(PEH-dee) – The problem is not unique to Africa, but it is significant there. Honest, believing, sincere, and humble spiritual leaders are hard to find and harder to retain. Because of the patriarchal culture of many South African people groups and the power that secular leaders are given over people, many men and women seek positions of leadership in the church because they are greedy for power and prestige. Many church leaders are not shepherds who have a genuine concern for the sheep and are willing to lay down their lives so that Christ can be formed in them. Please pray: “Lord, we pray for two Pedi pastors, Peter and John. Lord, You know how hard these true pastors work as they travel to small church plants and encourage believers. Jesus, please protect them from greed. Do not let any seed of greed take root in their hearts. Protect them from a love of power or position. Please raise up godly, trustworthy men and women who can help them in their shepherding. Jesus, You gave Paul so many helpers: Timothy, Silas, Aquila, and Priscilla. Please provide fellow helpers, friends, encouragers, and partners in ministry for Pedi pastors Peter and John.”