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RESOURCES
1. Circular: GBM 2020 & Supporting Annexures
https://afm-ags.org/gbm-circular-supporting-documents/
2. Circular: Pastors’ Appreciation Month (October)
https://afm-ags.org/circular-pastors-appreciation-month-october-2021/
3. Pastoral Letter: 3rd Quarter (New!)
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-3rd-quarter-2021/
4. NOB Empowerment Visits 2021: PowerPoint Presentations
https://afm-ags.org/nob-empowerment-visits-2021-power-point-presentations/
5. NOB Empowerment Visits 2021: Training Videos
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMguBPJZpLHYtSymo7ubUs2oXGS28rDn3
Dear Colleague,
1. PASTORS’ APPRECIATION MONTH
October month is Pastors’ Appreciation Month (PAM). In this appreciation, we include the Pastors’ family. The last two years (2020 & 2021) have been very difficult for many of our Pastors. Many had to take a cut in their salaries while others struggled to meet their financial commitments. I know that this is also true for many of our members.
I am making a special plea to all AFM local Assemblies and all church structures to reach out to our Pastors and Families and appreciate their commitment to the Lord’s work, even in difficult times. We do not prescribe the kind of appreciation. Each local Assembly or church structure use their own discretion. Maybe, this time around, it might be helpful to think about a kind of appreciation token that would mitigate the negative impact that the pandemic had on our Pastors.
We have lost a huge number of our Pastors and Spouses of Pastors due to Covid-19. It is in this regard that I am also appealing that we include the Pastors’ Spouses who have become widowed because of the passing on, of their spouses. Let us use this opportunity to calm their pain and feel that their labours have not been forgotten by the church. Let us also decide on how we will appreciate Pastors and Pastors’ Spouses who have retired. In this regard, I request that our local Assemblies, our Regional and National Structures should extend their tokens of appreciation to our leaders who served them in the past and have now retired.
The Bible in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 urges us to recognise and honour our spiritual leaders. I like it in the Message Bible: “And now friends, we ask you to honour those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation. Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part.”
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all AFM of SA Pastors and their families for their service in various fields of ministry.
Your dedicated and sacrificial work was not in vain. The broader AFM has been positively impacted by your service in the church and in God’s kingdom. When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the victor’s crown of the glory that will not fade away (1 Peter 5: 4).
Please take note of the latest Circular addressed to Governing Bodies regarding Pastors’ Appreciation Month – which can be downloaded from the AFM Website:
https://afm-ags.org/circular-pastors-appreciation-month-october-2021/
2. AFM OF SA RESPONSE TO PROPOSED PEPUDA AMENDMENT BILL
Kindly take note that the AFM already submitted comments regarding the proposed PEPUDA Amendment Bill on 6 June 2021. These comments are available for download from the AFM website and have been previously included in numerous Newsflash communications. We include the link here for easy and quick reference:
https://afm-ags.org/category/articles/
3. AFM WELFARE WEEKEND
When things are tough and difficult in my own household, does God still expect me to reach out to others in need? We believe that through God’s grace we should continue to generously give and reach out to others in need – even in challenging times.
This is the proposed theme for the 2021 AFM Welfare Weekend (26-28 November 2021) as celebrated by the Members and Assemblies in The AFM of SA. This year there is a special focus on how the church can make a difference in the lives of older persons in their community. We are excited to see what AFM Members and Assemblies are planning.
For practical guidelines on how to make the most of your AFM Welfare Weekend, remember to consult the Pastoral Letter of the 3rd Quarter:
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-3rd-quarter-2021/
Blessings!
MG Mahlobo
