“Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgements he uttered.”
1 Chronicles 16. 8-12
Greetings,
As we enter into this week of thanksgiving and prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I rejoice in the miracles God has done in our midst—miracles that you and I have been allowed to participate in.
During the first 9 months of 2014 alone, a total of 45,834 individuals were served, 149 partner churches were empowered. A total of 617 people were trained to facilitate transformational development. The lives of 3,616 orphans and vulnerable children were transformed and 4,894 children participated in integrated Early Childhood development (ECD) and primary education programs—opening their lives to a whole new array of possibilities.
From the efforts implemented to share the gospel, over the first 9 months of 2014, a total of 856 decided to accept Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, and are being discipled. We praise God for each life that is now living in victory!
These results are so encouraging. The amount of total people served has increased by 4,403; already this year we have witnessed a 60% increase in professions of faith than in 2013. We are thankful for this great start to the three-year strategic plan. We also bear witness to God’s blessings in these other ways:
- Ministry Champions in the USA hosted two benefit receptions to advance the vision! The mission and vision of LIA was well received and we are grateful for new people who have been called to share in the work.
- The construction of phases 1 and 2 of the Karen Training Center is nearing completion. We give thanks to God for faithfully providing for this project as we move towards completion on schedule.
- The second annual GMHC-Africa was a huge success. Africans are rising up to carry out the mission of Jesus throughout the continent of Africa—many of them younger medical professionals and students. We sense a movement is forming. Ask that God would continue to guide us as we plan for GMHC-Africa 2015.
- We give thanks for the many new members God has called to serve with the LIA team. We praise him for Alice in Kenya, who has done an incredible job serving as the Kenya Country Director. We praise the Lord for Amy joining the USA team and all of the skills and relationships she brings to the organization as our new teams coordinator. And finally we give thanks for Kevin joining as our new US director of advancement, and look forward to how God will utilize Kevin’s talents for this ministry and The Kingdom.
- Join me in praising our Lord for the very successful USA Council and International Board meetings held this year. Much was accomplished and they have played and integral role in making sure that the ministry is in line with the three year strategic plan God has given us.
- Finally, though financial growth has been behind the high expectations we have set for ourselves, we are far ahead of previous years and know that God is the only one that we can credit for this incredible growth.
Thank you for upholding us in prayer throughout this year, without your spiritual support and intercession our work would surely not have been as successful. I thank God that he has joined us in partnership to pray for one another and transform together.
The Lord bless you and your family during this special time of the year.
In Christ,
Florence
