Jan 2008

Wow did 2007 fly by…..

You know we came to the realisation that God’s plans are much greater, bigger and deeper than what we expected….if you sense a tad of excitement in us….then it is because since we returned from a two week outreach to Burundi and DRC in Oct 2007, God has enriched us with His love and joy .

As you know God started speaking to Diane and I in 2005 about the DRC and serving Him there….and every trip there we started receiving greater and greater clarity on the call and where to start the vision etc.

I really want to share with you in a little more detail what our future plans are (and hope that this find favour with you):

Call –
· Where - we sense that God is calling us to the Great lakes area in mid Africa (DRC/Burundi/Rwanda/Tanzania……) We sense that we will go and setup a base in Burundi in a town called Gitega. Our heart is to impart the knowledge of Gods word, the Bible to Pastors.

· What – to the leaders, pastors and government of this country – 2 Tim 2:2 to entrust knowledge of God to men who will be qualified to teach others. The church is growing at leaps and bounds in central Africa, but the pastors and leaders does not have a great depth in the knowledge of God and the church is suffering as a result. Hosea 4:6 says that “my people perish due to a lack of knowledge”

· When – Time line we looking and immigrating to Burundi in Jan 2009. Yes we sense a fast forward in our time line.

· Vision – Luke 10:6 speaks about finding a man of peace in a town. Well this God has done for us. We met Pastor Charles Nduwumukama in Burundi in a town called Gitega. God has raised this pastor up about 5 years ago and started his ministry preaching to his own people in Burundi, many of who is now serving in his 2000 strong congregation. He has planted many churches and is first an evangelist at heart. He has a vision to reach the leaders in Burundi, and reachout to children. He already funded and build a huge school and is almost finished with facilities to house many pastors when he starts with a number of training centres in the area. We share the same vision and passion for the Kingdom. We have an open invitation to come and serve with Ps Charles. He is a man receiving much favour from God in his business dealings.

It is our intention to start formalising a sending cell early this year. We will setup a formal get together for all who are interested to journey with us.

Please can you join us in praying
· for the final year of preparation
· for favour with the family to release us with their blessing
· for Bernice who will stay behind, she will finish matric end of 2008, and for her future plans.
· for favour with prayer and financial supporters
· and for wisdom how to deal with our material assets