John and Janie Chitester
We are John and Janie Chitester, although I, Janie, do most of the blogging. After 20 years of being involved in Military ministries with Berean Mission Inc. and the Navigators, where we had a strong emphasis on discipleship, the Lord opened up the opportunity for us to be involved with discipling pastors in foreign countries with Ripe for Harvest (now called Harvest Alliance International). Our work has been primarily in East Africa with extensive work in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Democratic Repubic of the Congo (DRC). In 2009 we lived in Kigali, Rwanda for 8 months, meeting weekly with different groups (pastors and church leaders) and individuals teaching them basic principles of discipleship and how to implement them in their churches and in individual lives. It has been an exciting and humbling time of ministry for us! The African people are so gracious and giving, with so little, they desire to give so much. They are so eager to learn and come faithfully to gather up whatever we have to offer, so they can deepen their intimacy with Christ. It has been a true experience of grace in our lives. Although we have a home in SC we make frequent and sometimes extended trips to Africa to build on old teachings and establish new ones. I hope as you check into the blog from time to time, you too will get a glimpse of what God is doing in Africa and other places, to bring Glory to Himself. Blessings!
Our personal info is:
John & Janie Chitester
131 Old Jericho Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
Home phone: 843-524-1224
John cell: 843-422-8661
Janie cell: 843-422-8689
John email: john.chitester@gmail.com
Janie email: jnjchitester@gmail.com
Mission Address:
Harvest Alliance International
P.O. Box 4550
Oceanside, CA 92052
760-231-1780
Website: http://harvestallianceintl.org
If you want to give online you can go to: http://harvestallianceintl.org/giving/ Then just put our name in the “donate to” box.
in 2 Africa 
John and Janie,
God speed and we look forward to hearing what our Lord and Savior has planned out for you in Rwanda. We will keep you in our prayers as “we give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers”. 1 Th 1:2.
Dear John and Janie:
We’ll be looking forward to your posts on this blog site; and we wish you a safe and fruitful journey.
Hopefully, when you return, I’ll be able to travel once again; and we can meet you some place in your travels to FL, visit you in S.C., or you can visit us, if we have a house, when you return to the U.S.
Our Love in Him,
Ken & Jana
Our prayers will be with you. If you are in East
Tanzania, we have friends in full time orphanage work there with whom you might like to meet. They have an incredible ministry.
Our love to you,
Diana
Hey your site looks great! Cindy & Kane will be leaving soon to return to China. It has been so nice to have them here this year. Bonnie was here this morning, passing through, on her way back to China. Her mother passed away so she just went to the funeral. Bonnie’s memory is pretty bad & it frustrates her. Have a wonderful time of discipling the folks in Africa. I will pray for you & look forward to hearing how it goes. We leave for the Solomon Islands on May 30.
Love, Pat
Hey your site looks great! Cindy & Kane will be leaving soon to return to China. It has been so nice to have them here this year. Bonnie was here this morning, passing through, on her way back to China. Her mother passed away so she just went to the funeral. Have a wonderful time of discipling the folks in Africa. I will pray for you & look forward to hearing how it goes. We leave for the Solomon Islands on May 30.
Love, Pat
Hey, I hope all goes well there and many come to know Christ and many are being equipped to share and teach their faith, May the Lord be with you. Matthew 28:18-20 good job guys.
Hey John and Janie! We will be praying for safe travels, fruitful ministry etc..etc..Love the blog and looking forward to hearing about your African Adventures! God bless you both! Love, Sarah
Dear Janie:
Thank you for this wonderful post. How timely for our current situation. This is what we seek – for the Lord to place us where He would have us to be, to lead us to the home He would have us to purchase, and lead us to be involved in the church family He has for us. We desire to be properly placed in His mosaic for our lives.
We are each one, a one of a kind work of our Creator; so, for Ken & me, we seek anew, to know where the Lord would have us to be, and how He would have us to serve Him, as we move into a new phase of our lives, where we will be permanently settled most of the time, except for occasional traveling. We seek to fit into His mosaic, as He would have us to fit.
The Lords’ timing is always perfect; and so it was with this post you sent to us today. Again, we thank you for it.
It doesn’t matter ones’ age, how old, or how young, seeking the Lords’ will and walking with Him fills everyday with His Joy, Peace and His love for others around us.
I know I’m repeating myself; but we are praying for your safe journey back to Africa, and for a fruitful ministry during your time there. We’re already looking forward to your return; and we pray we will get to spend a little time with you upon your return to the U.S.
I’m sorry that this difficulty I’m having kept us from getting to see you in Beaufort. Please continue to pray for my healing, and for us to follow the Lords’ leading in choosing a home and a new church home in Jesup.
Our Love and Prayers, Ken & Jana
May you time be multiplied as you finalize plans. God speed and may you have numerous opportunities to provide “living water.”
bev
Hi Janie and John! So glad you have the blog. .I definitely will keep up with what you are doing. What a great mission you guys have had ALL your lives. I remember so well meeting you so very long ago at Windward Baptist in Kailua. .time sure flies. Have a safe trip and a blessed time encouraging pastors. Will be praying for you!! Love, Karen
Cool blog setup. My prayers will be with you as always. Keep us updated as the Lord works His wonders.
John and Janie…
Gods Blessings to both of you. We wish you a successful trip and a safe journey. Our prayers and thoughts are with you both and your family back here in the states. Will visit your site often for updates. Anything we can do here for you, let us know. God Bless.
John and Janie,
We are praying for a fruitful trip and May God bless you as you travel and work with the African people.I am looking forward to checking on the blog from time to time and keep up with your ministry. God bless you and we will also remember your family. In His service Milly
John & Janie,
Great looking blog. I look forward to your posts and will continue to pray for you and your ministry. I’ve been asked to come to a Christian Friends of Israel Conference later this monthn to sell my new book on Islam. I’m excited to see what the Lord has put together. I’ve never been asked before. Usually I’m the one begging for permission to set up a table. I pray the Lord’s blessings on everything you’re doing.
Ed
Janie and John,
Now that the wedding of my daughter has taken place (at the Parish Church of St. Helenas), I am catching up with emails. I welcome you back to Beaufort and will pass on your wonderful news and blog to those whom you met at our church. Thank you again for your visit.
May God continue to bless you in your lives both here and in E. Africa,
bev
John and Janie, thank you for the investment you make in people’s lives all over the world. I am a product of your ministry. It is hard to believe that 20 years ago my wife and I met you and Janie. Our lives were a mess and divorce was eminent. You took us into your home every Sunday afternoon and discipled us. You raised us up in ministry and launched us into the world. I look at my life now as a pastor, missionary and a leader in my community and can’t believe how much has changed. Lisa and I just want to say thank you. Your investment in us has touched countless other lives that we have ministered to.
2 Tim 2:2
Hi Pastor John
it is exciting to see how you have a burden to africa.
what you are involved in right now I mean training disciples is the most needed within our churches so that the church of the lord can be very strong. So May God continue to bless you.You are most welcome as the Macedonian Says to Paul Come over africa for help.
We are praying for you and for the exciting trip you will make to Africa. Pastor William & Chantal
Glad to hear from you;
Meade Chapel United Methodist Church folks are
Praying for you and the ministry. love JOY
Thanks Joy, So glad to know you are there and praying!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BOB AND CATHY MONTGOMERY.
IT IS WONDERFUL TO SEE THE MINISTRY THAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU. THANKS FOR AVAILING YOURSELVES OF HIS GRACE. YOU BOTH GLORIFY YOUR LORD.
Hi Bob and Cathy, Thank you so much for the kind comments! We love what God is allowing us to do and feel so privileged to do it! Blessings to you, Janie
Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year.
Blessings upon your family and your ministry.
The Ponomarevs
Thanks Alex, Blessings to you and your family as well. Celebrating our Savior with you!!
Merry Christmas to you both and may God continue to use you in a huge way throughout the world. You are truly faithful servants.
Ed, So fun to read about all God is doing through you as well. May He bless you richly this year as you faithfully serve Him!!
Merry Christmas John and Janie! As we bring in the year of 2012, may God continue to bless you both and may He allow your efforts in discipleship to continue to be fruitful. We love you both!
Joe and Kelly
Joe, blessings to you and the family! You have been a faithful encouragement to us and many others I am sure. Have a great Christmas season!! Love you guys!
Hi John,
Blessings To You and The Family
Have a Great Christmas Season.. We are praying for your Coming next year 2012,May God Provide
Love You all
Pastor William & Chantal
Pastor William, Thank you! We pray you are having a blessed New Year. John is planning on coming March first if the funding is provided, (not yet), keep praying. : ) Janie
Mama Janie Hi,
I wanted Just to let you know that we love You guys and are consistently praying for you.especially for the trip Mission in march with pastor Chris.
may God Open doors
remain Blessed
pastor KM William & Chantal
Thank you for your obedience to the Holy Spirit! We continue to pray for your health, direction, & strength in the Lord. God bless…
Janie: How many times I have felt the same way, whether returning to Haitifor the 50+ time for back to Nigeria or Pakistan. What encourages me the most is the verses in Ephesians 1 and 2… I was chosen before the creation of the world to be holy, blameless, to be the praise of His glory and am His Handiwork, created to do good works which He prepared in advance for me to do! And again..It is He who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will!
God knows and understands our hearts and our feelings and He still works things out for His glory. God is in control….To God be the Glory, Great things He has done and will continue to do through you!
Yep! Phil 2:13 It is God who works in you both to will and to do His Good pleasure!! PTL
We continue to pray for you every day. My CBS group is praying too. (I suggested that you might want to share with the CBS opening group when you return. Sandi Fisher may contact you.) Bonhoeffer has been really been on my mind as I’m reading it. I realize how our time is not our own and that our mission here is to spread God’s precious Word. Thank you for the sacrifices you and John are making! Bill and Pat
I knew that you were under some stresses! Glad you were able to get help. (I identify with your stomach pain. Same thing when I had to take so many meds for shoulder surgery. It is gone now, thank God!) Will continue to pray for your mission there! Bill and Pat
Thanks for being faithful in prayer you guys!!
Hang in there! I was reading in Acts about Paul and the many trials he faced in his missionary journeys. Know that you are being opposed doing work for the Lord and we should be surprised if you were not. We are praying for John as well. Bill and Pat
Wow! I can’t imagine trying to be understood with interpreters like you’ve been doing. It makes me tired just thinking about it! We’re praying for your time in Africa. The way things are going we think it will be much more difficult to go to Africa in the future. We can only imagine the untruths that you are having to reveal. We studied in Acts today how Paul used scripture to uncover the truths as you are doing. Again, thank you for your work there. We will pray for your protection and boldness spreading the Word. (Today was 17 degrees in New Hampshire – can you even imagine that there?) Bill and Pat
Wow! Thanks for the encouraging note. We are persevering. : ) John Mihigo is doing much better also, has his malaria down to a few occasional sweats. It is hot and humid here, coming home from teaching everyday to a fan in our room, mere heaven!! LOL My friend in PA said they had -1 the other day. Burrr, not for me. Blessings, Janie
Your food does not look appetizing! Both Bill and I so admire your flexibility with the heat, lack of sleep, food, etc. I don’t imagine you’ve read your CBS for this week. “Where Satan seems to have the strongest hold, god sends His people with the gospel. When we pray, live in accordance with His will, and stand and speak for what is right and true – we are striking a blow at the enemy of God: “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (2 Cor. 10:3-4) We look forward to hearing all about your travels when you return. Africa is in need of you both! In Christ, Bill and Pat
John and Janie
Thankful to God for your willingness to go and teach in difficult places when you could be home with family. We praise God for the ministry he has given to you. Thanks for the updates you send.
Bob and Kay Husson
John and Jane we appreciate your kindness for for preaching Word of God
Thanks, we truly enjoy it!
Praying for you all. Thank you Lord for the improvements in your health! Will continue 🙏 🙏🙏
God Is Good! Love the photo of the two of you!
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Wow! Thank you for reading!