Mozambican Cyclone Brought Widespread Destruction
At the end of January, Cyclone Eloise hit Mozambique and caused major destructions. Flooding and strong winds resulted in people losing their roads, crops and homes. It has now been declared a national disaster.
Harvesters Ministries Acted Quickly
As soon as the events occurred, Harvesters Ministries sprung to action. Harvesters did an urgent appeal, and we would like to thank you for your donations and prayers. We partnered with our contacts and other charitable organisations to get tonnes of food and relief parcels flown into the affected areas within days.
A previous natural disaster, Cyclone Idai, caused catastrophic damage in 2019. Followed by a large tropical storm at the end of that year. The people of Mozambique dreaded this happening again so soon. The same areas have been affected and people were barely recovered.
However, one advantage of those events is the experience and Disaster Management Training that the network of Harvesters Ministries churches now have. Which means they were able to mobilise quickly and efficiently to receive, organise and distribute the relief parcels as they arrived.
Thanks to you and thanks to our local Harvesters students and pastors, large amounts of food parcels have been distributed to affected families. Jose, one of the local pastors from Manica Province, sends his thanks, saying, “We are really happy to receive this food. God bless you all.”
They still need your prayers. More storms are forecast and thousands of disheartened people are considering where to begin rebuilding what has been lost. Personally and communally.
Pray for Donna Joana
Living right near the coast, Donna Joana is one Mozambican resident who was hugely affected when Cyclone Eloise swept through on January 23rd. She is a 66-year-old widow who has three children and seven grandchildren. She works as a saleswoman, selling seasonal products to her neighbours, including tangerines, mangos, bananas and bread.
When the Cyclone hit, it destroyed her 3m2 home. One wall has completely fallen down and the zinc roofing has blown away. A tragic loss which has undoubtedly caused distress, worry and insecurity.
Now homeless, Joana has had to find shelter in the homes of family and friends. Originally, she alternated sleeping at the houses of two of her sons. But, with their own wives and families, ultimately there was not enough space. Presently she spends the daytime with them when she isn’t working and travels a few kilometres each evening to sleep at a friend’s house.
Praise God, Donna Joana was one of the people who received a relief package from Harvesters Ministries.
Please keep Donna Joana in your prayers. Pray that she feels a sense of peace and security during this unsettled time. Pray that she is able to rebuild the wall and roof soon and be able to move back into her own home. Pray that her business selling produce is successful.
Remember to visit our Prayer Wall where you can see prayer requests as they come in from the field.
Cambodia Receives Food Parcels After Devastating Typhoons
Towards the end of last year, a series of typhoons hit Southeast Asia, with “many describing the flooding as the worst in living memory,” explained Sidney Moss, Harvesters’ Regional Director for South East Asia.
The 225kph (140mph) winds and torrential rains left behind widespread damage. Thousands of people were displaced, roads were submerged, roofs were ripped off, and hundreds tragically died. Over 2.5 million people were affected throughout the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.
To hear more about the devastating events and effects of these typhoons, watch the video below of Harvesters’ reporting at the time.
Harvesters Got to Work
One country affected was Cambodia where flash floods, strong winds, landslides and high tides compounded the existing Covid-19 crisis. Located south of Thailand and east of Vietnam, this nation saw 26,000 people evacuated, 60,000 homes lost, and 20 people lose their lives.
Thanks to your help and generous gifts, Harvesters was able to provide emergency necessities tothose in need through our network of churches. Parcels were packaged and loaded onto the backs of motorbikes, a common mode of transport In Southeast Asia.
One Stream Leader went from house to house, visiting each Hub Leader to encourage them, deliver food and to say that Harvesters Ministries has not forgotten them.
“As if the Covid pandemic has not been difficult enough to cope with, now we had to overcome flooding too, damaging many crops, which is particularly difficult given the economic challenges we Cambodians are already facing. Thank you, Harvesters Ministries, for your help,” said one Hub Leader. The relief and gratitude were evident.
In addition to food, each parcel also contained vegetable seeds for replanting as soon as they are able to. A great treasure at a time when many are unsure how they will cope.
The Heart of Jesus
In the midst of their own tragedy and loss, local pastors are still utilising this opportunity to show the love of Christ to their neighbours. In an overwhelmingly Buddhist country, Harvesters-trained Christians are being salt and light in their communities.
One leader shared, “I have received freely today and so I will also share freely to my neighbour who is a non-believer, a devout Buddhist.”
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40
Watch the Video
Faithful Pastors are Reaching Indigenous People in the Amazon
The work of Harvesters Ministries in Brazil includes a network of churches that have been planted in and around Tefé. This town, situated in Northwest Brazil, lies in the middle of the Tefé River, in the heart of the Amazon. There are no roads leading in. From the capital city of Amazonas state, Manaus, it would take three days by boat or an hour flight to reach Tefé. All goods come in through the river network – from fruit to furniture. However remote Tefé sounds, there are even more rural communities as you travel deeper into the jungle.
Harvesters training in Brazil began over two years ago and, since then, over 420 churches have been planted, many of them in these remote places in and around the town. The more formal church in Tefé has become a phenomenal church planting hub. Evangelising to indigenous groups has always carried unique challenges. However, when Covid-19 hit, these native communities began to retreat.
“Although many of the indigenous communities ran deeper into the jungle out of fear that Covid-19 would kill them, local missionaries and pastors we trained are reaching out like never before,” explains Francois Rauch, Harvesters Regional Director for South America.
Local pastors are caring for their communities
The hearts of the Brazilian pastors towards their neighbours are evident! Travelling out of the town into more rural areas is difficult. But these leaders are committed to obey the Great Commission. They care deeply about the people that they have made new and previous connections with. They continue to bring the love of Christ into the various indigenous communities around Tefé.
The only way to reach the unreached is by boat – usually owned by a church or group of churches. Most indigenous families live on small canoes on the mighty Amazon River. Pastors have brought messages of hope, read the Bible, sang songs of worship and delivered the Gospel. “God is never at rest,” declares a Brazilian pastor.
A heart for the Children
In our last Harvesters story from the Amazon, we reported that there are some terrible cases of abuse and neglect towards children happening among these groups. Against this dark backdrop, the Christians visiting these communities shine the Light of Christ. In a recent visit, Harvesters pastors took toys for the children. A large effort is made to reach and evangelise to these precious young souls.
You Can Help
The training of Harvesters Ministries focuses not only on evangelism, but discipleship. Both are needed to win souls and establish long-lasting Christian communities that grow, mature and produce more disciples. The fruit of this training is already evident in the Amazon. Pastors who have completed the programme are displaying the love of Jesus to their neighbours and preaching the Gospel. Communities are being changed! But there is further to go.
You can help train more leaders in the Amazon. Your gift will help to provide one student pastor with all six Harvesters Ministries modules and a Bible in their mother tongue. During their three-year programme, they will plant three churches.
“The church is the hope of a hurting world; and when the church works well, it changes everything and everyone around it!” says Francois Rauch.
To give, please visit the giving page on our website.
Pray for Your Brothers and Sisters in Lesotho
The mountainous kingdom of Lesotho is a beautiful southern African nation. The last few months have been busy and fruitful in many ways. But the people of Lesotho need your prayers.
Pastors are being trained
In the last weeks of 2020, Harvesters training continued in Lesotho. In Maseru, the capital city, 32 student pastors completed their Phase D, Old Testament Survey, training. A Harvesters’ student will plant three churches as part of the programme and from this group in Maseru, 40 churches have been planted thus far. Eleven of them during the Covid-19 crisis over the last year. François Snyman, a missionary and HLT (Harvesters Licenced Trainer) in Lesotho said, “we give glory to God for these faithful servants. It is such a blessing to know these wonderful, faithful and committed men and women of God.” Please keep these student pastors in your prayers as they continue the training programme.
A week later in the town of Maputsoe, on the northern border, a different group of 23 student pastors gathered to complete their Phase C training – preparing and delivering Biblical sermons. In this territory, 32 churches have already been planted. François said, “thank you also to all the sponsors that have really helped pastors during the lockdown and supported them, we thank Harvesters for channelling funds through us to help pastors here in Maputsoe.”
The pastor of the church that hosted the training in Maputsoe has a vision of not just receiving, but of giving. He has planted gardens and grows crops to serve his community and those in need. Please pray for the fruitfulness of his project and that it will ultimately bring people to know Jesus.
Pray for resilience in Ha Phafuli
In the remote village of Ha Phafuli, Pastor Thakholi and his wife faithfully lead a healthy and growing church. “They value discipleship and being good stewards of the gospel,” says François. Faithfully, they have planted another two churches nearby. However, they are experiencing some hostility from villagers around one of those new plants. Please pray for strength and resilience for this dedicated couple and the congregants in the churches of Ha Phafuli.
Pray for the growing Covid-19 concerns in Lesotho
Since Christmas, concerns have heightened over the sharp rise in infection rates of Covid-19 after movement in and out of Lesotho during the holiday. Another national lockdown has been declared and restrictions include a curfew. The Prime Minister has said, “all community activities are not allowed”. Oxygen supplies is also a concern for the nation. Please pray for the people of Lesotho as they deal with the large infection rates, increasing deaths and strains on resources due to Covid-19.
Visit our Prayer Wall to pray with us.
Newsletter – February 2021
Click the link to download our February 2021 newsletter to read how your gifts are making a difference in Guatemala and Nicaragua, South Africa and Peru.
Download USA Newsletter – Feb 21
Download South Africa and International Newsletter – Feb 21
Download UK Newsletter – Feb 21
Download Afrikaans Newsletter – Feb 21
Urgent Update: Cyclone Eloise Again Brings Devastation Across Mozambique
Cyclone Eloise Has Hit
Tragic events have been occurring in the coastal nation of Mozambique in the last few days. Cyclone Eloise hit the port city of Beira, with winds of up to 120kph, in the early hours of Friday 23rd January. There had already been heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding for a few days and there is now severe flooding across central Mozambique. Rivers have burst their banks. Crops have been ruined. It is estimated that 4,000 homes have been destroyed or badly damaged and 5,000 people have been evacuated so far. Heavy rains are continuing and spreading inland to southern Zimbabwe and northern South Africa and another cyclone is expected in the next few days! Flooding is expected to affect more areas as overflowing river water from these catchments flows to southern Mozambique. In a best-case scenario, over 120,000 people will be directly impacted by Cyclone Eloise. It is important to note that in 2018, Cyclone Idai also hit Mozambique, as well as a recent tropical storm at the end of December 2019, flooding the very same areas. In most instances, people have not even fully recovered from these events.
Harvesters Ministries is Mobilised to Help
This week many Harvesters churches lost their roofs along with study books and Bibles. However, we praise God that the established network of Harvesters churches is ready and mobilised to help those in need! They are using unaffected buildings to house those who need shelter. Due to the 2018 disaster, our Harvesters pastors have had training in disaster management as well as on the ground experience. They are able to be salt and light to their neighbours. This is of vital importance because, due to COVID restrictions, help from surrounding nations is limited. In immediate need are emergency shelter, food, hygiene kits, COVID-19 protection materials and drinking water.
Harvesters is Committed Long-term
Beyond the immediate and urgent needs, the recovery from the events of this week will be a long-term project. Harvesters Ministries aims to support in providing metal sheeting for roof repairs, seeds for crops and boreholes for water storage. In addition, holistic training will be initiated to help lessen the effects of future cyclones and droughts, including flood control, improved rainfall infiltration and storing water underground.
Pray for Mozambique! For the families who have lost homes, for relief aid to be available and delivered quickly, for the rains and flooding to subside and for the rebuilding of what has been lost.
As suas doações estão ajudando comunidades no Sudeste da Ásia
Nas últimas semanas, uma série de terríveis tufões atingiu grande parte do Sudeste Asiático. Muitas pessoas descreveram as enchentes como as piores que já experimentaram em suas vidas.
Sidney Moss, Diretor Regional dos Harvesters para o Sudeste Asiático, explicou que um país como as Filipinas está acostumado a condições climáticas adversas. Este país enfrenta até 20 tempestades tropicais ou tufões a cada ano. “No entanto, em novembro (2020), seguiram-se cinco tempestades em quatro semanas e os efeitos desses tufões causados por ventos fortes e chuvas torrenciais causaram danos generalizados”, explicou Sidney.
As estradas estavam cobertas de água e, em alguns casos, quase ficaram atolados em uma profunda camada de lama. Milhares de pessoas ficaram desabrigadas e centenas morreram. O país já estava em uma situação muito difícil devido à pandemia COVID-19.
Estima-se que essas tempestades afetaram mais de 2,5 milhões de pessoas, o que também inclui países como Camboja e Vietnã. Tempestades chegaram a oeste das Filipinas e inundaram grandes partes desta região.
Sidney deu um testemunho incrível: “O pastor Tuan, líder de Núcleo dos Harvesters, planta igrejas na província de Quang Nam, no Vietnã. Em 1º de novembro, liguei para ele durante os primeiros estágios do Super Tufão Goni. Ele me contou como o vento havia arrancado muitos dos telhados das casas em sua aldeia e a água continuou subindo rapidamente em sua vizinhança, logo atingindo o nível do pescoço em muitos lugares. A energia havia sido desligada na província, e ele não esperava que a bateria de seu telefone durasse muito mais enquanto continuávamos a falar. ”
A família do pastor Tuan teve que abandonar sua casa porque quase todos os seus pertences e o equipamento da igreja estavam completamente submersos na água. Primeiro, eles se mudaram para a casa de seus pais, mas tiveram que abandonar pela segunda vez porque a água continuava subindo. “Quando conversamos no dia seguinte, Tuan me disse que eles estavam no alto da montanha com três famílias e agora estavam hospedados com seu primo”, disse Sidney.
A tempestade passou relativamente de forma rápida, mas deixou muitas aldeias com estradas destruídas ou entulhadas de árvores caídas e postes de energia. As casas, que muitas vezes também são usadas como igrejas, foram enterradas sob pilhas de entulho e areia.
Sidney explicou ainda: “Consegui entrar em contato com dois líderes nossos na cidade de Hanói e da cidade de Ho Chi Minh. Eles concordaram em visitar a área alguns dias depois para ajudar os líderes de Núcleo e as comunidades que foram atingidas pelo tufão e tiveram que agir rapidamente, pois o próximo tufão estava prestes a atingir novamente o continente. ”
Estes líderes, junto com o pastor Tuan e alguns outros líderes de Núcleo que receberam pacotes de ajuda inicial através das doações levantadas, também foram capazes de ajudar outras pessoas em suas comunidades, enquanto reconstruíam suas próprias casas e vidas.
O líder dos Harvesters no Vietnã conseguiu ajudar a distribuir ajuda às pessoas mais afetadas, mas os suprimentos estão muito limitados devido ao tufão e aos efeitos contínuos do COVID-19.
Mesmo com os tufões espalhando o caos, os pastores ainda estão compartilhando o Evangelho e espalhando esperança. O poder do Evangelho no Vietnã é profundo. Quando você olha para uma vida que foi mudada por Cristo, isso muda sua família, seu trabalho, comunidades … isso muda todos os aspectos de suas vidas. Isso acontece quando um líder de núcleo está disposto a ir e levar o Evangelho a aldeias não alcançadas.
Esse evangelismo levou a duas igrejas recém-plantadas. Louvado seja o Senhor por expandir Seu Reino, apesar do caos e da destruição das tempestades que atingiram o Sudeste Asiático.
Mesmo esquecido pela comunidade, um homem de 83 anos sem esposa e sem filhos ouviu falar daquele que ama e cuida dos necessitados. Graças aos seus presentes generosos, ele agora está salvo e terá a vida eterna.
Seus presentes estão abrindo o caminho para ganhar almas para Jesus no sudeste da Ásia e construir o Reino de Deus.
Your Gifts are Helping Communities in Southeast Asia
In the last few weeks, a series of terrible typhoons hit large parts of Southeast Asia. Many people described the flooding as the worst that they have ever experienced in their lives.
Harvesters’ Regional Director for Southeast Asia explained that a country like the Philippines is used to severe weather. This country faces up to 20 tropical storms or typhoons each year. “However, in November (2020) five storms in four weeks followed and the effects of these typhoons caused by strong winds and torrential rain has left widespread damage,” explained the Regional Director.
Roads were covered with water and in some cases almost buried in deep mud. Thousands of people have been displaced and hundreds have died. The country was already in a very dire situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has been estimated that these storms have affected more than 2,5 million people which also includes countries like Cambodia and Vietnam. Storms made their way west from the Philippines and drenched large parts of this region.
The Regional Director shared an amazing testimony. “Pastor T*, a Harvesters Ministries Hub-leader, plants churches in the Quang Nam province in Vietnam. On November 1, I called him during the early stages of Super Typhoon Goni. He told me how the wind had ripped off many of the houses’ roofs in their village and water kept rising rapidly in his neighbourhood soon being neck-deep in many places. The power had been turned off in the province, and he did not expect his phone’s battery to last much longer as we continued to speak.”
Pastor T’s family had to evacuate their home because almost all their possessions and the church’s equipment was completely submerged in water. First, they moved to his parents’ house but had to evacuate for a second time as the water kept rising. “When we spoke the following day, T told me that they were higher up in the mountain with three families and were now staying with his cousin,” said the Regional Director.
The storm had moved on relatively quickly but has left many villages with roads either washed away or cluttered with fallen trees and power poles. Houses, which are often used as house churches as well, were now buried under the pile of rubble and sand.
The Regional Director further explained, “I managed to contact two stream leaders from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. They agreed to visit the area a few days later to assist those Hub-leaders and communities who were hit by the typhoon and had to act quickly as the next typhoon was about to make landfall.”
The stream leaders, together with pastor T and a few other Hub-leaders who were supplied with initial relief packages from funds raised, were also able to help others in their communities, while rebuilding their own homes and lives.
Harvesters Ministries’ stream leader in Vietnam has been able to help distribute aid to those most affected but supplies are very limited due to the typhoon and the continued effects of COVID-19.
Even though typhoons were spreading chaos, pastors are still sharing the Gospel and spreading hope. The power of the Gospel in Vietnam is profound. When you look at a life which has been changed by Christ, it changes their family, their work, communities… it changes every aspect of their lives. This happens when a Hub-leader is willing to go and take the Gospel to unreached villages.
This outreach led to two newly planted churches. Praise the Lord for expanding His Kingdom despite the chaos and destruction of the storms that hit Southeast Asia.
Even though he has been forgotten by the community, an 83-year-old man with no wife and no children has heard about the One who loves and cares for the destitute. Thanks to your generous gifts he is now saved and will have eternal life.
Your gifts are opening the way to win souls for Jesus in Southeast Asia and build God’s Kingdom.
Powerful Typhoons hit Southeast Asia
*Name withheld for security
Brand New Prayer Season
This month Harvesters Ministries will not be sharing the usual Prayer Calendar with you. We are excited to introduce you to the new Harvesters Ministries Prayer Wall.
Available now on our website, this interactive platform will allow us to share prayer requests from the mission field and ministry with you.
In Matthew 18 verse 19 we are reminded that our prayers are stronger when we pray together, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”
One example where prayers have really been answered at Harvesters Ministries was when the Lord opened the door for Harvesters to start working in the Horn of Africa. Today, more than two years later, pastors are baptising new believers, planting new churches in unreached communities, and supporting new believers in one of the most notorious regions in the world.
You prayers have opened the way for Harvesters Ministries to place Bibles in the hands of believers in the Amazon, Malawi, Vietnam, Guatemala, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, China, India, Peru, Angola, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Mali, Chad, Thailand, Uganda – and many more countries. For most of these believers it was their very first Bible that they received.
Your prayers are making an impact.
Twenty-one years ago, Steven Loots, Founder and CEO of Harvesters Ministries, prayed that the Lord would open the way for him to plant churches, train pastors and make disciples in Malawi. Today, by the grace of God, there are more than 16,000 churches planted by Harvesters Ministries in Malawi alone. God not only opened the way for Harvesters Ministries to work in Malawi, but He also opened the way for Harvesters to work in 63 countries worldwide.
All of this was once unanswered prayers, but God is always faithful. He is our good Father who responds.
Partner with Harvesters and change your worry into worship, pray about everything and stand firm in faith. We invite you to participate in this exciting new season of prayer! Continue on this new prayer journey with us.
Nova Temporada de Oração
Este mês, os Harvesters não irá compartilhar o usual Calendário de Oração com você. Estamos entusiasmados em apresentar a você o novo Mural de Oração dos Harvesters.
Esta plataforma interativa nos permitirá compartilhar pedidos de oração do campo missionário e ministerial com você. Também permitirá que você, nosso parceiro de oração, compartilhe seus próprios pedidos de oração pessoais. Você terá uma comunidade inteira de oração para orar junto com você.
Em Mateus 18, versículo 19, somos lembrados de que nossas orações são mais fortes quando oramos juntos: “Novamente, eu digo a vocês que se dois de vocês na terra concordarem sobre qualquer coisa que vocês pedirem, será feito a vocês por meu Pai que está nos céus”.
Um exemplo de um local onde as orações realmente foram respondidas através dos Harvesters foi quando o Senhor abriu a porta para os Harvesters começarem a trabalhar no Chifre da África. Hoje, mais de dois anos depois, os pastores estão batizando novos crentes, plantando novas igrejas em comunidades não alcançadas e apoiando novos crentes em uma das regiões mais notórias do mundo.
Suas orações abriram o caminho para os Harvesters colocarem Bíblias nas mãos de crentes na Amazônia, Malawi, Vietnã, Guatemala, Zimbábue, Lesoto, China, Índia, Peru, Angola, Quênia, Tanzânia, Moçambique, Zâmbia, Costa do Marfim, Mali, Chade, Tailândia, Uganda – e muitos outros países. Para a maioria desses crentes, foi a primeira vez que receberam uma Bíblia. Suas orações estão causando um grande impacto.
Vinte e um anos atrás, Steven Loots, fundador e CEO da Harvesters Ministries, orou para que o Senhor 
abrisse o caminho para ele plantar igrejas, treinar pastores e fazer discípulos no Malaui. Hoje, pela graça de Deus, existem mais de 16.000 igrejas plantadas pelos Harvesters somente no Malauí. Deus não só abriu o caminho para os Harvesters trabalharem no Malauí, mas também abriu o caminho para que pudessem trabalhar em 63 países em todo o mundo.
Tudo isso antes eram orações sem resposta, mas Deus é sempre fiel. Ele é nosso bom Pai que responde às nossas orações.
Faça parceria com os Harvesters e transforme sua preocupação em adoração, ore sobre tudo e permaneça firme na fé. Convidamos você a participar deste novo e emocionante período de oração! Continue nesta nova Jornada de Oração conosco.
Regiões da Etiópia devastadas pela guerra precisam das suas doações!
A situação no norte da Etiópia está se tornando extremamente terrível. As pessoas estão fugindo para salvar suas vidas. A agitação e a violência na região de Tigray estão aumentando diariamente. Os crentes estão fugindo para o Sudão – um dos países mais perigosos para um cristão viver.
O desespero das pessoas para salvar a si mesmas e a seus filhos está se tornando cada vez mais evidente. Eles estão dispostos a fazer qualquer coisa para escapar da violência brutal.
A situação é verdadeiramente devastadora. O primeiro-ministro etíope, Abiy Ahmed, deu às forças rebeldes na região norte de Tigray um ultimato de três dias para a rendição. Os militares iniciarão uma ofensiva na capital regional controlada pelos rebeldes, Mekelle.
Vidas são destruídas em Tigray
A Frente de Libertação do Povo Tigray (TPLF) está governando a região de Tigray com punhos de ferro. A guerra já dura semanas. Civis inocentes, incluindo crianças e mulheres, são as vítimas desta guerra em curso.
Mais de 525.000 civis vivem em Mekelle, Tigray e precisam escapar com segurança da região. Além disso, 31.000 refugiados já fugiram para o Sudão. Eles estão vivendo em campos de refugiados e tiveram que deixar tudo o que tinham para trás.
Os Harvesters estão abrindo o caminho
Centenas de pessoas já foram mortas nesta guerra em curso. Os Harvesters tiveram a sorte de começar a trabalhar com pastores em Addis Ababa, na Etiópia, há dois anos. O pastor Getahun Tadessee está liderando pastores e pastores em treinamento nesta preciosa nação.
Até agora, mais de 180 pastores começaram com sucesso seu treinamento no Seminário dos Harvesters. Eles estão alcançando comunidades, compartilhando o Evangelho, fazendo discípulos e ganhando almas para o Reino de Deus.
O que é ainda maior é o fato de que os pastores na Etiópia já plantaram mais de 75 novas igrejas em comunidades que antes não tinham acesso a nenhuma igreja. As comunidades estão sendo mudadas a cada igreja por vez.
Obtendo acesso ao Sudão
Muitos dos pastores que estão matriculados no programa de Seminário dos Harvesters têm congregações no Sudão, Sudão do Sul, Eritreia e Djibuti. Os refugiados no Sudão precisam de esperança. Se eles têm acesso à Palavra de Deus, eles podem colocar sua esperança em Jesus e ter esperança eterna.
Agora é mais importante do que nunca garantir que as Boas Novas se espalhem pelas comunidades na Etiópia, bem como nos campos de refugiados no Sudão. A igreja é um agente de mudança e um farol de esperança em comunidades onde toda esperança está perdida; em comunidades onde depositaram sua esperança nas coisas terrenas.
Todos os crentes são chamados a obedecer à Grande Comissão
Em Mateus 28 versículos 19-20, Jesus claramente deu a todos os crentes esta tarefa: “Portanto, vão e façam discípulos de todas as nações, batizando-os em nome do Pai e do Filho e do Espírito Santo, e ensinando-os a obedecer a tudo que eu vos ordenei. E certamente estarei com vocês sempre, até o fim dos tempos ”.
Os pastores etíopes são obedientes à Grande Comissão. O pastor Shuferu é um dos muitos pastores que estão ocupados completando o treinamento dos Harvesters. Ele testificou sobre um incrível batismo em massa que aconteceu recentemente, onde mais de 800 pessoas entregaram suas vidas a Cristo e foram batizadas.
São essas vitórias que confirmam novamente que Jesus está edificando Sua Igreja e que o inimigo não pode impedi-Lo.
War-torn Ethiopia Region Needs Your Gifts
The situation in northern Ethiopia is becoming extremely dire. People are fleeing for their lives. The unrest and violence in the Tigray region are escalating daily. Believers are fleeing into Sudan – one of the most dangerous countries for a Christian to live in.
The desperation of people to save themselves and their children are becoming more and more evident. They are willing to do anything to escape from the brutal violence.
The situation is truly devastating. Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, gave forces in the northern Tigray region a three-day ultimatum to surrender. The military will start an offensive on the rebel-held regional capital of Mekelle.
Lives are Destroyed in Tigray
Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) are ruling the Tigray region with an iron fist. The war has been carrying on for weeks. Innocent civilians, including children and women, are the victims of this ongoing war.
More than 525,000 civilians live in Mekelle, Tigray and need to escape safely from the region. Furthermore, 31,000 refugees have already fled to Sudan. They are living in refugee camps and had to leave everything that they knew behind.
Harvesters Ministries is Opening the Way
Hundreds of people have already been killed in the ongoing war. Harvesters Ministries have been fortunate enough to start working with pastors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia two years ago. Pastor Getahun Tadessee is leading pastors and student pastors in this precious nation.
Thus far more than 180 pastors have successfully started their training with Harvesters Ministries. They are reaching out to communities, sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and winning souls for God’s Kingdom.
What is even greater is the fact that pastors in Ethiopia already planted more than 75 new churches in communities who previously had no access to a church. Communities are changed one church at a time.
Gaining Access into Sudan
Many of the pastors who are enrolled in the Harvesters Ministries program have congregations in Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti. The refugees in Sudan need hope. If they have access to God’s Word, they can place their hope in Jesus and have eternal hope.
It is now more important than ever to ensure that the Good News moves throughout communities in Ethiopia, as well as in refugee camps in Sudan. The church is an agent for change and a beacon of hope in communities where all hope is lost; in communities where they have placed their hope in earthly things.
All Believers are Called to Obey the Great Commission
In Matthew 28 verse 19 – 20 Jesus clearly gave all believers this task, “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 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Ethiopian pastors are obedient to the Great Commission. Pastor Shuferu is one of the many pastors who are busy completing the Harvesters training. He testified about an amazing mass baptism that took place recently where more than 800 people surrendered their lives to Christ and were baptised.
It is such victories that confirms again that Jesus is building His church and the enemy cannot stop Him.
O treinamento no Quênia está avançando
A Baía de Homa tem as vistas mais magníficas do Lago Vitória. Em uma bela manhã, você pode ver os pescadores saindo antes do nascer do sol – lançando suas redes e trazendo o pescado do dia de volta à costa. As pessoas vão aos mercados de peixes para comprar os peixes maiores e mais frescos.
Os Harvesters tiveram a sorte de começar a treinar pastores neste condado movimentado, vibrante e espetacular do Quênia. Durante os confinamentos nacionais causados pelo COVID-19, era impossível ter reuniões e continuar com o treinamento pastoral.
Uma nova porta foi aberta para treinar pastores
O Pastor Dylan Agoye, líder dos Harvesters do Quênia, e o Pastor Mathias Dickens, um de nossos líderes de condado no Quênia, tiveram uma visita frutífera à Baía de Homa. O grupo de pastores ficou muito feliz em começar seu treinamento, evangelizar os perdidos, fazer discípulos e começar a plantar igrejas.
A pandemia global COVID-19 mudou a vida como a conhecemos na maioria dos países em todo o mundo. Os países do terceiro mundo sofreram pressão extra por causa de sua alta taxa de pobreza. Pessoas que já estavam sofrendo passam por mais dificuldades porque não podiam ganhar uma renda e sustentar suas famílias.
“O Quênia não foi deixado de lado, fomos afetados pelo COVID-19, mas agradecemos a Deus pelos números (taxa de infecção) que têm diminuído”, disse Dylan Agoye.
Devido ao relaxamento dos confinamentos, foi possível continuar com o treinamento pastoral. A Baía de Homa é uma das novas áreas onde os Harvesters estão começando a treinar pastores.
Embora o governo queniano ainda restrinja as reuniões, foi possível fazer um treinamento com um pequeno grupo de pastores. Esses pastores completaram seu treinamento da Fase A.
Pobre Baía de Homa
As comunidades na Baía de Homa precisam urgentemente do Evangelho. Com sua população em rápido crescimento, há falta de igrejas e pastores treinados para servir nas comunidades.
A taxa de desemprego está aumentando, mais e mais pessoas sofrem de desnutrição e o acesso a uma boa educação está se tornando um desafio.
“Agora, como Harvesters, podemos ir para as regiões e podemos nos reunir com os pastores e fazer os treinamentos. Isso é algo que está acontecendo agora. Este é o segundo mês que nossos instrutores vão a várias regiões para fazer os treinamentos ”, disse Dylan.
Uma das cidades da Baía de Homa que temos visitado é Kisii. Esta é a primeira vez que os Harvesters estão realizando uma sessão de treinamentos para pastores neste belo condado.
Os novos regulamentos do COVID-19 não impedirão que as Boas Novas se espalhem pelo Quênia. O inimigo pensou que poderia impedir o Evangelho de se espalhar como um incêndio. As pessoas ainda estão compartilhando o amor de Jesus e ganhando almas para o Seu Reino.
As suas doações estão fazendo a diferença
Obrigado por tornar essas sessões de treinamento possíveis com suas generosas doações. Sua parceria está realmente causando um impacto nas comunidades do Quênia. As pessoas estão aceitando Jesus Cristo e abrindo seus corações ao Evangelho.
Os pastores estão se preparando para compartilhar o Evangelho com as almas perdidas e fazer discípulos para o Reino de Deus. Eles darão aos novos crentes acesso a igrejas recém-plantadas e serão grandes pastores para seus rebanhos.
Training in Kenya is Moving Forward
Homa Bay has the most magnificent views of Lake Victoria. On a beautiful morning you can see the fishermen going out before sunrise – casting their nets and bringing the catch of the day back to shore. People flock to the fish markets to purchase the freshest and biggest fish.
Harvesters Ministries was fortunate to start training pastors in this bustling, vibrant and spectacular county of Kenya. During the COVID-19 national lockdown it was impossible to have meetings and carry on with pastoral training.
A New Door Opened to Train Pastors
Pastor Dylan Agoye, Harvesters Ministries Country leader of Kenya, and Pastor Mathias Dickens, one of our county leaders in Kenya, had a fruitful visit to Homa Bay. The group of pastors were overjoyed to start with their training, evangelise the lost, make disciples and start planting churches.
The COVID-19 global pandemic has changed life as we know it in the majority of countries all across the globe. Third world countries experienced extra pressure because of their high poverty rate. People who were already suffering experience more hardship because they could not earn an income and provide for their families.
“Kenya was not left aside, we were affected by COVID-19, but we thank God for the numbers (infection rate) that have been coming down,” said Dylan Agoye.
Due to the lockdown being relaxed, it was possible to continue with pastoral training. Homa Bay is one of the new areas where Harvesters is starting to train pastors.
Even though the Kenyan government is still restricting gatherings, it was possible to have a training session with a small group of pastors. These pastors completed their Phase A training.
Poverty-stricken Homa Bay
Communities in Homa Bay urgently need the Gospel. With its rapidly growing population there are a shortage of churches and trained pastors to serve in the communities.
The unemployment rate is rising, more and more people are suffering from malnutrition, and access to good education is becoming a challenge.
“Now as Harvesters Ministries we are able to go to regions and we are able to meet with pastors and do training. This is something that has been happening now. This is the second month that our trainers have been going to various regions to do training,” said Dylan.
One of the cities in Homa Bay that we have been visiting is Kisii. This is the first time ever that Harvesters is hosting a training session for pastors in this beautiful county.
The new COVID-19 regulations will not stop the Good News from spreading through Kenya. The enemy thought that he could stop the Gospel from spreading like a wildfire. People are still sharing the love of Jesus and winning souls for His Kingdom.
Your Gifts are Making a Difference
Thank you for making these training sessions possible with your generous gifts. Your partnership is really making an impact in communities in Kenya. People are accepting Jesus Christ and opening their hearts to the Gospel.
Pastors are getting equipped to share the Gospel with lost souls and make disciples for God’s Kingdom. They will be giving new believers access to newly planted churches and be great shepherds to their flocks.
Deus mostra seu favor na Tanzânia
O lindo oceano, os sons agitados da cidade e os turistas por toda parte – essas são algumas das cenas que você vivenciará nesta cidade grande e em crescimento na costa leste da África. Ao largo da costa de Dar Es Salaam está uma bela ilha tropical – Zanzibar. Esta ilha é uma área muçulmana e é extremamente difícil ser cristão aqui.
Houve vários incidentes de perseguição na ilha. Muitas igrejas foram incendiadas, crentes foram atacados com ácido, os crentes são evitados por suas próprias famílias – estes são apenas alguns exemplos da tortura que os cristãos sofrem não apenas em Zanzibar, mas em toda a Tanzânia.
Ainda há esperança
O pastor K* e sua congregação ainda estão fazendo grandes trabalhos evangelísticos, embora isso coloque suas vidas em perigo. Esses eventos são oportunidades dignas de nota.
O pastor K explica o evangelismo: “Todos os anos temos um único evangelismo e chamamos de evangelismo de final de ano”. Eles mostram o filme Jesus e viajam de aldeia em aldeia. “Os jovens fazem um evangelismo com faixas nas mãos ou apostilas para as pessoas convidando-os a vir para assistir a mensagem ao ar livre”, disse o pastor K.
Todos os anos, entre 100 e 200 pessoas são salvas. As curas e milagres que acontecem nesses evangelismos são incríveis.
Em circunstâncias normais, o governo da Tanzânia não permite eventos ao ar livre. É um favor do Senhor que o governo permita essas reuniões ao ar livre todos os anos – especialmente durante dezembro, quando os crentes celebram o Natal.
A melhor parte desses eventos é o fato de que mais pessoas podem experimentar o amor de Jesus e que podem até mesmo serem salvas.
Os Harvesters estão Abrindo o Caminho na Tanzânia
Os pastores na Tanzânia realmente querem que outros crentes orem por eles. Eles sempre são gratos pelo apoio. Obrigado por ajudar os Harvesters a abrirem o Caminho com suas orações e presentes.
Clique no link abaixo e baixe o Guia de Oração deste mês:
https://www.harvestersministries.com/pt/guia-de-oracao/
God Shows His Favour in Tanzania
The beautiful ocean, bustling city sounds and tourists everywhere – these are some of the scenes that you will experience in this large, growing city on the East coast of Africa. Just off the coast of Dar es Salaam is a beautiful and tropical island – Zanzibar. This island is a Muslim area and it is extremely difficult to be a Christian here.
There have been various incidents of persecution on the island. Many churches have been torched, believers have been thrown with acid, believers are shunned by their families – these are only a few examples of the torture that Christians go through not only in Zanzibar, but in the whole of Tanzania.
There is still Hope
Pastor K* and his congregation are still doing major outreaches even though it places their lives in danger. These events are opportunities of note.
Pastor K explains the outreach, “Every year we have a single outreach and we call it end of the year outreach.” They show the Jesus film and travel from village to village. “The young people go on an outreach with tracks in their hands or handouts to the people inviting them to come to the open air message,” says Pastor K.
Every year between 100 and 200 people get saved. The healings and miracles that take place at these outreaches are amazing.
Under normal circumstances the Tanzanian government does not allow open air events. It is a favour from the Lord that the government allows these open air meetings every year – especially during December when believers celebrate Christmas.
The best part of these events is the fact that more people can experience the love of Jesus and that people can get saved.
Harvesters is Opening the Way in Tanzania
Pastors in Tanzania really just want fellow believers to pray for them. They are always thankful for support. Thank you for helping Harvesters to open the way with your prayers and gifts.