In spite of every effort to raise funds, our financial support has continued to dwindle. For the first time since our inception, we’ve found ourselves unable to sustain our basic operating expenses, for multiple months in a row.

Last month the Board of Directors came to the point of needing to make the most difficult decision we’ve ever made. We will officially be closing our operations in South Africa at the conclusion of the ministry year.

I am thankful that the closing of Thrive doesn’t mean a ceasing of the vital work we have been doing. We are supporting the launch of a new ministry, Ignite South Africa, through several of our staff members who will carry on large aspects of our programming.

I ask that you prayerfully consider continuing your partnership with us through April 2011. Incoming finances will be used to provide our indigenous ministry staff with severance pay and clear Thrive’s operational debts. It is our desire to finish strong and honorably in every way, and we need your help to do that.

We have much to celebrate and rejoice about as we look back at over a decade of ministry together in Africa. God has done incredible things, and you have been a vital part of that. Thank you for allowing Him to use you to bring the light and hope of Jesus to so many.

I so appreciate your ongoing prayers for me, our entire staff team, and everyone whose lives are deeply impacted by this transition. Thank you for everything.

With love, thankfulness, sorrow, and hope, my heart still believes…

God is good.

Alece Ronzino

When we asked our leaders about what they learned from Hand in Hand, here is what some had to say:

“God spoke to me so directly and loudly. I’m encouraged and inspired. Today I learned that we need to be the salt spread across God’s land so that the Enemy cannot grow crops in our lives anymore.” A Church Leader

“I have learned how to trust God and be strong, how to be salt and light on the earth. As youth, we have to be the good examples to other youth.” Nthabiseng Mphukhe

“This session has taught me to be disciplined, humble, and have self-control because when you are a leader you need to lead yourself before others will follow.” Mahasa Mamgoejame

- Jill Marshall, Outreach Director

This term I studied Foundations of Faith with my students. The curriculum really broke down what it looks to have a relationship with God and taught my students the meaning of relationship. Being founded in the word, praying, authority and various other things. I reflect and praise God that my students have experienced him this term. I know and can feel that what I was able to teach them this term will be used throughout their whole life.

We all were a community together in the way that we prayed, sang and learned together. As a LaunchPad teacher and staff member I was able to learn from my students, they taught me as well this term.

LaunchPad graduations were a huge success!

- Jace Sauble

Thursday mornings have been the highlight of our weeks and we have loved cultivating our relationship with Lillian.  We have been able to encourage her during difficult times, and she has become our “African Grandmother”.  We are continuously amazed at how God works. The opportunity to share His Word with her did not come up at first, but soon those doors were opened.  In the beginning, Lillian was not interested in talking about her faith or the Bible, but eventually, she opened up.  We were able to help her see the Truth and it was so exciting.

We are all so grateful for the grandmother figure that Lillian has become and we will never forget her.  Each Thursday when we wake up, I know that we will think of and pray for her.  Whether we see her again on this side of eternity or not, we know that one day, we will all be reunited in Heaven.

-Alaina, Twenty4Seven Intern

We were blessed with 9 mission teams and 98 team members who served alongside us to reach people for Christ in South Africa.

As a result:

• 108 families experienced the love of Christ in action – hearing the Gospel, being served in countless ways, and being introduced to sound, Bible-teaching churches.
• 24 families now have vegetable gardens to feed their families and remind them of the Lord’s love and provision.
• 6 local pastors, churches and surrounding communities were strengthened.
• Hundreds of children heard the Word of God in kid-friendly, memorable ways.

We’re so thankful for each person who stepped out to make a difference in South Africa.  We’re also thankful that the results don’t stop here – that the seeds planted will continue to grow and bear fruit all in God’s perfect timing.

As the LaunchPad Director I get the privilege of sitting in on the various village discipleship classes. It’s been such a blessing this year to be able to see how each teacher brings their own style and passion to the classes.

Last week, I was sitting in on a class and about halfway through the teaching, students started asking questions. And, although Jace had half of her material left to teach, we were able to let go of our plan for the afternoon, and watch God work as we fielded questions for the rest of the class period.

It was encouraging and exciting to see how the students are really passionate about learning truth! They’re hungry to know more about what the Gospel means for them. As we wrap up our classes this week, I’m encouraged to see how the time we’ve spent pouring into these students is going to bear much fruit in the students’ communities.

-Charlene, LaunchPad Director

Here are some testimonies from the past couple of weeks!

“As soon as school got out, one of our students, Katleho, walked right over to where we were waiting and sat down beside us….We usually use the first desk but he was so excited to learn what we had to teach he wanted the front row where he wouldn’t miss a word.

His excitement to learn gave me an excitement to teach! I found myself leaving that day with more energy than I arrived with. I’m so excited about what God is doing in the lives of the students we have the opportunity to teach each week.” – Jessica, Twenty4Seven Intern

“LaunchPad was so much fun this week. I was so proud of our students. We did a review competition and everyone was excited and engaged. They all participated and knew all of the answers with little coaching. They were encouraged by how much they had learned!” – Alicia, Twenty4Seven Intern

When asked about what the Lord had taught them during this trip, here is what a few had to say.

“God taught me to trust Him completely – that even when I can’t see things with my human eyes, with my eyes of faith all things are possible! I just have to keep pressing forward to do all that He has for me to do, even the hard stuff, even when I don’t understand, and especially when it seems like something that I can’t do because with God ALL things are possible!” – DawnMarie

“God has opened my eyes to so many things. But I think the one thing is how I just need to always follow through on what he says. God has also opened my heart to ministry, more than I ever thought I was going to do…knowing that this is the start of my life in ministry is so exciting! I just need to be patient and wait on Gods timing. That’s the only way things really will work out.” – Christian

“God let me know that I need to stop trying to box him in with my own thoughts and preconceived notions. I could not really imagine going to a house and being received the way that I was. Even in the hospital, I couldn’t imagine us having such an effect on the patients. God reinforced in my mind that at need to get rid of my preconceived notions, focus on spreading the love and good news of the gospel, and let God do the rest.” – Chike

-Jill Marshall, Outreach Director

None of the four team members knew each other before the boarded planes in their hometowns. We love watching how God brings a team together for a purpose!

Check back next week for testimonies and photos from their time with us!

LaunchPad is always the highlight of my week.  I love getting to teach students who are truly hungry to learn more about God’s Word and the life that He wants them to live. Alicia and I teach a small class, but the size makes it that much more like a family.

We have ten students who really love each other and who are there for each other and we have all been able to share in the hard times, such as when a student loses a family member, and rejoice in the good times, like when Dineo found out that she will be able to go to her dance competition.

As our class has grown to be more like a family, our students have also been reaching out to their own families.

One of our students, Mandisa, was so excited about LaunchPad that she talked about it at home and her younger brother, ten-year-old Toka, wanted to come and join us. After seeing his sister’s joy over the class, he decided to walk to Boitsebelo from his own school just to learn more about God.

Dineo has also shared her experience with her parents, and just last week, her mother joined us for class!  She showed great interest in LaunchPad and said that she wants to try and take off of work early so that she can attend.

I know that my experience in teaching LaunchPad has prepared me for what God has in store for my future, and it excites me!

-Alaina, Twenty4Seven Intern