Newsflash: Friday, 21 May 2021

Download the PDF version here (e-mail and printer-friendly):

RESOURCES

1. GBM Online Registration Form
https://afm.easychurch.co.za/?page_id=413

2. Pastoral Letter: 1^st Quarter
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-1st-quarter-2021/

3. The Possible Adoption of a Single Marriage Statute: AFM Response
https://afm-ags.org/friday-7-may-2021-funeral-guidelines-updated-afm-response-to-salrc/

4. Funeral Guidelines (Updated March 2021 – Attendance 100)
https://afm-ags.org/friday-7-may-2021-funeral-guidelines-updated-afm-response-to-salrc/

AFM Colleague,

1. WEEKS OF PENTECOST AND PENTECOST SUNDAY

I would like to apologize for an incorrect entry of the 2021 Week of Pentecost and Pentecost Sunday in our Annual Calendar. We are in the Weeks of Pentecost since 14 May 2021. Pentecost Sunday is on 23 May 2021. Kindly find the most updated AFM National Calendar from the link below:

https://afm-ags.org/category/media/

During the Weeks of Pentecost, we reflect on the 120 who waited for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the upper room as recorded in Acts 1:4-5. On this coming Pentecost Sunday, we will be joining the global Christian community in celebrating the momentous events in Acts 2. We will do so amid the pandemic that has engulfed the whole world. A short sermon by Past. Barend Petersen (General Treasurer of the AFM of SA) will be posted on the AFM’s social media platforms on Pentecost Sunday – Facebook & Instagram.

Let us use this Pentecost Sunday as an opportunity to PRAY for:

God’s intervention in mitigating the disastrous impact of Covid-19.
The reality of the Holy Baptism in the lives of our members.
The development of the Fruit of the Spirit in the character of our members.
Revival

2. THE AFM’S BIRTHDAY AND AFRICA DAY

On 25 May 2021, the AFM will be celebrating its 113^th year of existence. This celebration coincides with Africa Day. Let us celebrate God’s Grace which has accompanied the AFM for 113 years. Let us also reflect on God’s Redemptive Gift (the DNA of the AFM) and its impact on the world. A short Birthday message by Dr Japie & Mrs Susan La Poorta will be shared on the AFM’s social media – Facebook & Instagram.

Let us also use this moment to pray for our Continent – Africa. According to a 2018 study by the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Africa has the largest population of Christians (631 million). This numerical Christian growth has not had a transformative impact on the continent. Conflicts, hunger, diseases, and poverty continue to plague our continent. Let us use this coming Africa Day to pray for Africa and its people to overcome all challenges.

3. CALL FOR VIGILANCE

South Africa is on the brink of a third wave of coronavirus infections. I am calling on all AFM pastors and leaders to be part of the campaign of driving down the infection rate by urging all to comply with the Covid-19 safety and hygienic regulations. I also call upon pastors to be channels of comfort and hope to all those who have lost loved ones due to the pandemic and those who are recovering from infections.

4. BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT: SHORT QUESTIONNAIRE

The AFM DEL (Doctrine, Ethics and Liturgy) Committee hereby request AFM Pastors to answer a short (3 questions) survey regarding the importance of the baptism in the Holy Spirit for Pentecostal believers in the AFM of SA:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8TCZNZN

Background Information:

The AFM is known as a Pentecostal church and part of the worldwide Pentecostal Movement. Worldwide Pentecostals are revisiting what it means to be Pentecostal. This is related to how they view themselves as a church that was born in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Part of that experience is the belief in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The AFM’s Confession of Faith (https://afm-ags.org/about-us/confessions-of-faith/) includes that we believe in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.

Blessings!

MG Mahlobo

Spread the word...