Tshaiwelo Gets Healthy
By: The Out of Africa News Team
The South African Minister of Health, Dr. Motsoaledi would be proud of Tshiawelo Church of the Nazarene in Soweto, South Africa. This congregation spent their Saturday not just learning about health - they exercised, ate healthy, learned stress reduction ideas and talked about their spiritual health. With a life expectancy of mid to late fifties for South Africans (according to 2008 statistics),  Rev. Simba and Mrs. Kanenungo hope to increase the quality of life in their congregation. They know the importance holistic health. Pastor. Simba stated,"I have been focusing on the seven habits of a growing Christian and my wife suggested that I conclude the series practically and the idea of 'Healthy Christian Day' event was birthed. It is only when people are healthy physically that they can be effective and we want to have physically healthy people in our church serving God".
In addition to the aerobics, healthy breakfast and lunch, Dr. Nomsa Msibi, medical doctor at Baragwanath Hospital shared with the group about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and decrease the incidence of disease. She also answered many medical questions asked by the attendees.
Playing board games was also a fun and exciting opportunity for everyone. You know it is a successful event when the pastor has to tell the congregation a few hours after the planned conclusion of the event that it is time to wrap up and go home.
Thumbs up to Tshiawelo!
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Prayer Requests & Praises
Please continue to pray for Holiness Revival in the Africa Region.
Pray for the continued safety and health of our missionaries and local leaders
We ask you to join us in prayer today for the family of Linda Braaten. Linda's mother, Alma passed away peacefully on Friday 6 April. Please pray for the family at this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their mother and grandmother. Linda is a Missionary serving at the Africa Regional Office South Africa.
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Join the Effort
While this article declares April 25th as World Malaria Day, please read it understanding that Malaria is an ongoing problem and you can be part of the solution at any time. Thank you!
The Out of Africa News Team
Every minute, a child dies of malaria, and 3.3 billion people-half the world's population-are at risk of this deadly disease. Yet malaria is entirely preventable and treatable.
On April 25, people around the globe will observe World Malaria Day to remember those affected by this disease and to recognize the work that is taking place to end its threat. Prevention efforts are effective, and since 2000, the mortality rates connected to malaria have decreased by more than 25 percent. Still, there is work left to do.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and local churches in Africa, where 90 percent of malaria cases occur, are taking part in global efforts to fight this disease that takes the lives of 655,000 people, mostly children, each year.
Local churches in Kenya have distributed thousands of mosquito nets, a highly cost-effective way to save lives and improve child and maternal health, as well as keeping children in school and allowing adults to remain economically productive in their work. Through the East African Famine Relief efforts, churches are partnering with other organizations to distribute thousands more bed nets to prevent the spread of malaria as people sleep. Health clinics in places like Burkina Faso and Swaziland are treating children and families with malaria and providing anti-malarial medications. In Mozambique and other countries, community health education efforts geared toward children are helping to prevent the spread of disease, including malaria.
Malaria is a disease that disproportionately affects those who can least afford treatment or have little access to preventive health care. Malaria prevention and control is an inexpensive and effective way to interrupt the cycle of poverty affecting hundreds of thousands of families. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries invites the global church to join together as we seek to prevent malaria and care for the sick and, in this way, proclaim the Gospel to all people in word and deed.
For more resources click here.
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Easter with a Difference
By Phannuel Goredema
Easter is that time of the year when the Christian communities all over the world reflect on the unfailing love of God who gave us his only begotten Son to save us from the shackles of the Evil one. The Church of the Nazarene in Zimbabwe East District held Camp meeting at Marlborough High School in Harare. Members from over 22 churches all over the District came in one accord and were expecting spiritual transformation. No wonder, at the close of the conference, when Mr. Mugari, the Chairman of the organising committee, asked by raising of hands if a day could be added onto the conference, all hands were up.
The theme of the camp was 'Go and tell' with Scripture reading from Mark 16:15. After supper, the congregation drifted into the Spirit as the praise and worship team led with praise songs. Rev. Sithole the Glen View CotN Pastor, then gave the first sermon of the camp. The sermon touched on the triumphal entry and events that led to Christ's cruxification. The touching sermon led the congregation to expecting more the next day.
On Friday devotions were led by Mrs. Goredema. She used the acronym GROWTH as she prepared the hearts of those present for more things to come later in the morning. After breakfast the program continued as Pastor Mumanyi taught on some factors that prohibit church growth. His teaching received warm response since it was participatory and attendees contributed to the lively lesson. Rev Katandika the Zimbabwe East District Superintendent then officially opened the conference and welcomed all present. He alluded to the theme of the conference and encouraged the members present to go and tell the world about Jesus when the camp was over. The congregation was given a treat  by various choirs from Zimbabwe East District. The Dzivaresekwa choir came out shining with their colorful outfits and touching lyrics. They left the congregation calling for more. Rev Bati (Mrs.) then preache d from John 4:1-39. She preached passionately about Jesus and the Samaritan woman and then gave the closing part of her sermon to Rev. Bati (Mr.). There were fireworks as the Rev. preached complimenting what the Lord had spoken through the Lady Reverend. There was an altar call and three quarters of the congregation came for prayer. After lunch the floor was given to Rev. Chavhunduka who taught on 7 essentials for church growth. The lesson left those present calling for more and some asking him for hand outs. "We must have more of such useable material" was the remark given by Rev. Sithole.
The evening message was left to Rev. Kanenungo who gave a powerful sermon which resulted in the deliverance of many who heeded to the altar call.
Saturday bega with devotions from the Kwekwe Church. Brother Prosper Sithole led the devotions and kept shouting for the congregation to pray for themselves and the church. Pastor Chisenwa then read from Romans 12: 1-2 and also Philippians 4:8 and encouraged the congregation to be holy in the face of a corrupt world. After breakfast, Rev. Mutatu taught the gathering on how to witness using the four spiritual laws. The lesson was so effective that most members called the Rev. to come to their churches with more material and teaching in the area of personal witnessing.
Rev Glen then came and taught on the price of carrying the cross. After lunch the congregation was split into two groups. The first group comprised ladies and girls while the second group was for boys and men. You could hear laughter in both camps as the discussions touched on real life issues. The groups were further split as the youth met together while men and women remained as independent groups.
In the evening, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Coordinator, Rev. Goredema, presented to the congregation clothing items donated by local churches as per the NCM request to help out the less privileged in Harare churches. The beneficiary churches were Shamwa, Tanda, Chirumhanzu, Rusape, Mhondoro, Macheke, Goshen, Bhuhera, Brechin and Featherstone.
Pastors requiring reading glasses were given a pair donated by Rev. Mutowa and the regional NCM office. The clothing items were distributed  after the Lord's Supper, which was done by Rev. Katandika the Zimbabwe East District Superintendent, much to the delight of those present. The NCM Coordinator thanked all the churches who donated the clothing items end encouraged the spirit of giving to prevail in Zimbabwe East District in order for the church to be relevant to the communities it serves. The last day saw the fiery preaching of Rev. Mutatu who also motivated the congregation to giving financial support to a new preaching point in Rusape which is not very far from the city of Mutare. The congregation donated $1006.00. The offerings totaled over $1500. Rev Mukome, Pastor of Glen View, summed it when he said "The Easter camp was like a revival meeting where people were moved to serving God to a higher dimension".
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The Best News You'll Ever Hear
A book Promotion for Africa
B y D r. T h o m a s Jay O o r d
What happens when a veteran American pastor and highly trained theologian write a book that presents the Gospel in understandable language? The Best News You Will Ever Hear is what happens.
Bob Luhn has pastored in the same church for more than 30 years. Thomas Jay Oord is an accomplished theologian who has been president of various academic societies and has 20 books to his credit. The two collaborated to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ from a Wesleyan Holiness perspective. The emphasis of the book: love!
The goal was not just to write a book for Americans. They wanted something transferable to other cultures. Oord and Luhn wanted a book others could use in contexts quite different from the American context in which they both minister.
To accomplish their goal, they realized they needed co-authors. Collaborators could take their original text and shape it in ways to fit various contexts. These collaborators could use languages relevant to cultures vastly different from American culture.
Simon Pierre joined with Oord and Luhn to sponsor two versions of The Best News You Will Ever Hear. The Rwanda leader translated the book into Swahili and has begun distributing copies. Pierre also oversaw the translation of the book into Kinyarwanda. He uses these books both for evangelistic and educational purposes in Rwanda, Burundi, and other African countries.
Frank Mills also joined the project. Working with Mark Louw and John Watton, Mills co-authored a version meant for readers in his African context: Ghana. The Mills version is in English, because English is Ghana's official language. But Mills altered the American text so that the book better suited his context.
Luhn and Oord are seeking partners for other African contexts. The need for printed material is immense. Indigenous leaders are uniquely situated to present the Gospel in culturally relevant ways and persuasive language.
The project also needs funding if it can be used in the multiple ways African leaders hope. American publisher, Mark Russell, will work with African publishers to print books as cheaply as possible.
Inquiries about this project should be sent to Thomas Jay Oord at tjoord@nnu.edu.
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Uganda Central District 7th Annual Youth Conference
By Bogere Seezi
The 7th annual Nazarene youth conference with the theme ̋LIVING A HOLY LIFE ̋ was a success. This conference was held at Wairaka First Church of the Nazarene from the 2nd - 7th Jan /2012. We want to give God the whole glory for amidst a great number of challenges of how to maintain the youth that attended and running all the programmes, given the fact that we were in an economic squeeze, God provided for all that we needed . We managed to minister to about 200 young people every day and for this God takes the whole glory, giving thanks to all those who supported us in prayer and giving.
In a bid to fund raise for the conference, the youth organized a drama show that was presented on Christmas day and on 1st Jan 2012. We managed to raise 240,000 Ugandan shillings - an amount that we had hardly ever raised in a drama show. This really showed us how God was standing with us in all that we were preparing. For this, we thank God for the team work he granted us and for his provision.
The conference begun on Monday the 2nd Jan 2012 and among the topics taught were:
Evangelism
Stewardship /discipleship
Battling sin
Dating and courtship
Ministry and fashion
Music and technology Vs Christianity
Investment and job creation
Homosexuality and its dangers
Prayer and fasting
These topics were handled by pastors from Jinja and surrounding areas. The topics were handled well by the servants of God and we praise God because at least a soul was reached and talked to.
On Friday night the 6th .01 2012 , we managed to organize a camp fire and a bible quiz from which one of the visiting churches emerged winners of the contest. Our book of reference was Acts - chapters 1-5. We also had meat roasting after the quiz of which we give God the whole glory for the way He provided for us.
The conference ended on Saturday and we also had a cake cutting as a way of keeping the unity among the youth and encouraged each other to continue serving God and making Disciples of Christ for this is our great commission.
Yours in service.
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Storm in Sao Tome
B y P h i l P a t a l a n o
"'Missionario', there were heavy winds here in Ribeira Peixe and the church was damaged"Thursday night (30 March 2012): The missionary woke up quickly and asked the caller for details. There was a storm with high winds, parts of the cement wall facing the ocean collapsed and the roof was blown off.  He called Pastor Adi of our PortoAlegre Church and asked him to contact Pastor Jorge of our Malanza Plant. He went on to tell him about the damage and asked them to meet him at the Ribeira Peixe Church in the morning. Both of the pastors live within an hour from the damaged church.
Friday (31 March 2012): Jorge phoned the missionaries in the morning before they could leave. Jorge and Adi were at the church and assessed the damage. Jorge gave a list of the initial material needed over the phone (many supplies here can only be bought in the capital). Cement, iron rods, nails, etc., were purchased and loaded into the missionary's truck. They drove south with Pastor Hilton of the Sao Tome Satom church plant and a lay volunteer from the Sao Tome Central Church.
At a distance, the building was not as bad as described, half the roof was torn off (the very new roof which was mounted last August) and the church side double doors were blown out.
The ocean side wall was intact with only a small part of the upper part broken off .
While some were cleaning up the debris and preparing walls for new cement, others went out to collect needed sand and rocks to mix in with the cement.
Together they fortified the two open walls with a "viga" (cement row along the top with metal rods going through for support). The viga was finished by night fall.
Saturday (31 March 2012): Pastor Adelasio of the Sao Tome Central Church arrived with more volunteers, including two carpenters.
The STP Nazarene Pastors are all bi-vocational. Pastor Marcos of the Ribeira Peixe Church is a mechanic. Pastor Jorge is a builder by trade and he actually cancelled a project he had lined up so that he could help. He is coordinating the repair work. Pastor Adi is a fisherman and each day he has been alternating between helping in the work and fishing close-by for food for the group to eat that night (much like Jesus' twelve disciples must have done when they were working together). Pastor Adelasio is a city fire-fighter and had Saturday and Sunday off from his secular job. Pastor Hilton is a night guard.
The torn off aluminum sheets from the roof had to be gathered from the surrounding building roof tops placed with the others found on the ground. Volunteers worked to straighten out the twisted sheets.
Sunday (1 April 2012): The "good" half of the sanctuary was used for Sunday School and Morning Service. . All the STP congregations were represented. All but one of pastors were present (each pastor had arranged for a guest speaker in his respective congregation on short notice). After the service, everyone went back to work. The projects included fortifying the wood brace under the remaining side of the roof and correcting its position and re-building the missing parts of the wooden brace on the other side. They were waiting on the needed wood to arrive. The "barrotes" were ordered on Friday through a local vender who cuts the wooden planks himself. The wood did not arrive on Saturday nor Sunday so the workers kept busy with what could be done. (It was decided to work on Sunday because this needed to get done before the next major rain storm. It is like harvest time in farming communities). Monday (2 April 2012): The missionaries left the city with four volunteers. On the way down, the ten year old truck's gears were acting strangely. They were stuck at the halfway point. They waited a half hour and then tried again, this time with God's help, the gears worked. They carefully drove to the church.
The wood ("barrotes") finally arrived that day and the remaining supporting structure for the roof was worked on.
While the volunteers were there, Jorge went ahead and chiseled out openings in the walls at key points to insert needed metal columns missing in the wall for basic support. Throughout the day, spaces for the columns were chiseled out, the metal rods were inserted and cement was poured in, setting them in place.
At the end of the day, Pastor Marcos (who is a Mechanic) looked at the truck and suggested that the problem was with the clutch disk and that someone in the city should look at it. The missionaries drove back to the capital carefully with the volunteers.  Tuesday (3 April 2012): No trip was made to the church because the truck had to be to be checked out. Down in Ribeira Peixe, work continued on the wooden support for the roof and a wooded frame to encase more cement on top of the church (to hold the edges of the roof when the aluminum sheets are in place) was built). By the end of the day, the only thing left was to mount the aluminum sheets in place. Word also came back late evening from the city mechanic He advised the replacement of clutch disk and said that the estimate would be ready in the morning. Wednesday (4 April 2012): Sao Tomeans in the city woke up to the sound of more wind and rain. The missionaries phoned Pastor Jorge to see if it was raining there. The Pastor said that they could not do anything until after the storm passed but that re-mounting the aluminum sheets would then go quickly. They were looking forward to going home (they spent the four-five days there - an hour's drive is a long walk and there are not many transportation options on that part of the island)
God had given them four days without any real rain to get this job done. The difficult parts were finished before this morning.
Jesus taught that "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10).
Please continue to pray that the STP Pastors and congregations will continue to grow, working together successfully as a district - seeing the possibilities that God has for them and working together to meet His goals.
Sao Tome is a very poor country and one could easily say that there is a dependency culture here. The pastors and volunteers themselves organized this impromptu project; the missionaries helped with transportation and material. 
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And the Lord Will Build His Church
b y R e v. G W. P h i r i
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2: 47) From a dream and call to plant a church, Rev. GW Phiri began the preaching point, Pumula South in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in August, 2009. Meetings started in a home with six members and their families, but the numbers grew quickly and it became clear to Rev. Phiri another plan would need to be made. "Although we did extensive evangelism, people had a feeling that worshiping in a house was not conducive. As such we failed to increase membership, however since we had no resources we continued worshiping in the house with low membership. We had to manufacture sitting benches and hire a tent until we bought our own tent in November" of that year.  Due to extensive rain during rainy season and no plumbing, we felt it best to return to worshiping in a home, but this impacted our numbers because of space limitations. However, we continued to push forward with door-to-door evangelism, Sunday school for all ages, youth ministry and men and women's fellowship. "We continued to pray with much faith that we shall achieve our goal and we are seeing the Lord's hand in our work, every week has its own achievement. At this stage we bought a keyboard, and speakers to boost our singing in the open".  In order to make a more stable facility, benches and a gum-pole structure were purchased in 2012. After an all night prayer meeting in early April, eight new people came to the church. Currently 200 members meet regularly and each has committed to raise $100 USD this year to help realize their goal of a building structure. May God bless this Kingdom work.  ... on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18)
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Out of Africa Editor Brittany Leslie
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