July 11, 2011

July 11, 2011

We have just come back from twenty days in several Brazilian cities.  Our primary focus in this nation is to encourage pastors that are already working on behalf of Christ.  During this time we saw many new pastors encouraged in the work they are doing.The "spirit of unity" referred to in Ephesians 4:3 was the regular theme as we spake with leaders from many different denominations in Brazil.

Pastor Eloi Lopes of Templo Deus Provedor in Joinville, Brazil

Over the eleven years that we have worked in this country, the number of evangelic Christians has nearly doubled! The question now facing the leadership is how to deal with the success. Many of the men and women serving the Lord are seeing that we must "love one another" in order to properly display we are as servants of Christ (see John 13:34-35). It is our hope to further solidify these relationships on our next visit to Brazil in March of 2012. Please pray for our covenant partner , Pastor Ari Cavalcanti, as he visits Africa for the first time July 14. We will be in many venues throughout South Africa and Zimbabwe over the weeks that he is here.

Pastors Ari Cavalcanti and Everaldo Borges in Curitiba, BR

Pastors Ari Cavalcanti and Everaldo Borges in Curitiba, BR



Blessings in Christ............Rodney, Trina and Bridget  

June 7, 2011

The Brothers and Sisters of Turning Point Church in Paarl East We've just returned from a triumphant trip to the Western Cape province. We have worked with several churches and ministries in the Borland area of the province for many years. There has been a notable strength come from these relationships over time. Ephesians 4:15-16 says,

15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

The relationships we have with the Saints at First Love Church and His Grace International would be best described as "joint(s)" in the Body of Christ. Because we are received by these groups, our special relationship with them causes a spiritual "growth" in the people that helps them share Christ's love in their communities. We had a very exciting experience with a new Church in the city of Paarl. A young pastor, Morton Sias, asked if there was any way we could do a service with the church he has worked with over the last four years. We agreed to do Sunday evening service and the drive to the small meeting hall was ominous.  The fellowship is located in Paarl East which is notorious for crime, drugs and gang activity. It literally felt like we were sneaking "behind enemy lines" as we drove through the impoverished housing project to get to the church. What we found was a packed house of believers and a tangible presence  of the Holy Spirit. Not only was I filled with hope, it was clear to me that the appearance of "doom and gloom" was a lie of the enemy. Jesus is taking over this area and we got to participate in His assault that evening. It served as a pointed reminder that nothing can stop us when we are led by Him! We have an amazingly busy few months. On June 15, I'll go to Brazil for 20 days. This will be followed by a trip to Zimbabwe in July and another to Capetown in August. Please be in prayer for us as we do our best to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom!

May 3, 2011

 

  Our friends Bruce and Lil Dickson of Salt Rock, SA   One of the things that is difficult to explain to people who aren't in a missions context is the blessing we get from true relationships. Bruce and Lil are some of God's gifts to us in this area. To be able to spend time with friends like them takes a lot of the challenge out of being away from our natural family! The Dickson's, along with several other families, supply us with second hand clothes and other items that we are able to give to those in need.

 Some new additions from Congo to the Bible Study group in Etete  Here are two recent testimonies from a distribution of goods to some of the people we minister to in Etete: 1) A recent Congolese immigrant arrived with just enough money to buy a sewing machine. After attending our meeting the Lord touched her heart and she gave us a 20 rand ($2.5) offering (all she had). As we started going through the goods we had, there was a significant amount of unused fabric that we gave to her. We estimate that she'll be able to make 100 times what she gave from her heart. 2) One of the single mother's had a son that had been crying for shoes for more than a week. We had no idea, but the Lord obviously did because in her parcel of goods were three pairs of shoes that fit her young son!

It is very gratifying to simply serve people, but when you see the Holy Spirit truly organizing things it is awesome! Please pray for our trip to the Western Cape Provence this month and anything else the Lord lays on your heart for us. Blessings in Christ...........................................Rodney,Trina,Bridget





March 29, 2011 IRC Ministry News

March 29, 2011

A local spiritist cult who conducts their worship only outdoors

For several years now we have conducted a bible study/outreach in the eTete area near our home in South Africa. Our route to the site of the gathering has many noteable pictures that speak a lot about the nature of our ministry and the spiritual climate of much of South Africa. Spiritism is a major form of worship in most of Sub-saharan Africa. Groups that fall into this category seek guidance from the spirits of their own dead ancestors, animals and other forms of nature.

One of the most prominent buildings in ShakasKraal, the Mosque

More recently, Islam has become a significant presence. Much of this rise is due to their ability to provide financial opportunity for the poor in Africa. We have seen the love of Christ break these strongholds off of many through our meetings. We want you to pray for the Lord's direction to expand the work that He already has us involved in.

The location in the community of eTete that we hold bible study

Blessings in Christ.........................Rodney,Trina and Bridget

March 14, 2011 IRC Ministries News

March 14, 2011

Pastor David Banza of Harare, Zimbabwe visiting us in Durban SA

Today I spent most of the day with a beloved friend and co-laborer in the work of Christ, David Banza. We ere originally supposed to spend a bit of time together over breakfast, but it became clear during our conversation that I was supposed to help him in his quest to purchase a car for his family back in Zimbabwe. Here is a small list of our circumstances:
1) David has health challenges that cause him to fatigue quickly
2) The area where the cars are purchased is always very dangerous and more so when you are alone
3)Because of the banking situation in Zimbabwe, he had to carry thousands of US dollars in cash. To conceal this from greedy border guards and would be thieves, it was hidden in the soles of his shoes!

 John 13:34-35 (NASB)says,
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

While I could only offer my car, time and prayerful consideration, it was clear that this not only helped my rother but greatly encouraged him in general. You could see the "worry" that was very evident on my friend earlier in the day slowly dissapate until only confidence was present. I went from walking hesitantly to experiencing a peace that I could not explain. In this specific situation, it is my conviction that because "love" was present between us that the enemy of our souls was defeated. It is also my belief that part of our personal access to the presence of Christ in all situations is tied to how we love, honor and cherish fellow believers in Christ with all the means at our disposal.

Blessings in Christ...............................Rodney, Trina, Bridget