This month has been a full one, on all fronts. We’ve been busy preparing for the new church plant here in Pretoria, South Africa, while also overseeing planting efforts in other parts of the continent. It all takes time, but we’re seeing steady progress. On the home front, our daughter Andreya has had her hands full with final exams and the SATs. She’s made it through, and we’re so proud of her. Between ministry commitments and family milestones, we’re reminded again that God is present in every part of the journey.
As we muddle through the busyness of church planting and raising number four, we are grateful. Grateful for God’s grace that carries us, and for His strength in the chaos. We’re deeply aware that all any of us do—whether at home or work—is ultimately for the expansion of God’s Kingdom. May His Kingdom come.
Connections Church in Pretoria
Here in Pretoria, as we mentioned last month, we’ve been working hard to secure a facility, and we’re excited to share that as of June 1st, we’re officially in! Our church here is called Connections Church, and the new space is named the Connections Centre (yes, that’s the South African spelling 😊). Over the next few weeks, we’ll be settling in and launching our first meetings. The space will serve as our official office and host our first Connect Groups—small gatherings that form the foundation of every church we plant. Once we’ve got a few healthy groups running and around 30–50 people regularly attending, we’ll look to rent a school or similar venue for Sunday morning services.
Did someone say, “Let’s plant a church in Pretoria”? Yes, yes, we did, and yes, we are. Pray for us!
It began in Ntchisi, Malawi
In April 2008, God blessed our family with a baby girl we named Andreya. She was just 3½ months old and came from a small village called Ntchisi in Malawi. Her situation at the time wasn’t good—she needed a home and a family. God saw fit to give her to us, and life hasn’t been the same ever since. She’s number four in our family, though numbers one through three have since grown up. We often say that in raising her, we find ourselves somewhere between being parents and grandparents.
Knowing her story, you can imagine the joy in our hearts as we share that Andreya has finished 11th grade with high honors! Her diligence and hard work have truly paid off. With 12th grade now on the horizon, we’re prayerfully considering what comes next. At this point, we’re preparing for her to pursue university studies here in South Africa, where she can earn an accredited degree that’s also more affordable for our family. Please pray with us—and for her—as we seek God’s direction and provision for this next step in her journey.
What an accomplishment—finishing Grade 11 with honors! There may or may not have been some loud cheering from a couple of proud parents in the audience… The past few years of school have brought their share of adjustments, but Andreya has faced them with determination, and she’s come through stronger for it.
In closing
Thank you for your faithful prayers and partnership. It is a privilege to serve and to be part of the work unfolding across Africa.
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
