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

Note From The Board – Scott Genzman

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Note from the Board
Scott Genzman

About three months ago the Unite 4 Africa board members received some of the result numbers for what “we” were able to accomplish in 2022. Since it was before the end of the year, they were not full year numbers but they were close enough that it gave me a good idea of how the ministry was doing. I knew through the course of the year that things were going well and that many people were being reached for Christ, but to put it mildly, I was stunned. In January when the final results came in for the year, I was even more stunned.

How were “we” able to give the gospel message to over 3 million people, including many, many Muslims. Why did more than 155,000 choose to give their lives to Christ? What did “we” do right? How were “we” able to do this on a very modest budget? I have spent a fair amount of time trying to discern these answers, and the conclusion I came up with was that “we” did not do any of it. Notice I have used the word “we” in quotes several times. I did so on purpose because many times I tend to think that way. We (I) did this or that. Look how good that was. Why was it so good? What could I have done better?

However, thinking about it from a “we” perspective, the numbers that Unite 4 Africa accomplished in 2022 still don’t make any sense from a purely human standpoint. Finally, it came to me. It was not “we” or “me.”  It was GOD who accomplished all of it. He was simply carrying out His plan through all of us. Psalm 46:10 comes to mind. Here we’re admonished, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” In other words, when we listen to God and do His will, we will be able to accomplish His will. Notice I did not say accomplish “much.” I believe that too is bad thinking. Our goal, rather than strive for ever-increasing numbers, should be to listen to God closely enough that we are able to discern His will and obediently do that. Then leave the results to Him.

So, how do we respond to the “crazy” numbers? We give all the Glory to God. If next year things are not so “good” from a numbers perspective, then we still give all Glory to God.  Seems simple right? Not so much, as I am sure you know.  It’s easier said than done.

I am so blessed to be serving our King with an organization that understands that we can do nothing without Him.  And an organization that discerns God’s will first and then moves in that direction. I am humbled every time I think about all of you praying for wisdom and guidance for all of the leadership of Unite 4 Africa. Please continue to pray that we continue to listen to Him.

2-9-2023

About three months ago the members on the board received some of the numbers for what WE were able to accomplish in 2022. Since it was before the end of the year they were not full year numbers but they were close enough that it gave me a good idea of how the ministry was doing. I knew through the course of the year that things were going well and that many people were being reached for Christ, but to put it mildly I was stunned. How were WE able to give the gospel message to over 3 million people including many, many Muslims. Why did more than 155,000 chose to give their lives to Christ. What did WE do right?? How were We able to do this on a very modest budget?? I have spent a fair amount of time trying to discern these answers and the conclusion I came up with was the WE did not do any of it. Notice I have used the word WE in caps several times. I did so on purpose because many time I think that way. We (I) did this or that. Look how good that was, why was it so good, what could I have done better.

However, thinking about it from a “WE” perspective the numbers that Unite 4 Africa accomplished in 2022 still don’t make any sense. Finally, it came to me. It was not “WE” or “ME” it was GOD that accomplished all of it. He was simply carrying out His plan through all of us. Psalm 46:10 comes to mind where the Psalm suggests that “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” In other words when we listen to God and do His will we will be able to accomplish His will. Notice I did not say accomplish “much.” I believe that is bad thinking as well. Our goal I believe is to listen to God closely enough that we are able to discern His will and do that. So how do we respond to the crazy numbers ?? We give all the Glory to God. If next year things are not so good from a numbers perspective then we give all Glory to God. Seems simple right?? Not so much as I am sure you all know.

I am so blessed to be serving our King with an organization that understands that we can do nothing without Him and an organization that discerns God’s will first and then moves in that direction. I am humbled every time I think about all of you praying for wisdom and guidance for all of the leadership of Unite 4 Africa. Please continue to pray that we continue to listen to Him.

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.

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 

Note From The Board – Jim Weisert

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As often as I remind others and myself, “that you (I) are as close to God as you (I) choose to be”, it always stands true. We are either chasing after God daily, like He chases after us, or we’re not.

For instance; I can either put the newspaper or the tablet down and read scripture, or not. I can either turn off the television or my computer and read scripture, or not. I can either join a bible study group and study God’s word, or not. I can either attend Church with others on Sundays, or not. You get the idea. So why are we so focused on the trappings of this world, the temporal? Why are we so caught up in the now instead of the eternal? I would suggest that in part it’s due to how we have programed ourselves. As you know we will spend months, even years learning a trade, skill, craft, ability, or profession, but most of us won’t do the same for our faith to follow Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior to the best of our abilities; we think that is for Pastors/Preachers. We live as though we are going to get to know Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit by osmosis. We don’t do that with our temporal desires, but we do that with our eternal desires. Does that make any sense when you look at it that way? The answer is absolutely not.

In Revelation 22:17, the fifth verse from the end of the Bible, God invites us to “Come.” To drink His living water, His word, which teaches us about our eternal position in Heaven with Him forever. This must be very important to God because he chooses to close His living word with this invitation, he is pleading with all to join Him forever in Heaven.
So, if it’s that important to God, that it’s one of the last things he tells His creation, shouldn’t we take His invitation more seriously and live our daily lives glorifying Him through all our thoughts, words, and actions? The answer is absolutely yes. And how can we begin doing that? By saying Yes to God’s invitation in Revelation 22:17, and living it out daily by reading His word; learning His truth, His direction, His purpose for our lives. And then living it out daily as we share life with others around us.

I hope you are encouraged to step up your discovery of who you are in Christ Jesus by chasing after him every day for the rest of your life. By saying Yes to come into a blessed relationship with God through studying His word daily, joining a life group, and attending Church regularly. Fellowship is what God wants every child of His to enjoy now and in eternity, so let’s start today! That’s what we teach and do through Unite 4 Africa, so please “come” and join us.

Serving together for His glory!

Jim Weisert
Unite 4 Africa
Board Chairman

 

Note From The Board – Scott Genzman

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Trust

Last month I was once again reminded of how thankful I am to be associated with Unite 4 Africa. One aspect of the ministry I appreciate the most is its philosophy of empowerment. – helping communities and individuals to transform themselves rather than simply offering “handouts.” Community transformation initiatives must be owned by the community and individuals to be successful and sustainable. Unite 4 Africa “gets” that and, as a result, has seen hundreds of communities and thousands of lives transformed long-term.

Candidly, the last several months have been difficult for me. Potential health issues, challenges at work, and the craziness in the United States and, frankly, around the globe, have once again caused me to realize just how little control I really have over everything. And how profoundly dependent I am on God.

At first, when so much around me seemed overwhelming, I was a bit upset at God. Didn’t He realize how hard I was working and what I was trying to do for His Kingdom? Of course, I knew He knew, but it took me several days – maybe even weeks – to stop feeling sorry for myself and to once again turn to God and ask for His help. As is often the case, the help did not come right away. But that caused me to drop to my knees and to focus on His promises and His love for me and to recognize whatever happened was going to be for my good. Needless to say, it was very humbling. Finally, after some time, I started to appreciate God’s goodness and my dependence on Him. And, at last, I was able to thank Him for the challenges.

As Christians who have a heart for helping hurting people, our first tendency is often to try to fix their problems as quickly as possible. The trouble with that is that all too often those people we’re trying to help learn to trust us and turn to us for help instead of turning to God. I have learned from my involvement with Unite 4 Africa that the better way is to first turn people to God and to pray and ask for His guidance. Then, after the person we are trying to help has some clarity and direction and starts moving down a good path, we can most effectively come alongside them to help. I’ve personally witnessed this philosophy of ministry transform communities, families, and individuals many times. And it continues to happen multiple times every day in the countries we work in. In short, at Unite 4 Africa we empower people in Jesus’ name instead of doing something for them that they are capable of doing for themselves. And it works beautifully.

As I look back over the last several months, I am so thankful that God did not send me help right away but, instead, in His wisdom, He let me deal with my problems and issues with Him. Once I was depending on Him for whatever the outcome, the help came. I am very thankful for those friends who helped me navigate my challenges with their wisdom and guidance, but I’m even more grateful to God for giving me what I needed, not what I wanted.

Note From The Board – Rod Robison

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Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. John 21:17b.

“Simon, son of John, do you truly love me?”   Jesus’ words pierced Peter’s heart like a hot knife. It had been days ago that Peter denied knowing Jesus.  But the pain still burned in Peter’s heart as if it had just happened.  No doubt, Peter, who also went by the name Simon, thought back to that horrible scene just days before when he had committed the unthinkable.

It was the eve of Jesus’ crucifixion.  Brute soldiers had just beaten Jesus with a cruel whip fashioned from jagged glass tied to strips of leather.  The Savior of the World, almost unrecognizable from the beatings, was being dragged like an animal into the High Priest’s courtyard.  There, Peter warmed himself by a fire, trying to remain anonymous.  A suffocating flood of fear washed over him.  Perhaps he prayed for courage to speak out on Jesus’ behalf.  But self-preservation won out, and he remained mute.  He hoped to blend in to the crowd of on-lookers, but his notoriety as one of Jesus’ followers betrayed him.  A servant, recognizing Peter, shouted, “Didn’t I see you with him?”  Peter cursed and swore he did not know Jesus.  Just then Jesus passed by and looked straight into Peter’s frightened eyes — a look of intense disappointment Peter would never forget.

Now, a few days later, here he was sitting on a beach at night by a fire with the risen Christ.  The pain of his denial still haunted him, but Peter didn’t offer excuses.  Putting his past behind him, he answered boldly, “Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.”

The crackling fire warmed the chilly night air.  Peter may have held his breath for what seemed an eternity, waiting for Jesus’ response.  Then Jesus turned to the man who had denied knowing him and said, “Feed my sheep.”

How could Peter have been so bold – declaring his love — after failing Jesus so miserably?  Perhaps it was because, through the agonizing experience of the cross and the power of the resurrection, Peter at last understood the depths of Jesus’ love.  A profound love that erases even the worst of sins from a truly repentant heart.  A love that transformed Peter from a frightened failure to one of the boldest proclaimers of Jesus’ love the world has ever known.  Peter, indeed, fed Jesus’ “sheep,” becoming the first great leader of the Christian church.

So, the next time you think you’re just not good enough to be used by God, remember…you’re right.  You’re not good enough.  Peter wasn’t either, but God used him anyway.  When you give to bring:

  • Hope to the hopeless
  • Water to the thirsty
  • Families to orphans
  • Medicine to the sick
  • Empowerment to the poor
  • Light to the darkness

…you are answering Jesus’ call to “feed my sheep.”  The fact that none of us are “good enough” has no bearing on whether God can use us.  His love, working through our obedience to his call and despite our imperfections and past failures, can bring transformation to countless “sheep” whom he has called us to shepherd.

 

Love Refined
By Rod Robison
Unite 4 Africa Board Member

Note From The Board – Ken Martin

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It ‘s difficult sometimes to relinquish our pace in life to a different rhythm and cadence. You may feel out of place and the beat of life’s music is not quite right for you. You may find it necessary to sit out for a while and look at what goes on around you. Efforts to sync up may be fruitless and feel out of character or forced, and not right. It may be time to recognize the wisdom to acknowledge the times, the seasons of life. In-as-much as there are times to press in and do much, there are also times to rest and discern.

The treadmills we spend much time on may be required to feed our families, accomplish the tasks where we are relied upon by others. Even the treadmills we spend time on for our avocations and passions to get grounded and be refreshed, may develop thin spots and weaknesses. When the tread finally becomes so worn, or torn, or breaks, we are forced to step off and evaluate its usefulness to us. Are we driven to repair it to get back on, or should we just stop? Is it time to pay attention? Is it time to adjust the narrow focus that keeps us from a different dance in life? True, a narrow focus may accomplish much, for a time, but will probably cause us to one day find ourselves needing help. “Be still and know that I am God,” may be the season God nudges us toward at this point. A time for quiet and patient awareness of His whispers and guidance.

This is where Unite 4 Africa is rooted. Helping those who need someone to come along side and encourage and build up, to discover our Creator God. This is what so many need and flourish from, places where we are doing God’s work in the villages and cities of the countries where we are focused. Our people on the ground there face difficult circumstances yet God provides and the dance of life becomes a pleasant rhythm like the beating of the heart. Dance with us as God may lead. His yoke is easy and the burden is light. Thank you to all with whom we share this dance floor. The beat of life is here.

Written by Ken Martin

 

Note From The Board – Jim Weisert

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As often as I remind others and myself, “that you (I) are as close to God as you (I) choose to be”, it always stands true. We are either chasing after God daily, like He chases after us, or we’re not.

For instance; I can either put the newspaper or the tablet down and read scripture, or not. I can either turn off the television or my computer and read scripture, or not. I can either join a bible study group and study God’s word, or not. I can either attend Church with others on Sundays, or not. You get the idea. So why are we so focused on the trappings of this world, the temporal? Why are we so caught up in the now instead of the eternal? I would suggest that in part it’s due to how we have programed ourselves. As you know we will spend months, even years learning a trade, skill, craft, ability, or profession, but most of us won’t do the same for our faith to follow Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior to the best of our abilities; we think that is for Pastors/Preachers. We live as though we are going to get to know Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit by osmosis. We don’t do that with our temporal desires, but we do that with our eternal desires. Does that make any sense when you look at it that way? The answer is absolutely not.

In Revelation 22:17, the fifth verse from the end of the Bible, God invites us to “Come.” To drink His living water, His word, which teaches us about our eternal position in Heaven with Him forever. This must be very important to God because he chooses to close His living word with this invitation, he is pleading with all to join Him forever in Heaven.

So, if it’s that important to God, that it’s one of the last things he tells His creation, shouldn’t we take His invitation more seriously and live our daily lives glorifying Him through all our thoughts, words, and actions? The answer is absolutely yes. And how can we begin doing that? By saying Yes to God’s invitation in Revelation 22:17, and living it out daily by reading His word, His truth, His direction for our lives. And then living it out daily as we share life with others around us.

I hope you are encouraged to step up your discovery of who you are in Christ Jesus by chasing after him every day for the rest of your life. By saying Yes to come into a blessed relationship with God through studying His word daily, joining a life group, and attending Church regularly. Fellowship is what God wants every child of His to enjoy now and in eternity, so let’s start today! That’s what we teach and do through Unite 4 Africa, so please “come” and join us.

Serving together for His glory!

Jim Weisert
Unite 4 Africa
Board Chairman

 

Note for the Board – Scott Genzman

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I recently had a chance to take a trip to Israel with a small group of friends. To say that it was the trip of a lifetime would be an understatement. We saw quite a bit of the country including some wonderful archeology sites and many of the sites that we read about in the bible. My scripture reading will never be the same. One area that we visited was the Mt of Olives. As I was standing at the top of the Mount and looking towards Jerusalem and the valley below, I was struck by the fact that I was standing in a very similar place that Jesus stood many years ago. As our group walked down the Mount to the Garden of Gethsemane, I was thinking about what must have been going through Jesus’ mind as he walked down the Mount. Clearly, He knew what was coming. Mark 14:36 And He was saying, Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me …. As we all discussed Jesus had several choices at that time. He could have turned around and walked back to Bethany, He could have gone back to Heaven or He could have done what God asked Him to do. As the rest of the verse says …. Yet not what I will, but what You will. We all know the rest of the story and are all eternally grateful that Jesus chose to do his Father’s will. What a powerful picture of dying to self and in Jesus’ case dying for us.
My thoughts then turned to the Pastors, Leaders and all the people that are involved with Unite 4 Africa. Why would one of the pastors choose to go to a town of 50,000 people were 99% are of the Muslim faith and get beaten for bringing the gospel. Why would a young man travel by foot to remote parts of Kenya to plant multiple churches under trees? Clearly, they have felt the call of God and instead of turning around and going back to “Bethany” they have chosen to listen to God. I am honored to serve with the Pastors and staff of Unite 4 Africa and I’m also thankful for all that each of you do to support Unite 4 Africa. Please pray for all of us who serve on the Board of Unite 4 Africa or on the ground in Africa to continue to listen to God and die to self as we continue to pray the same for you.

Blessed to be able to serve God

Scott Genzman
Board Member

Note from the Board – Rod Robison

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Note from the Board: Little Is Much

Several years ago, I walked where Jesus walked. Literally.  It was my first time in Jerusalem. Our guide, an orthodox Jew who knew his Bible far better than most Christians, took us to numerous locations most of us on the tour had only read about. The Mount of Olives, The Garden of Gethsemane, the hall in which Pilate condemned Jesus, the temple marketplace where Jesus threw out the money changers. Each location, for years only words on a page to me, now sprang to life.

One of the most meaningful locations for me was tucked away on the east side of the Temple Mount, the huge earthen platform on which the Temple once stood overlooking Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside.  Our guide pointed to the spot where a poor, unassuming widow made a tiny gift to God. We know her gift today as the “widow’s mite.” She made no pretense of her gift as others parading before her had proudly done. She just quietly dropped into the temple treasury her two copper coins, worth very little to most, but representing great sacrifice for her.  She then humbly went on her way.

I doubt that she knew Jesus was watching. Perhaps if she did, she would have been embarrassed. Little did she know the impact her seemingly insignificant gift would make on the world. But her simple act of giving –  her sacrifice – served as a powerful lesson in stewardship for millions of people spanning two millennia.

The lesson: Little is much when God is in it. The size of our gifts to Him are of no consequence. If they represent our best, He is pleased. Just as He multiplied a small boy’s simple lunch on a hillside overlooking the sea of Galilee to feed thousands of hungry followers, He will take our sacrificial gifts to Him and increase their value a thousand-fold and more as they are invested in the lives of others.

God is using Unite 4 Africa to multiply your gifts thousands of times over in the lives He touches through your generosity. Orphans. Widows. School children. Victims of abuse. Those in need of healing both physically and spiritually. Families and communities thirsty for clean, accessible water and the “water springing up into everlasting life.”

While in Israel I purchased an ancient mite that had been unearthed. It serves as a reminder to me of its powerful lesson. I’ve read that had the widow’s mites been invested at just 4% interest, today they would be worth four sextillion, eight quintillion dollars. That’s $48 with twenty zeros after it. If an earthly bank can do that much with two tiny copper coins, just think what God can do through eternity if we give our best to Him.

Rod Robison
Unite 4 Africa
Board Vice Chairman  

Note From The Board – Ken Martin

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It surprises me sometimes how I get twisted up in the details of life. There may be all kinds of issues that I need to act upon, many of which I have little idea what action to take to get the best outcome and honor God in the process. It may take days to get anything figured out let alone get anything done. And finally, just about when I might need an aspirin, I realize that God provides and I seem to have forgotten. I seem to forget this a lot. And that’s the way the world sneaks up on us and puts distance between us and the overwhelming love God has for us. God is trustworthy and always provides, in His time.

There are many details involved with ministry and Unit 4 Africa relies on God’s leading for effective plans, actions and results. We have tremendous associates on the ground in Africa who strive to assist communities economically, spiritually, medically and socially so that transformation within the community will be effective and sustainable. Unite 4 Africa has a growing base of individuals, couples, and churches who provide incredibly valuable partnership financially and prayerfully. It’s hard to fathom the amount of training and discipleship that goes on as the result of the leadership training provided by Unte 4 Africa. 1 Thessalonians 1:2&3 sums up how we feel about our supporters and the fine people of Unite 4 Africa:

“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. ³We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”

Note From the Board – Scott Genzman

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Trusting in God

In my life I have this continuous battle with in myself. I want to trust God and give Him my concerns and fears and then I also want to grab them back and fix them myself in my timing and the way I want to. I am sure none of you have this struggle but the apostle Paul sure did (Romans 15:15-20). I was given a great sense of perspective the other day when I was having a conversation with Okongo Samson the founder of Unite 4 Africa. In the conversation with me he was telling me of a very difficult conversation he had with some people he was working with. Just a side note, Okongo never let’s me know who he is referring to, just the general situation. Anyway, in the conversation I got the distinct sense that the people he was working with did not react the way he was hoping they would. In other words, the “Jesus way”. I can certainly understand that, how many conversations have I had where I wanted some outcome that did not come to fruition. So, the conversation moved on and about an hour later Okongo suggested the hard conversation was a great conversation. I stopped him and I asked him, you said an hour ago the conversation was difficult and the people did not react the “Jesus’ way” and now you’re saying it was a great conversation. Can you please explain that to me? Okongo just smiled and said it is not up to me how people react or what they do, that is up to God. My job is to be obedient and to tell people what God is telling me to tell others. So, I did that, I told them how to do it the Jesus way and how they react is not up to me. So, it was a great conversation. I sat there stunned for a while. Truthfully, I am still processing this simple truth. We need to do what God asks us to do and then the rest we need to leave in God’s hands. I wish I would have understood this many, many years ago. How much frustration and anger could I have avoided??

Even today when I think of the great need for Jesus the world over, I can get a bit overwhelmed. But now I think, I just have to do what He asks of me and the rest he will take care of. What a great and awesome God we serve.

We are continuing to see transformation, healing and joy in people lives as they hear the good news of our Savior. Any prayers or financial support are greatly appreciated and will be used in the “Jesus way”

Note from the Board – Rod Robison

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This Thanksgiving you’ll be thanking God for His many blessings in your life. But more than likely, a goat won’t be one of them. But maybe it should be.

Here’s why.

For the orphans that Unite 4 Africa helps, a goat is one of the greatest blessings she or he could possibly hope and pray for. A goat can give an orphan with very little a head start toward a life of responsibility and self-provision. A goat can change an orphan’s life forever. And you could be the one who answers that orphan’s prayer.

Little Genet was one of those children. She lost her parents when she was only three years old and went to live with her grandmother. Three years ago, Unite 4 Africa gave her a goat to help provide for her and her grandmother. We trained her on how to care for the goat and grow her herd. Just 3 years later that goat has become 15 goats.

Recently, Genet sold some of her goats and bought a cow to produce milk. She even gave one of her goats to another orphan. In fact, all of the orphans are taught to give back to other orphans as their animal produces. You can imagine how Genet’s self-worth, confidence, and empowerment grew. And how just a goat made such a huge difference in her life.

Desperation is often a driving force for orphaned children. Many live one day to the next in the hope of merely surviving, making sacrifices and compromises in order to simply eat a meal or have a place to sleep for the night.

But Unite 4 Africa’s animals for orphans project empowers these children to learn to become self-supporting. In the process, they’re able to help their adoptive families and become responsible and loving men and women of God.

You can make a special Thanksgiving gift of a goat to an orphan for only $50 by visiting our special campaign page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Unite4AfricaOrphans And then you will be thanking God for a goat this Thanksgiving because you’ll know that, with that goat, you changed a child’s life.

– Rod Robison

Note from the Board -Jim Weisert

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If you follow our monthly newsletters you have read for yourself about the amazing life changing encounters for Christ, our staff and teams are involved with in their regional and national communities. If you haven’t been reading our monthly newsletters, I would encourage you to spare the 15 minutes per month, if you aren’t already, to view the wonderful things you are or could be a part of by helping fund the work and purpose of Unite 4 Africa.

God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life with Him are the focus of Unite 4 Africa’s ministry. Our staff in Africa are His hands and feet, along with our incredible CEO’s (Okongo Samson) direction, the teams on the ground have made impact after impact in their local, regional, and national communities as well as across other nations on the continent of Africa.

Did you know that in a typical year Unite 4 Africa trains up over 10K people in leadership development? And that could not be done without your partnership. So, as you plan your yearend giving, we would ask that you prayerfully consider committing some of your giving to Unite 4 Africa. Join us on this incredible journey God has us on to transform community after community in Africa for Christ.

Lastly if you have been a financial partner this year (2021), we want you to know that you have made a huge impact in the lives of the lost, by partnering with Unite 4 Africa to share Jesus Christ with the lost and seeking.

Everyone, please consider a year end gift to Unite 4 Africa in any amount. For there are always more people to share the gospel with.

Thank you and may God richly bless you.

Sincerely,

Jim Weisert
Board Chairman
Unite 4 Africa

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