“Aren’t you supposed to be slowing down?” a well-meaning friend asked recently after hearing about our latest ministry activities. I smiled and replied, “Well, unlike earlier days, at least I’m not away from home half the year anymore!” Yet moments like these do cause us to reflect. This past month I celebrated my 78th birthday. In a couple of weeks 36 surviving members out of 180 of my graduating class of 1966, will gather for our 60th high school reunion. Not long after that, Christa and I will celebrate 53 years of marriage. And those seem to be the realities surrounding our lives right now.
So you might think this is where I begin to speak about slowing down or stepping back. Not at all. Instead, we find ourselves deeply aware of God’s goodness and faithfulness through every season of life and ministry. We thank God for good health, sharp minds, and the emotional energy to keep going strong. We are grateful for the gift of family and friends, for times when children and grandchildren gather around our table. Exactly a year ago, we said goodbye to my mother at the age of 96. She remained sharp in mind and steadfast in her love for Jesus to the very end. Just days before she passed, she reminded me: “Before you were born, I dedicated you to the Lord’s service.” In that moment, I was reminded again why slowing down is not yet an option.
There Is Still Work to Be Done
There is still work to be done, as is clear also from all the encouraging reports from recent training events in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Malawi. The hunger for solid, practical leadership training remains strong across southern Africa, as evidenced also from persistent calls from across the entire region. Leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been pleading for us to return. You may remember, we stepped away from active ministry there about eight years ago due to increasing dangers with crossing borders — including harassment, roadblocks, and threats of abduction.
Yet the invitations have never stopped. Pastors and leaders continue to reach out, asking for the Bible School training to return. The need for strong, Christ-centered leadership formation is clear. So we are prayerfully seeking the Lord’s wisdom for how and when to re-engage in a way that is both effective and safe.
What continues to open doors across Africa is not merely teaching content, but our focus on the person of the leader. This emphasis is resonating deeply, and it is drawing us into new regions and renewed opportunities. So we pray that the Lord multiply our efforts for His glory. But, also that He send more workers into this ripe Harvest Field. (Luke 10:2)
As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply aware that none of this would be possible without God’s faithful provision and guidance. We are equally humbled by your partnership over so many years.
Some of you have stood with us from the early days. Others have joined along the way. Whether through prayer, teaching involvement, or financial support, your faithfulness has made this ministry possible for over four decades.
We do not take that lightly. Thank you for standing with us.
Johan and Christa
A word from Johan
As you read this, would you prayerfully consider how the Lord might have you continue partnering with us in this next season, especially through the end of this year? Traditionally most charities and ministries make up their annual shortfall during the last quarter of the year, when it seems that people more likely to consider their year-end giving options. Therefore, with the doors wide open, and the need growing, and significant opportunities for yet impacting the African continent with the Gospel, your prayers, encouragement, and financial support remain vital as we seek to train and strengthen leaders across Africa.