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

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!”