At our pastors’ conference last week, I spent some time talking with Mme Josephine, a pastor’s wife who regularly attends our events. With our women’s conference coming soon, she was reminiscing about last year’s conference. Even though it was 18 months ago (last May), she recalled in detail what the main sessions were about and what she learned from them. It was incredible to hear how it’s continuing to impact her life, her church, and her community in a positive way.

She can’t wait for the women’s conference next week. We can’t either!

Our annual Men’s Luncheon was the best ever this year! Over 110 men attended and received not only lunch, but also a touch from the Lord. Pastor Jerry Lackey, founder of Love Botswana Outreach Mission , shared a challenging message on vision and purpose. The men were encouraged and inspired to stand up and make a difference in their community.

“This was the right message at the right time! I will strive to be the man God says I can be in His Word.”

“God has done a miracle in my heart. My life is totally changed, and I am starting afresh with God.”

90 pastors and church leaders, from 40 different churches, attended our recent conference on Biblical Authority. Derick Slabbert (associate pastor at Wellspring Ministries in Piet Retief, South Africa) and Pastor Niel shared challenging messages on living under the authority of God.

“I thank God for sending His servants to come and teach us His Word! These teachings have empowered me.”

“Thank you for giving us spiritual food and physical food!
I have learned a lot and am very happy!”

Messenger International, the ministry of John and Lisa Bevere, partnered with us by donating hundreds of books and curriculum for us to use. All the church leaders who attended the Biblical Authority were given a copy of John Bevere’s book, “Under Cover”. They were so grateful and joyful to receive them.

This last month we hosted the first Hand in Hand pastors’ conference of the year! Over 65 pastors attended the two-day Living on Purpose seminar. We were blessed to have three guest speakers from Resurrection Life Church in St. Louis, Michigan. They shared powerful messages about purpose, passion, faith, and living by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Jodie Stehouwer, the main speaker, challenged the pastors and church leaders:

“People of South Africa, you’re not dreaming big enough! God’s Word says that if you ask, He will give you the nations!”

The Lord was clearly moving in people’s hearts. They responded by lifting their hands and shouting praises to the Lord. One by one, cries could be heard rising from the pastors’ hearts:

“Lord, we ask for the nations! We ask for South Africa! We will not be satisfied until all have heard!”

We hosted a two-day Hand in Hand seminar in Qwa Qwa for pastors and church leaders. The theme of the conference was Built to Last, covering topics such as building a healthy, strong, and growing church and studying God’s Word effectively. 100 pastors and leaders attended the seminar!

The International Bible Society of South Africa partnered with us for this event, providing each pastor with a Study Bible and other study resources. The pastors were so thankful for the study material as well as the teachings they received during the seminar.

“In the forty-seven years I have been a minister, I have never heard the Word of God taught the way I did at this seminar! Almighty God revealed Himself to me.”

“I used to read the Bible but with no understanding. Now I have learned how to read with understanding!”

Over 100 pastors’ wives and women in ministry were challenged and encouraged at our third annual women’s camp. Our guest speakers, Pearl Kupe, Jana Lackey, and Linda Madeksho, ministered straight from the heart of God, challenging the women to rise up as spiritual mothers who will care for those in need in their communities.

“I have been transformed! I am a new person! I am determined to go out there and mother the street kids and orphans in my community.”

The expectation in the women’s hearts was evident on their faces as they worshiped God, listened intently, and responded to altar calls. God moved mightily in their lives and sparked a chain reaction that will continue to bring transformation in their communities.

That statement was made by one of the women who was at our luncheon two weeks ago. Hundreds of women, from 48 different churches, felt the love of God in action at the women’s luncheon.

Pearl Kupe-Kalonda, our guest speaker, shared an incredible message on restoration, a word that resonated deep within the hearts of the women. When the altar was opened for prayer and ministry, women ran forward. During this ministry time, some women received physical healing in their bodies; others received the touch from the Lord they had been praying for. Many received an infusion of faith to trust the Lord for restoration in their lives.

The day ended with fellowship over a wonderful meal. Many women met other Christian ladies that live near them and spent time building relationships with each other.

When we explained to the women that the event was paid for by people around the world who love them, they let out a cheer of thanks and praise to God. They were blessed and grateful to discover that people believe in them that much. Thank you for your prayers and financial gifts that made it possible to touch so many women through this luncheon.

“The message was powerful and the food was delicious. Everything was so well organized. Keep on having meetings like this – they help us grow spiritually!”

“I want to thank the person who invited me here. Now I know who I am in Jesus! I will remember this day for the rest of my life.”

“I thank God for my brothers and sisters at Thrive Africa. God bless you and all the supporters. May God give you long years to serve our Lord Jesus.”