NOVEMBER 2024
TRANSFORMING LIVES.
Isaiah 55:10-11 reminds us: “As the rain comes down from heaven and does not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” This verse resonates deeply as we reflect on the past two years of our ministry, coinciding with the refreshing and much needed rains that have graced our land. We are filled with gratitude for how God’s word is taking root and bearing fruit in the lives of children and youth.
GROWING TOGETHER IN GOD'S WORK.
Over these two years, we have had the privilege of engaging with 890 pastors, casting vision for the critical need to embrace the next generation in our communities and churches—especially when you consider that 49% of the population across Africa is under the age of 18 years. Through the dedication of our Master Trainers, we’ve partnered with 344 churches from all 10 provinces, training 1,483 children and youth workers. Across the country we saw 8,627 children discipled and 2,045 youth go through a discipleship course over the past year. It is our prayer that every person equipped will faithfully serve the Lord with joy, using what they have in their hands to transform young lives through the power and saving grace of Jesus Christ. In August, we welcomed three graduate interns into Cultivate, our four-month leadership training program - Rachel Mudita, Mukudzei Chitenhe and Diana Ritma Sewera. Their energy, creativity, and commitment have been a blessing as they’ve worked with us three days a week, expanding our capacity and inspiring fresh ideas. We have thoroughly enjoyed having them with us. As they graduated on 29 November, we sent them on with our prayers and God’s richest blessings in their new endeavours for the coming year. Thank you to the team of volunteers who invested in their growth, offering sessions on professional etiquette, job interviews, CV writing, financial stewardship, sign language, an introduction to safeguarding and a study on leadership from the book of Nehemiah.
EXPANDING REACH IN SEPTEMBER.
In September, we participated in the ACSI Zimbabwe Educators Conference in Harare, connecting with 15 schools across the country and sharing our resources. Later that month, we hosted a workshop in Bulawayo, engaging with over 20 urban and rural churches and partnering with Cure Hospital to bring the Good News of Jesus to children and youth in their hospital and clinics. It has been inspiring to witness partners in every field of life sharing the good news of Jesus across various spheres — from churches, schools and hospitals to community centres and feeding programs. In cities and rural areas alike, the Gospel is being proclaimed! It is our prayer that lives will be transformed, and we eagerly anticipate testimonies from the children and youth impacted this ministry. Film reach, this was a new initiative and we have 2 films that we use to present the gospel to the children and youth. Over the past 4 months we have shown the film to 6,700 children and youth, with a desire for them to think about their need for a Saviour, and meet Jesus personally for themselves.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IN OCTOBER.
In October, we welcomed Israel, the OneHope
Regional Trainer from Lesotho, and Alison, the
Africa trainer and research specialist from Uganda.
Their visit was aimed at observing our programs
and included experiencing ministry in action. We
visited orphans in Epworth, a school in Hatcliffe
Extension, and did a refresher course for our Master
Trainers. We also attended a youth and children’s
ministry training with 22 churches represented.
While time and resources limited our ability to
travel beyond Harare, we look forward to future
opportunities to extend our travels across the
different provinces.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025...
As the year draws to a close, we are prayerfully seeking new partnerships and opportunities to train and equip others. We hope to begin 2025 with a strong focus on discipling children and youth. We have some wonderful resources to support churches and individuals in this vital work and encourage you to get in touch and order your materials. We are eager to raise up new Master Trainers who can teach in their areas of influence. If you are not directly involved in children and youth ministry, we would welcome financial support to help us travel and reach more communities, as well as train and equip people who feel called into this ministry.
PRAYER & PRAYER POINTERS.
We covet your prayers and thank you for your prayer support! Please pray that we are strengthened for the work at hand and that the Lord of the Harvest would continue to send more labourers into his fields, to the glory of his name.
Master Trainers: Praise God for each Master Trainer who has been trained across the country. Pray for their encouragement and faithfulness to persevere. Ask God to provide for their needs so they can extend their work in their communities. Please pray for our service of thanksgiving and celebration planned for Saturday, 25 January 2025. New Master Trainers: Pray for new Master Trainers to be identified and to join the program and undergo training in January 2025. Spheres of Influence: Praise for the different spheres of influence His Word has been taken into so freely. Pray for lives to be transformed through the saving power of God’s Word. Graduate Interns: Praise for our three graduate interns who are completing their internship. Pray that they will walk closely with God and continue to serve Him with joy in their unique areas of calling and influence. Church Partners: Praise God for our many church partners and the unity we share in Christ. Pray for organizations like MMV as they strive to bring Jesus to the most vulnerable and needy across the nation. Looking Ahead to 2025: Pray for wisdom, boldness, and God’s favour as we build new partnerships and seek open doors of opportunity. Ask God to provide the resources financial, material, and human—needed to carry out His work. God’s Word, Every child.
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT.
In Matthew 13:32, Jesus likens the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed: “Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” This powerful illustration reminds us that even the smallest faithful efforts to sow God’s Word can result in great growth and transformation. Our prayer is that as we labour faithfully, and sow the seed of God’s word, his word will flourish and bear much fruit in the hearts of children and young people, transforming lives and communities. May we, together, become the true breadbasket of Africa—spiritually feeding on and sharing the living Word of God. We are deeply grateful for your prayers, support, and partnership. Let us continue to trust in God’s provision and guidance as we move forward in His mission. May His Word accomplish all that He desires! God’s WORD, EVERY child. SARAH CROSS NATIONAL DIRECTOR.