Newsletter – May 2022
Click the link to download the May 2022 newsletter. Inside is Matteus’ story from Mozambique, an update on church planting in Ivory Coast and some of Harvesters Ministries’ milestones.
Download the South African and International Newsletter – May 2022
Download the UK Newsletter – May 2022
Download the Afrikaans Newsletter – May 2022
Download the USA Newsletter – May 2022
Crossing Rivers for the Gospel
Crossing Rivers for the Gospel
How far have you journeyed to spread the Good News?
Pastors in Angola, Madagascar and Brazil all have one thing in common: they’ve crossed deep, dirty and dangerous rivers to share the Gospel.
Wading Through Waist-High Waters in Angola
Pastor Peter Kambulo from Zambia would bag up his belongings and hoist them over his head to keep them dry as he waded through swamps and flooded river plains to reach the unreached people of Angola he cares so much about. He was determined to share the Gospel at any cost!
Through dedication, hard-work and a passion to see lives transformed by the Gospel, he planted a church in a nearby town of Kasupa – which is actually over the border in Angola.
Peter has now relocated permanently to Angola with his family, continuing to reach the lost for Christ.
Long Journeys Down the Amazon River
Pastor Marcos da Silva, in the Amazonas region of Brazil, is trained in the Harvesters methodology of church planting. Now he travels along the mighty Amazon River evangelising to unreached tribal communities.
As his small boat chugs down the vast river corridor between walls of trees, he listens to every splash bringing him closer to people who are so sheltered that they have never heard the Name above every other name: Jesus.
“Hundreds and hundreds of kilometres are travelled in small boats on the mighty Amazon to reach thousands of souls and plant churches where there are none,” says Francois Rauch, Harvesters’ Regional Director for South America, as he presents a photo of dozens of people crowded together in a small rural hut listening to the Gospel. “Eighty percent of villages along the banks of the Amazon River have no church or Christian community.”
Crossing Crocodile Infested Waters in Madagascar
Pastor Alain Moreno is a Bible college lecturer in Madagascar. Many of his students travel from far away to join his classes. He noticed one in particular who was different in her serving, her faithfulness, and her attitude and commitment. He wanted to know why, and the Lord prompted him to visit her home village.
Alain travelled 600km to the nearest town, then 40km on a bus to a closer village, then walked a further 10km to reach his student’s home! “There is no access for the car, and it was hard and hot,” recalled Alain. “We had to climb mountain by mountain – going up and down. The walk took 8 hours.”
In the middle of this treacherous journey, Alain and his companion were halted by a river blocking their way. “You have to pray if you are afraid,” said the elder who was travelling with Alain. “Why?” Alain replied nervously. This river was home to crocodiles.
The elder was prepared. “We have an old technique to distract the crocodile,” he said. They threw a large rock to the left side of their path, causing a huge splash to grab the creature’s attention – providing an opportunity for the pair to rush through the waters. They emerged on the other side unharmed!
Alain continued his travels to his student’s home. Because of the crocodile river, the inhabitants only travel to market twice a year, when the waters are low. Alain was welcomed with generous hospitality, but he only ate a little as not to use up their reserves. Many had not left the village their whole lives.
“When we finished eating by candlelight around 8pm, the people are coming one by one joining the place where I was seated in the yard. They were asking questions,” remembered Alain. “I thought this is very good occasion to tell them about God and humanity.”
Alain stayed with the people of that village for 5 days sharing the Gospel. Before he left, he baptised three people in the rice field.
These men and women of God are dedicated to the mission of Christ’s Church. Pray for all our pastors as they lead more souls to Jesus Christ. You can support the work today. £100/$120/R1,800 provides a student pastor with three years of ministry training, during which they plant three churches through evangelism.
How far have you journeyed to spread the Good News?
Pastors in Angola, Madagascar and Brazil all have one thing in common: they’ve crossed deep, dirty and dangerous rivers to share the Gospel.
Wading Through Waist-High Waters in Angola
Pastor Peter Kambulo from Zambia would bag up his belongings and hoist them over his head to keep them dry as he waded through swamps and flooded river plains to reach the unreached people of Angola he cares so much about. He was determined to share the Gospel at any cost!
Through dedication, hard-work and a passion to see lives transformed by the Gospel, he planted a church in a nearby town of Kasupa – which is actually over the border in Angola.
Peter has now relocated permanently to Angola with his family, continuing to reach the lost for Christ.
Long Journeys Down the Amazon River
Pastor Marcos da Silva, in the Amazonas region of Brazil, is trained in the Harvesters methodology of church planting. Now he travels along the mighty Amazon River evangelising to unreached tribal communities.
As his small boat chugs down the vast river corridor between walls of trees, he listens to every splash bringing him closer to people who are so sheltered that they have never heard the Name above every other name: Jesus.
“Hundreds and hundreds of kilometres are travelled in small boats on the mighty Amazon to reach thousands of souls and plant churches where there are none,” says Francois Rauch, Harvesters’ Regional Director for South America, as he presents a photo of dozens of people crowded together in a small rural hut listening to the Gospel. “Eighty percent of villages along the banks of the Amazon River have no church or Christian community.”
Crossing Crocodile Infested Waters in Madagascar
Pastor Alain Moreno is a Bible college lecturer in Madagascar. Many of his students travel from far away to join his classes. He noticed one in particular who was different in her serving, her faithfulness, and her attitude and commitment. He wanted to know why, and the Lord prompted him to visit her home village.
Alain travelled 600km to the nearest town, then 40km on a bus to a closer village, then walked a further 10km to reach his student’s home! “There is no access for the car, and it was hard and hot,” recalled Alain. “We had to climb mountain by mountain – going up and down. The walk took 8 hours.”
In the middle of this treacherous journey, Alain and his companion were halted by a river blocking their way. “You have to pray if you are afraid,” said the elder who was travelling with Alain. “Why?” Alain replied nervously. This river was home to crocodiles.
The elder was prepared. “We have an old technique to distract the crocodile,” he said. They threw a large rock to the left side of their path, causing a huge splash to grab the creature’s attention – providing an opportunity for the pair to rush through the waters. They emerged on the other side unharmed!
Alain continued his travels to his student’s home. Because of the crocodile river, the inhabitants only travel to market twice a year, when the waters are low. Alain was welcomed with generous hospitality, but he only ate a little as not to use up their reserves. Many had not left the village their whole lives.
“When we finished eating by candlelight around 8pm, the people are coming one by one joining the place where I was seated in the yard. They were asking questions,” remembered Alain. “I thought this is very good occasion to tell them about God and humanity.”
Alain stayed with the people of that village for 5 days sharing the Gospel. Before he left, he baptised three people in the rice field.
These men and women of God are dedicated to the mission of Christ’s Church. Pray for all our pastors as they lead more souls to Jesus Christ. You can support the work today. £100/$120/R1,800 provides a student pastor with three years of ministry training, during which they plant three churches through evangelism.
Prayers for Peace
Be still and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10
It feels like there is conflict at every corner of our World right now! And, while that can make us feel anxious, frightened, and full of despair, we Christians know the only Hope that the World can depend on: Jesus Christ.
Harvesters operates in over 50 countries, and we want to highlight a few nations that are currently embroiled in wars and conflict situations. We call upon you to join us in prayer.
Eastern Europe
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has shocked and saddened so many, as the news and pictures emerging from the country highlight the awful suffering of innocent people.
One Ukrainian pastor, Yakiv*, told Harvesters that he has decided to stay, help others evacuate safely, pray with those who remain, and hand out essential supplies to those in need. His congregation was meeting as normal just a few short weeks ago. Now, he says, some are sheltering in their basements from gunfire, some have escaped, and others are doing what they can to help in Ukraine. Harvesters Ministries is supplying food aid thanks to your response.
Myanmar
The Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been under oppressive military rule for over a year. Hundreds of civilians, peaceful opposers, politicians, medics and journalists have been killed – including dozens of children.
“The church fears that the rule of a military government – who in the past has always been protective of their Buddhist culture and tradition – will have serious implications to the church,” explained Harvesters’ Regional Director for Southeast Asia. “They are expecting further restrictions upon the church to happen once again, though they are unsure of the extent and the form it will take.”
Ethiopia
In November 2020, after years of conflict, civil war erupted in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. An immense humanitarian crisis arose, with 4.5 million people – most of Tigray’s population – in urgent need of assistance.
The war has caused thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and people being displaced. Horrific stories emerged of human rights abuses, sexual assaults, civilian massacres and attacks on medical facilities and refugee camps. Ethiopia needs our prayers!
Harvesters churches from other regions are helping where they can. One pastor, Samson, told us, “The church… 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.”
Mozambique
In the northernmost province of Mozambique, Cabo Delgado, violent attacks have come from non-state armed groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
The pace and scale of the attacks have increased notably in the past few years. 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. Thousands have died, hundreds of thousands are displaced.
Last year, Harvesters Ministries provided food aid to starving and displaced people in need, thanks to your gifts.
Prayers for Peace
As conflict rages, the Body of Christ must pray.
- Pray for peace. For God’s divine intervention to cease the war and end the violence. For peacemakers in the land to rise up.
- Pray for innocent civilians trapped in war zones. Pray for their very practical needs of safety, shelter, food, water, sanitation and rest to be met.
- Pray for those who have been forced to leave their homes, families and livelihoods for an unknown future.
- Pray for the leaders and decision-makers at all levels.
- Thank the Lord for those who are helping however they can.
- Pray for the Christians in these nations; that they will be empowered by God’s strength and resilience to bring His Hope to their neighbours at these unimaginably difficult times.
*Names changed for protection.
Fernanda’s Cancer Diagnosis Strengthened Her Faith
Some Harvesters’ discipleship training took place in a church in Brazil in 2018. “I wanted to teach all the congregants how to be a disciple,” said Tiago Oliveira, Harvesters Operations Manager in Brazil, and a pastor at the church.
One young lady who attended, Fernanda, had her faith truly tested when she was diagnosed with cancer aged just 25! “Fernanda’s testimony is a result of learning how to practice the disciplines we learn in Phase A of the Harvesters course,” says Tiago – disciplines such as abiding, obeying and praying, which are foundational to living as a Christ follower.
The powerful testimony of Fernanda’s discipleship journey
In March 2021 Fernanda noticed a lump in her neck, but doctors couldn’t make a diagnosis despite numerous tests. In early September, at a youth meeting, her best friend prayed. “We asked the Lord to show us what He wanted, and by the next day my lump had doubled in size,” she said.
Fernanda was admitted to hospital for further tests. “My Pastor’s wife prayed, and what she said at the end of the call changed the way I would see things going forward: ‘Take care that you don’t fail the test the Lord is trying to pass you on.’ It stuck in my head. And so, I said in spirit, ‘Ok God, so far, I’ve tried my way. Your Word says that if we trust You, You are faithful and just. So now it will be Your way. I will rest in You. I will no longer struggle with my strength.’”
That night Fernanda was transferred to another hospital and placed on a cancer ward. At that point she knew what her diagnosis would be. It was lymphoma. And then they discovered an accumulation of fluid around her heart which was stopping blood flow to her other organs. Yet, she recalls, “there was no anxiety in me.”
Fernanda’s Soul Cries Out
Fernanda began to take care of a fellow patient, Maria who was terminally ill.
“I can’t explain what happened to me, I was overcome by such anguish, they had to go get a wheelchair to get me out of the room,” she recalls. “I cried, I cried so much, I was in such great pain! But it wasn’t because Maria was dying, it was because Maria was going to hell. I can’t say how I could have been convinced of that, but at that moment all I knew was to cry for her soul and beg God that she would have the opportunity to accept the Lord. And may she die in Christ. It took a long time for me to get myself under control and go back to the room.”
On Maria’s last day on Earth, Fernanda prayed with her a salvation prayer. “Maria was no longer talking. I told her that I would say a prayer and she nodded and, in the end, I offered the Lord as Saviour to her. I said that it would be good if she agreed with me, and then she, with great difficulty, said ‘amen, amen.’ And those were the last words that Maria said.”
The Lord is in Control
Things were not going well with Fernanda. “I understood that the doctors would do nothing for me, and that I would die if I depended on them. But thank God for Jesus Christ.” Thankfully, she was able to have surgery that the doctors had originally been reluctant to perform. The doctors found there was more fluid around her heart than they anticipated.
By now, Fernanda had lost 70% of her hair and had been in hospital for 38 days. She was distraught when she was sent home, but 10 days later re-hospitalised due to sickness and fever. “Why this again, God?” she asked. And the answer came, “trust Me.”
Making Connections
The father of a lady from Fernanda’s church ended up in the hospital. The pastor tried to visit him but was not able to. The pastor prayed for an opportunity to present the gospel to this man. From inside, Fernanda was able to ask for a visit from her pastor, which was authorised.
During that visit, the pastor went and spoke to the man in the next room. Fernanda interceded from her room. He accepted the Lord that day!
Seeing Through God’s Eyes
“I had incredible opportunities with my God,” says Fernanda. “I can’t help but be grateful for the path of maturation and growth that he has led me on. I still don’t know what the final purpose of all this is, I just know that I don’t want to be in any other place other than His will.”
Please join Harvesters in praying for Fernanda’s health. We praise the Lord for her willingness to surrender to His will, and for the people who have met Jesus because of her obedience!
The Work is Working! Graduations in Lesotho, Kenya and Togo.
Hardworking students from Kenya, Lesotho and Togo have celebrated their graduations in recent weeks. Together with their family and friends, 134 students rejoiced across the length of Africa as they successfully completed the three-year Harvesters Bible School!
Pastor Lerato from Lesotho is so grateful to be equipped for ministry. “According to the call of God upon my life, I felt that this is the right tools for my ministry. The training pushes us into doing the call of God, which is making disciples. So, I believe that, as the church, we are going to be stronger as we do discipleship rather than [making] converts.
The Harvesters programme provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers both practical skills and theological topics. Harvesters equips local believers who are passionate about the Great Commission to reach their neighbours.
Bittersweet Celebrations in Lesotho
The first ever group that began Harvesters training in Lesotho graduated in February! It was a moment of huge celebration with pastors, adorned with gowns and caps, grinning from ear to ear as they posed for photos. Together they have planted 134 churches through evangelism.
However, each of them remembered their mentor, trainer and friend, Francois Snyman, who had started this journey with them but was not there that day. Francois, Harvesters’ Country Leader for Lesotho, was tragically murdered in his home during a robbery late last year. Francois’ late wife, Mariette, was present to celebrate with the graduates.
Pastor Bob from Maseru, who has planted one church so far, spoke of the lasting impact Francois has had on him. “I can continue because he planted the seed of the Word of God for us to be resilient even in the difficult times. I believe that I will be able to continue with the work that he left in my hands.”
Pastor Lerato in Semonkong, expressed the same sentiment. “We are definitely continuing with the work because there is a baton that has to be passed on. Even though it was not a good thing to lose Pastor Francois, we are definitely going to continue with the work we have received from him as the servant of God. So, like Moses when he passed away and Joshua had to take the Israelites into the Promised Land, we believe that we are going to continue the work even in that hard situation. We are going to progress, and we are going to be strong.”
“This is the fruit of the work of Francois Snyman who passed away last year,” recognises Beyers Brink, Regional Director for Southern Africa. “He will surely receive an eternal reward for his work!”
Togo Graduates Receive Bibles for their Churches
In the small West African nation of Togo, 22 pastors completed their last Phase in the programme – Phase F, Introduction to Systematic Theology – in January. Furthermore, thanks to your gifts, they were given 75 French Bibles for their leaders!
They are now putting together strategies to reach communities further afield and they aim to plant 30 churches from March.
Pastor Charle Woglo joyously said, “I knew I was called to go! This helped me to understand why I must go. I now have a better understanding about how to be successful on a mission field. I am ready to go for Jesus!”
Students Overcame Difficulties in Kenya
Three Kenyan training groups joined to graduate together in December last year. The students testified how their personal lives, marriages, families, and the ability to lead their congregations were transformed because of the training.
One of these groups in particular had a difficult road to that celebration day. Pastors from Marakwet County encountered bandits armed with guns crossing the border to steal their cattle. “Some Pastors had to close their churches to relocate to some other areas within the county and continued to plant their churches there,” recounts Dylan Burgess, Harvesters’ Country Leader for Kenya. “Some lost their homes as they were torched by the bandits in 2018/2019.”
Furthermore, the Marakwet county is mountainous. “During the rainy season they experience landslides,” explains Dylan, “which posed a great challenge for even the trainers to reach them!”
Covid-19 caused even more problems! “However, that never made them give up on the training,” says Dylan. “Most of them took that time to reflect on what they had been taught and as soon as they could, they gathered to continue with the training.”
Their persistence was worth it as they graduated together late last year. These pastors have certainly shown commitment to the Great Commission!
Legacy Maker: Lesotho Graduations
How Do You Prepare for a Cyclone?
For Alain Moreno, Harvesters’ Country Leader for Madagascar, the answer is simple: you collect resources, serve the community, and present the Gospel.
Simply put: you do what Jesus would do.
The countries situated along the southeast coast of Africa – in particular, Madagascar, Mozambique and Malawi – are under the attack of relentless storms that are forming in the Indian Ocean. The flooding has extended inland to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Regional Director for Eastern Africa, Thinus Botha, reached out to local pastors offering support and prayer. He asked, “How do you prepare for a cyclone?”
While human instinct could be to run, hide and protect oneself, Harvesters’ pastors are seeing immense opportunities to share the Gospel. They are showing up right in the middle of the crisis to serve their neighbours.
The Situation
These southeast African nations rely heavily on subsistence farming to survive, but they are finding the weather increasingly extreme – from drought to cyclones. If they are unable to plant when they need to, or if their harvest is destroyed, many simply cannot feed themselves.
Within two weeks Tropical Storm Ana made landfall on Monday 24th January, then Cyclone Batsirai on Saturday 5th February. Madagascar was first hit and has reported the most deaths. It then reached Mozambique, whose Prime Minister has said that the challenge is bigger than any one country’s ability to tackle it. Malawi lost power nationwide and declared a state of natural disaster.
In addition to failed harvests are food shortages and soaring prices. Buildings and bridges are in ruins and powerlines are down. Whole villages have been washed away and tens of thousands are displaced and homeless. Dozens have died. The most disheartening part is that these natural disasters are becoming frequent occurrences in this region.
Pastor Marcos Binda from Mozambique reported, “Many people are suffering because they have nowhere that they can gather as a family because their houses have been destroyed by the strong winds. We previously spoke about the droughts, but the situation has completely changed due to the cyclone, and everything is much worse across all regions.”
Hope and Opportunity
Pastor Alain from Madagascar explained that the churches are gathering their resources and finances to help those in need.
“You can look at a situation as glass half-full or glass half-empty,” remarks Thinus, “Alain’s definitely a glass half-full guy. He sees opportunity in the middle of the disaster. Opportunity to serve people and present the Gospel.”
“Obviously, when people are in a place of vulnerability like this, being displaced, their hearts are open for the Gospel,” Thinus says. “He had such a positive attitude towards a massive cyclone that’s hit their country!”
We Need to Intercede. Here are some Prayer Points.
- Thank God for the resilience, strength and faith of leaders in Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Pray they will encounter the peace of Christ that surpasses understanding, and that their peace will be a witness to others.
- Pray for the practical needs of the communities: that they will have places to sleep and food to eat, and that they will be able to rebuild damaged and destroyed buildings.
- Pray for the crops. After catastrophic disruption to the intricate agricultural cycle, we need to pray that the Lord will heal the land. Pray that the people will get the seed they need to plant for next year, and food to eat at present.
- Pray for those who hear the Gospel. The Harvesters programme ensures that new believers are discipled in churches. Pray that people who make a decision will attend and join a church family.
- Pray for the health of the thousands who are living in emergency shelters. We thank God for the support of many charities that are helping. In close conditions, certain illnesses can become rife. Pray that people remain safe and healthy.
For fresh updates from the field, visit our interactive prayer wall.
Sources
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-60157537
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-60264389
Madagascar Video
People Are Getting Saved in Myanmar
The Situation in Myanmar is Worsening
Myanmar is the largest nation in mainland Southeast Asia with a population of over 54 million. Seventy-eight percent of people practise Buddhism, the country’s largest religion.1 Around 8% of the nation is Christian and, sadly, this small group is becoming more persecuted. According to Open Doors’ recently released 2022 report of the most persecuted nations for Christians, “Myanmar is one of the big rises in the latest World Watch List, jumping six places to number 12.”2
The military coup that began in February 2021 has made the situation worse for the 4.4 million Christians. Open Doors reports that the army has attacked Christian churches, aid workers and pastors but left Buddhist monasteries untouched, showing the increasing intolerance of our faith.
Pressing on with the Great Commission
In light of this context, it’s especially remarkable to hear the news that Harvesters pastors are still passionately preaching the Gospel openly. On Christmas Day 2021, a team of 6 pastors went out evangelising. They told the people about our loving Father, who sent His Son to pay the price for our sin and open the way for us to reconnect to God. The leaders in Myanmar are “serious about evangelism… even on Christmas Day,” explains the Regional Director for Southeast Asia.
The pastors preached in the local town and in a nearby village. Seventy people heard about Christ that day, and ten of them gave their lives to Him. We thank the Lord for the faithfulness of these pastors, despite increasingly difficult circumstances.
Choosing Jesus Christ
Fifty thousand villages in Myanmar remain unreached; without a single Bible or believer.3 After a recent visit to one such village, Pastor Shi* met an elderly woman who immediately showed interest in the Gospel, believing that Jesus was in fact the Messiah. She gave her life to Christ and heaven rejoiced!
Her decision came at cost though. When her husband heard the news, he told her to choose between him and their Buddhist religion and Christ. She bravely declared, “I’m following Jesus. He is my Lord and Saviour now.”
Multiplication
Her newfound joy in the Lord opened many opportunities to share Jesus with friends in her village. Now she is not the only believer. A new church was planted in this previously unreached village and recently they had their very first baptism. All because one woman found and followed Jesus.
A few weeks ago, her husband also decided to give his life to Christ! Praise the Lord!
*Name changed for protection
Sources:
Rural Communities in Zambia Need Your Help to Hear About Jesus
Training Resumes
“Harvesters is back in the town of Zambezi, Zambia after 2 years. Praise God,” came the joyful celebrations of Regional Director for Southern Africa, Beyers Brink. And a joyous occasion it certainly was! After months of restrictions and lockdowns, Harvesters was able return to teach the next phase of pastoral training.
There were 20 leaders who were last trained in 2019. Since then, despite the challenges of the pandemic, there have been six new churches planted through evangelism! This is equally thanks to you, our donors.
After a rewarding few days in Zambezi, the Harvesters Licenced Trainers travelled the hourlong journey north to conduct more training among the rural Luvale people.
Thirteen pastors gathered in Chavuma, a remote village situated on the bank of the mighty Zambezi River, under the hot African sun – nearly 40 degrees that day! The Zambezi is a dominant figure in the lives of the Luvale people who are fishermen by trade. “What a privilege to train Phase B, Preparing for Ministry, overlooking the Zambezi River,” said Beyers. “These pastors have already planted 24 new churches!”
Iron Sharpers Iron
Pastor Teddy, an overseer in the district, explained that pastors doing the Harvesters training are motivated and excited to evangelise, plant churches, study the Word, and disciple others. Going through the programme creates a community too, he says. “We have leaders that have interest in whatever you, their brother, is doing. They want to hear what God is doing and rejoice with you in the work. If anything is not done rightly, they are able to correct and help you and tell you way to go. I think that’s the way it should be. That really helps you to grow.”
A Huge Need
All of the leaders also received their own Luvale Bibles, thanks to your donations. Although the Bible is available in the mother tongue, the area is in huge demand for churches and leaders as there are only very few in this area.
Brother Masaha from the region explains the situation. “There are some congregations there. But I would say generally people are not grounded in the Word of God. They are nominal Christians. Even those that call themselves Christians, they really need the full Gospel.”
There is a cry for equipped, trained leaders in the area. Brother Masaha is thankful to Harvesters for meeting this need. “I have seen there is a big advantage in what Harvesters are doing because after this training we will have people, leaders, that will help teach these people, even the so-called Christians who are not grounded in the Word. We are going to have people who really help because the present leadership is not capable of helping the people spiritually.”
You can help! It costs only R1,800/£100/$120 to put a pastor through a three-year comprehensive training programme, during which they plant three churches through evangelism!
Opening the Way
Pastor Teddy explains his excitement about Harvesters Church Planting Model. “We are a church that is here to do church planting,” he says proudly. “So, the Harvesters model of planting churches really touched me. Especially the model of a hub leader planting 10 churches and then those 10 student pastors each planting 3 churches – you’ll make 40 churches. I think that if we have about 10 of them you have 400 churches. You really saturate the area with local churches. And that really motivates me a lot.”
Pray for the Work of Harvesters in the UK
Harvesters Ministries originated in South Africa, born from the vision of our founder Steven Loots in 1998. Since then, Harvesters has expanded across the globe and now operates in 52 countries. Excitingly, it officially arrived in the UK in early 2018.
Pastor Glen Chaplin, Development Manager for Harvesters UK, explains, “Our first major project was to let the UK know of our ministry. Introducing folk to what we do around the world.”
Harvesters partnered with a national Christian radio station, Premier Christian Radio, and had the privilege of becoming their ‘Charity of the Year’ for 2019-2020. With a weekly audience of 1.2 million, this campaign enabled Harvesters to share our vision throughout the UK. It resulted in funds to send thousands of Bibles to new believers across Africa and Asia.
“At present I visit churches in the UK, inspiring and encouraging them of what God is doing through Harvesters in over 50 countries,” says Glen. “So many people are amazed with our vision! Many are moved to tears when they see new churches worshipping in bus stops or under trees and even a barber shop. Or in a swamp church in Myanmar where children are singing so vibrantly. What’s really moving is when they see pastors getting a bible for the first time.”
“I love Harvesters because it fulfils the Great Commission of Matthew 28,” remarks Glen.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.
In addition to giving Harvesters’ updates in churches, Glen is sometimes invited to present the Disciple Makers course. Which, Glen explains, “encourages local British churches to get back to the basics of evangelism and discipleship.”
The Disciple Makers Course is offered free to churches in the UK. It encompasses all the principles used in our church planting programme which has resulted in exponential church growth around the world. Steven Loots, CEO and Founder, packed 30 years’ worth of experience into the very practical 7-hour course. It covers foundational Biblical principles and presents practical strategies for evangelism and discipleship.
Prayer Points for the UK
- Pray for successful church visits for Glen. Pray for opportunities to start visiting more churches as the UK slowly returns to normal and Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease.
- Pray for those who have attended the Disciple Makers courses. Pray that Christians will remember the foundational disciplines of a life as a Christ follower and will put them into daily practise.
- Thank God for the growing group of monthly and repeat donors.
- Pray for the nations of the UK: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. That Christ will be known more deeply and widespread. That this nation, once built on Christian values, will return to knowing Him as King.
Newsletter – February 2022
Here you can download our February 2022 newsletter. Inside are some recent stories from the field, including new translation work happening in Zambia, an exciting testimony of an unsaved man in the Middle East who found Jesus and now plants churches, and our largest Bible Distribution trip yet!
Download the UK newsletter – Feb 22
Download the Afrikaans Newsletter – Feb 22
Download the South African and International Newsletter – Feb 22
Download the USA Newsletter – Feb 22
What Happens When God Changes the Life of An Individual
Meet Rafique*. He is a man who grew up in a Middle Eastern country. Just like many other fathers, Rafique’s dad had great plans and ambitions for his young son. To accomplish these dreams, he sent him to a Christian school. Here he would receive the best education and besides learning English, he would also be able to speak French. This would open many doors for young Rafique in the future.
Although their family name indicated that they were from a Muslim background, Rafique’s dad was actually a communist who followed the teachings of Lenin. But he was always advising his son to follow the Christian ethics that were taught at his school.
Rafique’s best friend in school was a Christian and just like any other eight-year-old boys, they loved to chat and whisper in class. During their first religious education class, the teacher asked all the Muslim children to stay behind in their classroom. They would be taught from the Koran by someone else. The Christians were told to follow their teacher to another classroom where they would receive teaching from the Bible. As Rafique and his friend were in a deep conversation, he decided to follow the teacher to the Christian class.
Their teacher started reading from the beatitudes and focused on love and forgiveness which firstly comes from God, and which must then be spread by followers of Jesus. Rafique was intrigued and continued attending the class for five weeks. Only then did the teacher realize that his family name was not Christian, and she immediately sent him back to the Islamic teacher’s class. But the Holy Spirit had planted a seed in Rafique’s heart. He wanted to know from this Bible teacher how he could become a Christian. Of course, it is against the law to evangelize Muslims in the country and the fearful teacher told Rafique that she could not help him. Muslims could not become Christians.
After being met with many other negative responses, Rafique gave up on becoming a Christian. He poured all his energy into his schoolwork to achieve his father’s ambitions for him. He excelled in school, went to university, and obtained a degree in accounting and thereafter completed a master’s degree in business administration. His goal in life was to prove to his dad, and to himself, that he could become someone important in society.
After completing his master’s degree, he started searching on the internet for a PHD scholarship. He browsed many sites using the words ‘Arab student scholarship.’ Then God, who had never given up on Him, led him to a site which focused on Christian ministry at universities in Arab countries. On their home page they explained how great God’s love is for all people. In that moment Rafique decided to ask the same question he had once posed to his teacher. He sent an email and a man called him back. He befriended Rafique and after a period of time showed him the Jesus film. Rafique realized that Jesus accepted him just as he was. He didn’t have to prove himself to God. He realized that God changes your life, because He loves you, not because you have given him an outstanding performance. From that day on Rafique’s journey with Jesus began. He was discipled over a three-year period.
The world and all the lucrative positions which were presented to him became worthless to Rafique. There was nothing in the world that could compare to God’s love for him.
At some point he went on a short visit to a neighbouring nation. This is where God called him to move permanently; to serve God and share the Gospel with the lost. Rafique has been serving God there for the past three years.
He started off with one group of new believers. Rafique took the principals he had learned from attending a Harvesters event years prior. Unbeknownst to anyone at Harvesters Ministries – until years later – he had taken the evangelism tools and the principals of multiplication and started evangelising among refugee groups! A truly committed believer. He is now on the Harvesters pastoral training programme.
The church plant has grown to 175 members. They gather in 17 small groups in people’s homes. Rafique identified leaders in this group and has trained them with Harvesters’ material. This is what happens when God changes the life of one individual.
*Name changed for protection.
Six Prayers for Harvesters Ministries in 2022
As 2022 begins, we invite you to join us in preparing for this new year in prayer. Below are six ways you can pray for Harvesters Ministries throughout the coming year.
“Every great move of God can be traced back to a kneeling figure.” – DL Moody.
1. Pray for Our Student Pastors
So far, Harvesters has trained over 32,000 students in 53 countries. All over the world, student pastors are committing their time to learn how to evangelise, preach, pastor, plant churches and study the Bible. Pray for their studies. Pray that those in persecuted countries will be able to access the materials. Pray for the Lord to lead the students to the right places to evangelise and plant churches. Pray for resilience and strength after a difficult year due to the pandemic. Pray for the families of the many student pastors that we sadly lost due to Covid-19 last year.
2. Pray for Our Trainers
Harvesters’ Licenced Trainers (HLTs) are trained to deliver our Pastoral Training Programme to student pastors. We are blessed to have 570 HLTs operating in 53 countries. Every few weeks they volunteer their time to visit groups of pastors to teach a new module. Join us in thanking God for them and their commitment. We are grateful for the experience and skill they each bring to Harvesters. Pray for their travels; that each journey will be as straightforward as it can be under the current circumstances. Pray for their preparation and teaching. Pray for our HLTs to bring wisdom as they have conversations with the student pastors about life and ministry.
3. Pray for Harvesters’ Founder, Regional Leaders and Staff
Steven Loots founded Harvesters Ministries over 20 years ago. Keep him and his family in your prayers as he leads this ministry through every season.
Harvesters has several leaders who oversee the work in various regions of the world – for example, East Africa, Southeast Asia, South America etc. Please pray that they will have clear visions. Pray protection over their families and against any attack of the enemy as they plan for the future. Thank the Lord for their faithfulness as they creatively adapt and lead through the pandemic. Pray over each of the regions: Asia, Southeast Asia, East Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, South America and North America.
Pray for the Harvesters staff team working across the world.
4. Pray for Our Donors
The work of Harvesters would not happen without our financial donors. We are thankful for every act of generosity. Please pray blessing for all those who believe in our vision and give money towards the work. Pray that Harvesters will continue to build partnerships around the world so that we can continue the work of planting churches where there are no churches, delivering Bibles, training pastors, discipling believers, and evangelising the lost.
5. Pray for Our Development Team
Our development team works to connect with people and share the vision of Harvesters. Please pray for those who create and share the stories from the field. Pray for those who visit churches to present updates about our work. Pray for the right connections to be made.
6. Pray for the Work of Harvesters Ministries
Harvesters Ministries wants to plant 1 million churches, train 1 million pastors, and evangelise and disciple 100 million believers by 2030. Please pray for this vision. Pray that we connect to the right local leaders in the nations where we operate and will start to operate. Pray that we will continue to train pastors to love Christ above all and to lead their churches well. Pray for our online training too and Herman, our Master Trainer. Pray for the lost, for hearts to stir.
We appreciate all your prayers. If you would like to keep updated with prayer requests fresh from the field, visit our interactive Harvesters Prayer Wall.
Can we pray for you? Leave us a prayer request on the Public Prayer Wall.
How to Reach a New Tribe for Jesus
The Luvale tribe is found in the most remote parts of north-western Zambia and south-eastern Angola. “The people there are really cut off from most of the privileges that other people in the towns and big cities are enjoying,” explains Masaha, a leader from Angola. “There are no hospitals. There are no good schools for the children. People are living like in the olden days. They rely on fishing for their life. There are no markets where they can sell their fish, where they can have income. They have to travel long distances to better markets to sell their fish. Generally, the people are not living well.”
Harvesters Knows How to Open the Way
“To open the way for a tribe that desperately needs Jesus takes a huge effort with PRAYER as a starting point,” declares Francois Rauch, Harvesters’ Global Church Planting Engineer.
“Getting into remote areas where no one ever visits can be tricky.” But Harvesters Ministries is seasoned at going where there are no churches to evangelise the unreached!
Francois unpacked his thoughts. “To plant churches in the most remote areas on the globe:
- Never stop once God is opening the way.
- Persevere.
- Have an adventurous spirit.
- And a plan… always a plan.
- Have Faith,
- Water,
- Humour,
- …and a Landcruiser!”
“Finding the way starts off with a map and a few road signs,” Francois explained. “Well, and a Landcruiser! The owner of a vision and a Landcruiser will always get you through!”
“And then is the REWARD – meeting the people who Christ died for! Connecting, bringing hope, and making new friends.”
Going to Meet the Luvale
A group of Harvesters’ trainers and partners embarked on the difficult journey to visit the lost Luvale. The group consisted of Reverend Reynold Fourie, adventurer AJ Kruger, missionary John Leach from Zambia, and Pierre Botha and Paul van der Merwe – who had just concluded training in Zambezi, Zambia with 20 leaders after 2 years of Covid delays.
After a day and a half searching for the border crossing, which as Francois describes was “battered and lonely as if it was on Mars – with no life,” the team were on their way.
“Chimene Mwane. Muno yoyo mwane? Shikenu mwane!” The friendly greeting of a language forgotten welcomed the Harvesters’ team as they arrived, saying “Good morning. How are you? Welcome!”
In the nearly 40 degrees Celsius heat, the Luvale people gathered excitedly to welcome their guests. “Africa still meets under trees,” remarks Francois. “Nobody ever visits in these remote areas, so when guests do come community life comes to a standstill.”
Meetings were held with the elders of the tribe to explain the mission of Harvesters. “The need for the Gospel was discussed at length and a door was opened in heaven to reach out to the Luvale people,” praised Francois.
The witchdoctor watched from a distance, slowly sucking patiently on his pipe and disappearing in the smoke. “Salenuho mwane” he whispered – “bye.”
Afterwards the celebrations continued. For many of the children this was a first – meeting people from the west. Their faces grin expectantly. “They are about to hear the story of HOPE that Jesus Christ is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE,” smiles Francois.
Bellville Reformed church will take responsibility for opening the way with the Luvale tribe in Angola with Harvesters. Pray for them as they seek a sustainable strategy to build bridges between God and the Luvale people. May God be honoured forevermore!
Zambia – Discipleship and Church Planting
Missionary Murdered in his Home
It is with tremendous sadness that we share with you that, in the evening of November 6th 2021, Francois Snyman was tragically murdered during a robbery of his home. Francois was a South African missionary in Lesotho – serving, training, and loving the people there. He headed up the work of Harvesters in Lesotho, and was a treasured trainer, colleague, and friend. We would like to ask you to pray for his family and the community, who are devastated and shocked.
Two men entered his home after 9pm and shot him dead in front of his wife and children, who are unharmed. The local church leaders came immediately to support the family and stayed with them to protect them. The thieves stole some cell phones, money and a laptop. Worst of all, they stole a husband, father, mentor and friend to many.
“I have lost a friend and a colleague, said Steven Loots, founder and CEO of Harvesters, “Great servant of God. Francois Snyman headed up the work of Harvesters in Lesotho and he has done a great job. He will be sorely missed.”
Francois began his missionary work in Lesotho when he joined an outreach there in 2010. In 2014 he and his family relocated to the Semonkong region permanently. He trained hundreds of pastors using the Harvesters programme and 147 churches have been planted to date. Earlier this year, Francois was part of the Harvesters team that distributed over 1,000 Bibles around Lesotho.
Furthermore, he taught practical skills to the local people – building and farming. In fact, he was a passionate farmer. We trust that the seeds he has planted in the lives of many will go on to bear much fruit for generations to come.
He was even more passionate about Jesus. His impact upon the Kingdom of Lesotho is vast and wide. Too vast to be truly known. But one thing is for sure. The Kingdom of heaven is more populated because of his life and ministry.
Please pray for those left behind
- For His wife, Mariette and their four children. That they will know God’s peace and comfort during this time.
- For all the pastors who closely followed his leadership. Many were being trained and taught by Francois. Pray for them as they continue to lead churches and make disciples. Help them to lead in and through the grief.
- For the projects he was involved in and for the community he lived in.
- Pray that the work in Lesotho will continue and that leaders will step up and not fall back in Francois’ absence.
Update from Zimbabwe
The landlocked nation of Zimbabwe is located in southeast Africa. Home to 15 million people, it borders Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa and Botswana. It has 16 official languages, with English, Shona and Ndebele the most common. After gaining independence from Great Britain in 1980, Zimbabwe was noted internationally for being at the forefront of agricultural technology and known as “Africa’s breadbasket.”
A Nation Struggles
Missionary and Harvester’s Trainer, Eddie Hartzenberg, planted his first church there in 2006, in a rural village of Shona speakers. In the following four years, a further 30 churches were planted, praise be to God!
But during this time, Zimbabwe was struggling as a nation. Political battles over farmland led to widespread disruption of food distribution. This, among many other issues, threw Zimbabwe into financial ruin with an inflation rate of 89.7 sextillion percent in 2008! The second most severe episode of hyperinflation in recorded history*. People’s money was becoming worthless from the time between getting paid and walking to the store. It’s almost impossible to imagine the state of mind of the Zimbabwean people during that time. It was reported that half the country was malnourished**.
Training Begins
As Eddie was trying to serve the desperate people, he came across the Harvesters training programme and church planting model. By 2013, the first 21 student pastors were being trained. As the Zimbabwean people were beginning to recover from the traumatic season, the Church was rising to meet the need.
“Some of the 21 students travelled as far as 500km one way and did not calculate for funds to return home,” says Eddie. “They travelled by faith, lived by faith, survived by faith, and slept with the same clothes for their entire training session of four days plus four days during Easter. Those who did not have money to return home performed odd jobs to earn money to return home. This alone took some of them another 7 days of local work to return home. They did it all by faith.”
Then, thanks to your generous donations, a Bible placement took place in Zimbabwe before Covid hit. 1,000 Shona language Bibles were distributed to 65 churches!
Opening the Way
Eddie describes the progress in Zimbabwe as slow but steady. “Our greatest battle was to turn their church view from religious to a new culture of disciple-making and House Church planting,” he explains. “Outsiders are not really welcome since the ruling party are quick to blame outsiders for feeding the opposition. This did slow the growth of church planting.” Yet, amazingly, 490 churches have been planted in recent years.
In the northwest of Zimbabwe reside the Tonga people group. “During Lockdown and all on their own steam, the Tonga people have planted another 40 churches with 90 extra students studying Harvesters material,” Eddie reports. Plus, two pastors have been working on a Tonga translation of the New Testament for the last two years. It’s at the proof-reading stage, and the Old Testament is around 45% completed as well.
Looking to The Future
The hyperinflation of Zimbabwe can be described as shocking, ridiculous, unbelievable! Let’s pray for that type of ridiculous, shocking, and unbelievable growth to occur in the Church. Let our prayer be for rapid church multiplication as the Body of Christ grows to meet the needs of the Zimbabwean people. Reports are coming that inflation is growing again! Pray that the church will be ready to spread the Good News. The only secure Hope we have is found in Christ.
“Remember you all, you might never in your life ever see our faces, however from this side of the world we are praying for you. Please pray for us too,” says Eddie. “Most of all we’d like to thank the Lord for keeping the doors open under the political climate so that we could keep on entering the country so that the training could continue. Blessings to all the other peoples of all over the world busy with making disciples for the Lord.”
Sources:
*Source: Forbes
**Source: The Guardian
Help Reach Cameroon and Beyond for Christ
There is an exciting vision unfolding in the central African nation of Cameroon and you can participate! One leader, Reverend Ken Biho Salomon, who has been training pastors, ministering to Muslims, and planting churches among the unreached people groups of Cameroon for over 13 years, reflects on some observations of his time in ministry so far.
Unreached People in the Rural Places
“From my own point of view churches are saturating in the big towns in Cameroon,” says Reverend Ken. “Many who are in the little towns or in the villages are still dying without any hope, without having any opportunity to receive the Gospel, the true Gospel of Christ.”
The goal is to reach the unreached in the rural areas. Not to build more churches in the urban neighbourhoods where there are numerous churches already. But how?
Thanks to your gifts, Harvesters was able to visit and share our unique church planting strategy with 61 pastors in Cameroon. To date, this strategy has resulted in 65,000 new churches worldwide. The focus is always to plant churches where there are no churches.
Rev Ken observed that previously when local pastors have tried to evangelise their efforts have ultimately failed “because they lack proper training, they can’t sustain the hostility of the environment, so they have to quit and come back.”
“But,” he continues, “I really believe that with this tool that Harvesters Ministries is bringing to us, we can see a great momentum of church planting happening in our country, from the far north to the east to the west. And we can see the whole church of Cameroon mobilised to reach the unreached where they are.”
Spreading Out
Furthermore, Reverend Ken sees an even bigger vision for his precious country. He explains, “Because of the [strategic] position that Cameroon has in central Africa, if things are happening the right way in Cameroon, they can easily affect the other countries in central Africa. Like Chad, like Gabon, like Equatorial Guinea, like Central [African] Republic. Any time we have something which is stable in Cameroon, it is easier for us to take it in the other countries where we have also friends – minister friends – who can easily catch the vision and run with it.”
Does this vision excite you? Those 61 pastors, along with Rev. Ken, who will begin the Harvesters Pastoral Training and Church Planting programme need your help to see their vision realised in Cameroon. Do you want to see the unreached find faith in Jesus? For only R150/£8/$10 per month, you can train a pastor in Cameroon, who will evangelise the lost and plant around three churches with new converts.
Finally, Revered Ken says, “I want to thank [Harvesters Ministries], who came to introduce to us this strategy which is from my own point of view as a missionary, as somebody who is on the field, I know it is such a tremendous blessing for us. We are more concerned about taking the Gospel to those who have not yet received the Gospel. And I think that by your help you can train us, you can inspire us, you can help us to really make it happen in our country, thank you so much.”
Do you want to support this vision?