Sometimes in life we get nudged. A nudge can come at any moment, from any source, triggered by any of our senses, affecting a thought process or our emotions. Sometimes we react to a nudge immediately, or sometimes it takes several to evoke a response. I remember hearing the humble yet powerful pleading from a Kenyan man whom I had just met, at the beside of my sick wife. A gentle voice, pleading for her to our great God. This was a nudge that led me to get to know this man. His name is Okongo Samson, and we are good friends today, and have been since 2005. There have been many nudges I have processed while I have spent time with him. Like why would you ever put pineapple on pizza? And how can I help with his God given vision through Unite 4 Africa? His arrow’s aim true, fletched with wisdom, righteousness, sacrifice and inspiration from God. It is pleasing to know that every effort expended by the Unite 4 Africa organization, from fellow board members to the people on the ground where we serve, to those who pray for our causes and give of themselves in any way, each of these contributions are for God’s glory. Not much in life holds the rewards experienced through the mission of this organization. It is a gift. Thank you to all who give and pray and toil on behalf of U4A, for those who desire Godly transformation be it emotional, spiritual, physical or economical.
We thank God for the work He puts before us. Carry on.
Ken Martin Board Treasurer Unite 4 Africa
https://www.unite4africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo.png00Unite4Africahttps://www.unite4africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo.pngUnite4Africa2021-06-03 13:50:392022-05-18 13:50:49Note from the board – Ken Martin
It was just about two years ago this month that I sat across a restaurant table from Okongo Samson. I’d known some of his story of abduction, escape, imprisonments, torture, and emotional/spiritual healing, but only bits and pieces.
I asked him to unfold more details. As he did, one thing became crystal clear to me – the world needed to hear the story of what God did in Okongo’s life. Why? Because while hope is in seemingly short supply these days, it is well within the reach of everyone. And because God’s amazing work in Okongo’s journey could be an inspiring source of hope for readers that, “If God worked in his life in such a miraculous way, I believe He can do it for me.”
I leaned across the table, locked eyes with Okongo, and said emphatically, “This story has to be told in a book You gotta do it!” He responded, “Hardly a day goes by that someone doesn’t tell me the same thing. Write a book! But I don’t have any idea how to do that.”
I responded, “Well, I do. I have a good friend who helps new writers turn their God stories into books.”
Within a few days; Okongo, his wife Shyla, and I met with editor extrordinaire Adam Colwell. Now, nearly two years and a great deal of work later, Abducted but not Forsaken: How one man’s escape from a notorious terrorist brought hope to Africa is in print and ebook form. Soon it will be an audiobook as well.
We’re already hearing from readers whose lives are being impacted by the book’s message of hope. I’m one of them. Without question the book is a real “page-turner.” Just as I thought I’d close the book for a while as soon as I finished a chapter, I’d have to read “just one more.” Okongo’s transparency regarding his own personal struggles with doubt and anger – even anger with God – following unspeakable abuse in several prisons, is both heart-rending and heart-warming. But far more impactful is how God walked with Okongo every step of what countless times seemed to him like an impossible journey or worse, a dead end.
I found myself thinking page after page, My journey is a piece of cake compared to what this man went through. How could I ever again doubt that God will see me through anything I face?
But what I found to be the most important message of Abducted but not Forsaken was the healing, transformational power of unconditional love and forgiveness. I won’t share any “spoiler” info here, but there is a stunning twist to Okongo’s journey recounted toward the end of the book that only God could have orchestrated. A powerful reminder that seeds of love and forgiveness sowed faithfully into even the hardest of hearts can be cultivated by God to bring a rich harvest of transformation.
Trust me. If you read one book this year besides your Bible, read this book. This heartfelt, incredible story will help you find hope in your pain and hardships—and know that you will never be forsaken as you trust in the Lord for your transformation. Learn more at www.Unite4Africa.org
Rod Robison Board Vice Chairman Unite for Africa
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I am taking a class in my church, called pathways, about how the Christian movement started and how it has continued to grow though out the last 2000 plus years. One of the speakers mentioned that our Gospel grows in weakness. If you look back in most cases there was amazing growth during the times that were the hardest for God’s people.
It was about one year ago that the world was introduced to the Covid virus. I have heard, as I am sure you have as well, about all the challenges and heartaches that many of us went thru over the last year. I know it was and may continue to be difficult for many of you. However, during this time of weakness I have seen God move in so many ways I can’t even remember them all. He tells us in Genesis 50:20 “but as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive NKJV.
So as I think of the last year I am sad for some of the difficult things we all dealt with but I am overwhelmed with Joy to see how God is using the leadership of Unite4 Africa, you and me to advance his kingdom. I remember talking to Okongo in April of 2020 as he explained to me how the leadership of Unite4Africa immediately looked at the impact Covid was having on the people they were serving and shifted for a time to helping many individuals stay safe from Covid by explaining and providing the necessary items to help increase hand washing and improve hygiene. I was once again humbled by the willingness of so many of these servant leaders to do what was necessary to take care of so many people. They gave and continue to give selfishly in whatever way God calls them.
I am also excited to once again remember that the Alpha and the Omega has a plan, He is in control and He will use this for his good purposes. I have seen here in Tucson a desire to turn towards God as people think about the trails we have been through. I know the kindness that we have all been able to give to others during this last year will be used by God to bring more people to Himself just as Genesis suggests. So as 2021 unfolds I look forward with HOPE to see what God will continue to do thru all of us. Please continue to pray that God will gives us all opportunities to share our FAITH with one another so we can explain why we have HOPE.
God is good, all the time!
Scott Genzman Unite 4 Africa Board Secretary
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Can you believe we are already in the third month of 2021, time flies when your sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. I hope this newsletter finds each of you healthy and well, but at the very least that all is well with your soul, and I pray for those who can only say “it is well with my soul” that our Awesome God answers your prayers.
You, our US team and our Africa teams have been so privileged to participate in so many people coming to know Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior since the launch of Unite4Africa. I am so excited every time people make the decision to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, as I am sure you are too, that’s likely one of the main reasons you partnered with us prayerfully and financially. Last week at my home church in Tucson AZ there were 10 people that got baptized, and that’s happening everywhere around the world, even in larger numbers depending upon where you live in the world.
Did you know that our founder Okongo Samson has a global network that he reaches out to every week? If you have had the pleasure to meet Okongo you too know what a wonderful, generous, kind and action-packed Godly man he is. If you haven’t met him in person, contact us ([email protected]) and we can have him give you a call and or you can join him on one of the upcoming trips to Africa and get hands on experience with him in the field and with our teams.
Have a blessed March,
Jim Weisert Board Chairman Unite 4 Africa
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“We give thanks to God always for you, making mention of you in our prayers” are the words of Paul in Thessalonians 1:2. Our board and all of the help on the ground with Unite 4 Africa want you to know how much we believe in the sentiment of this passage for you, our prayer warriors and contributors! We earnestly pray and hope that you are filled with a sense of the wonderment because of the tremendous transformation being made in the lives of our new brothers and sisters in Christ, those we serve in Africa. You are also part of the unity experienced in the lives of those who help us empower them! We continue to pray for all who stand with us financially and prayerfully, and are encouraged and strengthened by you.
As the vision and mission of Unite 4 Africa spreads, our supporters increase commensurate with our efforts. Our team strives to help our African brothers and sisters learn of God’s love for them and to spread this love amidst their communities. Empowerment is our template and God’s love is the engine pushing us up the hill of hopelessness and despair in the lives of many. Over the difficult and fear-filled year of 2020, over thirteen thousand in African communities have come to faith in Jesus Christ and over four thousand chose to publicly commit to their new faith by being baptized. Nearly twenty thousand received medical help and many new volunteers were trained to provide that medical assistance. Unite 4 Africa provided thousands of simple sanitation systems which aided tens of thousands in the prevention of the transmission of community born illnesses including COVID 19. We also provided evangelistic training so that communities can continue their walk with the Lord on their own. We helped with the education of nearly three thousand children, and helped over seventy-five hundred victims of abuse. We supplied over thirty-two hundred goats to orphans to give them a renewable resource to assist their new families and were active in the adoption of over five hundred children.
All of this during a very difficult hardship, with a relatively small force on the ground. Many who follow Unite 4 Africa, or have only recently become aware of our organization, have difficulty believing these results; but all things are possible to those who love the Lord and are called according to his principles. We are thankful for God’s provision and carry on supported and lifted up by those who give from their hearts! May God bless you all and give us wisdom to be his hands and feet! Thank you to all who help!
Ken Martin Board Treasurer Unite 4 Africa
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Here’s a word association game for you. When you hear the name “Unite 4 Africa” what images pop into your head? Let me guess….
An Ethiopian orphan united at last with the forever family she’s been praying God would send her.
Scores of new believers stand on the bank of a river in Kenya eagerly waiting to profess their faith in Christ through baptism.
A little girl lovingly embraces a baby goat she will raise to milk and provide some sustainable income for her family.
Men and women gather to soak in God’s Word and learn strategies to share Christ with villages across Africa.
Members of a Maasai community welcome the arrival of a Unite 4 Africa leader bringing sanitation buckets and soap along with hygiene training and safety measures to help protect them from the Covid 19 virus.
Fresh, clean water flows over the hands of a grateful woman who used to have to haul water from miles away…every day.
Maybe you thought of a few others too. The list could go on and on, for sure. And it’s likely that whatever images popped into your head were those of Africa. But did you know that the work of Unite 4 Africa stretches beyond the borders of the continent for which this ministry is named?
As a new Board Member about a year ago, I’ll confess that my understanding of the breadth of what God was doing through Unite 4 Africa was a bit limited. But the more involved I’ve become, the more in awe I am of the expansiveness and depth of the ministry He continues to grow.
A few Sundays ago I attended a service in Tucson AZ where I witnessed one of many new Middle Eastern believers of another faith background joyously declare their faith in Jesus as a Unite 4 Africa leader baptized them. They are being nurtured and discipled by ministry leaders, daily growing in their relationship with Jesus. I got to meet one of those new believers not long ago. His enthusiasm and passion for Jesus, I’ll admit, challenged my own. Now entire families are coming to Christ through the witness of their family members.
Marriages, some seemingly hopelessly broken, not only in Africa but across the United States and other countries, are being reconciled as Unite 4 Africa leaders provide Christ-centered counseling. Okongo Samson, founder of Unite 4 Africa, and his wife Shyla are only two of those counselors who have learned invaluable lessons through their own hurt and healing and are now generously and lovingly sharing those lessons with others who are hurting and in need of healing. Many evenings I’ve chatted with Okongo by phone about ministry business while he and Shyla were driving to or from another counseling session with a couple or family in desperate need of reconciliation.
And it’s not only marriages and families who are benefiting from the rich reconciliation ministry Unite 4 Africa workers provide. Churches and communities across the United States and in other countries faced with what seem like insurmountable conflicts are finding hope and healing. The resulting unity then spreads among church and community members, strengthening others in their faith.
You are a part of all of this. Your support of Unite 4 Africa is seed in the hands of the Sower. Each seed you place in His hands He lovingly plants in fertile soil whether in Africa or other parts of the globe. And, as He waters and cultivates each seed sown, spiritually nutritious fruit will result from your faithful giving.
Rod Robison Board Vice Chairman Unite for Africa
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Lately during my quite times with God He has been impressing on me His Greatness. Thinking about that topic has caused me to think about God’s omnipresence and my recent trip to Ethiopia and Kenya back in February and March of this year.
During that trip we visited quite a few different churches that had many different venues. Some were buildings somewhat similar, although not as fancy as the churches in this country. Some were open to the air with tin roofs and some were churches were people met under a tree. I did not understand the language or the customs of the various people as we worshiped our God. Nevertheless, in every circumstance I could feel God’s Holy Presence that was with our worship time.
Jesus says in Matthew 18:20 says “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst”. How can it be that God was in all those places at the exact time we were there? I have no idea but that thought is awesome and gives me great Hope during this crazy year. If God was everywhere in Africa, then he is everywhere here in the United States as well as the rest of the world.
I have been convicted over these many months to be on the lookout for God and what he is doing in my life as well as others I know. The more I watch for Him, the more I see Him. When I see Him move, I am greatly humbled. Why does the Creator of the Universe care enough about me and those that I know to work things for our good? I have no idea on this either. However, He does and that cause’s me to understand deep in my heart that He will do what He says and that He is faithful. We serve an Awesome God. As I write this the song “Awesome God” by either Michael w Smith or Rich Mullins comes to mind. If you get a chance play the song on your phone and as you do think about what God has done for you recently. Then remember He will never stop loving you, so be filled with Hope.
Merry Christmas all. May the reason for the season “Jesus” be in your hearts and minds throughout the rest of 2020
Scott Genzman Board Member Unite 4 Africa
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Since the Pandemic event began, our US team has been working with our local on the ground staff in Africa to help provide guidance and resource help where it is most needed. If you follow our monthly newsletters you have read for yourself about some of those wonderful encounters for Christ. And how life changing and empowering they have been. 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 communities and 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 giving for 2021, 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 in 2020, 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 an end of the year 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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In the book of John, Jesus says in verse 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
And in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 we are informed; “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?”
Many have not lived in times such as now. Strife, discord, angst, the twisting of truth, fear compounding fear, and uncertainty. Uncertainty? For those who do not know Jesus, all of these issues are the ground on which they walk daily. For those who are called into his open arms, who hear his never-ending beckon to come to His side, there is rest and peace, which is certain.
Unite 4 Africa lives and works in this hope, faith and certainty. Sickness has always been a contention for men and women. It has its way with those who are ill, and with those who are healthy at times, but it is part of our world and part of life. We pray for all to be well and to learn and receive the love of the Lord. But unfortunately, many eyes do not see, and many ears do not hear. We continue, with your help, to come along side those in need, lost, and or searching for truth, to be witnesses for Christ Jesus and help them come into a personal relationship with Him.
Please continue to and or join us for the first time in this work as it is established for our hands by non-other than the author of life!
May God use you mightily for His glory.
Ken Martin
Unite 4 Africa
Board Treasurer
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Abducted but not Forsaken – a Story of Hope and God’s Faithfulness
When we face difficult times this verse might well rank among the most comforting:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
In the midst of dark circumstances we hold to that promise like a ship holds to its anchor in a storm. And when we’re on the other side of the storm and can look back and say, “Yes, God was faithful once again,” we’re assured anew of God’s faithfulness. But when the storm is raging around us it helps to hear and read other people’s stories of God’s faithfulness.
Okongo Samson’s life is one such story. Kidnapped and brutalized by a terrorist army followed by his miraculous escape and long, painful recovery from the physical and emotional toll was only the beginning of a riveting story of hope that eventually led to the founding of Unite 4 Africa. It’s a story that needs to be told to millions of people in need of hope and assurance that God’s promises can be counted on.
Just over a year ago we began working with Okongo on a book titled Abducted but not Forsaken: How One Man’s Escape from a Notorious Terrorist Brought Hope to Africa. We are now just months away from its publication. It is our intent and prayer that this book will make its way around the world sharing the hope of God’s faithfulness with millions in need of that hope.
I wanted you, as a friend of Unite 4 Africa, to be among the first to read this brief excerpt from the book. I hope it gives you a taste of the book’s encouraging message of God’s faithfulness.
One week after I was saved, I was at home laying on a parr, a grass fiber mat that served as my bed. Everyone slept together near one another. I had just finished reading the Bible I had received as a gift at the camp by the light of a kerosene lamp. It was a passage from the book of John, which I had been reading daily along with the Psalms ever since I accepted Jesus. I was still easily brought to tears since my decision, and I was crying once more as I thought about what I had just read from the Bible.
Then I heard it.
Heard Him.
God’s voice—physically audible and as clear as if He were sitting right there in the room next to me. No one else laying nearby heard it, only me.
He said, “I want to use you to the uttermost parts of the world to bring transformation to many people who are in need spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and economically, and to bring healing. You will go through challenges.”
His call was quite specific, and it was accompanied by a vision of me with crowds of people in different countries around the world. In some of those images, I was leading the crowds. But it really didn’t make sense to me. I never thought then that I would someday lead diverse groups of people around the world the way I am today. At that point, I thought leaders had to come from either foreign countries or local wealthy families. In addition, I grew up in a place where my family struggled to have the basics of food and clothing. I had never traveled to any significant town or city outside of my remote village.
Spiritually, I connected to what God was saying, and I quietly responded, “I am ready, Lord, for the challenges. Bring it on!” Later, I’d sometimes wish He hadn’t said that I’d go through challenges. I had no idea how severe they would become. I also knew I had felt a void without God and wanted to tell others about Him. But to meet the physical needs of others to the “uttermost parts,” or even to serve these people, when my own needs were so great? It was hard for me to reconcile the two.
“How can this be?” I wondered aloud. “I don’t know what the uttermost parts of the world are. How will I reach there?”
It sounded like a vain dream or imagination, but God’s voice kept saying, “I want to use you to the uttermost parts of the world.”
Okongo’s book is going to be used by God in ways I’m sure we can’t begin to imagine. Our world is in desperate need of assurance “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Okongo’s amazing story will offer tangible evidence of just how faithful God is. It would be so encouraging to Okongo and Shyla to hear from you that you’ll be praying for the writing, editing, and publication process in the coming months and especially that lives will be powerfully impacted by the book’s message of hope.
Rod Robison
Unite 4 Africa Board Member
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I must admit that over the last several months with all of the craziness in the world, between the Covid and protests, my eyes have been focused on this world and I did get a little down. Watching the news and reading social media gave me the perspective that this world is out of control.
Thankfully, God helped me this last Sunday when I listened to a sermon online from Pastor Kevin Mason. Kevin was sharing how at youth camp they spent the entire time encouraging the kids to read scripture and to abide in Christ. There were three videos of some of the kids sharing how their experience at camp and reading God’s word really changed their perspective.
As I was listening it occurred to me that my perspective was wrong. I needed to look upward to the King of the Universe and focus on what He is doing. For me that meant changing my perspective in several areas of my life. The one thought that I think is important for all of us, is to realize that we are not alone in feeling a bit down and we all can get focused on the things of the world. But scripture reminds us that this is not our home (Hebrews 13:14).
So, this week I am actively praying and looking for opportunities to talk with others about our heavenly perspective and to encourage others to seek God for His sovereignty is abundantly around each of us. I am praying that through this season of life, God sets up a divine appointment with someone that is searching for truth. I will then share how our great and awesome God loves them and wants a personal relationship with them.
I have also spent some time talking to other Christians and asking about how they have seen God move through the craziness. I was amazed at how many stories I hear about what God has and continues to do to love on people. So be encouraged, God has this. He is moving in mighty ways and this is all part of His plan.
I would like to encourage each of you to read God’s word daily to be encouraged. Talk to your friends about the amazing things that GOD is doing, thousands of people are coming to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Their eternal position is begin changed forever. Hallelujah! The King of the universe, the Alpha and the Omega, choses to use me and YOU to do His will. He will use us if we are focused on Him. Praise God!
Read Crazy Love by Francis Chan to learn more about focusing on God.
God is good, All the time! Amen!
Thank you for your partnership with Unite 4 Africa!
God bless,
Scott Genzman
Board Member
Unite 4 Africa
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Each of us who are followers of Jesus Christ, have an incredible opportunity every day to be a blessing to someone else. We have been given the greatest gift from God, and now that we have it, it is our turn to share it with others.
That is the heart of Unite 4 Africa. We want to live out John 17 by living out 1 Peter 3:15, please look them up and write them on your heart if you have not done so already. The gist of these two scriptures opens our hearts to others, saved and unsaved.
If you are reading this and have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to do so right now. It’s that simple, read John 3:16.
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, I encourage you to ask God to set up a divine appointment to lead someone to Him sometime during the rest of 2020. We are in the restoration business, see 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 & 18-20. You, I, We are each Ambassadors for Christ. So, let’s be about our Fathers business together; sharing the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, with the lost and hurting world.
Unite 4 Africa wants to invite you into a deeper relationship with us. Please email us your prayer requests. We love praying for you and we know it’s the most powerful thing we can do for one another. We would also ask you to pray for us as you read about the projects and programs going on in Africa through Unite 4 Africa’s staff and leadership.
Have a blessed July being a blessing to others.
Jim Weisert
Board Chairman
Unite 4 Africa
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In these days of virulent flu, world unrest, and the prospect that our daily lives may well have permanently changed in ways we may dread, it’s reassuring to know that God is in control. All of us have had to deal with this pandemic and the aftermath in one way or another. Some have lost jobs, some have had to do without, some have chosen to completely isolate themselves, some have been sick with Covid19 and recovered, and some, sadly, have died.
Through all this we hear those who are hopeful and thankful, while many are fearful and anxious. In scripture, John 16:31, Jesus said “In this world there will be troubles, but take heart for I have overcome the world”. Jesus himself warned that life has troubles, even for those who believe. And we also know from Habakkuk that God himself turned a harsh and evil foe on his own people because they valued their own ways more than His.
Is this pandemic a warning for us? It has thrown the world into a downward spiral. What are we to learn from God about this?
We at Unite 4 Africa remain hopeful and look to God for His provision even in times of trouble. God’s word says, “He will never leave us or forsake us.” When our focus is on God, his ways, his will, his providence, his love and mercy; nothing in this world should be able to take away from us what it cannot give: God’s peace. “Fear not” is spoken often in God’s word for good reason. Without doubt, fear is something we all deal with. Some are incapacitated by it and some acknowledge it and continue on, looking for God’s answer to it. Let’s move ahead, thankful for the work God establishes for our hands, aware of the needs of others and how we can help, thankful and humble. We are so thankful for all who endeavor with us to empower our brothers and sisters in Africa
May our prayer for each of you be received by you so you too have the peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.
Ken Martin
Unite 4 Africa
Board Treasurer
https://www.unite4africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/k5-e1591468645520.png563439Unite4Africahttps://www.unite4africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo.pngUnite4Africa2020-06-06 11:01:082020-06-06 11:48:24Note from the Board – Ken Martin
Early this year Okongo asked me to join the Unite 4 Africa Board of Directors. I was honored to say the least. But I would never have said “yes” if I didn’t know that this ministry is one of integrity and wise stewardship. Let me tell you why I know it is.
A few years ago, before I retired from the broadcast ministry I served for 30 years, I was introduced to Okongo by a coworker named Steve. I still remember when Steve dropped by my office and said, “You really need to meet Okongo Samson. He has an amazing ministry called Unite 4 Africa.” Eventually I did. And I was so impressed with what I learned that I helped procure some funds for Unite 4 Africa that the broadcast ministry had set aside for mission outreach and teaching materials our ministry had produced.
Here’s what impressed me. Every quarter for the next couple of years Okongo and his leadership team sent us a thorough accounting of exactly how the funds had been spent and what those funds were accomplishing in terms of transformed lives. They even sent photos of the projects and the people impacted. Smiling, rejoicing children holding up Bibles and school books in their new school room. Community leaders equipped to disciple others. And teenage victims of sexual and psychological abuse rehabilitated through Biblically-based counseling and the love of Christ.
Through those regular reports my coworkers and I got to see how the resources our ministry had donated to Unite 4 Africa were being leveraged for the Kingdom of God. And we were all impressed. I was so impressed that I now serve on the Board of Unite 4 Africa.
Jesus said that his followers are known by their fruits. As God brings the increase, Unite 4 Africa produces good fruit from the seeds you plant in the rich soil of this ministry. And regardless of what form those seeds take – whether in leadership or as a financial and prayer supporter – you can be assured that the seeds you sow will bring a tremendous harvest.
Rod Robison
Board Member
Unite 4 Africa
https://www.unite4africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/g3.jpg7801040Unite4Africahttps://www.unite4africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo.pngUnite4Africa2020-05-04 22:19:062020-06-23 08:00:30Note from the Board: Rod Robison
For many years I have been part of church benevolence committees and have tried to spend time helping people in the best way I can. Sometimes I think I have made a difference, but many times I am sure I have not, and in some cases I believe I have hurt people. I have come to understand over the last year or so that the process to help someone is best described in the word empowerment. Unite 4 Africa applies this practice in every initiative as they mobilize, equip individuals and communities empowering them spiritually, socially, emotionally, economically and education in schools.
Empowerment, I have come to learn, is a process, not a single action and can be applied not only in Africa but is desperately needed all over the world. I think several years ago if someone would have told me that empowerment was needed in America, I would have probably ignored that person. However, God has opened my eyes to an amazing truth – that the best way to help people is to empower them to ask God for help.
In Africa I witnessed the leaders of Unite 4 Africa point others towards Jesus first. They helped them understand that they are loved by the Alpha and Omega, that they are children of the King. Helping them understand that Jesus cares deeply about them and desires to see them experience life to the fullest in Christ Jesus.
Also while in Africa I helped give out goats to orphans and visited a widow in her small mud and grass thatched house. She was so generous with the little she had. I also joined leaders baptizing about 600 new believers in a river in Ethiopia as they celebrated the new life in Christ. We visited three schools that Unite 4 Africa and my home church helped to build. I saw many instances of Unite 4 Africa helping with the additional steps in empowerment as well, but I will save those stories for a later date. I will leave you with this; come with us to Africa and see for yourself how your prayerful and financial partnership with U4A is positively affecting the continent of Africa!
During this difficult time please pray for all of us to trust in God more, to give us opportunities to turn people toward God and to love each other well. As we all go through this challenging time, I pray that God uses the Covid 19 virus for His glory.
May God bless all of you with the “peace that surpasses all understanding.” Philippians 4:7
In Him,
Scott Genzman
Board member Unite 4 Africa
https://www.unite4africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/e6.jpg480640Unite4Africahttps://www.unite4africa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo.pngUnite4Africa2020-04-06 22:32:362020-04-07 00:28:50Note from the Board: Scott Genzman