Dear LTLA Friends,
"Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave." (Matthew 20:26-27) Jesus shared this qualification for leadership with his disciples and also demonstrated it. Life to Life Africa is blessed to be led by Arthur Nhau, who has demonstrated servant leadership so well that it is emulated by the other team leaders and by each team member. In this troubled world it is difficult to lead in this way, but Jesus told his disciples in John 14:1 & 27, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God and believe also in me...Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you...Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Shelton, the LTLA Community Ministry team leader, and his wife, Tinotenda, have found great comfort in the peace that comes from believing in Jesus over the past two months. As I shared last month, Shelton and Tinotenda lost their first child at 7 months of pregnancy in late June. In the midst of their despair they have experienced the Lord's abiding presence to help bring healing and restore hope in their lives. They are grateful for the many prayers on their behalf, for the comforting words (particularly from Uncle Mark Chidister), and for the encouragement by the ministry to spend time with a counselor that has proved very helpful as they process their loss.
When Arthur and I were discussing how to care for Shelton & Tinotenda, he confided with me that he and his wife, Mildred, would also benefit from spending time with a counselor. The stresses of life and leading the ministry, especially during the pandemic, had taken a toll on their relationship. In this fallen world we face the effects of sin within us, the effects of sin from others upon us, and the reality that the Devil enjoys attacking people, especially God's servants. I am encouraged to report that the counseling sessions are helping Arthur & Mildred strengthen their relationship and their relationship with their children, Donnell & Daisy.
As you pray for LTLA, I ask that you pray for Arthur & Mildred and for Shelton & Tinotenda, as well as for the marriages of the other team members: Otillia and her husband (Norman), Prestege and her husband (Musa), Brian and his wife (Privilege), Mr Lunga and his wife (Matilda), Mr. Chigwida and his wife (Mary), and for me and Julie in our marriage. In a world where marriages are under attack, we ask that these unions will reflect God's design and the blessing of marriage.
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