November 15, 2017
Find, Love, Care, Lead, Disciple, Train. These words summarize the newly formulated mission statement for Life to Life Africa in Chinhoyi. Here is the mission statement and supporting scripture as developed by the LTLA team:
"In full dependence on God and His Holy Spirit, the mission of Life to Life Africa in Chinhoyi is to find people who need physical and spiritual help, love and care for them, lead them to Jesus Christ, disciple them to become mature followers of Jesus Christ filled with the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit, and train them to live healthy and productive lives; becoming effective leaders who find, love, care for, lead, disciple, and train others."
Isaiah 61:1-9, Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 10:45, John 15:4-5, Galatians 5:22-23, Colossians 1:28-29, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12, 2 Timothy 2:1-2
This mission statement accurately communicates what the LTLA team has been faithfully doing all these years. Now they have it in writing to remind them of what God has called them to and invite others to join them. It was very encouraging to see the team be led of the Lord as they engaged in the process of developing this statement along with formulating vision and values statements. The team also established short term goals to help LTLA in Chinhoyi pursue its mission and vision.
Mark Chidister, a dear friend and brother in the Lord, facilitated the strategic planning sessions with the LTLA team and board of trustees. He was well equipped from his past leadership experience at Iowa State University and Christ Community Church in Ames. We are grateful for his thoughtful, gentle and Spirit-led shepherding of this process, which empowered the team to hear God's calling for LTLA in Chinhoyi.
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| Mark Chidister facilitating small group strategic planning discussions with LTLA team. |
Mark also shared with the team from his personal walk with the Lord. He introduced the team to some tools that have really helped him experience the loving affirmation of God in his life. It was a rich time as the team shared how these tools really helped them begin to allow God to minister to emotional pain in their lives. We look forward to what God's Spirit will do in the years ahead as we call upon Him to bring healing in the souls of those we serve in Chinhoyi. The video clip below is from the closing moments of Mark's final session on God's affirming love.
Mark Chidister Sharing with LTLA team.
If that was not enough, we also tapped into Mark's skill in furniture design, which was his area of expertise in the College of Design at Iowa State University. He worked with Jonas, a local carpenter, and Takunda, a young man being discipled by the ministry. They were able to design and build 10 benches, 2 bookcases and 2 cabinets for our Life Discipleship Center. One of the highlights of the trip for Mark was our time each morning reading 1 Thessalonians with Simba, Zviko and Shelton who live at the LTLA Community Center where we were staying.
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| Mark & Jonas, the carpenter, pick out lumber for benches. |
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| Jonas & Takunda making the benches. |
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| The benches in use for an LTLA team meeting. |
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| Jonas, Mark & Takunda. |
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| Mark, Shelton, Simba, Zviko, & Mike. We met each morning at 7am to read, share observations and pray over 1 Thessalonians. |
As you can see it was a very fruitful trip. God richly blessed our time in response to your prayers. Thank you for praying!
Maita Bassa, (Thank You)
Mike Sulc