A Family of Nations

Occasionally we need to be reminded that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. A “family of nations” gathered last week in South Africa. The Vineyard family, representing some seventeen nations, gathered together. There were several countries lacking representation because their delegates couldn’t get visas, another reminder that life in Africa can be full of obstacles and difficulties.

We worshipped & danced together

We learned together

We celebrated each nation





AVC Kenya National Coordinator, Noah Gitau, was one of the main speakers.


















Thank you for praying!

Doug presented his proposal for the Vineyard School of Ministry Africa (VSM Africa). The informal leader of the Vineyard in Africa, Costa Mitchell, repeatedly promoted VSM Africa throughout the week. Leaders from Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, and other nations expressed interest and asked Doug to come to their countries to launch the program. There is the real possibility that what was first envisioned as VSM Kenya could extend into other African nations. Because of this, we have decided to rename it to VSM Africa.

A few days ago Doug met with Dr. James Kombo, Vice-Chancellor of Daystar University. The meeting was very positive, with Dr. Kombo saying he was 99% certain that the Council will approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Vineyard in its December meeting. He suggested that we start student recruitment and enrollment for a first course to be offered this December or January 2012.

Sue has agreed to help with all the administrative tasks surrounding this new endeavor which are many, as you can imagine.

Please pray for:

VSM Africa: Pray as we launch our first courses and develop a strategy to take the program beyond the borders of Kenya.

Vineyard Financial Empowerment: Pray for the training course that is being held on Nov.4-5. Our goal is to train those who will then conduct Entrepreneur Workshops in different regions in the country. We need the right trainers in the right places.

Rolling Up Our Sleeves

Tears welled up in Edward’s eyes and I thought he was going to start crying. He was describing how his uncle had stolen 200 acres of land from his father. As a child, he had no idea at the time how this event would radically alter his future. Being landless in Africa is to be sentenced to a life of poverty. Edward and his family quickly fell from a middle-class status to one of impoverishment and this at the hand of a relative! The tension in the room was palpable as the other Kenyan pastors described their families' struggles to maintain their land or buy land.

Doug was conducting a trial course entitled 'Understanding Advocacy & Socio-Economic Justice: The Prophetic Literature'. The social justice issue focused on was land. Comparisons were made between land issues in the OT Prophets age and in Africa today. The similarities are astounding.

In a week, we will fly to South Africa where Doug will present his proposal for the Vineyard School of Ministry to a wide spectrum of Vineyards from around Africa. The last gathering of this type had 22 nations represented. This is an awesome opportunity to influence the future of the Vineyard in Africa and we desire to hear God's heart in all of this.

Sue continues to keep the Association of Vineyard Churches finances on track. Here she is seated with Noah Gitau, the National Coordinator, Graham Silcock, the secretary, and another committee member and pastor, Robinson. Noah commented that Sue's help has "revolutionized" the Vineyard's ability to plan for the future. With several church plants in process and the Vineyard in Kenya committed to continuing this priority, financial planning is critical.

Doug has made a proposal to the UK Vineyards to set up a Short Term Mission and Internship Program. The proposal has been approved and we are excited to set up a training center that can mobilize younger believers into mission and ministry. We are excited to invest in others who are passionate about the kingdom of God.

Pray for us as we roll up our sleeves. This is a very busy season in the best sense – both rewarding, as we see God touch people, and expanding as we experience God’s favor.

Love,

Sue & Doug