Ephesians 4:12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

Last week we had an outbreak of violence here in Durban and surrounding areas.  Here is an excerpt from a CNN report:

“(CNN)More than 2,000 people fled to South African police stations Thursday after mobs with machetes attacked immigrants in Durban, leaving at least five people dead, an aid group said. Heavily armed police have scrambled to stop clashes this week after local residents accused immigrants from other African nations of taking their jobs.”

Our health builder Manozi broke down in tears over this during our visit with her last week, so we prayed together.  What are we doing long term to change the underlying problem?

You have helped us to train and equip skilled working people for 12 years. These health builders are able to address common diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes and others which decrease a person’s ability to work and care for themselves.  The economic impact of these skills and tests are greatly multiplied. Our recently produced Ebola animations will prevent future infections and economic fallout from that virus as well. This theme of healing via the love of Jesus and bringing hope and skills are played out in our ministry over years and nations. We join hands with others of various faiths to tackle these shared problems.

These past three years we have trained and equipped dozens in the vital skills of raising and marketing valuable chickens and quail for protein and profit. This leads to self-employment and provides a peaceful way for groups to meet economic and nutritional needs.

We cannot fix the world but we can obey the words of Jesus who told to us to love our neighbors and share what we have. The most valuable thing we have besides the gospel are the skills we can share to give others a path to a better life, health and self-employment. Thank you again for investing in our shared effort to make a better life for those we are able to work with. All these efforts require one person to train and equip another. You are the first link on this unbroken chain.