Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you for your gifts of love and uplifting prayers. The work continues to expand, and the workers continue to go beyond human limitations. Seven men walked 100 kilometers in 3 days without food to the Zambian border crossing to ask us to bring the gospel to their people. Coming from Zimbabwe was difficult for them, but they were received with love and compassion by three of our churches in the Tonga valley. The churches provided food and lodging for a week of teaching and gave them each chetengas (skirts) for their wives and trousers for each man. They were given Bibles, discipleship materials, gospel tracts and assurance that we will help them.
Mark and Esther Wangler helped us in the work for 2 weeks, providing 600 flashlights for our workers. Their friends and co-workers also sent soccer balls, school supplies and bikes. What a blessing. The Jesus film was shown 3 times, strengthening the believers and bringing many to faith in Jesus Christ. A meeting was held at Hachamuwama, 27 more received Christ, 43 are ready to be baptized and the people are burning bricks for the first church to proclaim Jesus Christ in their area. Seven of the new believers were set free from spiritual bondage, and 3 new preaching points were established.
Our truck had the transfer case rebuilt and the clutch replaced at a cost of $2,500.
The school ministry continues to grow; we now have 90 leaders, both men and women preaching, teaching and making disciples in over 30 schools. They teach one hour a week in each school and one hour a week after school for the students who want to become disciples of Christ. Thus far 23 young men (students) ages 12-16 years are learning to preach the gospel; they are the future. “THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS REWARD” 1 Tim 5:18b.
We have 300 workers in 165 churches who are asking God to provide seed for planting. This will enable them to feed their families as they take the gospel to those who have never heard. A family can eat for a year with $100 worth of seed.
Prayer Requests:
1. Will you pray and give as God has prospered you?
2. We have been able to provide 50 bikes but still need 50 more this year. The cost for a good bike is $185.
3. We personally need your prayers and help. Our personal support, funded by our retirement fund, has been cut by over 60% and we must raise $1500 - $2000 per month. If you know of a church that would like to invest where God is working, tell them about us. We will be on furlough Feb. 1st – May 5th or longer if necessary.
Our e-mail address is joe@africanoutreach.net. May God enlarge our coasts, keep us from evil, put His hands on us, and bless us together.
Love,
Joe and Tammy Haden