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About gfiworld

This site is edited by John Woodward M.Div., D.Min, who serves as Director of Counseling and Training at Grace Fellowship International in Pigeon Forge, TN

Brazil Pastors Fermata

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As I minister to pastors and Christian workers through the Fermatas in Brazil and Marli in Project Hannah world wide, we often encounter leaders who are disheartened, exhausted and ready to quit. Statistics show that burnout is the number one reason why so many don’t finish well. That begs the question: “Why don’t they experience the truth of Christ’s promise in Matthew 11:28-30, that His burden is light and that He gives rest to the soul?”

My personal discovery is that the values of the protestant reformation, which have shaped my family for generations, emphasize the doing. Christian ethics have motivated my thriving for the best in behavior and performance since my early youth. But it took years, a couple of crisis’s and utter brokenness before I understood that the Christian life is not based on my well intended performance, or doing, rather is the life of Christ Himself in me. As I accept His invitation, go to Christ and abide in Him, I experience Joy and Freedom. Instead of striving I can rest in Him. Then my doing becomes the outflows of the life of Christ in me. That is what He teaches in the parable of the vine and the branches. In the end only Christ Himself can live the Christian life. The fact that He wants to live it through me is such an amazing discovery. Now I learn as Paul did, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Php 4:13.)” This way the Christian life becomes rest and joy…

– Edmund Spieker
Cary, NC

Church Renewal in South Africa

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We just had a wonderful morning of quick fellowship with one of our trainees of many years ago. I think I have told you about him in the past. Drs, J. E. and his wife_____.

______’s [Her] life was changed dramatically by the Exchanged Life when we trained her and her team who are ministering to the homeless. After J______ saw the dramatic change in his wife, he wanted to know more. He invited us to train him and a cell group. During the training J______ had an encounter with the Holy Spirit and the old J_____ “died” (Luke 9:23).

Then he invited us to do the training with his elders. Now his whole church is based on the Exchanged Life (Gal. 2:20).  He says that his whole ministry has changed and he now has a vision. The Exchanged Life is not just another course which can be ticked off as done.

He can now measure spiritual growth. He now knows what discipleship is. He now knows where other ministries fit in–after the Cross (Rom. 6:6-14) is applied. He has trained people in his church to carry the message of the Cross. His church is an example of how the Cross is the cornerstone and the message of a church. And his church is growing. It is not that he is interested in numbers, he wants people to know the Cross and as he says: “the Cross applied.”

He also started an English church, _____________ for the thousands of foreigners living in the Bellville area. This church is also growing…

Thank you again for sending [training materials] to us. It is of great value to all our trainees. When we go to Fish Hoek we will give it to Gordon to copy as well and also to our brother George.

Before we leave Cape Town we will invite all our co-workers from Cape Town and Surroundings and we will have a time of fellowship and thanking God. We will ask all the participants to give a short testimony of how God is using them. The aim is also to strengthen the network of all the ones who “died in Christ”. Wish you could all be here, We will let you know when it happens and we will make a video for you to see all your “offspring”.

We also had such good news from a young man Hendrik ministered to in Pretoria. He was in a big black hole and Hendrik kept on encouraging him and bringing him the Cross. Last night we heard that he has a steady job now and is a changed person. He wrote a poem to the Lord with Whom he is now totally in love with. As Amanda taught us: I AM IN LOVE WITH YOU. When we move to Pretoria we will be close to him and be able to disciple him.

We praise God to be part of this glorious ministry. Many blessings and favour to you all.
–Hendrik and Nehlsie

SHOR Ministries

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The purpose of Shepherds’ Haven of Rest Ministries is to provide a ministry of spiritual help and encouragement to pastors and wives (including staff members and wives) that serves to rekindle the fires of their passion for God and ministry as well as their love for each other.

To renew their spiritual lives, their walk with the Lord, their marriage, and their ministry through worship, relaxation, solitude, counseling, and encouragement.

To refresh their bodies, minds, and spirits.

To refocus their sense of God’s calling and purpose for their lives.

To restore their passion for God, for their marriage, and for ministry.

The long-term goal of the ministry is to help curb the dropout rate of pastors and to see men serve the Lord in power and joy.”

Recently they started providing a copy of Handbook to Happiness to each of the couple attending the retreats. Pray that these getaways will be refreshing physically, relationally, and spiritually.