“Thrive Africa has taught me how to face the problems in the world and to respond.” – Ouma Buthelezi

“I have learned many things today, I am loaded.  I know who I am, I know why I’m here on earth, and I know how I can impact people around me.  I just want to thank God for bringing Thrive Africa and Hand in Hand into my life today.” – Amos

“I am so blessed to know that I am the Light and Salt of the world.  I’ve also realized that I don’t have to keep my problems to myself, others face them as well.” – Jermina Tsotetsi

“I learned that to be a light- it is a calling from God.” – Mathobisa Maria

“As leaders we must act like Jesus.” – Botodi Jan Khanye

“I have been revived through this seminar by having other preachers help through the Word of God.  I am blessed.” – L. S. Mosia

“I have reached a new understanding about being Salt and Light in the world – that I can impact my community and attract them to the Lord.” – Joyce Motete

“God is in this conference every time.  I always feel the Holy Spirit present in the Hand in Hand conferences.  Thank you for teaching me about Godly leadership.” – K. V. Malinga

“I felt changed by today’s seminar.  I saw God today.  I learned to read and meditate on the Word of God to be able to hear from Him and to realize my purpose.” – Engelina Tsholo

We had a great time at Hand in Hand on Monday! If you’ve seen the event promo video, you know that the theme for the pastoral development conferences this year is Salt and Light.

Here’s what some of the pastors had to say about the event:

“I have reached a new understanding about being Salt and Light in the world – that I can impact my community and attract them to the Lord.” – Joyce Motete

“I have learned many things today, I am loaded.  I know who I am, I know why I’m here on earth, and I know how I can impact people around me.  I just want to thank God for bringing Thrive Africa and Hand in Hand into my life today.” – Amos

“I have learned that I’m the Salt and Light of this world.  This makes me want to read and learn more from the Word of God.” – Motsoeneng Anna

We know so many of you were praying for this event. Thank you! Your prayers are making a difference in the lives of these African pastors and church leaders.

See more photos of the pastors conference here.

Our Hand in Hand pastoral development conferences kick off this year on February 1st.  Our theme for the year is Being Salt and Light. Each conference, held quarterly, will provide foundational teachings and practical applications about how to live as the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt 5:13-14).  These conferences are life-giving to our pastoral partners, many of whom have no formal training and serve in communities ravaged by poverty and HIV/AIDS.  Choosing to live as salt and light in their communities is choosing to pierce the darkness with the love of God.

Pray with us for the Hand in Hand conference on February 1st!

More than 80 local pastors and church leaders participated in yesterday’s Hand in Hand Conference to learn how to build tomorrow’s leaders.

Amy Riep began by teaching about the Leadership Checklist – how to develop ourselves and identify leadership potential in others based on scriptural standards.  Using the analogy of a passport, Amy taught how leaders need to have evidence of their spiritual identity to obtain spiritual passports and effectively carry out God’s purpose.  Such evidence comes in the form of Christ-likeness in all aspects of our lives.

Next, Thrive Africa ministry partner Leon De Haan continued with a series of teachings on how to make disciples and build the next generation of leaders for our churches and ministries.  He provided insight into the tests of character, leadership and calling and also gave practical instruction on how to cast vision and set goals to achieve that vision.

“This seminar has equipped me and opened my eyes as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I have learned to live the way Jesus did, and to realize God’s purpose for my life and the lives of others as well.  I was really blessed by the teachings.  They were so inspiring.” – a local church leader

In Africa, 90% of church leaders have no formal training.  Our vision for Hand in Hand is to stand in the gap equipping local pastors and strengthening local churches.  We accomplish that through training conferences and one-on-one mentorship.

Pastor Fotho from A.F.M. Naledi Church has been an active Hand in Hand partner since the beginning of our program more than 6 years ago.  He is also a shining example of what Hand in Hand is all about.

Abram Moloi, our lead pastor for Hand in Hand, says he has seen significant growth in Pastor Fotho over the years and now Pastor Fotho sets an example for new leaders and churches.

Abram and I met with Pastor Fotho last week, it was so encouraging to hear how he has been blessed by working with us and has learned a lot about leadership, supporting his growing congregation, and reaching out to others in the community.

Recently, Pastor Fotho held a revival service where he baptized more than 60 new Believers.  He also reaches out to people who have lost loved ones, providing comfort and preaching at funeral services in order to share the hope of Christ with those who don’t know Him.  In these ways, Pastor Fotho is advancing God’s kingdom far beyond the four walls of his church.

-Jill Marshall, Outreach Department

The first Hand-in-Hand pastors’ conference of the year wasn’t just a success; it was a catalyst for change. I had the opportunity to be involved in the set up, tear down, and the powerful words of God in the middle. During tea and lunch breaks, I was able to mingle among the pastors, listening to what they heard from our guest speaker, Pastor Jodie, and how they’re going to implement it in their church as soon as they possibly can.

I spoke with one man in particular, Reverend Mosea (left), that was particularly overjoyed at his personal change of heart, and how the things he learned throughout the conference will go back with him and revolutionize his church. Pastor Jodie spoke strongly and truthfully about the importance of living life together, and embracing all of the church’s members as equal and important parts of the church. Rev. Mosea felt strongly about what she was saying, and explained to me that everything had become clear, and that he now knew precisely what it was that he needed to do to start his church down the right path.

Though nearly 40 pastors attended and listened to the same teaching, it was incredible to see that each one of them took away something that they believe will impact their church in a very positive light. Rev. Mosea is only one of the many that were touched; imagine how quickly the entirety of South Africa could change from the inside out with eager pastors hungry for the truth of God’s Word and the shelter of Godly mentors.

We recently held our first pastors’ conference of the year. Pastor Tim and Rhonda Forsthoff of Cornerstone Church (Highland, MI) came to speak at the event. They have been friends and supporters of Thrive for a long time, and we were excited for them to finally see firsthand the work they’ve been helping to accomplish through their faithful prayers and support.

Over 90 pastors attended the two-day seminar that focused on being a church of action and reaching out to your community. The pastors were encouraged and blessed by the teachings on marriage and the in-depth look at Jesus’ life and ministry. Listen to what a few pastors had to say about the conference:

“All the teachings were eye-opening to me. It showed me that God is the provider of everything on earth and I have to give myself to Him, let my life be under His control, and work hard to teach the Word of the Lord to people.” -Pastor Thabiso

“My life has been changed through this seminar. I’m blessed because God has touched my heart and changed it; my heart is happy.” -Pastor Lotty

“This conference helped me a lot and blessed me. God changed my life and mind; the way I see things and think things through is different now. I was given strategy of how to reach out to people.” -Pastor E. M. Fotho

“Thanks for making me feel like royalty,” Thoko said; I just had to smile. “That was the whole point.” The theme of our fourth annual women’s conference was Embracing Who You Are as a Daughter of the King. Our desire was for them to gain a clearer understanding of who they are in Christ and the benefits and responsibilities of being daughters of the King. Almost 200 women gathered in Qwa Qwa for two special days of worship, teaching, and small group discussions.

It was an honor to serve and love these precious women. We were blessed and ministered to just as much as the Basotho women were – maybe even more.

Words from Women…

“God has touched my life more than ever before. I now feel more secure in God’s love and care.”

“I learned that God had a purpose for creating me the way He did, so I must accept myself.”

“God spoke to me in many ways. I know now that He is not ashamed to call me His daughter and that He loves me more than I could ever know.”

100 pastors and church leaders from 38 different churches attended our recent pastors’ conference. The pastoral team from Summit Church (Orlando, FL) came in to speak at the event. Isaac Hunter, John Parker, and Andy Simonds challenged the group of men and women to first understand and grow in their own faith before they can grow and develop their congregations.A Q&A time proved to be very insightful into the issues the churches are facing. The pastors were challenged to make an effective, lasting impact in their communities and to pour into the young leaders in their churches. We are encouraged by the mature growth we’ve seen in the pastors’ lives and in their churches as well.

Our annual women’s conference is just around the corner. Next Thursday and Friday, hundreds of women will gather to worship God and soak in His presence. We’re adding a new dynamic to the conference this year. In addition to worship and teaching, the women will have the opportunity to connect with each other through small groups. Discussion times will help them take what they are learning and practically apply it to their lives.

This year’s theme is Royal Living: Embracing Who You Are as a Daughter of the King. We can’t wait to see what God does in the lives of these women as they gain a clearer understanding of their incredible worth in God’s sight.

Will you help us change women’s lives? We need $6000 to pay for the entire event. $20 makes it possible for a woman to attend this 2-day conference. Make a donation now