Harvesters Ministries originated in South Africa, born from the vision of our founder Steven Loots in 1998. Since then, Harvesters has expanded across the globe and now operates in 52 countries. Excitingly, it officially arrived in the UK in early 2018.
Pastor Glen Chaplin, Development Manager for Harvesters UK, explains, “Our first major project was to let the UK know of our ministry. Introducing folk to what we do around the world.”
Harvesters partnered with a national Christian radio station, Premier Christian Radio, and had the privilege of becoming their ‘Charity of the Year’ for 2019-2020. With a weekly audience of 1.2 million, this campaign enabled Harvesters to share our vision throughout the UK. It resulted in funds to send thousands of Bibles to new believers across Africa and Asia.
“At present I visit churches in the UK, inspiring and encouraging them of what God is doing through Harvesters in over 50 countries,” says Glen. “So many people are amazed with our vision! Many are moved to tears when they see new churches worshipping in bus stops or under trees and even a barber shop. Or in a swamp church in Myanmar where children are singing so vibrantly. What’s really moving is when they see pastors getting a bible for the first time.”
“I love Harvesters because it fulfils the Great Commission of Matthew 28,” remarks Glen.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.
In addition to giving Harvesters’ updates in churches, Glen is sometimes invited to present the Disciple Makers course. Which, Glen explains, “encourages local British churches to get back to the basics of evangelism and discipleship.”
The Disciple Makers Course is offered free to churches in the UK. It encompasses all the principles used in our church planting programme which has resulted in exponential church growth around the world. Steven Loots, CEO and Founder, packed 30 years’ worth of experience into the very practical 7-hour course. It covers foundational Biblical principles and presents practical strategies for evangelism and discipleship.
Prayer Points for the UK
- Pray for successful church visits for Glen. Pray for opportunities to start visiting more churches as the UK slowly returns to normal and Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease.
- Pray for those who have attended the Disciple Makers courses. Pray that Christians will remember the foundational disciplines of a life as a Christ follower and will put them into daily practise.
- Thank God for the growing group of monthly and repeat donors.
- Pray for the nations of the UK: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. That Christ will be known more deeply and widespread. That this nation, once built on Christian values, will return to knowing Him as King.
