New Wine In Fresh Wine Skins
Jesus said that new wine needs 'new' wineskins or 'fresh vessels'. To paraphrase, the 'new wine' needs old skins that are washed, softened, restitched, oiled, and prepared for the most precious life-giving commodity, His life. I believe Jesus was preparing His disciples to be 'fresh vessels' to receive, live, and make Kingdom life available to a world in need. As we go through different stages of life, our 'vessels', lives, families, and ministries may need to be again prepared, washed, softened, and renewed for the next season of Kingdom living. The best response is to hear His heart for the 'vessels' we are responsible for, to humble ourselves, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and prepare our vessels for His purposes for the season ahead.
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.' Luke 5:37-38
Open Day Welcoming
A wonderful way to begin the year by opening the door to Jesus, connecting with guests from different places, enjoying fellowship, sharing delicious food, and responding to God's invitation to open the door to His possibilities of restored health. Many used this time to respond to His invitation to 'open the door' to the One who is all health and life. Through creative opportunities in the garden, people welcomed Him into places of need, trusting Him for His restoring work. This marked the beginning of the Health Restored series.
Health Restore Series
Throughout the 1st part of the year, our heart was to reach out with these free impactful opportunities to His body in need, bringing His health and goodness close to the places in need of Him.
These are free, short, focused events for the followers of Jesus to examine the health God has intended for them in key areas of their lives
It was such a privilege to witness God's heart for His people as He restores value and safety and brings freedom from hidden offences. Many came, received God's truth, took time to sit with Him in His presence, and allowed Him to bring restoration to places where it had been lost. These free events, held at Shere House, Durban, and the Cape Hub, provide opportunities to reach out to His people with His love, truth, and restoring grace.
12 Day Course, Part A
We are always amazed when people invest their time and hearts in putting the Lord first. Time and again, we see how God uses this 'surrender' to do a precious work in the lives of His children. This was no different with this "family" whom we had the privilege of welcoming and serving.
"I have being living the lie that held me captive all my life, God released me, now I am free, the best is now my sleep was restored."
'This was such a powerful time spent dealing with things in my life that others could see, but to which I was unable to respond. The Lord graciously met me there and helped me.'
"God restored a level of intimacy with the Lord that is so special."
Application of God's truth and ministry changed my life!
Rebuild Started Again, a Free Series of Rebuilding Lives
We are excited to see so many people journeying with us every month to grow in knowing and loving the Lord more deeply and being rebuilt according to His blueprint. We are now halfway through this series, and this is what some have said.
"I am now intentional in allowing God to work in me and through me, and I believe it is from this journey I have stepped into.
God is busy! Like a patchwork quilt, with lots of threads and bits & pieces of fabric coming together from different sources in this whole rebuilding process.
STEPPPING 'OUT'
The entire team joined the Lord for three days of coming alongside the Teen Challenge team, an Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Bronkhorstspruit.
Through focused teachings, skits, discussions, reflective opportunities, and ministry, we once again witnessed the Lord's heart for the broken, the wounded, and the forgotten. He fed them, taught them, loved them, welcomed them, and met them in the hidden places of pain and shame.
Upcoming Opportunities
12-Day Course, Part B, 17-29 August
God’s heart for His people is that we live in the fullness of who He created us to be. This is a central reason why Jesus came: to restore, redeem, and bring us into wholeness. The 12‑day Part B course is aligned with Explore B and focuses on deeper equipping to help us address the areas of our lives that still need healing and restoration.
Exposing the Snares of the Enemy 1, 26-27 June
This course exposes the enemy’s tactics to undermine the work and will of God. It brings a biblical understanding of the deliverance ministry, the lessons that can be learned from the way Jesus ministered to people in the gospels, who deliverance is for, how the enemy can gain a foothold, and how Jesus has given us His power and authority to bring freedom to others.
Ladies' Event, CLOTHED, Restoring Health to His Bride, 8 Aug 09:00-13:00
Bridge from the Head to the Heart, 9 - 15 October
Understanding God’s love in our heads and knowing His love in the depths of our hearts are two vastly different things. When God’s love meets us in our deepest places of hurt and pain, healing rushes forth, and freedom abounds. Yet, achieving that connection can seem difficult, terrifying, overwhelming, or even impossible
Saying Goodbye to Ronel
Words cannot adequately express our immense gratitude to Ronel, a precious gift to the Body of Christ, who has faithfully served and pioneered the work in Africa with remarkable love, dedication, and perseverance for more than 20 years within Ellel. We thank the Lord for her life, her leadership, and the impact on the lives of many and the ministry. As she steps into a new season, we pray that the Lord will go before her, guide her every step, and continue to use her in His unique and special way. We look forward to serving together in His greater vineyard.
Celebrating Beryl's 80th
Galvan and Esther's Visit
Shere House Renewal Project, the Fresh Wine Skin Preparation
Over the past season, we have sensed that the Lord is leading the 46-year-old buildings at Shere House through a time of renewal, preparing them to welcome, serve, and love God's people well in the years ahead. What began with our roofing project has continued as the Lord stirs the hearts of people to come alongside this process of 'refreshing and refurbishing ' the rooms, living areas, and outside. Step by step, we are seeing those with the vision to help and join the Lord in preparing this precious 'vessel'. If you would like to partner with us in this journey or assist in any way, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can help prepare a place where many will encounter God's love, healing, and restoration in the seasons to come. Contact Trudy