December Newsletter Unveiling the Latest from ELGF

EMPOWERED BY LIVESTOCK, GUIDED BY FAITH

December Prayer Letter – Celebrating Christ and His Increase"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." – Luke 2:14

Dear Friends and Partners in Christ,

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ — the greatest gift ever given — I am filled with deep gratitude for your prayers, encouragement, and faithful partnership through Christian Veterinary Mission. Because of your support, the ministry of Empowered by Livestock, Guided by Faith has experienced extraordinary growth throughout 2025. What began as a seed of obedience has now become a flourishing movement of transformation, compassion, and hope.

🌍 God’s Favor in 2025

This year, by God’s grace, we have witnessed a tremendous outpouring of His faithfulness and provision.

• 501(c)(3) approval has been granted — a critical milestone that enables us to partner with global organizations, apply for grants, and build long-term sustainability.

• The Empowered by Livestock website was successfully developed and launched, providing a new platform to share updates, stories, and opportunities for engagement while connecting partners, donors, and prayer supporters across the world.

• Our pilot programs in Zambia and Nigeria continue to flourish, equipping pastors and local leaders with veterinary and livestock management skills that feed families, strengthen communities, and open doors for the Gospel.

• Expansion efforts are now being prayerfully planned across Togo, Ghana, and other West African nations, where requests for training and partnership are already emerging.

• In Zambia alone, 110 goats and 154 chickens were distributed to pastors and families — providing food, income, and the opportunity to bless others through multiplication and giving.

What was once a small initiative is now a living testimony of God’s abundance — multiplying hope, restoring dignity, and empowering local believers to be both shepherds and ambassadors of Christ’s love.

🐐 Stories of Transformation – Zambia 2025

The true measure of this ministry’s impact lies in the changed lives of those who have embraced both livestock and the Lord’s provision.

• Rev. Teddy began his project with five chickens. After one year, he was able to sell some, provide eggs and meat for his family, and extend hospitality to guests — something rare and honorable in his community. Even more beautiful, he gifted chickens to two church families, spreading the blessing further. His generosity and wisdom have earned him new respect among his neighbors.

• Rev. John and Rev. Francis, ministering in refugee communities, each received goats. Their success and stewardship have not only provided food and income but also caught the attention of refugee settlement leaders, who now commend them as examples of self-sustainability. These pastors are modeling a Gospel of empowerment — not dependency.

• Rev. Mary Lilema poured her heart into caring for her chickens. When disease struck and she suffered losses, she learned to see God’s faithfulness even in hardship. Her perseverance and trust became a living sermon to her congregation — teaching them about stewardship, hope, and gratitude.

• One late church planter who received goats was so inspired by the program that before his passing, he went on to plant three new churches in Mazabuka, Monze, and Livingstone. His legacy continues through thriving flocks and growing congregations.

These testimonies embody the heart of Empowered by Livestock: to feed bodies, uplift spirits, and build communities rooted in Christ and self-sustaining hope.

🕊️ A Broader Vision Emerging

As the ministry grows, so does our calling. God is leading us into a season where empowerment through livestock is not simply about animals but about transformation at every level of life.

We are focusing on ending food poverty, helping families and churches develop reliable food sources that restore both physical health and spiritual vitality. Beyond that, our work is cultivating reconciliation and renewed relationships — between people, their communities, and creation itself.

Each goat, chicken, or pig given is more than provision — it’s a bridge. A bridge to restored livelihoods, stronger families, and peace among neighbors. As communities learn, grow, and share, the cycle of dependency is replaced with dignity, and the story of Jesus is lived out through action.

This new direction also strengthens local economies and community leadership, helping villages move from survival to flourishing. It reflects God’s heart for wholeness — where people are not only fed but fulfilled, not only sustained but sent.

💡 Opportunities Before Us

Looking ahead, the Lord continues to open remarkable doors:

• New training partnerships with agricultural universities and veterinary ministries are forming.

• Community development plans are being drafted for Ghana and Togo, rooted in local ownership, spiritual discipleship, and practical sustainability.

• The Noah’s Ark Sunday School Program in U.S. churches is inspiring children to pray, give, and understand that they can help others live with dignity and faith.

Every story reminds us that small beginnings — blessed by God and empowered by prayer — can spark movements that change nations.

🎄 The Meaning of Christmas

This Christmas, as we reflect on the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that His coming brought not only salvation but restoration — the healing of what was broken between God and humanity. Through this ministry, we get to witness that same redemptive work: hope born where despair once lived, light shining into dark places, and peace spreading from person to person.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given… and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

From every goat shed, every training field, and every pastor’s heart we encounter, the message resounds: Christ has come — and He is still bringing new life.

🙏 With Grateful Hearts

Thank you for walking beside us. Your partnership through CVM has been the steady hand God has used to lift this vision from a dream to reality. Because of you, pastors are being trained, families are being fed, and communities are rediscovering hope.

As we prepare for the next chapter, please continue to pray for:

• Favor as we expand into new countries

• Provision for animal and training projects

• Health and strength for our travel team

• Hearts ready to receive both practical help and spiritual renewal

May your Christmas be filled with the same joy the shepherds felt on that holy night — the joy of knowing that the Savior has come, and His light still shines brightly in our world.

With heartfelt thanks and Christmas blessings,

Dr. Allen Wachter, DVM, DMin, CVPM (Ret.)

Empowered by Livestock, Guided by Faith

www.empoweredbylivestock.com