Enriching Leaders

In South Africa, 90% of our local pastors lack formal training and the resources they need to lead effectively. Our heart is to stand in that gap, equipping leaders to lead with passion, power and purpose.

Introducing Enrich

Enrich’s mission is to educate, equip, and edify local church leaders enabling them to fulfill God’s calling on their lives. The ways we will carry this out include:



• Quarterly leadership conferences that teach Biblical truths, Christ-like character, and the application of Godly leadership principles.
• Bi-monthly workshops for local pastors and their spouses comprised of in-depth teaching, application, and an exchange of ideas for leading effectively within their churches.
• One-on-one mentoring to build relationships with local pastors and provide them with guidance and support.

Our first conference is scheduled for February 2011, and our theme for the year is “Kingdom Leading – leading according to God’s principles.”

Please join us in praying for a successful, impactful, and enriching conference.

Nehemiah Wept

I read a great book recently - "Becomming Nehemiah - Leading with Significance" by David L. McKenna. As I read this and the book of Nehemiah, I journaled along the way. Over the next weeks, I'll be sharing things I have learned...maybe others can relate.

In Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah finds out some heart-breaking news – that his Jewish people, who had survived their exile in Babylon and returned to Jerusalem, now suffered greatly. Their walls were still crumbled around them and their gates were burned, leaving them exposed and unprotected from enemies. They were afraid, ashamed, weary, and demoralized. And I’m sure all these feelings meant their faith had taken a hit as well. When Nehemiah heard all this, he sat down and wept.

I can relate. I’ve wept as well over the past 2 years with Thrive. I’ve wept for fallen leaders, grievous sins, and the unintended consequences that have ricocheted through the ministry ever since. I’ve wept for those the Lord called to sacrifice everything to stand in the gap and lead through the most difficult times ever faced. And I wept in shock and frustration when we learned of the ultimate decision to close.

Compared to Jerusalem who had been in exile, I felt like we had been through the opposite - 2 years of being under siege. Restricted in many ways from moving forward with plans as ministry and personal matters were untangled. As I went out for my early morning runs, past the tornado-damaged cabins and burned conference center, my heart broke and my soul mourned for the situation. I earnestly prayed for an end to the siege, even giving God advice for how it should happen. And I poured out my frustrations to Him on more than one occasion. The Lord wants to share our hearts – our joys and our tears. It isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s just being authentic and affected and human.

So I know how Nehemiah felt when he heard the news and experienced the pain of his people. But like with Nehemiah, it raised up in me a desire to help, to be part of the solution, to come alongside the other faithful servants God was using to rebuild the ministry and restore it for His glory. Lucky for me I didn’t know exactly what that meant – eventually helping to launch a new ministry. In His infinite wisdom (and mercy) the Lord only revealed enough steps at a time to keep me moving.

Despite challenges, our programs thrived and had huge impact this year. This confirms to me that God is with us and His calling on my life hasn’t changed. The Lord still has a divine love and vision for Qwa Qwa, and an important mission to be carried out. So I thank God for replacing my tears and fears with expectancy and hope for the future. And I thank Him for igniting Ignite South Africa.

On a Mission

For the past 9 months or so we’ve been attending church at Freedom Ministries in Harrismith. Now that we’re living in town it’s easier to attend regularly and get involved in various activities.

Pastors Mark and Jess Horton are great! They love the Lord, have amazing testimonies, and are so committed to teaching God’s truth in a welcoming, nurturing environment. They’re also dedicated to helping people in the community, and challenging the body of Christ to do the same. I love that Freedom is a missional church – it’s also what I love about Kensington back at home.

This weekend was an example. We held a church “fete” (fair) to raise money to help families in need during the Christmas season. The planning team did an amazing job, and it was so much fun working alongside each other for a great cause.

We had a “braai” (barbecue) going that drew a hungry crowd. We sold handmade jewelry, cards, and treats, along with toys, clothing and books. There were also fun activities for the kids. June discovered her talent for face-painting, while I’m hoping the picture of me “testing out” the jumping castle doesn’t make it to facebook…Eish!

It was a great day for a great cause. What a blessing to serve with friends and meet new ones!