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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ & CTMI Partners,
This past year has gone by very fast, but many things have been accomplished by the Lord's Grace. As far as I'm concerned, without His support and strength, we could not have carried out any of our missionary work.
If we recall the major events of 2006, we will be so encouraged to see that the Lord has done many great things. We have not prayed, invested our money, or worked in vain, as these things have allowed the gospel of the cross to be communicated to Pastors and Christians in a number of countries and in many churches.
2006 began with a week of sharing and discussion on various basic doctrines with all the pastors, elders, and leaders of churches in the Indian Ocean. These were precious moments, where everyone had the chance to express themselves, and share within small groups. We were unanimous in our conclusions about the various different doctrines. This proved enriching for every one of us, and will help us to share, and defend, the gospel with greater confidence.
A high point of our annual International Conference in Mauritius last May, was a word from the Lord, warning God's people against all the errors and deception that attack the pure doctrine of Christ. Various servants of God did not hesitate to denounce the false doctrines in the Church; they did so in the light of the Word and in the fear of the Lord. It was a time for God's family to have fellowship and rejoice… love and joy came together throughout the whole week. Hallelujah!
Our first national conference, for pastors and leaders, in 2006, was held in Maputo, Mozambique, in July. Brother Nelson, the manager of "Radio Capitale" in Maputo, agreed, with a small group of pastors from different churches, to organise the entire conference for CTMI. For Stephen and I, it was our first time to be translated into Portuguese! But, the gospel was preached with power nonetheless, and we are aware that many pastors were touched, encouraged, and transformed. It's such a joy to preach the gospel to African people.
As always, the month of August was reserved for the Nairobi conference, gathering pastors and leaders of churches forming part of the CTMI network in East Africa. Visitors came from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Kenya, of course! These men of God need to be encouraged, as working conditions are terrible in Africa; so it is important that they are surrounded and, especially, supported spiritually in the ministry. It was a precious time, both for us, and for them. I urge you to support them with your prayers, and to be concerned by what they are going through.
Lilongwe was the next stop, for another national conference with pastors from Malawi. Brothers John, Teddy, Andrew, and others, the local partners of CTMI in the gospel, took charge of the organisation. With all the attacks of the enemy preceding this event – two severe car accidents, in which pastors were injured – we were expecting a great victory at the conference. The word of God was preached with assurance and confronted many pastors, many of whom repented before the Lord. By the end of our stay, we were greatly edified to hear many testimonies of hearts that had been transformed.
The last of our national conferences was held in Douala; the first of its kind for CTMI in West Africa, but one of the most spiritually fruitful. By the time we left Cameroon, we had already established partners in the gospel in Buea, Douala, and the capital, Yaoundé. Many pastors were deeply affected by the gospel and, before leaving, we were greatly encouraged by the joy in their hearts, and their faith for a new life in the ministry. The testimonies are plentiful and powerful. Three weeks later, Jean Louis, Peter, and Georges returned to be with them in the 3 cities, holding meetings with 180 pastors; all of whom were excited by the gospel of the cross, having found the solution for their lives, their families, their attitude as parents and pastors, their ministries and churches.
CTMI teams also made follow-up visits after all the national conferences, and we can declare boldly that the gospel won over many hearts. Apostolic visits took place to Seychelles, Ringwood, San Diego, Bulawayo, etc. Many men of God visited the churches in Malawi Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, England, USA, France, Kenya, Mauritius, La Réunion, Rodrigues, and elsewhere. Sisters, devoted to, and established in the gospel held a few ladies' conferences in several African countries. These churches were all greatly encouraged by the different ministries and gifts the Lord has given us. A number of camps brought together hundreds of youths in South Africa, Zimbabwe, France, Tanzania, Uganda, Rodrigues, La Réunion, and Mauritius. Many young people are on fire for the Lord and are seeking His plan and His will for their lives. They have understood that the world has nothing to offer them, and that Jesus is concerned for their lives.
How can we refrain from rejoicing that the gospel is gaining ground and the Lord is raising people like Barnabas, Timothy, and Titus in the nations? It's time to continue to give of ourselves for the building up of God's Kingdom. I have often told you that the true revival of the gospel is on its way; once again, I remind you: we will experience it, because the Lord is preparing hearts, and it will be a large harvest. Pastors and Christians are already on the road of revival, and we await them with impatience. Let us not ease up, let us be concerned in our prayers; especially, let us reinforce our commitment at all levels – our lives, our testimony, our finances, and our service for the Lord.
"For Christ's love compels us, for we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died; and that he died for all, that those who live shall no longer live for themselves but for him, who died for them but was raised again." 2 Cor. 5:14-15
In closing, Jesus said: "If somebody wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, he must carry his cross and he must follow me."
Once again it is the same thing! It is the key for us to be part of this amazing movement of the spirit, and to rejoice as we see more and more sparks of this revival in 2007.
May His grace abound, and may we receive his promises and blessings in 2007.
To God alone, be the Glory, through Jesus Christ.
Miki Hardy
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