RENEWED Ministries Update – 23 December 2024

NEWS PRAYER AND SUPPORT UPDATE!

This is the RENEWED Ministries update for 26 November, as provided by Reverend Courtney Richards.

Hello friend and prayer partner. Christmas-Advent greetings to you as we celebrate with great joy the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into the world – to save us from our sins. We, in RENEWED Ministries, are blessed and delighted to be called by Him to make disciples of the nations, “The Jesus Way”, and to see people transformed by the power of the gospel of Jesus. YOU share in this calling, whether you pray for us, give to our ministry and missions or encourage us as we go. We are exceedingly grateful to God for you and your partnership with us.

As you know, God has given to us an expansive vision to make and multiply disciples and lead disciple-making movements in all 54 countries of Africa. This vision is expanding in Africa and transforming thousands of lives. Here’s what our Administrator in Africa, Pastor Juma Peter Maritim says in a message to you:

“This year, we had three very successful missions in the following African countries – Ethiopia, South Sudan and Zambia. The impact on the participants was tremendous. In the Zambia discipleship and leadership training, one lady, who was one of the leaders in her church, shared a powerful story as we were looking at the ancient paths of cultural traditions, rituals, customs, beliefs and practices that still impact their lives and what the Bible has to say about such things. After her husband died recently, she was required by the village chief to shave her head and have sex with another man. This is part of a cleansing ritual in her culture. Although she was a leader in her church, she had been practising some of the cultural rituals, customs and traditions. She had her head shaved but she realized that it was wrong for her to have sex with a man that was not her husband. She and her pastor (who was also in our training) said they told the village chief that she, being a Christian, could and would not have sex with another man unless they were married. The village chief was angry and threatened them for defying their customs which have been practiced for centuries. As a result of being in our training on the ancient paths which looks at how we need to critique cultural beliefs, rituals, customs and practices with what the Bible teaches, she and her pastor said their eyes have been opened and they have been encouraged to stand up against the evil practices of their culture and stand on the word of God despite the threats and potential persecution.”

Hallelujah! That’s the power of transformation that Jesus brings us. That’s how Jesus and His word and Spirit open our eyes to truth and give us the courage to obey regardless of the consequences. Please continue to pray for Africa missions as we encounter more challenges. Pray for God to give us and the people we serve the courage and strength to obey His word in whatever culture we find ourselves in.

Please remember that we NEED and are depending on you to give generously to Africa missions 2025 to five African countries May to July. The countries are: Kenya, Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and South Africa. Please consider a SACRIFICIAL gift to RENEWED Ministries so that many other lives will be transformed by the gospel of Jesus and more disciples made who will make and multiply other disciples for His Kingdom and glory. We need over $50,000 USD by the end of March 2025. God is more than able to provide it and to use you to help us raise this amount. Thanks in advance for your generous gift(s).

Please send your gifts and donations via check/cheque to: RENEWED Ministries, P.O. Box 1229, Mishawaka, Indiana, USA 46546 or give online via PayPal at: www.renewed-ministries.org.

Have a wonderful and joyful Christmas as you celebrate Jesus, The Christ. May your New Year be of great transformation and impact for you and those who you serve, by the power of God’s Spirit. Thanks for all that you do for us in RENEWED Ministries – all for the Kingdom and glory of God!

Coram Deo!

Always in God’s grip,

Courtney Richards