2020 – a year many of us tried new things, and in the Advance family, the beginnings of three new churches in South Africa. One was planted last year, ( you can read about it here.) and this year, two are gearing up and rearing to go. We checked in with them to find out more as well as how we pray with them.
GodFirst Boksburg
This is Rob and Ilse Weddell, who along with their two little girls, Gabriella and Bailey-Jo, are preparing to plant into the city of Boksburg, Gauteng. Having both previously lived in Boksburg, they didn’t know then that the season was actually an opportunity to watch and learn the people and culture. Over the last three years they have felt God calling them back, but now with a high sense of calling and great love for the people. Rob shares how he feels like God has said, “I have redeemed you, now come and watch as I redeem this city.”
Boksburg was established because of the discovery of Gold in 1887. Today, the city continues to grow, with a population of over 500 000 people. Its also located only 7km from South Africa’s busiest airport. An area poised and ready for a new gospel frontier.
Won’t you join us in praying for Ilse, Rob, and the Godfirst Boksburg team, here’s what they are trusting God for:
- The right venue for them to launch from.
- Strength for both the sending church ( GodFirst, Benoni), as well as the new church plant.
- Trusting God for the salvation of many in the Boksburg area.
- They are praying for a visible footprint in the Boksburg area for the glory of God.
Reconciliation Road, eThekwini.
Meet Tom and Nokwazi Moffat who are being sent from Reconciliation Road in Amanzimtoti, on the South Coast of Durban, to plant a new congregation in the great city of eThekwini (the isiZulu name for Durban). Tom is a teacher, and Nokwazi is a doctor, and both have been serving and leading in Reconciliation Road church for the last few years.
The new church plant will be in a central suburb called Berea, which is a key area for impact and reach into the wider city of Durban. Joining their launch team are Sello and Galaletsang Simelane, from an Advance Partner church, GodFirst Braamfontein. At the moment the core team is a few community groups meeting mid week, and the launch team is gearing up to begin Sunday gatherings later in 2021.
Already they have seen God on the move; baptisms, the Spirit at work, people joining church membership before an official launch and God adding to the launch team so intentionally. With a sense of gratitude and expectation they look ahead to what God wants to do in the next season!
Tom, Nokwazi and their team would love you to join them in praying for the church plant in the following three areas specifically:
- That God would go ahead of them and stir the hearts of many in the area, and draw people to himself through this local church.
- That God sends leaders with gospel clarity and capacity to serve and love in this context.
- For a venue that strengthens their sense of identity and empowers them to be a blessing to the community of Berea and the wider city of Durban.
We commend these two couples for their faith and cheer them on as they say yes to moving with God in what he is doing in the nation of South Africa!
If you would like to get in touch with either of these these church plants, email us and we will connect you! info@advancemovement.com