Village News
Arthur left for Sichili on 24 July for his monthly visit to the churches in West Zambia. This time he stayed in Sichili. We have started building the pastor's house in Sichili and Arthur took a full load of building equipment with the Landrover and trailer. The heavier load made it difficult to get through the thick sand and he got stuck a couple of times, once in the middle of a village. The friendly villagers were eager to help, so "no problem"!
For the past three years, Arthur taught John Maxwell's "Million Leaders Mandate" leadership course in the different villages. The leadership in the 24 villages where we work have completed all six books. The teachings have made a huge impact on a lot of lives. This time Arthur started a new series of teaching on "Righteousness by Faith" (from Mike Petzer's book "Such a Great Salvation") and "Developing the Roots of Christian Character". The Righteousness teaching reveals to us the full impact of the finished work of Christ i.t.o. our new righteous nature that is imparted to us when we receive the Living Word (Jesus) implanted in us through faith. Roots of Christian Character expalins to us from the Word of God the principles God employs, in developing in us the Character of Jesus Christ. Knowing how God is transforming our inner man, helps us to respond in faith!
We found it important to bring these teachings because we have been sowing good seed in the hearts of the church leaders in the last 5 years, and sufficient fruit has been lacking. This is why we have to look at the soil in which we sow: Mark 4:17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. - ESV
We now give them the resources to allow God to prepare the hearts by inner transformation, enabling them to receive the Word emplanted and yield a plentiful harvest to the glory of the Father!
Plans for August
Arthur leaves for The Bush again on Wednesday 15 August. This time he will visit the villages of Machili, Mulobezi Central, Mulobezi Bridge, Nzimba and Namakombwe. Please continue to pray for him and the people who will receive God's Word.
On 25 August we fly out to South Africa. Arthur will co-present an Elijah House course in Lydenburg. Liezl will have the opportunity to attend our sending church's Women's Conference. On 16 September we leave for Hong Kong for a short trip to visit one of our supporters, Liezl's brother and his wife. By 29 September we will be back in Livingstone!
Points of Prayer
Please pray for us! Since Arthur started to present the new teachings at the villages, we have definetly experienced an increase in spiritual warfare. We need men and women of faith to stand with us and intercede with us. Please pray with us about the following:
- Pray that God will continue to protect us against the enemy - Isaiah 54:17
"no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed,
and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord
and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” - Pray for Arthur's trip to the village - that every aspect of it will happen as God will it. Pray that God's favor will rest on the Landy. It has to work very hard transporting building material...Pray also for Liezl and the children who stay behind - that God will protect them and keep them.
- We are at a crossroads in our ministry. We do not have the freedom right now to share fully, but we ask that you will pray for God's wisdom and favour in the situation
Thank you for your continued love, care and support. We appreciate it more than words can say.
Love
Arthur, Liezl, Hugian and Louis