2026 April Newsletter

Lately I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about gratitude. Not the quick “thanks very much” we say without really stopping, but the kind of gratitude that comes when we pause and look back and say, “God, You have been faithful.” The Bible reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). And when we read the stories coming in from our pastors, giving thanks feels like the most natural thing in the world.

Gratitude grows when we notice what God is doing. And what He’s doing through your prayers, your generosity, and your words of encouragement is deeply humbling. These testimonies are not polished reports. They’re real people, serving in real places, often in very hard circumstances, and saying, “Thank you.” We’ve kept their words largely as they shared them, because their voices matter.

From Burundi – a pastor now able to pastor

“Pastor Kadodwa Claude is among those Jesus is using powerfully, and what is impressive is that he is among the new members of the Live Connection group in Burundi. Previously he led a difficult life which forced him to seek small jobs for his family’s survival. Therefore he didn’t have enough time to dedicate to the ministry, and this hindered the church’s growth.

Indeed, everything changed when he received support from his partner. He has implemented a new plan: to reduce working days [outside of ministry] from 6 to 4 days per week. He began visiting church members, created prayer groups in five different villages and as a result his church is now growing. The number of worshippers has increased from sixty to one hundred and seventy attendance every Sunday. His community rejoices that they have a pastor who dedicates his time to them.”

From Regional Leader Desire Kwizera

From Uganda – thanksgiving and gospel fruit

“I’m PR Kuluse Jino Ssejjusa, currently doing ministry in the ANDIBO community in Pakwach district in the West Nile region of Uganda. I had an opportunity also to officiate a marriage ceremony last Sunday at the border of Uganda and DRC.

Beloved partners of Live Connection, together with the entire family of Live Connection, it’s been a blessing having you standing alongside me in the ministry with all your generosity and prayers. Many are giving their lives to Christ and about fifty of them are undergoing discipleship and edification. I will be in the region until June as we continue with evangelism and discipleship, hence continue standing with us.

I take this special opportunity to thank you for the support given to me in February because it has helped us to achieve a lot. May the Lord richly reward you, continue to open more doors for you, and give you good health in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

From Kuluse Jino Ssejjusa

From Mozambique – comfort after loss and a family rebuilt

“Hello Live Connection Partners, Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ.

Above is Pastor Henry Iron with his 4-year-old daughter from Mozambique, Africa. Pastor Henry keeps glorifying God for the great work the Live Connection team has done for his family and the ministry as well.

He lost his wife on 17th February 2022, leaving behind a 7-day-old baby girl. Her name is Omega. It was a great blow. But while in that situation, Live Connection appeared so quickly and he was put on the pay list. The money he has been receiving helped him nurse the girl. Omega is now 4 years old. Pastor Henry was able to marry again and pay all traditional charges through the support from Live Connection. His ministry too is growing. He serves in a remote and mountainous area.

Thank you so much Live Connection team and all partners for bringing a great impact into African communities.”

From Regional Leader Paul Green

From Uganda – “we felt we are really loved by you”

“My name is Ocaya Paul Oloya, a pastor in Uganda.

In the previous ministry support fund, part of the money I used to reach out to train pastors, cell fellowship and mini crusade. Some helped pay for my children’s school fees, food, and other family needs.

My wife was pregnant and had complications. The love you gave us through financial support and prayer, which was a real need for us, was a miracle to us. We felt we are really loved by you and felt we truly have a mum for us.

You kept checking on us, even when we were at the hospital during delivery. Your assistance helped my wife deliver our baby safely. We are very, very happy. Our baby is growing well and she is called Dianne [after Live Connection’s Vice-President], because you cared for her even before she was born.

We love Live Connection. We feel we are not alone.

God has done great things for us through you.”

From Ocaya Paul Oloya

From South Sudan – saved by grace, standing in hope

Pastor Luke Odong Simon shares his testimony of coming to Christ through hearing the true Gospel of grace during times of war and dislocation, and now serving in South Sudan with the Evangelical Free Church.

He writes of preaching the Word, discipling youth, standing firm while separated from his family, and learning to trust God’s promises. He says:

“Why I’m thankful for you:

Because you pray. Because you give. Because you haven’t forgotten me and the church. When I feel alone here, I remember that you are standing with me in the gap. You’re holding up my arms like Aaron and Hur did for Moses.

What I believe God is doing through you:

Your support isn’t just money. It’s the Shoes of Peace carrying the Gospel to Torit Market. It’s the Shield of Faith protecting my family while we’re apart. It’s the Sword of the Spirit cutting through false teaching here in South Sudan.”

From Luke Odong Simon

Thank you

As we come to the end of this newsletter, our hearts really are full. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). We want to say a huge thank you to those of you who have already responded to the recently announced increase in partnership fees. We are genuinely grateful for your understanding and your ongoing commitment.

If you pay by direct debit , we would appreciate it if you would contact your bank directly to adjust the amount. If you pay via credit card , we can change things on our end once we receive your permission.

Thank you also to everyone who has written to their pastors recently. Your letters are treasured more than you can imagine. They bring courage, joy, and a strong sense of family. And if you haven’t written in a while, please know you are always very welcome to do so!

Thank you for praying. Thank you for giving. Thank you for loving pastors you may never meet this side of heaven. We thank God for you, today and always.

With gratitude,

Rani and The Live Connection Team