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Newsflash: Friday, 21 October 2022
OCTOBER
RESOURCES
Pastoral Letter: 3rd Quarter 2022
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-3rd-quarter-2022/
AFM of SA National Calendar 2023
https://afm-ags.org/category/media/
October Month: Pastor’s Appreciation Month (Circular)
https://afm-ags.org/category/media/
Dear Colleague,
1. DO NOT BE FEARFUL
Pray Without Ceasing
There are several circumstances and scenarios taking place in the world – and especially in South Africa – that cause many of us to be deeply concerned and even worried to the point of being anxious. Paul encourages us with the following words: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7(NIV).
Prayer is not just about providing God with a “shopping list” of things we need or desire. It is not about using a spiritual spare wheel when we are in trouble. It’s about establishing a relationship with God built on our faith and trust in Him. Based on this relationship we can present our requests, concerns and needs to Him. Knowing that He cares for and listens to us.
The Bible is filled with individuals and groups of people who prayed for a variety of things that we still pray about today: Illness, danger, drought, finances, fear and worry. We can pray about anything and everything. Paul instructs us to pray instead of worrying about these things. Some people will say it is practically impossible not to worry, given their current felt experiences.
Instead of living with anxiety and fear, instead of experiencing pessimism and feelings of helplessness, our prayers will bring us into the atmosphere of God’s peace. His peace is not relative to the level of fear or worry that we experience. It exceeds our understanding in every possible way, in every situation. The implication of this is that people who pray, experience an “abnormal” level of peace, even in the most difficult and challenging circumstances. Prayer draws us closer to God’s presence and shields our hearts and minds from hopelessness and anxiety.
This does not mean that people who pray, and who subsequently experience God’s peace in all circumstances, should not do anything about the situation. People of prayer are not called to be passive and inactive: We must still do what is needed and what we can, whilst trusting God to do the rest. “The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” Daniel 11:32b (ESV). The best way to replace anxiety about the realities of our life and country is to pray without ceasing. If you do that, the promise is that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The 26th Pentecostal World Conference Gathers to Pray for Peace and Revival
(Seoul, October 14, 2022) – The third and final day of the 26th Pentecostal World Conference (PWC) began on the beautiful rolling hills and lush grounds of the Korean peninsula, known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Over 25,000 worshippers came to Peace Park, which is located at the demarcation line between North Korea and South Korea. The vast crowd gathered to pray for peace in the peninsula, reconciliation between the Korean nations, and revival in the next generation. The opening observance celebrated the 47 nations represented in the Pentecostal World Fellowship (PWF) with a parade of flags, the religious demographics of each country, and their unique needs for prayer.
2. PASTORS APPRECIATION MONTH: OCTOBER
As a church, we have established a tradition over the last couple of years to especially focus on appreciating our Pastors, their spouses and children during the month of October. In this regard a Circular was sent to Regions, Networks and Departments and can be downloaded from the link below:
https://afm-ags.org/pastors-appreciation-october-2022/
3. AFM OF SA CALENDAR 2023
To download the 2023 AFM of SA Calendar, kindly visit the AFM of SA website:
https://afm-ags.org/category/media/
Warm Regards!
Henri Weidman
