Happy Easter from Africa | Claiming Victory in Jesus
Our greatest work here at 4africa is our ministry. Everything we do – each water project, hygiene session, and leadership class – centers around who we do it for. We strive to glorify God and make him intimately known to those we serve.
Remembering Jesus’ Death & Resurrection this Easter
As believers, there’s no sweeter celebration than Easter, a time to remember the magnitude of what God did for us. Through a plan that was thousands of years in the making, God finally introduced his son Jesus to the world as our ultimate source of redemption.
Jesus came to Earth knowing that he would leave it through a painful and lonely death on the cross. But the plan didn’t end there. Three days later, Jesus rose victoriously from the grave to conquer death and sin once and for all. Hallelujah!
Faith in Jesus means no more sacrifice. No more guilt. No more failure. Instead, we find forgiveness and the hope of eternal life.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus gave an urgent mission to the newly-formed Church, starting with his disciples:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
The Great Commission must have felt like a hefty task to those eleven disciples – to make disciples of all nations. But God. With Jesus’ call came a promise – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” If we go where he leads, he will make it happen. That promise is what our mission stands upon, too.
Elevating the Local Church to Share the Gospel
This Easter, we’re celebrating all the ways God has used 4africa to reach vulnerable communities in East Africa. Even more, we’re celebrating all the friends who have come to know Jesus through local ministry opportunities like Discovery Bible Groups, radio ministry, and church outreach events. From crowded refugee communities in northern Uganda to remote areas of South Sudan, we partner with local churches to equip them with the tools and resources they need to better minister to their flocks. By elevating faith-filled leaders in these regions, the impact only increases with time.
Joseph’s Story
Joseph has faithfully served at the Lodenga Church of Uganda for the past forty years. He’s dreamt of expanding his ministry for a long time, but without support, his community felt unfocused and disunified.
However, the rehabilitation of their central water well provided opportunities for them to come together and hear more about the hope we have through Jesus Christ. In true divine fashion, God had already prepared Joseph for this moment.
In 2019, Joseph attended 4africa’s Disciple Making Movement (DMM) program for church leaders, which equipped him with helpful resources to promote discipleship within his disjointed community. Afterward, he felt confident and prepared to reach his community on a new level. The training opened doors to expand his ministry further. The well and accompanying community health sessions offered him the chance to share the Good News with the community he loves.
Encouraging Others in Discipleship
Joseph’s confidence in sharing the gospel spread to other faith-filled leaders like Jennifer, a local primary school teacher. She described the transformation she experienced after attending a similar DMM training:
“Before, I did not take the initiative to move out of the church to make disciples, even if I am a believer. I used to think that it was the duty of the pastors and church leaders to make disciples, but DMM has challenged me to be a leader and bring the lost sheep to Jesus Christ through reading the Bible together.”
“DMM has challenged me to do more for God’s kingdom even in the face of persecution. I will continue to read the Bible and share the Word of God. This training has opened my eyes and given me authority and confidence to go boldly and begin Bible study groups in my locality. I am grateful to 4africa for training me and equipping with biblical knowledge.”
Loving People & Making Disciples
To date, Joseph now has seven Discovery Bible Groups with 57 people meeting every week to study God’s word. Imagine the impact in ten years!
“When I got trained in DMM, this community in Odravu Parish was one of the areas my church planned to start our ministry,” he shared. “Initially, due to lack of water, the people’s focus was divided, making it difficult to effectively identify Persons of Peace to start Discovery Bible Studies in homes.”
Once they had water and their basic needs were met, everything changed for the community and Pastor Joseph. Plus, a community water source provided more time for them to meet together. Joseph shared his plan to expand his ministry in the community:
“The first step we have taken as the church is to help the people understand that the rehabilitation of their borehole was possible through God’s provision. Our focus now is to unite them in the one true God and to use the borehole as a platform to demonstrate our faith through our character, which we are confident will build strong relationships and provide opportunities for us to share the gospel.”
“My hope is that in two years, we will have Discovery Bible Groups across the village, filled with people who put their faith in the one true God. We will be praying for your work and also request that you pray for us as we continue with our ministry.”
We have no doubt that will happen. God is moving in Odravu Parish, and we’re excited to support Joseph and his flock along the way. Will you join us in prayer?
No Gift is More Powerful than Prayer
This Easter, we hope you’ll celebrate and fully experience the hope that comes through Jesus’ death and resurrection. We’re truly grateful for your partnership. Your prayers powerfully support our ministry and the people we serve.
Be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletters to see your prayers in action. Plus, you’ll get to hear more inspiring stories like Joseph’s that you don’t want to miss! Sign up now at www.4africa.com.
Happy Easter, 4africa Family! He is Risen Indeed!
