2024 Christmas Newsletter

"My name is John Grinsell and it’s my pleasure to bring you the Christmas Edition on behalf of the Live Connection team. This will hopefully provide a time of reflection and looking ahead to the new year.

My Personal Reflections.

"I was introduced to Live Connection over 20 years ago when Pastor Gary Deetlefs and Paul Ravesteyn visited my church. Their visit was very special as Paul shared about Live Connection, and Gary shared a message after which most of the church moved forward for prayer. Later that year, I went on a mission trip with Paul and Gary. We visited the rural villages around Durban, South Africa and I was able to experience firsthand the work of Live Connection and meet sponsored pastors and their churches.

Following the mission trip, I joined the Live Connection board, and am currently serving in the roles of secretary, fundraising and social media. I continue to strongly believe in the vision of Live Connection in providing financial partnership and support to our pastors across the world. Our pastors are men of God who truly appreciate the financial support from their partners. I am also proud to personally partner with a pastor in Northern Uganda and my connect group partners with a pastor in Kenya."

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 1 John 1 NLV

" C hristmas is certainly a special time where we can reflect on the birth, death & resurrection of Jesus and the impact of his life on our world forever. It’s a time when we can draw near to Jesus and gather together with our families and friends.

Thank you to those who donated to the Christmas appeal for our pastors. We are pleased to let you know that each of our pastors received an extra $15 this Christmas. We would encourage you to remember your partner(s) and pray for them especially at this time."

2024 – REFLECTIONS

"As we approach the end of another year, it's truly inspiring to look back and give thanks for all that God has accomplished through Live Connection. Our mission of empowering pastors has reached new heights, with our network growing from 217 to 245 pastors this year! We're just five pastors short of our goal of 250 by years end."

LOOKING AHEAD – 2025 - T HE YEAR TO COME

"We are certainly looking forward to 2025. We want to continue to grow the number of partnered pastors across the world. We are also planning a mission trip to train and encourage more of our pastors.

There are currently 17 pastors awaiting a partner on our website. Please contact Anne Ferrar if you wish to partner with a pastor, or if you would like another pastor!

We are also seeking your continued support for the ministry. Paul is always keen to share about Live Connection, and is happy to travel to churches, organisations and groups. We are also on the lookout for people who may wish to use their skills to help grow the vision."

Please contact Paul Ravesteyn if you can support us on

0414 534063 or ravs@liveconnection.org

SPECIAL THANKS

"We want to sincerely thank each of you who partner with a pastor. It’s special to think we can make a difference not only to the pastor, but also to their church and the surrounding village.

We also want to thank our hard-working staff. Thank you, Paul, for your hard work in leading as well as growing the vision of Live Connection. Thanks also to Anne Ferrar, who does a great job in her role in administration and pastor partnerships.

Thank you to our team members of Paul and Renee Ravesteyn, Anne Ferrar, Mark Schroder, Johan Van Rooyen, and Dianne and Ian Wheeler, and John Grinsell.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and New Year. We are looking forward to seeing God continue to grow Live Connection next year."

John Grinsell

For the Live Connection team