Zion Evangelical Ministries of Africa

2023 Annual Report

Working with the amaZioni, we are together becoming mature disciples of Jesus Christ, serving Him as He grows His kingdom in Southern Africa.

TOGETHER. MATURING. SERVING. GROWING.

Annual Report Archive

2022

2021

2020

ZEMA Board Report – Chairperson, Kathy McIlhany

Reflecting on another year, I am reminded of the importance of prayer and how it has been a guiding force in my life, both personally, professionally, and in ministry. As Chairman of the ZEMA Board, I am deeply grateful for your friendship with ZEMA, your prayers for ZEMA, and your support of ZEMA! You have been instrumental in our success in 2023!

The Bible teaches us that a friend loves at all times, and this is something that we strive to embody in our interactions with each other on the ZEMA Board, with our supporters, our missionaries, and with the amaZioni we serve. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of a true friend. His love and sacrifice for us is a reminder of the depth of friendship that is possible.

This year, we have faced many challenges and successes. It is by the grace and wisdom of our faith that we have overcome obstacles and achieved many of our ministry goals. I am thankful for the work that we have accomplished together, and I am filled with hope for the future.

As we look to the future, I believe that friendship and prayer will remain a vital part of ZEMA’s foundation. Through our deep connections with one another and our unwavering faith in God, we will find the strength, encouragement, and support we need to thrive. With great excitement, the ZEMA Board welcomes Mike Gibbs as our new Chairman. I am certain that Mike’s leadership will foster and maintain positive and meaningful relationships with everyone who is a friend of ZEMA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our sincere gratitude for your generous support. Your contributions have made a real difference in the lives of the amaZioni and we are truly blessed to have you as a part of our community. Please continue with your faithful prayers for ZEMA!

May God continue to bless you and your family and may we continue to grow in friendship and service together.

Sincerely,

Kathy McIlhany

Chairman of the Board

ZEMA Field Director Report – Field Director, Paul Seelhammer

In 2023, ZEMA experienced the fellowship and love of God in many ways. It was through the power of the Word of God that ZEMA experienced so many new connections for ministry not only in South Africa, but also in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and elsewhere in Africa. Our Lord continued to work in and through the ZEMA missionary family. I was blessed to have many counselors to guide and assist as the new field director. I experienced the ongoing fellowship as a ZEMA missionary as we all serve the amaZioni churches. I am eternally grateful for the support of many people who gave their resources to enable ZEMA to spread the Word of God in Southern Africa. We still hear the cry for Bible teaching, and we are keeping our eyes on Jesus in a culture that seeks to draw people away from God’s truth. Please keep praying for ZEMA, as Paul the apostle wrote in Romans 6:19-20, “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (NIV)

ZEMA Highlights

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BIBLE SCHOOLS

86 Schools
59 African teachers
2500 Students

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Zion Evangelical Fellowship of Africa

Promoting unity among amaZioni Churches since 1984

ZEFA Council – 8 African & 2 Missionary pastors
Annual Conference Attendance – 130 in 2023
ZEFA Membership – 180 Active Zion Churches

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FINANCIAL PARTNERS

35 Churches
365 Individuals
2 Foundations/Grants

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PROJECTS PROMOTED

Bible School Scholarship Fund
Alternative Energy Fund
Translation Project
New Fields Fund

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US BOARD OF DIRECTORS

11 Members

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SA FIELD COUNCIL

8 Members

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HOME OFFICE PERSONNEL

3 Ministry Workers

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ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

8 Partners

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MISSIONARIES

17 Family Units, report links at the end of this page.

ZEMA Home Office Report Home Office Directors –Greg & Carlene Seghers

In 2023, we’ve spent significant time with more than 20 on-campus visits, developing relationships with students at Moody Bible Institute and Trinity Evangelical Divinity Seminary. Through teaching and other school-related functions, as well as some more personal meetings we continue communicating with students and faculty. The Lord is increasing the network of people with a heart for spreading God’s Word in Africa. Also, we have pursued relationship-building opportunities with five new churches and organizations.

This year, four ZEMA missionaries visited the USA, and six short-term missionaries from the US spent time ministering in South Africa: one team of five and one intern. The South African Home Affairs continues to process visa requests from 3 missionary units. The Emanuelson family was granted visas from the SA embassy in Washington DC. The need for new missionaries persists. “Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the Harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” ~Matthew 9:38

This year, we focused on raising funds for four ZEMA projects: The Bible School Scholarship Fund, The Translation Project (BibleProject videos), the Alternative Energy Fund, and the New Fields Fund. We’re thankful to those who have given above their normal giving to assist with these projects. We’re also grateful that the Lord has provided in such a way that ZEMA has been able to keep the missionary contributions to administration down to 5% of their total support.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support of the ZEMA family! We thank God for you, and the privilege to serve the amaZioni with you in this ministry.

ZEMA Financial Summary – Treasurer, Dan Capp

In 2023, ZEMA received 9.5% more contributions than in 2022. Total contributions for 2023 were $842,972.56.

Year End Expenses Summary:

ZEMA expenses in 2023 were $802,849. Expenses in 2023 were up 13.2% from 2022.

Expenses were broken down as follows.

Year End Financial Position Summary:

ZEMA in Checking had $183,180. In Investments ZEMA had $413,965.

ZEMA started utilizing a new Accounting partner, Cedarstone, in 2023.

Accounting classifications may have adjusted.

Quotes from A Thesis Submitted for the degree of Master of Theology at the South African Theological Seminary

~by Asher Ward, 2022

“[Sullivan] suggests that the best way to minister to Zionist churches is through accurate Bible Teaching while embracing the Zionist church members. Sullivan is referring to the fact that previously, other Christian churches were quick to judge Zionists and “write them off” instead of collaborating with Zionist church members and developing strong relationships with them. (Sullivan 2013:117) ZEMA has a different approach that appears to be working very well.” Pg 9
“…. Regardless of the fact that it is possible that some rituals are practiced in secret and not talked about, [Ward’s research reflects] a belief that some rituals are not consistent with what the Bible says and ought not to be practiced by Christians. [The Zion Bible school] model of teaching the Word of God seems to be effective in re-orientating the Zionist movement to return to the truth of the Word of God.” Pg 44
“….This is what ZEMA [has done by] establishing [Zion Bible schools]. In so doing, many Zionist pastors who previously had no formal theological training have now received training through Zion Bible Schools. What [these schools] are doing has proven to be effective in that there appears to be less syncretism in Zionist churches linked to [Zion Bible schools], as seen in this study.” Pg 87-88