Friends! Family! Kingdom partners! I'd like to share this update on the worldwide COVID-19 situation from Overland Missions' CEO -- Philip Smethurst. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXdyh8KVeKI As missionaries who work in the foreign field among vulnerable people groups, who are remotely situated and not regularly exposed to the outside world, our international teams consider the risk this superbug… Continue reading COVID-19 Overland Missions team update
Friends! Family! Kingdom partners! Here’s an update on the past few weeks’ events in February, spilling into March! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrlqmwU5VbY Marching on I saw this post online earlier, and OH! What a privilege it is to be a labourer in this harvest! Thank you for labouring with me in the Nations so that every man from… Continue reading Marching on
This past week, around 80 missionaries (kiddos included), with a mish-mash of 12 vehicles, representing 7 nations where the Good News of the Gospel is proclaimef, came together for Overland Missions’ annual African Staff conference. here, 7 nations in which the Good News of the Gospel is proclaimed, is represented by 80 missionaries (including kids)… Continue reading from the mouthes of babes
[a mid-February update] Friends! Family! Kingdom Partners! What an incredible honour it is to work in the kingdom alongside World Changers like you! I’ve been back in South Africa for just over a week and a half now (after coming back from the One Tribe Conference in the States), and it has been such a… Continue reading run to catch that Lyft!
We feel so humbled that God would allow us to continue that work, which was founded by great men and women of God, who gave their lives and were buried there. The team experienced wins all over the world.
Friends! Family! Kingdom partners! 🇨🇩 I thought I’d give you a quick non-comprehensive overview of life and prayer requests: - I’m currently in the United States 🇺🇸, FL, where I attended Overland Missions’ ONE TRIBE conference. It was a wonderful time of drawing together with missionaries from all over the world to hear from different speakers (most… Continue reading a non-comprehensive mid-January update
Jour 1: Le Saint-Esprit est là, tout près de vous Jésus a dit : "Et moi, je prierai le Père, et il vous donnera un autre consolateur, afin qu'il demeure éternellement avec vous, l'Esprit de vérité, que le monde ne peut recevoir, parce qu'il ne le voit point et ne le connaît point ; mais vous,… Continue reading 7 jours pour se laisser guider par le Saint-Esprit
On our first Expedition to Sekute, Vanessa met up with some locals at one of the churches they were ministering at. This is her testimony of Divine Appointments, and how chance-exchanges lead to powerful transformation.
This is Annie. She's practically part of the furniture here on Rapid 14, the logistical base for Overland Missions in Zambia. Not only is she an absolutely PHENOMENAL cook, and super patient in teaching the AMT students how the kitchen is run, she is a powerhouse of faith, and a great source of wisdom.
This is Jackson. Not only is he a close friend, but he's an all-round amazing person. He's on his way to Sioma to minister full-time in Western Zambia.
Looking back often provides us with the perspective we need to recognize God's steadfast faithfulness in every season. God does not change. His Word is ALWAYS true. His is not slow in remembering His promises. When we step out in faith and walk in obedience, He is sure to fulfil His Word since He has already equipped us with everything we need to live a life of holiness and godliness through the Holy Spirit.
“I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].”
Philippians 4:12-13 AMPC
https://www.bible.com/8/php.4.12-13.ampc
Zambia is currently suffering the worst drought in over 62 years. Throughout Western Province, Zambia and beyopnd, our sector managers have responded in sustainable manner by providing locals work, agricultural training, and land to farm.
A couple years ago, I was waiting at the doctor’s office when 3 men in hand- and foot cuffs were ushered into the waiting room. I assumed they had to be suspected of, or convicted of violent crime because they were under the surveillance of six prison guards. Two guards were assigned to each man,… Continue reading Lord, remember me
A while ago, I read a quote by Charles Spurgeon that was something along the lines of, “If ever you come across a piece of Scripture you can’t face, read it until you can.”
This simple statement changed the way I read Scripture.
You see, there are many passages I avoid — no, not drawn-out lineages, rules for the building of the temple, or ‘scary’ things I don’t understand — but passages that CONVICT me.
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
It’s often easier to avoid the things from Scripture that convict us, rather than to work through them, asking Holy Spirit for fresh revelation, and fresh grace so that we might continually grow in relationship with Him.
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
You don’t have to be a Scholar to read and understand Scripture. If teenage fishermen were entrusted with this Message, and we have the Holy Spirit, it shouldn’t be hard to read, understand, and apply the FULL teaching we have through Scripture.
Nowadays, we have various options available to us — beautiful hardcopy, leather bound editions in many languages, or digital easily-accessed apps which give us the Bible on multiple devices. But this is not how Scripture started out. Most of the New Testament was written as letters to new believers to the many new churches that were found across the world. The Old Testament is made up of chronicles, stories, laws, prophesies, et cetera!
There is so much more to the Word than black and white (and red!) letters which provides us with a manual to living a God-filled life.
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
The Word is living and powerful and active!
When you’re offended by something, view this as the perfect opportunity for God to renew your thinking, for Holy Spirit to establish a new heart within you, for you to grow into the likeness of Christ. Don’t change Scripture to fit your convictions. But align your convictions to the Truth of the Word so that you might discover and grow in the fullness of all that God is, and who He is in you and through you!
There are a lot of people these days who are “cherry picking” scriptures which support their lifestyle choices, while they often ignore the context, as a whole, from which those scriptures are drawn.
This first verse here in Romans 8 is one of those scriptures. For, these people assume they are “in Christ Jesus” merely because they made a profession of faith in Christ, or merely because they made some acknowledgment as to who he is as the Lord, the Christ, the Son of God. Or, perhaps it was because they repeated some words after someone in a prayer where they were then congratulated that they are now in God’s family.
But, is that all there is to it to be “in Christ”? Or, is there more to it?
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life…
In the busy season, Rapid14 is home to over 100 missionaries, AMT students, and expedition members. The Main Centre on Rapid 14 is an all-in-one dining hall, church, living room, recreational centre, and sometimes, classroom.It overlooks the gorgeous cliffs of Rapid 14, the fourteenth rapid from the Victoria Falls, and many missionaries working in the… Continue reading this beautiful [home]
What's a missionary? If your answer is something along the lines of "Jehovah's Witnesses" or "Mormons", and you're not aware of the evangelical commission of the Apostles, found in Acts, then this is a good kick-off to transform your thinking. Listen to this amazing vision by founder and CEO of Overland Missions, Philip Smethurst. Apostles… Continue reading what is a [missionary]?
One of the most central issues within the [modern] church, that seems to pop up every now and then is the question:
Should women be allowed to preach?
Essentially, this question does not relate to the official platform of 'preacher' as it relates to pastor or whatever official title you'd like to slap on to the formal structure of [church] ministry. Rather, the question is this -- are women supposed to publicly speak out about the Gospel?
One would think that, within the modern era, this question is finite, and also redundant. Yet, it's something that constantly pops up in church discussions, social media, and feminist campaigns. Personally, I'm not an advocate for feminism. I'm an advocate for the Gospel, and that intrinsically implies equality. Perhaps we'll have a discussion about this another time?
the tyger || burning bright || #runwildlivefree On 29 September, two weeks after my dad passed away, I was visiting my friend Carené -- I was making my way though town, coming back from KZN where I went to see my dad's lawyer earlier that morning. It wasn't an unusual day, and I wasn't very… Continue reading the tiger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cIp0499cLY After visiting an unreached cluster of huts, the team shared the Gospel to a family in which they accepted Jesus and burned their charms .
Twenty six days ago my father passed away. These words still seem unreal to me, even as I write them here. In a month's time I'll be celebrating my first birthday without him, and that is even more unreal. "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet, and a light for my path." Psalm… Continue reading the valley
The thing is -- sometime we get caught up in life, running from end to end to get stuff done. And we tend to miss out on the simple pleasures -- like children laughing and wet dog noses; taking a stroll in stead of a sprint.
God’s Word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.
Two years ago I was having a conversation on mangled French in a parking lot, and now I'm preparing to move to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and make it my home.
I find that Scripture translations are often like beautiful mosaics -- carefully put together in order to convey it's truest message.
I say, read the translation/version that speaks to you (language wise, and revelation wise) with the enlightenment of Holy Spirit, and allow Him to reveal the depths of it's truths to you.
if crossing the wilderness has taught me anything, it is to be uncompromisingly obedient to God, and to fully trust in, and rely on Him to show you the path to take.
I make it a firm policy not to live in the past. However, I love looking back because over and over and over again, I see GOD IS FAITHFUL written in giant capitals all over this journey.
Many think salvation is earned by becoming a member of a denomination and by works, they know nothing of grace through faith. Many have never read the Bible, or even held one, so what do you teach then? Well, tradition. We have walked into village churches just as the pastors were inviting the “angry spirits of the dead” into the building.
We've assimilated into a culture that declares, "don't judge" -- perhaps in reference to MATTHEW 7:2. However, practicing DISCERNMENT is a Biblical mandate. When we look at outward appearances or practice judgement over other people's lifestyles or choices, we're not discerning, or even judging, we are condemning. Wouldn't it be better for everyone if we… Continue reading judge not
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which… Continue reading je cours
We have just returned to base on Rapid 14 after a week of ministry in Masukatwane, Sekute, in the Southern province of Zambia. Every day, our team of 20 people divided into groups and went from home to home to minister the Gospel. We saw MANY people come to Christ for the first time, and… Continue reading Sekute Expedition
Friends, as this period of Advanced Missions Training draws to a close, I'm excited to share some Big News with you soon! Hallo from Rapid 14! I wanted to share this testimony from our final Expedition in Somwatochela with you. May you be encouraged and blessed by God's faithfulness! I was running the kitchen for… Continue reading August update
the last stand || Meigiddo || Israel A year ago, I was exploring the Promised Land and surrounding nations. I suppose many people undertake this journey as a pilgrimage, to walk in the footsteps of the Messiah. For me, though, it was a very spiritual experience, not because I walked where He walked, but because… Continue reading the stand
rejoice || wilderness a well in the wasteland. There are times in life where we're "stuck" in the in-between. One of the toughest lessons I've had to learn, is to actively wait while I'm in the in-between. As Westerners, we're conditioned to be time-conscious -- not to waste time, but to save it and steward… Continue reading rejoice in the wilderness
"I was once young, and now I am old, but not once have I been witness to God's failure to supply my need when I had first given for the furtherance of His work. He has never failed in His promise, so I cannot fail in my service to Him."William Carey1761-1834; British missionary to India… Continue reading seed for sowing
And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa. 52:7.]
Ephesians 6:15 AMPC
"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added… Continue reading be multiplied
I never thought that when I started ministering to a tribe with no knowledge of Jesus Christ or Christian theology, my own understanding of the gospel would be so deepened. There’s no need in ministry here to dig and strive for a new concept to teach every few days, as even the most basic concepts… Continue reading the simple Gospel
There is rest and there is peaceInside the shade of Your garden https://www.instagram.com/p/B0nI-XelTDHoxIZKLTkR7S8ZYy_qmkBW2deKak0/ Jesus, you're the only one for methere's no way I'm leaving youYour the love the way the life the truthYou're our the door I'm walking through Your love is the reason that I am hereand I'm running to you cause your all… Continue reading the Door
I'm praying for the Nations of Africa today.Northern Africa and the Middle East has been at the center of persecution for many years, and yet, many new believers turn to Christ as Lord and Saviour. one of the largest threats to the Western Church is lukewarm faith. persecution is one of the best things that can… Continue reading not abandoned
"The world asks, 'what does a man own?' Christ asks, 'how does he do it?'"Andrew Murray1828 - 1917South African pastor and author "You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him." - Deuteronomy 15: 9 - 10 When Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt, they… Continue reading the purpose of wealth
"After these things, I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands." - Revelation 7:9 How did this great multitude get there? Someone went, someone was sent,… Continue reading every tribe and tongue
"We must be global Christians with a global vision, because our God is a global God." - John Scott, 1921British Pastor and Evangelical leader "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, 'come to Macedonia hand help us.'" - Acts 16:9 Recognizing God's appeal… Continue reading vision for the harvest
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