Sandton

Dear family, colleagues and friends in Christ,

Greetings,

The year 2011 is fast reaching its conclusion. Soon with fresh enthusiasm we will embrace 2012. The year ahead promises significant developments within the economy of the Kingdom of God.

In approaching the New Year, I think it is prudent to share with you firsthand information of new developments in my life and ministry.

On the 17th November I celebrated my 50th birthday. In the midst of enjoying this special milestone, God spoke to me about the future direction of my ministry. Through diverse prophetic statements and affirmations I was informed that a new era is dawning upon my ministry (and that of our family). The divine directive was emphatic... in order to accommodate this new segment in my spiritual journey, there are certain mental and positional adjustments that must be made.

For approximately a year or so I received the divine impression to plant a church in Sandton (Johannesburg), Gauteng, South Africa. I felt the Lord instructing me to plant an apostolic centre in the heart of the economic capital of South Africa. The objective is to establish a strategic gate for the presentation and proclamation of the apostolic message to the nations.

I have for some time pondered on how to expedite the divine mandate since we have by God's grace established a vibrant apostolic ministry in Pietermaritzburg. Initially, I felt that we could remotely plant this congregation, by placing one of my spiritual sons (my Timothy) to father the household in Sandton. But after seeking God's face for clarity in this respect it became evident that this was not in accordance with the divine plan. It became increasingly clear that I was to personally establish and oversee this congregation. As difficult as this may seem, my wife, Mirolyn and I are settled in our hearts that this is God's will for us and that we must respond accordingly.

Against this backdrop, I wish to inform you that I will be launching GATE Ministries, in Sandton (Johannesburg) at the Protea Hotel, Balalaika from the 16-18 February 2012. The inauguration will take place through an apostolic leadership conference. The conference will commence on Thursday morning, the 16th February and conclude on Saturday midday. On Sunday the 19th February we will host our first Sunday worship celebration for all who will be desirous of joining our ministry in Sandton. Attached, you will find a brochure with further information about this conference.

In accomplishing this assignment, I will for a period of at least a year commute between Sandton and Pietermaritzburg. Obviously my absence in Pietermaritzburg raises the question about the wellbeing and future role of the River of Life Christian Ministries. Notwithstanding the reality of my relative absence from my congregation in Pietermaritzburg, the hub of all our existing global activities will function from this city. My international office will remain in Pietermaritzburg. The Apostolic Schools of Ministry and other monthly apostolic forums will continue to be hosted from here. On the local front and as has been the practice for many years, our competent team of fivefold elders will provide pastoral and spiritual leadership and care for the River of Life household.

Finally, I am aware that more questions will be asked than answers provided for this definitive move. How all of this will pan out is beyond my ability to determine or describe. Mirolyn and I together with our sons have simply placed our lives in His hands. A year from now we will probably and hopefully have a clearer view of the situation. Until then I covet your prayers.

Your brother in Christ,

Thamo Naidoo