Representing the rollouts this month is the Bethel Ministries church group, in Ennerdale (Johannesburg area), pictured above. Thandy reports, "Last month we shared about the exciting PE conference we had. Every time we get these wonderful field workers together to share stories of growth in their areas, more growth takes pace all over. We have had the busiest month in July as teams went back to their countries and areas all fired up. New schools, churches, prisons, and rehabs have been added. We distributed 12,647 Reach4Life Bibles this month. We are waiting for 35,000 Bibles from Biblica to be delivered this month. So far, this is the number we are getting this year (as opposed to 80,000 last year). Please join with us in serious prayer for more books to be printed. We still have many newly trained PE’s who are ready to start, with groups waiting." Here is a recap of new venues started this month:

The first step in building the new church in Tugela Ferry is to fence the land. The material was delivered last week and work is beginning on that. We are still getting quotes on the rest of the project and will share more with you as those details are firmed up. Meanwhile, if you want to be a part of building a church in Africa and would like to donate toward this project now, please go to our donate page. On the second page of the payment processing info, use the dropdown from the "projects" box to select "Tugela Church." We appreciate your help!

Thanks to everyone who has been dropping off clothes for the clothing drive. Thanks also to the volunteers (pictured above) who helped us load our second trailer on July 22. Our next trailer will be loaded Friday night, August 26 at 7 p.m. Let us know if you'd like to help! So far we have collected 12,355 pounds! That's 5,604 kg for those of you in Africa. As a reminder, we can take gently used:

We've been asked not to include stained, torn, or otherwise unusable items in our collection. Clothes can be dropped at 30020 2nd Ct. S., Federal Way, on the porch, where you will also find donation receipts in a plastic bag. Please also let your family and friends know about the clothing drive, and let us know if you become aware of any estate, downsizing, or moving clear-outs since they are another source of these items. We can pick up large amounts of clothes if needed. Contact us at 253-946-5953 (landline), 206-423-0306 (cell), or by email. The funds we raise will be used to support the R4L program. Thanks for your support!

Thandy says, "With the increasing power cuts (sometimes for days), phones running out of batteries has been a huge challenge. In our line of ministry phones are vital. We would like to thank Prevention Time for their help in providing some ministry tools. We were able to get 80 power packs (left) for the area coordinators. This will extend the battery life of their phones as well as help them charge up Peer Educator phones so they will be able to stay connected to the schools and each other.

Thandy continues, "We are also grateful for four sound systems (right). As our teams get more and bigger schools, sound systems become a serious need for assemblies. We are so excited for our four teams who have been desperate for the sound systems. The areas and coordinator names are: Swaziland (northern region) - Dlamini; Swaziland (southern region) - Mayibongwe; Nkandla, South Africa - Shozi; and Eastern Cape, South Africa - Mabhida."

In addition to the items mentioned above, we (Prevention Time) also funded a generator to help with trainings at other locations. We hope to get an indoor one for the training center soon. We also funded a 2-wheel utility trailer (not pictured) to help carry Bibles, sound systems, the generator, and other training equipment. So far we have raised $945 of $2,715 needed for the unbudgeted power packs and generators, including the office power bank. If you would like to donate to help offset this cost, please go to our donate page. On the second page of the payment processing process, use the dropdown in the "projects" box to select "power backup." Thanks for your support!

In the last newsletter, we had a testimony from Pastor Masizane (Cape Town) about how the program is growing there. Here he is with newly trained Foxes (students teaching other students) who will be teaching in schools there.

“My name is Sweetness Jola (standing). Today I have been tasked by my coordinator to mentor two new PE’s. We who have been with the ministry for three years, we are usually asked to help the new field workers to grow in their R4L work. I help them write their weekly reports till they can do it themselves, I help them prepare their lessons for the week and I become their prayer partner. In R4L you are not just a ministry worker, but you are given a chance to grow as a leader. My confidence has improved and my communication skills are polished daily.”  

“I am Pastor Amen, that’s my real name. I heard on the community radio a Peer Educator talking about a program that engages the youth with the Bible. People were calling in and excited about the program. I followed through and got the contact details of the Ministry, today I am at Phakama offices to arrange training in our town. Pastors are excited and ready to teach in schools. I took 3 taxis to get here but it was worth it. I was welcomed and assisted so nicely. I am part of the R4L family now.”  

Pastor L. Fakude says, "To those who are responsible for bringing this program to us, you have no idea how you have impacted the local church of Africa. I have been a teacher by profession and a pastor over 30 yrs. Evangelism and discipleship have been a huge struggle, especially with young people. I sat here today and learned skills of teaching the Bible to young people more effectively. My own walk with God is revived. This training and program are God-designed to wake up the church."

Prevention Time thanks you for your interest in our organization. We are a 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax-deductible. Prevention Time has no paid staff, so our administrative costs are minimal. To help support the ministry in sub-Saharan Africa, please click on the donate button below.