1. From sustainability to Fruitfulness

2. What is it? Sustainability is defined as our capacity for continuance into the long-term future; It is associated with a predetermined level of existence or function.

3. What does the Bible say? Sustainability is a modern concept, the idea is found throughout the Bible; it is seen in the call to preserve and celebrate God’s name and his blessings “through all generations” or “to the next generation”. God knows that our focus should be on the next generation, but who is the next generation? THE YOUTH

4. Sustaining ourselves – sustaining others For all generations: What we do in life, echoes in eternity. What we do today must be of such a nature that it benefits those who must pick up where we left off and also be a firm foundation on which they can build forth. Illustrated by God’s covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David.

5. Sustaining ourselves – sustaining others It is relational

6. Sustaining ourselves – sustaining others It is relational: “No man is an island.” No church is an island. No organization is an island. No HIV/AIDS sufferer is an island. We all need each other. 1 Corinthians 12: 27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

7. Sustaining ourselves – sustaining others It requires hope and joy: Hope is a feeling that is inextricably linked to the future and with it comes a joy that cannot be suppressed; Ps 30: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

8. Sustaining ourselves – sustaining others Sustainability results in fruitfulness: Fruitfulness begins with the creative genius and providential faithfulness of the creator God. It requires the careful stewardship of resources, obeying the ‘instructions on the packet', as it were, in a committed, disciplined and patient way. 1 Thessalonians 5 - Pray without ceasing