Limpopo Province

August 2004

Rev. Karl Teichert of Africa Ministry Resources / Church Planting Alliance and Bishop Martin Breytenbach, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Mark the Evangelist of the Church of the Province (Anglican) continue to serve as coordinators of the SACLA regional initiative in the Limpopo Province. Recent SACLA Limpopo meetings were held on 12 May in Polokwane at Christ Church (Anglican) and 18 August 2003 in Tzaneen at St. Peters Anglican Church. Over thirty people participated in the events from four regions of the province representing a diverse composition of the Body of Christ. The regions of Tzaneen, Polokwane, and Giyani reported the greatest levels of practical response to the SACLA process.

From the report backs, the greatest needs facing the province are disunity in the Body of Christ, lack of collective church involvement in the community, low commitment to the vision, AIDs orphans, poverty, and unemployment. Practical steps taken in response to these needs have been the mobilization of pastors, the introduction of “Gardens of Hope” food distribution initiative in Giyani, adoption of AIDs orphans by local families, and the dispatching of key SACLA representatives to other organizational meetings.

It was affirmed that the Body of Christ can be better mobilized by continuing to promote a spirit of collaboration, praying for unity, reaching out to the Afrikaans churches, mobilizing the people that have already caught the vision, and encouraging participation in the Day of Prayer event.

Recommended steps to advance the process included approaching individuals and organizations to get involved, proactively meeting with key leaders from the SACC, Afrikaans churches, new emerging ministries, etc., and the development of directories of churches and community projects for awareness and greater participation and impact.

Other recommendations for the way forward included the appointment of SACLA regional coordinators in Tzaneen, Polokwane, and Giyani to promote greater SACLA awareness and involvement, presenting a mini-SACLA for Limpopo in 2005 or 2006, and the identification of more visionary leaders and practical projects to focus and build upon.

The next regional meeting in Tzaneen has been scheduled for 10 November 2004. Please pray that God would continue to unite and mobilize His Church in Limpopo to transform the province for His glory. Questions regarding the SACLA initiative in the Limpopo province can be directed to Karl Teichert at (072) 477-2950 or teichert@attglobal.net.

Prepared by Rev. Karl Teichert
30 August 2004