HELLO FRIENDS!
All the Southern Africa countries have been infected and affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at various levels. It has been quite challenging, especially when church meetings have been a place of spiritual enrichment, interaction, and socializing. Most of the governments have restricted the gathering of gropus to a maximum of 50 people per service. One of the biggest challenges the churches are facing is the financial decline of tithes and offerings. Many are struggling to pay their monthly bills.
MAURITIUS
Our church in Mauritius, called End Time Ministries International, is growing very well under the leadership of Rev. John Leopold. They have planted four branches since COVID began and are still growing. Recently, they baptized 20 new converts in the Indian Ocean.
MADAGASCAR
The church in Antananarivo is doing exceptionally well. Pastors Tojo and Deborah Ranaivoarimanana are great leaders who have a passion for lost souls. This past Saturday, they had their first service in the New Life in Christ building. They had great attendance. They are avid church planters and recently planted their second church in the city centre with over 200 people in attendance. Pastor Tojo is also preaching on TV once a week, which reaches many people for the gospel, thus the growth of the churches. They recently baptized 42 people.
COVID-19 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
I am so thankful to World Missions Ministries for allowing the Regional Directors to utilize their 2020 budget for COVID-19 assistance in their regions. Also, a huge thank you to Maggie and each donor who made it possible for over 400 families to receive food parcels in our community and churches in Johannesburg. Wing Kwong Church in Hong Kong also contributed a substantial amount of funds for food relief in the region.
SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION PROJECTS
God does not limit His resources, even during a pandemic. It has been amazing to see how many projects are still progressing in the region when funding seems limited. Thank you so much for all the contributions. So many of you are investing in projects amid the storm.
GREAT COMMISSION EQUIPPING CONFERENCE
The International Pentecostal Holiness Church adopted Mission Catalyst’s “Great Commission Equipping Conference” (GCEC) training materials (Phase One and Phase Two) for training our national pastors and workers around the world. The GCEC training materials will prepare leaders and church members to achieve the goal for Arise 2033 to plant 5,000 new congregations outside of the USA by the year 2033. In Africa alone, we have set a goal to plant 5,000 new congregations by 2033.
We want to express our sincere appreciation to all of our prayer partners and supporters for your faithful commitment to our ministry in Southern Africa. Even during this COVID-19 difficult period, which has affected so many families, we commend you for your faithfulness.
Joe & Maggie Delport
