2025 September Newsletter

Rooted in Truth, Ready to Lead

In a developing world that’s constantly shifting—socially, economically, and spiritually—the role of the pastor remains a steadfast cornerstone of community and faith. Yet the demands placed on these leaders are growing, and the need for intentional, ongoing training has never been more urgent.

Effective pastoral training allows for theological depth and biblical literacy, but also nurtures emotional intelligence, strengthens practical leadership skills, and equips pastors to minister faithfully within diverse and resource-constrained contexts. With the right support, these leaders become agents of transformation—bringing God’s hope, healing, and unity to the communities they serve. As Paul exhorted Timothy:

“…And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” — 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV).

It is your partnership with Live Connection that enables us to provide this training.

Equip the Called, Empower the Church

Over the last two weeks, Pastor John Iuliano and Paul Ravesteyn have been on a mission trip to provide training to East African pastors. They were supported by Tom Gunther and Caleb Galea. Training conferences were held in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, with pastors travelling from as far as Sudan and Burundi.

We asked the regional leaders to explain what the training conferences meant to them and their pastors, and the following are some excerpts:

Bishop Martin Gichuhi Muita (Kenya)

“As teaching progressed from day one session one to the last day, God’s presence was so evident through God’s revelation and impact the Word to God created in our hearts. This was followed and evident by the pastors’ responses in every session and a demonstration of a deeper hunger for more that is persisting even today by pastors requesting for another conference soon and also making this conference annual. It was phenomenal and so inspiring transforming hearts and minds.

This was a season to relate, network, building strong ties for ministry, commitment to serving together and a time to realize we are one body serving the same Lord .

I personally wish to thank the LC administration [and LifeSource Christian Church] for giving us links to resources that will equip us beyond the conference. I was further equipped with a tablet with lots of resources that I will use to equip the LC pastors in my region but also further in all my leadership circles that goes beyond my church organization.

The LC Kenya pastors we are meeting tomorrow for two hours online to review the entire conference with an aim of agreeing on points of personal and group change. We also wish to secure a commitment to adopting the discipleship material shared by Paul and John into our churches and ministries . We further aim at ensuring that through accountability to each other and as THR LC Kenya chapter we will commit and also hold each other accountable to applying the principles taught… THANK YOU LIVE CONNECTION AND PAUL AND JOHN”

Pastor Desire Kwizara (Burundi)

“Shalom! Praise the Lord! In short, the conference was so inspiring . I and the Pastors from Burundi have reached in Rwanda early in the morning on Monday to mean that we travelled day and night from Sunday morning reaching Kigali at Monday morning! Reaching to the conference at Karonji district we were welcomed well by Pastor Gedeon [the regional leader in Rwanda]. The conference begun on the next day it was so amazing . Pastors enjoyed the teachings and some of them, including myself, repent. Pastor John gave seven ingredients for the healthy church which were 1. to shepherd the folk 2. to preach the true gospel 3. make the disciples 4. equipping the Saints 5. do missions 6. help the poor and 7. prayer. We have taken the time today on Thursday for just visiting to the lake, fellowship with the brothers for both countries, Burundi and Rwanda. Enjoying it was so powerful.”

Pastor Moses Andruga (Uganda)

“Honestly the Conference was an eye opener to our difference zonal pastors. It has not only answered our prayer and search for better training material but equipped us in many areas of ministry and including our discipleship centre in Gulu received blessing of tables with a full content of discipleship teaching material. The conference very, very much equip many with new tools for discipling others or strengthening your church. The conference has strengthened the local training we had been doing by providing these clear discipleship materials available now. I have so far received two zones that have started the discipleship training. Also, some individual pastors working on enrolling in the online discipleship program. It was amazing fellowship and time to gather with pastors from different regions.

The key spiritual insight or revelation received during the conference are how suitable love summaries the whole 7 values of a disciple’s heart. The power of love, how God love the sinners and shown mercy to all. That compelled me to begin thinking about the outcast people who had never experienced the love of God. These people on the streets, camps and villages that are being given all sorts of names. I deeply felt challenged as Pastor John was teaching the basics elements of a church or a disciple. The teachings of Pastor John and Paul challenge and encourage me personally to have loving heart for all. Begin thinking of a ministry to the wasted, downcast people leaving in gazzetted camp where no one goes to meet them - the slum guys and girls that many count as useless people.”

Pastors needing Partners

Connect Groups Partnering with Pastors

John Grinsell, as our Live Connection Secretary and member of our management committee, shares about his connect group partnering with a pastor in Kenya through Live Connection:

“I run a connect group at my church and we meet on Wednesday nights for study, prayer and fellowship together. We decided we also wanted our group to have an outward focus, so we decided together we would partner with a pastor through Live Connection. Together we are now partnering with Pastor Edward from Kenya. Together we are able to provide him with financial assistance, pray for his ministry and family, receive updates on his ministry, as well as sending him encouraging letters. We are pleased that we can support Pastor Edward and he is part of our group. We want to encourage and challenge other connect groups to consider partnering with a pastor through Live Connection. It certainly provides an outward focus for your group to reach the world for Jesus.”

Support our Annual Christmas Appeal

If you’d like to bless our pastors with a little extra this Christmas, we invite you to contribute to our annual Christmas Appeal. Your donation—marked Christmas Gift —can be made anytime before the end of October.

Every gift helps us show appreciation to those who faithfully serve throughout the year.

If you are on Facebook, we welcome you to follow our page, Live Connection , for up-to-date news.

Annual General Meeting News

Live Connection Australia Inc. held its annual general meeting on 31 August 2025. The following office bearers were elected: Paul Ravesteyn (President), Dianne Wheeler (Vice-President), John Grinsell (Secretary) and CJ van Rooyen (Treasurer and Public Officer).

As we wrap up this month, we celebrate the impact of training Live Connection pastors across developing nations—leaders who are truly Rooted in Truth, Ready to Lead. These pastors are grounded in sound doctrine and are being equipped to shepherd with wisdom and resilience in some of the most challenging contexts. Their growth is a testament to the power of your faithful partnership.

As Scripture reminds us: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” — Ephesians 4:11–12 (NIV).

Thank you for standing with us in this mission!

Blessings,

The Live Connection Team