The Johannesburg International Christian Church https://joburgicc.net A member of the Sold-Out Discipling Movement Sat, 25 May 2024 19:43:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://joburgicc.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/jb_favicon-70x70.ico The Johannesburg International Christian Church https://joburgicc.net 32 32 AFRICANUS Report (English) – March 16, 2024 https://joburgicc.net/2024/03/20/africanus-report-english-march-16-2024/ Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:35:57 +0000 https://joburgicc.net/?p=29671

Greetings from the Motherland of Africa & the Mid-Atlantic US!
“They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor.” (Isaiah 60:21)
Dear Kip, Elena, and FOMM Family,

Greetings from South Africa!  We just completed our first-ever Southern Africa Missions Conference (SALC) entitled, “GOD IS ABLE,” hosted by our sister church in Johannesburg!  Many disciples commented that it was a “life-changing” time of inspiration and fellowship while experiencing the beautiful South African culture and landscape.  From Thursday, March 7th to Sunday, March 10th, 30 visiting disciples from the US, UK, UAE, Zambia and Mozambique were welcomed to Johannesburg as we dreamed for the evangelization of the 10 countries of Southern Africa!

Patrique and I were encouraged with the faith of the Washington DC and Delaware disciples as 16 members (14 from Washington DC and two from Delaware) sacrificed to travel the 7000 miles to join the saints in Joburg.  With 130 souls in attendance, the highlights of the Sunday Worship Service was the baptism of a campus student named Akuna; the appointment of Nick Winn as an Evangelist; and the sending out the Maputo (Mozambique) Mission Team “for the display of (God’s) splendor!”  The Johannesburg Church is also to be commended, as their efforts to raise funds for Special Missions were vital to the success of the SALC – no funds were requested for missions for this dynamic conference – it was almost entirely funded with “African” monies!

Personally, it was a joy for Patrique and me to welcome our dear friends and fellow WSLs, Michael & Michele Williamson, to Johannesburg as keynote speakers for the conference!  Remarkably, Michael and Michele were also able to celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary and Michele’s spiritual birthday while with us!  After the SALC concluded on Sunday, I had the privilege to travel to Maputo, Mozambique for a “scouting trip” with a dear “adopted son” in the faith and the leader of the Maputo Mission Team, Yuri Oliveira.  Yuri, along with Samara Santos and Bruna Oliveria (no relation) were graciously sent to South Africa from our sister church in São Paolo (Brazil) for training last February.  Along with a South African brother, Musa Sibiya and two Mozambican sisters (Drs. Carol and Tânia Nhavoto) this valiant mission team of six souls are eager to plant our first Portuguese-speaking nation on the continent of Africa – Mozambique!

In English-speaking Africa, the LORD blessed the Joburg Church with two campus baptisms on Sunday and Monday from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), which has grown from 0 to 9 disciples at UJ over the past year.  Our sister churches in Kampala (Uganda) and Accra (Ghana) also had campus baptisms, and our brother Blaise Feumba reported that the 19 French Africa churches celebrated 19 souls baptized this week!  Please pray for my family as we return to Washington DC on Monday after I preach for the Joburg saints on Sunday.  The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of faith and inspiration that is already raising up men and women to be used powerfully by God!

SALC CONFERENCE!
30 visiting disciples from across the world were excited to visit the Motherland as we celebrated our first-ever Southern Africa Leadership Conference entitled, “GOD IS ABLE!” (Ephesians 3:20)
The purpose of the conference was to inspire and equip the Southern Africa saints to fulfill their part of Operation Motherland – the evangelization plan for all of Africa!  Excitingly, the sending out of the Maputo Mission Team has now enabled us to have churches in three of the 10 Southern Africa countries – South Africa, Zambia and now Mozambique!  Please pray for us to plant three more countries with cities over a million souls by 2030 – Zimbabwe, Malawi and Angola!
t was a joy to return to Johannesburg with our family after leaving to serve the DC Church just four months ago.  This pic was right before we headed out on Thursday afternoon with the SALC guests to the Elephant Sanctuary!
The African elephants showed us gentle hospitality as they were guided by their expert handlers.  We were able to feed, touch and walk with these highly intelligent creatures – the largest land mammals on earth!   Next year, I’ll schedule an event to walk with the lions!
After our time at the Elephant Sanctuary, we took an aerial cable car to enjoy panoramic views at the top of the beautiful Magaliesberg mountain range, where we saw the Hartebeespoort Dam and the lush surrounding areas of the North West province of South Africa.
We came back from our road trip to sing and enjoy a scrumptious Welcome Banquet on Thursday night for all our SALC guests as I preached the lesson, “God is Able to Save” with Patrique!
The Leadership Workshop on Friday morning was on FIRE as Michael & Michele Williamson (center) preached the keynote lesson, “God is Able to Raise Up Leaders,” along with powerful admonitions from the different aspects of the Jethro Principle in Exodus 18:21-23!
A dear brother from DC, Mike Sesay (left), was renewed by the leadership workshop to dream greatly for the LORD once again!  One of our South African brothers, Sibusiso (right), a former minister and “prophet” who became a true disciple last year, was inspired to see disciples from around the world!  Please pray for both of these great brothers to be used mightily by our God!
Remarkably, a minister named Robert Kgwete (center) traveled from Limpopo (approximately 3 hours drive from Johannesburg) after hearing about our conference and stayed with us for the entire weekend!  Please pray for Robert to study the Bible and become a baptized disciple of Jesus!
Our First General Session on Friday evening was filled with disciples eager to learn how to impact the Southern Africa region of 160 million souls.  Michael Williamson powerfully preached “God is Able to Deliver” from Daniel 3:17!
The Joburg Church’s vibrant AMS ministry was on display as authentic African dancing kicked off the night, featuring the different cultures of South Africa.  South Africa’s diversity is unique as there are 11 official languages in the country!
On Saturday morning, my dear son in the faith and the Joburg Evangelist, Osas Atohengbe, preached powerfully for the men during the Mens and Womens Breakout Sessions.  His topic, “God is Able to Provide for All our Needs” reminded us that giving into the temptation to doubt is satanic and belittles the character and power of God!
After the inspiring Morning Sessions on Saturday, we bused our SALC guests to the famous township of Soweto, a nickname for “South West Township.”  After being sobered by the tragedy displayed in the Hector Pieterson Museum, we were encouraged by the Nelson Mandela National Museum (Mandela House), the former home of the great anti-apartheid activist from 1946-1962!
Sunday Service was electric as we witnessed 130 in attendance, an Evangelist appointed, a three-part musical and the campus baptism of a University of Johannesburg student!
It was an honor to appoint my dear brother and friend, Nicolaas (Nick) Cornelius Winn, an Evangelist in the kingdom of God!  Nick (third from left) will be taking the helm of the great Lusaka (Zambia) Church which was planted back in June of last year!  
Several Zambian disciples came from Lusaka to celebrate the SALC and encourage Nick at his appointment as the new Evangelist of the Lusaka Church!
Yuri Oliveira, the leader of the Maputo Mission Team, preached a fiery sermon on the SALC theme, “GOD IS ABLE!”  I am so proud of how this young man from Brazil has grown in his humility, holiness and hunger to please God and win this lost world.
The Maputo Mission Team is ready to take Mozambique by storm!  Please pray for this dynamic group to make a powerful impact for the LORD!
The 16 disciples from Washington DC and Delaware were inspired to take the zeal and perseverance of the Southern African disciples back home to the US!
Akuna Nkuna, a second year student at the University of Johannesburg majoring in Information Systems was baptized at the end of service!  He overcame his pride in the Pentecostal doctrine to hold the truth of God’s Word!  He is a zealous young man who will prayerfully be a servant leader for the LORD on campus!
Vuyane (center), was joyfully baptized on Monday night after the SALC!  He is a campus student at the University of Johannesburg majoring in Sports Management.  He overcame the fear of family and religious tradition to make Jesus LORD!
Thanks again to Michael & Michele for joining us for life-changing conference on the Motherland!  We love you!
Patrique and I were encouraged to celebrate the successful conclusion of the SALC with our Assistant Directors, Osas & Ariel Atohengbe!  Their hard work “on ground” in Joburg made our efforts to oversee the conference a joy!
After the SALC concluded on Sunday, Yuri and I had the privilege to travel to Mozambique – a nation of 35 million souls – to “scout out the land” for the mission team!  The capital city, Maputo, is just an hour away from Johannesburg by flight!
At our arrival, Drs. Tânia and Carol Nhavoto (standing 2nd and 5th respectively) sang “We Love You With the Love of the LORD” in Portuguese!  These special sisters (physical and spiritual) were incredible hosts during our three-day visit, providing us with a cell phone and a driver to take care of our needs. 
Yuri and I had the opportunity to stay at the beautiful Serena Polana Hotel in Maputo – established in 1922!  Please pray for Lorena (middle) who is studying the Bible with the sisters and is eager to see the church planting arrive in Maputo!
The Eduardo Mondlane University (established 1975) is the oldest and largest university in Mozambique, with an enrolled student population of 40,000.  It is named after Eduardo Chivambo Monoplane, the President of the Mozambican Liberation Front (FRELIMO) until his assassination in 1969.  He was an anthropologist by profession, and worked at Syracuse University (developing the East African Studies Program) before returning to Mozambique in 1963. 
By the grace of God, Yuri and I were able to meet two bilingual EMU students who were “coincidentally” English majors – God even pointed them out to us as David [2nd from left] was wearing a shirt that said “Drew”)!  Both David and Nelson are eager to study the Bible – please pray that God will open the hearts of many students to become disciples of Jesus! 
Please pray for Lorena’s husband, Paulo (second from right), who is also eager to study the Bible with us!  Paulo is an IT specialist who is fluent in English and graduated from a Bible school!  We had a great dinner together hosted by Tânia at her home where we were able to help him to discover the truth of discipleship from Matthew 28!
Please also pray for Carol and Tânia’s dad, Arnaldo, as we enjoyed lunch together – he is also open to studying the Bible with us.  Arnaldo is the former Minister of Education for all of Mozambique!  
Please pray for all the Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries in Africa – Mozambique, Angola, Sâo Tomé and Príncipe, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Equatorial Guinea, which adopted Portuguese as its third official language in 2011.  These six countries, which comprise of over 60 million souls, were former colonies of the Portuguese Empire from 1474 to the 1970s.

Kampala, Uganda
Reagan Busobozi was baptized into Christ into Kampala on Sunday!  He is the physical brother of Kampala sister Rita Kemigisha.  Reagan overcame bitterness and unforgiveness towards his Dad to become a true disciple of Jesus!
Reagan and Ritah are now united as both physical and spiritual siblings in the LORD! 
Reagan and Ritah’s Dad joined the Kampala Church for worship on Sunday!  He was blown away by the service, and told Deji Aregbesola, the Kampala minister, “I am happy both Ritah and Reagan are here, now I am coming, then my wife and the others!”  Please pray for this entire family to be united in Christ!

Accra, Ghana
Josephine Abiodun, a disciple from the Manila Church, placed membership in Accra after serving in Manila for eight years.  Welcome to the Africanus World Sector!
The Accra brothers were fired up to celebrate the baptism of Nigel Hotor (center), a first-year student at the University of Ghana majoring in Biomedical Sciences.  Nigel overcame his Catholic traditions to embrace the word of God and become a true disciple!
God continues to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” as we continue to put our trust in Him. (Ephesians 3:20)  Please pray all of the churches throughout the Africanus World Sector to be a “display of (God’s) splendor” as we seek to please Him! (Isaiah 60:21).  As always, thank you for all your love, prayers, and financial support to make evangelizing the Motherland possible!

Much love,

Andrew & Patrique
]]> AFRICANUS Report (English) – May 21, 2023 https://joburgicc.net/2023/05/29/africanus-report-english-may-21-2023/ Mon, 29 May 2023 07:47:15 +0000 http://joburgicc.net/?p=29451

Greetings from the Motherland of Africa & the Mid-Atlantic US!
“The wind blows wherever it pleases.  You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)
Dear Kip, Elena, and FOMM Family,

Greetings from Washington DC and Johannesburg, South Africa!  The Spirit has been “blowing” me back and forth from the US to South Africa in the last three weeks, as I have had the privilege to witness glorious baptisms in addition to a bittersweet leadership transition that is guiding my family back to lead the great Washington, DC Church later this year.  I thank God for the perfect guidance of the Spirit Who leads us!

In Lusaka, Zambia, the Spirit blessed our efforts as this remnant group witnessed the glorious baptism of a single brother who will soon be attending the University of Zambia!  Please pray as members of the Joburg Church will be sent out to plant this valiant congregation at our African Missions Conference in June.  In Johannesburg, the Arts, Media & Sports Ministry of the church hosted an incredible “Open Mic” event that raised thousands of rands and featured talented performers both within and outside the church!  In Lagos, the church has a new FIRE as they celebrated four baptisms of the past weeks and set a new record for visitors in their campus sector!  Our Kampala Church also had a seamless leadership transition which now enables Osas & Ariel Atohengbe to be “blown” to serve with Patrique and me in Nairobi, Kenya.  To God be the glory!

Don’t forget to register for our French Africa Missions Conference (FAMC) from June 2-4th and the African Mission Conference (AMC) from June 23-25th of June entitled, “SHOW ME YOUR GLORY!” (Exodus 33:18)  SIGN UP NOW to register the AMC at the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-african-missions-conference-show-me-your-glory-lagos-nigeria-tickets-597876473627.

Please join us in prayer as we prepare for these incredible events!
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
The valiant remnant group in Lusaka, Zambia praise God for the baptism of Tatrah (middle right with rose) – as he declares that “Jesus is LORD!”  Please pray for several ICOC brothers who are also studying the Bible to be restored!
Our dynamic AMS ministry is on FIRE as they featured their recent “Tap Into Your Talent” (TIYT) event at a photo gallery that had over a hundred souls in attendance with performers (singers, musicians, spoken word, and dancers) from across Johannesburg!  Patrique and I are so proud of Joshua & Shyloe Ajayi for their vision and hard work for this incredible ministry!
It is always a joy to visit the saints in Washington DC as I worked with the Untalans through the leadership transition of Ron & Tracy Harding.  Please pray for our dear friends as they start a new chapter in Dallas, Texas!
LAGOS, NIGERIA
The brothers in Lagos praise God as Femi Azamma, a 2nd year student studying Sociology at the University of Lagos, was baptized on May 7th!  
The Lagos Campus Ministry prayed and fasted for their recent Campus Sunday, as 43 disciples had 307 visitors for a total attendance of 350!  Bolaji Akinfenwa, the Lagos EVL, stated, “This was my first time in 32 years of discipleship that I witnessed all the disciples standing up for the guests!”  The picture above was just one side of the room, and most of those who attended are interested in studying the Bible!
Our new sister, Rosemary Duru (middle), rejoices at her baptism!  Rosemary is a lawyer and mother a disciple in the Sydney Church!
A Lagos Ministry Intern and a dear grandson in the faith, Kingsley Chidiebere (left), baptized a dear single brother named John Odobuchi (right)!  To God be the glory!
Our dear Mama Christiana Ahana (seated), the dear aunt of Lagos sister Jacinta Adamu (second from left), was baptized into Christ on Sunday at 84 years young!  it is never too late to be united with the LORD!
KAMPALA, UGANDA
Dear sons and daughters in the faith, Osas & Ariel Atohengbe (left), EVL and WML of the Kampala Church, transferred the leadership of the Kampala Church to dear friends and ministry leaders Deji & Gbemisola Aregbesola as the Spirit blows the Atohengbes to Nairobi!  Please pray for of these special couples as they prepare to win East Africa for the LORD!
The Spirit of God is leading His people powerfully in this Year of Miracles!  Thank you for all your love, financial support and prayers as we dream to win the Motherland and beyond!

Much love,

Andrew & Patrique
]]> AFRICANUS Report (English) – April 30, 2023 https://joburgicc.net/2023/05/29/africanus-report-english-april-30-2023/ Mon, 29 May 2023 07:46:28 +0000 http://joburgicc.net/?p=29449

Greetings from the Motherland of Africa & the Mid-Atlantic US!
“Praise awaits you, our God in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.  You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.” (Psalm 65:1-2)
Dear Kip, Elena, and FOMM Family,

Greetings from Washington, DC!  The saints here are still rejoicing after witnessing the miraculous baptism of Patrique’s mother, Varis on Sunday!  The baptism of “Mommy V,” as Varis is affectionately called, is an answered prayer that has been over 22 years in the making.  It was a wonder to witness Varis humble herself before the Scriptures as she accepted the word and forgave past hurts at the “young age” of 73!  Varis has proven her faith through her commitment to travel over an hour to worship services – from Baltimore to Washington, DC – and she is excited to be a part of the new Baltimore Church planting start this June!  It was a privilege for me and Patrique to lead Varis’ Counting the Cost study with the DC sisters, and I was inspired to see how Patrique masterfully out drew out her mother’s heart so she could be ready to make a full commitment to the LORD! (Proverbs 20:5)

In Johannesburg, the church were inspired by the baptism of a campus student at the University of Johannesburg named Tokelo!  Nick Winn, our Ministry Intern, has a done a great job leading the church in my absence as he also prepares to lead the Singles Ministry to their retreat this weekend entitled, “Undivided Devotion!”

In Nigeria, the LORD added three to their number in the remnant groups at Owerri and Abuja!  Please pray for the Lagos Church as they also have three predictions for this Sunday.  They also witnessed the marriage of Nchedo and Olu Akuma, despite major persecution from their families.  In Uganda, the church were excited to greet the new Rwandan disciples, Richard and Nadia Kamanzi, along with their son Yannick (a Paris disciple) and their daughter Queen, who is now studying the Bible with the Kampala sisters!

The Spirit continues to move powerfully in our French Africa churches as our brother Blaise Feumba reports that 109 souls were baptized into Christ in the month of April!  This is remarkable after having 106 baptisms in March!  May God continue to bless our efforts as we pray for the French Africa Missions Conference (FAMC) from June 2-4th and the African Mission Conference (AMC) from June 23-25th of June entitled, “SHOW ME YOUR GLORY!” (Exodus 33:18)  SIGN UP NOW to register the AMC at the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-african-missions-conference-show-me-your-glory-lagos-nigeria-tickets-597876473627.

God is doing to do “immeasurably more” than we can ask or imagine in this Year or Miracles!
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
There is now three “generations” of disciples in the Smellie Family!  Patrique, Mommy Varis and Naomi!  To God be the glory!
The Joburg brothers celebrate with Tokelo (yellow sweater), a University of Johannesburg (UJ) student who was baptized at Midweek!  Bokang (bottom right), a Joburg ministry intern, met and studied with Tokelo.  Bokang just began his studies at UJ this year and is already fruitful!  BK and Tokelo are now ready to lead a Bible Talk at this great university!
LAGOS, NIGERIA
Flavian and Ogechi rejoice after their baptism on Sunday!  They are eager to bring more people out of their former fellowship so they can discover true discipleship!
Ansalem (middle) is grateful to be united with the LORD as his wife, Dorothy, was also baptized last Sunday in Abuja!  Ansalem is also the younger brother to Lagos sister Celestina.  God continues to unite families for his glory! 
Despite much persecution from their families, Nchedo and Olu are now united in marriage with great joy!
KAMPALA, UGANDA
Richard, Yannick and Nadia Kamanzai (center) were excited to be the Atohengbes and the Kampala saints on Sunday!  Please pray for Richard and Nadia to sort out their financial commitments in Rwanda and Congo so they can move to Nairobi for the mission team planting in June!  
Thank your for all your love and support as we dream to do “even greater things” in May!  We love you!

In His Service,

Andrew & Patrique
]]> AFRICANUS Report (English) – April 2, 2023 https://joburgicc.net/2023/05/29/africanus-report-english-april-2-2023/ Mon, 29 May 2023 07:45:00 +0000 http://joburgicc.net/?p=29447

Greetings from the Motherland of Africa & the Mid-Atlantic US!
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown...” (Proverbs 12:4)
Dear Kip, Elena, and FOMM Family,

Greetings from Johannesburg!  The church rejoiced on Sunday as Xolani, a Wits University student, and Hlengiwe, the wife of our brother Musa Malinga, were baptized!  Xolani is a first-year nursing student, and Hlengiwe works for the loan department at a prominent bank in Johannesburg.  Please continue to pray for more prominent South African nationals to be won for the LORD!

In Lagos, the LORD blessed our plan to split the Mainland Region in sectors, one of which is our Campus Sector, which had their Inaugural Service on Sunday at the University of Lagos campus.  With 35 campus disciples, they had a total attendance of 122 campus students and another 30 students online as they witnessed the baptism of Mimi, a student majoring in Theatre Arts!  The Yaba Sector in Lagos also baptized a single professional named Toby, a software developer.  In Kampala, the fruit of loving discipling has exposed major sins within a family, but I am grateful that the leadership there was eager to seek advice to avoid any further pain.  Please pray for this precious church to stand firm and remain holy despite Satan’s schemes!

Our brother Blaise Feumba reported that the LORD blessed their prayers for the month of March as 106 souls were baptized into Christ throughout the French Africa churches!  To God be the glory!  Please continue to pray for our respective Missions Conferences entitled, “Show Me Your Glory” from June 2-4th (French African Missions Conference in Abidjan) and June 23-25th (the African Missions Conference in Lagos)!
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
Xolani and Hlengiwe are spiritual twins as they celebrated their baptisms on Sunday!  Please pray for our campus ministry at the University of Witwatersrand to continue to grow as we have 14 students at the #2 ranked school in all of Africa!  
Hlengiwe and Musa are grateful to be united in the LORD since Musa’s baptism in November of 2020.  Please pray for this precious couple to be used by God powerfully in Johannesburg and beyond!
It takes a village to make disciples in the Motherland!  Patrique is truly “my crown” as she has been doing a great job training the sisters to win hearts on campus, in the singles as well as the marrieds – all while homeschooling two children!  
Please pray for the Malinga Family, as Hlengiwe’s mother also joined our service to witness her baptism!  God is moving to win their extended family!
LAGOS, NIGERIA
The LORD blessed the faith of the Lagos campus disciples as they were able to reserve the beautiful Julius Berger Hall at the University of Lagos for their worship services!  
Miracle (left), aka “Mimi,” rejoices at her baptism with her roommate Dami Kadiri (right) who reached out to her!  Despite Miracle’s father being a pastor at one of the most influential churches in all of Nigeria (The Redeemed Christian Church of God), Miracle held onto her convictions and respectfully challenged her father on his religiosity and hypocrisy!
Toby (center), overcame his reluctance to come out to church after doing the Kingdom study, and started giving his whole heart before being baptized!  Please pray for the saints in Lagos as they have two more predictions next week, and they are currently seeking a location for their third sector within the Mainland Region of Lagos in Ikeja!
KAMPALA, UGANDA
Prayer Request Update:  The Ugandan president, Yoweri Museveni, has called on African leaders to reject “the promotion of homosexuality,” suggesting that he will sign into law a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which was passed by the Ugandan parliament last month.  This bill imposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” and life imprisonment for “recruitment, promotion and funding” of same-sex “activities.”  Speaking last Sunday, Museveni said that “Africa should provide the lead to save the world from this degeneration and decadence, which is really very dangerous for humanity.”   Corporate giants in the western world are already threatening that this law would hurt Uganda’s economy.
Please join the Kampala saints in prayer as we beg God to give the leaders of Uganda the wisdom to lead their people to “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:2).  Pray also for the church to expose any other hidden sins so they can remain humble, holy, and hungry for the Harvest!  
In this Year of Miracles, please pray that the LORD will guide us as we lead others to the truth in an age of confusion!  Don’t forget to mark your calendars now for our African Missions Conferences in Abidjan (June 2-4) and Lagos (June 23-25)!  We’ll see you there!  

Much love,

Andrew & Patrique
]]> AFRICANUS Report (English) – March 26, 2023 https://joburgicc.net/2023/05/29/africanus-report-english-march-26-2023/ Mon, 29 May 2023 07:43:15 +0000 http://joburgicc.net/?p=29445

Greetings from the Motherland of Africa & the Mid-Atlantic US!
“Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites – everyone whose heart God had moved – prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:5)
Dear Kip, Elena, and FOMM Family,
Greetings from Johannesburg!  This week we rejoiced at the place membership of Bruna Santos de Oliveira from our sister church in Sao Paolo, Brazil!  Bruna will be training here in South Africa to be a part of the Maputo, Mozambique mission team that will prayerfully be sent out in June 2024.  Our worship service was also bittersweet on Sunday as Tolani Abiodun, the Associate Evangelist of the Joburg Church, preached a powerful message with tears, entitled, “A Fond Farewell.”  Please pray for Tolani’s precious family as they prepare to move to Lusaka, Zambia for the mission team planting this year!  At our Leaders’ Meeting, Yuri Lauriano de Oliveira – another Brazilian disciple who moved to South Africa last year to train for Mozambique – asked Bruna to be his girlfriend, and she wholeheartedly said “Yes!”

Our churches in Uganda and Nigeria are working to bring in the harvest, and the Lagos Church celebrated their first Men’s Forum, entitled, “Stronger than Pain!”  Please pray for their predictions next week to come to fruition.  Our brother Blaise Feumba reports that with the 21 additions in French Africa this week, they are just six souls away from their goal of 100 additions for the month of March!  We are excited for our respective Missions Conferences entitled, “Show Me Your Glory” from June 2-4th (Abidjan) and June 23-25th (Lagos) to inspire the saints and visitors from around the globe!
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
The teamwork of God’s new movement is evident as we are grateful to the Sao Paolo Church for sending Bruna (center) this week, along with Samara (left) and Yuri (right) last year, to Johannesburg to train for our Maputo, Mozambique planting!  Amazingly, Africa has the second-most Portuguese speakers in the world (behind the Americas), with over 41 million speakers in six African countries: Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe and Equatorial Guinea.  To God be the glory!
Patrique and the Joburg sisters are eager to prepare Bruna for the rigors of the African lifestyle as God strengthens her faith to win souls for Mozambique!  We are honored that she would leave her family and friends behind in Brazil for Jesus’ dream of world evangelism!
At our Leader’s Meeting after service, Yuri eloquently shared about Bruna in English and Portuguese before asking her to be his girlfriend!  One comment from Yuri about their years-long friendship said it all, “I am grateful for you always guiding me back to God and not to yourself.”  Congratulations to a powerful couple who are dreaming for Mozambique and beyond!
It is a privilege to send another “mighty warrior” to conquer cities for the LORD as my dear son in the faith, Tolani Abiodun, leaves this week to prepare for the Lusaka, Zambia planting!  I presented him with a traditional African spear, an overdue gift that I usually give to all appointed Evangelists on the Motherland.  Tolani hadn’t received his spear because of immigration challenges that had delayed him in Nigeria for the last nine months, but he is now ready to “take the land” for God!
LAGOS, NIGERIA
Dr. Akintola Akin-Lewis, a former Evangelist in the ICOC and now a famous Nollywood actor, producer and filmmaker was the Guest Speaker for the 1st Men’s Forum of the Lagos Church!  Akin previously served for ICOC churches in Lagos and Johannesburg, and also led a mission team to Conakry, Guinea-Bissau in our former fellowship.  It was a privilege to help him join the new movement back in July 2022 as he also served to initiate the Ibadan (Nigeria) Remnant Group!  
A dear friend and brother in the Lagos Church, GoodHope Atason, shared powerfully at the Men’s Forum!  After pursuing his career ambitions in England, he was eager to return to his homeland to raise up the next generation of Nigerian men to seek the LORD!  
The joy on the faces of the Lagos brothers were evident as they fellowshipped with each other and reunited with friends from ICOC who also attended their Men’s Forum!  84 souls were in attendance with another 213 online!  Please pray for God to bring an abundant harvest in Nigeria, the “Giant of Africa!”
Our 2023 African Missions Conference (AMC) will be held from June 23-25th in Ikeja, the capital city of Lagos State!  The EventBrite details will be posted next week, but you can book your hotel reservations at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja now!  This is going to be the best AMC yet!!
KAMPALA, UGANDA
Prayer request:  Uganda’s parliament has passed sweeping anti-gay legislation with penalties for same-sex relationships and criminalizes anyone identifying as LGBTQ.  While more than 30 African countries, including Uganda, already ban same-sex relationships, the new law passed last Tuesday appears to be the first to outlaw identifying as LGBTQ.  While we understand the sin of homosexuality is clear from the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), this legislation is causing people to avoid studying the Bible and repenting of their sins because they fear being reported to the authorities and imprisoned.
Please pray for God to give the saints in Kampala great wisdom and discernment, as this new legislation has already caused confusion and persecution.  The Kampala Evangelist, Osas Atohengbe, was interrogated by campus security as some students reported him for “seeming suspicious with a homosexual agenda.”  They finally realized that he was calling for all sexually immoral people, homosexual or not, to repent and be saved in the waters of baptism!  Pray for the harvest!
May God continue to strengthen the disciples around the Motherland as we pray for the Spirit to guide us in the midst of adversity.  We are excited to “walk in step” with Him as we continue to proclaim the good news and baptize disciples only!  Please keep us in your prayers as we pray for more workers whose hearts are moved to build the house of the LORD on the Motherland and beyond!

Much love,

Andrew & Patrique
]]> AFRICANUS Report (English) – March 5, 2023 https://joburgicc.net/2023/05/29/africanus-report-english-march-5-2023/ Mon, 29 May 2023 07:41:17 +0000 http://joburgicc.net/?p=29443

Greetings from the Motherland of Africa & the Mid-Atlantic US!
“Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.” (Psalm 16:1)
Dear Kip, Elena, and FOMM Family,
Greetings from the Motherland!  Our campus students are standing firm in the faith as violent protests at the University of Witwatersrand due to a perceived lack of financial aid have sadly forced the university to close its gates until the matter is resolved.  Nevertheless, we have continued following up with Wits students whom we have met during our Campus Campaign, and a resourceful student named Teddy is eager to be baptized on Sunday!  God willing, the mother of our sister Mmbatho is also predicted to be baptized, affectionally known as “Ma Jeanette!”

To build our momentum and provide “prayer cover” against Satan’s attacks, we have also started a new Prayer Campaign entitled, “Light the Fire Within!”  A key element of the campaign is to heed the admonition of Jesus to “keep watch (in prayer) for one hour,” so the Joburg disciples are committed to praying for an hour daily to remain faithful and bold as we persevere against the devil’s schemes! (Matthew 26:40)  Please also pray for the kickoff of our 2025 ICCM Bachelors Class this Saturday as we raise up the next generation of “spiritual warriors” for the Motherland and beyond!

Every member of the Lagos Church is safe despite the violence of the Nigerian presidential election which produced the 14th President-Elect of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu.  The LORD also graciously added two more souls to their number in baptism!  The Kampala Church also celebrated another baptism as they prepare for their 1st Women’s Day on Saturday, March 18th, entitled, “Beautifully Broken!”  Please join us in prayer for God to remove the physical and spiritual obstacles as we strive to bring in a miraculous harvest in March! 
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
Please join us in prayer for the student protests at the University of Witwatersrand and other campuses in the Joburg area to come to a peaceful conclusion since its start last Wednesday.  Pray also for the students to continue their classwork without further delay as they prepare for graduation in the coming months!   
Despite the drama of the secular institutions around us, the students of our 2025 ICCM Bachelors Class in Joburg were excited to receive academic scholarships to glorify the LORD!  
The Joburg saints are fervently praying to our Father in heaven as we build a spiritual “iron dome” of prayer to protect us from Satan’s schemes!  
LAGOS, NIGERIA
Mrs. Clara Esalomi (center) was baptized into Christ on Sunday after her daughter Runo (right), a Lagos disciple, invited her to church!  Clara, a teacher by profession, overcame her religiosity and the idolatry of her husband to make Jesus LORD of her life.  Please pray for her husband (left), a deacon in a Pentecostal church, to be humble to study the Bible!
Victor Mbora (right), overcame a life of gangs, addiction, and religious superstition to make Jesus LORD of his life and be baptized into Christ!  He was met by a Lagos brother, Kingsley (left), just last month, and eagerly sought the truth in order to be saved!
KAMPALA, UGANDA
Benjamin Azoora (third from left), a pastry chef working at Makerere University, was baptized on Sunday!  When Osas Atohenbge, the EVL of the Kampala Church, met him on campus, he paused the laundry he was doing and studied the Bible with him for hours!  His eager willingness to repent of sins and share his faith with joy is an inspiration as he is coming out of the waters running for the LORD!
Please pray for all the saints across the Motherland to remain safe as we march forward in victory this month!  No matter the challenges, we trust that the LORD will go before us as we declare like Moses, “Now show me your glory!” (Exodus 33:18)

Much love,

Andrew & Patrique
]]> AFRICANUS Report (English) – March 19, 2023 https://joburgicc.net/2023/05/29/africanus-report-english-march-19-2023/ Mon, 29 May 2023 07:38:40 +0000 http://joburgicc.net/?p=29441

Greetings from the Motherland of Africa & the Mid-Atlantic US!
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
Dear Kip, Elena, and FOMM Family,
Greetings from the Motherland!  In South Africa, the Joburg Church rejoiced and wept on Sunday as the sisters baptized Jeanette Matebese!  “Ma Jeanette,” as she is affectionately called, is a 66-year-old teacher and mother of a Joburg disciple, Mmabtho.  We praise God that Jeanette’s heart was changed from “stone to flesh” over the four months of diligent study with the sisters.  Tchalo & Mbali Felipe, dear disciples from the Dubai Church who are originally from Angola and South Africa respectively, were also in town to witness this precious event.  Please pray for Mbali’s mother, who was in attendance and moved by Jeanette’s powerful testimony.  May God continue building a diverse congregation in Johannesburg that serves to win families throughout South Africa and beyond!

In Uganda, the LORD blessed the Kampala Women’s Day, entitled, “Beautifully Broken,” as 10 sisters had 49 guests in attendance for a total of 59 souls!  In Nigeria, the Lagos Church welcomed Kwaku Sarkodie (Associate EVL in the San Francisco Church and native Ghanaian) as he and Bolaji Akinfenwa (Lagos EVL) also traveled to Accra, Ghana to prepare for the mission team planting there in June!  The Abuja (Nigeria) remnant group (overseen by the Lagos Church) also baptized three souls this weekend!

Please pray for our brother Blaise Feumba, as he is currently fighting malaria, yet the French Africa churches continue to bring in the harvest as 33 souls were baptized this week!  The saints in the AFRICANUS World Sector have continued to thrive on the Motherland despite the challenges!
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
The sisters rejoice as Ma Jeanette joyfully proclaims that “Jesus is LORD” after repenting of many sins including people-pleasing, co-dependency and pride.  
Ma Jeanette and Mmabtho celebrate that they are now sisters in Christ!  Please pray for Philip, Jeanette’s husband and Mmbatho’s father, to imitate their faith and start studying the Bible!
LAGOS, NIGERIA
Chinyere & Bolaji Akinfenwa, the Lagos Church leaders, welcome Kwaku Sarkodie to Lagos as he and Bolaji prepare to “scout out the land” in Accra, Ghana!
Jeffrey (center), a Computer Engineer, rejoiced at his baptism in Abuja after being reached out to by Lagos brother Kelvin Agboso.  Although he stopped his Bible studies last year, he overcame his excuses and started seeking God again this year!
Niyi Ayoola-Daniel (center) and his wife Leticia (next picture) were overjoyed to be baptized into Christ!  This special couple (both lawyers) first came out to the Island Region of the Lagos Church with their daughter Tomi, a disciple in the Toronto Church.  Despite graduating from a denominational Bible School, they both saw the error of false doctrine and wholeheartedly followed the truth! 
A newly baptized Niyi was eager to baptize his wife Leticia (center)!  Please pray for Niyi and Leticia’s son and other family members to come to a knowledge of the truth!
KAMPALA, UGANDA
The 10 Kampala sisters are grateful for the leadership of their Women’s Ministry Leader, Ariel Atohengbe (center), as they had 5 to 1 visitors at their first Women’s Day!  
In attendance at the Kampala Women’s Day was Peninah Nakatudde (right), a successful attorney who recently secured the non-profit status for the church!
The Kampala brothers led in service as they waited on tables for the sisters!  All the guests enjoyed the food and hospitality of the church!
Thank you for your prayers as God continues to open the door of the harvest this month.  Please pray for “even greater” miracles as the LORD transforms more hearts of “stone” into “flesh” in the upcoming weeks! (John 14:12)

Much love,

Andrew & Patrique
]]> AFRICANUS Report (English) – February 5th, 2023 https://joburgicc.net/2023/02/08/africanus-report-english-february-5th-2023/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:44:30 +0000 http://joburgicc.net/?p=29411

Greetings from the Motherland of Africa & the Mid-Atlantic US!
“And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and entreat him.” (Zechariah 8:22)
Dear Kip, Elena, and FOMM Family,

Greetings from the Motherland!  The Joburg disciples are fervently praying for God to bring an abundant harvest as we work to baptize true disciples!  Our campuses are finally getting back into session after three months, so we have begun campaigns across our Bible Talks to “make them come in.” (Luke 14:23).  God willing, our five predictions will make it next week.  The LORD is also gathering several members of the Joburg ICOC for revival – please pray as a former ICOC ministry leader, Roger Sibo, is eager to place membership next week!

The Lagos Church increased their studies this week, and have a prediction for baptism and restoration next week.  In Kampala, God blessed the church with a restoration of a single and the baptism of a campus student this week.  Please pray for this young planting as we prepare to send out the Nairobi, Kenya planting this June!

Exciting news from French Africa continues as 18 souls were baptized this week, and our sister church in Washington, DC also reports two more baptisms!  Please keep us in your prayers as disciples across the AFRICANUS World Sector beg God for “even greater” miracles! (John 14:12)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
We know that the harvest is plentiful on campus as the first-year students have arrived on the University of Witwatersrand for their Freshman Orientation.  All the students will return by February 21st after a three-month break when the university officially reopens, but we are eager to catch the “young ones” as they search for meaning and purpose on campus! 
Please pray for our brother Roger Sibo (far right), a former ICOC ministry leader who was baptized in the Joburg ICOC back in 1995.  Originally from Angola, Roger is fluent in both English and Portuguese, and brought out a bashful Joburg ICOC former member named Emmanuel (2nd from left) to our BYND service on Sunday.  Emmanuel is also originally from Angola.  Our brother Yuri Lauriano de Oliveira (3rd from left) is fired up to lead the planting to Maputo, Mozambique (Portuguese-speaking) in the near future!
Patrique and I are so proud of our precious daughter Naomi (left) as she is already in effective Bible studies since her baptism in January!  Please pray for her friend and fellow kingdom kid, Jordan Swartz (right), as she was so moved by Naomi’s conversion that she is now eager to seek the LORD!  Our sister Tina Nwachuwhu (center) has been a great “auntie” as we build a fruitful middle-school ministry!
LAGOS, NIGERIA
Lagos EVL & WML, Bolaji & Chinyere Akinfenwa (left), along with Region leaders Wale & Yinka Balogun, are prayerful that God will bring an abundant harvest in Lagos and beyond for his glory as they aim for 200 disciples and beyond!  Please pray for their two predictions this week!
KAMPALA, UGANDA
There was great rejoicing in Kampala as Rita Kyazike, a 2nd-year Industrial Art student at Makerere University was baptized!  Rita chose to study day and night despite being in the middle of exams to become a sold-out disciple of Jesus!
Rita shared powerfully at her baptism that she had been convicted by the sermon at her first visit to the Kampala church last week.  After the service, she called all her friends and shared that they were going to hell if they didn’t change from their religiosity!  She studied everyday with great delight and is now your sister!  To God be the glory!
The LORD also blessed the church with a restoration of another “Ritah” in the church – Ritah Kemigisha!  The word Ritah means “precious pearl,” and Uganda is known as the “Great Pearl” of Africa!  Ritah confessed and renounced her sins of greed, independence and rebellion and was warmly restored to the fellowship. 
God is clearly moving in His new movement!  Please pray for the many spiritual seeds that have been planted to produce an abundant harvest across the Motherland and beyond!

Much love,

Andrew & Patrique
]]> AFRICANUS Report (English) – January 29, 2023 https://joburgicc.net/2023/02/03/africanus-report-english-january-29-2023/ Fri, 03 Feb 2023 07:56:36 +0000 http://joburgicc.net/?p=29403

Greetings from the Motherland of Africa & the Mid-Atlantic US!
“The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” (Psalm 41)
Dear Kip, Elena, and FOMM Family,

Greetings from the Motherland!  It has hectic since my return from Nairobi last Friday, but God continues to work miracles!  A young brother in the entertainment industry whom we baptized last year, Ntandazo, complained of severe chest pains and difficulty breathing at a recent Singles Devotional.  Although the brothers were alerted to his condition and brought him to the public hospital, Ntandazo had to wait almost EIGHT hours before being attended to by physicians.  When he was finally examined, the doctors were able to surmise that his left lung had collapsed, and were shocked that he had survived in such a critical condition!  They were also surprised at Ntandazo’s calm demeanor as he shared about his previous issues with tubercolosis with peace and trust in God.  Our brother is now recovering well at home and should be back to full strength soon!

In Lagos, the church rejoiced at having a powerful Enrichment Workshop as a campus student was baptized and another was restored!  Please pray for their “Love Your Neighbor” Campaign to help their 18 Bible Talks to be fruitful through fasting, prayer and effective Bible studies!   The Kampala Church also celebrated the baptism of another campus student as this young planting prepares to send out disciples for the Nairobi (Kenya) planting in June!

Our brother Blaise Feumba also shared the exciting news that 32 souls were baptized across French Africa!  To God be the glory!
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
We thank God for his mercy in sparing the life of our dear brother Ntandazo!  Although he had to endure the painful process of draining his left lung, he was surrounded by faithful brothers who brought him through this ordeal with peace and trust in God.  
Ntandazo is well-known actor in South Africa for his work on “Generations” and has already been fruitful with another brother named Stephen since his baptism last May!  Please pray for his full recovery!
It was a joy to welcome home our dear brother and sister, Joshua & Shyloe Ajayi (right with orange cap), as they returned from the US after almost two months.  Shyloe’s mother was very sick and passed away on December 26th, however the process of dealing with the funeral company and the logistics surrounding her death caused several “shenanigans” through which they had to persevere.  They were very grateful for disciples were able to support them, like Kwaku & Ashley Sarkodie, who attended and shared at the memorial service.  Thank God for the love of the kingdom!
LAGOS, NIGERIA
Solomon Atansuyi (center) is at peace with the LORD after his baptism on Friday at the Lagos Enrichment Workshop!  Solomon is a 1st-yaer Mathematics student at the University of Lagos, and was able to overcome a Uber-religious background to become a true disciple!  
Oladipupo Fadeyi (right), a campus student at the University of Lagos who is studying Pharmacy, stands sobered at the opportunity to be restored to the Lagos Church.  Please pray for God to return many souls to be fully committed to Him!
KAMPALA, UGANDA
The Kampala saints rejoiced at the baptism of Boniface Ayesiga, a 1st-year student at Makerere University majoring in social work.  Boniface was humbled by the scriptures to reject the false doctrine of Catholicism and become a true disciple!
Our new brother Boniface is equipped and eager to share the truth of the Gospel through his new First Principles book!  
Now that all our workshops have been completed, please pray for a remarkable harvest across the Motherland as we water the spiritual seeds that have been planted!  Please pray for the LORD to continue to heal the physically and spiritual sick as we put our trust in Him.  It is our prayer that God will strengthen our efforts to do “even greater things” in this Year of Miracles for his glory! (John 14:12)

Much love,

Andrew & Patrique
]]> AFRICANUS Report (English) – October 16, 2022 https://joburgicc.net/2022/10/22/africanus-report-english-october-16-2022/ Sat, 22 Oct 2022 21:34:54 +0000 http://joburgicc.net/?p=29244

Greetings from the Motherland of Africa & the Mid-Atlantic US!
“…with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9)
Dear Kip, Elena, and FOMM Family,
Greetings from the Motherland!  The LORD blessed our fervent prayers as we witnessed 26 baptisms this week throughout the AFRICANUS World Sector!  In Johannesburg, the LORD blessed us with two campus baptisms – a South African native of Taiwanese descent, as well as a student who escaped the perils of human trafficking!  In Lagos, the church witnessed the baptism of a teen who traveled over 620 miles to study the Bible, and the Kampala Church also had another campus baptism who is eager to be a part of the future mission team to Nairobi, Kenya!  Excitingly, our brother Blaise reports that 22 souls were baptized in four French African nations!  To God be all the glory!
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
Our sister Ayanda Mpanza, a second-year student at Sedibeng TVET College, rises out of the waters of the baptism with gratitude after being saved both spiritually and physically from human trafficking in Joburg!  
Lazio Wu, a freshman business major at the University of Witwatersrand, rejoices as he rises out of the waters of baptism!  As a native South African of Taiwanese descent, Lazio speaks Zulu and Mandarin Chinese in addition to English!  
Lazio’s mother Marsha and sister Angela loved our Sunday worship service and are eager to study the Bible!  Please pray for this precious family to be united in the LORD!
LAGOS, NIGERIA
During the Lagos Midweek on Wednesday, Treasure Amadi (right) was baptized into Christ!  Treasure is 17-year-old teen who is currently applying to university – thankfully Nigeria has finally overcome strikes in their educational system that has closed many universities for over eight months!
Treasure (center right) traveled over 1000km from Jos (a northern Nigerian city) to Lagos to study the Bible and be baptized!  Her aunt, Mrs. Jacinta Adamu (second from right), reached out to her and inspired her to seek the kingdom in Lagos!  
KAMPALA, UGANDA
John V. Mugabe, (center) a senior majoring in Physics and Mathematics Education at Makerere University, was baptized on Sunday!  He had been praying for God to reveal his purpose, and is fired up to be on the mission team to Kenya next year!
God continues to gather souls in Kampala!  Please pray for this precious mission team as they strive to reach 30 disciples by the end of the year!
The Joburg Church is eager to blow out our 10X Special Missions Goal on November 20th!  God willing, we will be able to use these resources to help support church plantings in 2023!
God is gathering the nations for His glory!  Please join us in prayer for the Motherland to be evangelized in this generation as we love people from “every tribe, language, people and nation!”
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