Monday, March 17
5:30 p.m.
Daniel & Mary Beth Gilbert
The Genesis: A Prophetic Encounter in the Bush
It began with a simple building dedication in the South African bush—a moment that would redefine my calling.
As a former professor and serving with another international ministry at the time, I never expected the raw, prophetic plea that would alter my life’s trajectory.
A local pastor, weary of fleeting foreign ministries, confronted me with stark honesty:
“We are tired of ministries from America coming here with their cameras, videoing our women and children…They return home to fundraise with our stories, never to make a real difference.”
Then came the question that ignited a vision inside:
“Dr. Gilbert, will you come and start a Bible school here? Will you train our pastors? What we need most is theological education.”
In that moment, the Holy Spirit’s voice pierced through my spirit: “Daniel, do you want to make an eternal impact?”
The Detour: Kenya’s Unforeseen Harvest
Though the South African vision burned in my heart, divine timing had other plans. Four attempts to return to South Africa faltered, and Mary Beth and I accepted a pastorate in California—a detour that proved pivotal.
Through a Kenyan elder in this congregation, doors swung open to Kenya. What started as intensive classes for 30 pastors blossomed into Empowered Living International’s weekly Bible school, transforming hundreds of lives.
Kenya became the proving ground for our African vision.
Pastors once shackled by doctrinal confusion now preach with clarity, churches flourish, and communities rise from despair.
Yet I never forgot the original call. Like Mary, I pondered these things in my heart, trusting God’s timing for South Africa.
The Full Circle: South Africa’s Second Chance
Two years ago, a divine appointment reignited my South African dream.
A South African leader—once a white supremacist, now a radical disciple of Christ—approached me with tears:
“I feel you are the answer to our prayers. Our pastors are great leaders, but they need your training.”
The need was urgent:
Bi-vocational pastors juggle trades and ministry but lack theological foundations.
Over 400 accredited trade schools offer vocational training but only three Bible classes.
A hunger for Spirit-filled theological teaching burns in regions where revival meets disorder.
This vision for impact in South Africa has burned our hearts for all these years.
Now, Empowered Living stands at the threshold of a historic partnership with South Africa’s second-largest denomination.
The plan? Integrate theological training into their network of government trade schools, equipping pastors with both vocational skills and sound doctrine. This isn’t just expansion—it’s multiplication, leveraging existing infrastructure to reach thousands.
Why This Moment Matters
A Divine Echo
The South African pastor’s cry from years ago echoes anew. This partnership fulfills a promise made in the bush—a full-circle moment of redemption.
A Model Perfected in Kenya
Kenya’s success proves the model works. Pastors trained by Empowered Living now lead thriving congregations, combat false teachings, and transform communities. South Africa’s potential might even be greater.
A Scalable Solution
By partnering with trade schools, Empowered Living bypasses costly seminaries and meets pastors where they are.
Our expansion into South Africa represents both a homecoming to where Empowered Living’s vision was first ignited and a critical leap toward transformative impact.
This groundbreaking partnership with over 400 trade schools—a network poised to equip thousands of bi-vocational pastors with vocational and theological training—hinges entirely on donor support.
We are praying now for funding that will fuel curriculum integration, train local instructors, provide study materials, and cover stipends for pastors who sacrifice wages to attend classes.
The South African vision, born in the bush and tested in Kenya, now awaits its fulfillment. Together, we can turn “what if” into “what is.”
Excited and thankful for you!
Dr. Daniel & Mary Beth Gilbert
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