Note from the Board – Rod Robison – March 2025

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The Transformative Power of Forgiveness

By Rod Robison

Saturday morning, January 8, 2011, shook the entire nation. As I sat in my home reviewing the morning’s news on social media, I stared down at the headline in disbelief: Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords had just been shot, along with several other people, outside a grocery store that was located a mere block away from my office. Had it happened the morning before, I would’ve been at work and might well have heard the gunfire.

Shockingly, I’d later learn that one of the victims was my friend, Jim Tucker. He and his wife, Doris, had arrived early at a Congress on Your Corner meet and greet and were near the front of the line to chat with Giffords when the

shooter began his rampage. In his booklet, Choices, Jim recounted the life-changing moments that rapidly unfolded next.

“We had just started talking with Giffords when there were some loud bangs and a whirlwind of air. The first two shots were a blink of an eye apart, then a flurry of shots began and I found myself lying flat on my back, looking up at the roof under which we had been standing. I was shot twice. The first bullet struck my upper right chest, knocking me backwards. The second bullet entered and exited my

lower right leg. The shooter had emptied his extended clip in less than 20 seconds.”

Congresswoman Giffords sustained a critical wound to her head, nearly killing her. Miraculously, Doris was uninjured and was able to render aid. A moment before it had been a sunny, beautiful day full of promise. Seconds later, thirteen people lay wounded and six people had lost their lives.

The next day, recovering in the hospital, Jim turned on the TV and, for the first time, learned the extent of the carnage. He also saw a photo of the gunman.

“My first reaction was a desire to wipe that smirk off his face. However, knowing how much I dislike standing in long lines and considering that my dominant arm was no more than dead weight, I thought it best to reconsider my choices.”

Then another thought popped into Jim’s head. “Growing up in the Los Angeles area, I was familiar with the late John Wooden, longtime head basketball coach of UCLA. Wooden was widely held in high esteem, regardless of whether his

team trounced yours on the basketball court. He taught his players more than just basketball: he taught them about life. And his lessons weren’t just words alone; he modeled the life skills that so many of his players would practice long after they graduated. Wooden once said, ‘There is a choice you have to make in everything you do. So, keep in mind that, in the end, the choice you make makes you.’”

“I thought long and hard about how the shooting affected Doris and me. Although she was not injured, she would join me in the healing process. How we initially processed things—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and, for me, physically—during the next few days would determine the true path of healing we would take then and for years to come.”

Jim shared the incredible outcome in Choices. “The next morning, I talked with Doris about the choices we needed to make. Although we were not expecting something like this to be added to our bucket lists and did not feel we could forgive the shooter, we knew that we had to trust and thank God. It took a little more time to reach the point where we chose to forgive the shooter. We still wanted justice to take place, but we refused to harbor an unforgiving spirit toward him. It would only prolong the damage he inflicted on us by his tragic actions. Our true healing had begun!”

I still have breakfast with Jim from time to time, and though his physical healing has been dramatic, he still lives with the physical impact of his traumatic wounds. The pain and limitations to movement are still daily realities and will be with him the rest of his life. To be sure, emotional healing is still taking place, too. But it was a choice he and his wife made—a hard but necessary choice to forgive—that started the healing process.

You may remember another story of transformative forgiveness – that of Dr. Okongo Samson, founder and president of Unite 4 Africa – that is equally inspiring…and challenging. He recounts that story of transformation in his book Abducted but not Forsaken. The victim of unimaginable abuse at the hands of terrorists and his jailers, Okongo made the difficult but necessary decision to forgive. A decision that God used to not only transform Okongo but to birth Unite 4 Africa and reach untold thousands with the Gospel. In those countries where Unite 4 Africa serves, we’re seeing incredible transformational changes as hearts are freed from the shackles of sin and liberated to become new creations in Christ.

If you’re standing with Unite 4 Africa with your financial support – thank you for being an important partner in sharing this message of transformation. You are making a difference in so many lives.

This year we’re determined to bring the transformational message of Christ to many thousands more through Unite 4 Africa’s outreaches. Hope to the hopeless. Families to orphans. Water to the thirsty. Medicine to the sick. Empowerment to the poor. Each of these outreaches brings the Light of Jesus to the darkness and gives us more opportunities to tell others about Him.

Will you join us this month by sharing a gift that God will use to transform lives? It only takes a few moments to make an eternal difference. Visit www.Unite4Africa.org/donate. Thank you for caring.

Kenya Update – March 2025

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FROM MUD TO METAL: HOUSING IMPROVEMENT IN OLTIASIKA VILLAGE

As we walk and minister among our people, we often encounter very difficult and disturbing situations of those vulnerable in our community living in deplorable housing conditions. Often, we will minister to them with love and prayers. However, in the last one month, through some of our partners, we were able to visit again five deserving families and constructed shelters for them! Now they can sleep safely and have a better place they can call home. Alongside this, we got the opportunity to pray and share the Gospel with them as we trust they will give their lives to Christ.

Fig.1,2,3,4,5 Lydia together with some of those who benefited from the new shelters project and one complete iron sheets house.

Written by Lydia Rianto

DIGNITY PADS AND SANCTITY OF LIFE EDUCATION IN RURAL KENYA

Our U4A team visited Ikotamwithe and Kilamba Comprehensive Schools in Kitui, Kenya and had the joy of distributing dignity pads to the schoolgirls and conducting a session on the sanctity of life. The aim was to address menstrual hygiene challenges that often hinder girls’ education and to instill values of dignity, self-worth, and the value of life. It was an opportunity to inspire the students to think about their place in the world as life givers and not life takers.

The students expressed gratitude for the dignity pads, noting that when they lack access to sanitary products, it leads to absenteeism from school during their menses.

We believe that the discussions on the sanctity of life inspired important conversations about self-respect and choices. The teachers too appreciated the outreach and expressed the need for regular mentorship sessions for the students. Mrs. Mule, the Headteacher at Ikotamwithe Primary School, thanked us for selecting their school and mentioned how valuable the dignity pads were for the girls. She shared how the gesture not only met an immediate need but also elevated and gave the girls a sense of dignity.

We deeply appreciate the support of U4A partners and look forward to more engagements to uplift and empower students in rural Kenya.

Written by Josephine Maina

ORDINATION OF PASTORS

With great joy and gratitude to God, we report on a recent ordination of 31 pastors in Morogoro, Tanzania. Dr. Okongo, U4A’s president, graced the occasion and participated towards the success of the day.

These pastors had been equipped with biblical training, pastoral mentorship, and practical skills to effectively minister in their respective fields. This ordination ceremony was both a milestone and a step toward greater Kingdom impact.

These pastors are now ready to fulfill the call of God over their lives. We trust that there will be multiplication of disciples as each models Christ and makes the choice to follow and obey Him. We appreciate your continuous support and partnership as we know Christ and make Him known.

Fig 1 and 2: Dr. Okongo and Bishop Momeo during the ordination service.

Fig 3 Dr. Okongo with Pastor Titus during the service. Fig 4. The ordained pastors in a procession.

Written by Pastor Titus Musenya

NEW CHURCH PLANTED – EMURKEA, NAIRRABALA COMMUNITY

As the year starts, we are excited with what God is doing among the Maasai people of Kenya. Earlier in the year, we started engaging the men of peace in Nairrabala community to build relationships and create opportunity for evangelism. After several visits and meetings with the community leaders, God made a way for us to do evangelistic outreaches and by the grace of God, one family felt in their hearts to give land for a church building.

We have now planted Emurkea church where about forty believers with their children are gathering under a tree as we trust God for a building to shelter them from the weather elements. We celebrate God’s goodness as we witness transformation of lives in our community.

Fig.1,2,3,4 Rev. Moses Rianto and the congregation at Emurkea church plant

Written by Rev. Moses Rianto

Prayer requests

  1. Pray for the new congregation that it will thrive and impact the community around it with the love of God.
  2. We desire to see more communities reached for Christ. Pray with us for His leading and empowerment to do so for new communities’ outreach
  3. Please join us in giving thanks to God for the lives being transformed continually in our nation through U4A.

Ghana Update – March 2025

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“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”(Daniel 4:34-35)

INTRODUCTION

The Lord is a mighty but merciful God. He lives forever, His dominion is an everlasting dominion and His Kingdom is from generation to generation. What He wants is what He does. It is awesome to acknowledge the greatness of the Lord in all that He does in our lives day after day. He truly deserves our worship for who He is and what He does.

LITTLE STRIDES OF HOPE ONE LIFE AT A TIME

‘I want to say thank you to U4A and their partners. I benefitted from the goat project. With the help of the goats I received, they sold 1 goat and bought a school uniform and bag. Through the love extended to me and my family I have decided to be a Christian. Thank you so much for your great support.

TRANSFORMED SECRETLY THROUGH RADIO

Week after week it is amazing to hear some of the stories that are received in relation to the weekly radio broadcast dubbed ‘SEED OF HOPE BROADCAST’. We are told of stories from both believers and those who have not accepted Christ as their Savior.

Recently someone called in and asked that the messages are so helpful and that a consideration should be made to record the various series so that present and future generations can benefit from it.

‘The messages of your broadcast has been so helpful to me even though I am not a Christian. I must confess that the wisdom I receive from this broadcast weekly has helped me become better in my home and at the work place.’ That is a message from a listener of the radio broadcast.

RASING LEADERS FOR THE UNFINISHED TASK

Indeed, everything rises and falls on leadership as intimated by John C. Maxwell. Most of the challenges confronting the Church and the local communities can be traced back to the kind of leadership in place. This is the reason why intentional focus on helping to raise leaders of integrity and especially, those who have the privilege to be the hands and the feet of Christ Jesus.

An intentional regular training with a set of young Christians who are willing to serve God in diverse forms of leadership including politics, has begun to help them understand that individuals can be different irrespective of the area in society they find themselves.

PRAYER NEEDS

  • Pray for the weekly Radio Broadcast, that the Holy Spirit will continue work through the program to touch lives.
  • Thank God for safe travels for Samson for a training in Sierra Leone
  • Pray for the Muslims around the world as they have begun their fasting. Pray that the Lord will use this period to touch lives and reveal Himself to them.

Yours in His Vineyard

Samson Abukari
Country Director, Ghana

Ethiopia Update – March 2025

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Transforming Lives in Wonji-Showa: A Milestone Achievement

Wonji-Showa, a small town in the Oromia region of central Ethiopia, is home to approximately 40,000 people, including residents from neighboring villages. For the past two decades, Unite 4 Africa, in partnership with Emmanuel United Church, has been instrumental in transforming lives through its school projects. Thousands of students have been supported, equipped, and rehabilitated through our ministry, bringing hope and opportunities to the community.

This year, we have achieved a significant milestone in partnership with our Korean friends by addressing a long-standing community need—the establishment of a bakery house. Previously, Wonji-Showa had no bakery, and residents had to travel 25 kilometers to Adama to buy bread. The absence of a local bakery posed challenges, particularly for school children and vulnerable families.


The vision for this project began when we prepared a proposal and shared it with our Korean partners. In June last year, a Korean missionary couple, Paul and Susan Park, attended our baptism event, Dr. Okongo also met them during that time with his mission team and he encouraged them to pursue their vision for our community.

2. Sadly, after returning to Korea, Missionary Susan fell ill and went to be with the Lord in October 10th /2024.

In her loving memory, her husband, Paul Park, and GBM ministry made the heartfelt decision to fund the bakery project as a lasting legacy.

By the grace of God, within just less than four months, we completed this transformative project. The initiative involved constructing the bakery house, purchasing essential bakery machinery, and securing a high-power generator to ensure continuous production. On February 18, 2025, we joyfully inaugurated the bakery, marking a new chapter of self-sufficiency and nourishment for the community.

This bakery has the capacity to produce thousands of loaves of bread daily, providing nutritious food for our school orphans and the wider community. It stands as a sign to God’s provision and the commitment of our partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Korean partners for their generous support and for making this vision a reality. To God be the glory for this incredible blessing!

3. Celebrating Ethiopian Christmas with Orphans and Vulnerable Children

On January 7th, 2025, our local church, Ayer Tena Emmanuel United Church, celebrated Ethiopian Christmas with orphans and vulnerable children living in Zenebe-Work, a community traditionally known as “Qoshe,” the landfill area, which translates literally to “Trash.”

Over 500 children and teenagers from the community attended and were profoundly impacted by this celebration. A variety of meaningful activities were organized, including:

Sharing the Word of God: Our local pastor, Mekbib, delivered a powerful message, and as a result, 11 individuals from the community accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Serving Lunch: We provided a warm, nourishing meal for all 500 children and teenagers.

Bible Verse Memorization Competition: We held a contest to encourage engagement with Scripture and rewarded the winners.

Sharing Cakes and Fellowship: Everyone enjoyed sweet treats and participated in other fun activities that brightened their day.

The joy and gratitude among the children and their families were overwhelming. For many, it was a day they will never forget. Aklilu, one of the children, shared, “Since my friends and I are very poor, we wouldn’t have been able to celebrate this holy day like this if it weren’t for your help. Otherwise, we would have spent the day hungry, as usual.”

Note From The Board – Rod Robison – January 2025

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The Other People Jar

When my daughter Jennifer was three years old, money and especially saving and giving some of it away were pretty much the furthest things from her mind. Dressing up like Cinderella, singing and dancing to Disney VHS videos, and creating elaborate tea parties for her stuffed animals were much higher on her list of priorities. But when my wife and I presented her with three glass jars – one labeled “Jennifer”, one labeled “College”, and perhaps the most intriguing of all labeled “Other People” – she was curious. We explained that, beginning that week, Jen would be receiving something called an allowance for doing chores around the house – and that a portion of each allowance was to be placed into each glass jar. That was the day Jennifer was introduced to the truth that investing in the lives of others – specifically people in need – was not only the right thing – the Jesus thing – to do, but it was a key to a more fulfilling life for her.

As Jennifer grew into adulthood the lesson of the Other People Jar was not lost on her. An accomplished artist, she used her talents to help other people less fortunate than her. After visiting Uganda, she began purchasing beautiful hand-made beads from women in that country caught in the grip of poverty. By crafting beads from tiny strips of colorful pages torn from magazines, these women, most of them widowed or single, were able to provide a sustainable income for themselves and their children. Jennifer then applied her artistic talents to the beads by metal-weaving them into stunning, decorative four-inch crosses, donating proceeds from their sale back to the same women who made the beads to help them feed their children.

As Jennifer and I recently reflected on that project, she shared, “My heart was really gripped when I heard the story of these women and even more captivated when I saw the incredible works of art they created with their recycled magazine beads. I wanted to help them and to share their story with others. When I considered my own resources, talents, and sphere of influence, the beaded cross project was birthed. The Other People Jar opened my eyes to the needs of others at a very early age. I was also shown that even someone like me, with such a small amount to give, could still make a difference in the life of someone in need. Now, giving is such a huge joy to me – contagious even.”

Each of our other four children were given an Other People Jar at a young age and all learned the importance of generously sharing with others in need. Now, as adults, three of whom are married with children of their own, they all give to help other people.

My wife and I recently traveled to Africa with Okongo and Shyla along with folks from our church. We visited several of the villages and met hundreds of people whose lives have been touched by God through the work of Unite 4 Africa. One of those villages had no church building, but, despite that, believers from the village faithfully met for worship each week under a tree. My wife and I wondered how many more people might gather for services if there was a church building. We’d learned while in Africa how transformative a church building can be for entire communities. And we learned that building a relatively simple but functional church building is not as expensive as you might think. So, when we returned to the States, we asked our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren if they would like to join us in providing a church building for this particular village. They responded with an enthusiastic “yes.” That was only a few months ago, and just a few weeks ago we were sent a video of the people in the village celebrating and praising God in that new church building.

Decades after we introduced glass jars labeled “Other People” to our young children, God used those jars and the lessons they held to inspire our now adult children and their children toward a lifestyle of generous giving that is helping to reach other people a half a world away with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In First John Chapter Three we’re admonished, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

May I be so bold as to ask you this last month of the year to consider how you can end your year by providing for other people who are in need? There are more churches to be built for people in remote villages meeting under trees. There are countless orphans and other vulnerable children needing goats to help them provide for themselves and their families.
There are teenage girls whose families can’t afford “dignity pads” that can make the difference between those girls attending school or staying home several days a month. There are villages in desperate need of water projects so their women no longer have to walk miles carrying heavy buckets of water. And there are millions yet to be reached with the Gospel. God is using Unite 4 Africa, its leaders, and its donors to meet these and other needs. You are an important part of God’s plan when you give.

Will you take a moment today to make a generous gift for these “other people?” Thank you for caring.

Rod Robison
Unite 4 Africa Board Chairman

Ghana Update – August 2024

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‘This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ‘(1 John 4:9-10)

INTRODUCTION

God has been so gracious to us and has shown us His great love so that we can also graciously extend this love that the Lord has shown us to our fellow human being so that they can also live through the son of God just as we have the opportunity to live through Him.

SEED OF HOPE BROADCAST

To God alone be the glory for who He is and for what He is doing through the Seed of Hope Broadcast. Testimonies keep coming in week after week of how listeners are being blessed through the weekly broadcast. Madam Comfort a regular listener called in and said “I don’t know how to thank God for this program. I can confidently say that I am a transformed person now as a result of the program. We should have been contributing financially in order to keep the program on air and even though we are able to do that now I pray for all those sacrificing to keep this program on air- that God will bless them abundantly”. Mr. Abdul-Rahaman another regular listener called and said, “ I called your personal phone line to let you know that we listen to Seed of Hope program every week but we are unable to call in because of the network reception. It is indeed a good Christian program which is blessing many people. Thank you and God bless you”.

GOATS’ PROJECT

Sometimes it is amazing that what looks insignificant in the sight of someone can be a life transformation trigger for another person. This statement is true with the goats’ project that Unite 4 Africa provides to orphans which has been a great source of hope to beneficiary orphans and their families.

The joy that greets beneficiaries and their families when receiving the goats is an awesome moment to behold as most them either had lost hope or never expected that such kind of love would be extended to them.

DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING

The discipleship training that was began some few months ago has consistently gone to the end and a graduation carried out. Let us continue to pray for the sustenance of the children who went through this program, that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in their hearts and use the lessons to give them a firm foundation in the Lord, especially in the two communities where there are no churches, yet the children willingly participated in the training to the very end.

PRAYER NEEDS

  • Pray for the participants of the discipleship program carried out in three different communities that the Lord will use the lessons to stir them up to genuine faith in Him.
  • Thank God for the Church-wide worship night that brought people together to worship.
  • Ask for greater grace for the Seed of Hope weekly broadcast so that God will be glorified through the broadcast and lives transformed for His kingdom.

Yours in His Vineyard
Samson Abukari – Country Director, Ghana

Ethiopia Update – August 2024

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Follow up Leadership & Discipleship Training in Wolayita Sodo

Follow-up training for church leaders is important for ensuring their ongoing development, effectiveness, and well-being in ministry. It helps them stay current, adapt to changing contexts, receive support and accountability, and grow spiritually as they continue to serve their congregations and communities.

The town Wolayita Sodo is one of our training and outreach hubs in Ethiopia. Dr. Okongo initiated and started this training a couple of years ago for hundreds of church leaders in the Southern Region of Ethiopia from more than 22 churches and denominations.

Since that time, we as U4A -Ethiopia, have been conducting the follow-up trainings and the impact is significant in the lives and ministry of our leaders. Pastor George Goa, the Chairman of the Southern Region of the Ethiopian Evangelical Churches Fellowship/EECFE/ said that the training has been helping them to enhance their spiritual lives as leaders and the effectiveness of their ministry. He also said that the training provides a platform for accountability and support for church leaders. It allows them to reflect on their ministry practices, receive feedback from each other, and access resources and guidance to address challenges they may be facing. According to Pastor George; after they take the trainings, they go out and train hundreds of leaders in their districts and sub-districts of the regions.

Leadership & Discipleship Training in Wolayita Sodo

Visiting our Persecuted Local Church Leaders in Ethiopia

Visiting persecuted local churches is an important way to show support, provide comfort, build relationships, and grow spiritually. It is a tangible way to live out the call to love and care for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing persecution.

Dr. Okongo and his team from Oro Valley Church of Nazarene recently came to Ethiopia. Besides doing so many other outreach activities; they visited our persecuted church leaders. By so doing; they showed solidarity with those who are facing discrimination, violence, or other forms of persecution in their respective areas. Our leaders were so blessed and got excited because their visit helped them know that they are not alone in their struggle and that others care about their well-being.

Dr. Okongo and Pastor David shared the Word of God and provided encouragement and comfort to those who are facing difficult circumstances and lifted their spirits and to give them hope for the future.

This visit was a spiritually enriching experience for the team also. It helped the team members to deepen their faith and understanding of the global Body of Christ, and inspire a greater commitment to stand with those who are persecuted for our beliefs.

Warm welcoming of Dr. Okongo and his team by our Regional Coordinator

We are always grateful to Dr. Okongo for the heart that he has for our leaders and persecuted Believers. We are witness that he always supports them in any way he can in their life journey and he is very much loved by them.

Praise and Prayer Items

The followings are praise and prayer request items to pray about with us:

  • Praise God for the life and ministry skill development of our leaders through various trainings.
  • Praise God for our leaders who stand firmly in their faith in Christ through various persecutions.
  • Continue to pray for our leaders who are going through various persecutions because of their faith in Christ.
  • Pray for our Disciple-making movement that God would grow it to impact many leaderships and churches across the country and beyond.

Samson Weldemariam /Pst/
Africa & Ethiopia director of U4A

Kenya Update – August 2024

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Engaging the Next Generation with Biblical Truth to the Sanctity of Life

Last year, we had a training on the ‘Journey of a Life-Giver’ where participants agreed that the issue of teenage pregnancy and abortion was increasingly a reality among both primary and secondary school students. The need to sensitize and educate both girls and boys at the primary schools on the sanctity of life and the call for life-giving actions was considered a preventive intervention in a world where they are bombarded with ideologies that seek to normalize violations of human life.

Last month, the U4A team had an opportunity in Muluti Comprehensive School to share on the sacredness of human life, it’s violations and the calling for a biblical response which embraces the heart of God on these issues. The students were very receptive and most of those present took the opportunity given to welcome into their lives the Lord Jesus Christ as the Greatest Life-Giver to be their Saviour and Lord. At the end of the training, we crowned it all by sharing dignity pads with the girls and Oh, the joy they had as they received these packages! We gave boxes of dignity pads to the administration to issue to the girls on request. The deputy Head Teacher expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the U4A partners, adding that the school was blessed to have us equip the students to be life-givers as well as providing the dignity pads. She added, ” No child will come to seek permission to leave school because she is on her period. This is wonderful.”

Figs. 1,2,3 Boys and girls attentively listening to the lesson. Fig. 4. Girls glad to have dignity pads.

Report written by Josephine Maina

Leadership Empowerment in Kanzauwu, Kitui county.

Jesus Christ ministered to multitudes but He deliberately took more time with His disciples than with the multitude. This was strategic as these are the same people He later sent out to minister to the multitudes.

Recently, we had a day of teaching, training and dialogue with church leaders from Kanzauwu, in Kitui county where pastors and leaders from more than five churches gathered. Using the life of King David, leaders appreciated how God builds the character of those He calls to lead as He progressively raises them and increases their influence for to serve His purposes on the earth. Through much patience and perseverance King David arose from the cave of Adullam to rule over the whole of Israel from Zion.

One of the pastors, Rev. John Kacholi, who attended the seminar was greatly inspired and made a passionate plea to have other leadership empowerment sessions in the near future. We sincerely appreciate U4A partnership as we go out to make disciples and teaching them to obey all that God has commanded us (Matthew 28:19-20).

Fig 1: Pastor Maina teaching the leaders. Fig 2: Leaders following the teachings.

Written by Maina Rukenya

From Under a Tree to Under a Roof: Oloika Community Church Dedication

For many years, Oloika congregation in Maasai community has gathered under a tree for worship and fellowship, demonstrating their faith and community spirit despite the challenges of the hot sun and cold and rainy seasons. We are overjoyed to report that, through the generous contributions of our U4A donors and partners, we have constructed a new church building that will now serve this community.

The desire and vision to have a comfortable place for the congregation grew stronger as the numbers increased and the need to have proper structure became more pressing.

We are grateful to God and U4A partners whose generosity have transformed our vision into reality and provided us with a beautiful space to gather and worship away from the varying weather conditions. Your support has not only built a church but has also strengthened our faith in God and the unity of Believers. This new building stands as a testament to your kindness and commitment to God and His work. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for helping us create a lasting legacy of faith and fellowship.

Figs. 1& 2 Oloika Church service under a tree on a rainy day with members listening keenly as Pastor Titus shared from God’s word.

Figs. 3,4 & 5: Doctor Okongo, U4A Kenya Team and the mission team from USA at the Oloika community church dedication.

Report by Pastor Titus Musenya

Maasai Men Embracing a Biblical World View

Here in the Maasai communities, we are living at a critical and defining moment as far as the Christian faith is concerned. When the Church arrived here many years ago, the missionaries faced enormous challenges trying to convince the Maasai men to trade their deeply rooted cultural values for Christin ones. After some time, women and children flocked churches, and the church neglected men. This led to men to consider that church is to be for women and children only.

However, there has been a shift in the recent years as Unite 4 Africa, facilitated by Dr. Okongo Samson, has launched a big campaign dabbed “Mbelegenya” (Maasai word for change). It’s core focus is to intentionally reach out to Maasai men, in matters of true faith in God as opposed to the negative cultural practices. While at it, we do not fail to commend and encourage them to uphold the many good cultural practices that are deeply rooted in the Maa culture such as a deep sense of concern for the family’s wellbeing and the communal spirit of sharing.

We have been visiting them in their local Christian communities to discuss the way forward and letting them participate fully in the search for solutions through discipleship and men only conferences. Thanks to God, so far, we have started seeing some transformation. The older men who have many wives are accepting Christ and becoming the ambassadors of change to their children. Though they are polygamous, they have agreed to encourage their sons and daughters to be monogamous. Just as it is said that change is inevitable, time has come for the Maasai men to embrace change by applying Biblical principles.

Figs. 1&2 Dr. Okongo and Rev. Moses leading a Maasai dance and facilitating a men’s seminar.

Fig 3. Maasai men in thousands accepting Christ and embracing the Christian faith.

Report written by Rev. Moses Rianto

PRAYER REQUESTS

  • Pray that more doors will be open to minister to church leaders with greater impact.
  • Pray that the church leaders will practice the teachings given and empower the church through Spirit-led Disciple Making.
  • Please pray for the new wave of revival of men coming to Christ in Maasai land so that there is lasting change.
  • Please pray for the new communities that are being reached for Christ to be receptive to the Gospel.

Kenya Update – April 2024

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CHILDREN’S MINISTERS TRAINING- MURANG’A.

Training of Children ministers is crucial in the advancement of God’s kingdom and especially here in Africa. U4A through its Kenya leadership is keen to this end, thankful for the very dedicated partners for their support. We held a one-day training of a few key Children ministers on developing teaching manuals and lesson plans that are adopted to our local context. Our aim is to prepare manuals that are available to us and other churches who may not have any particular manuals for their children’s ministers.

The children ministers were very excited that they will now be able to develop manuals appropriate for the needs of children in our locality. James, one of the ministers who attended said, “Though challenging and demanding, I have learnt the importance of documentation of my lessons and that working tirelessly is crucial for the propagation of the gospel among children.”

Njeri, another of the committed and one of the longest serving in the children ministry stated, “I have learnt I can develop a teaching manual and set clear and precise objectives as I minister to children. I will be more confident as I teach the children going forward.”

Pictures above showing the training going on in Murang’a, Kenya.

Report written by Maina Rukenya

BIBLES FOR NEW BELIEVERS – OLCHORRO LE EMPUAN

We celebrate the new Church under the tree in the Maasai community, following a recent evangelistic outreach in Lebendera village in Olchorro le empuan. This month we were graced to empower these new believers by giving them Bibles. Even though some do not know how to read, their joy and gratitude of being able to hear the word of God in their mother tongue was evident because their school going children would be reading it outloud for them. What a blessing! These Bibles were provided by a faithful partner, who has a passion for equipping believers with the Word of God. We have been doing evangelism and church planting in areas that have not yet been reached and are deeply indebted to our partners in ministry. We pray that many will come alongside Unite 4 Africa as we integrate evangelism, discipleship and church planting.

Fig. 1,2,3 & 4 Bible distribution at Olchorro le empuan.

Written by Rev. Moses Rianto

DISCIPLESHIP AND DISCIPLES MAKING.

Discipleship and Disciple making are deliberate and relational and aim at the believer’s growth and transformation, while enabling multiplication of disciples. We have found it a great privilege and responsibility to evangelize non- believers, establish believers in the faith and equip leaders.

This process has not been a walk in the park. Sometimes in the field we face hostility and even physical attack from different communities and individuals who are opposed to what we believe. Praise be to God for bringing U4A and its partners to support and equip our grassroot leaders who really work tirelessly to introduce us to these hostile communities, championing the cause of the Gospel. This month, we reached out to Oloika community as well as Impoori Primary school. In both outreaches, 31 people made commitments to be followers of Christ which accounted for twenty one percent of those we reached out to. We give all the Glory to God and really appreciate all the partners for their continued partnership to reach out and finding the lost.

Fig 1&2 Participants joyfully following as Pastor Titus trained and taught them biblical truth.

Children of Impoori primary keenly following and participating in the DMM training.

Written by Pastor Titus Musenya U4A Kenya Outreach Director.

PRAYER REQUESTS

  1. Please pray for Evangelistic activities that are going on in the Esiteti community.
  2. Pray for speedy release of water drilling permits that we are seeking from the government offices.
  3. Give thanks for the wonderful progress that is going on through U4A in Kenya.

Kenya – February 2024 Newsletter Reports

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Men’s Seminar at Kilo Baptist Church

Some men today function more like passive billiard balls than like billiard players. This is seen in the family, community and the church, where many men are failing to lead by example and service. A ‘Man of Dominion’ seeks to imitate his Lord and Savior in every area of his life. This is what Unite 4 Africa has been focusing on, by intentionally reaching and teaching men, to take their positions that God gave them, and by leading their families and communities in seeking God and influencing the world at large.

In a Men’s Seminar at Kilo Baptist church, Dr. Okongo shared the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ and practical Christianity. One of the men present was deeply convicted and surrendered his life to Christ. He is now on the path to godly manhood dominion as he grows as a disciple for Christ.

 

Fig 1,2: Dr. Okongo praying for the man to receive Christ after teaching at during a Men’s Seminar.

Written by Rev. Moses Rianto.

ESITETI COMMUNITY WATER PROJECT

Esiteti community members will now have smiles on their faces because they will no longer need to walk for miles to get water for their livestock and household use. Thanks to our U4A partners, the plans to drill a community borehole are underway, which will serve more than nine hundred households and a large livestock population.

Found in the southern side of Maasai land, the Esiteti community is filled with hope and growing expectation for the precious gift of clean, easily accessible water, all year round. The women will especially benefit from this borehole because fetching water is one of their responsibilities. For some of them, there is a visible mark on their foreheads made by the rope straps that keep the jerrycan of water balanced on their backs, often going to fetch the water several times a day.

Not only will this water sustain the community’s physical needs, but we also see it as an entry point to much spiritual nourishment of sharing about Jesus Christ, the Water of Life. God richly bless all our U4A partners.

Fig 1&2; The water surveyors with Unite 4 Africa team surveying the ground for a suitable location for the borehole.

Fig. 3&4: Dr. Okongo and Rev. Shyla holding discussions with some of the excited men in the community for the expected blessing of a borehole.

Written by Pastor Titus Musenya U4A Kenya Director.

“Teenagers, the Lord needs You!”

The above was the theme of a month’s long teens seminar that was done for four consecutive Saturday afternoons at Faith Family Chapel. Postmodernism has influenced many teens beliefs and value system and some are struggling with their identity, sexuality and faith in God. These are some of the topics that were discussed freely with the underlying intent of encouraging them to study and practice the word of God.

When given an opportunity to participate and serve in one of the Sunday services, it was very evident that these teens are endowed with gifts and abilities that should benefit the Body of Christ. They were all encouraged and challenged to be part of the community of Believers and are eagerly looking forward to the next teen’s seminars, fully aware that God loves and needs them too.

Figure 1&2 Pastor Maina teaching in one of the sessions and the teens attentively listening during another session.

Written by Maina Rukenya

PRAYER POINTS.

  1. Please pray for God to open more doors for the U4A ministry here in Kenya and that these outreaches will bring much fruitfulness for the Kingdom of God.
  2. Pray for God’s multiplied anointing to be upon all our meetings for the people to be set free in Christ.
  3. Please pray with us for the ongoing projects to be completed successfully.
  4. Pray for the U4A Kenya team for strength as we obey the charge to take the gospel to our nation and beyond.

Kenya Updates – September 2023

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CHURCH PLANT, AUDIO BIBLES AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION

In the month of June, we planted a new Church in Nomayaai Community. In July, during our monthly fellowship, we again chose to visit the same community to encourage them to continue being faithful to our Lord. Our team was greatly encouraged by the love they have in Christ. In fact, the tree under which they worship was inscribed “Church.” They have made themselves seats for their services by using felled tree trunks. During the visit, we were able to give Audio Bibles and food stuffs to all church members and others from the community who were present. Audio Bibles have been of great impact especially to the illiterate in communities. We would like to thank our U4A partners who have been walking alongside us in empowering individuals and families, planting churches and reaching the unreached in different communities.

Fig. 1&2: A tree where the Church is planted and U4A leaders demonstrating how to use Audio Bibles.

Fig. 3&4: Church members keenly following the teachings and later receiving some food stuffs and Audio Bibles.

Written by: Pastor Titus Musenya U4A Outreach Director.

SANITARY PADS FOR GIRLS

In the last quarter we reached out to at least twenty schools and as a result more than one thousand, five hundred girls have been mentored and issued with enough sanitary pads to serve each for the three months of a school term. Sanitary pads are an essential need for every girl yet not all are privileged to access them.
The embarrassment of staining their clothes causes many to miss school during their menstruation period for lack of pads. Some also fear to request for pads from their parents. We are so grateful for U4A’s support and keeping these young girls in school. One of the teachers, Mr. Kajara from Leboo Primary School that has benefited from this project, said that he is now certain that the improvement of the girls performance in schools would be attainable because they are no longer missing school.

Fig:1&2, Different school girls receiving sanitary pads.

Fig: 3&4 Prayers offered by Pastor Titus before giving pads to the girls and teacher Josephine appreciating the partners for supporting girls.

Written by: Pastor Titus Musenya U4A Outreach Director

GILGAL: A DISCIPLESHIP HUB AND LEADERS TRAINING CENTER.

Ten years ago, Gilgal Community Church was started at Kimokokua, Tanzania, located next to Namanga at the border of Kenya and Tanzania. Since then, this has been a center of discipleship and training for leaders from both countries and other parts of Africa. Many of the Maasai communities along the border of the two countries have not got to hear the Gospel. Rev. Kaako, who is the Gilgal Pastor and one of the Tanzanian regional leaders, organized a discipleship training for all regional trainers and leaders as they marked their ten years anniversary. It is such a joy that in the ten years more than many souls have given their lives to Christ and over one hundred churches have been planted as disciple making movement continues in the region.


Fig. 1&2: Dr. Okongo, U4A president as an invited guest to the training of regional trainers and leaders.

Fig. 3: The ongoing construction of their new Church building and training Hub that U4A has partnered with them to help finish.

Written by: Pastor Titus Musenya U4A Outreach Director

DISCIPLED, TRAINED AND SENT TO REACH THE UNREACHED IN DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES.

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans‬ 10‬:14).‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

‬‬‬Many people in different communities have not yet believed the Gospel but this is because they have not yet heard it for lack of someone to share it with them. In a span of one week’s outreaches, we were graced to share the Gospel to nine hundred and thirty-seven people at their homes, water points, places of works, grazing grounds and schools and thankfully, two hundred and seven gave their lives to Christ. We appreciate our U4A partners for graciously supplying us with Evangelism and training materials that helps us train people to be grounded in the faith. We are also so thankful for providing all our local leaders with motor bikes that are now making it easy to reach many far and wide within the vast Maasai community.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Fig. 1&2: Pastor Titus leading new converts in the repentance prayer and Trained Disciples ready to leave for door-to-door outreaches.

Fig. 3&4: Men and women commuting their lives to Christ and Pastors praying over them too.

Written by: Pastor Titus U4A Outreach Director.

MURANG’A SCHOOL OF TYRANNUS

U4A has been focusing on empowering faithful leaders in the local households of faith who are ready to disciple the new converts as well as give a defense to their faith as a result of being grounded in truth.

Faith Family Chapel in Murang’a has been undertaking an interactive forum dubbed the School of Tyrannus that was started in January 2023 and takes place every Sunday morning prior to the Sunday service. Believers are getting established and empowered to be deeply rooted in the Truth, become disciple-makers and prepared to open autonomous churches as the Holy Spirit leads and guides.

In the month of July, the focus was an in-depth study on prayer as Word based, Spirit led, relational communication with God. One of the participants, a High School teacher, said she’d appreciated the interactive forums because they are beneficial in deconstructing wrong mindsets and restructuring the mind and heart scripturally. She added that she has been using what she had learned to teach others. Another one said that what he has learned has taken him to a whole new level. ” A lot of knowledge has been impacted and I am able to stand and defend my faith. I am now willing to lead corporate prayer and have a clearer sense of direction in my Christian walk.”

Fig. 1&2: Pastor Maina teaching in the School of Tyrannus and one of the participants making a contribution.

Fig. 4: The 2023 school of Tyrannus participants.

Written by Josephine Maina.

Prayer Requests

1. Give thanks with us for the wonderful things God is doing among us.
2. Pray that the new converts would grow into committed and faithful disciples of Christ.
3. Pray for the trained leaders to disciple and equip many more leaders as they also grow into spiritual maturity.
4. Pray for the expansion of God’s work through U4A in Kenya.

 

 

 

 

 

Ethiopia Updates – September 2023

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1. Advancing on the Path of Success

Hellen Getenet was born and grown up in a small town called Wonjishowa, Ethiopia. She lost her dad when she was an infant and her mother has been suffering with HIV – AIDS infection. As a result of that Hellen had been living in a deep poverty and life had been becoming miserable for her.

Our God is good and He led Dr. Okongo to this town and he obeyed to go together with Unite4Africa Ethiopia team. And we started this project of rehabilitating and supporting orphans and vulnerable children in that town. And we started supporting Hellen when she was 4 years old.

Left to right: Hellen, Dr. Okongo & Abeba

Since then, we have been supporting Hellen by sponsoring in her education, providing her school supplies, clothing, food, health care and some other self-sustainable empowerment like goats and spiritual support as well.

Hellen’s Graduation Day 

Just few weeks ago Hellen graduated from college with a degree of Business Administration in Adama town. I attended her graduation ceremony by representing Dr. Okongo and Unite4Africa and thanked God and prayed for Hellen for her next life journey. I was overwhelmed by the goodness of God to see how God used Dr. Okongo and our ministry Unite 4 Africa to help those vulnerable children like Hellen to transform their lives and their future.

Hellen on her part said that no words can express how much she is thankful to God for sending Dr. Okongo and Unite 4 Africa ministry in her early childhood to transform her life completely. She added that; if not Unite 4 Africa’s intervention in her life she could have not been alive today or she may lead a miserable life. Praise God!

2. The impact of out Goat/Animal/ Project

Emati Kassahun Chala is one of our goats’ project beneficiaries who are from the village called Dibibisa, sub district of Adama. Last year May 2022, a School of Prayer team led by Dr. Okongo came to Ethiopia and became a witness and gave out goats to our orphans. Emati was one of them and she received a goat and fortunately her goat was pregnant and gave birth to twins within a week’s time.

Almost a year ago Dr. Okongo gave goat to Emati

God blessed her goats and currently they multiplied to seven and another two are pregnant again. She sold some of them and bought food, clothes, school supplies and school uniforms. Now, she is 8 years old and grade 2 student. She, her care taker and the community are so excited and praise God for her and are amazed at how God is faithful and blesses His children.

Emati & her goats

3. Disciple -Makers National Summit

We had a very successful Disciple Makers National Summit in the beginning this month of August. 28 of our key Disciple Makers across Ethiopia gathered together for three days. we discussed on the Summit: –

a. The importance of Coaching & follow up in Leadership Development
b. Leadership Multiplication in Jesus’s way
c. The importance of Small Disciple – Making groups in Multiplication and
d. Partner Raising

Prayer & Tine of Discussion

Dr. Okongo also shared from scripture the very important points on Mentoring and Coaching through Zoom based on Jesus’s life and ministry of Disciple Making. The participants have been refreshed and renewed by the Jesus’s way of Disciple Making and recommit themselves to this vision to accelerate the Disciple – Making movements in their respective regions and districts and also they got convinced to focus on working Leadership Multiplication like Jesus did in order to make sure the movement continues.

Dr. Okongo encouraged & shared scriptures with our leaders through Zoom

 

4. Praise and Prayer items

The followings are praises and prayer request items to pray about with us:

• Praise God for the Disciple Making Movement /DMM/ as it continues in the country.
• Praise God for the impact of our Goat/ Animal/ Project and for the transformation of many lives through our ministry Unite 4 Africa.
• Pray for our Disciple – Making Movements and programs that God would grant us strength to make disciples and develop more local leaders for the work.
• Continue to pray for our projects that God would continue transform the lives of our communities like He did in the life of Hellen.

Samson Weldemariam /Pst/
Africa & Ethiopia director of U4A

Kenya Updates – July 2023

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CHURCH PLANTING AND STUCTURE BUILDING

Over twenty-five years Unite 4 Africa has been partnering with different communities in Kenya empowering them holistically, economically and socially bringing abundance lives in Christ by planting churches among the unreached communities. Through U4A outreaches we have now managed to plant over one hundred autonomous churches and with different denominations. In the Maasai community, we have been planting and starting churches under trees. Late in the month of May and early June the Lord, through Unite 4 Africa helped us construct three churches in different communities, Naibala, Impoori and Oiti communities respectively. These communities had been having fellowships under trees during hot, cold and rainy seasons, undeterred by the harsh elements. We thank U4A for partnering with us such that these disciples of Christ can now have a place they can comfortably meet irrespective of the changing weather conditions.

Fig 1&2: The new church at Ewangan community under construction and later being officially opened.

Fig 3&4 respectively: Leaders ready to dedicate the new church building and thankful members worshiping and praising inside the new building.

 

Written by Pastor Titus Musenya, U4A Outreach Director

THIRSTY AND HUNGRY FOR THE GOSPEL: MONTHLY OPEN-AIR OUTREACH IN ILPARTIMARO TOWN.

Some years back through Unite 4 Africa, we did an outreach in Ololepo community and many people committed their lives to Christ and in that connection, Gladys Nchao donated a piece of land where we planted and started the current Ololepo Community church. This has been a place of intensive and deliberate discipleship from which disciples have been sent and over sixty new churches have been planted in different communities in Kenya.

We are so thankful that Unite 4 Africa has been supporting us in our monthly outreaches in different communities. In the month of June, we carried our monthly outreach in Ilpartimaro trading center and eighteen people gave their lives to Christ. Glory to God!

Fig 1&2 respectively: congregants worshiping and praising God at the trading center.

Fig 2&3: Pastor Titus preaching and teaching in the open air and congregants keenly following the teachings.

Written by Pastor Titus Musenya, U4A Outreach Director.

ESEKI COMMUNITY CHURCH – BIBLES AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION.

In the spirit of empowering the Believers and in following Mathew 28:18-20, sharing the Word of God through outreaches to the unreached and discipleship, we have distributed this month some Maasai Bibles to the members of Eseki community. We also distributed foodstuffs to the community, as many go for days in search for work or support for their families.

Pastor Amos Sironet who leads Eseki Community Church travels from his home on Saturday evening to spend the night at the Church on a mattress so that he can minister and be present in good time for the Sunday service. We took a moment to encourage him and pray with him. Please pray for him to continue serving zealously in the strength of the Lord, for from the Lord he shall receive his reward.

Fig. 1&2: Rev Moses leading in the distribution of bibles, and women from the community happily holding their bibles and foodstuffs.

Fig 3&4 respectively: women sending their appreciation to those who donated the bibles and foodstuffs.

Written by Pastor Titus Musenya, U4A outreach director.

PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS SEMINAR

Empowering pastors and key leaders for works of service is a strategic way of impacting members of the households of faith and the communities at large. This June, part of the Kenyan team went to one of the semi-arid areas in Kenya and ministered to about 40 key church leaders together with pastors in Mbitini village, Kitui county. This is in the interior parts of Eastern Kenya.

The theme was in line with Eph.4.15-16 “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

Training the church on the biblical roles of the church leadership and that of the congregants enables all to do their part for the effective functioning and edifying of the whole body. As Christ, the Head of the body prayed, “that they may be one”, we believe everyone knowing their place and appreciating the contribution of the other is a sure way of forging oneness in the body.

Many pastors and church leaders need empowerment if the church is going to stand and advance against the onslaught of evil powers in the present age.
Those who attended were refreshed and strengthened. One of the pastors said that the seminar stirred the courage to nurture and disciple the small church they lead with passion and zeal as unto Christ and as though it were a very big congregation!

Fig 1&2 Josephine Maina and the pastors following the teachings.

Fig 3: Rev. Maina, U4A Mission Director, discipling and training pastors and leaders.

Written by Rev. Maina, U4A Mission Director.

PRAYER ITEMS

1. Pray for all new believers to hold on to Truth, committed to the Lord and walking worthy of the Call.
2. Pray for the lasting fruit from the monthly outreaches in all the difference places and communities and also for the vision of buying public address system for our outreaches.
3. Pray for our inter-denominational fellowships as we continue planning for the August Men’s Conference.
4. We request for prayer for the church leaderships’ humility, wisdom and unity that will foster an environment for discipleship in the local churches.

 

 

Ethiopia Updates – July 2023

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1. Church Planting and Disciple – Making Movement continues even in this month.

What an excitement, what a celebration and what a joy to see again another group of 740 believers got baptized in a Lake called Kurifitu, in the town called Bishoftu/Debrezeit/. This is another sign of God’s presence among us and nothing and no one can hinder His Sovereign Power working in our midst regardless of the challenges that Ethiopia is going through.

Pastor Abera Kumbi who is our assistant regional coordinator said that the year is very unique for us and we are facing so many challenges as we are persistently working in the kingdom of God, however we have seen His hands working with us and His movement continues and we praise His Name.

Local Pastors and Church Planters preparing for the baptism event in prayer

Unite 4 Africa team together with our Churches and other like-minded ministries organized and hosted this event by providing them 24 buses to transport them from their respective villages and provided them lunch and donated Bibles which is translated in their own languages.

Giving out Bibles

I take this opportunity to thank all our partners who are obeying Christ’s great commission and standing alongside with us in various ways. Your contributions, prayers, supports and encouragements have brought a significant impact to this success and result. I assure you that we will keep praying for you, for your family and for your business so that God would bless all the works of your hands as you continue serving Him faithfully.

2. Life Changing Stories

Balcha Jima is one of the residents in the village called Qararoo. His father is a Muslim Sheik and Imam in the mosque. Since he is the son of the Chief of the community, he had that authority of persecuting the Believers. He was the cause of much persecution to many of our church community believers at different times.

But our leaders endured through all those challenges and persecutions. One day, as they were praying and fasting under the tree in the church compound; a bunch of people came to them carrying this man. He was very sick and could not move. The people who carried him said to our leaders, “As you can see this man got very sick and is seriously sick even near death. We took him to so many places looking for solutions for his health condition but nothing has worked. This morning his father sent us to you to ask you to pray for him and to ask you for forgiveness.” Our leaders were amazed by this and prayed for him. He instantly got healed and went back to his home. As a result, he and 18 other people accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Not only that, our leaders told the people to tell the father that we all have forgiven him and his entire family for all that he had done to persecute us.

Balcha Jima got baptized during our baptism event this month together with 22 new believers. It was a celebration when we were baptizing him together with all his friends who once came to destroy the church and persecute believers. Balcha Jima also gave his testimony after the baptism – saying that life is good with Jesus and he asked us to pray for his father for salvation. Glory to be God!

Balcha Jima

3. My Visit to Tanzania.

God has been giving me a great time with my host Pastor Peter John Mlay visiting our partner ministry in Tanzania called GBM- Tanzania. We have been partnering in the past several years with this ministry on the area of Leadership development, water project and organic farming.

We have shown good progress in training our farmers with this new method of organic farming and how to make an organic fertilizer. In parallel with organic farming; drilling water well for our communities is also very key.

We have started a good partnership with Korean Mission in Africa of drilling water wells. What a joy to see our communities, schools and farmers rejoicing for getting water right on their villages. I thank God for this water project and we are planning to expand this project in many communities in Africa in God’s willing in the near future.

Drilling Water Well in School compound

4. Conclusion and Prayer Request

The following are praises and prayer request items to pray about with us:

• Praise God for the baptism of thousands of new believers and for their salvation.
• Praise God for our grass root front line church planters who are serving God and their communities faithfully through difficulties, hardships and persecutions.
• Pray for our Disciple – Making movements and programs that God would grant us strength to make disciples and develop more local leaders for the work.
• Continue to pray for our leaders and grass root church planters for their protection and the protection of their families as they serve in the places where there are conflicts.
• Continue to pray for our projects particularly our water project; that God would give us wisdom and direction in this partnership of drilling water well for our communities.

Samson Weldemariam /Pst/
Africa & Ethiopia director of U4A

Ghana Updates – July 2023

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On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”. (Mark2:17)

INTRODUCTION

It is not difficult to have misplaced priorities but Christ has always taught us to make time for that which is of importance and worth doing. It is our prayer that we will at all times focus on the things that matter to the Lord and the people that we serve.

MEDICAL MISSIONS CONFERENCE

Samson was invited to participate in a conference on medical missions where Pastors and missionaries were charged to consider extending the love of Christ to their communities by considering neglected tropical diseases prevalent in their areas of operation and begin to tackle them for solution. It was opportunity to consider another dimension of wholistic transformation that can be achieved through Christ’s love extended to humanity.

NEW CHURCH PLANTS VISIT

It was a great joy seeing the results of what the Lord is doing with regards to the Church planting and discipleship training that our Church Planters are implementing. It is exciting seeing ordinary people practice generational church planting and disciple making.

SEED OF HOPE BROADCAST

Week after week we see some form of God’s grace manifested in the weekly Seed of Hope Broadcast. Listenership of the weekly program continue to grow with may more communities in regions which hitherto were seen to be far and might get the signal are now able to also call in and are thankful that they can also have access to the program. A listener called in and gave this testimony. “Pastor, I just want to say thank you for all your efforts in sharing the word of God every week to us. Your efforts are not wasted and I am looking at myself and making this statement. I don’t miss the broadcast and I can confidently say that those who knew me before can testify that I am a changed person now and it is through the messages you present weekly. I believe several others have also been transformed. God richly bless you and your sponsors”

GOATS PROJECT

Many lives have been touched through the Goat Project. Amazing things are happening and we can only give praise to God for His goodness. Suale lost both parents within six months and was left without any hope of a meaningful future. His grandmother who is also struggling to survive was now saddled with the responsibility of caring for the boy. Thankfully, Suale benefited from the Goat Project. Now it is not only that hope has been restored but Suale is now enrolled in school and he and his grandmother are now followers of Jesus Christ as a result of experiencing this love. The is what a gift of just one goat can do to restore physical hope and eventually, offer eternal hope and rest.

Prayer Needs

• Thank God for the new Church plants and that the Lord will sustain them and cause them to grow intimately with Christ.
• Thank God for the Goat Project and we ask for continued blessing upon the beneficiaries that multiplication shall be experienced.
• Thank God for the radio broadcast and pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to move and touch lives through it.

Yours in His Vineyard
Samson Abukari – Country Director, Ghana

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