YWEA 2012

Light is Coming to the “Dark Continent”

Youth and Discipleship — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:03:46 +0000

Because Africa had almost no Christians for centuries, it was often called “The Dark Continent.” But because YWEA, Church of God World Missions, and other ministries have focused on Africa, the LIGHT of Christ is now shining!

“Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” -Habakkuk 1:5

- Every day, 25,000-30,000 Africans come to Christ.

- Revival in Africa shows few signs of slowing down.

- About 85 million Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians can be found in Africa today. A hundred years ago, there were only a handful!

- The Holy Spirit is greatly moving in what was once called “the Third World.”

Now is the time to “Take the Gospel to the HEART of Africa!”
There is so much we can do together!

Miracles Still Happen

Youth and Discipleship — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:48:55 +0000

Charles Banda is a faithful member of the Cathedral Church of God in Lusaka, Zambia. He was born completely deaf and unable to speak in 1947. For 44 years, he has been using simple sign language to communicate with others. He is a peasant farmer.

During the Central Africa Regional Conference, Brother Charles came to the altar for prayer. Below is Charles’ description about what happened.

“I received my healing on May 26, 2011. Someone I had never seen before prayed for me. My ears were opened immediately! Later, I went to the church kitchen and asked a lady, who was working, if I could help her. I used sign language. But she heard me speak! Because she knew me, she ran away, and called others to come and see the miracle. People spoke to me and I answered them. When they saw that I could hear as well as speak, they praised the Lord!”

“When I went home, my children, my relatives, and others gathered around. I asked them: ‘Do you know me?’ They said, ‘Yes. We know you as somebody who could neither speak nor hear, but today we have seen you speaking and heard you talking.’ When I finished ministering to them, about twenty five people gave their lives to the Lord!”

“I now can hear the preached Word of God! The Word of God is sweet to those who hear it. I want to join the church choir so that I can use my voice to praise the Lord who has healed me!”

Be a part of what God is doing as we “Take the Gospel to the HEART of Africa!!

Hearts of Compassion

Youth and Discipleship — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:07:48 +0000

You may wonder if your support of YWEA will really make a difference. For just over 50 years, YWEA has been changing the world! YWEA has built churches, orphanages, ministry centers, Bible Schools, and more. Wherever YWEA has been, ministry has multiplied, lives were changed, and the Church has grown! YWEA is fertile ground. 100% of what is given to Church of God Youth and Discipleship goes directly to the ministry for that year. You can feel confident about your investment in YWEA.

Where is your HEART? Fear and worry cripple ministry. The world economy suggests that we should have HEART trouble. Sometimes it is easy to focus on our own needs, and not have a HEART of compassion for others. David Livingstone loved the people of Africa so much, he died serving them. His body went back to England, but his HEART was buried in Africa. The Apostle Paul apparently loved the people of Thessalonica, like Livingstone loved the people of Africa. Paul said, “We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our HEARTS. And we did” (I Thes 2:8 MSG).

As we “Take the Gospel to the HEART of Africa for YWEA 2012, where will your HEART be found?

Purpose of the “Leopard Hill Ministry Center”

Youth and Discipleship — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:56:30 +0000

Social Involvement: Mobile Clinic. The Mobile Clinic will serve children in the Nyamphande community near Lusaka.

Missionary Opportunity. This base will give opportunity to volunteers, short termers, visitors and church members to gain first-hand, ministry experience with African people, churches and missions.

Master’s Degree Program. Plans are to offer a Master’s Degree Program for Pastors and Leaders from within Africa.

Missions Base for Field Director Peter Thomas & CE-Coordinator Jürgen Rudolph. This Ministry Center will serve all of Africa. Thomas and Rudolph will use the facility as their office for the Central African Region. Conferences, seminars, meetings and workshops will take place regularly on the property.

Vocational Training. The unemployment rate is very high in Zambia, so plans include vocational training to church and community members in trades such as car mechanics, agriculture, carpentry, tailoring, catering, etc.

Accommodations – Guesthouses. Lusaka has a severe accommodation shortage; therefore hotel rates are extremely high. Occasional rental income from outside guests will help supplement the costs of running the property and Ministry Center.

What You Can Do

Youth and Discipleship — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:52:14 +0000

What you can do to join with us in Taking the Gospel to the HEART of Africa:

Pray for the leadership, ministry, and children of Africa.
Open up your HEART and respond with action!
Go to our website for resources, videos, and material.
Involve children, youth, and adults in raising a generous offering!

The Simple Truth about Zambia

Youth and Discipleship — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:47:19 +0000

Capital City: Lusaka

Population: Almost 12 million people live in Zambia

Language: English (official); 7 major vernaculars and about 70 other indigenous languages

Geography: Slightly larger than Texas, US, and has a tropical climate

Ethnic Groups: African 98.7%, European 1.1%, and other 0.2%.

Age Structure: 50% of the population is under age 14

Life Expectancy: Only 52.36 years

Adults with HIV/AIDS: 13.5% – 6th highest in the world

Major Infectious Diseases: Degree of risk: Very High

Receptiveness to the Gospel: Their hearts are open! They need love, care, and ministry!