A new move of God is evolving in the Southern part of Africa after COVID. We are experiencing and hearing of church attendance growing beyond our expectations, and many new converts are experiencing the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.
SOUTHERN AFRICA COUNTRIES: HIGHLIGHTS
ADVANCE SCHOOL OF MINISTRY - Advance School of Ministry still empowers leaders in the Southern region of Africa. Many leaders developed their foundational skills sitting under the instructors of ASM. Today, many conference leaders serving in the Southern Africa region attended ASM and have become outstanding leaders.
BOTSWANA - The church in Botswana has been stable for many years and is growing slowly. They have a strong leadership base. With a population of 2.5 million people, Botswana is ranked 3rd among 47 countries in Sub-Sahara economically. Unemployment is currently at 24.7%, one of the lowest in Africa. Generally, people are well educated and have suitable employment.
ESWATINI (SWAZILAND) - The church in Eswatini has experienced some difficulties due to the economic challenges the country is facing. Job opportunities are limited; thus, people move from one place to another looking for jobs, and the church becomes unstable. I recently met with all the leaders to re-align the church's vision. We believe in God for a breakthrough.
MADAGASCAR - Pastors Tojo and Deborah Ranaivoarimanana are doing exceptional work in Madagascar. The church building project in Antananarivo is progressing well, and they are planning the church dedication for March next year. They still have a weekly service in the municipal hall on Tuesdays at mid-day. They have also planted a church in the south of the island and the city's surrounding area. People to People Ministries is assisting them with funds for their feeding programs. 80% of Madagascar's residents live in rural areas, thus the influx of people living in the cities on the streets.
MALAWI - Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the region and the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha by 25% in May of this year has not helped the people to sustain themselves. The Malawi PHC vision for planting more churches is progressing well, and People to People Ministries regularly supports the pastors' children.
MAURITIUS - Rev. Althea Meyer has invested much time in Mauritius by developing the children's ministry program in poverty-stricken areas of the island. It has been amazing to see churches planted out of the weekly children's programs. Rev. Leopold and his wife Joyce are very committed to the church's growth on the island.
MOZAMBIQUE - Mozambique PHC is moving forward even amid many challenges. Bishop Rui Chichava, the National Overseer, is very committed to the church's vision as a whole and always stays in contact with the different provinces' superintendents. We are thankful to donors for assisting with church-building projects. We have had numerous mud and thatch churches replaced by brick-and-mortar buildings.
RODRIGUES - The volcanic island of Rodrigues is a territory of Mauritius with a population of 45,000. Reverend Ricardo Mercure has been an IPHC member since 2006 and is also ministering in Madagascar, Reunion, and Seychelles islands. The Source De Vie Church (Source of Life) has used a rented building for many years and this year they purchased a house which they are converting into a church. I was happy to assist them with some funding for the project.
SOUTH AFRICA - South Africa is facing many challenges. Corruption, rape, murder, incest, human trafficking, carjackings, armed robbery, daily power outages, and much more have become everyday occurrences. Although the church in this country is doing well and growing, it has to influence society with the life-changing gospel of Jesus. I have assisted in some areas of the country with funding for church-building initiatives. The church is becoming a collective place for communities who need assistance with education and community development.
TANZANIA - Drought has affected many parts of Tanzania this year, primarily rural areas. People depend on water sources to grow their crops, and for daily requirements. Bethel Life Worship Center in Greenville, PA, generously donated funds for a water well (borehole) drilled in a rural area of Iringa in Tanzania. It is one of the most rewarding experiences when drilling a well, and suddenly water gushes out of the hole. It is truly life-giving.
ZAMBIA - Zambia PHC has had church planting and evangelism in its DNA for many years and is the number one church-planting country in Southern Africa. They have 986 churches and are growing. Recently, they established their seventh conference called Mosi-oa-Tunya. Mosi-oa-Tunya means, "The Smoke That Thunders," which is well known worldwide as a reference to Victoria Falls.
ZIMBABWE - In September I had the privilege to preside over the Zimbabwe General Conference elections. The conference was well attended considering the economic hardships people face in the country, and Bishop Jonathan Chatendeuka was re-elected as Presiding Bishop. The church in Zimbabwe is planting new churches under severe difficulties and their goal is to plant 160 new churches by the year 2033 in alignment with the "Arise 2033" vision. These people have a huge heart for the Great Commission to be fulfilled.
Thank you for your support!
Joe & Maggie DelportJoe Delport
