Nate and Jenni live and serve among a rural, agricultural people group in Eastern Africa with a heart to plant and strengthen local churches. Last month, Nate took a trip with two other local pastors to visit ten churches and present a vision for God’s expanding kingdom in the province where they live. Though the trip had a lot of unforeseen roadblocks, each person was able to see God’s hand in the events and the trip ended up richer than imagined with a lot of lessons learned. The provincial churches were encouraged and built bonds of greater unity.
Two Malawian missionaries recently moved to a village Nate and Jenni have worked in for over 11 years. They are so thankful for their presence and grateful that they will take over the work there. They hope and pray that God will equip these workers, guide them, and show his steadfast love to them in their work.
Andrew Hanna and his wife, Mary Margaret, moved to New Orleans in 2016 for Andrew to pursue a seminary degree. Soon after, they joined an Immanuel Network partner, Immanuel Community Church, and quickly grew to love New Orleans. God began to stir up a desire in Andrew to plant a church in New Orleans. Immanuel Community Church affirmed that calling and gave him the opportunity to serve as a pastor. Then, in 2021, Immanuel sent out the Hannas with a core group of members to plant Harvest Church in the Tremé-Lafitte neighborhood.
The mission of Harvest Church is to glorify God by following Jesus together and faithfully serving the city. They strongly desire to see every member taking the gospel to where they live, work, and play while believing firmly in God’s eternal purposes for their everyday lives. Though not without some intense hardship, God has been kind to Harvest in their first few years. Already God has blessed them with another pastor to share the load of leadership, deacons who serve with humility, members who are regularly engaging both the church and the community, the baptism of a new believer, and a multiplicity of small groups. They are grateful for the Lord’s generosity.
The deacons are thankful for the generous giving of Immanuel to the Mercy Fund and are well-equipped to care for the practical needs of the body. They are eager to equip the body to care for the poor, needy, and vulnerable in our midst and in the community at large. If you or your GCG would like assistance in thinking through ways you could minister to these groups, they would love to hear from you.
Location:
Arab Gulf
Population:
1,640,000
Ev. Christian:
< 2%
Main Language:
Arabic
Spiritual Beliefs:
98% Islam
Bible in Heart Language:
Yes
The Bedouin are Sunni Muslims who live primarily in the Arabian Gulf. Most of their economy is based on raising livestock. For the most part, all of the Bedouin groups are unreached with the gospel.