At the end of most years we say, 'Wow, what a year". This however has been a Year that the Favour of God, or as we like to say 'The FOG' has rested upon us.
We had the privilege of walking alongside the Holy Spirit, as he opened up the South of the Western Cape to us via the Constantiaberg merge, where Duncan and Rose Barson had so faithfully 'plowed the soil'. At least 30 of our 'FAMILY' in the City Bowl Congregation chose to relocate to support this merge!! Keep an eye on this area, because the Lord is going to open up even further avenues of Kingdom influence further south, north and west of Constantiaberg, not too mention around the corner and over the hill in the years to come.
A strategic door opened by God to us, was the town of Swellendam. As God moved the hearts of men too 'lay down their work' for the sake of 'his work', they positioned themselves as tools in his hand. The surrounding areas will over time become 'Ripe unto Harvest'.
Mossel Bay has further galvanised and a Holy Spirit inspired move, sees Morne and Erina van der Walt and their awesome twosome relocate to JoshGen Mossell Bay in the early New Year, where much Life and even further growth is anticipated in the next 2-5 years.Again we trust for the establishment, as King David would have said, of a 'Garrison' to reach the East Coast.
Back in the Cape, in Durbanville the Holy Spirit opened up a "New Venue" to accomodate the rapid growth they have experienced over the last 2 years. Durbanville was our first Congregational plant 6 years ago and also our first Plant to plant another Congregation, that being Brackenfell. A strong sense of Community prevails here and watch for many to be added into this part of our Family, including those who speak the language of Jan Van Riebeek! Hahaha.
Brackenfell has done well in word, worship and fellowship and are being rooted in their Faith to further touch their Community.
Our Dunoon Congregation exploded this year and the Lord has raised up some incredible strong Local Leaders. They really are going to influence the people of Du Noon and the strength of being One Church meeting in many places across the Cities has enables us to share our Resources.Donovan Carlton who has shepherded Gods precious peoples here, can be commended on his own personal growth, deep level of Love and Sacrifice for the people and the Godly Wisdom he has shown over and above his Years. As he marries in early 2012 we look forward to seeing how he and Laura will co labour alongside Jesus Christ and one another to extend the rule and reign of Jesus Christ.
Melkbos sees a seedbed of leaders ready to take the area by storm, and the salvation of 5 gangsters in early November from Atlantis, has opened up yet another door of oppurtunity in close proximity to a plant. Milnerton has seen the further aquisition of a high capacity leadership couple in Dane and Claire Leadbetter, and they too will see more influence in schools, neighbourhoods and businesses in 2012. It's been wonderful to see Kim and Lorene Muller emerge and take on a 'fulltime call' for Jesus Christ. Kim choose to lay down a flourishing role with Calvin Klein South Africa to LOVE PEOPLE and reach the lost!
Edgemead has had wonderful changes to their venue and there has definitely been a further birthing of new life. They have also given much in terms of ministry and the scripture that comes to mind for them is 2 Chronicles 16:9. Great fruitfulness awaits them in 2012!
Back in the Sunningdale AM congregation, where the dream was birthed in 1999 there has been "much life". The strengthening of a base, after many plants, has seen a year of phenomenal unity and influence into the local community. The strength has been the quality of the eldership team, deacons and community leaders and saints as they have poured out their lives for one another. The birthing of ministeries to reach different age groups, cultures and sub cultures and sending out of many to minister bodes well for 2012. The Lord keeps adding, we keep sending and he keeps adding. It truly has been a testimony to Him building his church. Sunningdale PM congregation has also seen many salvations, new communities and the birthing of a deeper sense of unity as they position themsleves for 2012 to advance evern further into the local community. Watch this space where Bret Bevan and the team of elders and community leader shepherd those the Lord has added.
So hundreds of salvations and baptisms, multitudes of teams ministering across the city and nations of the world, 1000s fed, clothed and treated through Ikaya Le Themba's home based care, over 1000 people added to the Body and the birthing of a new movement of churches in the nations called Four12. Who would've said 11 years ago, a dream birthed in the heart of a couple would have changed the destiny of over 2500 people! I've always said, people are attracted to the 'real deal', authentic people living out their Christianity in a way that honours Jesus Christ!
As I prepare myself to take what I'm not ashamed to say is a 'well earned leave' I am extremely excited for 2012 and already anticipate our King to 'blow our socks off'. I LOVE whom I co-labour with, LOVE whom I serve and LOVE what God has called us to do. Well done to the entire team of leaders and all the saints that serve in the "vehicle or tool for a task' that is called Joshua Generation Church.
Enjoy this next holiday season and lets continue to do that which will sustain us this side of eternity namely a deep LOVE FOR GOD AND PEOPLE!