SOWERS International Newsletter August 2025

We have loved having Godfrey from Malawi with us for the past three weeks. He has shared his story of how God took this angry, naughty young man and changed him into a trophy of grace.

His difficult childhood, one of eleven children, who fought for food and a place to sleep, who walked 17 kilometres to and from school each day, embittered him against God. How could a loving God allow him to grow up in a situation like that? Yet, when confronted with God's love, grace and mercy, Godfrey surrendered not only his heart but also his life to Christ and more than 30 years later, he has no greater joy than to tell others of the God who saves.

Godfrey is one of many Sowers called to share the love of God with others. The street corner and marketplace is where they want to be as Christ's love compels them. As Paul said in 1 Cor 9:16 "For just preaching the Gospel isn’t any special credit to me—I couldn’t keep from preaching it if I wanted to. I would be utterly miserable. Woe unto me if I don’t."

We are not all called to be evangelists but as disciples we are to show our love for God by doing what he has told us to do. Telling others about Him is something we are all asked to do. How are you getting on?

Below are stories and testimonies of those who are doing just that. You will enjoy Mrs Ma*'s story from Zimbabwe. 

News from the Fields

Zambia

One of our Sowers travelled 50 km on a Sowers bicycle to preach the gospel. On his arrival at the arranged destination, he found many people waiting for him. Tired and hungry, he started preparing for work and preached God's word to them. To his surprise, after he had finished preaching, 10 people received Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Praise the Lord for that! 

Kenya

Testimonies from participants who have attended different seminars.
• "I gave my life to Christ during the seminar and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord."
• "The outreach program changed my perspective on life and I'm excited to be part of this community."
• "I never knew the love of God could be so real, but the seminar showed me a new way to live."
• "I'm so grateful for the seminar that taught me how to share the Gospel effectively. I've already led someone to Christ!"
• "God is doing something amazing in our community, and I'm honoured to be part of it." 

Uganda

I praise God for opening more doors to the SOWERS program because now we receive invitations from churches in all parts of Uganda. Gospel teams from different denominations are requesting SOWERS training and help in developing evangelism skills, unlike what we have experienced in the past. The number of gospel teams has increased, as well as the number of participants, leading to increased numbers of new converts in the region and country at large.

Zimbabwe

Have you ever heard of an evangelist using charcoal and part of a cardboard box to share the gospel?  

Mrs Ma*, our level 2 Sower is very creative and courageous. She was passing through a shopping centre in her area one afternoon and saw that there were lots of people at the marketplace. The spirit of God came upon her and was like fire in her bones! She tried to hold it back, but she couldn't! Even though she did not have her SOWERS equipment with her (sketch board, paints and brushes), she quickly devised a plan as she knew that she could not afford to miss this great opportunity to sow the seed of the gospel. 

Like Samson picking up the jawbone of a donkey, she picked up part of a cardboard box and some charcoal and quickly sketched a message of salvation on it and preached the gospel. Amazingly, people responded to her invitation to turn to Jesus, and they received Christ as Lord and Saviour. 

She was amazed by the response! Like the Ethiopian eunuch, people went away rejoicing that they were saved! 

News from the Regional Advisors

RASA – Southern Africa (Godfrey - Malawi)

In May, I travelled to Zambia to meet the Sower Seniors. One particularly inspiring story comes from the Mansa East Church, which sponsored forty students to attend the SOWERS seminar, covering expenses for food, transport, and seminar fees. Hearing this uplifting account directly from the deeply committed Church Elders was profoundly encouraging.

During my time in Zimbabwe, I met the Sowers Epworth team, a group of seven amazing individuals. They shared inspiring stories about conducting thirteen open-air meetings and starting three churches over the past year. They also support the Sowers Program financially to help maintain its outreach efforts. Witnessing their dedication and passion was truly uplifting.

In July, I attended the Baptist Congress in Brisbane, Australia. Afterward, I visited Selwyn in Sydney and then Murray in New Zealand, to reconnect with prayer partners and churches. One of the most touching moments during this time was meeting an elderly woman who has faithfully prayed for my family and the SOWERS program for over twenty-one years. This profoundly moved me, highlighting how the prayers of countless dedicated individuals sustain the SOWERS program.

RA – East Africa (Emmanuel - Kenya)

This past quarter has been marked by meaningful engagement and encouraging progress across East Africa. In Kenya, I visited several Sowers teams and met church leaders in various churches, offering encouragement and assessing ministry impact. I facilitated Level 1 and Level 2 seminars, equipping 63 participants with practical evangelism tools. I provided strategic leadership to the National Boards of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, strengthening coordination and focus.

In Uganda, I visited three regions, met with Sowers teams and the National Board, and visited families of senior Level 6 Sowers and church leaders—deepening relationships and affirming long-term commitment. We also initiated online discussions with Ethiopian leaders to explore new ministry opportunities, equipment availability, and translation needs for local languages.

Please pray for upcoming visits to Tanzania and Ethiopia to explore partnerships, and for the upcoming seminars in Kenya. The quarter has seen increased collaboration, strengthened leadership, and growing momentum across the region.

RA – Central/West Africa (Emmanuel - DR Congo)

My visit to Kolwezi had to be cancelled. As for the brothers from Kasenga, they decided to postpone the training to September 24th - 30th, 2025. 

Contact between those in Bangui, Ariwara, and Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire is permanently established and the remote supervision is going well.

In Lubumbashi/DRC, I managed to gather the Sowers trained at level 1, as with those from the higher levels (2 and 3), to teach them on following up the new believers.

We thank the Lord for all these opportunities made available to us to spread the gospel of salvation.

Prayer and Praise Points

Give Praise for...
• The many people who have found new life in Christ
• The effectiveness of faithful sowing by faithful Sowers
• The RA's recent visits where the workers were encouraged and the ministry strengthened

Pray for...
• Continued protection and good health for all Sowers and their families
• The new believers and churches planted
• Our President, Regional Advisors and National Board members