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IFCC NEWSLETTER – November 2009

Dear Pastor
I was deeply challenged and blessed as I read the life story of William Borden. It can capture our imagination as Christians regarding our God-given calling and commitment to the Kingdom of God! The heir apparent to the Borden milk company, William grew up in the wealthy, influential Borden family and attended the famous Moody Church in downtown Chicago. R.A. Torrey was the pastor.

After high school, William set out on a world cruise to see other cultures. For months, he wrote descriptive letters to his parents of what he saw, but over time he wrote more and more about the lost, the less fortunate, and the poor. Upon returning home, he announced that he had received a call, not to take over the family business, but to be a missionary of the Gospel to Mongolia.

His parents supported his calling and sent him to study at Yale University. There, he gave away his fortune to help less advantaged students. Having given his all, he wrote on the inside cover of his Bible two words: “No reserves.”

After four years at Yale, and four more at Princeton Seminary, William's family begged him to stay home and lead the milk business for his ailing father. He responded that he could not turn back, and that he had to do his best for Jesus Who had done His best for him. Just before leaving for training in Egypt, he wrote two more words inside his Bible: “No retreat.”

In Cairo, Borden contracted a fatal disease and died within one month. Instead of preaching in Mongolia, his body was shipped home for a funeral led by R.A. Torrey. After the funeral, the pastor gave William’s Bible to his parents who saw one of the most eloquent missionary messages, just six words long. Inside the Bible was written: “No reserves” when Borden was in Yale. “No retreat” when he left for Egypt. “No regret” written just before he died.

This is an amazing message that should challenge all of us as Christians in our commitment to the Lordship of Christ in His calling upon our lives! May we live our lives in whatever calling we have with this motto: “No reserves”; “No retreat”; “No regret” To live like this will be so fulfilling and rewarding for all eternity!

2009 IFCC NATIONAL PASTORS CONFERENCE

The conference was attended by well over 400 Pastors from across the country, DRC, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. We have received some wonderful reports. Even though the conference was short it had a wonderful impact in the lives of those that attended.

I would like to commend all who attended the Conference for their commitment and fellowship in the gospel. In the future there will only be one IFCC National Pastors and Leaders Conference and two Regional Pastors and Leaders meetings per year. We urge all our members to attend these meetings for equipping, fellowship and friendship.

Our office let you know the dates of the next IFCC National Pastors and Leaders Conference in the near future. Please recommend what specific areas and subjects you believe would be meaningful, which we can add to the conference to assist you in your role as a pastor for your church and communities.

ATTENTION TO ALL MARRIAGE LICENSE OFFICERS

The IFCC office recently received an instruction from the South African Home Affairs office notifying all Marriage officers that from 1 September 2009 a letter of impediment will be required when a marriage between a South African citizen and a foreign national is concluded. No exceptions will be entertained.

It would appear that the law has been in place for some time now but my office has just been officially informed.

The reason behind the law stems from the (acknowledged) corruption in the Home Affairs, and the fact that people use marriage as a means of getting into RSA, and later divorce the one spouse to bring out the other – original – spouse from another country. When Church Marriage Officers performs such marriages it is illegal and they will be held liable.

The marriage of a foreigner to a South African citizen has a higher attraction value, but they have stipulated that all non-South Africans need to get the letter of impediment from their country of origin.

The document they refer to is simply a letter from their equivalent of a Home Affairs to confirm that the party (a foreign national) is indeed single and that there is no legal impediment to why they cannot be married in South Africa.

They can acquire such a letter of impediment from their consulate or embassy. This letter must be submitted with the Marriage Register.

All the old documentation required to perform marriages are still required. The letter of impediment is now an extra requirement in these cases.

ADMINISTRATION

IFCC WEBSITE - You can visit our website on www.ifcc.co.za to view the National Overseer’s Report which was communicated in the IFCC Conference Booklet.

MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS - We want to express our sincere appreciation for the commitment you have displayed in your financial contributions. May the Lord continue to bless and prosper you in your endeavours for His Kingdom! Please be aware that the office only sends a quarterly financial statement to your church/ministry.

CREDENTIAL CARDS & PHOTOGRAPHS – Enclosed herewith is your 2010 credential card.
For those who have not sent us 4 Colour ID photos, please do so, so that we can post your credential card.
(Kindly note that your 2010 credential card will unfortunately not be issued unless your monthly contributions are in order.)

CORRECT DETAILS - If any of your contact details have changed, please forward your updates to the office. In particular we would like to communicate more regularly via sms & email, therefore require your cell phone number and email address. This will enable us to communicate more effectively with you our members.

CLOSING & RE-OPENING OF IFCC OFFICE - The office will officially close 8 December 2009 and re-open on 8 January 2010.

GREETINGS

On behalf of Pastor Ray McCauley and the IFCC National Executive we want to thank you for your commitment to the Kingdom of God and IFCC.

Our prayer is that you will enjoy God’s love, peace and joy this festive season with your church and family as you celebrate Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! May it be a time of festivity in the grace of God!

Let 2010 be the greatest and most fruitful year for you and your ministry and may you encounter God’s favour in all that you put your hand to!

As the staff at the IFCC office we want to express our sincere appreciation for your continued financial support for this office to operate in serving you.

Sincerely in Christ

Chris Venter
National and International Overseer

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