Orphans Going to College

April 29, 2016 


In this update, I would like to introduce you to four orphans cared for by Life to Life Africa who now are attending college. Also, I am including a prayer update for the ISU Navigators team who will travel to Zimbabwe on May 15 for a short-term mission trip.


Simba

"I can't thank you enough for making it possible for me to attend college," said Simba to me as we were saying goodbye in his dorm room at the Harare Polytechnic on my last trip to Zimbabwe, Life to Life Africa is assisting him with his college expenses as he pursues a bachelor of technology in automotive engineering.

As an orphan, Simba came to faith in Christ in his high school years through the LTLA ministry, which also provided food and medical care for him. He served on the LTLA ministry team after high school for three years. Now he is seeking to influence his classmates for Christ by initiating a Sunday afternoon Bible study with them. Jonathan Govero, Navigator staff in Harare, helps him lead this study. He also is reading the Bible with Arthur, Tatenda, Isaac, Kim, Tawanda & Nathan. Would you pray for Simba as he shares the love of Christ with his friends at the Harare Polytechnic?

Mike with Simba (far right) and a friend in his dorm room.

Simba in action in a lab class.

Simba (2nd from right in the back row) with classmates.

Marvelous

Marvelous was the first orphan which benefited from the LTLA ministry that went to college. She was discipled by Anna, LTLA staff member, in her high school years. Together they recited the 60 verses of the Navigators Topical Memory System during her 4th year of high school. (High school starts in the 8th year of school and there are 4 years of Ordinary Level followed by 2 years of A Level- college prep.)

She received an academic scholarship to attend Bindura University of Science Education. In Zimbabwe university students are required to complete a one year internship in their field of study. LTLA has been blessed to have Marvelous back in Chinhoyi since last fall while she completes an internship as a science teacher's aid at her old high school. She has been involved in the LTLA Chosen Generation ministry, which disciples young adult orphans. As she is able, she is also assisting the LTLA team with the primary & high school ministry. Would you pray for Marvelous as the Lord ministers through her to high school students and her peers in Chinhoyi?

Marvelous at Nemakonde High School.

Lazarus & Prestige 

Lazarus and Prestige launched to Midlands State University in Gweru last August. They have been involved in the LTLA ministry for a number of years, attending the high school Bible study led by Prestige's older sister, Anna. They both received scholarships to attend university. Lazarus is pursuing a bachelor of science in surveying and geomatics and Prestige is pursuing a bachelor of arts in development studies.

Last fall they quickly found Christian fellowship through the Navigators ministry on campus, and began recruiting their friends to Bible study. During the two month Christmas break they joined the LTLA ministry team in their efforts among high school students. It is encouraging to see their desire to share Christ. Prestige was selected to be a leader among her scholarship peers this semester, but unfortunately had to move to a satellite campus for her degree program. There is no known campus ministry there, so she is missing the fellowship. Would you pray for her to be the catalyst for a ministry at her campus? Would you pray for God to use Lazarus in the Navigators ministry at his campus?

Lazarus in a surveying lab class.

Prestige

ISU Navigators Team Update 

Would you pray for the six ISU Navigators students as they prepare to depart on May 15 for a five week trip to minister in Zimbabwe? Half of their time will be in Harare with the Navigator ministry there and the other half will be in Chinhoyi with the LTLA ministry. I will be joining them for their time in Chinhoyi. Please pray as they finish their fundraising efforts and as they prepare their hearts to serve and learn. Pray for Jonathan Govero, Zimbabwean Navigator staff, as he leads them in Harare as well as for Arthur, LTLA Chinhoyi Director, and he and I lead them in Chinhoyi.


Grateful for your prayers and support,
Mike

Tyler (2nd student), Forrest, and Audrey during a workday fundraiser at our house. Matt, Ben, and Alex also worked, but I lost the photos of them.

Be Joyful Always

March 10, 2016

"Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) These were the final verses of a Bible study that Arthur asked me to lead for the LTLA team on my recent visit. They have been looking at what God has to say about operating as a team when they open the scriptures this year. As I looked into the faces of these dear friends, what a challenge to consider that these commands--be joyful, give thanks--are, indeed, God's will for us in Christ Jesus. They have suffered so much, and continue to suffer the effects of an economic collapse, the AIDS epidemic, and now one of the worst droughts in 30 years. 

We also reflected on bitterness, the natural sinful response to these circumstances, and how God calls us to forgive. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32) Wow, how is it possible to live this way? Praise be to God who through Christ and His Spirit makes it possible! What a blessing this is for us and for so many who suffer greatly like our dear friends in Zimbabwe. May we all pray continually for one another to be joyful always, give thanks in all circumstances, and to forgive just as God has forgiven us.

LTLA Team by the Ron Shimkus memorial at the Community Center 

Thankful for God's Protection 

 Arthur's wife, Mildred, underwent successful surgery on February 5 to remove gall stones. She has recovered well, for which we are all grateful, especially Arthur and their children Donnell & Daisy. On February 19, Rufaro, the youngest son of Tsungai who directs our Critical Care Center, ran out in front of a car on his way to school. We thank the Lord that his injuries did not include any fractures or neurological trauma. The driver picked him up and took him to the hospital. He was visiting Rufaro at the hospital when the picture below was taken. It was good to encourage him in the Lord as this accident really troubled him with how suddenly life on this earth can end.

Tsungai and Rufaro at the hospital

We are so grateful for all of you who make this ministry possible through your prayers and financial gifts! Below you will find photos and videos (click the link to view them) that I took during this most recent trip. Thank you for holding me up in prayer!

Joyfully & Thankfully,
Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa

February 2016 Trip in Photos & Videos

Jane in the cornplot she shares with Diana. Their mulching has really helped during this drought. The Chinhoyi area has received a little bit of rain, which will help yield a small harvest for those who mulched.

Wilson Malfuku's corn plot suffering the effects of drought with no mulch.

Sorghum (smaller plants in front) and corn at the LTLA Community Center suffering from a disease. We water this plot, so we need to discern why it has failed. Termites may be to blame.

LTLA families gathered for food distribution under the Life Discipleship roof. We are so glad to offer shade, and excited at how this building will be used in the years ahead!



Video--Under the Life Discipleship Center roof during a rain storm:

Orphans doing a drawing exercise at the Critical Care Center.

Shelton next to the prototype rocket stove he constructed to be used for Critical Care Center cooking.

Close-up of the rocket stove.

After Youth Bible Study: Above, boys with checked-out books from LTLA library, and with clothes received. Below, a girl wearing a Gilbert Middle School she received from our 2013 container project.

Video--Primary school youth singing a song during LTLA Youth Bible Study:

"I Can't Wait"

February 8, 2016

"All I have been thinking about is returning to Zimbabwe. I can't wait." That is what Tyler said to me when we first met at the start of this semester. He and five other Iowa State University students involved in The Navigators ministry will travel to Zimbabwe in May for a month-long mission trip. Tyler spent 11 weeks there last summer and jumped on the opportunity to return when he heard about this joint Navs/LTLA mission trip.

Like Tyler and this team, I am pumped to lead them in this adventure of serving and learning. They will spend two weeks in Harare with Jonathan Govero where they will help him minister to Univ of Zimbabwe students. Jonathan is very encouraged to have them co-labor with his team. After they have experienced life in the capital city, I will venture with them to Chinhoyi, where they will partner in the work of Life to Life Africa among the four generations we are serving.

I just spent the weekend with this team at a missions orientation training to prepare them for the experience. We are in for a great time, as they are spiritually mature and love to have fun. Pray for us as we raise the needed funds, bond as a team, and open our hearts to this service learning opportunity. May God be glorified and his kingdom advanced.

Mike at Missions Orientation with Ben, Audrey, Tyler, Matt, Alex, & Forrest (L-R)

Would you also pray for me over the next three weeks as I labor with the team in Chinhoyi? I travel Feb. 7-26. My focus will be exposing Arthur to prayer counseling as he and the team lead deeply hurting people to our Wonderful Counselor. I will also be making mission trip preparations for both the ISU Navs team and the return of a Hopevale Church team in July. I am so excited and encouraged for their return! What a privilege to be part of what God will do in and through us.

Humbled by His grace,
Mike

Happy New Year and Maita Basa!

January 13, 2016 

As we begin 2016, our hearts are full of gratitude to the Lord for the generous support through you that continues to sustain the work of Life to Life Africa. Maita Bassa! Thank You! We are starting the year on good financial footing to share God's love with very vulnerable children, young people, women, men and elderly in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. The outcome we pray is that even more will enter into an abiding relationship with Christ Jesus so they can experience everlasting hope, here on earth and for eternity.


Prayer 

On Monday this week, the LTLA team in Chinhoyi began the ministry year with a day of prayer committing themselves and the ministry to our Sovereign Creator as they meditated on Psalm 139. They prayed for rain as southern Africa is facing continued drought. While praying God answered as can be seen in this photo with the water ponding in front of the triplex at the LTLA Community Center. (Proper drainage for that area is an item on our project list.)

"We are still praying for rain. It is the only thing that will save us." That is the quote from the deputy agriculture minister in a Zimbabwe newspaper today that was reporting the death of thousands of cows due to the drought. Please continue praying for God's mercy in bringing rain as Zimbabweans call to Him for help. May they truly turn to Christ in faith and find the well spring of living water. (John 4:14)

Please also continue praying for Arthur and for the team member that he is counseling. This team member continues to struggle with life issues. Praying and meditating on Psalm 139 led this team member to pour out his heart to Arthur. May he experience deep soul healing from the Wonderful Counselor.

Ponding Water from Monday's Rain at the LTLA Community Center

Simba 

This week Simba's dream of going to college was realized! He has been admitted and is pursuing an automotive engineering degree from Harare Polytechnic, a technical college in the capital of Zimbabwe. We rejoice with Him and are thankful that the Lord has enabled us to influence and help Simba achieve this milestone. He has faithfully served on the LTLA team since 2012, so the Lord has equipped him through this experience to labor for Him at Harare Polytechnic and beyond.

Arthur told me, "He lost his mother when he was still young and his father abandoned him which led to his aunt (mother’s sister) to take him in. Because the aunt is unemployed, she came to LTLA looking for assistance as she was struggling to look after Simba. They joined our food distribution and medical aid program when he was starting secondary school. At that time we shared the gospel with him and he showed interest in knowing Jesus. Later on he gave his life to Christ and joined our high school discipleship group. He stood out as a young man who delighted in the scriptures."

He did well in most subjects and only lacked a stronger score in English to continue to college. His aunt did not have the finances to help him improve his English through tutoring and did not have the finances to send him to college. At that time he joined the LTLA "Chosen Generation" discipleship group for post-high school young people trying to find their way. "We could see his heart for Jesus and people," said Arthur, "so we invited him to join us in our evangelistic thrust in the neighborhood. Eventually we invited him to do ministry at the Chinhoyi University of Technology with us and God gave him relationships with college students even though he was not a student. We are convinced that he will continue to labor for the Lord as he goes to Harare Polytechnic."

Simba by the Dormitories at Chinhoyi University of Technology

LTLA assisted him with English tutoring and is now assisting him to realize his dream of a college degree. Thank you for playing a part in Simba's development through your gifts to Life to Life Africa!

Joyfully in His Service,

Mike Sulc

"I Can't Hold Back My Tears"

December 21, 2015 

Last week, I received the following chat message from Arthur Nhau: "As I was praying today something unusual happened, I started crying and can't hold back my tears." He continued by sharing, "In the few years of my spiritual journey I have longed to really hear God's voice and I think I heard his voice this morning."

This past year there has been a challenging situation with a particular person in the ministry which has weighed heavily on Arthur. He was praying about this situation when he heard God say, "He is your brother and you have not loved him enough." This brother has done and said some very hurtful things. Arthur felt like he had done all he could to minister to him and we were considering how to proceed. Through this experience in prayer, the Lord has directed Arthur to extend genuine forgiveness and to continue ministering to this brother. Our hope is that he will respond to the love of God shown through Arthur and that he will allow God's Spirit to transform him. Please pray with us in this situation and for so many others who have not experienced the love of God lived out before them in Chinhoyi.

I share this story with you to show how blessed Life to Life Africa is to have a leader like Arthur, who is earnestly seeking God as he leads the work in Chinhoyi. God has also raised up Jonathan Govero to assist the work as a true friend and advisor to Arthur as he serves as the board chairman for Life to Life Zimbabwe Trust. It was a true joy to meet with both of them on my last trip to evaluate the ministry for 2015 and then to prayerfully make plans for 2016. I am excited for what God is going to do through the courageous servant leadership of these dear brothers.

Arthur (L) and Jonathan (R)

Below you will find Arthur's 2015 year-in-review. Your support of Life to Life Africa sustains Arthur, Jonathan and the LTLA team in this kingdom work.

Grateful for your partnership!
Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa



LTLA 2015: YEAR IN REVIEW -- Arthur Nhau 

Wow, we can’t believe that it’s been a year now since we left Nigeria and yet it feels like it was just yesterday. God has been gracious to us and also knowing there are people out there praying for us has really pulled us through. Coming back to an economy that is on its knees, I think we are learning more to worship than to whine. 

We have been praying for long-lasting relationships and we are really humbled by the people God has introduced in our lives. We have witnessed women and men give their lives to Christ and not to us but to His name be the glory because of His love and faithfulness.

Pray with us that the young people in picture above, the glorious Father may give them 

the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they may know him better.

Pray as well with us that these men will still bear fruit in old age, and that they will stay fresh and green. (Psalm 92:14)

Pray that these young men will not suffer shipwreck with regard to the faith 

and that they will encounter Christ every time they open scriptures.

As a team, pray that we will continue to be one, just as our Lord Jesus is with the Father. 

“Come , let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but will heal us" (Hosea 6:1). This has been our prayer for our nation of Zimbabwe, also pray for rains as it looks like we are heading for a drought season. As we continue to assist the people with food hand outs, pray that they will not "live on bread alone but on every word that comes form the mouth of God". 


As a family, pray for health and that we will love as we lead.

Arthur, Donnell, Mildred, and Daisy Nhau

Above all, we give thanks in all circumstances and we pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel. 


Humbled by His Great Love,

Arthur & Mildred

Bringing God's Kingdom to Chinhoyi

December 9, 2015

Just as Jesus taught us to ask that the Father’s kingdom, “come on earth as it is in heaven,” Life to Life Africa (LTLA) is asking God to bring His kingdom to Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. James tells us that “God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom.” (James 2:5) The poverty generated by the current economic condition in Zimbabwe is driving people to the only hope that can be found and that is faith in Jesus Christ, the king of God’s kingdom.

Precious lives in a bad section of town, known for its spiritual darkness. Even the people there do not associate with her family because her father was in jail for murder. Knowing that “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4) emboldened Gogo Mildred to reach out to Precious. As a result, Precious has trusted Christ and is experiencing the transforming power of God’s love. She is now learning the assurance of our salvation in Christ as she reads the Bible every week with Gogo Mildred and Mildred Nhau, two LTLA team members. She has also placed her daughter Millicent (bottom left in photo) in the Life to Life Africa Critical Care Center- a feeding and educational program for preschoolers. There Millicent is learning about Jesus and is receiving two nutritious meals Monday through Friday. This is one of many families that Life to Life Africa has the privilege to serve as God brings His kingdom of light into the dark corners of the world.

Precious (center, holding two children) and family, with Gogo Mildred (left) and Mildred Nhau (right)

Romalia is an example of many in Zimbabwe who have responded to the orphan crisis. As a widow, she is caring for her aging mother and for five children, two of her own (Richard, age 10, and Phillip, age 5) along with two nieces and a nephew. Her sister and brother-in-law died leaving Caroline (age 5) and Tanaka (age 2). Her brother left in search of work and his wife abandoned their daughter, Kelly (age 2), so Romalia is caring for her. Four of the children under her care participate in the LTLA Critical Care Center. Romalia is active in the LTLA widow ministry, Women of Hope, where women are encouraged and discipled in their relationship with Christ.

Romalia and Family

Life to Life Africa is sharing the love of Jesus with these two families along with another 100 families. We are assisting and training them in physical and spiritual dimensions of life. God is at work; we have seen many place their trust in Christ this year, including 9 men in the Men of Hope ministry. Our desire is to see the power of God’s kingdom transform the lives of orphans, widows and the poor in Chinhoyi.


Would you help us continue taking God’s kingdom to Chinhoyi? Our operational budget in Chinhoyi is $7,000 monthly and will need year end gifts to launch us into next year. Your special gift or monthly commitment will enable us to continue in 2016. You can contribute by sending your check payable to: 

Life to Life Africa 
PMB 344 
10151 University Blvd 
Orlando, FL 32817-1904 


You can also donate online. If you are interested in doing so, please email me (mikesulc@gmail.com) and I can pass along instructions.

Thank you for considering how you can help. Your prayers and financial support make this ministry possible. Thank You!


-Mike Sulc

Showers of Blessing

November 25, 2015 

At this thanksgiving season we are especially thanking the Lord for the rain that has fallen in Zimbabwe. Arthur passed along this photo last Thursday. What a joy to see the rain running off the roof in this photo. We thank the Lord!

Soaking rain falls in Chinhoyi on November 19, 2015

Now the families we serve can plant their plot of corn to help feed their families. This past Monday the Life to Life Ambassador Team distributed the inputs for this year's crops to the families. They provided a bag for each family with compound D & top fertilizer, lime, corn & sorghum seed.

LTLA Ambassador team preparing planting inputs

LTLA Ambassador team with bags of planting inputs

Families collecting the planting inputs

On my recent trip, I talked about the need to plant a drought-resistant crop with the LTLA Ambassador Team due to the failure of corn last year. We settled on sorghum which is indigenous to the region, unlike corn, and from which they can make their staple dish, "sudza." They prefer the taste of corn. But as we discussed it is better to have something than nothing, and sorghum actually has greater nutritional value. This year they will plant a few rows of sorghum alongside their corn to compare how it performs.

Our team is reminding the families of the training they received on good farming practices, especially providing a mulch cover to preserve moisture in the soil. We also are emphasizing that they must prepare, plant and care for their plots with joy because there is fulfillment in hard work. God has designed us to delight in the work of our hands and he will bless it. "But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance." (Luke 8:15)

Diana and Jane, LTLA Ambassador Team Members and both widows,
planting their corn & sorghum plot on November 23, 2015

Holes for corn seed dug in Diana's plot

Happy Thanksgiving!