To all our friends and ministry partners, we are grateful
for your friendship and partnership throughout this year. When we reflect on
everything God has allowed us to be part of in 2017, we know that it would not
have been possible without your role. We stand and serve because through you
God has provided the support we need to do all He called us to. The principle
of ‘Ubuntu’ teaches us umuntu ngumuntu
ngabantu. This means we do not exist as an island, we are created for
relationship and community.
The Gap Year programme
 |
| Trainees and staff on the end of year hike. |
The Gap Year programme is always one of our biggest
highlights of the year because we spend most of our time with these young
people. Every year in January we receive a group of young people, eager to
receive training and go serve. As the staff, we spend time getting to know each
of them, helping on their journey of becoming the men and woman God intends
them to be. This is done through devotions, ministry training and personal
discipleship. It is such a joy to witness the growth that takes place during
their time with us. We know that this is only a part of their discipleship
journey, so we always encourage the trainees to find someone to disciple them
further at the end of their year with us.
Regional Director
Role
By far my (Bhuti) biggest growth this year came from
learning and taking on this new challenge of becoming regional director. In
this role I come alongside Chico, country leader of Mozambique, to help him as
he mobilises disciple making movements in that country. Chico has spearheaded
J-Life work in his country since 2013. Over the years he has built a team of
regional trainers (Movement Builder Multipliers) who are doing a sterling job
of equipping the church to make disciples.
Engaging with a peer on discipleship and coaching challenged
me a lot. Not only did we discuss strategies and review plans and goals, we also
spoke about glorifying God in how we live and lead our families; we prayed and
studied the Word together. That is where the growth came from, going beyond
curriculum to engaging authentically as followers of Christ. Please pray for
our planned visit to Mozambique in 2018.
J-Life South Africa
Summit
 |
| J-Life SA Summit: Josh, Jess and Gail left before the picture was taken |
In November, the J-Life South Africa team met in Cape Town
for our national summit. It was a huge blessing to be under one roof as we are
based in different provinces and hardly come together.
J-Life Africa STM
Co-ordinator
 |
| Jann flanked by Kelita and Joe in Zambia |
A new role I (Jann) have taken on this year is that of
helping our leaders across the continent plan, prepare and host a short term
mission from partner churches. It has been really meaningful to use the skills
and experience I’ve gained from hosting mission teams on Camp Eden and make
them available to others in our team. I am also learning as I grow into this
role. Each country is different, with its own capabilities and challenges, which
keeps things interesting.
I had the privilege of being in Zambia for a short time
during the STM from Grace Community with Joe, our country leader there. It was
wonderful to see all the months of planning come together. Joe has a great team
and they added much value to the team from Grace. Meeting Kelita, Joe’s wife
and working alongside them was a
highlight. It was also good to spend time with friends from the USA and make
some new ones.
 |
| Merry Christmas |
Have a blessed Christmas celebrating the birth of our Saviour with friends and family. We pray that 2018 will be a year of greater impact for his Kingdom.
 |
| Ndumiso turned 4 in November |
