Friends, it has been a little while since I last updated you on my trainings in Africa. Recently, I’ve been sharing about a number of “family” issues, so I’ll take a moment and catch you up on my work in Africa. In March, I connected with new partners in Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and we developed a plan for launching a new Pathways network in Abidjan. Daniel and Ann Sahin are wonderful leaders of ReachAfrica in this country, and are so excited to bring Bible training to the pastors they know.
From here I went with my training partner Jordon to D.R. Congo. This important network always offers challenges and blessings as we believe God has great purposes for this group, but the enemy wants to stop God’s work. The group energetically engaged with workshop #4 on an overview of God’s Salvation Story from Genesis through Revelation. There were significant financial needs the group required, and under the leadership of Nubako Selenga, I believe we are moving forward well.
After this, in April I was joined by my good friend Dan to launch a new network in Lusaka, Zambia. The training went smoothly, and we are praying the coordination team helps these trainers to set up networks so the master trainers will pass the training on to many throughout their country. On the way from Lusaka to Johannesburg, S.A., we had an exciting flight as one of the passengers went nuts and the flight attendants (in this case two large, strong males) had to wrestle him to the ground and drag him to the back and strap him down with numerous seatbelts. Never a dull moment!
Recently, I’ve been encouraged by Africans to stay with host families when I’m in country rather than staying in guest houses. This is great with me as I’m able to offer a financial “gift” to the host family instead of paying a hotel, and they usually feed me very well. Although sometimes there is no running water or electricity, living with Africans helps my eyes to be open to how much of the rest of the world usually lives, and it allows for wonderful relationship-building opportunities in the evenings.
One of my great joys is to worship with Africans in their home churches. Usually, I’m requested to preach, and along with an expository message from some text, I oftentimes include a clear Gospel presentation, since I don’t know if I’ll ever see these people again. It has been my great honor and privilege recently to be able to lead over 50 people either in a new commitment to follow Christ, or to be released from spiritual bondage and to trust in Christ for victory. God is moving, and I’m thankful to be part of his team!
Trainings continue every month, and by God’s grace and in His strength, I’ll continue at the work grateful for the opportunity to serve my King and build His kingdom. Pressing on, Eric