You Have Fed 80 Families in South Africa
Harvesters Hands of Hope
Thanks to your gifts, Harvesters’ Hands of Hope project, established in the aftermath of the looting in South Africa, was able to respond swiftly. Within a matter of days, food was on its way to the Mboza region of KwaZulu-Natal Province.
Immediately the reports came in of very grateful individuals who had received provisions. So far, 80 families have been fed in the worst hit area, Jozini. Danie and Erika, who train Harvesters student pastors there, explained, “In our terms, a family is at the most 5 people. In their terms a family is anything between 10 to 15 people,” meaning even more needy people have been helped.
None of this would have been possible without your generous support. The cost of a food parcel for a family of 5 (although often shared with more), costs £15/R280/US$20. That small price provides enough food for around ten days.
There’s Nothing Left
This is not a simple matter of a few shops being robbed. ATMs and other fixtures have been hauled out of walls. Entire shopping malls resemble construction sites. Buildings have been set alight and residential areas have been attacked. The whole region is lacking resources that have been destroyed or stolen.
Roads have been shut, cutting off supply chains. Proof of residence is now required for purchases and “if you don’t live in the area where there is a shop, the check points don’t allow you through,” explain Danie and Erika. People feel isolated, vulnerable and helpless.
“Nothing is left!” they report. “Massmart, a major shopping centre, and Affrox, a gas store, are up in flames. People are queueing for food, and friends of ours that own a little Kwikspar had to turn appropriately 400 people away. They ordered food and they’ve had to organise security to protect the truck coming in.”
Shops that have supplies are implementing a ‘take only what you can carry’ system. No cars allowed. People are queueing for hours and yet when it’s their turn, there’s nothing left.
Not Over Yet
The aftershock of the frenzy will reverberate for a long time to come. Expectedly, product prices have shot through the roof, making basic food items “totally unaffordable” for the second poorest area in South Africa.
“Something that is heavily on my heart is that a lot of business owners are not going to rebuild,” reflects Erika. “Please pray for them as well. The estimated job losses so far for KwaZulu-Natal are approximately 20,000.”
A Widow’s Pain
All of this comes on top of South Africa’s present third wave of Covid-19. One poor widow lost her grandson to Covid in the middle of the looting. Days later, her first born also passed away from the virus!
“Yesterday she received food parcels,” reports Danie. “Her gratitude was intensely touching as she had family that came to support her and could now feed them. A little bit of kindness and care brought some comfort and hope for this widow as she saw the manifestation of Jesus in action.”
The Light is Stronger than the Darkness
A small percentage caused the chaos felt by everyone. Yet, the South African community spirit is growing higher and louder. “It is absolutely incredible how communities are coming together, exchanging goods and as far as possible protecting one another,” observe Danie and Erika. “In many areas clean up teams have started to clear the rubbish. Trading has become active with ‘I swap you 6 eggs for two toilet rolls.’ Communities are closer than ever.”
Thanks to you, Harvesters Hands of Hope is also providing some relief. Your gift today will make a difference. Prayerfully consider giving:
£15/R280/US$20 to feed a family of 5 for 10 days.
£30/R560/US$40 to feed two families
£45/R840/US$60 to feed three families.
Update 3rd August 2021
A further seven tons of food (including maize, rice, oil, soya mince, soup, sugar, tins of fish, soap and potato chips for the children) was delivered to the Jonzini Mboza area in the last few days. All thanks to the generous giving of our Harvesters friends around the world who helped project Hands of Hope SA to respond to this crisis. Together with the first delivery described above, around 2000 people have been fed!
The shock is starting to sink in for people. “We encountered a different atmosphere than ever before,” described Erika and Danie. “Some great excitement, some just completely speechless and then those that burst out in tears. Life here on the border of Mozambique and Swaziland is hard, and you seldom find an African woman crying. They are exposed to so much in life that they have become quite resilient.”
“We focused very much on the elderly, orphans and disabled. We want to thank everyone for their contribution in giving,” they said. “The churches are incredibly grateful and they know exactly who needed the food the most in the communities.”
“With the second food run I have realised looking at the response time, that the first round was really a miracle,” reflected Beyers, the Regional Director for Southern Africa. “With the second round we faced many obstacles. We are very grateful for all the donations that Harvesters received to make this possible.”
Urgent – South Africa Needs Your Help
There is a crisis unfolding in South Africa, the likes of which has never been seen. In the midst of a severe third wave of Covid, the nation has watched in disbelief as looters have plundered and destroyed towns and cities. The carnage resembles the worst images invoked by a dystopian movie. In some places in the provinces of KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng the High Street businesses and shops are all gone. Schools and factories, warehouses and critical infrastructures lie in ruins – stripped and destroyed, and in some cases burnt. Latest estimates say over 200 shopping malls were looted, plus thousands of shops, clinics, pharmacies, storage places and hundreds of trucks. Supply chains have collapsed, and the coming hunger is going to make things worse. So far over one hundred looters have lost their lives, either in stampedes or have been shot as the mobs tried to invade local communities where locals are now trying to protect their property.
The impact is going to be felt for a long time. Some of the smaller towns have no remaining shops and there is no supply chain to provide even basic necessities. All the ATMs were ransacked and destroyed. There is nowhere to buy bread, get medication or even see a doctor.
Cool heads are called for. Believers need to maintain a healthy perspective. Please note, probably less than 1% of the population actively took part in this looting. 100% will be affected. Even in the provinces where there was no violence fuel is already in short supply and people are scared. This is the time for the church to step up and make a difference. Harvesters Ministries too.
The churches we have planted, our hub leaders and even some of our licensed trainers are going to be severely impacted. Depending on where they live there is simply no food available. No medical service, little security. As their own members start to feel the impact there will be no income. With no fuel they will not be able to travel. The pandemic has already shut their churches. Now is the time to help.
Harvesters has launched project Harvesters Hands of Hope – South Africa. Your gift will save the lives of pastors and fellow believers. We cannot take on the enormous task of helping everyone but we can make a difference for those who preach the Gospel. People desperately need the Lord and we desperately need to help those who must bring light into this deep darkness. The problem will persist for some time and Harvesters is going to need your support in prayer and gifts. Help us help our brothers and sisters. Pray for us as we seek ways to get the aid to those who need it.
Prayers for the Displaced People of Cabo Delgado
The people from the northernmost province of Mozambique need your prayers. In Cabo Delgado violent attacks have come from non-state armed groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. “The growing Islamic insurgency by the ISIS group al-Shabab is at its worst since its inception in 2017,” explains Thinus Botha, the Harvesters Director for East Africa.
The pace and scale of the attacks have increased notably in the past two years, with the late-March 2021 assault on Palma, and associated killings of foreigners, receiving worldwide attention. Attacks include setting fire to people’s homes, seizing towns, massacres, and beheadings. Originally instilling terror to rural communities from the shadows, the terrorist group has now moved into the open.
A Child’s Crisis
Overall, the insurgency has caused around 3,000 deaths, of which 1,500 were civilians, and has displacednearly 800,000 people. As International Children’s Day came and went on June 1st, at least 2,000 minors were without their families. “What is happening in Cabo Delgado is a children’s crisis,” said James Elder of UNICEF. “There are multiple, unverified reports of boys forcibly recruited into the fighting, and girls abducted to serve as so-called “wives” to militants.”
Harvesters Ministries Responds
“At Harvesters Ministries we believe wholeheartedly that Jesus Christ is the hope of the world, and He chooses to bring that hope through His local church. We have more than 80 churches standing ready to assist and mediate in this dire situation,” says Thinus, who also heads up Harvesters Crisis Response projects. Our Crisis Response grew out of a need to support Harvesters pastors and their congregants in times of urgent and severe circumstances. You can learn more about Crisis Response here.
“To make matters even worse hundreds of people have now contracted cholera due to the lack of clean water and the destruction of medical clinics,” shares Thinus. “Food sources have become increasingly scarce and many are on the brink of starvation.”
“We, with the help of our partners – Crisis Response Network, Mercy Air and Rise Against Hunger – are aiming to help a thousand displaced families with food for a month,” Thinus explains. “This will make a tremendous difference to these families and we’re hoping to help even more people. With your generous donations we were able to help thousands of families during the devastation of Cyclone Eloise and we trust that we will be able to help even more vulnerable people in the wake of this war-torn area of Cabo Delgado.”
The Church Must Pray!
Here are some points to help focus your prayers for your brothers and sisters in northern Mozambique:
- Pray for God’s peace that surpasses all understanding to rest on the people of Cabo Delgado (Philippians 4:7).
- For God’s divine intervention to bring an end to the insurgency. And to bring good out of what has been meant for evil (Genesis 50:20).
- Please pray for the children suffering in this region from a lack of necessities as well as being exposed to fighting, and, in some cases, being forced to join in. Plus, for the young girls who are being taken advantage of by militants.
- For our Harvesters pastors and church members. We have around 80 churches in this area who want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Pray for resilience, strength, and opportunities to share the Gospel in the majority Islamic province.
- Pray that basic needs will be met, and people will avoid the wide spreading diseases including cholera and Covid or will heal quickly.
- Pray for Harvesters Crisis Response project which aims to feed one thousand displaced families for a month.
“Pray for one another that you may be healed” – James 5:16
Orações pelos deslocados em Cabo Delgado
O povo da província mais ao norte de Moçambique precisa de suas orações. Em Cabo Delgado, ataques violentos vieram de grupos armados não estatais que juraram fidelidade ao Estado Islâmico. “A crescente insurgência islâmica do grupo ISIS al-Shabab está no seu pior nível desde o seu início em 2017”, explica Thinus Botha, o Diretor dos Harvesters na África Oriental.
O ritmo e a escala dos ataques aumentaram notavelmente nos últimos dois anos, com o ataque no final de março de 2021 a Palma, e os assassinatos associados de estrangeiros, recebendo atenção mundial. Os ataques incluem atear fogo às casas das pessoas, tomada de cidades, massacres e decapitações. Originalmente instilando o terror das sombras nas comunidades rurais, o grupo terrorista agora se apresenta abertamente.
Uma Crise Infantil
No geral, a insurgência causou cerca de 3.000 mortes, das quais 1.500 eram civis, e desabrigou quase 800.000 pessoas. Com a chegada e o fim do Dia Internacional da Criança em 1º de junho, pelo menos 2.000 menores estavam sem suas famílias. “O que está acontecendo em Cabo Delgado é uma crise infantil”, disse James Elder do UNICEF. “Existem vários relatos não verificados de meninos recrutados à força para a luta e meninas sequestradas para servir como chamadas de “esposas” de militantes.”
Harvesters Ministries Responde
“No Ministério Harvesters, acreditamos de todo o coração que Jesus Cristo é a esperança do mundo, e Ele escolhe trazer essa esperança por meio de Sua Igreja local. Temos mais de 80 igrejas prontas para ajudar e mediar nesta situação terrível ”, disse Thinus, que também lidera os projetos de Resposta à Crise dos Harvesters. Nossa resposta à crise surgiu da necessidade de apoiar os pastores dos Harvesters e seus congregantes em tempos de circunstâncias urgentes e severas. Você pode aprender mais sobre a Resposta à Crise aqui.
“Para piorar as coisas, centenas de pessoas contraíram cólera devido à falta de água potável e à destruição de clínicas médicas”, compartilha Thinus. “As fontes de alimentos tornaram-se cada vez mais escassas e muitos estão à beira da fome.”
“Nós, com a ajuda de nossos parceiros – Crisis Response Network, Mercy Air e Rise Against Hunger – pretendemos ajudar mil famílias desabrigadas com alimentos por um mês”, explica Thinus. “Isso fará uma enorme diferença para essas famílias e esperamos ajudar ainda mais pessoas. Com as vossas generosas doações, pudemos ajudar milhares de famílias durante a devastação do Ciclone Eloise e confiamos que seremos capazes de ajudar ainda mais pessoas vulneráveis na sequência desta área devastada pela guerra de Cabo Delgado. ”
A Igreja deve orar!
Aqui estão alguns pontos para ajudar a concentrar suas orações por seus irmãos e irmãs no norte de Moçambique:
- Ore pela paz de Deus que excede todo o entendimento para que possa repousar sobre o povo de Cabo Delgado (Filipenses 4: 7).
- Ore Pela intervenção divina, para que Deus possa pôr fim à insurgência. E para que se possa tirar o bem do que foi feito para o mal (Gênesis 50:20).
- Por favor, orem pelas crianças que sofrem nesta região por falta do básico, além de serem expostas a lutas e, em alguns casos, serem obrigadas a se juntarem. Além disso, pelas meninas que estão sendo exploradas pelos militantes.
- Para nossos pastores Harvesters e membros das igrejas. Temos cerca de 80 igrejas nesta área que querem ser as mãos e os pés de Jesus. Ore por resiliência, força e oportunidades para compartilhar o Evangelho na província de maioria islâmica.
- Ore para que as necessidades básicas sejam atendidas e as pessoas não se contaminem com as doenças que se propagam, incluindo cólera e Covid, ou se curem rapidamente.
- Ore pelo Projeto de Resposta à Crise dos Harvesters, que visa alimentar mil famílias desabrigadas durante um mês.
“Orem uns pelos outros para que sejam curados” – Tiago 5:16
Os frutos estão crescendo na África do Sul
Nós estamos muito orgulhosos com o excelente trabalho e comprometimento de nossos Instrutores Licenciados dos Harvesters (HLTs) que oferecem nosso Programa de Treinamento Pastoral nos 52 países em que trabalhamos. Recentemente, os HLTs Danie e Erika, que trabalham em comunidades rurais no leste da África do Sul, viajaram por seis semanas, ministrando treinamento para 14 núcleos. Um Núcleo é um grupo de alunos pastores que se desenvolvem sob um líder estabelecido naquele Núcleo. Eles recebem treinamento a cada seis meses durante seu programa de Escola Bíblica de três anos.
Desde a realização de eventos Kick Off em locais recentemente explorados até o ensino da Fase D em Núcleos estabelecidos, Danie, Erika e seus voluntários ensinaram incansavelmente por mais de um mês. “Normalmente, quando nos preparamos para um evangelismo, vários pensamentos passam por nossas mentes. Um para mim é sempre a medição – é eficaz e qual é o fruto ”, explicou Danie enquanto se preparava para semanas de visitas ao Núcleo.
Os HLTs chegaram ao Núcleo de Makhonyeni Juzini com a boa notícia de que oito novas igrejas foram plantadas lá e mais de 120 pessoas passaram a conhecer o Senhor.
“Começamos com este grupo no final de 2018 e colocamos nele os conceitos de direcionamento, evangelização, plantação de uma igreja, seleção de um líder, treinamento do novo líder e envio do novo líder para plantar uma igreja”, disse Danie. “Bem, deixe-me dizer a você que eles nos tiraram da água.” O grupo então completou seu treinamento da Fase D, estudando o Antigo Testamento.
No novo Núcleo de Kosi Bay, ocorreu um evento inicial, que explica o programa Harvesters e inclui uma tarde de divulgação. “Sempre rimos quando os pastores descobrem que depois do ensino eles precisam praticamente sair e evangelizar”, disse Danie. “Apesar de estarem fora de sua zona de conforto, eles saíram e sete pessoas aceitaram Jesus como seu salvador.”
No caminho para se encontrar com os alunos do Núcleo Welcome e do Núcleo Madonela, eles se depararam com duas crianças preenchendo buracos na estrada – criando outro grande buraco para coletar a areia! Isso trouxe a diversão necessária quando Danie e Erika – junto com seus voluntários Monique, Danie e Chris – começaram sua terceira semana agitada de treinamento. “Os 31 pastores estudantes estavam tão ansiosos para serem treinados que sempre eram pontuais”, disse Danie. “Esses dois grupos plantaram sete novas igrejas com 107 novas conversões. Estamos muito orgulhosos de sua dedicação e trabalho árduo, o que é louvável. ” Os dois Núcleos completaram o treinamento da Fase C, que ensina sobre a preparação do sermão.
A viagem ao redor da província de KwaZulu-Natal incluiu alguns contratempos infelizes. “É muito difícil chegar a este grupo porque as estradas são horríveis e tivemos mais um pneu novo furado”, chegou a informação enquanto ensinávamos no Núcleo de Kwashukela. Em outro dia, a equipe teve que voltar, porque os moradores estavam protestando por causa das péssimas condições das estradas, quebrando vidros nas estradas. Em seguida, as acomodações da equipe em Sodwana cairam, de modo que eles tiveram que fazer a viagem de ida e volta de três horas todos os dias da semana. Mesmo assim, os HLTs seguiram em frente. “Estamos maravilhados com a bondade de Deus”, disseram eles.
Uma pastora local foi questionada sobre o impacto que o treinamento dos Harvesters estava tendo. “Este programa dos Harvesters me ajudou muito porque nos ensina como plantar uma nova igreja e como ensinar os discípulos”, disse ela. “Na primeira igreja [que eu plantei] tenho 20 membros e eles gostam de estudar a Bíblia e na nova igreja tenho 24 membros.”
Mais e mais testemunhos vieram à medida que o treinamento continuava. Nos centros de Mboza e Mseleni Sodwana, nove novas igrejas foram plantadas e mais de 130 pessoas passaram a conhecer Jesus. Em um Evento Inicial em Mbazwana Danie se alegrou: “Ficamos maravilhados com o número de plantadores de igrejas em potencial e ainda tivemos que ir comprar comida extra para o almoço. Subestimamos totalmente o número de pessoas que estariam interessadas. ”
Refletindo sobre a viagem cansativa, mas frutífera, Danie disse: “Deus continua me lembrando de ser fiel com os pequenos. Lembrando-me que comecei com três viúvas e oito filhos, treze anos atrás, debaixo de uma árvore. ” A plantação de igrejas e treinamento pastoral dos Harvesters resultou em muitos frutos em KwaZulu-Natal – graças aos nossos dedicados HLTs que têm sido fiéis e consistentes.
The Fruit is Growing in South Africa
We are very proud of the outstanding work and commitment of our Harvesters Licenced Trainers (HLTs) who deliver our Pastoral Training Programme across the 52 countries we work in. Recently, HLTs Danie and Erika, who work in rural communities in eastern South Africa, journeyed for six weeks delivering training to 14 Hubs. A Hub is a group of student pastors developing under an established Hub-leader. Hubs receive training every six months during their three-year Bible School programme.
From delivering Kick Off events in newly scouted locations to teaching Phase D in established Hubs, Danie, Erika and their volunteers taught tirelessly for over a month. “Normally when we prepare for an outreach a number of thoughts race through our minds. One for me is always the measuring – is it effective and what is the fruit,” Danie explained as he prepared for weeks of Hub visits.
The Trainers arrived at the Makhonyeni Juzini Hub to the welcome news that eight new churches have been planted there and over 120 people have come to know the Lord.
“We started with this group at the end of 2018 and ploughed into them the concepts of targeting, evangelising, planting a church, selecting a leader, training the new leader and sending the new leader to plant a church,” Danie said. “Well, let me tell you they blew us out of the water.” The group then completed their Phase D training, studying the Old Testament.
At the new Kosi Bay Hub a Kick Off Event took place, which explains the Harvesters programme and includes an outreach afternoon. “We always chuckle when the Pastors find out that after the teaching they need to practically go out and evangelise,” said Danie. “Regardless of being out of their comfort-zone they went out and seven people accepted Jesus as their saviour.”
En route to meet with students from Welcome Hub and Madonela Hub, they came across two children filling in the potholes in the road – by creating another large hole to collect the sand! It brought some much-needed amusement as Danie and Erika – along with their volunteers Monique, Danie and Chris – began their third busy week of training. “The 31 Student Pastors were so eager to be trained that they were always on time,” said Danie. “These two groups have planted seven new churches with 107 new conversions. We are so proud of their dedication and hard work, which is praiseworthy.” The two Hubs completed their Phase C training which teaches sermon preparation.
The trip around the KwaZulu-Natal province included some unfortunate setbacks. “It is very difficult to get to this group as the roads are horrific and we had yet another puncture on a new tyre,” came the report while teaching at the Kwashukela Hub. Another day the team had to turn back because locals were striking over bad road conditions and breaking glass on the roads. Then their accommodation in Sodwana fell through so the team had to travel the three-hour round trip each day that week. Still, the HLTs pressed on. “We are so amazed at God’s goodness,” they said.
One local pastor was asked what impact the Harvesters training has had. “This Harvesters programme has helped me a lot because it teaches us how to plant a new church and how to teach disciples,” she said. “In the first church [I planted] I have 20 members and they like to study the Bible and in the new church I have 24 members.”
More and more testimonies came as the training continued. In the Mboza and Mseleni Sodwana Hubs nine new churches have been planted and over 130 people have come to know Jesus. At a Kick Off event in Mbazwana Danie rejoiced, “We were blown away by the number of potential Church Planters, and we even had to go and buy extra food for lunch. We totally underestimated the number of people that would be interested.”
Reflecting on the tiring but fruitful trip, Danie said, “God keeps on reminding me of being faithful with the little. Reminding me that I started with three widows and eight children, thirteen years ago under a tree.” The Harvesters church planting and pastoral training has resulted in much fruit in KwaZulu-Natal – thanks to our dedicated HLTs who have been faithful and consistent.
Your Gifts Are Training Pastors in Brazil
It’s the largest country in South America – the fifth largest in the world – with a population exceeding 211 million people. It is the leading exporter of numerous commonly consumed products, including beef, sugar and coffee. It is home to both the world’s largest rainforest as well as its fifth most populated city. We are talking about Brazil – a nation of vastness and contrast.
Thanks to your gifts, Harvesters Ministries is training pastors and planting churches from within the depths of the Amazon to the centre of the urban cities. One such region is Minas Gerais.
The Work in Minas Gerais
The southeastern state of Minas Gerais sits along the urban coastline of Brazil, where most of its population is concentrated. Harvesters began work in Minas, Brazil’s principal coffee-producing region, in 2018. At that time 11 pastors started their Harvesters training and, before the pandemic began, they had finished Phase B, ‘Preparing for Ministry’, and had planted their first churches.
Betim
The first church, led by Pastor Lourisvaldo, was planted in Betim, a city near Belo Horizonte. It opened in 2019 with 19 members and has since grown healthily in the knowledge of Christ and in the number of new converts.
In 2020, four people were converted in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. This year, the small church has already reached seven new believers. Each member of the church has learned through discipleship what it really means to be a church, to bear witness and to evangelize. They have practiced this, and the result is that people in their families who previously did not believe in Jesus are now giving themselves over to Him.
Santa Helena de Minas
In 2020, the Betim church planted its own church through evangelism in Santa Helena de Minas, Pastor Lourisvaldo’s hometown. Santa Helena is a city located in a rural region totally lacking in hearing the true Gospel of Christ Jesus.
Pastor Lourisvaldo has been making regular trips to disciple a group of people in this city and develop the faith of new converts.
Although the pandemic has hampered face-to-face meetings, much of the discipleship in these two churches, Betim and Santa Helena, has been done through virtual meetings.
Suas ofertas estão possibilitando treinar pastores no Brasil
É o maior país da América do Sul – o quinto maior do mundo – com uma população superior a 214 milhões de pessoas. É o principal exportador de vários produtos comumente consumidos, incluindo carne bovina, açúcar e café. É o lar da maior floresta tropical do mundo e também de sua quinta cidade mais populosa. Estamos falando do Brasil – uma nação de vastidão e contraste.
Graças ás suas doações, os Harvesters estão treinando pastores e plantando igrejas desde as profundezas da Amazônia até o centro das cidades urbanas. Uma dessas regiões é Minas Gerais.
O Trabalho em Minas Gerais
O estado de Minas Gerais, no sudeste, fica ao longo do litoral urbano do Brasil, onde se concentra a maior parte de sua população. Os Harvesters começaram a trabalhar em Minas, a principal região produtora de café do Brasil, em 2018. Naquela época, 11 pastores começaram seu treinamento juntos com os Harvesters e, antes que a pandemia começasse, eles haviam concluído a Fase B, ‘Preparando-se para o Ministério’, e plantado suas primeiras igrejas .
Betim
A primeira igreja, liderada pelo pastor Lourisvaldo, foi plantada em Betim, cidade próxima a Belo Horizonte. Foi inaugurado em 2019 com 19 membros e desde então tem crescido de forma saudável no conhecimento de Cristo e no número de novos convertidos.
Em 2020, quatro pessoas foram convertidas em meio à crise do Coronavírus. Este ano, a pequena igreja já alcançou sete novos crentes. Cada membro da igreja aprendeu por meio do discipulado o que realmente significa ser uma igreja, dar testemunho e evangelizar. Eles têm praticado isso, e o resultado é que as pessoas em suas famílias que antes não acreditavam em Jesus agora estão se entregando a ele.
Santa Helena de Minas
Em 2020, a igreja Betim plantou sua própria igreja por meio do evangelismo em Santa Helena de Minas, cidade natal do pastor Lourisvaldo. Santa Helena é uma cidade localizada em uma região rural totalmente carente de ouvir o verdadeiro Evangelho de Cristo Jesus.
O pastor Lourisvaldo tem feito viagens regulares para discipular um grupo de pessoas nesta cidade e desenvolver a fé dos novos convertidos.
Embora a pandemia tenha dificultado as reuniões presenciais, muito do discipulado nessas duas igrejas, Betim e Santa Helena, tem sido feito por meio de reuniões virtuais.
As suas doações estão abrindo caminhos no Brasil
Custa R$ 840,00 por ano para treinar totalmente um pastor. Isso inclui um programa abrangente de três anos durante o qual pelo menos três novas igrejas são plantadas. Sua doação ou oferta mensal de R$ 70,00 continuará a construir uma rede vital de líderes no Brasil para plantar igrejas e discipular novos crentes.
The Church is at Work in India
India has been hit hard with a devastating new wave of Covid-19 cases. Reports claim there are around 25 million cases with the death toll now over a quarter of a million. But locals believe the reality is far worse. As the case numbers appear to drop, many explain that the true reason is because the tests are running out. It is a desperate situation – yet in the midst of the darkness, our 400 Harvesters pastors are striving to be a beacon of light.
Bringing Hope to the Nation
The Harvesters Regional Director for South Asia has been in daily contact with the stream leaders in India. “They’re in the eye of the storm seeing all these horrific things happening,” he observed, “but there’s a sense of hope that they are the answer. If anybody is going to provide an answer for this situation it’s going to be the Church. They’re there to stir hope, create hope and bring hope to the nation.”
The challenges are tangible. One church planter has reported the deaths of four Harvesters pastors in his rural region of Andhra Pradesh. Another leader, who lives in a 13-story building, is surrounded by danger – 12 floors have Covid cases. He praises God that the Covid-free floor is his one.
Amid the fear, hope is shining through. The Church is at work in India.
Hospital Service
The stream leader for the western region of Maharashtra mobilised the 70-plus pastors to volunteer at the local hospitals. Overwhelmed and under-resourced, the health services are crying out for help in India’s worst-hit province. The church leaders were given a crash course in administering vaccinations and put to work. The pastors were willing to help wherever they could – from providing water and medication, to helping weak patients to the toilet. In addition to being the hands of Jesus, the pastors took every opportunity to share the Gospel. They reported that no one stopped them because their help at the hospital was so desperately needed.
Phone Call for Prayer
Not everyone is fortunate to get a bed in the overcrowded hospitals. One Harvesters leader, who had recently had a plumber do some work in his home, recalled an unexpected phone call. The plumber had become very unwell with Covid-19 and tried to get help from his local hospital – but they had no space or resources for him. He had then been rejected from the next hospital he travelled to. Weak, scared and disheartened he decided to phone the Christian he had met recently. The pastor had made a mark because he showed the worker unprecedented kindness. He had offered snacks and tea to the plumber, who is usually ignored and seen as dirty due to the type of work he does. On the phone, the Harvesters pastor prayed in the name of Jesus and thankfully, the man went on to receive treatment.
New Life in Christ
One church planter, Nizammaudin, used to be a Muslim and now spreads the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His son, Juber – who is not a Jesus follower – has seen many family friends die of Covid-19 in recent weeks. “He battled with a few questions about life after death,” said Nizammaudin, “the fear of death haunted him.” Being faced with so much tragedy caused Juber to open up to praying with his parents one evening. “As we were praying, my son started weeping and crying out to God to forgive his sins. After the prayer, he said that he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and wanted to serve the Lord,” Nizammaudin rejoiced. “The Covid-19 second wave has taken away lives of many people… but my son Juber has new life in Christ.”
These are a few of the testimonies coming out of the darkness in India. Although pain and loss are rampant, we praise God for the faithful believers bringing Hope to a broken world.
Pray for India
- Pray for those who are hearing the Gospel in the hospitals throughout the region of Maharashtra thanks to the selfless volunteer work of the Harvesters pastors there.
- Pray for the plumber who reached out for help – that he cannot ignore the true and living God who helped him.
- Pray for the church leaders all over India who are passionate about bringing hope into a seemingly hopeless situation. Pray that they will be encouraged and uplifted during this crisis.
- Pray for the Lord’s merciful intervention and for the numbers of Covid-19 cases to decrease.
- There is a severe oxygen shortage in India Some must wait days before they are even cared for. For many, that is too long. Pray that they Lord will open doors for sufficient oxygen to be provided.
- Thank God for the salvation of Juber. Cover him in prayer as he begins his new life with Christ. Pray for the ministry of Nizammaudin, who shares the Gospel to the Muslim community.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. 1 Tim 2:1
Visit our prayer wall for recent updates from the field.
A Igreja está em Ação na Índia
A Índia foi duramente atingida por uma nova onda devastadora de casos de Covid-19. Relatórios afirmam que há cerca de 25 milhões de casos com o número de mortos agora em mais de um quarto de milhão. Mas os moradores locais acreditam que a realidade é muito pior. Como o número de casos parece diminuir, muitos explicam que a verdadeira razão é porque os testes estão se esgotando. É uma situação desesperadora – no entanto, em meio à escuridão, nossos 400 Harvesters pastores estão se esforçando para serem um farol de luz naquele lugar.
Trazendo esperança para a nação
O Diretor Regional dos Harvesters no Sul da Ásia está em contato diário com os líderes na Índia. “Eles estão no centro da tempestade vendo todas essas coisas horríveis acontecendo”, observou ele, “mas há um sentimento de esperança de que eles sejam a resposta. Se alguém vai dar uma resposta para esta situação, será a Igreja. Eles estão lá para despertar esperança, criar esperança e trazer esperança para a nação. ”
Os desafios são tangíveis. Um plantador de igrejas relatou a morte de quatro pastores Harvesters em sua região rural de Andhra Pradesh. Outro líder, que mora em um prédio de 13 andares, está cercado pelo perigo – 12 andares têm caixas Covid. Ele louva a Deus porque o andr livre de Covid é o seu.
Em meio ao medo, a esperança está brilhando. A Igreja está trabalhando na Índia.
Serviço Hospitalar
O líder dos Harvesters na região oeste de Maharashtra mobilizou mais de 70 pastores para serem voluntários nos hospitais locais. Sobrecarregados e com poucos recursos, os serviços de saúde clamam por ajuda na província mais atingida da Índia. Os líderes da igreja receberam um curso intensivo sobre como administrar vacinas e começar a trabalhar. Os pastores estavam dispostos a ajudar onde pudessem – desde fornecer água e remédios até ajudar pacientes fracos a irem ao banheiro. Além de estarem nas mãos de Jesus, os pastores aproveitaram todas as oportunidades para compartilharem o Evangelho. Eles relataram que ninguém os parou porque sua ajuda no hospital era desesperadamente necessária.
Telefonema para oração
Nem todo mundo tem a sorte de conseguir uma cama em hospitais superlotados. Um líder dos Harvesters, que recentemente contratou um encanador para fazer alguns serviços em sua casa, lembrou-se de um telefonema inesperado. O encanador ficou muito doente com a Covid-19 e tentou obter ajuda de seu hospital local – mas eles não tinham espaço ou recursos para ele. Ele então foi rejeitado no hospital mais próximo para o qual viajou. Fraco, assustado e desanimado, ele decidiu telefonar para o cristão que conhecera recentemente. O pastor deixou uma marca porque mostrou ao trabalhador uma bondade sem precedentes. Ele ofereceu lanche e chá para o encanador, que geralmente é ignorado e visto como sujo devido ao tipo de trabalho que realiza. Ao telefone, o pastor dos Harvesters orou em nome de Jesus e, felizmente, o homem passou a receber tratamento.
Nova Vida em Cristo
Um plantador de igrejas, Nizammaudin, costumava ser muçulmano e agora espalha o Evangelho de Jesus Cristo. Seu filho, Juber – que não é um seguidor de Jesus – viu muitos amigos da família morrerem de Covid-19 nas últimas semanas. “Ele lutou com algumas questões sobre a vida após a morte”, disse Nizammaudin, “o medo da morte o assombrava”. Enfrentar tantas tragédias fez com que Juber se abrisse para orar com seus pais uma noite. “Enquanto orávamos, meu filho começou a chorar e implorar a Deus que perdoasse seus pecados. Depois da oração, ele disse que aceitava Jesus Cristo como seu Salvador pessoal e queria servir ao Senhor ”, disse Nizammaudin com alegria. “A segunda onda de Covid-19 tirou a vida de muitas pessoas … mas meu filho Juber tem uma nova vida em Cristo.”
Estes são alguns dos testemunhos que surgiram das trevas na Índia. Embora a dor e a perda sejam excessivas, louvamos a Deus pelos crentes fiéis que trazem Esperança a um mundo destruído.
Ore pela Índia
- Ore por aqueles que estão ouvindo o Evangelho nos hospitais em toda a região de Maharashtra, graças ao trabalho voluntário altruísta dos pastores Harvesters lá.
- Ore pelo encanador que pediu ajuda – para que ele não possa ignorar o Deus vivo e verdadeiro que o ajudou.
- Ore pelos líderes da igreja em toda a Índia que são apaixonados por trazer esperança a uma situação aparentemente desesperadora. Ore para que eles sejam encorajados e sustentados durante esta crise.
- Ore pela intervenção misericordiosa do Senhor e para que o número de casos Covid-19 diminua.
- Há uma grave falta de oxigênio na Índia. Alguns precisam esperar dias antes mesmo de receberem cuidados. Para muitos, isso é muito longo. Ore para que o Senhor abra portas para que oxigênio suficiente seja fornecido.
- Agradeça a Deus pela salvação do Juber. Cubra-o em oração enquanto ele começa sua nova vida com Cristo. Ore pelo ministério de Nizammaudin, que compartilha o Evangelho com a comunidade muçulmana.
Exorto, então, em primeiro lugar, que as petições, orações, intercessões e ações de graças sejam feitas por todas as pessoas. 1 Tim 2: 1
Newsletter – June 2021
Click the link to download our June 2021 newsletter with information on how Harvesters has adapted our training due to the Covid crisis. Plus, read the wonderful story of our recent Bible distribution trip to Lesotho and about a remarkable church planter in Vietnam.
Download the USA Newsletter – Jun 21
Download the Afrikaans Newsletter – Jun 21
Download the South Africa and International Newsletter – Jun 21
Download the UK Newsletter – Jun 21
A Joyous Journey Delivering Bibles Around Lesotho
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news – Isaiah 52:7
In March 2021 a Harvesters team travelled for a week around the mountainous terrain of Lesotho and successfully delivered over 1,000 Bibles.
The enthusiastic group of eight – who began their journey in South Africa – loaded up 1,080 Sotho-language Bibles and headed to the border. Harvesters currently has 127 churches planted in Lesotho and 98 pastors in training.
“Team Lesotho crossed the border this morning,” came the joyous report the following day. “We divided into three teams and will each visit two congregations today to hand out Bibles.”
Life-Changing Bibles
On the first day, one of the groups met Joseph in the village of Mokhehle. He is passionate about sharing the Gospel and was delighted to receive a Bible in his native language from Harvesters Ministries. “I’m so grateful because I had no Bible to share with my friends,” said Joseph, who wants to become an evangelist. “I really thank God because I’m going to share with my friends and relatives who don’t know anything about Jesus. I’m going to preach the Word. This Bible is going to help me because I want to learn more about Jesus Christ.” Bibles provided by Harvesters are in the local language so people can more easily access and know the true Gospel.
Pastor Joshua and his wife Likhama of Ha Lesia Village were especially grateful to receive their native Sotho Bibles because they have had problems with false teachings misleading new converts in their area. Harvesters Ministries distributed 16 Bibles to the leaders and congregation members of their church who can now read the Word for themselves. We pray that the Truth will become known throughout their village.
Harvesters Ministries does not simply send out boxes of Bibles, we delivery them directly into the hands of our pastors, students and congregants. We share testimonies, pray together, discuss Jesus, and help people to read and study their new Bibles. Those precious moments – such as Team Lesotho member Steven teaching two local men how to use their new Bibles to lead others to Jesus – are important elements of every Bible placement trip.
The Impact of Harvesters in Lesotho
On day two Team Lesotho was ready for their busy day ahead visiting 12 more Harvesters churches. In a rural village named Leribe is a local church that was planted by Pastor Kerabo. He has already planted three churches and has just completed his Phase C Harvesters training which covers homiletics and sermon preparation. He discussed with Francois Snyman, Harvesters’ country leader in Lesotho, the impact that the Harvesters programme has had. “The work of God has been made easier for us as pastors. We used to see the work and the harvest to be so complicated,” explains Kerabo. “But through these trainings I have learned that it is possible to win souls without any other worry of expenses and money and sound systems. I’m excited! The work of God is so great.”
Towards the end of the trip the team met Pastor Matuso, a dedicated pastor in the Mafeteng district who walks three hours each Sunday to meet with her congregation at the top of one of Lesotho’s mountains. “I have a passion of telling people about the Word of God,” she told the team, “because I have realised that people are being tortured by the devil. The Word of God is helping them to be free from the bondages.” Her church congregants received their own life-changing Bibles from Harvesters Ministries. We pray that the Truth will set them free.
Matuso, who has just finished Phase E studying the New Testament, has found the Harvesters training so useful. “It has equipped me with the knowledge that I didn’t have before,” she explained. “I have improved in many areas because of the books they have given to us. We learn how to preach, how to prepare a sermon and how to talk to people about the Word of God.”
Another leader in a remote village about 30km from the nearby town of Maseru also thanked the team for the Harvesters training. “The materials actually gave me strength,” he said. “They gave me courage to go from house to house to tell the people [about Jesus].” Travelling from Maseru every Saturday, this pastor preached faithfully in the surrounding townships that have no electricity or running water. The Lord was working through him and one of his churches now has 30 adults and 25 young people.
A Successful Trip
Throughout their week, Team Lesotho travelled thousands of kilometres on bumpy dirt tracks and through some stormy weather to deliver 1,080 Bibles to 61 churches. “It was such a blessing to meet so many faithful children of God and equip them with God’s Word,” reflected André Jooste, Harvesters Bibles for Believers’ manager, upon the team’s return. “We pray that God’s Word will not return void.”
Thanks to your donations this Bible placement has changed the lives of over a thousand believers in Lesotho.
De Assassino a Plantador de Igrejas
“Um clamor por novas igrejas e discipulado em um bairro problemático chegou até nós e decidimos ajudar”, explica François Rauch, Diretor dos Harvesters responsável pela América do Sul. Ele está se referindo a Tucumán, a menor (embora mais densamente povoada) província da Argentina.
A Argentina enfrenta problemas de direitos humanos de longa data, que incluem abuso policial, más condições carcerárias, violência endêmica contra as mulheres, dificuldade de acesso a serviços essenciais e obstáculos que impedem os povos indígenas de utilizar dos direitos que lhes são conferidos pelo direito argentino e internacional. Tucumán não é exceção. A cidade está sitiada pelo uso de drogas, violência e bruxaria.
“Enquanto caminhamos pela Rua de Trulala, Tucumán, Argentina, tenho uma sensação sinistra de que, se não fosse por Daniel nos guiando, talvez não deixaríamos a pequena vila com vida”, François refletiu sobre sua recente viagem ao país sul-americano . “Jovens agressivos nos encararam nas ruas cheias de sujeira enquanto estávamos a caminho de uma igreja recém-plantada na área.”
Seu guia local era Daniel, um pastor dos Harvesters com uma história fenomenal de transformação.
História de Daniel
Daniel foi condenado por vários assassinatos e sentenciado a muitos anos de prisão. No entanto, de dentro da prisão ele teve um encontro pessoal com Jesus Cristo e sua vida mudou completamente. Do que parecia ser o fim de sua liberdade, Daniel encontrou a verdadeira liberdade e a vida em plenitude! Ele testemunhou: “Hermano (irmão), tudo mudou!”
A mudança de caráter de Daniel o levou a apoiar e servir seus companheiros de prisão. Os guardas da prisão – e até o juiz – o elogiaram por seu excelente comportamento. Ele foi extraordinariamente solto antecipadamente. Ao voltar para casa, Daniel fez um balanço de sua amada cidade, e concluiu: “O governo tentou, sem sucesso, ajudar com nossos problemas de dependência das drogas em Tucumán. Percebi rapidamente que somente Deus – por meio da igreja – poderia nos ajudar. ”
A estratégia dos Harvesters é de se infiltrar em áreas difíceis por meio do evangelismo e do discipulado, após estas tarefas plantamos imediatamente uma igreja relevante na área. O pastor Daniel sabia que os Harvesters poderiam abrir o Caminho em Tucumán.
Daniel compartilhou as Boas Novas da liberdade vivificante de Jesus com outros viciados em drogas e muitos aceitaram a fé. Ele e Nancy, sua esposa – também uma presidiária – plantaram uma igreja em um prédio velho e dilapidado. Por meio da oração, jejum e discipulado, eles rapidamente cresceram para pouco mais de 200 viciados em drogas que procuravam por Jesus. Eles logo implementaram uma rotina de jejum na igreja para que pudessem alimentar os famintos da pequena cidade.
Daniel mal conseguia conter sua alegria enquanto passava pelo treinamento dos Harvesters em estratégias de evangelismo e discipulado. Após o treinamento de plantação de igrejas, eles decidiram plantar outra igreja em Trulala onde as mulheres vítimas de abuso pudessem ser ajudadas. “As igrejas que plantamos serão verdadeiramente a esperança em um mundo em dificuldades”, disse Daniel.
Harvesters está abrindo o caminho
Durante a viagem de François, os Harvesters continuaram o treinamento com Daniel e com outra igreja, onde 93 plantadores foram equipados. Quando o grupo foi enviado para a cidade, armado com o Evangelho, eles encontraram enormes grupos de jovens sentados. Em uma hora, mais de 400 jovens ouviram as Boas Novas e mais de 170 entregaram suas vidas a Cristo! Que notícia maravilhosa! “Foi ótimo colocá-los em algumas das igrejas recém-plantadas”, disse François.
Depois de um tremendo dia de evangelismo, Daniel, dominado pela emoção, abraçou François e com lágrimas caindo dos olhos, sussurrou: “Obrigado porque os Harvesters não se esqueceram de nós. Vocês não se esqueceram da importância do Evangelismo e do Discipulado. Nunca se esqueça de amar a Igreja. ”
“Vimos a Verdadeira Igreja, como Jesus planejou, sendo revelada diante de nossos olhos”, refletiu François sobre seu tempo na Argentina. “Saí de Tucumán com o coração feliz e sabia que – por meio da igreja – a VONTADE de Deus será feita na Argentina.” Desde seu retorno para casa, mais duas igrejas foram plantadas. Louvado seja o Senhor porque Sua Igreja continua a crescer em Tucumán por meio do ministério de crentes transformados.
Você pode fazer parceria com Harvesters para fornecer o treinamento e desenvolvimento necessários para mais de 30.000 alunos pastores em todo o mundo. Em espírito de oração, considere doar R$ 840,00 hoje ou R$ 70,0 mensais.
From Murderer to Church Planter
“A cry for new churches and discipleship in a troubled neighbourhood reached us and we decided to help,” explains Francois Rauch, Harvesters Director for South America. He is referring to Tucumán, the smallest (though most densely populated) province in Argentina.
Argentina faces long-standing human rights problems that include police abuse, poor prison conditions, endemic violence against women, difficulty accessing reproductive services, and obstacles keeping indigenous people from enjoying the rights afforded to them by Argentine and international law. Tucumán is no exception. The city is under siege by drug abuse, violence and witchcraft.
“As we walk the street of Trulala, Tucumán, Argentina I have an eery feeling that if it wasn’t for Daniel guiding us that we would perhaps not leave the tiny village alive,” Francois reflected on his recent trip to the South American nation. “Aggressive young men stared us down on the dirty streets as we were on our way to a newly planted church in the area.”
His local guide was Daniel, a Harvesters pastor with a phenomenal story of transformation.
Daniel’s Story
Daniel was convicted of numerous murders and sentenced to many years in jail. However, inside he had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and his life completely turned around. From what seemed like the end of his liberty, Daniel found true freedom and life to the full! He testified, “Hermano (brother), everything has changed!”
Daniel’s character change led him to support and serve his fellow inmates. The jail wardens – and even the judge – commended him for his excellent behaviour. He was extraordinarily granted early release. As he returned home Daniel took stock of his beloved town, observing, “The government has unsuccessfully tried to help our drug addiction problems in Tucumán. I realized quickly that only God – through the church – could help us.”
Harvesters’ strategy is to infiltrate difficult areas through evangelism and discipleship, after which we immediately plant a relevant church in the area. Pastor Daniel knew Harvesters Ministries could open the way in Tucumán.
Daniel shared the Good News of the life-giving freedom of Jesus with other drug addicts and many came to faith. He and Nancy, his wife – also a convict – planted a church in an old, dilapidated building. Through prayer, fasting and discipleship they quickly grew to just-over 200 drug addicts seeking Jesus. They soon implemented a routine of fasting in the church so that they could feed hungry people in the village.
Daniel could hardly contain his joy as he went through the Harvesters training in evangelism and discipleship strategies. After church planting training they decided to plant another church in Trulala where abused women could be helped. “The churches we plant will truly be the hope in a struggling world,” said Daniel.
Harvesters is Opening the Way
During Francois’ trip, Harvesters continued training with Daniel and with another church where 93 planters were equipped. As the group was sent out into the city, armed with the Gospel, they came across huge groups of young people sitting around. Within the hour over 400 youths had heard the Good News and over 170 gave their lives to Christ! What wonderful news! “It was great placing them into some of the newly planted churches,” said Francois.
After a tremendous day of evangelism, Daniel, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged Francois and with tears flowing whispered, “Thank you that Harvesters has not forgotten us. You have not forgotten the importance of evangelism and discipleship. Never forget to love the church.”
“We saw the true church as Jesus meant it to be unfold in front of our eyes,” Francois reflected of his time in Argentina. “I left Tucumán with a glad heart and knew that – through the church – God’s WILL will be done in Argentina.” Since his return home, two more churches have been planted. Praise the Lord that His Church continues to grow in Tucumán through the ministry of transformed believers.
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Menino sofre explosão de bomba na Etiópia
A guerra continua
Em novembro de 2020, após anos de conflito, o governo federal da Etiópia lançou um ataque ofensivo à Frente de Libertação do Povo Tigray (TPLF). A tensão aumentou após um ataque da TPLF a uma base militar do governo na região norte da Etiópia, Tigray. A guerra civil continuou. Apesar de uma falsa sensação de que o fim havia chegado em janeiro, atualmente não há expectativa de término.
Uma imensa crise humanitária surgiu, com 4,5 milhões de pessoas – a maioria da população de Tigray – com necessidade urgente de assistência. A guerra já causou milhares de mortes, destruição generalizada, desabrigou mais de 2 milhões de pessoas e enviou dezenas de milhares de refugiados para as nações vizinhas. Histórias horríveis estão surgindo sobre abusos dos direitos humanos, agressões sexuais, massacres de civis e ataques a instalações médicas e campos de refugiados. A Etiópia precisa de nossas orações!
O vencedor desta guerrilha ainda pode ser desconhecido, mas está se tornando cada vez mais evidente que as vítimas indiscutíveis são os civis da região de Tigray.
Garoto sofre explosão de uma bomba
Uma história que representa muitas outras é a de Nico *, de nove anos, filho de um líder dos Harvesters em Tigray. Algumas semanas atrás, Nico e seus amigos estavam brincando do lado de fora com seu brinquedo recém-descoberto – passando, jogando, chutando. Até que, sem aviso, explodiu. Eles haviam tropeçado em uma bomba não detonada. Nico sofreu ferimentos na cabeça, rosto e braço.
Seu pai queria levá-lo às pressas para o hospital mais próximo, mas as estradas estavam bloqueadas e ele não tinha transporte. “Foi terrível para seu pai e para as igrejas de lá”, disse Samson, outro líder dos Harvesters na Etiópia. Depois de obter permissão da base militar local para o uso de uma motocicleta de três rodas, o pai de Nico dirigiu os 60 km até um Centro de Saúde na cidade vizinha. Infelizmente, em sua chegada, eles foram informados de que os ferimentos de Nico estavam além de sua capacidade. Ele precisava de tratamento hospitalar.
Por fim, chegando a um hospital, Nico foi internado e imediatamente enviado para cirurgia. Felizmente, o médico conseguiu remover os estilhaços de seu corpo. Louvamos a Deus por Nico ter conseguido acessar o hospital e receber tratamento, apesar dos atrasos extras causados pela guerra. No entanto, o evento foi obviamente traumático para o jovem Nico. Ele ficou no hospital por duas semanas e agora está em casa se recuperando.
Tragicamente, essa história não é única. Eventos como esse ocorrem com frequência na região de Tigray, onde a guerra continua. “As crianças estão sofrendo com traumas de guerra”, diz Samson, “Algumas até perderam partes de seus corpos, perderam suas famílias, algumas delas tornaram-se órfãs. Algumas das famílias fogem da região e as crianças não sabem para onde ir. A crise está além da imaginação. ”
As crianças estão entre milhões de civis que se sentem desprotegidos e inseguros. “As explosões, os danos, o derramamento de sangue; não é fácil lidar com todas essas coisas ”, explica Samson.
A Esperança na Etiópia é a Igreja Local
A igreja local são as mãos e os pés de Jesus. Embora o acesso à região norte seja difícil e perigoso, nossos parceiros Harvesters de outras partes da Etiópia sabiam que precisavam ajudar seus irmãos e irmãs em Tigray. Samson explica: “Através da Igreja nós estamos fazendo grandes coisas, mobilizando alguns recursos locais de nossas igrejas na cidade e de nossos membros. Mobilizamos fundos e mandamos para nossos coordenadores [no Tigray]. Estamos tentando nos mobilizar mais porque a necessidade é muito grande, as pessoas estão literalmente morrendo de fome ”.
Ore pela Etiópia
- Interceda pelo jovem Nico em suas orações. Ore para que seu corpo se cure e sua confiança e segurança retornem também. Que ele logo seja capaz de brincar feliz de novo com seus amigos sem medo.
- Por favor, ore por todas as crianças que Nico representa. Crianças – e adultos – que estão apavorados e inseguros, inocentemente presos em uma região devastada pela guerra.
- Ore por aqueles que ficaram desabrigados, forçados a deixar suas casas devido ao conflito e pelas famílias dilaceradas.
- Ore para que a guerra cesse em breve e que a paz de Deus seja conhecida mesmo quando cercada pelo caos.
- Agradeça ao Senhor pelos recursos que já foram mobilizados na Etiópia. A necessidade é muito maior! Ore para que mais fundos e itens práticos possam ser distribuídos aos necessitados.
“Obrigado”, diz Samson, “por orar por nós e obrigado por estar ao nosso lado nesta difícil situação em nosso país”.
E ore no Espírito em todas as ocasiões com todos os tipos de orações e súplicas. Com isso em mente, fique alerta e sempre ore por todo o povo do Senhor. Efésios 6:18
Visite nosso Mural de Oração para ver os pedidos de oração do campo missionário.
* Nomes alterados para proteção.
Boy Caught in Bomb Explosion in Ethiopia
The War Rages On
In November 2020 after years of conflict, the federal government of Ethiopia launched an offensive attack on the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Tension was ignited after a TPLF attack on a government military base in the northern region of Ethiopia, Tigray. Civil war ensued. Despite a false sense of conclusion in January, there is presently no end in sight.
An immense humanitarian crisis has arisen, with 4.5 million people – most of Tigray’s population – in urgent need of assistance. The war so far has caused thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, displaced over 2 million people and sent tens of thousands of refugees into neighbouring nations. Horrific stories are emerging of human rights abuses, sexual assaults, civilian massacres and attacks on medical facilities and refugee camps. Ethiopia needs our prayers!
The victor of this guerrilla war may yet be unknown, but it is becoming increasingly evident that the undisputed victims are the civilians of the Tigray region.
Young Boy Caught in Bomb Explosion
One story that represents many others is that of nine-year-old Nico*, the son of a Harvesters leader in Tigray. A few weeks ago, Nico and his friends were playing outside with their newfound toy – passing it, throwing it, kicking it. Until, without warning, it blew up. They had stumbled upon an unexploded bomb. Nico sustained injuries to his head, face and arm.
His father wanted to rush him to the nearest hospital, but the roads were blocked off and he had no transportation. “It was terrible for his father and for the churches there,” says Samson, another Harvesters leader in Ethiopia. After gaining permission from the local military base and acquiring the use of a three-wheeled motorbike, Nico’s father drove the 60km to a Health Centre in the next town. Unfortunately, on their arrival they were told Nico’s injuries were beyond them. He needed hospital treatment.
Eventually arriving at a hospital, Nico was admitted and immediately sent for surgery. Fortunately, the doctor was able to remove the shrapnel from his body. We praise God that Nico was able to access the hospital and receive treatment despite extra delays caused by the war. However, the event was of course traumatic for young Nico. He stayed in hospital for two weeks and is now at home recovering.
Tragically, this story is not unique. Events like this occur often in the Tigray region where the war rumbles on. “Children are suffering with war trauma,” says Samson, “Some have even lost their body parts, lost their families, some of them have become orphans. Some of the families, they flee from the region and the children don’t know where to go. The crisis is beyond imagination.”
Children are among millions of civilians who feel unprotected and unsafe. “The explosions, the damage, the bloodshed; it’s not easy to handle all these things,” explains Samson.
The Hope in Ethiopia is the Local Church
The local church is the hands and feet of Jesus. Although access to the northern region is difficult and dangerous, our Harvesters partners from other parts of Ethiopia knew they needed to help their brothers and sisters in Tigray. Samson explains, “The church, we are doing great things, mobilising some local resources from our churches in the city and from our members. We mobilised funds and we sent them to our coordinators [in Tigray]. We are trying to mobilise more because the need is very huge, people are literally starving.”
Pray for Ethiopia
- Keep young Nico in your prayers. Pray that his body heals and his confidence and security return too. That he is soon able to play happily again with his friends without fear.
- Please pray for all the children that Nico represents. Children – and adults – who are terrified and uncertain, innocently trapped in a war-torn region.
- Pray for those who have been displaced, forced from their homes due to the conflict and for families torn apart.
- Pray for the war to soon cease and that God’s peace will be known even when surrounded by chaos.
- Thank the Lord for the resources that have already been mobilised in Ethiopia. The need is far greater! Pray that further funds and practical items can be distributed to those in need.
“Thank you,” says Samson, “for praying for us and thank you for standing alongside with us in this difficult situation in our country.”
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
Visit our Prayer Wall for prayer points from the field.
*Names changed for protection.