Download the PDF version here (e-mail & printer-friendly):
RESOURCES
1. AFM Response to the President’s Address to the Nation
https://afm-ags.org/afm-response-to-the-presidents-address-to-the-nation-26-07-2021/
2. Pastoral Letter: 2nd Quarter
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-2nd-quarter-2021/
3. The Possible Adoption of a Single Marriage Statute: AFM Submission
https://afm-ags.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Letter-to-the-SLRC-4-May-2021.pdf
4. PEPUDA Amendment Bill: AFM Submission
https://afm-ags.org/pepuda-amendment-bill-afm-response-june-2021/
Dear Colleague,
Allow me to greet you with the words from 3 John 2: “I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (NIV).
1. LET US KEEP HOPE & BE RESILIENT
We are still in the Covid-19 season. None of us knows how long this pandemic will last. I continue to be saddened by the loss of lives which is now beyond 70 000 deaths nationwide. It is even more painful to see the huge number of our Pastors and Pastors’ Spouses that have passed away because of covid-related causes. I am convinced that the Church of Jesus Christ will weather the Covid-19 storm and come out stronger than before. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said to Peter: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (NIV).
Many Pastors are struggling to navigate some of the obstacles of technology-based ministry. Some of these challenges have to do with a lack of electricity, internet connectivity while other challenges are caused by a lack of practical know-how. I am also aware that many of our Pastors are going through financial challenges. We must never allow these challenges to demotivate us. We must explore all possibilities to remain on top of them. These challenges oblige us to rethink and prioritise our ministry. We need to have resourceful persons around us to assist.
2. GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING (GBM)
As you may be aware the National Office Bearers were tasked by the March 2021 National Leadership Forum (NLF) to explore the possibility of convening the General Business Meeting in various venues simultaneously. This was linked to churches being allowed to have in-person church gatherings of 200 and more. Progress was made in this regard, unfortunately during the peak of the third wave church gatherings were not permitted. Currently, in-person church gatherings are limited to 50 which is not helpful.
Kindly note that the August 2021 NLF will deliberate on this matter with a view to charting the way forward.
3. myAFM APP: COMING SOON!
We are excited to announce that the AFM of SA will soon have a mobile application of its own! In the Pastoral Letter of the 1st Quarter, we focused on technology and the Great Commission (https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-1st-quarter-2021/). As a church, we have access to technology that enables us to reach more lives and promote daily missional living. The myAFM APP is a platform for everything that is AFM in one place. The APP will allow its subscribers to stream sermons, access different Bible translations, read weekly devotions, receive information about AFM events and other live notifications or messages. Subscribers will be spiritually nurtured and empowered to be agents of change within their local communities.
The myAFM APP will also have a special section for AFM Pastors. Pastors will be able to log in and enjoy easy access to Newsflashes, Pastoral Letters, Official Statements, Circulars and Live Notifications. Pastors will be required to pre-register to gain access to this private section on the APP. Instructions for pre-registration will follow soon!
Blessings!
MG Mahlobo
