Gospel.
Obstacles to Overcome
It’s not easy to evangelise in this part of the world. Pastors often travel in pairs to navigate the obstacles they face. Travelling by motorbike through treacherous mud often requires two or more people to push the bike when it gets stuck. Moreover, travelling together enhances their safety because pastors are uncertain how their message of salvation will be received village-to-village.
Prayer Points
- Thank the Lord for opening the way in Indonesia. Let’s pray for the establishment of a thriving Christian presence throughout Southeast Asia.
- Pray protection over the pastors who take huge risks to bring the Gospel to the lost. Ask God to fortify them with wisdom, discernment and faith.
- Pray that the hearts of those who hear the message of Good News will be open to receiving Christ as their Saviour.
- Seek God’s strength for the leaders undergoing training. Pray for spiritual growth, effective leadership and the courage to boldly spread the Gospel. May they become influential leaders, producing more churches and disciples in Southeast Asia.
Newsletter – February 2024
Download your newsletter here. It’s filled with transformative stories and impactful updates to encourage you today.
Discover how Harvesters is bringing over 25 years of evangelism, discipleship and church-planting experience to Europe, and opening the way through our Disciple Makers Course. Plus, take a deep dive into the jungles of South America, and catch up on the latest developments in South Africa.
Thank you for making a Kingdom impact through your continued prayers and financial support. Together, we continue the pursuit to close the gap and reach the lost for Christ.
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Pray with Us: Ivory Coast
Since 2018, Harvesters has been equipping pastors to establish churches through evangelism in Ivory Coast. With thirteen Streams (church planting movements) successfully established and more on the horizon in the coming months, your prayers play a crucial role in helping pastors maintain this momentum and overcome challenges. Join us in praying for Ivory Coast using the provided prayer points below.
The Successful Impact of Harvesters’ Training
Over the last year, five new Streams have been launched in the eastern side of Ivory Coast where training has proved to be a resounding success. Harvesters recently travelled to the towns of Bondoukou, Agnibilékrou and Abengourou to present Phase A of the curriculum, and to Bouna and Tanda to conduct Kick Off launches of the programme.
Pastor Fabrice from Bondoukou, who is overseeing the church planting efforts in the east, was delighted to share how much momentum he is now seeing in his region. Pastors who have been ministering in one church for 10 or 20 years have been mobilised to become church-planters and to reach the lost with the Gospel.
In addition to establishing these new eastern Streams, we also visited Abidjan in the south for the graduation ceremony of 70 pastors who have successfully completed the programme. It was uplifting to see the same enthusiasm for God’s mission amongst the graduates as we experienced with those in the east embarking on their church-planting journeys. The impactful testimony of Ps Adieque, who has planted 22 churches since joining Harvesters in 2018, serves as a testament to the profound influence of the training.
Dealing with False Ministers
Ps Fabrice went on to explain some of the challenges they face in Ivory Coast. Firstly, he highlighted an issue of charlatan pastors who are not interested in reaching the lost for Christ or discipling believers. Instead, they are pursuing power, position, even fame.
These deceptive spiritual leaders, who are concerned with money and control, often preach a false prosperity gospel or promise mystical performances. Sadly, it tarnishes the reputation of all pastors and affects the ministry of those who are doing the Lord’s work. Our prayers are needed to fortify them against these challenges.
Thankfully, the Lord is already bringing together a group of genuine and reliable leaders. As the word of Harvesters is spreading, more and more pastors are coming to be trained, drawing pastors back to the biblical mission of making Jesus known.
Surrounded by Islam
Bondoukou is known as the town of a thousand mosques. “That means we have to go further in establishing churches,” says Fabrice, although he admits that’s not easy because the average person you encounter as you evangelise is likely a Muslim.
However, with the Lord’s help evangelism will always be fruitful, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Pastors in Tanda realised this when they were challenged to go and share the Gospel. They reported that the visual tool provided by Harvesters was impactful, because if they had gone out with a Bible in their hands, no one would have given them any attention.
Twelve pastors went out and presented to 66 people… and 31 accepted Christ as their Saviour! What a miraculous outcome, proving the field is ripe for harvest.
Urgent Prayer for Ivory Coast
- Pray for fruitfulness. As pastors evangelise and minister, pray that the message of the true Gospel will be heard and accepted.
- Pray for the salvation of the lost, including the false priests and the Muslims in the eastern region and throughout Ivory Coast.
- Pray for the new believers who have come to faith in Christ. Pray over their discipleship journeys in the new churches that will be planted and pray that more will be added to their number.
- Let’s join pastors like Fabrice in their vision to see ‘the town of a thousand mosques’ become saturated with churches, breaking down strongholds and bringing forth transformation.
- Praise the Lord for the pastors who have committed to planting churches. Pray for all the Student Pastors as they study, minister and reach the unreached.
Taking a God Perspective
Across Eurasia, where challenges abound, Harvesters persists in the mission to spread the Gospel. The region, rife with conflicts, wars and opposition, poses dangers and we cannot be specific about where we are working. But we can say how encouraged we are by the dedication of local leaders who choose to take a God perspective– viewing challenges not as hindrances but as opportunities to make a profound impact.
Taking a God Perspective on War
There is a well-publicised war currently raging in Eastern Europe that is affecting most of the Eurasia region. In addition, there are further conflicts that the rest of the world knows little about. Our Regional Director in the area explains that this poses “big challenges” for local leaders.
However, with remarkable faith, she goes on to express that instead of seeing the dangers, she is choosing to see it as an “adventure with the Lord to go wherever He sends, even if it’s difficult and dark,” because there are numerous opportunities created for the Gospel during times of war.
“It’s horrible to go through conflict,” she continues. “It’s horrible to see people die. But it’s amazing if you look at it from a perspective that God is giving the church an opportunity to actually be the light, to be the salt, and to reach out to others in the midst of this. People are hopeless and we have the answer… And when we come from that perspective, it’s no more a challenge, it becomes an opportunity. And we have seen churches use this opportunity and have grown tremendously.”
Taking a God Perspective on Persecution
Persecution for spreading the Gospel is a stark reality in this vast and diverse region. The extent and nature of persecution varies country-to-country from legal restrictions to ostracisation and even violence from communities.
In this spectrum of religious freedom, the Lord provides creative opportunities for sharing the Gospel. In some nations, you are free to share your testimony – but only if asked. Sharing personal faith journeys is a powerful tool which can lead to further discussions and, hopefully, provide the chance to introduce someone to Jesus.
Evangelists in Eurasia know that it’s the Holy Spirit who works in the hearts of people, and the Lord will make the right connections for them. They are not alone. “You have to really trust the Lord,” shares one of Harvesters’ key leaders in the region. “But He wants them to hear and so He always creates the opportunities for them.”
“We will continue to preach the Gospel because that’s the Commission,” the Regional Director adds. “So, we enjoy every minute of it.”
Taking a God Perspective on Belonging
Whichever legal restrictions exist, persecution still often comes from families, communities, and other religions. Even individuals themselves face challenges from within, such as a fear of rejection or a conflict of identity.
Local leaders in Eurasia explain how people tie their identity to their culture, their ethnicity, their religion. This connection is so profound that adopting a faith in Jesus is not merely a change in religion but is perceived as abandoning one’s ethnicity and culture, and can result in family members becoming ashamed or angry. Our leaders in the region sadly recount times when fathers have beaten or stoned their sons for becoming Christians.
That’s why the focus is not on changing someone from Orthodox, Buddhism or Islam to Christianity. The message of Jesus is to take people from sin to life; to become a member of His family, a citizen of heaven, possessing Kingdom culture. It’s not about conversion to a Western religion, it’s about moving from death to life – and this transcends cultural boundaries and results in true freedom.
It’s not an easy decision, there is a cost to following Jesus as He told us there would be (Mt 10:16-22). But, in choosing to see God’s perspective, “it’s a privilege to see people say that Jesus is worth it,” says the Regional Director for Eurasia. “And that gives [us] the courage to continue and to conquer these challenges and think that if they can do it, I can do it too.”
God’s Mission
In Eurasia, where conflicts abound, the mission of Harvesters remains to lead people from sin to Jesus. We have a deep love for the lost people within these nations. The resilience of leaders ministering on the ground, choosing to see God’s perspective of the obstacles they face, is inspiring. Harvesters is training pastors and mobilising churches to reach the unreached, and in the words of one passionate leader, “We trust the Lord that this will really bring the greater harvest that we desire to see.”
Changing the Landscape of Peru’s Heroic City
In the heart of South America, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, lies Peru—a beloved nation grappling with distinctive challenges.
Peruvian leaders Ps Daniel and Ps Victor explained the difficulties they are facing both inside and outside the church – from a lack of committed disciples and an absence of training, to tackling violent drug culture and extreme poverty.
Obstacles to Overcome
The religious fabric in Peru weaves together Catholic traditions and indigenous beliefs, creating a complex tapestry where the essence of the true Gospel is at times diluted. Pastor Victor describes it as ‘Gospel-lite,’ pinpointing a lack of discipleship as a contributing factor.
“There is a huge necessity,” he emphasises. “What we lack is getting church members to disciple others. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart to Harvesters Ministries for coming here to Peru… to put hands to work in response to the need for discipleship.”
Another prevalent issue is the abandonment of churches as pastors exit the ministry. Congregations are left as sheep without a shepherd, creating an urgent need for pastoral training.
Moreover, fear grips communities, especially after nightfall. Few dare to venture out and windows are securely barred. Many live without electricity or water, including some of the pastors. Despite this, visiting the homes of these beloved pastors gives a tangible sense of standing in a “pocket of joy” amidst the darkness.
Harvesters Responds
Harvesters recently travelled to the city of Chiclayo in northern Peru to meet with these pastors and respond to their call for support. Known as the ‘Heroic City’, Chiclayo has a proud and victorious history, but is spiritually lost.
We presented training and strategies for church-planting to more than 60 eager and enthusiastic leaders. “We are very grateful to this church-planting movement that has come to equip us,” said Ps Daniel. “It was a great blessing… because we learned discipleship strategies, and we are now breaking through and starting to plant new churches.”
The Work Has Already Begun
In fact, since our last visit, some local pastors have already started planting churches. We are so encouraged to see their heart and commitment!
For instance, after being equipped by Harvesters, Pastor Juan was “encouraged and blessed with a new mindset” for church-planting. He has since planted a church in a nearby town with 18 people. He is in the process of instating a leader for that church so he can go to other unreached communities to plant more churches. “[Church planting] is not easy,” he shared, “but I believe that we have to make an effort and make the sacrifice because the Bible says that He gives strength to the weak and we believe Him. We really want to continue the task. Thanks to Harvesters we are a step ahead.”
And Pastor Daniel has planted churches in Jaén and Guaral and each has a pastor. A new church is being planted in Sierra de Lambayeque where four people recently gave their lives to Christ. “We are ready to start meeting every Thursday and start discipling them” he reports.
Prayer Points
- Pray for the people of Peru who are dead in their sins feeling broken and desperate. That the Holy Spirit would soften their hearts to receive the Gospel.
- Pray with us that Chiclayo becomes the city of victories, a heroic place, once again. That by proclaiming the victory of Christ it becomes a refuge for lonely, broken and desperate people.
- Pray for the 60 pastors who are willing to do whatever it takes to evangelise the lost, plant churches and disciple believers in some of the most spiritually hardened communities of Chiclayo, Peru. As Ps Daniel says, “The harvest is ready and we are the ones called, the ones that God chose to be able to collect the largest harvest in recent times. How will we do it? Through planting churches and making disciples who make disciples.”
- Pray for the development of more leaders and pastors who are committed to the Great Commission.
Bridging the Gospel Gap in Madagascar
Harvesters is committed to reaching the unreached through evangelism, often venturing into some of the most challenging and remote areas of the world. This is exemplified through the ministry of pastors in Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean with a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
Bridging the Gap
Christianity in Madagascar was introduced by early European missionaries in the 19th century, but many communities, especially in the rural and isolated regions, have yet to experience the transformative power of the Gospel. Harvesters Ministries recognises this gap and has taken on the crucial role of bridging it.
Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is home to over 30 million people. From among them The Joshua Project has identified 11 unreached people groups totalling half a million people, highlighting the immense need for church planting and Gospel outreach.
Harvesters is Responding
We recently held a Kick Off event in Antananarivo, the capital city, where we presented our church-planting model to a new group of pastors. There was an overwhelming response as 102 new leaders eagerly signed up, ready to take on the mantle of church planting.
These dedicated individuals wasted no time, immediately going out to evangelise, resulting in 250 people giving their hearts to the Lord that day. This is a testament not only to the effectiveness of the tools and training from Harvesters, but the readiness of the local pastors to bring about transformative change in their communities.
Finding the Opportunities
Pastor Bertrant ministers in the south of the island. He travels by foot to some of the most forgotten places in the extreme heat. Sadly, many of these impoverished villages have no food to eat. He believes the Good News is the solution; it’s their only hope.
Madagascar suffers from extreme climate conditions that affect all aspects of life – from severe heat and drought to cyclones and flooding. When Pastor Alain, Country Leader for Madagascar, was asked how they prepare for an oncoming cyclone, he responded, “We gather all our resources and money. Then when the storm hits and people are left without food and clothing, we go out and provide for the community.”
In the middle of difficult and disastrous circumstances, these local leaders choose to see the opportunities.
Accelerating the Mission
Pastors in Madagascar face significant challenges to evangelism such as walking long distances, suffering scorching heat and encountering communities with limited access to education.
Through the support of friends like you, Harvesters is training pastors in evangelism and discipleship methods, as well as supplying resources such as the Heart of Man Chart, a powerful visual tool that transcends literacy barriers to effectively communicate the Gospel message.
We have also provided three key leaders with bicycles to help accelerate the mission. By foot, a pastor can reach one village on average per day; with a bicycle they can reach three.
With 11 unreached people groups still on the island, there is much work to be done. However, through the dedicated efforts of Harvesters’ pastors and the support of individuals like you, the Kingdom of God is advancing in Madagascar. By planting churches, making disciples and bringing the light of the Gospel to even the most forgotten corners, Harvesters Ministries is bringing the Kingdom of God to the unreached, one soul at a time.
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Ore conosco: Bíblias estão sendo queimadas!
No coração da Tanzânia, uma realidade devastadora está se desdobrando… uma comunidade de seguidores muçulmanos está comprando bíblias, não para reverência, mas para destruição, no entanto, onde as chamas do radicalismo ameaçam consumir a Palavra de Deus, a esperança brilha. Na cidade de Tabora, mais de 100 pastores se reuniram com uma empolgação incontida para as sessões inaugurais do programa de treinamento dos Harvesters, apropriadamente conhecido como “Kick Off” ou “Pontapé Inicial”.
Os desafios são inegáveis, e a urgência é real, mas no meio da adversidade, há um chamado à oração que pode fazer uma diferença incrível. Veja os pontos de oração abaixo.
Superando desafios
O Dr. Patrick Mbota, um líder chave para os Harvesters na Tanzânia, compartilhou uma perspectiva crítica sobre os desafios enfrentados. Ele destacou o rápido crescimento da população muçulmana na região, que foi “empoderada com dinheiro e materiais”.
Em resposta, os Harvesters veem o treinamento pastoral e o plantio de igrejas como a solução para contrapor essa influência. Estamos focados em fortalecer as comunidades cristãs e capacitar os pastores locais a espalhar a mensagem de Cristo com confiança.
Apesar do desafio evidente, os 106 pastores nos surpreenderam com sua vontade de espalhar a mensagem de Jesus. Para uma das sessões do treinamento, eles foram para as ruas de uma área densamente povoada por muçulmanos para evangelizar. Sua fé ousada resultou em 47 vidas sendo transformadas por Cristo!
A notícia mais devastadora é que algumas comunidades muçulmanas estão comprando todas as Bíblias que podem encontrar para que não estejam disponíveis para os cristãos – e as estão queimando! Você consegue imaginar viver em uma cidade onde suas Bíblias queridas estão sendo destruídas?
Felizmente, os Harvesters Ministries estão comprometidos em colocar a Palavra de Deus diretamente nas mãos dos crentes através do nosso projeto “Primeira Igreja, Primeira Bíblia”, em parceria com a Biblica, para que nenhum cristão seja privado deste tesouro que transforma vidas.
Oportunidades para o futuro
As oportunidades na Tanzânia são vastas. Durante os dias de treinamento, ficou evidente que para cada pastor presente, havia inúmeros colegas e amigos em todo o país ansiando pela orientação dos Harvestersno plantio de igrejas.
Além disso, dois pastores corajosos viajaram de um país vizinho onde é muito perigoso se envolver abertamente no ensino cristão, e estão determinados a retornar e “alcançar os perdidos a qualquer custo”. Infelizmente, em sua situação, o custo é um risco iminente, e devemos orar fervorosamente por eles.
O Dr. Patrick tem uma visão poderosa para o futuro. Ele compartilha: “É minha oração que, dentro de três a cinco anos, se pudermos obter Bíblias quando ministramos, começaremos a discipular as pessoas, e dentro de cinco anos, a Tanzânia estará em chamas por Jesus.”
Ore conosco
- Louve a Deus pelos seguidores comprometidos de Cristo em toda a Tanzânia, representados pelos 106 pastores que se reuniram no recente Kick Off. Ore por sua contínua coragem e paixão diante da crescente adversidade.
- Erga os dois pastores corajosos que estão determinados a alcançar os perdidos em um país vizinho perigoso. Ore por sua segurança, proteção divina e para que seu ministério dê muito fruto apesar dos riscos que enfrentam.
- Ore para que a Palavra de Deus permeie a região e que todo cristão tenha acesso a uma Bíblia. Ore pelo nosso projeto “Primeira Igreja, Primeira Bíblia” em parceria com a Biblica.
- Ore para que o radicalismo e a hostilidade contra o Cristianismo sejam transformados pelo amor e pela verdade de Cristo. Peça para que os corações se abram e vidas sejam transformadas através de encontros com Jesus.
- Vamos nos unir ao Dr. Patrick em oração por sua visão de ver a Tanzânia “em chamas por Jesus!”