It is not yet February, and the year has already begun with a bang. The world stage seems turned upside down. Even so, God still has His hand on everything, whether we recognize it or not. None of the challenges we face will prevent Him from accomplishing His work.
In Acts 17, we see this clearly. Paul traveled to Thessalonica and taught about Jesus. Some believed, while others stirred up trouble in the city, disrupting his ministry. Because of this opposition, Paul and Silas were sent to Berea. There they again preached Christ, and many received the message.
Opposition followed them once more. Those who had caused problems in Thessalonica came to Berea and continued their efforts against Paul and Silas. In response, Paul traveled by sea to Athens, where he preached the gospel again.
It may have seemed that those opposing Paul and Silas had the advantage, but that was not the case. In every city, people believed, and churches were established. What was intended to stop God’s work only served to spread the Word.
Take heart. No matter what happens in this world, God will ensure His message reaches those who need it. He uses even difficult circumstances to bring the good news to people in places far beyond what we might expect.
Looking Ahead
As many of you do at this time of year, we are in a season of fasting. Along with our leaders and churches across Africa, we have set aside 21 days in January, from January 5 to 25, for prayer and fasting. This year, we are approaching this time with a slightly different focus.
During the first week of the fast, our focus was on gratitude. We intentionally paused to thank God for the blessings and victories of 2025, choosing to begin with thanksgiving rather than immediately turning our eyes toward what lies ahead.
We are now entering the second week, and our focus is on our established churches. Our desire is not simply that these churches would exist, but that they would be healthy and life-giving. We are praying that they would reflect our core values: strong relationships with God, one another, and beyond; the empowering work of the Holy Spirit; worship and prayer; faithful teaching of God’s Word; and a commitment to missions. When these values are lived out, churches grow strong and flourish, and the vision of planting 1,000 churches across Africa moves forward naturally.
In the final week of the fast, our focus will turn to listening for God’s direction for 2026. Even now, we sense there will be a clear emphasis on prayer in the year ahead; 2026 is to be a year of prayer.
Upcoming
- Travel to Burundi – March 2026, we will be dedicating Anna’s House.
- Travel to the USA – June/July 2026 Andreya graduates from high school this coming June. We plan to travel to the USA to connect with family and friends and visit supporting churches.
- Future plans for Andreya – currently, Andreya is planning attend university here in South Africa. Please pray with us that all the details for her to study come together (student visa, finances, etc.).
Pray with us, as these plans are tentative and subject to change based on finances and world events. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and partnership. No matter what happens as the year unfolds, 2026 is going to be amazing!
Jamie, Lea, and Andreya
Connect with us:
Email: JLPeters@africa-and-beyond.com
Online: www.africa-and-beyond.com
Lea’s blog: www.aculturalshift.com
Pictures from the Hope Center and school in Gatumba, Burundi.
