From the Director's Desk
Brian McLaren succinctly states: “Protestant groups tended to take for granted the features they had in common, which led to an epidemic of majoring on minor issues – sometimes to the point of forgetting what the major issues ever were”.
One of the courses we conduct, adopted by permission of Multi Ministries, is called “Making the Main Thing the Main Thing”. How the “Main Thing” is so easily forgotten in all activity of our ministries (much to the devil’s glee).
In all our administration, ministry business, travels, scheduling etc., let us be sure that we do not forget the MAIN THING…
Someone has well said that the eyes of the world are turning to a dramatic new frontier – “inner space”! What a moment for the Evangelist to be preaching a message of hope to this aching void in human lives!
Keep productive,
Yours in His service,
Cecil Peasley
Executive Director
Seek Him First - Prayer and Fasting
Two years ago the Lord instructed me to organize a fasting and praying weekend. This was not a conference to speak about fasting and praying, but a time to seek His presence and to focus on Him. It was almost like the command given to Joel in chapter 1:14 “Call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, And cry out to the LORD”.
The first conference was held in May 2008 and 54 people attended. The second conference took place over the weekend of 15 - 17 May 2009 at the same venue and 75 people from various denominations arrived. Both conferences were held at Stoney Ridge Campsite near Hekpoort. More than half the people that attended partook in a full fast. People finding it difficult to do a full fast were welcome to do a partial fast but had to bring their own dry provisions.
The cost to attend the conference was very low because no food, etc was supplied.
When I received the instructions it was made clear to me that no collections should be taken, nothing was to be put up for sale, preachers were to be prayerfully selected from those who have already registered to attend and they were responsible for all their own costs without the promise of any stipend. The worship team should not be professional and should serve under the same conditions as those who preach. No wonder the ministry was extremely anointed and the team leading the worship was absolutely professional!
The conference is not presented under any specific ministry or church name although some ministries and churches partook in the organizing of the event.
In everything the Holy Spirit could have His way.
The result is that people attended, not because of great names but simply to gather together in the presence of the Lord. It is therefore no wonder that the service on Saturday lasted for 12 hours with just a few short water breaks and a little time to refresh in between. After every service there was reluctance in the people to retire. There were powerful prayer sessions and time was given for anyone who wanted to give testimony of what the Lord is doing in his or her life.
The presence of the Lord was so real and the Holy Spirit worked wonderfully and powerfully in the lives of those who attended.
Many testimonies of how God touched and changed lives were given as well as how He has answered their prayers.
One of the pastors who attended with quite a few members of his church said to me that he strongly considers closing his church for the next camp and encouraging all his members to attend. Another said that it will be compulsory for his leadership to attend the next 'Seek Him First' conference.
To me personally both the conferences were like a welcome oasis along the road. The focus was not on man but on our Great and Wonderful God. The general desire was to dwell in His presence and to enjoy His closeness. We were not disappointed.
The whole of the Stoney Ridge campsite has been booked for the weekend of 7-9 May 2010 if the Lord is willing and if He tarries.
YOU are welcome to attend. We look forward to fellowshipping with you.
Johan van der Westhuysen
Cell: +27 824120964
Fax: 0866573790
Email: wtwministries@hotmail.com
Karoo Crusade
The SA Association of Evangelists committee feels that it is time to arrange a Karoo Crusade which will include the towns of Middelburg, Cradock, Somerset East, Graaff-Reinet, Aberdeen, Jansenville, Klipplaat, Steytlerville and Willowmore.
The event is planned for the week of 20-27 September 2009. The idea is to start the week in each town with a central event on the Sunday, then evangelistic meetings in participating churches or in halls during the week as well as visits to schools, prisons and whatever. We will then have the closing event at the main venue on the second Sunday evening.
It would be good to have at least two evangelists per town. Much of the ministry in this area would be in Afrikaans, but interpreters will be arranged for those who can only preach in English. Any Xhosa preachers would be welcome. Ministers will be hosted in the homes of congregants of participating churches. Should this not be satisfactory, accommodation can be arranged.
Should you be willing and able to come, please arrange through the SAAE office.
Steve Grewar
KAROO FOR CHRIST
KAROO VIR CHRISTUS
Phone: 049-892-2887 (w)
049-891-0509 (h)
Fax: 049-891-0140
E-mail: steve@wam.co.za
PO Box 56
GRAAFF-REINET
6280
New Zealand Association of Evangelists
The inauguration of the New Zealand Association of Evangelists took place on August 9th 2009.
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| National Conference of Open Air Campaigners, New Zealand. |
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Interaction at mealtime, New Zealand Conference
for Evangelists |
International Associations of Evangelists
Over the past couple of years the following Associations have been established:
- Barbados
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Costa Rica
- Nicaragua
- Zimbabwe
Do pray for the development of each of the projects.
From the Field - Brazil
During July teams from South Africa and the United States of America conducted a Crusade in Barra Mansa (about 2hours drive from Rio de Janeiro), where the teams witnessed a great harvest of over 500 decisions for Christ.
The Crusade was preceded by a Congress on Evangelism and 160 Pastors and leaders were trained over a period of 5 days in the various forms of evangelism.
Requirements for fulfilling the Great Commission
by Bill Bright
How can we humans fulfill the Great Commission?
- We must think supernaturally
- We must pray supernaturally
- We must plan supernaturally
- We must love supernaturally
We must draw upon the supernatural strength of the Holy spirit by faith - Acts 1:8
Condolences
Our hearts and prayers go out to our brother and honorary life member of the Association, Dr. Johannes van der Colff whose beloved wife Esmé passed away recently.
Please continue to keep the family in your prayers during this time of grief as they deal with their loss.
Illness
Please pray for Michael Francis who suffered a minor stroke recently and has to cut back on his activities.
Please continue to keep his wife June in your prayers during this time as she cares and supports him during his convalescence.
These are difficult times in which we live and health issues way heavily on our minds.
Let us lay our burdens at the foot of the cross and claim the victory that is ours through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Contact Details Change
Please take note of the change to the contact details of the SAAE National Office.
Please note these changes for your future communications with Sharon.
Office e-mail:
sharon@harvfell.co.za
Office address:
c/o Harvest Christian Fellowship,
P. O. Box 1785,
Glen Vista,
2058
Office telephone number:
011 432 5750
Office facsimile number:
086 624 9826
Do pray much for all our fellow servants and their ministries.
Contributions:
Please continue to send your articles, news and programs to Sharon at the office for inclusion in the forthcoming editions of the Proclaim Newsletter. Cut off date for submission for the next issue: 21 November 2008
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