Newletter 21

December 21, 2007

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.” Colossians 4:2-3

Being Watchful and Thankful!

*Prayer meeting this week focused on thanksgiving as the church has a multitude of blessings for which to be thankful since the youth arrived safely from Dipudugudu with many stories of God’s works.

*Mothusi praises God for his plans of full time ministry in Gakuto. Although he originally planned a different course for his life, God redirected him to His service and changed his heart.

*Rapula and Lame thanked God for a year of health.

*Moruti led us all in thanking God for our partners who have been used by God in sustaining the fellowship through struggles with the building, tent, and Mothusi’s support.

*Mma Bodutu thanked God for His comfort as a neighbor in Old Naledi was found dead in his house after several days.

*We also praise God for employment opportunities for the youth.

…So that We May Proclaim the Mystery of Christ: Update on Diphudughudu!

We appreciate all of your prayers concerning the youth mission’s trip to Diphudughudu. The devil was clearly not pleased with the work and they experienced an intense spiritual battle along the way, but they have returned home safely with many testimonies about revival, relationships, and regeneration in their own hearts and those that they ministered to.

They left for the trip in a rented combi with individual prayer assignments to cover the work that God had prepared for them at the sister church. Over the week, they felt a prayer for unity being answered in a powerful way. Working together, Mothusi said that he witnessed, “the least becoming greatest” and each contributed an individual walk with God that encouraged the others. All of the youth were exhausted from the physical labor they endured during acts of service, but they felt that this was an opportunity to put into practice our study of Christian service, modeling their ministry off of that of Christ.

Lame was struck by the deep relationships that were formed, especially with the older youth. Many of the Basarwa girls are pressured to become pregnant as soon as they can quit their schooling. As a result, only one of the youth girls that had made a commitment to abstinence was free enough to help as a church leader. Lame’s heart was changed by the trip and he feels called

to return to the village at least three times a year, to cultivate relationships and continue his prayer for the elders. Please join Lame in prayer for follow up. All of the youth identified a lack of leadership as one of the greatest needs of the church. They are fervently praying that someone will be raised up to pastor in the area.

MG pointed out traditional healing as another stronghold that requires prayer. As the youth went about offering their services and sharing with those that were interested, they encountered a traditional healer in every house as the local people struggle with diseases that have ravaged the community. He praised God that despite some fear of the witchcraft all around them, the youth were all strong and well protected by the Lord.

The obstacles continued as the group made their way back to Gaborone. First, the combi broke down near Molepolole, so that they were stranded with very little food and water until help came. Eventually, Champ worked out transportation for all but 4 of the youth guys, who stayed overnight until they were able to ride the bus the next day. However, Champ had to lend his car to the owner of the combi in the meantime. The owner got in a drunken accident, smashing in the top and side of the car and totaling it. Unfortunately, the driver is refusing to pay to replace the car and seeking legal advice. Please pray for this situation as he continues to face obstacles that only god can overcome and provide protection. Our God is so faithful!

December 7, 2007

Prayer Requests

*Please pray for Moruti’s sister. She has tested positive and returned to Marina on Tuesday.

*The youth will leave for Diphudhugudu tomorrow morning. They will be cleaning and repairing the kgotla and church property as they minister, build relationships, and host children’s and youth programs for a partner church in the Basarwa village. Please pray for unity, revival, and strong armor against Satan’s attacks.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise!

*As we anticipate celebrating the birth of Christ and the coming of a new year, we reflect on the wonderful God that we serve and His mighty acts over the past year.

*Praise God for the Tlamelo Christmas party that was a big success.

*Praise God for His generous provision of funds for the December camp. The youth will be providing an update to all of our partners when they return.

*Join Rapula in praising God that his brother has begun to follow Christ.

A Tlamelo Christmas…

“ Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth

Peace to men on whom

His favor rests. ”~Luke 2:14

Moruti Mothusi shared the reason for our celebration, teaching a large crowd of children this morning at the Tlamelo Christmas party. Lesego, Champ, and Mpho joined him in leading party games and singing.

The women of the church provided a great meal with all of the generous donations, and distributed clothing, sweets, and other Christmas treats. This was the last meal that will be served until Tlamelo reopens next year!