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Prayer requests and praises
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We praise God for His faithfulness on the Central Swaziland and Western Cape (RSA) Districts over the years. We praise God for leaders who are passionate enough to shed tears, pray, fast and give. We ask that we may all share that level of passion. We pray for our chaplains in whatever location they serve. We pray for the General Superintendent and Regional Director as they travel across the region.
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Explore the Africa Region
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A Silver Jubilee
| A Silver Jubilee has a special significance
in the life of any institution
as it signifies a coming of age and maturity.
A Silver Jubilee is a time to pause and reflect
on all the good work done.
This Silver Jubilee is a celebration milestone
in the journey of our vision.
A Silver Jubilee is a time to look back
and thank every person who has contributed.
A Silver Jubilee can illustrate
how very much more needs to be done.
Swaziland Central District under the leadership of
Rev. Cariot Shongwe celebrated its 50th District Assembly
on October 15, 2013.
The reports showed financial growth and 273 members
accepted by profession of faith.
The people loudly sang and praised God for what He has done.
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Celebrating past, present and future in Western Cape (RSA) - by ASF news team
|  Western Cape (RSA) District celebrated its 50th District Assembly over a long weekend.
Beginning on October 25 at a celebration dinner attended by nearly 600 leaders past and present. Three generations enjoyed good food and camaraderie as they reminisced about the spiritual journey of the district. Cathy Pfeiffer, an 87-year old lady who had seen the inception of the district, gave an impromptu speech - How the Lord helped us and led us thus far.
The next day was the 50th District Assembly. General Superintendent Gustavo Crocker preached a challenging message.
District Superintendent Patrick Paulse said, "We gather today to celebrate 50 years of holiness preaching, teaching and living in the Western Cape District." He and other speakers expressed great appreciation to missionaries and nationals who dedicated their lives to establish and develop the Church of the Nazarene there.
On Sunday, over 800 people attended the rally celebration. The first DS of the Western Cape District, Rev. L. B. Smith, challenged the church to "Find God's will for their lives, today". He reminded the congregation th
 | GS Gustavo Crocker
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at the harvest is plentiful and God continues to call us to reach out to more people in the Western Cape District.
DS Paulse also said, "It is harvest time!" He challenged clergy and laity who are sensing God's call to respond to God's voice by planting a new church where the Church of the Nazarene is not yet. Several local churches are willing to assist in planting new churches.
Two were ordained and pastors and spouses sang "To God Be the Glory."
Regional Director Filimao Chambo says, "If I were to summarize today's focus, I would say that the Western Cape Leadership is calling the church to renew her passion for the lost."
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From tears to a tent - by Rev. Collin Elliott
| The Swaziland East District has shown growth in both finances and membership largely because of the JESUS film and the new church plants that spring from the showings. At the assembly in 2012, JESUS film coordinator Rev. Shiba Dumsile cried praying that the Lord would provide an evangelism tent so that she could more effectively bring the gospel to people and establish new churches.
 | Dr. Chambo presents the tent
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As the field strategy coordinator, I was touched deeply. I along with the congregation promised to pray and fast for God to see the need and make provision for the tent. A few months later, I was on the KwaZulu Natal District in South Africa. I was speaking with a businessman who asked if the Africa South Field had a need. Immediately, Rev. Dumsile's tears came to mind. As I explained her passion for winning the lost, the businessman's eyes lit up. It is a passion he shares. He said, "I will buy the tent."
This businessman was saved in a Church of the Nazarene in Durban. To make ends meet, he collected scrap metal to feed his family. Even in his poverty, he tithed and was a faithful steward. God blessed his entrepreneurial efforts. He now partners with the South Field on projects relating to church planting and evangelism. He not only offered to buy the evangelism tent, but also to cover all related expenses in getting it to the Swaziland East District.
As Dr. Chambo, the regional director, presented the tent that seats 250 people to the District Assembly this year, Shireen and I had tears in our eyes. Rev. Dumsile and the people shouted their excitement and praised God for his faithfulness and the businessman he used to meet their need.
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Profile of a military chaplain: Veronica Mnyanda, part 2
| Editor's note: Read Part 1 here.
 What is it like being a woman chaplain? Please share some stories:
There are a number of female chaplains in the Defence Force even though there are more male chaplains. God is using female chaplains tremendously. I believe there is a divine secret in women's ministry. We become spiritual mothers to our soldiers. The chaplains are part and parcel of military training; we are treated as soldiers and the training is very tough.
I believe that God is using me through preaching, teaching, ministering through music and battling through prayer. At Tsolo, I conducted a military funeral and many gave their lives to Jesus. People kept calling me to share that they had been entirely transformed. One lady who was selling liquor, switched to selling meat because God changed her completely.
I was praying with one of the female soldiers in hospital. She cried a lot and shared that the doctors were encouraging her to have an abortion because the child would not be able to speak, hear nor walk. Many people had also spoken to her about miracles. She didn't want to hear anything else; she had heard enough. People could not understand how she felt. I did not know what to do, but after some time holding her tightly, I said to God, "Lord, even if I can say some words to her, she is not prepared to listen to me. Lord, speak to her, and let her listen and hear your voice. I know that if you want you can reveal yourself to this young lady. Lord as you listened to Joshua's prayer 'Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.'" Later, she called and said that she was not going to have an abortion. The baby is fine and the doctors were amazed. We serve a Mighty God, and that is how He also reveals Himself even in the Defence Force.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
It is when the soldiers understand the ministry or the service that I am delivering to them and put it into practice. Their testimonies bless me and lift me up spiritually. Also, when I know that the Lord is my Shepherd, He guides me and I am doing His will.
What is the most difficult part?
It is when I am working under pressure. Such times come often. That is when a chaplain also needs a caregiver, but no one is looking after us. While I still have that feeling for need of a caregiver, many soldiers will come with their problems and I will have to forget about myself and attend them. Because I stay at the military base, others even come to my place for their problems. God is my Care Giver; He is my Source, Wonderful Counselor and my Comforter.
What is your favorite verse?
 | Chaplain Veronica
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1 Corinthians 10:13
Any advice for people who feel that they are called to be chaplains?
They need to be certain whether their ministry is in the military, police or correctional service.
How can we pray for you and other chaplains?
Pray for God to give us the divine wisdom and knowledge to spread this gospel. We desperately need the Nazarene prayers.
Anything else you'd like to say?
I am grateful and thankful that I am serving God in the SANDF under the affiliation of the Church of the Nazarene. I also want to thank my church and its leaders for granting me this opportunity by recommending me to be employed in the Defence Force. Shalom.
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Amy Crofford,Out of Africa editor
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rch of the Nazarene
