Dear Northside
This week, I spent 3 days with the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) Board. We had a team here from the USA, from The Crossing Church and Living Water International (LWI). These 3 organisations have joined together for 2 programs.
Firstly, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH). Today, 75% of the clean water in Epworth is a result of this tripartite relationship. On top of that, we have drilled boreholes and installed running water systems in over 700 communities and schools, impacting the lives of over 300,000 people. When we install physical water systems, we also tell them about Jesus, the Living Water. Many people have come to faith, and 17 churches have been planted. It is an incredible program and an honour to be part of it through our membership with the EFZ.
The second program is called the Genius of One. It is a discipleship tool to help unify the church, both within the churches and between churches. In John 17, Jesus prays for us – we have preached on this. Verse 20 “I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their (the disciples’) message…” That’s you and me. This prayer comes just before Jesus is arrested, unjustly tried and crucified. So, it’s an important prayer. And what does Jesus pray for. That all of them may be one. And that we would be in God – so that the world may believe.
Though we are many, we are called to unity, to be one in Christ Jesus. Unity is important to Jesus. Is it important to us? What are you doing to help strengthen unity here at Northside? How about trying to build a relationship with someone you do not know? Or if you have a problem with someone in the church, go be reconciled with them.
I am hoping that in the new year, we will see this 5-week course being run here at Northside. It is my hope and prayer that all of us will go through the course, as I feel it will unite us more. And as John 17 says, the more the world sees our unity, the more it will be a glorious and powerful witness to Jesus.
At the Genius of One conference, we had a team from Northside and Children with Hope. There were 673 participants from every province in Zimbabwe and from all 4 of the denominations in the Heads of Christian Denominations. All looking at unity! Praise God!
Work continues around the church property. If you would like the privilege of being involved in funding this for future generations, please speak to one of the elders or pastors. When it is finished, it is going to look really nice, giving glory to the God we serve.
Please continue to pray for the preaching series through Ruth. May the truths in God’s Word transform our minds and the way we live our lives. Please also pray for the Christmas program. That many would come (especially guests) and that they may hear the Gospel here at Northside.
God bless, Pastor Gary