2025 December Newsletter

As we come to the close of another year, I pause with deep gratitude and renewed anticipation for what lies ahead. 2025 has been a year marked by growth, learning and faithful perseverance. Every season brings both challenges and blessings, yet through them all, God remains steadfast.

Looking back, I am encouraged by the strength of this ministry and the clear evidence of God at work through Live Connection. Through faithful partnerships and a shared vision, pastors across Africa and Asia continue to be supported, equipped and encouraged to serve their communities with confidence and joy.

Global Ministry Impact

This year, I had the privilege of spending time with pastors in Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda. Seeing the work first-hand reaffirmed the effectiveness of Live Connection’s approach. Practical support, sound biblical training and genuine encouragement are making a real and lasting difference. The quarterly reports from our pastors continue to inspire me as God’s work unfolds powerfully across the nations. These connections remind us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. I am deeply thankful for our leadership Committee, whose wisdom and prayerful leadership provide strength and stability. I am equally grateful for our pastors, who serve faithfully, often in challenging circumstances, and for our loyal supporters, who partner with us in this mission through prayer and financial support.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Live Connection continues to build faithfully on the strong foundation established over more than two decades. Our mission remains anchored in the following three key areas.

1) Providing Financial Support for Basic Needs

Through the generosity of our Australian supporters, we continue to provide a small quarterly gift to assist pastors with essential family needs. While not a wage, this support brings stability and encouragement, enabling pastors to serve their communities with greater freedom and focus.

2) Training and Equipping Pastors in Sound Biblical Teaching

Training has always been central to our mission. Financial support is only the beginning, because lasting impact comes through discipleship and strong biblical foundations. This year, Pastor John Iuliano from Life Source Church joined a Live Connection mission trip and experienced the vision first-hand. His teaching had a profound impact, and Life Source has since opened their training college to support our pastors. As one of our pastors wrote: “You people have energised the churches in the region very, very much. I took your training on the tablet to the Nyoya district. I had 80 enrolled in the discipleship sessions. The material was short, clear and touching.”

3) Strengthening Long‑Term Independence

Across our partner nations, we continue to see the impact of locally led initiatives that strengthen families, churches and communities. These projects foster dignity, sustainability and long‑term independence. They take different forms depending on local needs, ranging from small‑scale savings groups to income‑generating ventures and sustainable farming. In some regions, this includes models such as table banking. Pastors and communities are pooling small resources to save, lend and invest together. Like Paul in Scripture, many of our pastors are tent-makers. Table banking enables them to support their families while strengthening their wider community. In other regions, leaders are developing sustainable farming solutions that reflect their unique context. These initiatives are relational, sustainable and effective, and they are already bearing fruit.

A Historic Moment for Live Connection

In 2026, we will take a significant step forward. For the first time in 25 years, regional leaders from all our African regions within Live Connection will gather in one place, in Livingstone, Zambia . This gathering will focus on:

unity across nations

leadership development

shared vision

equipping leaders with teaching resources.

We aim to raise AUD $50,000 through fundraising to support leaders from Africa in traveling, meeting, learning, and returning home. This is a milestone moment and one that will shape the next decade of our ministry.

A Season of Hope

As we look ahead to our New Year, remember that this season is about hope. We have celebrated the birth of our Saviour Jesus, who came not only to show us how to live, but how to love completely. His life is our example of humility, compassion and faithfulness. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Jesus is our living, active hope. Because of His birth, life, death and resurrection, we are not left on our own. We have been given the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit who came upon Mary when the angel said, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35).

This truth gives us confidence and hope. Our God goes before us, walks with us, and is in us. He continues to work through His people, each one of us. May this season be filled with peace, joy and renewed trust in all that God has done and all that He is yet to do.

Thank You, Live Connection Community

Together, we form a live connection of hope, provision and transformation. Have a wonderful New Year’s celebration, and may we each embrace the opportunities the coming year brings.

God bless,

Paul