Recently, Ron has formed a group made up of some of those we have worked with and has named the group, "Africa's Mighty Men". He has put them all in contact with each other to encourage them and to help them network for future ministry. Ron also asked them to each say something about their opinion of our Empower Africa Christian Leadership Conferences (EACLC) of how they have been of help to them. These are the responses.
Quotations from Africa’s Mighty Men
“I think the Empower Africa Christian Leadership Conferences are what we were lacking in Africa. So many things have been done, but not many have empowered Africans with knowledge which is deep, which is very new to us, which propels us to do more for God. Many things have changed in my life as a result, e.g., prayer and reading of the word.” Rex Chipoya, Zambia
“EACLC’s came as a powerful prophetic message and tool to raise me up and be better positioned in God’s will. My leaders and I will never be the same again.” Rev. John N. Mutandwa, Zimbabwe
“The Empower Africa Christian Leadership Conferences are one of the best short term training programs we have ever had in this part of Africa. We are grateful to God for your availability to provide the much needed equipping to be the best God wants us to be in ministry.” Andrew Abah, Nigeria
“Leadership is not about the position you have but is based on how much and far you can influence others to change. Who I am is of more value than what I do.”
Pierre Dianda, Democratic Republic of the Congo
“Together we can achieve much more than we ever could on our own. Let us join together and tell the nations that Christ is for all.” Albert Rwagasore, Rwanda
“It’a great privilege for us all to be involved in our Creator’s work. Indeed, it is another wonderful thing to hear of a beloved brother, and brothers working on the other side of national borderlines. May the Lord continue to supply favor, mercies, grace, and sustaining ability to you for the development of our lives together. I do not know any one of you and neither have I heard of you from any one. I think it is very likely that you are in the same situation. I see this as an opportunity to work together as a team, or better yet, form a kind of network to bring honor and glory to our God, benefit our work and to lift the Church of Christ to the Lord without any more barriers. I sincerely appreciate every one of you in His vineyard. May He see us through as we move ahead and may He bring us together at His own time for the benefit of us all.” Fred Adigun Emmanuel, Nigeria
“This is honestly a good initiative, it's a tool for monitoring the impact and progress of Empower Africa Christian Leadership Conferences. Concerning my own opinion, EACLC is like a source of refreshing water often ignored by thirsty people. It's like a sharpening stone that farmers use to sharpen their machetes and knives for the better service. I recommend all leaders thirsty to go and taste; they will be well-fed and not return as empty vessels. EACLC is a spiritually refreshing course and the instructors are qualified to provide quality teachings.” Ananias Sentozi, Rwanda
“I'd like to thank you again for your gift, the book "Rise to Seek Him". You cannot imagine the revolution this book has brought in our prayer lives. The results are beyond expectation, wonderful, and great. The EACLCs are for us what the Manna was to the people of Israel in the desert. Praise God for the EACLCs! They have come at the appointed time in Africa. They are really the ministry developers".
Moise Ngondombo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
“I strongly believe that the future of the church lies in the development of African Christian leaders. Therefore the Empower Africa Christian Leadership Conferences plays a pivotal role in equipping the Africa church leaders for ministry in this continent.” Colin Makoni, Zimbabwe.
“It is a fact that the Church is growing rapidly in Africa. And to prevent the Adversary from planting his seeds among us, we need tools that empower us to do the work with confidence. May the Lord help Empower African Leadership Conferences to continue to play this role successfully.” Yvon Pierre Ibata, Brazzaville-CONGO
“Praise God for awakening his servants to learn to "Dig for diamonds." In the village, we recently met two different groups of pastors and evangelists (55 of each men and women for a total of 110) who were thirsty and hungry for knowledge of the Word of God. They attended faithfully during the five days for each group. And, glory be to God, in His faithfulness, He mightily used us! I, personally, in my preparation of teaching found myself much influenced by what I learned at an EACLC, especially "Bible Study as Preparation for Teaching and Preaching: How to dig for diamonds in the Word of God as preparation for better preaching/teaching.
"Surprisingly, after the teachings, my fellow trainers and students were all curious, asking me where I got these skills. Proudly, I frankly revealed that I was taught, equipped, and sharpened by fine people of God Drs Ron and Char and that not myself alone, but also thousands of Africans have already received this training. Right now others are undergoing the training and in the future many others will too. I want to let many know that I believe that the EACLC has tackled the heavier issue of leadership development, the lack of which in the past has ruined Africa for years. All corners of our continent desperately need EACLC teachings. I believe that thorough this way God Himself has chosen, raised up, and is using EACLC lecturers to fulfill His will for current Leadership development in Africa. Let’s dig for diamonds.” Michel Gasare, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
Monday, March 2, 2009
Africa Adventures Recent Report
“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!’ I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.”
Psalm 118:15-17
December, January Summer/Winter Break
Our time in the States, with family in DC for three weeks in December and with friends and encouragers in Oklahoma for three weeks in January, was excellent! With six grandchildren, two sons, and one wonderful daughter-in-law to enjoy, and Char’s siblings and others visiting with us for several days, the time went too quickly. We rejoice that all is going well for them even as it is with their souls. This frees us from worry about our families while we are in Africa. Tulsa was a whirlwind as we shared our adventures, visited with our great friends, and shopped for a year’s worth of needed supplies. Ron finished editing book number three and was able to move it forward toward publishing. It was not very difficult to leave the cold of winter and return to South Africa’s summer! J We returned to our little Pretoria “flat” for just a few days and recovered from jet-lag (Char nursing a cough) while getting ready for our next missionary adventure.
February Burundi Conferences
We flew into Bujumbura, the capitol, this time, instead of driving south from Uganda and Rwanda as we did 15 months ago. Bujumbura rests on a plain at the edge of a beautiful lake, and is bordered to the north by lovely lush green mountains. We were met at the airport by our dear brothers and sisters and the party began. At first we regretted bringing warmer clothes, but as we drove north into the mountains, we realized that our memories had served us right and that it was still winter in Burundi. Winter? Rather like North American spring or fall days, cool and pleasant with occasional rain and cold winds. We hear it can get really hot in the summer.
It was a busy and productive time in Ngozi and some of its surrounding villages. We were slated to hold nineteen days straight (February 1 – 19) of one-day meetings. This was a departure, however, from our normal routine of conducting three-day, fifteen-session Empower Africa Christian Leadership conferences (EACLCs). We were certainly glad to have prepared new materials, which is our continuing normal practice. We preached in six three-to-four hour long church services and taught three hours in each of two men’s, two women’s and two youth conferences. All were well received by teachable and hungry listeners. Then our five days of conference with pastors and leaders was especially fruitful. With no Bible school in the area, these hungry leaders pulled our teachings out of us. These events afforded fruitful ministry times with many, but, as usual, particularly with the pastors/leaders. We kept two interpreters very busy.
Ron felt impressed several times to offer to go to the local prison and speak. Then our host was called to the local province governor’s office to talk, of all things, about a prison ministry. Ron volunteered and officials arranged a special four-hour meeting. The Ngozi Men’s Prison facilitates houses 5,000 male offenders from the surrounding five provinces plus another section for the women. Our group ministered to the 4 to 5 hundred men prisoners squeezed into a mid-sized courtyard. One of the church choirs, including their babies and babysitters, and several church leaders and pastors went with us, so about 60 of us filled one end of the yard. We two white people always cause such a stir everywhere we go; this was no exception. To everyone’s delight the Christian prisoners of the “church” in the prison sang and danced, and then the choir with us did the same thing. Ron spoke twice, using drama and visuals challenging the inmates towards self-reliance and to put their faith in God. Between 50 and 60 persons (including a woman from the church choir) responded to the altar call. We were able to mingle and pray for them, then personally greet and encourage many of them. We have already received good reports from our host pastor.
Burundi is much like Rwanda, to the north, mountainous, green, and rainy with fertile soil. Yet both nations are economically impoverished, Burundi more than Rwanda. Thousands of people live at the poverty level, in many cases because of recent wars and genocides. It is heart-rending to see the child beggars on the streets, many of them war orphans. Yet, the opportunity for powerful ministry is overwhelming. May God bless them abundantly as they seek to live according to His Word.
Departure Adventure
We experienced some trauma the last hours there because the driver would not take us to the airport until we paid him more money. He drove us to the bank; not the airport. We arrived at the airport 20 minutes before the plane was scheduled to take off and the Lord, and the Kenya Airlines staff, graciously helped us quickly through the boarding process. Thank you for praying for us. We feel the effects of your prayers when close calls like this occur. May the Lord richly bless you.
We are scheduled to leave March 4th for Lagos where we will be working for 7 weeks and returning to Pretoria on April 24th. Thanks again for praying for the Meyers on Mondays. We are praying for you, too, that God will bless you big time!
Ron and Char
Psalm 118:15-17
December, January Summer/Winter Break
Our time in the States, with family in DC for three weeks in December and with friends and encouragers in Oklahoma for three weeks in January, was excellent! With six grandchildren, two sons, and one wonderful daughter-in-law to enjoy, and Char’s siblings and others visiting with us for several days, the time went too quickly. We rejoice that all is going well for them even as it is with their souls. This frees us from worry about our families while we are in Africa. Tulsa was a whirlwind as we shared our adventures, visited with our great friends, and shopped for a year’s worth of needed supplies. Ron finished editing book number three and was able to move it forward toward publishing. It was not very difficult to leave the cold of winter and return to South Africa’s summer! J We returned to our little Pretoria “flat” for just a few days and recovered from jet-lag (Char nursing a cough) while getting ready for our next missionary adventure.
February Burundi Conferences
We flew into Bujumbura, the capitol, this time, instead of driving south from Uganda and Rwanda as we did 15 months ago. Bujumbura rests on a plain at the edge of a beautiful lake, and is bordered to the north by lovely lush green mountains. We were met at the airport by our dear brothers and sisters and the party began. At first we regretted bringing warmer clothes, but as we drove north into the mountains, we realized that our memories had served us right and that it was still winter in Burundi. Winter? Rather like North American spring or fall days, cool and pleasant with occasional rain and cold winds. We hear it can get really hot in the summer.
It was a busy and productive time in Ngozi and some of its surrounding villages. We were slated to hold nineteen days straight (February 1 – 19) of one-day meetings. This was a departure, however, from our normal routine of conducting three-day, fifteen-session Empower Africa Christian Leadership conferences (EACLCs). We were certainly glad to have prepared new materials, which is our continuing normal practice. We preached in six three-to-four hour long church services and taught three hours in each of two men’s, two women’s and two youth conferences. All were well received by teachable and hungry listeners. Then our five days of conference with pastors and leaders was especially fruitful. With no Bible school in the area, these hungry leaders pulled our teachings out of us. These events afforded fruitful ministry times with many, but, as usual, particularly with the pastors/leaders. We kept two interpreters very busy.
Ron felt impressed several times to offer to go to the local prison and speak. Then our host was called to the local province governor’s office to talk, of all things, about a prison ministry. Ron volunteered and officials arranged a special four-hour meeting. The Ngozi Men’s Prison facilitates houses 5,000 male offenders from the surrounding five provinces plus another section for the women. Our group ministered to the 4 to 5 hundred men prisoners squeezed into a mid-sized courtyard. One of the church choirs, including their babies and babysitters, and several church leaders and pastors went with us, so about 60 of us filled one end of the yard. We two white people always cause such a stir everywhere we go; this was no exception. To everyone’s delight the Christian prisoners of the “church” in the prison sang and danced, and then the choir with us did the same thing. Ron spoke twice, using drama and visuals challenging the inmates towards self-reliance and to put their faith in God. Between 50 and 60 persons (including a woman from the church choir) responded to the altar call. We were able to mingle and pray for them, then personally greet and encourage many of them. We have already received good reports from our host pastor.
Burundi is much like Rwanda, to the north, mountainous, green, and rainy with fertile soil. Yet both nations are economically impoverished, Burundi more than Rwanda. Thousands of people live at the poverty level, in many cases because of recent wars and genocides. It is heart-rending to see the child beggars on the streets, many of them war orphans. Yet, the opportunity for powerful ministry is overwhelming. May God bless them abundantly as they seek to live according to His Word.
Departure Adventure
We experienced some trauma the last hours there because the driver would not take us to the airport until we paid him more money. He drove us to the bank; not the airport. We arrived at the airport 20 minutes before the plane was scheduled to take off and the Lord, and the Kenya Airlines staff, graciously helped us quickly through the boarding process. Thank you for praying for us. We feel the effects of your prayers when close calls like this occur. May the Lord richly bless you.
We are scheduled to leave March 4th for Lagos where we will be working for 7 weeks and returning to Pretoria on April 24th. Thanks again for praying for the Meyers on Mondays. We are praying for you, too, that God will bless you big time!
Ron and Char
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