APF News and Prayer. April to June Inside: In the UK. In Africa. Prayer Points. Joined up thinking. Hearing African Voices

Transcription

1 APF News and Prayer April to June 2016 Inside: In the UK In Africa Prayer Points Joined up thinking Hearing African Voices Enabling effective ministry in Africa

2 From the CEO Welcome to the spring 2016 edition of News and Prayer I am writing this from a third floor hotel room in the cathedral district of Derby. Cyra and I are here to visit the church and reception venue for our firstborn son s wedding in April. I have stayed in more hotels in the past 18 months, both around UK and east Africa, than I can remember some of which have been more comfortable than others and one or two have provided some good dinner party stories! The work is exciting and there are many encouragements but life is disjointed when I m here in UK I feel the need to be there in Africa, and when I m there in Africa so please pray for me, and for Geoff Holder and our families as we spend significant amounts of time travelling and away from home began with a Staff and Trustees Day of Prayer in Birmingham. There were several useful words and reflections as well as an opportunity to receive up to date news from many of our friends and partners in Africa. The word that spoke loudest to me was the reminder that we need to keep bringing Africa into the room in our praying, planning, delivery, and UK profile we both serve and are shaped by the ministry in Africa. I hope you will appreciate hearing the voices of some of our African partners in these pages. Thank You Rev David Stedman

3 In the UK Regional Events Several Regional Events are planned for 2016 (see engagements below). These are being designed to appeal both to existing and potential supporters. If you would like to host a Regional Event we would be delighted to hear from you. Golf Day Another fundraising golf day will be taking place in the October half-term week. This will be at Canterbury Golf Club on Friday 28th October. Volunteer Opportunities Regional Advocates and Local Activists In order to maintain and build the profile of APF across the UK we are seeking to identify enthusiastic and motivated people to act as champions for APF across regions or within local churches and communities. If you might be interested in considering such a role please contact Geoff Holder at the APF office to find out more. Dates and Engagements 02/04/16 to 17/04/16 Geoff Holder in Malawi 17/04/16 Beltinge BC, Kent 24/04/16 Poland with Partnership Trust 15/05/16 St Luke s, Grayshott, Surrey 22/05/16 St Peter s and St Paul s, Cranfield, Beds 24/05/16 APF AGM 29/05/16 Harvest of Blessing Ministry, Tottenham, London 05/06/16 St Saviour s, Retford, Nottinghamshire 12/06/16 St Peter s, Maghull (NW Regional Event on Saturday 11th June) 26/06/16 St Chad s Church, Bristol (SW Regional Event in afternoon) 03/07/16 Canterbury Baptist Church (SE Regional Event on Saturday 2nd July) 14/07/16 Trustees Meeting 17/07/16 to 29/07/16 Dave Stedman and team in Kenya 18/09/16 All Saints Church, South Cerney, Gloucestershire 25/09/16 Faversham Baptist Church, Kent 09/10/16 All Saints Church, Eaglescliffe and Stockton Tab (NE Regional Event on Saturday 8th October) 23/10/16 Herne Bay Baptist Church 28/10/16 Golf Day 30/10/16 Queens Road Baptist Church, Coventry (Midlands Regional Event on Saturday 29th October) 03/11/16 Trustees Meeting 06/11/16 to 07/12/16 Dave Stedman in Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda Enabling effective ministry in Africa 02

4 In Africa A round up of our work and news throughout Africa. Tanzania Money raised from historic book sales and held on account in Tanzania was redeployed and put to use as APF resourced a pastor training conference in late February in Karagwe region. The conference, attended by 30 pastors, and their wives, from a variety of denominations, was organised and delivered by APF partner Pastor Heavenlight Luoga of Deeper Life Church. Photo: Felibien Ndintore Burundi Despite continuing political instability we continue to have regular correspondence from church leaders in Burundi, notably Felibien Ndintore, Yves Ndayikunda and Guy Nasasagare. A meeting with Rev. Silas Ntukamazina, General Secretary of the Union of the Baptist Churches in Burundi, took place in Rwanda during the CEOs visit in March. Uganda A series of day conferences, attended by pastors, wives and other local church leaders took place in Teso region at Kumi, Palissa and Atirir to mark the imminent retirement of Bishop John Echeru, who has had a long association with APF. Dave Stedman had the privilege of preaching at a special service to honour the ministry of Bishop John who pioneered the planting of more than 100 village churches in the region during his ministry. Rwanda Dave Stedman visited Rwanda in late February and early March. He taught at a conference of Free Methodist and Baptist pastors in Gakenke region, visited churches linked with Eglise Evangelique de le Bonne Volonte and distributed 500 Kinyarwanda Bibles (in partnership with Operation Mobilisation Special Projects). He also had several useful meetings with national leaders from the Anglican, Free Methodist and Baptist traditions. 03

5 Malawi Geoff Holder will be working alongside long-time APF partner Lloyd Chizenka to take part in 2 pastor conferences in the Shire Valley in April. More than 200 pastors and their wives from the network of 120 churches overseen by Lloyd will attend. Geoff will also be networking with denominational leaders such as Bishop Alinafe Kalemba to establish where and how APF might have a role in the future. Kenya A small team including CEO, Dave Stedman, new trustee, Nelly Lukwo and Revd Dr Kate Coleman fonder of Next Leadership will visit west Kenya in July. Conferences are planned with Grace Calvary Christian Ministry, Central Rift Baptist Association, Kapsabet Anglican Theological College and Pentecostal pastors in Siaya district. Regional Coordinators and Local Trainers A number of African partners are already fulfilling significant ministries independently and on behalf of APF organising and delivering training and offering pastoral support for their peers. A key part of our strategy for sustained multiplication and culturally appropriate ministry in Africa is to identify and formalise these relationships. We expect to be able to appoint and introduce at least three such personnel before the end of Literature Historic stocks of Safari books and some picture sets stored in containers, book shops and various denominational offices have been distributed during the past year. Agano Jipya, the III volume Swahili NT commentary set has continued value especially in Tanzania. We are exploring cost efficient ways of reprinting and making the books available to download online via the website. Bikes Following our Lycra Challenge sponsored ride last autumn, applications are now being received from African partners for bicycle and transport grants to be disbursed this year. Solar The Let There Be Light campaign to provide pastors families with portable solar lamps remains open. Other solar technologies are being explored including the use of solar powered ovens for baking which protect vital forests, save on firewood or charcoal costs and can provide an income for churches and leaders. Enabling effective ministry in Africa 04

6 Hearing African Voices We began the New Year with a Staff and Trustees Day of Prayer in Birmingham. Rev Dr Kate Coleman from Next Leadership led us as we reflected on APF s past and explored what God was saying to us now. The word that spoke loudest was the reminder that we need to keep bringing Africa into the room. We need to ensure our praying, planning, delivery, and profile are constantly shaped by African voices. Here are a few of the voices from APF s friends and partners in Africa that were shared that day: I am a pastor in a parish of around 300 Christians. Half of them are children so we need a strong team of Sunday school teachers. Pray for Christian commitment in evangelism to children and for the training of them we are planning. All blessings. Rev. Jean Baptiste Bugiruwenda, Rwanda Thank you very much indeed for your and I am glad to hear from you. APF came to my previous Diocese of Tabora, but I would like them to come and minister to us in the Diocese of Western Tanganyika. Please pray for our ministry among the Refugees from Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo. Rt. Revd. Sadok Makaya, Bishop of Western Tanganyika, Tanzania Please join me to pray that the pastors in Mwanza that we may have unity. The village pastors some of them live and work in difficult situations, pray that God will provide for them and help them to be firm in His work. Thank you so much and God bless for prayers. Greetings in Jesus name! Pray for street children here in Kigali who suffer hunger and health problems. Thanks and blessings. Pastor Timothy Sebastian, Mwanza, Tanzania. Charles Munyamahoro, Rwanda 05

7 The instability has caused a lot of problems including freezing of aid and support to the country. Please, pray for God s intervention in order to stop this vicious circle. Burundi must have peace so that we can deal with issues to do with return of refugees, development, and reintegration. Please, pray for the safety and stability of the staff of Rema Ministries and their families especially. Felibien Ndintore, Rema Ministries, Burundi Please pray for peace, for reconciliation and leaders who have integrity. Our society is suffering since long time. Pray for our ministry, our families and our brothers and sisters, refugees around our country. May God bless you. Yves Ndayikunda, Ceprodilic ADEPE, Burundi For Morogoro Diocese, APF is of utmost importance. Our pastors have been getting a wonderful training how to serve best our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for God s healing for Leah Sehaba, the wife of our beloved Bishop, and pray for God s provision of food to the people here. Famine has been a big problem in our communities. We hugely appreciate your prayers. Revd Frederick Stephen Chingwaba, Morogoro Bible School, Tanzania Greetings in our Lord Jesus. Thank you for dedicating your time to pray for us. Uganda is undergoing the presidential campaign. The situation looks tough and spirits are not stable. Please pray for safe and transparent elections. Pastor Prosper Ruvush, Uganda I pray with you and my prayer will be coming from the book of 2 Tim 2:2 because I am training pastors in Tanzania, so that God may equip them with His knowledge, Amen. Pastor Richard Mwita, Tarime, Mara, Tanzania Thank you very much for your heart and commitment to the Kingdom, especially for praying for us and the work of God in Rwanda There are still needy people we are not able to reach but we know that God is at work bringing Shalom in Rwanda in so many ways. Thank you so much for having us on your heart. We also pray for you. Rev. Gato Munyamasoko, Association des Eglises Baptistes au Rwanda (AEBR) Enabling effective ministry in Africa 02 06

8 Joined up thinking For several hundred years in the West, there has been a growing separation between society and faith. Spirituality is often reduced to something only practiced privately and faith often treated with suspicion when it speaks into politics and culture. This is not the case in Africa were spirituality affects many aspects of everyday life. In rural communities especially, traditional spirituality is often the main influence on thinking about relationships, health, luck (both good and bad) and in decision making. Land and food production are particularly wrapped up in thinking about traditional spirituality and when small-scale farming sustains the vast majority of sub-saharan Africa s population, it s not something that should be ignored. Traditional spirituality holds rural communities together but at the same time can mean that positive change is difficult. Many farmers, for example, believe that the methods they use have been passed down from generation to generation and changing them could insult the ancestors. Triggering the wrath of an ancestor is not a good idea as this can lead to misfortune, illness and even death. Like most African church leaders, Pastor Valantine and his wife, Iride, from northwest Tanzania, are first and foremost 07

9 88% 84% 84% 75% 72% 69% farmers who rely totally on their land for food. They spoke candidly to us about the difference Jesus Christ has made. They used to grow very poor bananas and the family struggled to get by but they explained that when you accept Jesus Christ as your ancestor (the firstborn from amongst the dead ) then you are free to do things differently without fear. They bought a plot of land very cheaply, the community thought it was cursed and wouldn t grow anything. Prayerfully, Pastor Valentine planted new crops using simple sustainable agriculture techniques like composting and mulching he had been taught be a local Christian community development worker. Before, the family struggled to scrape by. Now, their top quality bananas, sweet potatoes, and coffee beans sell for a premium in the local market. Their family is fed all year and four out of six children have attended secondary school. Pastor Valentine leads a community group teaching others about Christian faith and sustainable farming and many are growing more food for their families as they discover the freedom Jesus offers. Africans understand that effective mission provides for both physical and spiritual needs. This is sometimes called holistic mission and means that it s not good enough to simply support African pastors with theological training, nor only offer purely secular solutions to community problems. APF are committed to supporting leaders like Pastor Valentine who are transforming their communities with holistic training that makes a difference in the here and now, and for all eternity to come. It s joined-up thinking and an important lesson from the African church that we in the West need to remember. Burundi Malawi Uganda Kenya Rwanda Tanzania Population dependant on small-scale farming: % (Data: World Bank, 2014) Enabling effective ministry in Africa 08

10 April Prayer Points 1. Planning for the increased number and new look Regional Events being held during the summer and autumn 2. Geoff Holder arriving in Blantyre, southern Malawi today 3. For Pastor Lloyd Chizenga from New Life Church, who will be leading APF conferences this week 4. Geoff and Pastor Lloyd meeting with representatives from communities in Mulanje District, Malawi, near the Mozambique border 5. For opportunities to explore community development challenges and opportunities with community leaders in southern Malawi 6. For preparations for the APF conferences over the next few days, and pastors and wives travelling to the conferences today 7. Day one of the APF conference in Chikwawa District 8. For good rapport, trust and openness at the Malawi conferences 9. Start of the APF conference in Ngabu District 10. For pastors and their wives attending the Malawi conferences 11. Opportunities for partnership with St Marks Welfare Committee, a community project run by Rev Chanju Banda in Blantyre 12. Geoff and Pastor Lloyd exploring sustainable agriculture initiatives today 13. Geoff meeting with the Bishop of Southern Malawi, Rt Rev. Alinafe Kalemba 14. That APF would listen and learn from our African friends and partners in Malawi 15. Pray for the wider fellowship of APF supporters outside of the UK 16. Geoff returning to the UK today 17. Dave Stedman leading the service and speaking at Beltinge Baptist Church this morning 18. Planning for Dave s visit to Kenya in July, when he will be accompanied by APF Trustee, Nelly Lukwo, together with Rev Dr Kate Coleman from Next Leadership 19. Over the next few days we will be praying for the planning and personnel involved in the trio to Kenya in July 09

11 Please Pray 20. Rev Edward Amwayi and Rev Jackson Sickolo from Grace Calvary Christian Ministries who are coordinating a conference of leaders from across the 40+ churches in their network as part of the Kenya visit in July 21. Rev Abraham Koech, Vice Principal, at Kapsabet Anglican Theological College where Dave, Nelly and Kate will be staying in Kenya and sharing time with staff and students 22. Rev Simon Laboso, who is responsible for the Central Rift Baptist Convention. Dave and Kate will be speaking at the annual assembly of CRBC 23. Pastor Daniel Odour who coordinates a network of Pentecostal and free church pastors in Siaya district who will also be visited by Dave and the team in July 24. Other Kenyan friends including Edith Wamalawa from the CLC Booklink in Nairobi 26. Rev Nicta Lubaale in Kenya who works to encourage churches to respond to poverty and on interfaith engagement 27. Revd. Canon Peter Karanja Mwangi, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) 28. For Pastor Jacob Nyok who got in touch with us from Southern Sudan. He is from remote Jongei State but is living, along with most of his community, in a camp outside of the capital, Juba, because of ongoing violence 29. For other pastors and church leaders who have contacted us recently from Southern Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia 30. For clear direction in the delivery of APF s strategy in Africa and in identifying the right people to deliver it. 25. Rev David ole Kereto who heads up the Covenant Church International and with 300 churches was identified in 2008 as the fastest growing denomination in Kenya. CCI works primarily in rural locations amongst the Maasai, and places its priority on evangelism Enabling effective ministry in Africa 10

12 May Prayer Points 1. Pray for the successful appointment of Regional Coordinators and Local Trainers in Africa so as to develop and multiply the work of APF 2. Individuals and agencies with which MOUs have already been agreed: Rev Charles Munyamahoro (Free Methodist Church. Rwanda), Walubo Jude (Universal Chastity Education, Uganda), Pastor Paul Tenywa (Futures After Children are Traumatised, Uganda) and Esomu Francis (Atirir Bible School, Uganda) 3. Funds to be made available to reprint Agano Jipya, APFs III volume Swahili NY commentary set which is much needed in Tanzania, plus plan to make the books available as an online resource 4. Over the next few days we will be praying for some of our Tanzanian friends and partners 5. Pastor Heavenlight Luoga, Deeper Life Ministry, who has a heart for serving and equipping pastors and their dependents in Karagwe region and beyond 6. Cassia, Heavenlight s wife, with a heart for under-privileged and often traumatised women, in DRC 7. Rev Canon Absalom Vyakende and Rev Obadiah Eustace at Kagera Christian Theological College and keen to host a future APF visit 8. Emanuel Mhina who works for Morogoro Diocese overseeing their solar and literature ministries independently and in partnership with APF 9. Rev Amos Nkini, Director of Education for the Lutheran Diocese of Mohshi and having a vision to provide basic IT training to help pastors access online learning and resources 10. Bishop Francis Ntiruka (retired), Pastor Yona and Reheema Mwanza with their respective ministries to students and pastors in and around Dodoma region 11. Other emerging partners in Tanzania including Father Asheri Ndahani (Tanga Diocese) and Pastor Anthony Apollo (Karagwe) 12. Planning and preparations for Dave Stedman to visit Tanzania for an extended tour during the latter part of Our board of trustees: Mr John Chambers (treasurer), Rev David Howard, Ms Nelly Lukwo, Rev John Martin (chair), Revd Richard Suffern and Revd Richard Tucker 11

13 Please Pray 14. Rev Andrew North who has been exploring opportunities to serve with APF as an advisor, occasional visitor to Africa and possibly as a trustee 15. Dave Stedman speaking at St Luke s Church, Grayshott, this evening 16. APF Patron, Bishop Godfrey Sehaba in Morogoro Diocese, especially for his wife who has kidney disease 17. Wise disbursement of pastoral help using proceeds from the Just Christmas appeal 18. The on-going Let There Be Light campaign to provide solar technology in various forms to Christian community leaders to improve living conditions, save money and enable evening study 19. Dave Stedman attending Spurgeon s College Council today 20. Established friends in Burundi such as Rev Yves Ndayikunda (Ceprodilic) and Rev Felibien Ndintore (Bujumbura Diocese) 21. New contacts in Burundi such as Rev Silas Ntukamazina (Union des Eglises Baptistes du Burundi) 22. Dave Stedman speaking at St Peter and St Paul s Church, Cranfield, this morning 23. Dave Stedman meeting with Rev Dr Kate Coleman today 24. AGM and Trustees Meeting this morning 25. Recruitment of Regional Advocates and Local Fundraisers in UK to support the work of APF 26. Dave and Geoff seeking to make strategic links and informal networking with other UK agencies having similar goals and values to APF 27. Safety and journey mercies for all APF staff and partners as they move around UK and Africa 28. Wise stewardship of resources both human and economic 29. Dave Stedman teaching at Harvest of Blessings Ministry (UK), Tottenham, today 30. Dave Stedman researching with help from African church leaders and theologians and preparation of APF training materials later this year 31. A thorough-going long-term sustainable publicity and fundraising strategy that will enable UK personnel to focus more on developing the work in Africa. Enabling effective ministry in Africa 12

14 June Prayer Points 1. Partner agencies in Uganda such as Proclamation Task (Rev Dr Julius Twongeirwe) and Baptist Union of Uganda (Rev Peter Mugabe) 2. Key personnel providing management, training and oversight of APF activities in Uganda such as Rev Elebu Moses and Rev Paul Kyalimpa 3. Growing contact with Gary Skinner, Lead Pastor at the influential Watoto Church in Kampala 4. Rev Alfred Wonyaka in his various duties for local NGOs, Diocese of North Mbale and Inter-Religious Council of Uganda 5. Dave Stedman speaking at St Saviours Church, Retford, this morning 6. Successful funding applications to extend training conferences in hard to reach regions of Uganda especially to be able to follow up on the training delivered in BUU western region last November 7. Partnerships with School Connect and Tag Rugby Trust bringing community enrichment to schools through the local church 8. Pastors receiving training at local Bible schools and those receiving sponsorship to attend either Jinja Seminary or elsewhere 9. Eunice Nabafu and Suzan Kasozi and the work of Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity supporting justice and human rights 10. The work of Barefoot Power in Uganda supplying solar products and training through NGOs such as APF 11. North West Regional Events at Maghull during the day and evening today 12. Dave Stedman speaking at St Peter s Church, Maghull, this morning 13. For increasing numbers of people to subscribe to News and Prayer and support APF 14. Guidance as to APF future opportunities in other nations such as Mozambique and South Sudan 15. Disbursement of bicycle and travel grants in response to applications and for the success of the Lycra Challenge Bikes for Africa sponsored ride last September which has made this possible 13

15 Please Pray 16. The ministry of APF Patron, Rev Dr Michael Okwakol, President of the All Africa Baptist Alliance 17. Guidance as to APF future ministry in DRC 18. Rev Stephane Makata, Katanga Diocese, DRC 19. Rev Bertin Mwanya, President of the Congo Pastors Fellowship 20. Thank God for the diverse supporter base of APF and those who faithfully pray and give 21. For there to be a healthy balance between faith and pragmatism, strategic planning and the spontaneity of the Holy Spirit in all we do as a charity 22. For a growing sense of fellowship at all levels of our work and communication 23. Over the next few days we will pray for key projects and personnel in Rwanda 24. Rev Charles Munyamahoro helping to coordinate APF activity in Rwanda 25. Staff at Bible Society of Rwanda and continued funding for Kinyarwanda Bibles from Operation Mobilisation Special Projects managed and distributed by APF networks 26. Jean-Baptiste Bugiruwanda and Ezechias Ntirengaya at Scripture Union Rwanda 27. Dave Stedman speaking at St Chad s Church, Patchway this morning and South West regional event in the afternoon 28. Revd Nathan Amooti, Bishop of Cyangugu, and his vision to develop a regional training facility for preparing clergy 29. Rev Dr Antoine Rutayisre, Principal of Kigali Anglican Theological College for clarity and priorities amidst ambitious plans 30. On-going training of Free Church pastors, lay leaders and their dependents in Rulindo and Gakenke regions 31. Rev Gato and the secretariat of Association of Evangelical Baptist Churches of Rwanda, especially his highly-regarded work for peace and reconciliation. Enabling effective ministry in Africa 14

16 The vision of APF is to enable effective ministry in Africa by providing training, help and equipment to pastors, churches and community leaders internationally and inter-denominationally. Giving to APF If you would like to donate to APF you can send a cheque, organise a fundraising event or set up a regular payment (please make contact and we can send you bank details). Alternatively here are some other ways that you can give: Text APFG30 to to make a mobile donation (Donate 1 to cover the print and postage costs for News and Prayer) African Pastors Fellowship Station House, Station Approach, Adisham, Canterbury CT3 3JE Tel ceo@africanpastors.org or admin@africanpastors.org UK Registered Charity Number Designed by ElevenBlack.