In store for 2024
Happy New Year to the SOMA family.
In the UK, in recent years, we have seen a passing on of the baton as some key renewal leaders have gone to be with the Lord. These are both known leaders like Bishop David Pytches, Michael Green, and John Collins, as well as hidden prayer warriors whose names we may only learn in Glory. We have a great legacy to build upon, and a huge responsibility to take what these giants have done, evaluate and sift it well, and then build on the firm foundations that have been given to us.
I have recently written a book called The Lion Roars: Letters to the Charismatic Church, the proceeds of which go to SOMA (Available on Amazon as a paperback or ebook). At the end of a difficult year in the UK church this helps us to begin to think through what is the precious baby that has been handed to us, and what may be ‘bathwater’ that we need to get rid of. I’ve been encouraged by one former St Aldate’s, Oxford staff member and current SOMA team member who said Michael Green would have said Amen to all of this. I hope it may help you think too.
But we also see new hope in the church in the UK and internationally. Last year, 17 people on our META Youth scheme visited Lebanon, just before the current crisis. This year a similar number will visit Rwanda. We’ve also seen young adults in South Sudan trained in leadership, including one who has an amazing story of being raised from the dead as an infant and as an older child. God continues to back the preaching of His Word, and where the Word and Spirit come together then dry bones come back to life - as Ezekiel prophesied.
2024 will be an exciting year as Henry will now explain, but I hope it is a year where we as a movement can love God with all our heart, mind, strength and soul and love our neighbours around the world as we love ourselves.
Rev Richard Moy, National Director
Missions for 2024
The following missions are planned for 2024, and we welcome you to be a part of the various teams. Please contact me at henry@somauk.org. I look forward to hearing from you.
Rev Henry Blair, Missions Coordinator
South Rwenzori, Uganda, 12-24 February
A small team is going to teach as a follow up to the November mission. The teachings will be basic discipleship and opening people up to the presence and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Sierra Leone, 22 Feb to 11 March
A team of 6 are heading to Sierra Leone, first of all to the Diocese of Bo and then to Freetyown and to teach in both places on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Bradford Mission, 12 to 19 May
A team of 12 to work along side the local churches reaching into the community with power evangelism and operating in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Tanzania SOMA International Mission, 28 May to 9 Jun
A large team of around 30 required to reach out to 9 or 10 Diocese across Tanzania in a model that is being developed which we hope will allow SOMA to maximise its effectiveness in teaching around the person, gifts and work of the Holy Spirit in very practical ways. This mission will be ideal for those who are comfortable in operating in the Spiritual gifts or who are keen to go deeper and learn more.
India Mission, July 2024
A team is heading to work with the church in India.
Shyogwe Diocese Rwanda, August 2024
This mission will take those on the Meta Youth course out of their comfort zone and into a place of new experiences as they share their faith in a different culture.
Uganda Kiryandongo, September 2024
A team will be heading 4 hours north of Kampala
Kenya SOMA International Mission, 1 to 11 October
This mission will follow the similar pattern to the Tanzania model and currently conversation is ongoing with 15 diocesan Bishops so a team of around 45 will be required to successfully man this mission.
South Sudan Mission, October 2024
We are in conversation with a number of the provinces in South Sudan and would be planning to send at least two teams of 6 to South Sudan in October. This is one of the more difficult places that Soma ministers but the rewards far exceed the challenges that this brings.
Soroti Diocese Uganda, October 2024
Further details pending
Looking forward to 2025 we have a number of plans in the early stages of development with the following countries being visited: Burundi, South Sudan, Madagascar, Artic, Ghana, DRC, and Nigeria.
