Note From The Board – Rod Robison 

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Pride – A Seductive Temptation

When my son David was three years old, he asked me a profound theological question. It was bedtime. For some reason most of life’s deeper questions are asked by children just before tucking in for the night. Sometimes just to stall the inevitable. But often, I’m sure, because their little heads are brimming with questions.  And mom and dad know the answers. Usually.

But in this case, I could see from the expression on David’s face that he had a tough one to spring on me.  Straight faced with wide-eyed childhood innocence, he inquired, “Daddy, when I grow up, can I be God?” I broke the news to him gently that, although growing up in America offered many career opportunities, deity was not among them.

Sadly, though, the aspiration to be our own God is a seductive allurement. I’m convinced that most of those who either espouse atheism or claim that they are their own deity – in both cases denying the God of the Bible – do so for one primary reason. If there is no God or if I myself am my own god then I’m only accountable to myself.  It’s a convenient place to be for many.  If the God of the Bible isn’t legit then I get to call my own shots. I get to decide what is right or wrong. I get to determine “my own truth.”

I’m not suggesting people can’t have doubts and questions about God. But too often even those on an honest quest for truth can fall prey to the lying temptation to default to “there is no God” or “I am God.”  Both are forms of pride that will, eventually, lead to tragedy.

Herod Agrippa found that out the hard way.  About a year ago my wife and I were in Israel with Okongo, Shyla, and a few other friends. We stood at the very spot where it happened – a four-thousand seat outdoor theater in Caesarea on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, according to the Jewish historian Josephus.  Herod Agrippa’s grandfather, Herod the Great, was the king who tried to kill Jesus as a small child after learning from the Wise Men that the Messiah had been born. And it was he who had the theater built where his grandson Agrippa learned a bitter lesson about usurping God’s sovereignty.  The Book of Acts Chapter 12 recounts what happened:

“Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food. On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. And they began to shout, ‘This is the voice of a god, not a man!’

Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
But the Word of God continued to spread and multiply.”

Notice that the people of Tyre and Sidon, in an attempt to win his favor, fed his pride big time, calling him a god. And Herod Agrippa ate every delicious morsel of their insincere flattery. At that point, God chose to give mankind down through the ages an ageless, poignant lesson about pride and usurping His authority. When we allow our pride to get in the way of our relationship with Him it won’t end well unless we repent and turn back to the One who offers grace and forgiveness.
But notice also that last sentence in the passage from Acts.  “But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.” It’s interesting that Luke, the writer of Acts, chose to insert that comment. I suspect it was to assure us that, no matter which, often prideful, earthly powers are in charge, whatever international conflicts are raging, or whether political climates are favorable to the cause of Christ or not, the Word of God – the only God – will continue to spread and multiply.

Our job is to spread the good seed of His Word, then trust Him to bring the increase of transformed lives.  Thank you, as a supporter of Unite 4 Africa, for laboring with us in the fields that are “white unto harvest.”

Rod Robison 
Unite 4 Africa Board Member

Ghana Updates – March 2023

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“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)”

Introduction

Indeed, we serve amazing God. He has turned our wailing into dancing and removed our sack cloths and clothed us with joy. As a result of this our hearts can sing His praises and we shall not be silent but praise Him forever. That is what He has done for us and you also enjoy the same life from Him today.

Pastors and Church Leaders Training

Samson facilitated the Leadership Vision Conference for Pastors and Church leaders training in Savelugu. He assisted participants to identify from scripture things that can help the church to disciple the nations. Participants looked at basic acts of love such to humanity that can easily cause men and women to surrender to the love of Christ even if they don’t say yes to Jesus Christ.

Radio Broadcast

To the glory of God, we want to appreciate all our partners for keeping this program running. Many lives are touched weekly by the gospel of Jesus Christ through this Radio Broadcast and more and more unbelievers are calling into the program and appreciating God for the opportunity to have something different that they can listen to every week which has the power to transform lives. A listener once said,

“Seed of Hope broadcast is a time that one can gain wisdom at the same time draw closer to God”

Women Training

Samson was approached by a group of women who said we are gathering all our leaders from the various communities for a training and we want you to be our facilitator for this training. It was a joy sharing with them on a wide range of topics including leadership and what women can do to bring about transformation to our society.

Church Planting and Disciple Making

Church planting and discipleship training has continued across Northern Ghana with series of refresher training and equipping of the church planters in order to see multiplication take place in the execution of the Great Commission and great command mandate. It is always a joy listening to the stories of the move of God amongst His people and causing lives to experience the love Christ.

Prayer Needs

• Appreciate God for the weekly Radio Broadcast and ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to accompany the word to transform lives for the kingdom of God.
• Praise the Lord for the fruits that have come from the Church planting and Discipleship training so far and ask for a continued open door for sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Lift up the unfinished work of the great commission in Ghana that success will continue to be achieved in advancing the kingdom of God.

Yours in His Vineyard
Samson Abukari – Country Director, Ghana

Ethiopia Updates – March 2023

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1. Pastors’ and Missionaries’ wives’ empowerment program

Pastors’ wives face so many challenges in their lives as they keep serving God and their families. Even though; they may not speak their burdens out; you can tell easily how they are leading their lives with full of stress and some of them are struggling with depression.

To address these issues and encourage the wives of our pastors and local missionaries; we organized a meeting just to spend time with them; share the Word of God and hear their stories. 52 women attended the meeting and God has given us great time of encouragement, restoration and healing.

Pastors’ wives meeting in Adama /Nazareth/

After the delivery of the Word of God and prayer; they had a time of discussion and sharing their challenges and stories with in the small groups. This platform has helped them to get to know each other more and even gave them the opportunity to pray for one another in the future.

We also distributed 5Litters cooking oil, 50KG wheat flour and other local food to them so that they can feed their families. They were so excited and thanked God for this event and for His provision.

The following testimony is from Mrs. Gete Korme the wife of one of our Pastors.

“… It is not easy to be a pastor’s wife. I have been passing through lots of challenges emotionally, socially, economically, physically and even spiritually. All those challenges made me to fill lonely and isolated. Most of the time I got depressed when I think of my 8-year-old autistic son. But I thank God for our local leaders for organizing this encouraging and prayer event for us. I really got encouraged and helped me to realize that there are many other pastors’ wives out there who are passing through in a lot of other challenges. They really encouraged me and established a network and a connection to continue pray one another and share more. I want this kind of meeting to be continued” (Mrs. Gete Korme)

2. Local leadership Development through “Wisdom Seeking Meeting” strategy

Every community in Africa has its own good way of cultural leadership practices. Bansa Dayye is one of the communities in Sidama region, southern part of Ethiopia. This community has a culture of seeking solutions for any challenge that they face as a community through the gathering called “Wisdom Meeting”. In the meeting the leaders of the community discuss on the critical challenges and issues of the community and come up with all the possible solutions.

U4A trains, equips, couches and empowers our local leaders and shapes such kinds of local initiatives and makes sure that to be in line with the Word of God so that it will be a good tool to transform communities.

Wisdom seeking meeting in Bansa Dayye community local church

Through this “Wisdom Seeking Meeting” we have accomplished many programs and community empowerment projects such as water well, animal, and local initiative roads and bridges constructions.

3. Discipling, Coaching and Mentoring Young Leaders

Youth are our ministry focus in order to raise new generation emerging leaders in Africa. Identifying their calling and giftings, training, coaching and mentoring them are some of the activities that we are doing in the lives of our youth.

Joseph Zeleke is one of our leaders among many other young leaders that we are currently raising. He is a key leader in the southern region of the country planting many churches and mobilizing our mission work among our pastoralist communities of Guji, Borana and other people group in the boarder of Ethiopia and Northern Kenya .

A week ago, we had a very inspiring indoor meeting in the town called Yirgachefe and train many leaders. He mobilized the region and I was amazed by him and see how God is using this young man to reach out many in that region.

I had also a very good mentoring and coaching time with him and prayed and released him for the mission work in the region. I thank God for raising many young leaders in our movement and it is a witness that our ministry is being expanded in many aspects.

4. Conclusion and Requests

The followings are praises and prayer request items to pray about with us: –
• Priase God for raising young leaders among us.
• Praise God for our movement is being expanded and growing.
• Pray for our new mission work among Pastoralist communities in the border of Ethiopia and Northern Kenya.
• Pray for our young leaders that God would continue to inspire and guide them. Pray also for protection in their lives, keep them from every evil and temptation.

Samson Weldemariam /Pst/
Africa & Ethiopia director of U4A

Kenya Updates – March 2023

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NEW CHURCH PLANT – OLDOINYO LE ZION BAPTIST ESEKI

As the Bible says in Mark 16:15-16 “And he said unto them, go ye into all world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” The U4A team continues with the gospel of Jesus Christ in many Maasai villages. During February, the team went village to village and house to house sharing the gospel, over 60 were converted and gave their lives to Christ. Oldoinyo Le Zion church was planted, and they now fellowship and worship under a tree.

Fig.1,2,3 Believers at the newly planted church gather and worship under a tree.

KIDS PLUS CENTRE – MURANG’A

Kids Plus Centre is a preschool based in Murang’a town, Kenya, under Faith Family Chapel. Our Vision is ‘Raising a Generation for Jesus Christ.’  We started as a daycare center with only 3 children. Within the first year, the number grew such that we saw the need to progress into a preschool. We seek to develop children holistically as Jesus did according to Luke 2:52. Our mission is to both present and represent Christ so that the children can get a firm spiritual foundation at this formative stage in life.  Our learners who graduate from our Centre to join primary schools stand out in speech and character, which has spread positive news about us.
We have been seeking the registration of the preschool by the Ministry of Education and it has been an uphill task to meet all their requirements. One was a need for more space to serve as a playground with the proposal to level the church hall to make it a safe place for the children to play in. Thankfully, this is not the case anymore, as Unite 4 Africa was able to assist us in the leveling of the church hall to serve as a playground and some other necessary renovations for the safety and wellbeing of the children. The classroom walls have also been beautified with educative paintings to make the atmosphere more child friendly.
Now, the children have more space to play in and the school is now joyfully waiting for the registration certificate.

 

Fig.4,5,6 Murang’a Kids plus centre

GIVING CHICKEN TO MAASAI SCHOOL CHILDREN – MAILTISA

For some now, the draught situation has been getting worse by the years in Kenya. Maasai have lost most of their livestock, the livelihood they have depended for years. As Unite 4 Africa leadership, we thought of ways to help school going children eat protein food and we gave out over 500 chicken layers, so they have an egg every day or at least share with their siblings. We pray many of our people will draw closer to God who is our Provider of life and everything we desire. Please pray for the rains in most Kenyan regions

Fig.7,8 Part of Engaboli School children, hold the Chickens they have received to keep

Prayer Request:

• Please pray for the rains in Kenya
• Please pray for the new believers that they may grow in Spirit
• Pray for pastors as they minister in draught areas

MOSES RIANTO

Kenya Updates – February 2023

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NEW CHURCH PLANT – IMPOORRI VILLAGE

In obedience with the word of in Mathew 28:19-20, the U4A team has been traversing villages doing evangelism. Impoorri village has embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ and many have accepted Christ as their personal Savior. We thank God for the man of peace in this community, for he donated land where we could start a new church. Please pray for these new believers as they continue to learn and grow in the word.

Fig 1, 2 Members of Impoorri Church listen keenly to the Word of God

YOUTH TRANSFORMATION CONFERENCE – ZION BAPTIST MAILITISA

As a ministry, during the long school holiday, when many young teens are free and idle, we find ways to engage them, as we empower them with knowledge and nurture them spiritually. The theme of our conference was “Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind” according to Romans 12:2. We trained our youth on how to live a transformed life, on character development, career guidance and alcoholism. Many young people have need for empowerment and Unite 4 Africa is transforming their lives one community at a time.

Fig. 3, 4 youth at Church and in group discussions

WATER TANK FOR SCHOOL – ILPARTIMARO PRIMARY SCHOOL

Unite 4 Africa has been among ministries and organizations that empower communities with boreholes, water catchment and water harvesting. Many local schools in the Maasai Community areas are faced with lack of water and many young kids suffer a lot for lack of drinking water. Unite 4 Africa donated a ten-thousand litter water tank to Ilpartimaro Primary School. We are grateful for all the Unite 4 Africa partners. We thank the family of Grandma Billie for the donation of two water catchment tanks that have helped to empower two different communities in Maasai Land.

Fig 5, 6 Children at Ilpartimaro primary school celebrate the water tank donation

SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE – MURANGA

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV)

We held our first-ever meeting in Central Kenya, on “The Journey of a Life-giver” recently in the town of Murang’a. This program addresses the sanctity of human life from conception to the final breath. Recently, a leading governmental body gave statistical figures showing that our region has the highest level of immortality in our nation and so this program is very essential and timely.
Human life has been extremely devalued in many ways and Unite 4 Africa is reaching out to those hurting from the effects of abortion. To start off this program, we held a consultative meeting of 16 key persons to pray and plan for our training of trainers in the next couple of days.

Fig 7, 8 Rev Maina leading training on Journey of a life giver

PRAYER REQUEST

• Please pray for evangelism going on in the local villages to plant more churches
• Pray for many families affected by the long draught who have lost all their animals
• Please pray for our youth as they steward the ‘seeds’ of empowerment they received through our recent conference.

– MOSES RIANTO

Ghana Updates – February 2023

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For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1Peter 1:18-19)

Introduction

Yes, it was with the precious blood of Christ that was used to redeem us from our past and we can only cherish this wonderful sacrifice of a lamb without blemish or defect. What a love from a loving Lord! May as many who still are not yet enjoying this gift accept it and its full benefit. Amen

Radio Broadcast

The Seed of Hope Broadcast has continued to reach out to lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ every week. Week after week listeners are expressing gratitude for the program and how they are blessed through the broadcast. Recently a listener said “When I am listening to your Pastor on the Radio program sometimes I feel like something has fallen on me and my whole body begins to experience some calmness.”

Leadership Development

Efforts are made to engage the youth periodically to ensure that some basic leadership lessons are shared and opportunity given for interaction to allow them to ask questions on what the youth of today, especially the Christian Youth, can do to lead like Christ even in at a time when it looks like hope is lost.

Economic Empowerment Seminar

Economic empowerment is an area most people have ignored or paid little attention to especially in the church. Our short time together revealed that it is one of the areas that leaders can maximize to cause a change in thinking which can lead to a renewal of the mind and eventually bring about transformation.

Church Planting and Disciple Making

Samson continues to lead the Church Planting and Disciple Making training centers across Northern Ghana. So far the Lord has been blessing the efforts of the leaders and some encouraging results are being recorded to the glory of God

Prayer Needs

• Pray for the peace of God to reign in some communities experiencing communal disagreements in Northern Ghana.
• Continue to thank God for the Seed of Hope Radio Broadcast and ask that the Holy Spirit will continue to use it as a tool to touch lives for the Lord.
• Pray that the ongoing Church planting and discipleship training will continue to yield the needed results.

Yours in His Vineyard
Samson Abukari – Country Director, Ghana

Ethiopia Updates – February 2023

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1. Disciple Making Movement /DMM/ Summit and Intensive Training with African Leaders.

God has been raising a Disciple Making Movement across Africa. In collaboration with our partner J-life Africa; we hosted 23 African leaders from 19 English speaking African countries to attend a Disciple Making Summit and Intensive Training here in Debrezeit/ Bishoftu/, Ethiopia in this past month January. The theme of this Summit and Intensive training was to mobilize Disciple Making Movement across Africa and learn the Jesus’s way of Disciple Making according to Scripture.

This gathering has helped us to share our experiences and challenges, to get know each other more and to share stories how God has been doing in each of our countries.

Teaching and group discussion time

I take this opportunity to thank John Abrahams from South Africa who is the ministry director of J-life Africa for choosing us and taught us a very important principles of Disciple Making from the life and ministry of Jesus. I believe that the fruits of this gathering will bear more fruits in each of our countries in the years to come.

2. Marriage & Family counselors Training and Graduation

Our Family Life department has been doing great things in various areas of marriage and family life. One of our key strategic directions in this ministry is to train, equip and send out and commission marriage and family counsellors in different regions of the country.

This is very important and will help our local churches and communities to have equipped, trained ministers and will be able to address marriage and family issues and enhance healthy family in every community.


Graduation ceremony and sending them out through blessings and prayer

This program is a one-year program and we teach the trainees 12 selective courses that are related with marriage, family, parenting, communication and finance etc. in collaboration with our Zonal office in the Southern region of the country; we have graduated 65 men and women by the end of last month.

We believe that those people who have graduated from this program will help our church to enhance its marriage and family ministry in a better way. I thank Pastor Dereje Girma and our zonal leader Pastor Behailu Berasa for their effort and contribution for this program.

 

3. Youth Development Training, Consultation and Festival in Awasa.

Equipping and Disciplining young generation is the need of the season. Our youth department has got this vision and has organized a youth festival in Awasa town that includes prayer, worship, training and consultation.

It has been really a life transformative event and many of them got empowered by the power of the Holy Spirit and got understanding of their purpose in their lives. We believe that this fire will go out like a wild fire and touch many lives for His Glory.

I thank Pastor Sintayehu and other local organizers for their commitment and leadership for this event.

4. Conclusion, Praise & Prayer Requests

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

• Thank God for the African DMM Summit. Pray for the fruits of the summit and may God continue working through our leaders.
• Pray for our young leaders that God would continue to raise, equip and grow them to be the leaders of this young generation.
• Pray for the fruits of all our programs and projects in our ministries as Jesus Promised us to bear more fruits even lasting fruits.
• Pray for our Marriage and family department that may God would continue working through them to save marriages, to tackle divorce and to lead our youth in right path.

Samson Weldemariam /Pst/
Africa & Ethiopia director of U4A

Dignity Pads Project Transforming Young Girls’ Lives

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Dignity Pads Project Transforming Young Girls’ Lives

In November and December we asked our supporting friends to help Unite 4 Africa provide dignity pads to young girls in rural villages. Something so simple makes a huge difference in their lives.

Millions of girls miss school regularly during their monthly cycles.  Falling far behind academically, they’re forced to repeat several classes, threatening a life-long inability to rise above poverty.
It’s a very common hardship these girls face in many parts of Africa where sanitary needs are very difficult to get. But, thanks to God for working through those who gave, many young girls will now be supplied with dignity pads in the coming year.

This is just one of many ways Unite 4 Africa’s holistic approach to being the “hands and feet” of Jesus is opening doors to share the Gospel and His love with individuals, families, and entire communities.

Ethiopia Updates – January 2023

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Introduction

Psalms 103:2 “Praise the Lord, my soul; forget not all his benefits.” God’s word tells us that we need to tell our souls to give thanks. Psalm 136:3 tells us that one of the reasons we praise God is His mercy: “Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his mercy endures forever.”

God’s word tells us that thanksgiving is a way to glorify God and reveal God’s salvation to us. Psalm 50:23 says, “Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”

Thanksgiving is not only what we do when we feel it, but it is a way of life that we teach our souls based on a decision or a choice. We are so grateful to God for what He has done last year. 2022 has been a tough year for us as Unite Africa Ethiopia team in terms of direct attack and adversity from the enemy against our leaders, churches and members, but despite that, the Lord has grown the influence of our ministry significantly right around the world.

I would like to thank all of our courageous Leaders and their support teams for the great job they have all done last year and I pray that may God would give you strength and equip you for the huge plans God has ahead for you and your churches.

1. Amazing Mission Outreaches.

We have had great mission outreach events last year. And it has brought a huge impact in those cities and towns.

a. Wolayita Sodo Town

As Unite 4 Africa team we were so excited for the Mission out -reach in Wolaiyita Sodo. We, as a team and oneness, we preached the powerful Gospel of Jesus Christ and every heart heard the truth.

It was an amazing experience to see a sea of faces listening to every word. There were hundreds of thousands of people heard the Gospel and were many salvations, celebrations and healings.

We also ministered to all the leaders and ministers of the churches in Wolayita Sod and its surroundings. The ministers got equipped and encouraged to do the work of never like before. God is an awesome God!

Pastors’ conference in Wolayita Sodo town.

b. Arbaminch Town

Our Mission out-reach in Arbaminch town, Ethiopia was mind blowing. The conservative estimates were 200,000 people gathered to hear the Gospel. Many hundreds came forward for salvations and healings.

Words seem to be inadequate to describe what we have just experienced. God truly awesome, faithful and deep loving. We are so thankful for an incredible team and to serve together such an amazing God. Thank you all for your prayers and contributions in to the kingdom of God.

May God bless you abundantly for your commitments and faithfulness.

Amazing people in Arbaminch city.

2. Christmas celebration with Orphans and Vulnerable Children.

Christmas is many things for many people. Many of us view this time of year as a time of Joy and peace. However, for the past many years; our orphans’ vulnerable children had not been experiencing the joy of the holiday season for many years in past. Because; they were neglected & abandoned and there were no one with them who would have shown them love and care.

But we thank God for the opportunity that He has given us to serve these little children among us. Every year in Christmas season; we organize an event of celebration, fun time, prayer and singing. We also provide them various kinds of gifts, meals, soft drinks and candies. The children really love it and longing the event every year with great enthusiasm.

We did the same thing in this past Ethiopian Christmas holy day in our school Wonjishowa. My wife Addiskidan organized and conducted this event together with our local leaders. The joy, the smile and the laughter shown on the faces of those children was amazing and impressive.

As I said many times most of the children in our villages have never received any gift in their lives. So, when they received gift, they got shocked and became nervous. And they praised God and realized that God has given them the greatest gift ever His Son Jesus Christ to save us. I take this opportunity to thank my wife and all our partners who supported us in this program. May God bless you abundantly.

Ethiopian Christmas Celebration in Wonjishawa

3. Youth Development Training in Adama /Nazareth/ town

We as Unite 4 Africa team, our ministry is not limited in church compound only. We go out and bring an impact as God directs us and open doors to minister in every sphere of lives.

Last month one of our Master trainers Kalu organized a students’ forum & workshop in Adama/ Nazareth/ town. 469 middle & high school students from more than three private and other schools participated in this forum & workshop for one week.

The theme and focus of this forum & workshop were to help them to understand the meaning of “Excellence in Life” and “Character Development”. Kalu was so excited and thankful to God because he has got many feedbacks from Muslim and other non – believer students that their lives got challenged and their heart become more open to the Gospel.

Currently, Kalu is doing a close follow up with those students and started a discipleship journey of life with them. Praise God.

Students attending the forum and the workshop in Adama/ Nazareth/

4. Conclusion, Praise & Prayer Requests

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

• Thank God for all our Leadership development and DMM Trainers who are laboring to train others in various regions of the country for their commitment and dedication to equip and train other leaders.
• Pray for our young leaders that God would continue to raise, equip and grow them to be the leaders of this young generation.
• Pray for the fruits of all our programs and projects in our ministries as Jesus Promised us to bear more fruits even lasting fruits.
• Pray for the new year plan that may God would continue guide, lead and equip us to do His will in all the nations that we working as it is heaven.

Samson Weldemariam /Pst/
Africa & Ethiopia director of U4A

Ghana Updates – January 2023

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“’For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah29:11)

Introduction

Every New Year comes with great anticipation and expectation. There are complaints about current happenings around the globe and that is what makes Jesus the only hope for humanity to be more needed than before. Scripture gives us assurance that the plans and thoughts of God about us still remains for our good. He will surely help us to have an expected end.

Book Launch

Samson, by the grace of God, launched a book entitled “The Marriage You Desire” to coincide with their nineteenth wedding anniversary. It was a memorable occasion and a moment for prayer for marriages and would be partners.

Radio Broadcast

The Lord has kept faith with us on our weekly Radio program dubbed “Seeds of Hope” as many people continue to testify how the Lord has blessed them through the program. Unbelievers continue to do the monitoring each week and some are able to call in to comment on the topic discussed or ask questions for clarification.

Widows Remembered and Encouraged

Over fifty widows were brought together for a word of encouragement, prayer and the sharing of some few items together. After we closed the program one of the widows had this to share, “What a joy to be a part of a loving community where the assurance that our God will never leave us nor forsake us even in the absence of our husbands. God bless you for putting this program together and may the Lord continue to strengthen you to do more than this for many more people to be encouraged.”

End of year gathering

The group that Samson is leading with the Disciple Multiplication strategy, met to thank God for the past year and to be encouraged to do much more in the New Year. It was a time to have spouses of members come together for a time of reflection and seeing into the future of multiplication of disciples.

 

Children at Christmas

As usual children of the Janjori – Kukuo community and its surroundings spent some time to remember the birth of Christ. After listening to the Christmas story they had tie to interact together.

Goat Project

The goodness of the Lord has continued to be new every morning for His children as the goats project keep blessing the under privilege and offering hope to many.

Prayer Needs

• Pray for the grace to see the multiplication of disciples across northern Ghana.
• Continue to thank God for the Seed of Hope Radio Broadcast that many will come to the saving knowledge of Christ and that those who are already in Christ will be built up in their faith.
• Pray that the ongoing Church planting and discipleship training will continue to yield the needed results and the participants will keep the fire burning.
• Ask God for special grace to do more in the New year.

Yours in His Vineyard
Samson Abukari – Country Director, Ghana

Kenya Updates – January 2023

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MURANG’A EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH – MURANG’A

Murang’a town, the headquarters of Murang’a County is known nationwide as the origin of the Kikuyu community with a revered traditional shrine nearby. Unite 4 Africa organized a three-day Leader’s training and open-air outreaches.

Our three days of leadership training healed many from deep emotional troubles, as many were ministered deep in their spirits. We realized many pastors and church leaders are going through a lot without anyone minister to them. They longed for more of such meetings as transformative power was so real.

We also held six days of mass evangelistic outreaches where thousands listened to the word of God daily. Culturally in this community, not many men surrender their lives to Jesus in open air meetings but the story this time around was different because about 90% of those who became followers of Jesus were men. This is really because God is saving the boy child in this community from destruction. Please pray for the men in this community as we at Unite 4 Africa intentionally reach out to men.

Fig 1,2,3,4 Bay Forrest preaching the Gospel. Evangelistic outreach crowd.
Many raise their hands as many came forward to accept Christ. Dr. Okongo praying for the sick

KITENGELA OUTREACH – KITENGELA

Romans 10:15

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Kitengela is a suburb of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Unite 4 Africa did a mass evangelistic outreach, reaching about 3,000 people daily in attendance. Many thousands of others besides this were listening as they carried out their daily activities at the busy bus intersection.
Many of them got healed from different sicknesses and afflictions. A lot were deeply wounded from rape, prostitution, alcoholism and other abuses. God healed many of them and besides, over a hundred and fifty people surrendered their lives to Christ. Please pray for those converts as the Holy Spirit continues working in their lives and that they will grow to maturity as Believers.

Fig 1. Bay Forrest preaching the gospel in Kitengela

Fig 2 Dr. Okongo preaching at Kitengela Evangelistic outreach where 150 gave their lives to Christ

FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY – MAILITISA

It has been three years continuous without sufficient rain in many parts of Kenya. Many communities have been affected and pastoralists have lost thousands of livestock and many go hungry. Many children are malnourished due to the severe draught. Unite 4 Africa like, many other organizations that work with local communities, mobilized resources in different parts of Maasai land in support of widows, orphans and the most vulnerable in these communities, to give them relief food. in December 2022, we supported over fifty widows with relief food that will last them for a month. Please pray for the Maasai and other affected communities in Kenya and for the rains.

Fig 6,7 Rev. Rianto helping distribute relief food to widows

 

CHANGE YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR LIFE SEMINAR – LUMBWA

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the standard of this world but be transformed by renewal of your mind…”

Lumbwa is one of the local communities that Unite 4 Africa works with. Many in this Community seem not to be far from the Word of God and embracing education for their children. We organized a seminar to help them change their mindset on the things of God and education. We had four hundred and fifty people turn out for the seminar. It was so empowering and inspiring that many now long to be held annually so they continue to learn. Please pray for us as we go through the many local communities with diverse needs.

Fig 9,10 Lumbwa community residents pray raising their hands for change

PRAYER REQUEST

◦ Please pray thanking God for the rains in Maasai land and many parts of Kenya
◦ Please thank God with us for the many souls converted for Spiritual growth
◦ Please pray for the continue fight of early marriages and FGM as it hinders many young girls to attain education
◦ Please pray for our many new church plants for spiritual growth, empowerment of the local pastor to shepherd the church and for provision to build church structure for worship

BY REV MOSES RIANTO

SANITARY PADS – INKATI PRIMARY

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It’s an overwhelming problem for many girls. But it has a simple solution. While sanitary pads might seem like a basic need, girls in rural or disadvantaged areas cannot afford them. Sometimes they simply are not even available.

Without sanitary pads girls miss several days of school a month, falling behind academically and negatively impacting their ability to rise from poverty.

Unite 4 Africa has been on the front lines to help bring dignity to girls in Africa through health education and the provision of sanitary pads. This simple solution allows girls to stay in school during their monthly cycles, which keeps them from getting behind in their school work and eventually dropping out altogether.

Here’s what Mary said after receiving enough pads to last through the full school semester: “I now have confidence to stay in school during my monthly womanly time.” Mary and many other girls being helped appreciate the gift of sanitary pads so much. We call them “dignity pads” because they restore and build dignity in these girls’ lives.

Would you please help us to keep girls in school by providing dignity pads? A gift of $42 provides one girl dignity pads for an entire year

FGM COMMUNITY MEETING 

In the year 2011, the Kenyan government passed the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act into law, imposing harsh criminal penalties for those who will be involved in practice or advocating for FGM.

It is in fact still being practiced in many communities. For many girls born in Kenyan and especially from pastoralist communities, traditions such as Female Genital Mutilation are a fact of life.

The situation in Kenya and especially for Maasai is summed up by a Chief officer who when asked his view on FGM remarked, “How can you end FGM? In Maasai land where I come from, all the girls who are ten years and above have been initiated. Maybe this campaign is meant for those who are not yet born.”

Unite 4 Africa believes, women and girls in all their diversity, deserve a life free from violence and the ability to control their own bodies and future.

Unite 4 Africa, upon working in grassroots with local communities, it’s became clear that change must begin at the family level with parents, particularly fathers, taking on a more active role in the lives of their daughters. Unite 4 Africa together with other partners, provide education and sensitization about FGM to communities, particularly young men. We try to help keep girls in boarding school as that appears to be one of the effective ways of fighting FGM. Unite 4 Africa also works through the church in challenging the practice of FGM.

 

 

Something So Simple Can Solve a Huge Problem

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YouTube video

It’s a huge problem that most of us in the West don’t have to think about.

Many of the teenaged girls in rural villages we serve miss a lot of school because of something simple. Something that can be easily solved for them.  But we need your help.

Millions of girls miss school regularly during their monthly cycles.  Falling far behind the boys academically, they’re forced to repeat several classes, threatening a life-long inability to rise above poverty.

It’s a very common hardship these girls face in many parts of Africa where sanitary needs are very difficult to get.  And recently, inflation has greatly increased the cost, in many places making them unattainable.  And that makes things even worse for these girls.

Unite 4 Africa has found sources for dignity pads and, even at inflated prices, we’re determined to get them to these girls.  Will you help?

Something so simple yet so profound is transforming these girls’ lives, their education, dignity, and futures thanks to Unite 4 Africa’s friends who partner with us in this vital campaign. And it opens the door to share the Gospel and love of Christ with these girls, their families, and their communities.

For just $42 you can provide for one girl for an entire year.  Just $210 will provide for five girls for a year. Think of the impact you’ll have on each of them.

And today your gift will be matched by a couple who went to Africa with us and saw first-hand how these dignity pads impact the lives and futures of girls.  So, whatever you give will impact twice as many girls when your gift is matched by these friends of ours.

Please take a moment to share the best gift you can at www.Unite4Africa.org/donate. Let us know that you’re supporting the Dignity Pads Project by typing “Dignity” in the comment field.

Thank you so much, on behalf of these vulnerable girls, for your help.

She’ll Never Forget the Embarrassment

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Nashipae remembers her adolescent years filled with pain and seclusion. During her menstrual cycles she endured taunts at school where there was no support for sanitary needs.

Like so many other girls in rural villages across Africa who face the same embarrassment, Nashipae missed school regularly during her monthly cycles. Falling far behind the boys academically, she was forced to repeat several classes, threatening a life-long inability to rise above poverty.

It’s a very common hardship millions of girls face in rural villages where sanitary needs are unattainable.

“It was bad,” says Nashipae. “I did not want to go to school. Imagine being at a place where the cycles could start anytime and you had nowhere to go and help yourself with all eyes in the class stuck on you?”

All of that changed for her when Unite 4 Africa began supplying dignity pads to schools among the rural communities. Girls are now motivated to continue with school. They now feel the care and support that allows them to comfortably compete with boys and often perform better in class. Female teachers serve as matrons and provide the girls with reserved sanitary pads that Unite 4 Africa supplies along with sustainable, on-going health education.

And it has opened the door to share the Gospel and love of Christ with these girls, their families, and their communities.

Something so simple yet so profound is transforming these girls’ lives, their education, dignity, and futures thanks to Unite 4 Africa’s friends who partner with us in this vital campaign.

Right now we have a tremendous need to provide dignity pads and health education for many thousands more girls. For just $42 you can provide for one girl for an entire year. Just $210 will provide for five girls. Think of the impact you’ll have on each of them.

But today you can double the impact of your gift. A couple who has been to Africa with us were so touched when they saw how God was using their gifts that they are willing to match whatever you give dollar for dollar. Whatever you give will impact twice as many girls when your gift is matched by these friends of ours.

We’re praying that you will choose to be used by God to help some of these girls who face the same hardship that Nashipae faced. Please take a moment to share the best gift you can at www.Unite4Africa.org/donate. Let us know that you’re supporting the Dignity Pads Project by typing “Dignity” in the comment field.

On behalf of these vulnerable girls, we thank you for being a vital part of this God-glorifying effort that will change their lives.

Note From The Board – Shyla Samson

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‘Ambassadors of Life’

John 10:7,9-10 So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.

In John 10:10 Jesus explains to His disciples that He has come that the ‘sheep’ (people) may have Life and have it abundantly. Prior to mentioning the Life and abundance that He brings, He reminds us that the thief (Satan), comes only to steal, kill and destroy.

It is a true gift and privilege to have the opportunity to travel around the globe as Okongo’s wife and his ‘two by two’ ministry partner. Together it has given us incredible opportunities to come alongside individuals, couples, and communities across the nations. Despite all the beautiful diversities from one people group to the next, one thing remains the same- the condition of the human heart and its need for the Life that only Jesus can provide.

Poverty comes in many forms. Many people view poverty in terms of being economical, but in reality, poverty includes other areas of our lives such as spiritual, relational, physical, mental, and emotional. It is evident throughout the globe that poverty has come into our lives through the enemy’s desire to steal, kill and destroy. There are people all around us, and maybe even ourselves, that are experiencing areas of poverty, darkness, or lack of freedom due to the enemy’s schemes to steal, kill and destroy our lives.

The Good News is that Jesus came to bring Life and to bring it in abundance. He brings wealth to our poverty in every area of life, sight to the places where we are blind, and freedom to the places where we are held captive. In Luke 4:18-19 Jesus spoke of Himself, “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because he has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

At Unite 4 Africa we are blessed to have many humble and intentional leaders, both men and women, with the heart and the commission to be ‘Ambassadors of Life.’ As they disciple others, believers and unbelievers, in tangible ways that address the “whole person”, not just the physical or the spiritual, we see poverty, darkness and captivity give way to Life and Life more abundant. The Gospel is the basis of this Life-giving ministry! It multiplies as the one who is liberated is commissioned to reach to another for the purpose of bringing Jesus’ liberty to them. It is a movement! Jesus has called each one of us to be “Ambassadors of Life” and those who partner with Unite 4 Africa are part of the equation that is bringing Life to the nations. We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you for your support of Unite 4 Africa! Your gifts are enabling us to fulfill this Great Commission!

– Shyla Samson 

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