Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Tolstad/Uganda Update


Dear Partners and Friends,

We greet you from the Pearl of Africa!

God is moving in a great way. The first two weeks of April we have officially opened two new Regions in the United Apostolic Church of Uganda. Opened the "Wamalla Region". It comprises of several Districts in the central and southern part of Uganda. Then in Hoima, on the border with the DRC (Congo) as we opened the "Lake Albert Region".  There are some very excited pastors as they plan to evangelize their new regions. We are receiving exciting reports as they start new branches, churches and evangelize in the trading centers. At one seminar last week, two pastors were baptized and two more are expected to be baptised later next week.

In the Wamalla Region, we installed Pastor Nyansio Habimana as the Presbyter. Around  21 churches in this new area. We expect to see many more in the near future. With the pouring rain, the pastors still came and gathered to rejoice and make their plans to start new churches, set goals and organize themselves to reach the lost with the Gospel. There was a great spirit of Unity as the pastors and the folks who gathered worshiped, danced, shouted and praised God! What an awesome experience to see people so excited to be able to do the work of God!

In the Lake Albert Region pastors meeting, we again installed the officers and leaders for the new Region. Pastor Richard Asanide is the new Presbyter.  We taught a lesson on leadership. As I finished my lessons, I was amazed ( again!!) as they wanted to have a service, after several hours of "Church" then we were not done! We went to an open air meeting at the Trading Center. We stopped all business in the center as people blocked the road and enjoyed three sermons (One wasn't enough), choirs, singing and worship  Three people came from that open air service to the Sunday Service and were baptized and received the Holy Ghost!  A total of eight received the Holy Ghost and seven were baptized. As the service was concluding, plans were being made to go back to the trading center for another open air meeting! Such joy!!  to do the work of God!

As people were testifying about receiving the Holy Ghost and their healing's, four told of seeing an Angel walking in front of them as we were praying for them. One lady had a crippled leg, and as she was being prayed for she saw the Angel and felt an anointing, ( a feeling from the top of her head all the way to the bottom of her feet), she was instantly healed! As she was testifing she showed her healing by dancing and shouting all over the front on the Church!

We have finished construction on a Church house in the north, trusting God that we can finish two others this month. We thank you so much for your help in building church houses. Not only is it a tremendous blessing to the church people, but it brings a great growth as people know, the UACU is there to stay!  The Church in Ogolo is in a very remote area, very close to the South Sudan border. It is the first permanent church in the area/village. Even the Catholics worship under a tree and are very jealous and said they would attend the Apostolic Church for Easter!

Bible School is starting soon, the building is completed, just a few things to finish.  We need help!  If you would like to help us with sponsoring a young pastor to study the word of God, it would be a great blessing to them. $250 will sponsor a student for one semester.  Many of these young men struggle to find enough money to come to school. Project # 103.FA.033215.21.2114. - 114

I reported last month that we could not baptize some folks in Boliso II village, due to the drought. We have been praying for the rain so we can baptize them!  last week 46 where baptized in Jesus Name! Presbyter Dison is going back to baptize fifty some more, they couldn't get to the Service due to the RAIN and muddy roads and the flooding!

Two pastors baptized and churches joined the fellowship of the UACU the Saturday before Easter! Help us pray as we are traveling in May to three Apostolic Doctrine seminars at the churches of Pastor that want to know more of this Saving Doctrine!

We have a special need, we have the opportunity to purchase a plot of land in Lira Town, the central city in northern Uganda. Our Church is willing and able to build their building, but isn't able to purchase the land, if you can help us, it would be a great blessing !!     Project # 103 FA 033215 21 2112 114

Lira Town was one of the Areas that was targeted by the Lords Resistance Army  and Joseph Kony and saw so much suffering and fighting. It now is the center of our Revival in the North!
   
We want to thank you all for your faithfulness in praying for Uganda and Sis Tolstad and myself. We covet your prayers.

Phil and Twyla Tolstad

Altar at Lake Albert

Classroom for Bible School

Pastor Fred  Kukumbuka (on right)  preaching at Open Air in Swahili, interpreted by Bro Asanide into Luganda

General Board of the United Apostolic Church of Uganda

Leaders of the New Albert Region

Children's Sunday School Choir in Mubende

Open Air

Sis Winnie Mumbejja Wayesu, a trinity pastor who was baptized and received the Holy Ghost!

Open Air in Lake Albert

Motorcycles for Our New Regional  Presbyters


Monday, April 14, 2014

Georgia on My Mind

Jaida

Heating up
APRIL UPDATE

Dear friends and supporters of UPC of Georgia,

After the long cold winter, we are so happy to have spring in the air. Not only are things heating up for the nation in terms of weather, but things are also heating up in the church as well. In March, we baptized three and had eight filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost. I was so privileged to baptize my daughter Jaida after she received the Holy Ghost.
Jaida came up after Sunday school to be apart of the alter service (a weekly thing for our Sunday school kids). She was standing in the back and asked Sister Rotimi to pray for her so she could get the Holy Ghost. The Alter call was winding down,  and people were heading back to their seats when I saw her standing in the back with her hands up and tears streaming down her face. I went to pray with her and within seconds she was speaking in that heavenly language. She later told me, "Dad, I didn't get the Holy Ghost." I asked her why she thought that, and she said, "because I didn't know what I was saying". God is so awesome.

I can't wait to see what God is going to do next month.

Jared Staten

https://www.facebook.com/jared.staten.1

https://twitter.com/jradsta6

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Exciting News from the Phelps Family

"Jesus loves me - this I know - for the Bible tells me so"
January-March 2014

EXCITING UPDATE FROM UGANDA!

Mukama Yebazibwe! (Luganda)
Bwana Asifiwe! (Swahili) Paco Rwot! (Luo)
Meaning: Praise God!
 
Lots to say, but pictures can say a thousand words! Enjoy!



Can any man forbid water...?

Some had waited 2-3 years to be baptized in this remote village when we arrived last weekend to teach and preach truth!  It layed heavy on our hearts and felt that no matter the cost it had to be done.  The village could only gather three jerry cans of water - but not enough water to baptize.  The nearest water is 25 kilometers away - too far for a people with no way to get there.  Solution: Rent a truck and carry them to Lake Victoria!  What a huge miracle to these people who desperately wanted salvation! With our sound system in tow, music blared through each village as we passed creating excitement and joy! Evangelism at best! What kept them was such a simple thing and is easily taken for granted: water and transportation!  For only $60 we were able to make a dream come true! Amazingly, 54 were baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus! Thank you Lord for allowing us to be your helpers in this miracle! Thanks to faithful givers - you were part of this miracle too!




BREAKING GROUND: Bible School Building Project in Progress!

In January, 2014 we began the building program to build the Apostolic Bible College of Uganda. Starting with an approximate 1500 sq. ft. building, we are hoping to begin the first semester of Bible School this May, but we need your help and definitely need your prayers! 

Sponsor a Apostolic Bible College Student for One Semester for only $200.00!


Here's your chance to change a life by helping one or more students to become the man or woman God has called them to be!

We also need to purchase desks, white boards, chairs, materials to print text books and much more! Interested in being a part?  Please do not hesitate to respond to this email: ugandaafrica@me.com.

God bless you!
Steve, Yvette, Aaron and Kevin

Missionary Phelps preaching at Headquarters church!

Our container arrived in January! Happy Day!
Many have been baptized!

54 Baptisms in Lake Victoria

Worship!

Laying on of hands!

Bricks for the Bible School

The First Corner of the Bible School

Walls going up!

Further Along!

More pictures to come in next newsletter!

 

Sisco Family Connect


CONNECT 2014



Our annual faculty education program took place with the Thompsons from January 27-31 around the theme "connecting". It was a powerful time of learning.



Some of the topics covered were 15 Common Mistakes Teachers Make, Effective Communication, Connecting with the Whole Brain, and the Power of Positive Influence. We were blessed to have representatives from six other countries: Benin, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.



Systematic apostolic training of Bible school instructors and students create sustainable growth within the body of Christ.

___________________________________________

Bethel Temple Crusade

It was a joy to have Pastor & Mrs. Tyler Bryant with us from February 21 - March 5 to preach a crusade, travel to some churches and teach in our Bible school.



We thank the Lord for nine filled with the Holy Ghost and sixteen healed by the power of God!


Their ministry was greatly appreciated and the church in Ghana was blessed.


___________________________________________

Regional Leadership Seminar

A two day revival and leadership seminar took place in the Eastern region for our pastors, deacons, and departmental leaders.


It was a joy to have Rev. Ron Hanscom from St. John, New Brunswick, Canada as our guest speaker.

 (Brother Hanscom with the Ghana missionary team)
The seminar theme was "Back to the Basics". Some lessons taught were: plan of salvation, ministerial ethics, integrity, and praying according to the Scripture. The response was wonderful with the final report showing eighty-five in attendance. We rejoice over five filled with the Holy Spirit and seven who testified of healing.

___________________________________________

THANK YOU!


You help make this possible. Thank you for partnering with us. The kingdom is being expanded because we walk together.

  
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Africa Network of Prayer


James Poitras, Director of Education/AIM
It is often said that "Prayer Changes Things!"  We should also add, "Prayer Changes Us!"  It is true that your prayers will change things around you but sometimes your prayers change you. At times our situation even remains the same; but we are different.

The disciples in Acts 4 were threatened and warned not to speak or preach in the name of Jesus.  They did not react by going to God in prayer pleading, "Lord change things!  Lord, change our circumstances."   They rather asked that the Lord would "...grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word..." (Acts 4:29). Their attitude was, "Do not change our circumstances; change us!"

"For things to get better, sometimes you must get better."

We may change our circumstances and even seek for a more favorable environment but we will take ourselves with us wherever we go.  Jesus asked us to "consider the lilies (flowers)" in Matthew 6:28.  These flowers grow where they are planted.  Many of us refuse to grow where we are placed and because of that we never take root anywhere.  Instead we want to be planted in a better set of circumstances.    One man said,  "I have found the problem and it is I."

There are things in all of our lives that must die through prayer, fasting, and submission to the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is not so important what happens to us; It is more important what happens in us.

The Psalmist David wrote "The Penitent's Psalm" of Psalm 51.  This Psalm was written after Nathan, the prophet had come to David revealing his sin of adultery with Bathsheba, and the murder of her husband.  (2 Samuel 12:1-13)  David did not ask for a change in his circumstances but cried out "Lord, Change Me!"  Read about this in Psalm 51:1-19.    He prays for a clean heart, and a right spirit.  He knew that "a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart..." (51:17) were necessary for the Lord to make a change in him.  David basically prayed, "Lord, I have sinned against you!  Clean me up!  Change me so that I can be a blessing to your people."  This attitude was quite different from that expressed by Saul.  When he sinned, he said, "...I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel..."  (1 Samuel 15:30).  He was not interested in a real change in his life through repentance.   He was more interested in how he appeared before the people.

Prayer allows us to become like Jesus.  It is spending time with Jesus, our friend.  It is said, "You show me your friends and I will tell you who you are."  The type of friends that we have serves as a good indicator of who we are.  Jesus has promised to be our friend that "...sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24).   In prayer we are trying to not only know Him; but also become more like Him. The Bible teaches, "Everything reproduces after its own kind"  (Genesis 1:24).   God expects us  "...to be conformed to the image of his Son."  (Romans 8:29).   He accepts you as you are but will not leave you there.  He wants you to be changed.

Max Depree in Leadership is an Art says,  "It is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are."

The whole salvation experience begins with making a change (called repentance). Through obedience to Acts 2:38 God changes us with the born again experience and transforms (changes) our destiny.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."      -- 2 Corinthians 5:17


 Prayer Changes Things!

     Prayer Changes Us!
   
         Lord, Let Prayer Change Me!



Africa Region and Beyond

04 April   AFRICA REGION    Pray for Africa's Children

14 April   GLOBALLY    Pray for the French-speaking countries in Africa and around the World

CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR     
    >>>     All Africa Faculty Education
    02-04 August 2014  in Nairobi, Kenya
    >>>   All Africa Leadership Meeting
    05-08 August 2014   in Nairobi, Kenya

PRAYER

BURKINA FASO - This is a difficult season for our church members with hot season in full swing. Temperatures are 120 plus for the next few months. Food is very scarce in the villages especially. Please pray for God's provision. 

EQUATORIAL GUINEA - Pray for the two elder daughters of Regional Missionary Mua, for God's protection and keeping power.  Bernice and Favour are presently in Cameroon.

LIBERIA - Our special request is that, "The United Nations reports an outbreak of the Ebola virus disease-which has killed nearly sixty (60) people in Guinea and has spread to the capital city of Conakry.  The UN Children Agency, UNICEF, said the hemorrhagic fever had spread quickly from Southern Guinea to the capital, hundreds of kilometers away.  It said that at least fifty-nine of the eighty people who had contracted ebola had died.  The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres is setting up insolation units in the affected areas and flying in extra medicine.  There are concerns that the disease could have spread to neighboring Liberia and Sierra Leone."  We ask that the ANOP kindly remember Liberia in your prayers. 

MALI - Pray for the second trip into Mali by our missionaries which will take place at the end of the month. Also, please pray for the only pastor in Mali, Pastor Jude.

MAURITIUS - Pray for the two new Home Bible Studies  at Grand Lafouche and Soupire Villages in Rodrigues.  Also, pray for Bro Stewart, a newly baptized convert, who had an accident last week, broke his leg.  He was admitted to the hospital and the doctor said he will need surgery.  We are praying for a miracle.

NAMIBIA
- Please keep on praying for our church registration.  We have had to re-submit our application with another lawyer.  Also, pray for the national leadership.

SOUTH SUDAN
-  Pray for Political stability in the country.  Also, pray for continued growth of the UPC of South Sudan.

ZIMBABWE
- Pray for our General Conference being held in Kwekwe April 18-20 with Rev. Zaccheaus Long ministering in the evening services.  Pray for anointed preaching and teaching, unity, healings, restoration, Holy Ghost outpouring and baptisms to happen.   Pray that the Word of God will fall on "good ground" and be rooted and grounded in the hearts of the hearers.

PRAISE

BOTSWANA - Missionary Long is teaching two new men from other churches a course in GATS. They are seeing more truth revealed to them.  One is wanting to be baptized next class! Please pray for truth to be established in their hearts and obedience to the Word.

BURKINA FASO - Pastors and wives, together as a team, are having opportunity to go and teach in area churches that wanting to know more about our beautiful message of One God.  We praise the Lord for this great opportunity to share the Gospel message.

CAMEROON
- Great things are happening in the country.  1) One church had twenty-five first time visitors in recent Sunday service. Please pray for their next Inner Quarter Outreach that God would give them a harvest. 2) Twenty-four people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at an indoor crusade. Four were baptized in Jesus' name on the following Sunday and several more are to be baptized this coming Sunday.  3)  Two received the Holy Spirit at the French Sectional Convention. A visiting minister challenged the ministry and really blessed them with his teaching and preaching.  4) In another place, four women were delivered from evil spirits, two testified of healing, one received the Holy Spirit, and three were baptized in Jesus' name.  5) Five new students also applied for evening class at the Bible school.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA - Two received the Holy Spirit and 4 were healed from different types of sicknesses through prayers in Jesus name.

SIERRA LEONE - We have just concluded our first ANOP prayer meeting at Calaba town.  This was the first national program to be held in the Eastern part of the country.  It was a great success, and was well attended.  The people were so happy that they wished the service did not have to end.  The power of God was very present.  The message preached : A Testimony is Everything - emphasized that before a great miracle, first must be the Testimony-a testimony that pleases God.   Great things are in store for this area of Sierra Leone.  We can overcome by our testimony.

SOUTH AFRICA  - There was a SNAOP Prayer Conference held in Cape Town just this weekend.  What an incredible meeting this was!  Attendance started at about 100 and grew to over 400 on Sunday morning.  One soul was baptised in Jesus Name and several received the Holy Ghost!!!   A lot of saints re-connected with God and personal breakthroughs were made. It ended on an incredible "high" in the Holy Ghost. A perfect platform for their District Conference in 2 weeks time. 

SOUTH SUDAN - We are thanking God for five new Churches which were established in 2013.

ZIMBABWE - During the recent visit of Missionary Mike and Lisa Long, they traveled to Binga for GATS teaching and evangelistic services. There are 26 taking GATS in these two villages.   Over the three weeks visiting several churches, there were thirty people who received the Holy Ghost, two of these were also delivered of evil spirits.  There was a baptism in the river in Binga where 10 were baptized. To Jesus be all the praise and glory!

APRIL 2014
 
03 April
EQUATORIAL GUIENA
Youth fellowship

05 April                    
UGANDA   
Pastors' Meeting in Kampala

05 April        
CAMEROON
Board Meeting

06 April
EQUATORIAL GUIENA
Board meeting

06 April
        
UGANDA   
Llyma Seminar in Mt. Elgon               

07-13 April
GHANA
Fasting & Prayers towards convention

07-16 April

BOTSWANA                     
Prayer and Fasting

08 April
UGANDA   
Pastors Meeting in Rwenzori

08 April
LIBERIA
Revival and church growth workshop in Section II/Bopolu

10 April
EQUATORIAL GUIENA
Ladies fellowship

10-12 April
MAURITIUS
National Ladies Retreat in Mauritius

10-13 April
CAMEROON
Southwest Region Convention

10-13 April
KENYA
South Rift Region Convention

10-13 April
KENYA
Mt. Elgon Region Youth Convention

11 April
LIBERIA
National Board Meeting

11-12 April  
UGANDA   
Pastors' Meeting in North Kyoga

11-13 April  
TANZANIA           
Shinyanga Region Gospel meeting

12 April
LIBERIA
National Leadership Meeting

13 April        
BENIN
Official Hand-over Service (Nationalization of work in Benin)

13 April        
MAURITIUS
Mixed meeting at Grande Montagne UPC Church -Rodrigues

13 April
UGANDA               
Leadership/Training  in Mt. Elgon

15 April

LIBERIA
Apostolic Men Visitation in Section IV, Doewin

15 April
LIBERIA
Section IV Pastors' meeting held at Doewin UPC

15-19 April
LIBERIA
Section II Conference held in Gbeleeta UPC

17-18 April
EQUATORIAL GUIENA
Marrieds Retreat

17-20 April  

TANZANIA           
Dar es Salaam Easter crusade

17-20 April  
TANZANIA           
Iringa Easter Crusade

17-20 April
KENYA
North Rift Youth Convention

17-20 April
TOGO
Regional Conferences in the Maritime and Plateaux Regions of Togo

17-20 April

BOTSWANA
Ladies Conference in Moshupa with Sis. Jennifer Long, evening speaker
Theme: I Choose To Believe....

17-20 April

GHANA
Easter/ National Convention in Sunyani

17-20 April
KENYA
National Ladies Convention

18 April        
UGANDA
Prayer/Fasting Rwenzori

18-20 April
SOUTH AFRICA
Several District Conferences all around South Africa

18-21 April

NAMIBIA
General Conference

18-21 April
ZIMBABWE
Annual General Conference, Kwekwe

19 April
LIBERIA
The Liberia Network of Prayer will hold a workshop in Section IV UPCL

20 April        
UGANDA               
EASTER SUNDAY - National Sacrifice Offering

20-27 April
EQUATORIAL GUIENA
Intercessory Prayer and Fasting Week

21 April
LIBERIA
Fellowship service of Section IV churches at the Solid Rock UPC

21-25 April  
BENIN
Bible School classes in Zou Region -

22 April- 21 May
TANZANIA
Freeman Bible Institute, Mwanza school GATS term

22-23 April              
MADAGASCAR
Region G Preachers Conference

23-27 April              
MADAGASCAR
Region G Conference

24-27 April
KENYA
Mt. Elgon Region Leadership Seminar

25 April
LIBERIA
Section III Leaders meeting held at the Apostolic Gateway UPC

25 April        
UGANDA               
End of School Term One, KCC

25-26 April  
UGANDA               
Ladies Seminar

26 April
LIBERIA
National Ladies will be holding their first quarterly meeting in Section I/UPCL

26 April
LIBERIA
National Sunday School Activity meeting for Sunday school officers in Section I

26 April
TOGO
Preparatory meeting with local pastors for "Pentecost for Kids" crusades

26-27 April  
UGANDA               
Seminar in Bulecha / Busia Lake Victoria

27 April        
UGANDA               
Mt. Elgon, Kosinghe

28 April-01 May
LIBERIA
Section V conference held in Ganta/Rivers of Life UPC

28 April-02 May
NIGERIA
National Minister's Convention and General Conference, Mark and Gwen Parker guest speakers

29-30 April              
MADAGASCAR
Region D Sunday School teachers seminar in Antanivao,

29-30 April              
MADAGASCAR
Region D Preachers Conference

30 April-04 May  
    
MADAGASCAR
Region D Conference
AfricaREGIONMissionaries2012


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Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Africa in Revival


Burkina Faso
Ken Cantrell family

A Trinitarian pastor was recently baptized in Jesus' name along with his congregation. He is currently enrolled in Bible school.

The official opening of a new church was a huge success with the mayor and four village chiefs in attendance.

Cameroon
Terry Riddick & Rusty Riddick families

One church had twenty-five first time visitors in service this past Sunday morning. Please pray for their next Inner Quarter Outreach that God would give them a harvest.

Twenty four people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at an indoor crusade. Four were baptized in Jesus' name last Sunday and several more are to be baptized this coming Sunday.

Two received the Holy Spirit at the French Sectional Convention. A visiting minister challenged the ministry and really blessed them with his teaching and preaching.

In one place four women were delivered from evil spirits, two testified of healing, one received the Holy Spirit, and three were baptized in Jesus' name. Five new students also applied for evening class at the Bible school.

Equatorial Guinea
Regional Missionary, Peter Mua family

Two received the Holy Spirit and four were healed in Jesus' name. We also give praise for the unity and love in the work.

Ghana
Nick Sisco & Colleen Carter families

At a local church there were nine who received the Holy Spirit and sixteen healed during a five day crusade.

There was a two day leadership seminar in one region with seventy in attendance.

During revival services at one church five received the Holy Spirit and at least seven were healed.

Ivory Coast
Area Coordinator, Randy Adams - Reported by Rev. AFFA

Five received the Holy Spirit during a special crusade service.

Throughout the country the pastors report a total of fifty-two baptized in Jesus' name and twenty-seven received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Kenya
Jim Crumpacker & Patrick Groves families

Throughout the nation a total of fifty-one received the Holy Spirit and forty-four were baptized in Jesus' name. In the churches 143 claimed healing for their bodies.

There were 393 Bible studies taught throughout the nation.

The Annual Minister Conference had the largest attendance ever of 320 pastors.

Liberia
Albert Stewart family

Throughout the nation a total of forty-eight were baptized in Jesus' name and thirty-five received the Holy Spirit.

Nigeria
Gerry McLean family

One of our pastors witnessed to a pastor from a state that has no UPCI church. The man quickly saw the revelation of One God and was baptized in Jesus' name. He has since re-baptized twenty-five members in his church.

A Bible school student received a revelation of One God and asked to be baptized in the name of Jesus. He then went home and baptized eight pastors from his fellowship and they have in turn re-baptized 149 of their members.

One of the Bible school students filled in as pastor for a denominational church. He baptized fifty-one in Jesus' Name.

Sierra Leone
Area Coordinator, Randy Adams - reported by Rev. Conteh

We give God praise for the first Africa Network of Prayer meeting in the eastern part of the country. What a tremendous time in the presence of the Lord.

Zambia
Gary Abernathy family

During two Esther/Timothy Ministry meetings there were 285 young women and men in attendance and nine received the Holy Spirit.

During one weekend in three churches a total of thirty-three were baptized in Jesus' name and eighteen received the Holy Spirit.