Free Grace Baptist Church, Boksburg

Hi Everyone,

Here is the report on the recent pastors' training week in Harare.  Conditions there have not changed much since the March report.  Therefore, I've focussed more on the trip itself as well as the ministry.

Thank you for your praying and giving!

Jeffrey Gage
www.freegrace.co.za

6 June 2009

Hi Everyone,

We have been planning another ministry trip to Harare to work with Joseph Soko, et al (10 pastors and pastors in training). After hitting some snags the trip is on for next week. Unfortunately, one of the snags is that the other lecturer, Patrick Paine, was unable to secure a passport in time due to "systems" problems at Home Affairs. This means I will be flying up myself Saturday 13 June and returning Friday 19 June. The Sunday School/Teaching of Children that Patrick was to do will be re-scheduled for another time. I will be speaking to the men and their wives in the evenings on what a biblically ordered family is and working with the men during the day on their preaching and ministry issues.

The venue we have been using, the YWCA, is increasing in price while decreasing in value. One objective of this trip is find alternative ways in which this training can be done cost effectively. It would also be wonderful to hold the Sola 5 Annual Conference in Harare one of these years so I'll be scouting some options for that. In addition, many of you donated financial assistance to Joseph Soko for his medical expenses following his recent stroke. R3000 was paid for a brain scan. R5000 was sent up via a travelling business man. I will be able to deliver the final R10 000 to him on this trip and get you first-hand information on his condition and progress.

In trips like this it is always a concern to be scratching where these men actually itch. Please pray for ministry effectiveness. Pray for their absorption and use of the material as well. Finally, please pray for my health to remain.

Only by Grace,

Jeffrey Gage
www.freegrace.co.za