Furlough Feedback
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
I trust that this update finds you “of good cheer” in the midst of some of the most trying and difficult times. Remember that we are overcomers through our Lord Jesus Christ. Praying that you and your families are safe and healthy wherever you may be around the world.
Furlough Update
As many of you already know, Joanne and I recently completed a 3 month furlough in the USA. During this time we were able to visit 17 churches in 5 different states. Needless to say, it was a very busy time with much traveling both by car and plane, as we were able to visit churches on both the east and west coasts.
Youth outreach - Boise, Idaho
Unfortunately we had to cut our furlough short by two weeks due to the Corona Virus outbreak and our flights home being canceled. This resulted in us not being able to visit 3 remaining churches in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, as well as not being able to visit our son and daughter-in-law in Florida before we left.
We were, however, able to rebook our flights and make it home just before a total ban on all flights in and out of South Africa was enforced by our government.
We were privileged to meet many new people as well as reconnect with many “old” friends during our time in the States. It is always a highlight for us as we travel from church to church to be able to build relationships with those we meet, our fellow laborers in Christ.
To those churches that we were able to visit - thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share the Peter Project Initiative with your congregations and for your generous response. We were tremendously encouraged by the overwhelming interest and commitment to this Initiative by so many. Thank you!
Missions Conference Banquet - Boise, Idaho
Peter Project Update
Ghana:
Now that we are back in South Africa, our attention has shifted to moving forward with the Peter Project Initiative.
Just by way of refreshment, the Peter Project Initiative seeks to train the untrained pastors of Africa by providing them with a non-formal, theological education through a self-contained 10-course curriculum designed to provide the pastor with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to practically, adequately and effectively carry out his biblical role.
Our goal on furlough was to raise both the awareness of this need as well as the funding to implement this Initiative. Thank you for helping us succeed on both counts. Our vision for training these untrained pastors was well received and many gave generously to the Peter Project Fund. Our goal was to raise $10 000 of which we currently have $5955.00.
Our immediate goal is to begin training National Pastors in Ghana, West Africa, who will then in turn teach and train their fellow nationals using the curriculum provided through the Peter Project Initiative. We had initially intended to begin this in May but will have to wait until the Corona Virus threat has passed.
In the meantime, I am busy with all of the administrative work and planning to be ready when the time comes. I am in constant contact with Pastor Matthew Yennaah in Ghana as we plan for this time. Needless to say, there is tremendous excitement and anticipation amongst the pastors and prospective students there.
At this point in time, we have the potential of 6 national pastors who will act as tutors/teachers, and a possible enrollment of between 20-25 students. We will shortly begin the process of screening and registering the students and ordering the study materials to be sent to them. Please pray for us as we begin this process.
Zimbabwe:
I have recently held discussions with a pastor friend in rural Zimbabwe who is interested in starting the Peter Project there. He is presently training 10 student pastors in his area but has no materials or resources to do this effectively. On sharing our vision of the Peter Project with him, he was so excited at the possibility of being able to properly train and equip these men for full-time ministry.
There is a great need for pastoral training in Zimbabwe
He is also looking at the possibility of training a further 5 men in another part of the country. These are great opportunities and we are praying that the Lord will open the doors for us to come alongside these men in Zimbabwe.
If you would like to partner with us in the Peter Project Initiative you can do so by praying for us and this ministry, as well as contributing financially. All donations for the Peter Project can be sent directly to: The Peter Project, Independent Faith Mission, PO Box 7791, Greensboro, NC 27407. Please designate your gifts clearly.
Prayer Requests
Please pray for us as we enter week 2 of a 3 week national lock down in South Africa. Pray that we would use this time profitably. Know that you and your families are in our prayers at this time as well.
Pray for the planning and preparation necessary for launching the Peter Project in Ghana.
Pray for open doors to take the Peter Project to Zimbabwe
Pray for opportunities in other African countries.
Pray for the funding needed to accomplish the above. Pray we would reach our goal of $10 000.
Thank you for your faithful support as our partners in this endeavor. We appreciate each and every one of you for standing with us.
