The immediate impact of one student's ability to interpret Scripture
Cape Town, South Africa
Dear Friends
As I write this we are in the middle of winter here in Cape Town, South Africa. While it is probably not as cold as some of you experience, we do currently have snow on the mountains surrounding our city.
Firstly, we would like to thank those of you have been praying for our family and ministry during these months. It has been a difficult year for so many people in so many different ways. We ask for your continued prayers as we still come to terms with our son, Daniel’s, sudden death from Leukemia in February and then my diagnosis of colon cancer in April.
Medical Update
I am currently in Cycle 3 of 8 Chemotherapy treatments for my colon cancer. So far the side effects have been manageable but I do look forward to it coming to an end on 9th November.
We continue to trust the Lord through all of this and press on in the strength and grace He gives us each day. Please continue to pray for me and the family through this time. We know the Lord hears and answers.
Peter Project Initiative: Ghana
The Peter Project Initiative was started to provide training and equipping for the many untrained pastors of Africa. Experience gleaned from 30 years of ministry in Africa has shown that many pastors lead churches without any formal training or preparation for the task.
There are many reasons for this scenario, mainly financial. Many of these men desire a formal training but cannot afford it. The Peter Project Initiative seeks to provide and affordable, accessible and comprehensive Bible College education to these men.
Classes Progressing Well
In February this year, 26 students began their training in the Upper West Region of Ghana. As I write they are close to completing the first two modules and plan to begin the next two in September. God has used this program mightily already as is evidenced in the following testimony from one of the students:
Testimony from Student David Sagunaa
“I am glad to share this with you on the Peter Project Bible course I'm going through. My desire was always to go to Bible School but I had no financial support. Glory be to God for bringing Rev. Graham Peacocke and Pastor Mathew Yennaah to enable me to receive this training.
In times past I never knew any study method or rules of interpretation until I received the study materials. Before the classes began I already learned a lot from the study materials because they are self explanatory.
Also, all I knew about the Old Testament was the five books of the law, 12 historical books, 5 books of poetry and the 5 major and 12 minor prophets. Little did I know about some of the other facts about the Old Testament and Bible Study Methods and Rules of Interpretation.
Now the methods and rules of interpretation have helped me to study some topics in the Bible and teach my fellowship. I have seen tremendous improvement in my studies. I thank God and appreciate all the tutors as well. May God increase your strength and knowledge.” - Sagunaa David Yensuma
Some Future Needs
As we look ahead to the future of the Peter Project Initiative in Africa, I would like to share the following needs we have going forward:
2 x laptops - $700. We have need of two laptops, one for the Administrator and one for the Translation Team who are working on translating the study material into the local language of Waali. They have completed the first two manuals and have begun work on Manuals 3 and 4. They are currently recording the translated material by hand. We need to store this in digital form for future use.
Printer/Copier - $300
Stipends for Teachers and Translation Team - these stipends cover their transportation and other costs over the duration of a semester.
General Funds for the Peter Project Initiative - we need further general funding as we seek to expand this Initiative to other countries in Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi)
If you would like to be a part of what God is doing through the Peter Project Initiative in Africa you can do so through the following channels:
You can give through our website (www.thepeterprojectinitiative.org.) Simply visit our website and click on one of the “Donate” buttons. You will be taken to the IFM giving page where you should choose the Peter Project from the drop down menu.
Go directly to the Independent Faith Mission website (www.ifmnews.com) click on the “Give Now” button and choose the Peter Project from the drop down menu.
Send a check to Independent Faith Mission, PO Box 7791, Greensboro, NC 27417. Please be sure to clearly designate it for the Peter Project.
Thank you for being a part of this vital ministry to the untrained pastors of Africa. Your prayers and financial contributions are what make this possible.
As they say here in South Africa - “Sala gahle” - Stay well!
The Peacocke Family
Graham, Joanne, Joshua, Megan & Christy
