April Ministry Newsletter

The Bible instructs us to observe the Passover feasts throughout our generations. We shout with joy in the remembrance and celebration of Passover these past few days. As we remember Christ’s death, resurrection, and redemption of man, I pray that this new month of April will bring to you many blessings and victories.

Glory to God! We are grateful to God for the eternal sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, for the redemption of mankind, and for the gift of the Holy Spirit. With the joy of Passover, we can prepare our hearts and look forward to the upcoming celebration of the feast Pentecost!

This month as we continue to seek, save, and disciple the nations, God wants to encourage us not to grow weary and give up. We are told in Luke 5:1-11, that Peter had toiled all night and caught nothing and was washing his net. Jesus after using Peter’s boat to preach asked Peter to launch into the deep, and let down his net for a catch. Peter, acknowledged that he had previously not caught anything but was willing to obey the Lord’s instructions.

“But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” Luke 5:5

Peter and his fishermen partners received new hope, faith, and strength to obey the instructions of Jesus. As a result, they experienced a net breaking, boat sinking, and then a catch of fish. Peter and his fishermen partners were astonished at the miraculous size of their catch.

“And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats so that they began to sink.” Luke 5:6-7

Peter fell to his knees at Jesus’ feet in reverence and awe, as he realised his sinful state. Jesus told Peter not to be afraid because he was, from that time onward, going to be a fisher of men (fishing for the salvation of men). Peter and his fishermen partners,  including James and John left all and followed Jesus Christ.

“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.” Luke 5:8-11.

Friend after Peter had walked with Jesus for several years, he denied that he knew Jesus during His arrest. Peter and some of the disciples went back to fishing, and had the same experience of catching no fish. However Jesus appeared again to them after His resurrection, but they did not recognise Him. Jesus instructed them to let down their nets and again they were amazed at the great catch of fish!. After they saw this miraculous catch of fish, John identified that it was Jesus and told Peter.

“After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.” John 21:1-11

After Peter experienced the above, Jesus spoke directly to him, asked Peter if he loved Him, and told Peter to focus on doing the work of the ministry by tending and feeding His sheep.

“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of [e]Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” John 21:15-17.

Beloved may you receive a fresh revelation of Christ. I pray that you will also receive renewed hope, love, faith, and strength throughout this month to continue to seek, save, and disciple the nations. As you step out in faith, may you be awestruck at the great numbers of people you bring into God’s kingdom.

Have a blessed and fruitful month.