It was also exciting for us to get feedback from the teachers and headmasters. We love seeing how Leadership Summit affects students and, also, the teachers in real ways. One teacher said that it was “refreshing and energizing to be encouraged and appreciated” by our staff!

We’re excited to see all that God has in store for the students and the teachers in our Leadership Summit schools this year!

Have you checked out the new Thrive Africa store? If not, check it out here.

We have a brand new line of Thrive merchandise. From t-shirts to travel mugs and our very own blend of coffee—this must-have merchandise is a great way to support Thrive Africa. The proceeds from your purchases go directly to supporting our work in South Africa.

• Thrive Africa Store Now Open
• Flash Point: IMPACT Conference
• Intern Adventures

Our interpreters serve an instrumental role in supporting and equipping our missions teams–we couldn’t do it without them! It was a blessing to share this time with all of them.

As we’re going through the feedback forms, we’ve been encouraged to see how God is using Leadership Summit and IMPACT in students’ lives. Here’s what one of the teachers said:

“Leadership Summit is very much educative because some of the learners have changed drastically.” — Matseko (Teacher)

Check out some photos from IMPACT here!

“I enjoyed the kids telling me that they wanted to find their purpose and to know more about God,” Jeremy said, “it was exciting to see their joy.”

On the last day, the interns even had the opportunity to pray with about fifty students. There were even three salvations! God moved in big ways throughout the week. We’re excited to see all He has in store for this term of LaunchPad!

Some of the interns even mentioned that having to trust Lucas and the equipment to keep them safe was much like having to trust God for protection and safety. Seeing God in even the littlest of ways, from the beauty of the mountain to the lesson in trust, made for an overall great experience.

Check out more pictures from the rappelling adventure here!

-Alaina, Twenty4Seven Intern

I am excited about all the ways I see Him doing new things in and through us. I’m reminded again and again of Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” The Lord has started a brand new chapter for Thrive Africa. We’ve entered a new season.

We are letting go of the past and moving ahead into the new things He has in store for us.

As a symbolic step forward, we’ve updated our logo. As we begin our twelfth year of ministry, we are excited about our new, fresh look. It stands as an ever-present reminder that the Lord is doing something new.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. God is using you to do something mighty in Africa!

We’d love to hear what you think about our new look!

Our leadership training conference has expanded to over 350 students. We’re looking forward to a year charged with energy and excitement, as they become our “Leaders in Action”. February 17th begins this season as a Flash Point of change. Radical change. Transforming students without hope, without dreams, without God to a whole new level. A life of purpose, a life of leadership, a life devoted to being a God follower who is the ultimate dream maker.

Join us in prayer as we begin this new season of change.

Catalyst was started in 1999 by an impressive list of church and ministry leaders, including Andy Stanley and John Maxwell. The ministry focuses on developing Next Generation leaders, specifically those under 40, and offers a wide array of resources for these young leaders.

Alece will be blogging at Catalyst multiple times through 2010, we’ll make sure we keep you in the loop!