Impact Offering 2023

Impact Offering Report

Accelerating Kingdom Initiatives As Opportunity Arises

Ps Sergiy and his wife, Viktoria, praying during a church service in their new building in Kyiv, Ukraine.

After launching Shout Europe in July 2022, this year’s conference was another huge success. 1,070 people, travelling from 17 different countries, gathered with one voice and with one heart, to lift up the name of Jesus.

Impact 23.

Hi Church.

This year’s theme of ‘The Glory’ has been inspired by Isaiah 60:1-3.

God’s glory is like a spiritual tsunami of everything contained in the character of God at once. It’s His goodness, His presence and His power. Your sacrificial giving is a testimony to the fact that you responded to the invitation to arise and shine. Your gift has helped release this glory into so many areas during the past 12 months.

As you read this report you will be encouraged by how we have been investing Impact Offering funds, ranging from: supporting church plants and pastors; helping relieve suffering, both physical and emotional; and supporting humanitarian work in the midst of war-torn Ukraine. The list goes on!

We want to thank you for faithfully sowing into Impact Offering - it is a very practical and tangible way of releasing God’s glory and light to those in darkness. And we hold out for the promise that, “nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising”.

Lots of love,

Mark & Monica Collard Senior Pastors, Equippers Church

Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.

Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you.

All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.

Isaiah 60:1-3

The Glory.

Church Development

Equippers / Budapest

September 2021 saw the launch of Equippers Budapest. Funds from our Impact Offering have helped to establish the church, contributing towards ongoing operating costs such as venue, salaries and ministry costs. Equippers Budapest recently moved to a new, bigger venue and celebrated their 2nd Anniversary, regularly gathering 120 people at Sunday Services.

Ukraine.

In February 2022, Russia launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine, resulting in casualties, deaths and devastation to civilian life. Many people fled the country, where there continues to be widespread destruction of homes, buildings and infrastructure.

Led by Ps Sergiy Lysak and his wife Viktoria, Fathers House Church in Kyiv immediately responded to the urgent need for food, shelter and medication. They have since started a project providing ‘Container Homes’ for those who have lost everything as a result of this terrible war. Through Impact Offering we were able to partner with Ps Sergiy in this project and to date, 218 homes have been built.

When Sergiy and his team had built more than 100 homes, he felt the Lord say to him, ”I want you to start a new church” in the growing container town”.

In April this year, Andrew and John Nash travelled to Kyiv to see the work that Father’s House Church is doing and the incredible difference these tiny homes are making to families trying to rebuild their lives. They visited the field where the church was to be built and we have given money from Impact Offering towards the construction of this new church.

At the end of August Fathers House held their first meeting in the brand new building. A lot of the people who have received ‘Container Homes’ are now part of the new church and attending Alpha courses.

In the midst of devastation people are finding hope.

In August 2023, Equippers Mexico celebrated their 11th anniversary! The church family gathered together for a special weekend to celebrate how God has transformed many people’s lives.

Over the course of this year, God has done some amazing miracles. In May, the youth leader was miraculously healed from a spine and neck injury after falling ten metres, and during the year, three people have been healed of cancer. The latest testimony was just last month, and it was discovered on the operating table when the doctors couldn’t find the tumour they were supposed to be removing!

Since November 2022, Equippers Mexico have baptised 43 people and there are many testimonies of powerful encounters with God, people being set free from depression and dramatic changes that only God can do!

Our Impact Offering donation has enabled Equippers Mexico to purchase new sound equipment, which has helped the worship team to develop and serve the church better. The new ‘in-ears’ headsets have enabled them to appoint a music director to lead the band, which improves communication and enables greater spontaneity during times of ministry. The new sound equipment has contributed towards creating a greater atmosphere of praise and worship, where people are having personal encounters with God.

Equippers Mexico City.

Photos from Sunday Services at Equippers Mexico City.

Impact Through

Charities, Ministries & NGOs

A member of the APA team washing a Podo patient’s feet.

Across Ethiopia, 1.5 million bare-foot farmers and their families are afflicted with a devastating, and entirely preventable skin condition, called Podoconiosis (‘Podo’; lower-leg elephantiasis). The same, specific types of nutrient-rich volcanic soil that are perfect for farming also cause this disfiguring, debilitating and painful condition.

In 2012, Dr Paul Matts and a team in Ethiopia established an NGO called Action On Podoconiosis Association (APA) to treat, prevent and, one day, eradicate Podo from Ethiopia.

The solution is scandalously simple. For treatment and prevention - consistent daily washing with soap and water, followed by applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline), is all that’s needed to heal skin and see a radical transformation in legs and feet. To both prevent Podo and to also protect skin while it is healing, simply wearing enclosed shoes (stopping the contact between soil and skin) is the key.

As well as the physical horror of Podo, there is a tragic social impact too. Those with the condition are usually shunned from their families and community. Most lose their jobs and livelihoods, many are unable to marry or attend weddings, funerals, or even church services.

As a church, we have financially, practically, and prayerfully supported the work of APA for around 10 years. In that time APA have successfully treated over 37,000 patients, set up seven small shoe factories, provided over 5,000 pairs of custom oversized shoes to patients with very large feet, trained over 50 young shoe makers, and partnered with TOMS Shoes to give over 760,000 pairs of shoes to school-children. While APA’s primary focus is physical and social transformation, their staff and volunteers are all wonderful, born-again believers. The hope that is found in knowing Jesus saturates everything APA do - transformation at a spiritual level is the eternal fruit of APA’s work.

The second of APA’s five-year projects in Ethiopia was completed in 2022. We’re excited to partner with APA in their next three-year project, as they move to new Zones in Southern Ethiopia, Gama and Gofa. The aim of this project is, once again, to integrate the treatment of Podo into the national healthcare system, partnering with over 40 Government health centres - APA’s vision is that this successful model is replicated across Ethiopia to eradicate Podo forever.

Action On Podo.

Bantayo’s / Story

Due to the significant swelling that Podo causes, patients are unable to wear ordinary-sized shoes. Over the past 10 years, APA has worked hard to train and equip an increasing number of young men and women to make custom oversized boots for Podo patients.

On a recent visit to APA’s work in Ethiopia, we met Bantayu, a young man who previously suffered from Podo and has now been trained by APA to make shoes. In just four years, he has gone from a student struggling with Podo to a healthy, expert shoemaker. Not only is he making oversized boots for APA and Podo patients, he now has a successful business making and repairing shoes and other leather goods, for the local market.

Through the work of APA, Bantayu has experienced healing in his body and has discovered purpose for his future.

Pave The Way / Ps Bruce Monk

For many years, Ps Nathan Bassaly from Cairo, Egypt, has been part of the ACTS Churches network. At the end of last year, Ps Nathan presented us with an opportunity to support the translation of Ps Bruce Monk’s book ‘Pave The Way’ into Arabic. ‘Pave The Way’ is all about creating a pathway to empower and release the next generation of leaders. We were able to send funds from Impact Offering to cover the translation costs, a print run of 2,000 copies, and for the distribution of the books. Around 1,500 of them have already been sent to pastors and leaders in Nathan’s network in Egypt, and many other Arabic speaking countries.

Nathan told us of an older Pastor in Egypt who said “I’m 75 years old and I have never considered handing over the church to a younger leader. But now, after reading Ps Bruce’s book, I have realised I need to find someone to empower.”

Since distributing the books, , a well-respected Christian magazine in Egypt asked for permission to include extracts from the book in a recent publication, specifically Bruce’s teaching on the Lord’s Prayer.

Impact Offering is helping to strengthen the Egyptian church for the next generation.

Ps Nathan unboxing the finished product.

Turkey & Syria / Earthquake Crisis Relief

In February, in response to the devastating effects of earthquakes in Turkey & Syria, we were able to send £10,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). This donation was doubled by the UK government to £20,000 to support the relief work being undertaken by

local organisations on the ground. Through 14 DEC charities and their local partners, hundreds of thousands of people have been helped with vital humanitarian aid including shelter, medical treatment, hot food, and clean water.

Impact Through

Iranian Refugees / New Malden

Being part of a church community helps people to build relationships and be part of what’s going on and what God is doing! There are at least 40 Iranian refugees who attend Lighthouse Church, many of whom are now regular attendees and serving on teams.

Through Impact Offering, we have been able to partner with Chris and Rachel Huckle at Lighthouse Church in New Malden to support the Iranian refugees with transport to and from church every Sunday. Many of them live a long way from New Malden, but have found a home and a community in Lighthouse Church.

One such person is Esmaeil, who experienced significant trauma as he fled danger and persecution in Iran. He suffered from chronic pain in his back and wrists where he had protruding bones as a result of injuries that hadn’t been set properly. Esmaeil came to church where he found comfort and community, and was eager to be baptised. He asked the team to pray for him every week, and, after a few weeks, all the pain in his back and wrists had been healed.

Every week, Esmaeil makes the journey across London to arrive early on Sunday morning to help the team unload the van and set up church. He always has a smile on his face, and is often one of the last to leave at the end of the service. He is grateful to God and to the church for giving him hope and joy. His story is one of many.

This year we have introduced a dedicated Equippers Care Team who church members can reach out to for pastoral or practical support. Through this we have been able to help church members - and those in our local community - in financial and practical ways, using funds from Impact Offering.

Cost Of Living Crisis

Throughout the cost of living crisis, the demand for foodbank parcels has increased. We have partnered with Runnymede Foodbank, contributing towards warehouse rental costs. This has helped seven local foodbanks with storage space and allowed them to keep operating. During the first quarter of 2023, the Foodbank provided 24,822 meals - the highest number of meals per quarter in its history.

“Can I just say THANK YOU - this will make all the difference. Such a blessing, I am very humbled and filled with joy.”

Cost of living support recipient.

East To West

East to West is a Surrey based charity dedicated to bringing hope to young lives. Since the beginning of 2023, they have led 581 sessions with young people in the community, supporting those who were admitted to St Peter’s Hospital emergency department because of self-harm, overdose, or attempted suicide.

Thanks to our Impact Offering donation, the Emerge Project team has been able to train new volunteers and ultimately support more vulnerable youth.

Jane’s Story

“I met Jane in Ash Ward during one of her in-patient stays. Once I introduced myself, Jane told me she had been asked if she would like to speak to the team 13 times before. Jane confided that although she had taken our packs, and completed the colouring page, she had never said “yes” and was surprised we had kept offering. Jane told me she had kept each of those colouring pages, and the pack that I gave her that evening would be as special as the first she received many weeks/months previously. Jane then said she was open to speaking to someone! Since that time, Jane has met many members of the Emerge Project on different occasions and although she has a specialised care team, she appreciates the casual and friendly conversations we can offer.”

Equippers College.

Equippers College has a passion to see people trained and developed, made strong and confident, and ready to be activated for their Kingdom purpose. The environment of Equippers College allows students to be immersed in a strong leadership culture and a creative and innovative space, where their head, heart and hands are developed. The vision is to see a wave of leaders released all across the globe to impact their worlds and advance the Kingdom. We are so pleased that Equippers College UK has had such a strong first year and we are excited for all that the second year will bring. You could be part of the next wave!

Funds from Impact Offering allowed us to successfully launch and run the very first year of Equippers College UK. We saw 13 students graduate in June 2023.

Money from Impact Offering was used to underwrite some of the first year course costs such as furnishing and resourcing the heath road building, enabling Ps Steve & Christine Graham to spend a significant amount of time in the UK, achieving accreditation status for the programme and sending students on ‘Missions Week’.

Simon’s Story

“Equippers College changed the way I saw my life. I discovered who I was, and what God really wanted from me instead of trying to do life on my own. It really grew my character in a way that I didn’t expect. God drew out what I didn’t see in myself.

“Putting God first can mean going someplace you wouldn’t have gone before. I’ve seen a big shift in my passions and my dreams and God’s expanded my way of thinking, my vision and my whole life.”

Future Generations Impact Through

Worship during the Kids programme at Shout Europe 2023.

We have always believed in equipping and empowering the next generation and living with a spirit of generosity is part of that culture. In 2022, as part of Impact Offering, our Kids and Youth teams worked hard to create an environment in which our young people could experience the joy of giving and blessing others.

We introduced a cash giving system so the Kids and Youth were practically able to bring their Impact Offering donation, and we spent the month of October teaching them about how their giving makes a difference to those around them.

To make their first experience of Impact Offering even more special, we partnered with the Kids Ministry at Equippers Mexico, helping them to host their Christmas event in the community. There were exhibitions, performances, and a puppet show. The children were told about the true gift of Christmas: Jesus! It was also a great opportunity to bless each child with a small Christmas gift.

We are excited about the year ahead and the opportunities available to Equippers Kids and Youth to be included in our vision to make an impact! This year, we have selected another special project for them to support, and will provide practical ways to engage and equip them along the way.

IJM workers in the Phillipines rescuing victims of child sex-slavery.

Over the last 12 months you gave

£285,260

Thank you for your generous giving!

Impact Through Church Development

Father’s House, Ukraine

Equippers Mexico City

Equippers Budapest

Equippers Ghana

Shout - Sponsorship & Hosting of Pastors

Equippers Gathering, Dubai

Equippers Network International Individual Pastor Support

Impact Through Charities, Ministries & NGO’s

APA - Ethiopia

Missions Trips

International Justice Mission (IJM)

DEC - Turkey/Syria Earthquake Response

73rd Trust (Mark Ritchie)

Pave The Way - Arabic Translation

Various < £1,000

Impact Through Local Initiatives & Training

Equippers College

Empower Course

Shout Conference

Cost of Living Response

East to West

Iranian Refugee Support

Heath Road Renovations Schools Programme

* Where there are unspent Impact Offering funds at the end of the offering, these are carried forward to be spent on future Impact Offering projects.

Impact Offering Is Our Annual Commitment To Go Over And Above Our Regular Giving.

This year we will receive our Impact Offering pledges on Sunday 29th October.

This is an annual pledge, meaning once you have pledged an amount, you can fulfil this at any point over the course of the next 12 months. We offer the option of fulfilling your pledge in one lump sum or in monthly instalments over the year.

Once you have pledged, you will receive details on how to give (by email), based on your location and your giving preference.

Play Your Part.

1. Pray

Over the coming weeks, allow God to guide you as you prayerfully consider your contribution in what to give. If you are married, or have a family, why not do this together and come into agreement on how much to pledge?

2. Plan

Once you have agreed in your heart how much you would like to pledge, plan how you can fulfil it over the next 12 months.

3. Pledge

Finally, submit your pledge by scaning the QR Code below! We’ll receive our Impact Offering together, as a church family, on Sunday 29th October during our church services.

Impact Offering 2023

Find out more at equippers.co.uk/impact