Maita Basa!! Thank You!!

Dear LTLA Supporters,

Maita Basa!! Thank you!! During this thanksgiving season, the LTLA team is grateful for your partnership in prayer and financial support of what God is doing through them in advancing His kingdom in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. They express their gratitude in this short video:

Thomas Gilbert & Mike Sulc Visit Chinhoyi 

Thomas Gilbert, Director of Life to Life Ministry at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, joined me on my recent trip to Zimbabwe. The Lord richly blessed our time with Arthur Nhau, LTLA Director in Chinhoyi, and the LTLA team. Thomas, Arthur and I were able to strengthen our bond as we spent a lot of time together. Arthur was grateful for the help we provided him in developing ministry plans for next year. We look forward to our monthly conference calls to continue encouraging one another in life and ministry.

Thomas and I partnered with the LTLA team by stepping in to lead their discipleship group meetings with youth, college students and men while we were there. We also sought to build up the team members in their own ministry through training sessions for staff on evangelism and discipleship topics. And, we were mutually encouraged by these faithful brothers and sisters in Christ by many one-on-one conversations about life and ministry. Thank you for your prayers for our visit!

Mike Sulc, Arthur Nhau & Thomas Gilbert in their favorite soccer team jerseys.
(Mike- Internacional, Brazil; Arthur- Liverpool, England; Thomas- Orlando City, USA)

Thomas Gilbert & Mike Sulc with the LTLA team.

First Ever LTLA Conference 

LTLA held their first conference for college students and young adults on November 2-4, 2018. It was exciting to experience the enthusiasm of the 55 in attendance as seen in this video:

"We would not have missed this for anything," declared Prestege and Lazarus, fruit of our high school ministry, who traveled a full day from southern Zimbabwe where they attend college in order to participate in the conference. The students were disappointed they could not attend all six workshops but had to choose two - a good problem to have and a motivation to return for future conferences. They appreciated the discussion groups and personal reflection time following the four messages delivered by Thomas and me.

The theme of the conference was Philemon 6, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of everything good thing we have in Christ." Thomas spoke about our identity in Christ and about how to be active in sharing our faith. I spoke on the freedom we have in Christ as well as the need to persevere in our faith and ministry efforts. Our prayer is that the impact of this conference will be felt for years to come in the lives of these young people and those they will reach for Christ.

Arthur Nhau sharing a devotional at the LTLA Conference.

Discussion groups following messages at LTLA Conference.

2018 LTLA Conference group photo.

Grateful for the Lord's abundant blessings!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa

Encouragement on the Doorstep of Chaos

Zimbabwe had an economic meltdown in 2008, and events over the past few weeks make one wonder if it will happen again. There has been a run on essential goods, which is driving up prices and forcing stores to limit the quantities one can purchase among the items on the half empty shelves. People wait many hours in line to purchase gasoline. This is all eerily similar to 2008.

In the midst of these challenges the LTLA team has learned to hold on to their trust in God. Here are items of encouragement, interspersed with some photos:


• Numbers of orphans in the Critical Care Center have increased after dropping from 30 to 11 earlier this year. Now 21 are attending.

• Children are continuing to attend the weekly youth Bible studies in good numbers.

Children age 4-7 at a weekly LTLA Bible study.

Children age 8-12 at a weekly LTLA Bible study.

Youth aged 13-19 at a weekly LTLA Bible study.

• Young women in the Chosen Generation (post high school ministry) are entering into early marriages in part due to the economic difficulties, but they are desiring continued discipleship.

• University college students involved with LTLA are inviting their friends to ministry activities. • Women & Men of Hope groups continue seeing 50 and 30 participating respectively, though two men from the group passed away in recent months.

• The doctor continues to faithfully treat around 25 family members every month but medicines are in short supply and increasing in cost.

• The LTLA team members have been able to model effective vegetable gardening at the Community Center and are selling the vegetables to raise operational ministry funds.

• With a special gift from Overflow Thrift Store, we employed a local builder and Chosen Generation young men to make needed house repairs to 4 homes in the community.

Erasmus supplying Cecil, the builder,
with mortar for one of the house repair projects.

• Arthur & Mildred Nhau, LTLA Director in Chinhoyi, were refreshed in the Lord by Musa & Regina Yashim, the couple who provided them ministry training in Nigeria. They were visiting Zimbabwe recently along with a dear fellow trainee, Jesse, with whom they also spent time.

• Arthur & Mildred also were able to participate in a Caring for the Heart conference where they were ministered to by my good friends, David & Mary Bulkley from Philadelphia, PA. Arthur reported it was a great blessing to get away with Mildred and to hear Jesus speak to their hearts.

Arthur & Mildred Nhau at a Caring for the Heart conference with David and Mary Bulkley.

Traveling to Zimbabwe 

Thomas Gilbert, Life to Life Ministry Director in Orlando, and I arrived in Zimbabwe last night. We are excited for this opportunity to co-labor with the Life to Life Africa team during the next two weeks. Please do pray for us all as we seek to encourage one another during these challenging days to advance God's kingdom in Zimbabwe. 



For His Kingdom & Glory,

Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa

Discouragement, Refreshment, and Grief

Dear LTLA Friends, Discouragement, refreshment and grief are words that described the month of August 2018 for the LTLA family in Chinhoyi. Let me explain...


Discouragement

On July 30, Zimbabwe held their first presidential election after the long standing former president Robert Mugabe of 37 years was forced to resign last November. The campaigning period was marked with unusual peace and freedom of expression by the opposition political parties. Arthur, LTLA director in Chinhoyi, reported that it was a peaceful campaigning season where the ruling party did not force people to attend political rallies as in past years. So there was hope building for needed change. Two weeks before election day Arthur did notice more tension as people were nervous not knowing what would be the election result.

Election day was peaceful with large voter turnout. However, two LTLA team members reported challenges in their attempt to vote. Simba was not able to vote because he was mysteriously registered to vote in a rural area one hour away where he has no family ties. Shelton, another team member, returned to Harare, the capital, where his family lives. While in line to vote, the polling station was closed and he had to find another polling station where he did cast his vote.

These two examples are the types of indiscretions that led international observers to report on August 1 that there is not a "level playing field" for all the political parties. The ruling party used intimidation in rural areas along with state funds for campaigning and they installed the electoral commissioners. The day this report was made public the opposition supporters began to protest at the electoral commission and unfortunately the army was called upon to break up the protest, resulting in six deaths.

The official results were released late night on August 2 giving the ruling party candidate, Emmerson Mnangagwa, 50.8% of the vote while the main opposition candidate received 44.3%. A candidate must receive over 50% of the vote to be declared a winner. The main opposition candidate appealed to the constitutional court, comprised of judges installed over the years by the ruling party. They heard their case but ruled against them, upholding the election results.

So Zimbabwe is divided and most people are discouraged, feeling that needed changes will not materialize. They could certainly use our prayer support in asking the Lord to move the hearts of those wielding power to be transformed to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8) That prayer can be said for every acting president/ruler in this world.


Refreshment

On August 15, the LTLA Discipleship Team took a needed day of refreshment in the Lord in the midst of the political turmoil and as they concluded second term ministry activities. They spent the day at picturesque Sanganayi Creek Camp, a short drive from Chinhoyi. In the morning they spent individual time with the Lord, then came together in the afternoon for fun games and team affirmation where they shared what they appreciate about one another. They specifically focused on Prestege whom they sent forth in prayer as she will be returning to college. She spent the past year fulfilling her internship requirement in Development Studies by serving LTLA, the ministry that has cared for her after she lost both parents by her teenage years.

Please pray for the LTLA team as they place their hope in Christ in the midst of concerns for the future of their country. Pray for Prestege that she would go and make disciples of Christ as she returns to her university in the southern part of Zimbabwe.

LTLA Disciplesip Team at Sanganayi Creek Camp.

LTLA Disipleship Team meeting at Sanganayi Creek Camp.

LTLA Discipleshp Team Praying for Prestege.

Grief

On the day following the retreat, LTLA team member Shelton received word that his father was critically ill. He rushed home to witness his father die from the effects of high blood pressure that made his blood clot and block his aorta. This is the second young man in our ministry to lose his father within the last two months. Zviko lost his father at the end of June. The stress of life in Zimbabwe is taking its toll.

Shelton asks that we pray for him and his siblings (older brother and younger sister) as they comfort and care for their mother. His father worked in a gold mine and invested in a furniture making business which his mother has been managing. As the only college-educated child, Shelton's parents looked to him to take care of them in their older age. Please pray for Shelton as he grieves and considers the challenges that lie ahead for him.

Shelton with Mark Chidister at his family's furniture making business in Nov 2017.

Thank you for letting me share with you about the discouragement, refreshment and grief that the LTLA family has experienced this month. Holding onto Jesus, in whom lies our hope.

Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa

The Lord Holds the King's Heart in His Hands

July 27, 2018


Dear Praying Friends,

Monday, July 30, is election day in Zimbabwe. For the first time since becoming a country in 1980, Zimbabweans will be able to mark a presidential election ballot without the name Robert Mugabe. In anticipation of this historic election I asked Arthur Nhau, LTLA director in Chinhoyi, and Jonathan Govero, Navigator staff in the capital Harare and friend of LTLA, the following questions:


How are the Zimbabwean people feeling about this election? How are you feeling?

• Arthur - "People are anxious. I am at peace as God is on the throne and will not be caught unaware whatever the result." 
• Jonathan - "Feelings are mixed. There is a sense of hope that the election may take us into a better era with a new government. There is also a sense of fear that the long standing ruling party may steal the election as in years past. People are unsure what to expect." 

What should be the priorities of the elected president? 

• Arthur - "Elimination of corruption and establishing investor confidence leading to job creation."
• Jonathan - "Improving the economy to create jobs (unemployment is around 95%) and dealing with the cash crisis. Also improving health services, returning the rule of law, dealing equitably with the land reform issue [where land was taken away from productive white farmers] and dealing with justice service efficiencies." 

What hopes do you have for Zimbabwe? 

• Arthur - "To have investor confidence and have our own stable currency so that the banking system operates normally." 
• Jonathan - "I positively hope that the next administration is likely to be used of God to steer the nation in the right path, it won't be easy but they will start addressing the critical issues. I have hope that God will save Zimbabwe. He is the God of this nation. My hope is in God.

Flag of Zimbabwe

How do you think the election results will impact your daily lives? How about your ability to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ? 

• Arthur - "Things have been at a standstill as people have been waiting a long time for positive change in our nation. They are ready to get on with their lives. After the election and things return to normal we will be able to share the Gospel freely without suspicion that we are political operatives."
• Jonathan - "The election results will have a positive impact in my view. There has been freedom of movement and people are going through normal day to day activities leading up to this election. The results will not affect the preaching of the Gospel in any negative way. The Church has found its voice to speak and influence national politics on this election." 

What scripture passages are you praying over these days as it relates to the election?

• Arthur - The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. Like the rives of water; He turns is wherever He pleases. Proverbs 21:1 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it. Jeremiah 18:7-10 
• Jeremiah 18:7,8 reminds me of Nineveh that they took heed of the warning from Jonah and repented so God relented [Jonah 3:10]. God is so true to His Word.
• Jeremiah 18:9,10 is my prayer for our own nation that God would build us up especially as we head toward the elections and that we would shun evil and obey Him. He is faithful to His Word. He will reconsider the good He has intended for our nation if we don't shun evil and obey Him.
• Jonathan - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem . "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. Psalm 122:6-9 
• I have been praying for peace over Zimbabwe. For justice, prosperity and transformation of people's hearts. The past political campaigns have been bloody and violent. This campaign has been relatively peaceful and better for which I am thankful to the Lord. 

What prayer requests do you have before and after the election? 

• Arthur - "For peace to prevail before, during and after the election." 
• Jonathan - Pray for peaceful, free and fair elections. Pray for a God-fearing President as well as God-fearing Ministers of Parliament. Then after the election, pray for unity, peace and prosperity of the Zimbabwe economy where there are jobs and affordable health care. Pray for wisdom for the new President to lead this devastated nation. Pray for transformation of people's hearts as the Church proclaims Christ. Pray for believers to look to God and not to political leaders for real transformation of their lives. 

Thank you for praying to our Sovereign God on behalf of Zimbabwe during these important days as a nation!

Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa

Joy & Sorrow - Prayer Bulletin

Dear LTLA Prayer Supporters,

Last week our community in Zimbabwe experienced sorrow on June 26 with the sudden death of Zviko's father. It was an unexpected loss for a family with 5 children. Zviko is the second born and oldest son and the youngest child is in Grade 2. Zviko joined the LTLA team this past year. As an accounting student at Chinhoyi University of Technology he is helping us with our bookkeeping. He came to faith in Christ through the LTLA ministry and has been one of Arthur's key disciples. Please join us in praying for the Lord's comfort to be upon Zviko and his family at this time of grief. As the oldest son, who will graduate from college in December, he will carry a burden in helping support their family.

Zviko

The following day, June 27, Jonathan & Shalom Govero, Navigator staff in Harare and good friends of the ministry, welcomed their first child with the birth of Caleb Jesse Govero Jonathan reported they returned home on Saturday and are experiencing the joy of tiredness with the birth of a child. Join us in rejoicing with the Govero's with the arrival of Caleb and for sustaining grace in raising him to know Christ and make him known.

Jonathan & Shalom Govero with Caleb Jesse.

Thank you for your prayers,
Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa

Shared Gospel With Thousands, But Terrified to Share with One

Dear LTLA Friends,

I have sat next to many fellow laborers for Christ on my trips to Zimbabwe. On my recent trip I sat next to Tom Elie, founder of Oasis World Ministries, who told me how the Lord led him to encourage and train fellow pastors to share their testimonies and the Gospel with individual people. He would share about Christ from the pulpit and at crusades but was terrified to share with individuals. God challenged him to trust Him through his fears, and in his words it "transformed my life." God is now using him to equip fellow believers to be "active in sharing their faith," (Philemon 6) At the end of our flight he shared his testimony with the gentleman sitting next to him and was able to encourage that man who identified himself as one who believed in Christ.

This encounter with Tom led me to share his 5 step approach with the LTLA team along with demonstrating the use of the EvangeCube, another tool for sharing the Gospel. Arthur had asked me to share with the LTLA team about our life in Christ. Philemon 6 says, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." (NIV) The ESV reads that Paul prays the sharing of our faith "may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing in us" through Christ. Let's pray with Paul for ourselves and our fellow servants in Chinhoyi to be active in sharing our faith so we not only have the privilege of sharing God's great love but we can grow in our experience and knowledge of all the good things we have in Christ.

Here are some of the activities, in picture form, that took place during this recent trip:

Naomi (friend of LTLA from Michigan) taught the Primary School Bible Study,
and three children received Christ.

Naomi playing with the Critical Care children. 

At the Critical Care Center Naomi also observed and tasted the moringa porridge
we are feeding these orphans. Moringa, a tree tree to Africa,
is a rich source of iron, vitamins K & E, a source of vitamin A, & calcium.
It is high in antioxidants and has 25% protein, 9 essential ammino acids,
and 24% fiber. It is having a positive effect on the children,
for which their caregivers are grateful.

Naomi teaching the Chosen Generation (young adults) Bible Study.

Mike teaching evangelism tools with LTLA team.

LTLA Soccer Team in their new uniforms
provided by Ames HS through Roger & Cathy Twitto.

Discussion group during the LTLA college ministry banquet.

Another discussion group at the college banquet,
following talks by Mike & Naomi on Colossians 1 & 2.

Chickens ready for grilling after being butchered
by the LTLA team ladies.

LTLA team men grilling the chicken for the LTLA college ministry banquet.

Serving the banquet meal.

Enjoying the banquet meal.

Naomi enjoyed having Marvelous, an LTLA team member,
as a roommate at the Life Discipleship Center during her time in Chinhoyi. 

Thank you for sustaining this work of God by your prayers!


Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa

"Three Children Wanted to Receive Christ!"

May 31, 2018 

"Three children wanted to receive Christ," reported Naomi excitedly after teaching the weekly LTLA Children's Bible Study. She taught how Jesus built bridges to people and not walls from the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin and prodigal son. Vhukani (means "Rise Up"), Violet and Patience said they wanted to open up the walls around their hearts and accept the bridge Jesus has extended to them! Gogo Mildred said that they have been noticing spiritual interest in kids of this age group, 8-12. Needless to say, Naomi (who is from Saginaw, MI and is on her fourth trip to Chinhoyi) and the team here are overjoyed to be part of leading these children to Christ. Would you pray for Vhukani, Violet and Patience as they are discipled in their faith in Christ by Otillia and Gogo Mildred?

Naomi teaching at the LTLA Children's Bible Study

I shared from these same parables with the LTLA High School Bible study group. These parables speak of a great loss, a great search and a then great celebration when what was lost is found. We pray that all these children and teenagers attending will discover God's amazing love and so desire to receive Christ like these three. Once they receive Christ they will experience what you witness in the photo below: discipleship that establishes and equips. 

I was able to join Arthur as he met with Tonderai for their weekly discipleship meeting. We read and discussed Romans 4 as part of his daily Bible reading. Pray for Tonderai, who graduated in December from Chinhoyi University of Technology in Supply Chain Management. He is trusting the Lord for a job in a country with over 90% unemployment. The hope is that foreign investment will return to Zimbabwe after free and fair elections in late July/early August. In the mean time he has helped his mother, a LTLA team member, harvesting her maize plot. He told us the story of having to kill a puff adder snake while harvesting - another aspect of the life challenges here.

Tonderai (left) is being discipled by Arthur.

I look forward to reporting more from this fruitful trip upon my return. Thank you for your sustaining prayers! 

Rejoicing in the Lord, 
Mike Sulc 
Life to Life Africa