News from Africa
| NEWS FROM KENYA |  |
KITALE | Bro Martin Chemiati
I would like to thank you for your comforting letter. It gave me a very courageous and wonderful message. Although my partner has fallen asleep and I am now 60 years old, I wish to continue preaching and teaching this wonderful message to others.
We in Kenya are facing a very critical situation, for politics are very unstable and can cause chaos. Because of this, I would like reassurance that Jesus’ return is near. I am very sure that everybody will witness our Lord’s return.
I have been visiting Colleges and Secondary Schools teaching with the NEV Bible, and the commentaries give good notes. Now I have one professor who is very good to me, and I appreciate being heard by such a person. I baptized 9 people during 2015 and now I hope to baptise 5 people who need NEV Bibles. May the Lord bless us all.
SHIMO LA TEWA | Bro Anthony Wafula
I would like to thank CAT for all the literature you sent me: it is a great help to my Ecclesia, especially the Kiswahili New Testament. These are excellent books with a great spiritual message. May God bless you by expanding and adding more funds for your work and I trust you will be able to continue feeding us with the great messages from the Bible.
If it is God’s will to delay to send His Son to establish His Kingdom on this earth, we pray He will open doors for you to publish a full Kiswahili Bible, so that we will be assisted more as we read with guidance from the Bible Planner.
We need teaching aids for the Sunday School. Please help our children to respect the Word of God and to know it. We are working hard to make sure that all our Ecclesial members will grow in knowledge of the Word of God. Let us all pray and wait for the return of Jesus Christ.
KENYA - MAJOR REFUGEE PROBLEM
The Kenya Government generously provided two big refugee camps for 600,000 refugees. The Government has now decided to close these two camps which means these refugees will have to go elsewhere.
Many organizations have strongly protested about this, but Kenya Government are maintaining their position. It would seem the underlying reasons are that economically they cannot continue to afford them. There has been violence in the camps; owing to lack of international support food allowances have been reduced. They are suspected of being breeding grounds for AL-Shabaab terrorists. Whilst living in the camps some of the refugees work locally which reduces employment opportunities for native Kenyans, causing unrest. The census of July 2016 shows the current rate of unemployment for Kenyans is 25% with no reduction forecast for the future, added to which possible economic implications of Britex are causing concern.
The various refugee organizations are working on schemes to move them to other countries, repatriate them to their former countries or train some to ultimately become Kenyan citizens.
The situation is very worrying and uncertain for our Brethren and Sisters in the camps, things could work out for their benefit and they are in special need of the favourable working of the hand of Providence to provide what will be best for them. They certainly need our prayers.
Pictured above: Bro Isidore Mwibeleca and his family who live in the Kukuma Refugee Camp
| NEWS FROM MALAWI | |
A successful seminar was held in June and Bro Austin Nyirenda shared some Chichewa Bible Basics and Introducing Bible Basics
| NEWS FROM NIGERIA | |
EZINIHITTE | Bro Adolphe Effiong
We received with joy your letter and all the good things of the Lord, which included 8 Bibles (European Version), Introducing Bible Basics, The Real Christ, James and Others, Are the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Possessed Today? Homosexuality and the Church, Women and the Church, and Present Day Events. It was with joy that I presented these books to the group. They all raised their voices and said, “May the Lord bless you and strengthen you in the knowledge of the things of the Kingdom.”
I am sorry for the delay in replying; it was because I was writing exams in the campus when the parcel arrived. We are increasing in numbers of newcomers. They embrace the teaching and I am preparing them for Baptism soon.
MBAISE | Bro Blessing Nwigwe
Thank you for the items you sent us – leaflets about suffering, ‘One Bible, Many Churches’ and a letter inside it, which I received today. Thank you for advising me of the financial situation and postage increases for Gospel News magazines. If possible I would like to continue to receive them, at least 6 copies (or as many as you can spare), as they are given to my brethren and sisters to read.
Since last year fuel prices have increased, which makes transport and products like food items more expensive. Also, in some States has prohibited their people to sell local gin (Kaikai) alcohol, which kills many people. Also Lasser Fever, which comes from the rat, kills many people. We are fearful of this, as it is not known how to prevent or control it.
| NEWS FROM SOUTH AFRICA | |
KEMPTON PARK and surrounds
We praise God for protecting our Sis Catherine Nyamasoka during an armed robbery at her home. The robbers locked her in a bathroom and stole all the electronics from the house, but thankfully did not harm her. We ask for prayers as she recovers from this ordeal and continues to trust in our Father for protection. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
The Highest Gift
The highest gift you can wish for is to be able to speak the messages of God. He who preaches the Word of God is using his speech for the building up of the faith of one man, the encouragement of another, or the consolation of another. The preacher builds up the Church of God. (1 Cor. 14:2,4.)
New Testament in Modern English – Phillips
SOWETO
On the first weekend in June we welcomed Bro Moses Dhlakama from Zimbabwe, pictured below. He attended our Saturday seminar and gave us an excellent exhortation, on the Sunday. We pray that God strengthens him as he continues his preaching in Zimbabwe.
Bro Daniel Makhado went to Limpopo for 10 days to follow up on existing Bible students and meet new ones who had responded to an advert in the local newspaper. He reports back that he met 17 students who seemed very keen and who were receptive to the gospel message. He added that his preaching material even got finished sooner than expected.
YEOVILLE
Blessed be Yahweh the God of Israel our God for the blessings of good health and love of life we all enjoyed in our ecclesia for this winter month of June. The Kana family was down with flu, Bro Robert Petani was also down with flu, after arriving back from a job interview in Pmbg. We thank God for keeping our brothers and sisters safe, most especially we thank God for the safety of Bro Stewart Gomeza and his family who were robbed at home by armed robbers. The robbers escaped with all their valuables. We also thank God for the safety of Bro Willy Mbambi who was also robbed at gun point at his work place and all their cell phones were collected by the armed robbers last month. We think of some of our brethren who lost their loved ones, and pray that Yahweh the God of Israel our God will be with all those families: Sis Pierette Makasu lost two of her family members back in Congo, Sister Khady Zeli also lost one of her family members and Bro Stewart Gomeza lost his sister in-law back in Zimbabwe, from where he has returned safely after the funeral.
We are indebted to the South African ‘Guteng Family News Letter’ for much of the South African news, edited by Sis Paddy Campbell.
| NEWS FROM TANZANIA | |
ILOMBA | Bro James A Mwangomo
We still need some help in order to strengthen our faith. Unfortunately our meeting hall was closed last month by the city authorities, due to it having no latrine. Now some of our members are meeting in our brothers’ and sisters’ homes. This makes teaching and exhorting new believers difficult, as most of our contacts are not happy to meet in the homes of our brothers.
Divine Assurance
How we long for the Millennial age, whose glories fill the sacred page, to dawn upon mankind, to gladden the heart and elevate the mind. An age of plenty and contentment, of security and peace. When none shall nurse resentment, and war and strife shall cease. When all people everywhere, in these blessings will rejoice; to seek the Lord their deepest care, will be; and to worship with one voice. The man ordained will come from heaven, to rule the nations with a iron rod. Divine assurance has been given, “In that I raised him from the dead” said God.
A.C.
NYARUGUSU ECCLESIA 2
We have received the good news from Bro Iyendja Amsini that he and Bro Daniel Sabuni recently baptised our new Brother Fidel Amnobe from the Refuge camp and we pray that the Lord will bless him on his journey towards the Kingdom.
“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:22-23)
| NEWS FROM UGANDA | |
BUGIRI | Bro Mukisa Samuel
When Jesus was resurrected from the grave after three days, he instructed his disciples to go and teach the Gospel, baptizing believers in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A true believer is one who has become a personal follower of Christ, imitating his life, showing his truth and walking in Christ’s way; living Christ’s love and sharing the truth of the Gospel to others.
One of the most important attributes to become a disciple is teachability. Learning for a disciple is not just taking in information, but involves being changed by what we learn, being transformed (Matthew 11:2830). Jesus called people to follow or imitate his life.
I would like to thank my dear brothers and sisters who, by preaching and example, bring people to become believers. I encourage my dear brethren to strive to spread the good news of the Gospel all over the world.
| NEWS FROM ZAMBIA | |
CHINGOLA | Bro Pinoty Chembele
Chingola ecclesia in particular is progressing well. The books you sent me are helping us very much. So far many people would like to start taking Bible lessons using Bible Basics. As I write, we have 38 contacts, 4 of whom were baptised using other lessons from Bro. Z. Muntete of Nakonde. 8 are almost finished and ready for baptism, one of whom is my daughter who is my firstborn. Then 26 more will be baptised after finishing the lessons, or Bible Course, God willing. As it is, these four baptised members have no Bibles at all, therefore I would be grateful if you could send four Bibles for them to use.
My daughter is now doing the last level of her Secondary School, but unfortunately she has a lot of credit at school. Total amount of the credit is K1,775: that is school fees which should be paid up for two years, and the exam fees as well. But all this money I have failed to pay because I am still not at work. In Chingola companies are not employing new people, but are re-trenching workers.
KABOMPO | Bro Timothy Kaambeu
I was transferred from Chinkonkwelo Primary School to Phakasa Primary School. My father also has retired from service and is now settled at Malolwa at the farm.
I am very interested in the Gospel News magazine and like to hear from my brothers and sisters around the world, especially that we are one community and spiritual family in Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.
I am a trained primary teacher working in the Republic of Zambia, but faced with a lot of challenges. The Government of Zambia recently announced that all those with primary certificates in teaching should upgrade to Diploma: failure to do this would mean they will have to expect losing their job in three years’ time. Sponsors for applicants are required.
KABOMPO | Bro Reuben Musole Kaambeu
I am happy to inform you that the year has brought many blessings in the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and our Lord Jesus Christ. More people are now attending our Bible Class lessons and paying much attention to our explanations of Bible topics and difficult verses. They have shown appreciation and many have come to believe our message here at Nakikwa.
Thank you very much for the leaflets which I have photocopied and distributed to many of them who are seriously studying with me, using the Bibles you sent me. I would very much appreciate it if you could send 5 of the New Testaments (seeing that postage has become very high these days, it may be very costly to send me extra NEV Bibles).
Finance is still difficult for me, as I have not yet been paid repatriation, leave pay, nor pension packages, and it is far from Kabompo town. However, our life conditions are very much secure in terms of food supply to meet our needs and health condition. The yams we planted are doing well, and we intend to start on vegetable production in addition to the ducks and chickens we are rearing. This makes it pleasant for us to continue staying at the farm and use the house in Kabompo town to raise us some income for school children’s fees.
Conditions are far better in terms of food supply, and all the children – Peter (Grade 12), Daniel (Grade 7), Love (Grade 7), Emeldah (aged 6), Mary (aged 4) and Reuben (aged 2) are healthy looking. Thank you for praying for us, and please continue to do so.
We intend to sink a borehole at the farm for the supply of good and safe drinking water (water point is far away – the river is about 34 kilometres, and the communal borehole is almost 3-4 kilometres). But at the moment we have no means of sinking the borehole, but God willing, when we get our pension dues this will be possible.
KABOMPO | Bro Wellington Mukuma
I always receive your Gospel News magazines and use them by showing them to non-believers and other ecclesial attendees so that they will believe that the Christadelphian Brotherhood is a worldwide community. Because when they see us in small number they tend to laugh at us, forgetting that God does not judge by appearance or multitude, but by the way we live, and the faith that we have in Christ Jesus.Therefore never remove me from your mailing list, as I am still much alive in Christ and in need of these gospel magazines.
NB. I have a fourth baby girl and now have four ladies. My wish was to have a baby boy, but my wish was not God’s will, and may His will be done.
KAFUE | Bro Josiah Siame
I write to tell you that I do receive the Gospel News magazine every time you send it to me. It is my prayer that God will bless CAT’s effort to spread His Word throughout the world. Do not hesitate to send me any material you think will help me to widen my knowledge of the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ.
KAFUE | Bro Lotson Kayuni
What is stealing? - taking property from a person without permission. What the Bible says: “Let the one who steals steal no more, rather, let him do hard work, doing good work with his hands, so that he may have something to share with someone in need.” (Eph. 4:28) “Do not be misled…. Thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom.” (1 Cor. 6:9-10). Photo of Bro Lotson page 43
Bro Lotson Kayuni reading his Bible under a Mango tree (article page 44)
KAMPIRIMPOSHI | Bro Austen Mwaka
I acknowledge receipt of the Swahili New Testament Bibles, and assure you that at these crucial times I will put them to good use by giving them to those who seek to know the Truth. For it is the Truth that will set us free from the bondage of sin, in readiness to be with Christ in new Jerusalem.
Much as I understand the costs and expenses attached to such a big parcel, also here Handling Fees have been raised. Nevertheless we have to soldier on in readiness for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, as time is running out owing to what is happening around the world.
Though I am equally the same, sick and ageing, all that I do on a daily basis is to spread the good news to mankind, so as to narrow the gap for the return of our Saviour to come and replenish this sinful world. You are always in my prayers, for you to continue with this noble task. Sooner or later we will be together in new Jerusalem.
I always wish you good health, together with Sister Gwladys. We know that as true believers, though we sleep in the Lord, we will be raised and with Him for ever.
All the literature you sent me is used to witness the Truth. Surely times are very frightening. As I write this letter, one of my daughters phoned me from Lusaka capital city, informing me about people rioting, because of ritual murders of people. The four suspects were found with human hearts and private parts; where they sell these, I don’t know. Earthquakes at Acuador and Japan, where lives are being lost; people drowning in seas intending to cross over to Europe searching for green pastures - all these are signs.
I have five grand-children, 3 girls and 2 boys, whom I would have loved to have Sunday School lessons, and toys if possible, plus 3 children for our neighbour. I find it somehow easier to expound the Bible because of commentaries or foot-notes in the New European Version Bible.
LUSAKA | Bro Francis Mukabe
I was very happy when you reminded me about why you stopped sending me the Gospel News. I really like the magazine, it has been publishing articles that indeed have made me what I am today in the Lord. It is therefore my pleasure to show continued interest in the magazine. For this reason I am here to submit my contribution to the magazine and I will continue to do so, God willingly. Below is my article.
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are of noble purposes and some of ignoble. (2 Timothy 2:20-21). If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the master and prepared to do good work.
It is up to us the way we want our Heavenly Father to use us. Whether we want to be used in the way we would be respected; to do good work, or despised; to be used in bad ways. For example, (Isaiah 43:16-17), God says, and it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc (wide spread destruction/disorder or confusion).
And Jesus also talked about the weeds. (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43). It is either we belong to the sons of the kingdom, and shine in the kingdom of our Father, or we will belong to the sons of the evil one and be responsible for all the mess and suffering we cause on our brothers and sisters.
MUFULIRA | Bro Katongo Mulenga
As with me and my family we are OK except that I have developed pain in my right leg. Thank you very much for your concern about me.
We receive all the magazines at the same address as Duncan, who stayed with me when he came to Zambia in 1989 when he came from Kitwe sick.
My reason of not communicating with you is that I have been out staying near Congo. Please keep sending me Gospel News. If you have messages on FDs or DVD tapes you can also send some. I will keep contributing to Gospel News from time to time as we are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to come to establish the kingdom of God. We are seeing the signs through kingdoms fighting each other, earthquakes and floods from countries to countries. All these are signs of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and all these can be read from the book of Matthew 24:3-14.
Warm greetings are from my wife, Sister Elizabeth and my family to you all. Enclosed is my passport photo.
Pictured above: Bro Katongo Mulenga
PEMBA | Bro Joseph Mulawo
I was very happy indeed to receive a parcel of literature from you, all very interesting, educative and encouraging material. This will help us to increase our knowledge of the truth about the word of God and His Son Jesus Christ, for whose return we are waiting, to put to an end human rule.
I wish to let you know that this year in our country, we may have a bad rainy season. We have not received any good rains at all. Because of this we may expect poor or no harvest this year of our staple food – the maize crop. God may provide an alternative.
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless us as we wait for His second coming to bring peace, joy, love and happiness.
| NEWS FROM ZIMBABWE | |
ZVISHAVANE | Bro Dickson Chidzana
First of all I want to thank CAT very much for your words of wisdom and spiritual guidance. To me you are my spiritual guides, for when I am lost, you take me back on track through the Word of God. I like the way you preach, your attractive and simple English filled with words of wisdom – please keep it up.
Last year I was transferred from Zvishavane to Kwekwe, things were not good and the situation caused me to get carried away from the Word of God and my prayer life started going down. With the books, The Gospel News to all nations, it taught me to restore my mind and heart. The Lord Jesus is helping you to win souls and teach the Truth to the nations.
Compassion
Think of compassion. It is love desiring the good of men in their pain and in their predicament. It is love springing up and running over for the sake of those who need salvation and life. It is sensitivity, moved, active and triumphant. “Let this mind be in you.” Hardness is thus outlawed and meanness is banished. The compassion of Christ in his disciples will allow nothing radically to interfere with loving service towards the broken and bereft. No personal preferences, no human pride, no superior wisdom, no love of comfort will hinder the sensitivity of love... abandon yourself to the gracious example of the Redeemer.
The Genius of Discipleship Dennis Gillett
