Bush Camp, Fringilla, Zambia

We thank God for His love in bringing us together as one with our Brothers and Sisters at the Bush Camp from July 19th-August 2nd.  We enjoyed the company of Brothers and Sisters from the UK:  Bro. Michael Owen, Bro. David and Sis. Linda Nicholls, Bro. Ben and Sis. Sara Brook and Sis. Katherine Simpson.

Left: Sis. Sara Brook, Bro. Ben Brook and Sis. Catherine Simpson

First study:  Jethro and Family.  Moses was an Egyptian prince from a Hebrew background (Acts 7:22-29).  Though he was highly favoured and enjoyed the privileges of being Pharaoh’s adopted grandson, he did not forget that he was a Hebrew, a descendant of Abraham and heir of Yahweh’s promise to inherit the land of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey.  He had in mind that the pleasures of Egypt would pass away, but Yahweh’s promise would endure for ever (Heb. 11:24-27).

When Moses was 40 years old he decided to visit his brethren.  He saw an Egyptian ill-treating a Hebrew and he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.  The next day he found two Hebrews fighting and tried to reconcile them, but the one in the wrong answered Moses with menacing words.  Moses was terrorized and fled to Midian, where he eventually married Zipporah Jethro’s (Ruel’s) daughter (Ex. 2:11-21).

In Exodus ch.18 we read of Jethro visiting Moses and seeing him seated from morning till evening judging the people’s disputes.  Jethro then advised Moses to share his leadership with other Godfearing people, which he did.   Due to this relationship of Moses and Jethro the Kenite, the descendants of Jethro became members of the Israelite congregation. Moses’ good character motivated Jethro’s family to unite with God’s people. We should reflect God’s character to people around, as Moses did (Num. 10:29-33; 1 Sam. 15:56;  1 Chron. 2:55;  2 Kings 10:15).

Second study:  Joshua.  This showed how Moses instructed his servant Joshua to rely upon God in all circumstances and to do His will (Deut. 25:17-19).  Moses instructed Joshua and all the congregation to remember how the Amalekites attacked them from behind, taking advantage of their weakness (Ex. 17:8,15-16).  The Amalekites represent God’s enemies, which God wants destroyed completely.  We should always remember that God’s people do not take advantage of weak people as the Amalekites did.

Israel endured hardship on their way to the Promised land and this happens to those of us who are spiritual Israel on our way to the Kingdom.  We should help each other and strengthen our weak brethren (Heb. 12:11-12).  We should avoid criticising our brethren and sisters and not follow Miriam and Aaron’s example (Num. 12:1-15).  We should leave some matters to God.

Third study:  Korah, Dathan and Abiram. This began with the rebellion of the elders which Moses appointed over the people.  Korah, Dathan and Abiram initiated this rebellion and with them were 250 community leaders.  They envied Moses and wanted to replace God’s worship with that of idol worship. But Moses shewed his humble attitude (Num. 16:1-5) and sought God’s guidance, as we always should, standing away from bad company (v. 26).

Moses’ love for his fellow brethren is shewn when God wanted to destroy all the community; he prayed for them and God heard his prayer (Num. 16:21-23).  As God’s flock we have to stand aside whenever bad leaders entice us to rebel against God.  This characteristic is shewn by Korah’s sons who stood aside when Moses told the assembly to step aside.  Even though their leader, Korah, died, they went on living, for God provided Phinehas who became their leader.  They entered the promised land and became gatekeepers of God’s temple under the banner of Phinehas (1 Chron. 9:19-20).

Bro. Michael Owen speaking to the audience

Fourth study:  Daughters of Zelophehad.  Numbers 27:1- begins with Zelophehad’s family tree.  They were five and came to Moses to claim their inheritance among their fellow brethren in their clan.  Here we learn how faith influenced Joseph their ancestor, which he passed on to his descendants in that they wanted to get their inheritance among their clan.  God promised them husbands within their clan.  Because of their faith God cared for them.

We should do the same. Joseph reminded them before his death saying that God would help them to come out of Egypt, the house of bondage, to the land of Promise.  The faith of Joseph influenced the five daughters of Zelophehad through their lives (Gen. 50:22-25).  In like manner we should be wise (as the five wise virgins –Zelophehad’s daughters) - so that when the bridegroom returns to take his bride, we will have part in the rejoicing and share his glory.

Bro & Sis. Watson (Solwezi ecclesia) and, right, Bro. Herbert Tigerepasi (Matero ecclesia)

Bro R Miwele (Kitwe, Zambia)