It Takes Time
The past few weeks have been full of excitement. We’ve seen many things come together that have been on the back burner of our hearts for a long time. We’ve been in a process.
Judges 13:5 (TLB) “Your son’s hair must never be cut, for he shall be a Nazirite, a special servant of God from the time of his birth; and he will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.”
When Samson was born, Israel was experiencing a period of spiritual decline and had been under Philistine oppression for 40 years (Judges 13:1). Due to persistent sin and idolatry, God allowed them to be delivered into the hands of their enemies.
This is the setting in which Samson was born and called to be a judge over Israel. What is remarkable about his call is that it came before he was born. Verse 5 above states that Samson would “begin” to deliver Israel.
This is the setting in which Samson was born and called to be a judge over Israel. What stands out is that his calling was given before he was even born. Yet the promise was that he would only begin to deliver Israel.
Why do things unfold at the pace they do? We don’t always know. But what we do see here is that God works through a process. Samson’s role was to start something. Others would come after him to continue and complete it.
No matter what stage you are in, stay patient. An ending is approaching, whether it happens suddenly or gradually. You can be confident of this: God is walking with you.
Updates
- Pretoria, South Africa – Our new church, called Connections Church, here in Pretoria, is doing well. We are working to find another location to meet, as our current facility’s lease has expired. Our goal is to be closer to town so we can reach more people and connect them to Jesus.
- Lusaka, Zambia – Our building season has finally concluded! While we dedicated the nearly finished facility last July, some additional work was needed on the electrical and drop ceiling. God is faithful, and we are pleased to report that those remaining projects are now finished. Another exciting development in Zambia is that we will be introducing a new (to us) microfinance initiative in April. Our oldest son, Tom, will be leading this project; it warms our hearts to see the Lord using him this way.
- Mchinji, Malawi – One of our newer churches in Malawi is located in the village of Mchinji. About a year ago, God blessed the ministry in Malawi with an 11-acre farm, and the proceeds from the harvest support our schools and feeding outreach in the country. Due to unpredictable rains, the farm has struggled to reach its full potential. A church in Jacksonville, Florida, generously paid to dig a well on the farm. The well will provide much-needed water for the farm and the community surrounding it. We believe that in the future, God will provide an irrigation system and a solar pump, because He always completes what He begins.
- Gatumba, Burundi – Last month, after over a year of waiting, we were blessed not only to visit but also to dedicate Anna’s House, a center for the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable. Currently, it functions as a drop-in center where these people can come and spend the day in prayer, with basic needs like bathing and laundry taken care of. An evening meal will also be provided, along with medical care when funds allow. Please pray with us as we watch the ministry of Anna’s House develop. We believe the best is yet to come. Perhaps there will be more houses like this one in other nations.
Finally, we want to thank you for your support, which you give in every way, that makes all these, and others not mentioned, possible. May the Lord bless you.
Jamie, Lea, and Andreya
We have created a video update with more news about this month’s newsletter. Please click here to view or on the image below.
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.
