In 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) we read: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”
After such a hectic year, with the COVID 19 lockdowns, a looming world-wide financial crisis, unbelievable Global upheavals and conflicts, and not to mention the political and social polarization in almost every nation, we can’t believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner! A time when hopefully we can all look back and find ALL those things in-between the chaos, for which we can return thanks to our Heavenly Father.
Even though this year has been very different with so many uncertainties, we still see God in control. He remains faithful and keeps His promises. We pray that as the Lord had brought you and your loved ones through these past months of the coronavirus season, that He will continue to encapsulate you with His Mercy and Love, continuing to hold you in His powerful grip. We are doing well, but are still largely home-bound because of the global travel ban. Even though we remain separated from much of our hands-on ministry, and unable to travel to most bases, we remain in regular contact with the people and leadership we partner with – those we minister among, care and provide for, and those across the southern Africa region who represent our Mission.
Many of our pastors and Leaders, most who serve as Tentmakers, having to provide and supplement their ministry income through a second job or cottage industry, have now lost that income as a result of the COVID Pandemic. Many in the churches are having difficulty providing food for their families.
During the lockdown, child abuse and domestic-violence rates rose to record levels, and we are facing a renewed crisis in Gender based violence across the whole southern Africa region. Sadly we are not able to expand our own involvement much more than what we already are doing. But, by God’s grace we have been able to maintain our work to help feed, pay for education, and continue to serve the many children in our Orphan Day Care programs. Matter of fact, we were able last month to pay for, and put on a roof for one of the new schools for disadvantaged children, just before the rains came. With that all school and college fees for our orphans and College students are now paid up through December. We also had been able to pay the fees for those of our orphan High School Graduates – those currently busy with Tertiary education and vocational training. We are grateful for God’s amazing provision.
With that, we can report that all other fields of Mission, likewise are on track. While we have not been able to physically visit much of our Field Bases these last 9 months, our Field Directors have done an amazing work to visit, support and encourage our various regional Church Planting Teams, and In-service extension Bible Schools. Sadly though, we have not been able to formally graduate the almost 200 Pastoral Students who had completed their Bible School program. We hope to be able to honor those students with a formal graduation ceremony early in the new year.
Therefore, we want to thank God for each one of you who sacrificially contribute, monthly or otherwise, to help the less fortunate, to help us train and equip a next generation of dynamic emerging young leaders, as well as supporting so many well trained and Spirit filled Church Planters who are unafraid of taking on the most difficult task of establishing new Christ-centered, Bible-believing congregations across the deep rural regions of southern Africa. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, we couldn’t have done it, or continue doing it, without your help!
God continues to bless and multiply your giving and support for His Work. Thank you for choosing AFnet as the channel for your Kingdom funds, and for entrusting us to represent you, and to steward your financial contributions here. As we receive funds, we will continue to manage and invest wisely though our various ministry channels.
We wish you and your loved ones a blessed Thanksgiving! Thank you for your love, fervent prayers and generous support, we are truly blessed to have you as partners in His ministry! And, as you consider all the amazing ways that God continues also to bless you and your household, kindly consider a special Thanksgiving contribution to help AFnet finish this year strong!
On behalf of those we serve, we bless you with the following Scriptural passage: “….For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…..‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25, 34-40. NIV
In His amazing Grip and Grace,
Johan and Christa Combrinck
