March 2023

"Dear family, I returned from my Sabbatical refreshed and rejuvenated in the Lord. When Vivienne asked me how I would summarize this time, I responded, without hesitating, that I am in love again! I have returned to my first love who is Jesus Christ my Lord. The Lord did a deep work in me and developed a prevailing theme of Healing and Restoration for the season to come. I believe that the Lord desires to heal and restore his people in this season according to Ps 23 (especially vs 3 - He restores my soul...). We can see this happening globally through the awakenings and outpourings that are happening around the world and that I believe will happen in our context."

The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me besides still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name sake... Psalm 23

Our Strategic focus areas for this season following from our citywide vision include:

HOSTING THE PRESENCE OF GOD (through passionate worship, authentic prayer and gift based ministry);

DEMONSTRATING THE POWER OF GOD (through Altar prayer ministry, Healing prayer times and expecting breakthroughs);

PROCLAIMING THE WORD OF GOD (Christ centered, Spirit empowered and Word based preaching and teaching);

HEALING & RESTORATION (Ministering to the body, soul and spiritual needs of our people and community);

PRACTICAL SUPPORT MINISTRY (practically supporting our people and community in need);

OUR OWN BUILDING/ VENUE (trusting to move into our own building or venue this year)

WHAT WE'VE DONE SO FAR...

Prayer and fast time and citywide impartation... Our theme for this year's Prayer and Fast week was "Miracles". Our faith was stirred and we were able to pray into many areas like our city, country, families, the government, etc. during that week. We ended off the week with a wonderful worship night. Later during January we also had an Every Nation Citywide prayer and worship night - it's always a blessing to worship with our citywide family and experience the Holy Spirit moving.

Our Victory Training during March had a group of people from different congregations taking part. 23 participants were impacted, consisting of 4 men and 19 women. We had 2 Holy Spirit baptisms, one baptized in water and 2 others who will be baptized in water in April. It is always a blessing to witness people breaking free from things that hold them back to live a life in freedom.

We had a Ladies' Prayer Walk at Emmarentia Dam which was wonderful! It was such a special time walking, praying and spending quality time together.

Our Womens' Ministry had their first Soaking Encounter evening. The Holy Spirit was present at this get together and it was an uplifting and rejuvenating time together.

Baby dedications - Four precious children were dedicated during the first part of the year. We celebrate with: Charl and Rachelle with Lumé, Alfred and Alma with Azelle Nia, Francois and Riandi with Clarissa and Jeremy and Mia-Anne with Raegen. We are always delighted to dedicate our little ones to the Lord!

During our Vision Sunday, Pastor Serge shared about our vision as an Every Nation Randburg family. This forms part of the vision of Every Nation Johannesburg which is that "we see individuals, society and community transformed through discipleship in the Word, in the presence and power of God".

Every Nation Randburg's Strategic Focus areas (mentioned at the beginning of the newsletter) were looked at in more depth during our Vision Sunday service. We are practically applying these focus areas by having the following:

1st Thursday prayer and fasting each month - everyone is invited to pray with us on this Thursday evening.

On the 3rd Thursday of each month we'll have Healing Prayer evenings.

Every Sunday you are welcome to join us in prayer before each service at 8am.

Matthew 9:38 mentions that the harvest is plentiful, but that the labourers are few... You're invited to set your alarm for 9:38 daily, to pray for more labourers.

And each morning at 6am, Every Nation South Africa pray together on Zoom if you feel led to join in.

Please contact Margie (0724995795) if you wish to make an appointment with Pastor Serge on a Tuesday or Thursday between 14:00 and 16:00 for one to one ministry time.

What next?

Our next sermon series in April is Ablaze - returning to our First love; then in May we'll have a series on Financial Miracles.

We are looking forward to our Church Camp that is coming up soon. We will keep you posted!

Appreciate

Credits:

Created with images by Sunshine Seeds - "Skyline of buildings and residential suburban neighborhood in Sandton CBD Johannesburg" • Chanyanuch - "business" • PX Media - "Mission, vision, values - signpost" • Cordula Peheim/Wirestock - "Man stands on the pier under a cloudy sky and looks ahead into the water, Bregenz, Vorarlberg"