News from Africa
KOFORIDUA
I was not well for a few years and stopped attending meetings. Since then I wrote to Bro. Francis Odiko about my mind and he also directed me to see Bro. Thomas. Unfortunately I had sickness and was admitted to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Koforidua for a full year. Even the doctor considered me dead, but by the will of God I am still alive; I seem to have stomach trouble. But before I came back home all my books had been stolen and I am therefore in need of more; if this is possible, please send to me. I am still thinking of you and Duncan. I am receiving the Testimony, also Newsletters. May the Heavenly Father’s blessing be with you all. I hope to hear from you. Thanks, once again, for your kind remembrance of me.
Bro. Emmanuel Saffro
SHAMA JUNCTION
“In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken, for you are dust and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). Ever since this statement was made against mankind after the fall of our ancestor, Adam, all has not been well. The struggle for survival continues unabated each day. More often than not man finds himself entangled in a web of one sort or another during this struggle. He becomes frustrated, helpless and hopeless.
In these trying moments brethren and sisters sometimes forget that there is the One, and only One, Lord Jesus Christ who can deliver us out of that bottomless pit of our problems. “And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul enquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, ‘Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her and enquire of her’. And his servants said to him ‘Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor’” (1 Sam 28:5-7). Saul did not humble himself to the Lord, so it did not go well with him. We are not to lean on ourselves, but we should “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov 3:5,6).
Some people confide in other mortals for solutions to their problems. Some take solace in drinking alcohol. In the long run, they will be worse than before. Let us put our trust in the Lord through Jesus Christ, for he never fails. Consider: “This Shunammite woman put all her trust in the Lord, and though her only son died, she said to everyone she met on her way to the man of God who asked about the family, ‘All is well’” (2 Kings 4:18-37). So in times of problems, let us with trust say, “All is well”. Thank you for your great encouragement and the advice you gave me during the time of my bereavement. I don’t know what to say for your love in Christ to me.
Bro Joseph Oppong
BUNGOMA
Thanks for your letter and Gospel News. We also thank God for a New Year in which we are critically watching present world events, in conjunction with Bible prophecy. They instil into us a great hope that our Saviour will soon appear. Kiswahili is a national language and almost everybody whether illiterate or not can speak and understand it; thus Kiswahili magazines or literature are equally understandable and profitable to us.
Last year’s Youth convention from 23rd to 26th Dec 2005 at Kaptama Ecclesia in Mt.Elgon District was successful. It comprised of teachers and youths from various Ecclesias and friends whose co-operation made for excellent fellowship together. We were happy to witness the baptism of Sis Shamin Chemtai from Kaptama and Sis Rabecca Nafuna from Kaisagati. We are also happy to report the baptism of Bro Justo Simiyu of Kaptama, Bro Robert Namwekholio and Bro Simon Waliaula, both from Nalondo, during the Bible Study on 7th-8th January 2006 at Nalondo Eclesia. They now share the brotherhood with us in Christ and have promised to work tirelessly in the Lord's vineyard.
On 13th to 14th January 2006 Bro. Moses Masika, Bro Laban Sirengo and I had the privilege of attending a Bible study held in Uganda at Bro. Robert Simiyu's home in Butimbwa village, where friends’ contribution was good and their eagerness for true doctrine seemed promising. Due to this, we left them with some Bible literature and Simon Cheteka, Fred Bisuche, Gabriel Khisa, Beatrice Kuloba and Sarah Tingwa promised to be solidly behind us. We have also been invited to Korosyandeti (situated on the boarder of Western Kenya) and Eldoret for the same work. This signifies that we still have a long way to go and the work seems greater and greater, hence we need your prayers and your support with Bible literature e.g. Key to Understanding the Bible and Key Cards to enhance this work as we eagerly await the greater day of our Master’s coming.
Otherwise, as far as the book "How To Grow a Balanced Diet” is concerned, we have formed a large group of people from different parts of the country with the intention and vision of initiating and extending agricultural projects countrywide, as agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and largest source of employment in most developing countries. Stagnation in agriculture is the principal explanation for poor economic performance. Rising agricultural productivity is most important for us. We are in existence under the already registered National NGO called Bungoma Rural Resources Program (BRRP).
Bro Nimrod Masika
MALONDO
The enclosed photograph was taken in February 1978 in Nairobi during a yearly Bible School. They had come to the Bible School as representatives of their ecclesias from all areas the truth had reached. This was the time when Bro. Leon Shuker and his Sister-wife were in Kenya for one full year. I want just to draw the attention of readers of Gospel News to the four older Brothers in the centre of the photo who were the first Christadelphians in Kenya; most readers in Kenya will recall them. Three of them are now asleep awaiting resurrection (1 Cor. 10:1-12).
Bro. John Muyala
Photo: Malondo Ecclesia 1978
MIWANI
Thanks for sending Bible Basics to Miwani ecclesia; continue sending them, as they are very helpful. The ecclesia is growing; there are five students, two old people who are illiterate, plus 11 young people ages 2-18. We have a lot of needs as Miwani has almost nothing. I request you to pray for our ecclesia. May God the Father bless all of you for the work you are doing.
Bro. Peter and Sis. Jane Omuny
BALAKA
I am very pleased to receive the parcel of Bible Reader’s Calendars you sent. I find it very helpful to use and promise to share these with my brothers and sisters in my ecclesia and surrounding ecclesias, in order to encourage them to read the Bible daily. Thank you for your assistance in helping me to spread the gospel, may God bless you. I beg all Christadelphians everywhere to pray for each other that we may pass through temptation and troubles. Here in Malawi the problem of hunger and disease is still proceeding. As you know the very greatest problem we are facing in our community is disease. Through the help of God I met with officers of health regarding how to combat diseases and by the grace of God they promised to help us with some kinds of medicine (First Aid Kit). But before they do so special training is needed to give more knowledge, in addition to those things learnt through the book “Where There Is No Doctor.” There is no money for this training, which will take about five days. They are not Christadelphians but they are health officers. Because cholera disease has also affected us in our community, the problem is bigger than before. This place is away from the hospital, about 18km. Lastly, I wish you all the best in your work, may God bless you. If possible may you send my name to the following address that they may send me Glad Tidings.
Bro. Edson Makwecha
Photo: Well wishers from the clinic, left to right: Janet Tsokalawo Nkhoma, an assistant environmental health officer, Lyston Gomiwa Bauleni, a health surveillance assistant, with Bro. Edson Makwecha at Kalembo Health Centre after the meeting. ‘Where Women Have No Doctor’ has been sent to the clinic.) MH
CHIKWAWA
I am a student of a Christadelphian, Brother Robert Folley, and already studying Introducing Bible Basics and Bible Basics, therefore could you please send me these books and they will give me more information about the Word of the True God. Please do not forget to send me Gospel News regularly.
Harlod L.B. Temboh
DEDZA
The calendars are like a Bible Companion to read the Bible throughout the year. Thank you, brother, for sending me a pre-paid envelope, please continue this, as it makes it easy to communicate with each other. I want to continue receiving Gospel News and other literature. I beg you to keep my name on the mailing list. I am informing you, brother, that the government has sold the telephone exchange company where I was receiving my letters, so I have changed my address. The name of my ecclesia is “Umodzi” which means, “Unite”.
Bro. A.E. Bvumbwe Phiri
Photo: Mangombo Sunday School and their teachers
Photo: KASIVA - Bro. Satenford Chibfumbi and his son.
DOMASI
Thank you very much, brother, I have received the copy of the Chichewa translation of Bible Basics. Many people here want Chichewa very much, so can you please send 20 more copies.
Bro. B.S. Kawonga
LILONGWE
I am preparing to be married. Remember the story of Abraham’s son Isaac. Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebecca, the daughter of Bethuel (an Aramean from Mesopotamia) and sister of Laban, Genesis 25:19-20. Your young brother Isaac P. Nagaheba is forty years old, the same as Abraham’s son.
Bro. Isaac Pierre Nagaheba
It is by the grace of the Lord that you are sending me Gospel News magazine always, also received with thanks Chichewa Bible Basics. Please, if possible, send me two Chichewa Bibles, two English Bibles and a quantity of English Bible Companions for the brothers who are not able to buy them because of difficulties.
Bro. Henderson Sosola
MALUWA
Thank you for your letter and for sending Gospel News which is good, I can and will read that book day and night because it tells me and others of the sudden coming of our Saviour, Jesus. It also deals with our fellow brethren and sisters in different countries and what they do to strengthen people in Christ. I am a man of thirty-five years of age, my wife is Elizabeth and we have children – girls and boys. Before I close this letter I want to inform you that I have a problem with some verses in the Bible, so I enclose a paper with questions which I need help with.
Photo: Bro. Charles Kasonya & family
MANGOCHI
I didn’t expect Bible Basics to be published in Chichewa (our mother tongue). It will be easily understood when studying. Here in Mangochi we have five ecclesias, so if possible send Chichewa copies so that they could be shared among them. May I Contribute my opinion especially on “Who are you? How did you hear about Christadelphians?” I hope it could be more attractive if we add the denomination we came from as follows: I am Morris Assani, aged 40. I live in Mangochi, Malawi. I found out about Christadelphians from Beyard Malekesa, a friend, when I was an Anglican member.
Photo: Bro. Morris Assani
MIGOWI
I thank the Almighty God for the love He has shown to His people at Makina Christadelphian Church. He has called brothers and sisters from all the corners of the earth to join us to be one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:29). The number of brothers and sisters who assemble at Makina ecclesia has grown to over 200. May God, who brought these people into His wonderful light, be praised.
Bro. Symon Wanyekeya
MONKEY BAY
I was very glad to receive the calendar for 2006, it will help me in reading the Bible. So I write to request four other calendars so that fellow brethren and sisters can have their own. May I also request Bible Basics, as there is a shortage of these?
Bro. Langton Pasulani
MZIMBA
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for the letter you wrote to me, which contains the information about the famine here in Southern Africa. We always thank you, brothers and sisters, who take part in our problems. The bag of food from the CBM which a brother or sister has received will be enough for a month. Thanks a lot for the pamphlet, “Useful relief of pain.” This shows the love to the victim or compassion to one with a problem.
Bro Humphrey Banda
NENO
If possible send three Chichewa Bibles and Bible Basics in Chichewa. In my mind comes this statement, ‘I cannot allow the wisdom of God to be buried with the material comforts of the world’. Lastly, please pray for us. We are on a journey to the Kingdom of God.
Bro. Edmond Store
NSANJE
I appreciate the material you have sent me several times. I would like to ask you to continue sending more gospel material and if possible one Bible. Be reminded that the message of God is supposed to be taught in truth because it is only the truth that sets people free.
Bro. Stuart Bingala
We are here for the task that God gave us and through our united efforts I believe people in Nsanje district will come back to the Bible. The calendars help a lot. Please send us some more. We are trying to extend more branches according to the efforts we are holding. Young people seem to come, but from December we experienced the rainy season, and evangelism becomes a bit difficult as our branches have no shelters, but still God is true to His Word.
Bro. M.P. M’ngundeni
NTAJA
Your letter drew my attention to those people who are sharing the word of our beloved Saviour. I heard of the terrorist attacks in England, that left a lot of lives of innocent people dead and many more severely hurt. I strongly agree with you that the Son of God is about to appear. We are serious members who are also eagerly waiting for the Bible literature that you send. I would like to thank you for the books you send me time and again. I know that they take a long time by sea mail from your homeland to that of mine. Let us join together in Christ even though we have never met before. One day our Lord will make it possible for you and me to meet. I was very glad when I received two books full of touching words entitled Bible Basics and Gospel News, I really appreciate that. Our beloved country is really called “The Warm Heart of Africa”; we are among the eight poorest countries of the world Malawi being number five. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to you for sending me a Chichewa translation of Bible Basics. I would like to urge you to encourage brethren and sisters to pray for our nation; Malawi, as you are aware, has been declared a state of disaster. As I am writing 29 people have already died due to hunger related illnesses, one of the deceased being my relative.
Bro. Tholesi Nazombe
Photo: Bro. Tholesi Nazombe
TENGANI
I was baptised into Christ November 1997. I am very delighted to inform you that I have received with joy the Holy Bible, the Bible Reader’s Calendar and a set of model answers to Bible Basics and your informative letter. I have seen with my own eyes that this is a very special, nice Bible with wide margins so that I can make notes in. I have 25 students who are studying and giving answers to Bible Basics. They brought their answers to me for marking. A set of model answers enables me to go into them in detail and mark each and every answer correctly. I am just a local farmer. Last year we didn’t receive enough rainfall; all plants have dried up because of droughts, resulting in no harvesting. This means that Malawi as a country is going to have famine throughout the whole year. I am very grateful to inform you that I have written my articles and they will be sent to you for publication in Gospel News. Recently I have also received Bible Basics in Chichewa translation, but one book is not enough because Chichewa is in great demand here, so send more and more, if available, to distribute to other readers. As God’s work is growing bigger and bigger we have formed a group called “Zambezi Christadelphian Youth Group”, who have been going into different areas preaching the true Word of God. Here in Nsanje district we have established many Christadelphian ecclesias. Although this group is doing its best with preaching and establishing ecclesias it is also facing problems and one of these problems is transportation. The simple transportation that we need is bicycles.
Bro. Venancion Malata Phiri
I am happy to receive Gospel News but I am sorry to say some of the other materials sent had been stolen and the copies of the Chichewa Bible Basics were missing.
Bro. Eleck Byala
THYOLO
The “World’s destiny revealed by Daniel” you enclosed in the envelope is reminding me that my faith in God which should grow every day in my life. Please continue to pray for us as we are still praying for you and let God guide you for ever. The Magazine you send to me is helping us and encourages us to know God’s way clearly.
Bro Smart Lombe.
Photo: Bro. Lombe and Bro. Maleso
ZOMBA
I am a Christadelphian in Malawi and have a question about Revelation 14:1-6 and Ecclesiastes 7:16-17. I have tried my best to understand this but get so confused, so I am asking for assistance, please help me.
Bro. Stephan Maseya John
Let me take this opportunity to inform you about the church: all is going well, we have renovated the building but the problem is that we have used very old iron sheets, which leak during the rainfall. This is so due to financial predicaments that we cannot afford new iron sheets since they are too expensive here. The church lacks doors and the walls are not painted at all. These are just to mention a few of the problems we are facing. However, God is serving us well.
Bro B. Ntala
AKURE
My father died on July 3, 2005 and I am the eldest of the children, who totalled 11 (from three wives, two of whom are deceased); my mother is now aged 85 years and my father died aged 88 years. The onus of giving him a befitting burial fell on me. My father was an Anglican, but did not quarrel with me for being a Christadelphian, since in his opinion we all confess the Bible. Here we are heterogeneous – many languages but one nation. We sometimes misunderstand each other through misinterpreting the languages. In fact, some people do not fully understand the English language, which makes them shun the Christadelphians here because the mode of preaching is by the English language. So this is one of the disadvantages of striving to win some of these people. Another thing is poverty.
Bro. Sunday Awodumila
ALAYI
I still need Gospel News and other literature. About the Igbo translation of Bible Basics, I wish to have some copies of it. Igbo is our own language in Abia State. It will be of interest for the people to read about the gospel in their own familiar tongue. May God grant us strength, wisdom and knowledge to continue working in His field until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bro. Okore Ekeoma
ENUGU
The book sent to me, The Judgement to Come, is a stirring soul-trigger, making one search the inner mind - very educative. My friends wanted to snatch the book from me, but I promised to write for some more. Please do not relent in sending any books for teaching others and myself. The days are numbered for us to welcome Jesus in Jerusalem for his promised breaking of bread with us (Matt. 26:26-29; Luke 22:18).
May our Lord continue to bless you and your efforts to preach the word.
Golden Onuoha.
IKWUANO
I was hoping it would have been possible for me to come to see you when I was visiting the UK; I came to Croydon twice, but my host did not make it possible for us to meet. We had a fraternal gathering in Eastern Nigeria and I was asked to present the opening address.
Bro. J.O. Uwasomba
KADUMA
I thank you very much for Gospel News which you have sent to me over the past years and hope I will continue enjoying the same in the years ahead, if Jesus remains away. I received the 2006 Bible Reader’s Calendar. I pray that God will bless you and enable you to continue His work so that the believers may be well equipped in the knowledge of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ. I have heard about an Igbo language Bible Basics. May I know if there is a Yoruba translation? I would like you to send me one and I would also request the book Elpis Israel for my further studies.
Bro. Anthony Coker
I must tell you I can only manage a little English; my main concern is being able to gather more information and to gain a good understanding. You cannot imagine the difficulties here in the RDC: there is no employment; it is really difficult to get into an English language school and which costs a lot (10 dollars a month). I do not have the means to pay this much. To close, I ask you to forgive me for replying to you in French.
Bro Theophile Mwagalwa (Bukavu ecclesia)
Photo: Candu Ecclesia S.A.
Photo: Candu hall nearing completion
IDUTYWA
We are happy to announce the baptism of Sis NOKUTULA MLIBALI who lives in a district with the unlikely name of Collywobbles. There is another Sister nearby, Andiswa Menge, who introduced her to us. They have been talking to others in the area and classes have been held there. She will officially be a member of the Candu meeting. One can see the Candu village from Collywobbles, but a round trip by road is more than 60km.
Work on our meeting room has progressed well and we hope to start meeting there in the near future. The Sisters in the ecclesia have also started a pre-school creche with 23 attending.
Bro Norman Durk
RANDBURG
My holiday ended last Sunday when I left the Eastern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa where I went soon after attending the Summer Bible School in Kwazulu, Natal Province. The work there is so encouraging seeing the response of the people. We visited three areas and signed up about 180 new contacts for the correspondence course. We visited three other areas where we have contacts and conducted a series of seminars. I left Bro Norman Durk there until April when he returns to the UK for his trip to Georgia. I am very much moved by his work. God willing I am planning to go to Malawi very soon for a series of Seminars. I will feed you back upon my return.
Bro Emmanuel Mphambo.
BARIADI
Beloved, we who ought to be the brothers of all Christadelphians in the world, let us love one another, for love is of God and he who loves is born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7). But if any one has the world’s goods, and sets his heart against his brother, how does God’s love abide in him? (1 John 3:17). If a brother or sister needs clothes and doesn’t have enough to eat what good is there in your saying to them “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!” if you don’t give the necessities of love (James 2:15-16). Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back. (Luke 6:38). Let the thief no longer steal but rather let him labour, doing honest work with his hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need (Eph 4:32. Acts 4:34-35. Romans 15:26-27).
Bro. Joseph Isamla
DAR-ES-SALAAM
This end we are busy preaching the Gospel as well as praying for the Lord’s second coming, which seems to be very near. The following are the highlights of his second coming as we have just learnt. Shall we share our findings?
He is soon coming – Rev. 22:7.
The return will be sudden – 1 Thess. 5:2.
He will soon come to deliver creation from the curse – Romans 8:22.
Then peace and righteousness will reign on earth – Isaiah 2:4.
The outcome of this move is prosperity on earth – Isaiah 65:22-25.
But some say that he is late in coming back - not quite, God is giving us time to repent and be saved – 2 Peter 3:9-10.
Dear brother/sister, shall we use this time of delay to repent and come back to our Creator? Yes indeed, it is the right time to do so.
Bro. Samuel Mushi
IFAKARA
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of the man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says ‘I will return to my house from which I came’. And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26). Since God is one, and ours is not a world of spirits, the unclean spirit here must be the negative attributes in our nature as opposed to spirituality. These are things like selfishness, anger, greed, jealousy, covetousness, hatred etc. They are primitive and manifest in our ‘old man’! When we follow Christ. these are fought out by the spirit of Christ in us as we struggle to be obedient to ‘The Word’, they become ineffective, they pass through ‘waterless places’. But suppose for some reason, the believer falls out of grace and loses his faith. Such things will come to him saying, ‘I’ll return to my house from which I came’. The reason is that it’s a nice place for him again ‘swept and put in order’. Next, the spirit will attract other spirits more devastating. A man could be an adulterer. After conversion, we expect, he’ll forsake adultery. He may, after that, get offended by a brother/sister so much so that he breaks from the ecclesia and doesn’t attend the meetings or associate in ecclesial activities any more (doesn’t gather with Christ, v.23). The outcome being that he won’t remain strong in faith, and will, after some time, be a house swept and put in order for fleshly things. The spirit will soon fetch other unclean spirits to ‘enter (the man) and dwell there’; He may perhaps be given to drunkenness, slander, wrath, or even murder. His last state ‘becomes worse than the first’. The apostle Peter relates such a believer to a dog that ‘turns back to his own vomit’ and a pig that having been washed ‘wallows in mire’ (2 Peter 2:21,22).
Bro. Kim Mnzava
Photo: Bro. John Owen (UK) speaking and Bro. John Mnkande translating into Kiswahili, during CBM visit to Ifakara.
Photo: Bro. Alistair speaking and Bro. Kim Mnzava translating.
KASULU
I would like to send my thanks for your work in publishing Gospel News, which I receive frequently. Also I would like to tell you the news which has happened at Mtabila. Last year we had great joy to receive visitors from UK, Bre. John Owen and Alistair MacDonald, Benoit Mukendi from Arusha and Alinoti Samuel from Kigoma. We had some exhortations and the breaking of bread to remember our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank our Lord for the love in Christ, which we find in fellowship with brethren and sisters world-wide; may God bless them and strengthen all in our work to the Kingdom of peace.
Bro. Charles Hakizimana
LUGUFU 1
Our Heavenly Father is worthy to be praised in all. Everything is going well in our spiritual life. We are thankful for the nice time we had at our fraternal gathering last year at our ecclesial hall, attended by 40, around the subjects:
1) The God we hardly know Creator of all things (Bro Isidore E. Mwibeleca).
2) The Satan of the Bible (Bro. Amnobe Iyungu)
3) The Resurrection and the Judgement (Bro. Lwendo Buluma)
4) The Life in Christ (Bro. Rehani Pascal)
We do express our thanks to all the members of Lugufu 1 ecclesia for their contribution. We therefore hope that if Jesus Christ tarries we may, God willing, have another gathering. Bro. Anzulini Makutano has returned back into fellowship after satisfactory interview.
Bro. Isidore Mwibeleca
I had many problems in the camp. I was troubled because I preached the gospel to one pastor of the Society of Friends (the Quakers). I am firm in my faith and I take courage to continue in my preaching work and I pray God to give me the strength. Brethren and sisters, remember that when we are persecuted for what we believe life is very difficult and the first thing we must do is to pray. When we have burdens, we are instructed in the Scriptures to cast our burden upon the Lord, read Psalm 55:22. All through the Scriptures we read of the worthies of old who were persecuted for their belief and faith in the Lord God and without a doubt as we get closer to the return of Jesus the persecution will get worse. The ignorance and wickedness in the world concerning the Word of God is paramount and anyone who stands up for the things of God will see more apathy and experience persecution.
Bro. Amnobe Iyungu
Photo: A gathering at Muyovosi Ecclesia
MBOZI-MBEYA
I am in receipt of your letter concerning the Bible reader’s calendar, the sample you sent is good and I am sure it will be useful for brothers and sisters. Please send us ten more for Igale and Mlowo ecclesias. Please enrol the newly baptised at Igale for receiving Gospel News: Bro. Mwile James, Bro. Gerald Mwashilindi and Sist. Rahel Mwamwezi
Bro Raphael Mkeya
MOROGONO
Brothers in Christ, let us all praise the Lord for his grace extended to us in all walks of our lives. When I think of this world and the way people work in the vineyard I feel very indebted to God, who created me. I work for a long number of hours each day, leaving me with few hours for rest and reading. I would like to confirm to you that I have been receiving Gospel News. I hope that in the very near future I will be among the main article contributors in Gospel News The editorial and articles written by different brothers and sisters from all over the world are so very educative, encouraging, pleasing and constructive that I can’t stand missing them. Please, if you are able to, supply me with the book “Where there is no Doctor”.
Bro. Nkonge Mwakatage
Photo: Kasulu Sunday School
MUSOMA
Musoma ecclesia is well and all are okay. We were visited by Bro. Michael Owen last year, two contacts interviewed but we came out without any baptisms, as it is good for them to know more of the Christadelphian beliefs. They were told to keep on learning, which they are busy doing at present with the help of their tutors. I praise the Lord, as they did not give up. Here in Musoma I was staying with a young girl, my cousin, who came from Kenya and stayed here with me. She was pregnant, that is why her Mum decided for her to come here and stay with me and after giving birth to go back home and continue with her schooling. This girl died while giving birth. It was a big loss which remains in my mind till now. This girl left me with a one-day-old baby girl, called Liz Marion, who is under my care. God giveth and God taketh. This sudden death caused a lot of disturbance. Because here in Musoma we didn’t have any active brother at the time, I called the Mwanza brethren who helped me a lot. The infant is here with me. The girl, after giving birth, started to have a fit, convulsed twice and finally died on her third convulsion. Due to this shock I was unstable for some time. Now what can I do with this innocent infant who remains in my hands as the mother needed my help in her life?
Sis. Monica Achieng
NYARUGUSU
We would like to inform you that the clothing aid which you sent to the Sunday School children has been received. For that we thank you because you remind us of the advice of Paul, see Acts 20:28. In fact we are informing you that here at Nyarugusu Camp when it is the rainy season many Christians are not going to church because it is very cold and muddy. Nonetheless the materials of cold and mud are very important to us. We have not broken bread for some months, as we have no money to purchase wine; we do our best to buy wine and bread but today is terrible.
Bro. Bawili Ilangyi, Chairman, Bro. Akulu Mmandama, Sec, Bro. Mboko Asumani, Treasurer.
BUGIRI
How are you this lovely spring morning? What sunshine God is blessing us all with. I was very happy to receive your letter. It made me glad to receive the literature, which I have never seen since I was born. It encourages me to read the Bible daily.
David Wafula
BUTACHO
Indeed I was so privileged and delighted to receive your letter, books, Bible reading calendar and the book, the Death of the Cross, which I am finding so interesting and educative and I hope for more such support. I am also reminding you that I would like to receive my own personal copy of Gospel News. I also request you to send a copy of ‘Where There Is No Doctor’ for our Butacho ecclesia. Concerning the issue of drought crops, there are various cassava, also maize, brought to us by NSARWU, but they need to be used on fertile land or the use of fertiliser; this programme is going on in Uganda, but they will help if people form groups and register.
Bro. Mayende Erisania Sifuna
Photo: LWAKHAKHA Ecclesia is ‘led’ by Bro Francis Makosia. Really enthusiastic Ecclesia helped by Mt Elgon area and Kenya
KABERAMAIDO
Thank God for His wonderful protection of us during our terrible situation and through your prayers. We are now back home struggling to rebuild homes, which were burnt down by the rebels. So pray for us continually that God will bring an end to this war. Unfortunately some books which were given to help our ecclesia grow, have been burnt inside houses. We are therefore kindly requesting you to send us books for Bible study and for our preaching work, also ‘Where There Is No Doctor’ and ‘How to Grow a Balanced Diet’. We are very thankful for printed papers and our Gospel News magazine which strengthens our faith. We are still weak in getting our homes built and very busy farming the land; we also have children with us facing problems of health – measles, malaria etc. May Almighty God bless you all so much for the struggle you are constantly making to provide Christadelphians world wide with God’s inspired words of life.
Bre. Selestino Ejom and Opio Bosco
KIGANDALO
Here at Kilolmayuge all God’s work is well, especially Bible study. In Northern Uganda there are wars, but I pray that all will be well after you have put us in your prayers. I send my warm thanks for Gospel News. I am happy to inform you that we enjoyed some baptisms when seven students were converted to our Faith. So we thank God for the wonderful work He is doing. I request your prayers for us all.
Bro. Samuel Onyango
MABALE
We in the Mt. Elgon area are delighted to announce the baptisms at the end of last year of 12 Brothers and Sisters: 3 (one Brother and two Sisters) for Surme ecclesia; 4 (two Brothers and two Sisters) for Mt. Elgon and 5 (four Brothers and one Sister) for the Small Lwakhakha ecclesia. (The latter is a temporary name, but will be approved during the next AGM.) Let us all pray for these Brothers and Sisters that they will grow, and remain strong, in faith.
Bro. Francis Maweli
MBARARA
Thanks for the Gospel News which i received sometime back, may the good Lord bless you as we wait for His coming. I read many messages in that magazine and I saw it as very important especially for us youth. I promise to send my article in due course. I am going to the Youth Camp at Jinja at Easter, God willing.
Bro. Moses Sunday
CHIPATA
Greetings to you all in our Master’s Name, our Lord Jesus Christ, for whom we are waiting patiently to bring peace on this evil and violent world. We hope He comes very soon. My family and I are okay, just looking forward and hoping that maybe this year the rain will do us fine. I am just writing this letter to let you know that I have brothers who would be very happy to start receiving the Gospel News and to ask if you have got the audio tape cassettes containing preaching.
Bro. Alfred Bwalya
KABOMPO
I was a New Apostolic member and was chosen as a section leader who was given eight churches. After knowing the truth I was baptised and stopped being a member of the N.A. church. When all the leaders of the church heard this they were telling stories about me which were not true. My wife, who has also now been baptised, was not happy with me stopping being a leader and following a church, which had only six brothers and no sister at that time. Her reason was that the N.A. minister was helping us with our daily bread, since I do not work. But I did not mind to having the truth, the true food. After a good number of months we started getting on better than we were during the leadership season. Brother John and Sister Sally Palmer came to Kabompo and they brought local language Bibles for our wives. It gave me the time to start teaching my wife the true gospel. Thanks be to the Lord that on 23rd October 2005 my wife was baptised by Brother Nelson Bwalya from Kitwe. As the eunuch went rejoicing after being baptised by Philip (Acts 8:39), it was the same after the baptism, we went home rejoicing with my wife. When we reached home everyone of my earthly family was very happy to hear that my wife was baptised. It came to my mind that if people on earth can be happy with what has taken place, how much more the thousands of angels in heaven? There was great joy. My wife has now learnt that life in Christ is easier than in the world. Read Matthew 11:28-30.
Bro. Charles and Sis Cecilia Muhupu
Photo: Brother Charles and Sister Cecilia Muhupu and their children, Titus Soueka Muhupu and baby girl Ethel Muhupu.
KABWE
From the bottom of my heart I must say, I find the magazine so informative, really there is no magazine that compares to Gospel News. Please, brother, keep up the good work. I feel the article, ‘Can we be His disciples?’ by Duncan, was wholesome. It brings out many facts which mankind cannot run away from. I am glad to inform you that I wrote my last Diploma paper on 2nd December. I was told I won’t be able to get my results until I settle the fees I am owing the college.
Bro. Lapulani Malata
KAFUE
Is it necessary to partake of the memorial emblems in order to be covered by Jesus’ sacrifice and receive everlasting life on earth in the kingdom? No. Nothing in the Bible suggests that such God-fearing people as Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Joseph, Moses and David ever partook of these emblems. Yet they and all others desiring endless life on the earth will have exercised faith in God and Christ in provision of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice (John 3:36; 14:1). For everlasting life we too must exercise such faith. Our presence at the weekly observance of Christ’s death serves as a reminder of that great sacrifice and should deepen your gratitude for it.The apostle John emphasised the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice when he said: “I am writing you (fellow anointed ones) these things that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s” (1 John 2:1,2). Anointed ones can say that Jesus’ sacrifice is a propitiatory cover for their sins, making everlasting life possible for obedient mankind.
Bro Lotson Kayuni
KASAMA
We are very grateful for all the arrangements you made to make life smooth and enjoyable. Please continue with this spirit of love and dedication for the work of the Lord. We have nothing to give you, but you know that the Lord will give the reward to his faithful servants on that day when he gathers them to him.
Bro. Joshua Mushili
Receive our heartfelt greetings in our Lord’s Name. I am pleased to inform you that I was baptised in 2002 at Mlowo Ecclesia by Bro. Simon Mwakalinga of Isango Ecclesia in Mbeya, Tanzania, after eight years of serious search and study of the faith, doctrines and beliefs. I left the Catholic church in 1990 and remained without faith until 1995 when I came across your study course through Bro. Mwamasika, whom I met in 1996 for the first time. By 2001 I had studied the course and completed it more than four times and knew much through the books and pamphlets. I finally decided to be interviewed and baptised after the search which brought about a full conviction in me by exposing me to the Light of Truth. Thank God for you all. I thank you once more concerning your spiritual encouragement about the second coming of our Lord and Saviour and for your hopeful prayer that the Lord will arrange for me to have some help. In my prayers everyday these have been the exact feelings I have had.
Bro. Boniface Simpanzye
KAZEMBE
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world, the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does, comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but he who does the will of God lives for ever.” Let us check and change our direction and aim in the right direction, looking unto Jesus, who is able to redeem us.
Bro. John Kasanda
Photo: Bro Nelson Bwalya baptising Bro Vincent Mwense with Bro Darkwell’s help.
Below: Bro Nelson interviewing Vincent for baptism with Bro Darkwell as witness.
KITWE
I would very much like to explore the possibility of spreading the gospel in Sakania and Mokambo, in the Congo. I am contacting our brethren of Lubumbashi to discuss with them, but would need some financial support to achieve this. I am still waiting the arrival of Bible Basics which you sent by sea mail.
Bro. Robert M. Miwele
Early this year you were producing a book with practical lessons on learning to read English by reading the Bible based on the Gospel of Mark. Do you have these books? Would you please send me a couple of these?
Bro Elvin Muntemba
LIVINGSTONE
I want to thank God for the love he has shown in my life. I am saying so because since I started lessons I have seen my spiritual growth; I have come to learn a lot of things which I could not known have without them. During my study of the 40 lessons I used to receive the Glad Tidings also, which helped me a lot. After finishing the 40 lessons I started receiving the New Life in Christ which I have just completed. At the beginning of this year I got into contact with other brothers in town. This was after I received a programme from our linkman, Brother Walker, about his visit to Zambia. This made me read some books and literature provided by brothers. All this and the lessons I had from 2001 to this time contributed much to my desire to learn more. So when Bro. Andrew Walker came he found that I was ready to be baptised, which also he did with love on 17th August 2005. He baptised three of us on the same day. To me this is a turning point in my life; I used to attend the Church of God but now I am with the Christadelphians. The brothers who were baptised with me on the same day are Bro. L. Ilishebo and Bro. Cephas Sikanyika. After my baptism a brother gave me Gospel News. After reading through it I could not believe that Christadelphians were such a big family. Several of us would like some Bible tapes to listen to and deepen our understanding of the Truth.
Bro John Kakinga
LUSAKA
I was baptised on 10/2/2002 and ever since I have been receiving Gospel News and I am a very interested reader of the magazine, so I don’t want to miss it. I have Bible Basics, Why are we Here? and now I am reading Exploring the Bible. My tutor is very keen and sends me some books.
Bro. Davies S. Nthara
Warm greetings, and hopefully, God willing, this letter will find you in good health, spiritually and physically. As for me, I am well but am so sorry for my long silence, I am now able to write again. I received a parcel of Bible Basics and have put some in the main Lusaka library and given some to people who are interested in our doctrines and God’s truth. I am requesting some more Bible Basics. I am also asking someone to send me a KJV, Bible –with a Bible Companion.
Bro. Charles Daka
Photo: Bro Charles Daka with Sunday School Children
Vashti was the queen of King Xerxes and there is much to learn from her story. She reminds us of those who after being called out of darkness, are disobedient to the words and ways of God. Vashti was so proud of herself because of her beauty (Esther 1:11). The inspired word of God tells us not to be proud lest we lose what the Sovereign Lord has blessed us with (Daniel 5:20, 4:30, Esther 1:19). Esther, on the other hand, is someone to emulate. She was a person who obeyed Mordecai’s instructions continuously through her life (Esther 2:20), and eventually through that, she was crowned queen (Esther 2:17) instead of Vashti. Brothers and sisters, as believers of God’s way and His promises, we are called out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9). Since we know that what we are called we must pay more careful attention, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away and forfeit the grace that could be ours (Jonah 2:8). We need to know that God first loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Remember Vashti: God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). Let us have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Vashti was disallowed to enter the presence of the king Xerxes (Esther 1:19). Those who disobey God (the wicked) will not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10). We were bought with a price, not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus. Therefore let us set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Col.3:2). Just as we received Jesus at our baptism let us continue to live in him (Col.2:6) by obeying his commands (John14:15,21) and when he comes he will allow us into his Kingdom. (1 Thess.4:16-18). Let us deny all forms of ungodliness (Titus 2:12-14). May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of God’s power be with us all.
Bro. Paul Chembe
Photo: Bro Nelson Bwalya presenting literature to advanced Bible students
MUFULIRA
Quite a lot has happened recently. We’ve been hearing of wars and so many confusions in many nations, as to who will lead the countries and such like. Finally, we’ve seen that the new President in Liberia is now a woman, and many women in various areas are now aiming for the same position. Elections here in Zambia will be conducted next year, if the Lord still remains away, which will be Tripartite, that is, Presidential, Parliamentary and Local government. We’ve seen so far, so many political parties coming into view. This is just not of any importance for us, as we are seeking the Lord’s Kingdom to come – may it be soon! Mufulira Ecclesial Youth Group has resumed meetings every Sunday after the memorial service, with the total number (so far) of 23, out of which only five are baptised. We pray that more will come to know the Word of the Lord and so respond to His calling. We hope to have our ‘Revelation Study’, to be presented by Bro. Nelson Bwalya. He is doing well at the moment. We pray his health continues like it is, as it was so sad to see him sick. I am having very poor sight these days, so I had to see an optician here in Mufulira who prescribed the type of glasses I should be using for my eyes. Well, had Nelson not provided the frame for the lenses, I would have been able to afford them. Unfortunately, Bro. Nelson didn’t have that type of lens. So I had to pay k70,000 (about 10 pounds) for fixing the lenses. The type is quite big for me, but I like them because they cover the whole eyes, and are ‘SP Colourmatic’, so I can use them for both reading and to provide shade when in the sun.
Thank you for the books you enclosed, by the Lord’s grace. Earlier on I received a letter from Bro./Sister Bob Webb of Horley Ecclesia; it was so good to hear from them. The Sunday School is doing very well, and the U.K. team that visited us, brought some material we needed, especially books for colouring for the infants. They are now enjoying their lessons, as they learn fast by seeing the pictures of what is being taught them. We’ll see how far the books will take us. I’ve just knocked off from school and I enjoyed the topic we started looking at yesterday, which is the ‘Braking System’. Motor mechanics is one field I never thought could be valuable and interesting, as many people take it, but I am finding it just super! It’s one field that can allow self-employment – which I just want to do. We are being introduced to Entrepreneurship Studies, which we have every Wednesday; and tomorrow, God willing, will just be another day. I am enjoying the lessons in this area as well. For the past years, since the institution was established, not any group undertook Entrepreneurship as we are. It is really nice to be trained for self-employment isn’t it? God willing, I plan to take up a driving course – as soon as I have sufficient funds.
Bro. Silas K. Chishimba
Photo: Mufulira Sisters at work. Catharine, Grace, Loveness, Rodah, Nwale, Elizabeth & Jane
MUZOKA
A man can never be lonely if he is working or thinking. Read Prov.17:22. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit is health to the body and health to the soul. We need to keep up good work till the end and I have seen that personal evangelism can win more souls than pulpit evangelism. So let’s put our hands together in doing this for a wonderful reward and the grace of God shall be with us continuously.
Bro. Wilfred Chibomba
NDOLA
Thanks be to the Lord for what CAT is doing in my life and I pray for the furtherance of the work. Also if the Lord God permits, I and Bro. Nelson Bwalya of Kitwe Ecclesia and Bro. Joseph Lumuna of Mufulira Ecclesia will visit North Western Province to see Maheba Refugee Camp, Solwezi, Kabompo and Mufumbwe (Chizela Basic School).
Bro. Harris N. Mulongesha
Photo: Sister Maureen Kombe, Brother Harris Mulongessha and Sister Deophister Kazembe
Over here, we, as a body of Christ, at Ndola Ecclesia, are doing relatively well except for a few minor health problems here and there. Thank you very much for your continued support with your regular informative Gospel News which has been spiritually edifying and I would like to continue being on your mailing list next year and beyond. No amount of words would be enough to express my innermost gratitude on the services you have personally rendered to me starting in 1987, during which period you actively gave me the necessary spiritual food leading to my putting on the Saving Name of our Master in August 1990. Winifridah joins me in wishing you continued good health in the Lord’s vineyard.
Bro. Dennis C. Kombe
May our living God abundantly bless you for the wonderful work you are doing, therefore do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward (Hebrews 10:35-39). For you have need of endurance, so that when you have the will of God you may receive what is promised, but the righteous one shall live by faith and if we shrink back and are destroyed, we cannot blame anybody because we have all the necessary materials to read. Bibles are being sent to us, different kinds of magazines for us to read, therefore it is important to copy our Lord Jesus Christ. Though Son of God, he was the same as ourselves, tempted in all points as we are, (Hebrews 2:14). therefore we too may be accounted worthy to be with him in that day, none is worthy in his own right, may he soon come, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2). Our God hates pride. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, but he that does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17). We should have a faith tried by fire to prove it’s worth. (1 Peter 1:7). Abraham believed God and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. It is through the sufferings of Jesus that God can become our Father. We must believe now if we are to enjoy a part in future blessings, but we must pay just as much attention to what God expects of His children now and appreciate the blessings now of being members of the divine family. Let us heed the lessons written for our learning in order to be children in whom God is well pleased. We should behave as children of light, as members of ecclesias. In Paul’s letter, he encourages us to be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
Bro. James Mwanza
Photo: SOLWEZI - Bro. Joseph Kapimpa on the Telex
BANKET
We ask for God’s intervention, We have tried to live in a different ways but failed. Everyone is crying day and night; we have tried all the way, all actions, but nothing fruitful comes out. Right now we have the same thinking that you have, only God’s intervention will bring the happiness we are dreaming of. The time is up. Believe me, we are now living in the last days. Up to date, all the signs of Christ’s coming have been fulfilled.
Bro. Pindurai Banda
The mind is the part of our nature that deals with knowledge. It is our rational part that absorbs data, stores information, links various bits to each other and makes decisions. If you want to build up knowledge about anything you tuck away information about it in your mind, then use it as and when you want it. Knowing God is different. You know Him with your heart. You can absorb masses of facts and ideas about Him in your mind, but it is with your heart that you know Him as a person. God promised that the exiles in Babylon would learn to know Him in a new way after they had repented, humbled themselves and sought His pardon. They would come to new knowledge of Him as a result of a change of heart, a deep self-examination and a new hunger for Him. If you have a hard or bitter heart, or one that is bent on evil you will never know God. If you harbour resentment, nurse a grudge or secretly engage in something totally contrary to God’s will, then your heart is set elsewhere than on knowing God. You can only know Him when you put Him first in everything. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mk. 12:30). That is the way to know God. Do we love Him with all our hearts?
Bro David Yelulani
God is in charge of events and everything depends on His will. People tend to respond to this truth in one of two ways: they say either, Then you can’t blame me, I am not responsible, or, There’s nothing I can do about it so I will not bother. The heart of the matter is not, Is God really in control? but, what kind of God is He? If He is merciful and gracious, then there’s no better place to be than in His hands. What Paul teaches in Rom. 9:18-20 had been clearly promised in the Jews’ own Scriptures, and confirm two points: right from the start God intended to include Gentiles in His family and, second, the true believers in God had always been a minority. In Israel, the Jews who responded to Paul’s preaching of Jesus were that remnant. Far from being puppets on a string, we are called to put our trust freely in Jesus. The Jews had become proud of their law and of their ability to obey it; they decided they could satisfy God’s demands by their own effort. The Gentiles, who had nothing to hope for, had eagerly responded to the Good News that they could be saved simply by putting their trust in Jesus Christ (Rom. 9:30-32). Lord, please especially bless all those men and women who are making a special effort to share the Gospel that was first preached to Jewish people.
Bro. Fibion Ngozi
Let us all believe that God hears our prayers. He may not answer them immediately nor in the way we would like – maybe not at all, because He knows what is best for us. I have been unwell and the medications have not worked, but I pray to God for help. The account of Hezekiah’s illness (2 Kings 20) reminds us that our time, naturally speaking, may be up, but, through prayer, our lives may be extended, in God’s mercy. Jesus told us that such signs as war, earthquakes, famines etc. would come when his coming was near. It is necessary that we prepare ourselves for this event and love and help our fellow servants. Whilst we do not know the day nor the hour, we know that Jesus will come suddenly, like a thief in the night, at a time when he is least expected.
Bro John Masumba
Note: Alas Bro John Masumba fell asleep in Christ last year, his faith was strong to the end.
Photo: Baptism at Banket
Photo: Banket Sunday School
BINDURA
May God bless you in spreading His Word, and you should keep up with the ministry to enrich and encourage brethren and sisters to grow spiritually. I felt very excited when I saw my articles published in Gospel News. It was a dream come true and I had to show it to my colleagues etc. World events sound sour ‘bitter’ i.e. the signs of the times. These are the last days; we find famine, war, the uprising of tribes etc. and starvation is a problem in our country and all over the world.
Bro. Joseph Mucheri
BULAWAYO
Thank you for the 10 Bible Basics, 12 Do Christians Need Prophets Today? and a copy of The Death of the Cross. Many thanks for your help.
Ambrose Tanyepana
CHEGUTU
I thank you for my article being in Gospel News. Another article that excited me was your comment on smoking and drinking; it was something I really appreciated. I had been discussing these topics with some of our newly baptised brothers. There has been an outbreak of cholera out here and it has claimed many human lives. It looks as though more people may die if the issue is not addressed with urgency. In our town there is poor drainage and sewage is everywhere. Despite all these problems, we keep strong and hope and pray that the coming of Jesus is near.
Bro. Richard Phiri
Gospel News is a very interesting magazine. It is one of the best magazines as it brings news from all over the world. It helps some of us spiritually because when we read it we hear of encouraging news. When I was at school my teacher used to say, “When the jacaranda tree sheds its leaves know that the end of year exams are behind the corner. When the clouds gather for rain it’s year end. Farmers and all those who have land start to prepare to plough so as to plant. So if you don’t read your books you will fail the year end exams. If you don’t prepare your land for planting nothing will come out. All the wages are at the end”. The Lord Jesus said that we must be ready all the time. Let us be found doing what the gospel says. It is said you reap what you sow. Let us all work towards the goal and get the reward at the end. The prophet Haggai 1:5-7 “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much but have harvested little. You earn wages only to put them in a purse with holes in it. You expected much but see it turned out to be little. Why? says the Lord,
Because of my house which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house”. So let us work towards the goal with great care. Some of us will not receive our wages at last because we at times are found too lazy to work for our Lord. He is loving, caring and merciful to those who know Him spiritually. So let us all get prepared for our Lord as the signs of his coming show he is at the door.
Bro Farai Phiri
Even though separated by distance, the sure hope of Israel binds us together. Things have been difficult and still are, but we rejoice in the hope of salvation which we hope will be delayed no longer. The words of Heb. 13:5-6 offer strength to us as a family of believers.
On a sad note, Sister Legina Mbewe, the wife of our late Brother Tom Chisika Bandare, has fallen asleep in Christ and we held a night service at her brother’s house where she was living since the falling asleep of her husband; he leaves two young daughters. We also conducted a graveside service during her burial. We hope we shall be with our Sister when the dead in Christ arise at his second coming. Away from sadness, Chegutu ecclesia continues to blossom; attendance is pleasing.
Bro. Itai Petro Tembo
Photo: Sis Legina arising to newness of life after her baptism.
Below: from left to right, top row Bre Tom Masimba, Student, Elisha Smoke, Innocent, Itai, Sis Hlwzip, Bro Farai. Middle row, Bro Tapera, Sis Legina, Sis Esnath, two students, Bro Tafara, Bottom row Sis Amina and students.
CHIVI
Brother, my heart feels lost if I am far away from the house of God. I am now at my rural home tilling the land for three months and I hope to return back to Bulawayo, God willing in March. While I am at Chivi I will be at Masvingo for the meeting once a month. I had to write this letter to let you know my address. Thank you for the book to help me grow better crops you sent me, it helps a lot, but there are many others that can help people who are in Africa like “Growing Root Plants With Weather in Mind.” That book is published by the same organisation.
Bro. Dzingai Sumburera
GURUVE
I am waiting for the programme of learning English and practical lessons on learning to read English, you mentioned in your letter. Brother, I will enjoy the book to read and the English lesson.
Sis. Loveness Ngunga
GUTU
As I am writing this letter to you it is raining outside my room. The rains have come rather late but it is promising to be a better season so we are working heavily on our fields. It has never stopped since it came a couple of weeks ago. Did I tell you that on 2nd October I travelled to Bulawayo where I was invited for a monthly meeting with them? I enjoyed it very much as I shared the same fellowship with them, the event I have been missing for a long time. Also on 7th October I travelled from Gutu to Masvingo where I met Bro. John and Sis. Helen Butler and Bro. and Sis. Denis Woodgate. It was a good time being together as we had a very remarkable Bible discussion. Unfortunately I missed the fraternal gathering that was held in Bulawayo as my wife wasn’t feeling well.
Bro. Tarirai Raphael Nyandoro
HARARE
Let us remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. (Peter 3:3), “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt, snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh” (Jude 19-23). My last words are from Philippians 4:4-6 “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything; by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Bro. Israel Mutunduwe
KADOMA
Thank you for the Gospel News. I just want to let you know that my employers have now left for Australia. They left me to serve the people who bought the house so I am still at the same place, carry on sending me the Gospel News, thank you. I will visit Rusape in two months time, God willing. I am fine and am working for the people who bought the house from my previous employer. Thank you very much for the book, How To Grow a Balanced Diet, I love it, I am using it now. God is looking after me. As we read in the Bible “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
Sis. Alice Mlambo
KAMATIVI
We are saddened to learn that our Sis Miriam Ncube collapsed and fell asleep in Christ on 19 January at Harare and now awaits the soon coming of our Saviour when the living and dead servants of the Lord, by his grace, will be transformed into glorious immortal beings.
KARIBA
I praise God through the Lord Jesus, our Redeemer. If we endure the present situation in the world then we shall see him when he comes with his Kingdom; this is our prayer and unshakeable hope. I thank you also for the Bible Reading Calendars for our ecclesia, but we still need four more if possible. We have started a door-to-door public encouragement to people - students and non-students. Since people have the same attitude as Paul found (Acts 17:18-21), we are strengthened. We have a good number of students and hope, God willing, some will be added to our ecclesia. May God bless us all that we may not fall back from the truth. Let us hold fast till the Lord Jesus appears with his Kingdom.
Bro. David Mhondiwa
KAROI
In one of your letters to me you asked me if I feel you should continue to write on health issues. Yes please, it is more helpful to us in poor countries where we are short of hospitals and doctors and most of the time there are no drugs at the hospitals. Articles in this direction are of paramount importance. Let us all keep doing the work of the Lord till he comes, for a good reward awaits such servants.
Bro. Marison Tafirenyika
MASVINGO
May God bless all included and forward prayers to Jesus so that this work continues and has impact to all nations. I would rather not use “pen and ink” but talk face to face, as the apostle John said (3 John 13-14). “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and he who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7-8). God showed love to us through giving His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and also through giving men to have dominion over all creatures. “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God.” (1 John 3:1). When asked which one is the greatest commandment, Jesus, in Mark 12:29-31, replied, “Love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, mind and strength.” The commandments of God show what God is and what love is. True love is putting God first and doing His will. Our life becomes worthy of God if God is the centre of all acts. Life is like a bicycle wheel and God is the hub. Don’t waste time worshipping other things, but take time to worship God because of His love.
Bro. Simon Mudavose
MUTARE
I thank you very much for the second hand hearing aids you posted me. I gave them to other children who are in need of them. Due to the poverty most parents find it difficult to buy aids for their children since they are very expensive here in Zimbabwe. We need more of the aids if you get access to them. Here is a card/snap of some of the children at the centre who are deaf and dumb. Norest is using his aid so that he can get used to wearing it. Second term he passed his examination. He got position 2 out of 35. This third term he was number 1 out of 35 I can put all these things in God’s hands because He gave me this boy for a purpose.
Bro. Stanford Masika
MVURWI
Here it is time for rain. People are busy planting their crops such as maize, sorghum, tobacco, cotton etc. The Word of God is powerful. I would like to ask you to please keep on sending me Gospel News. God will soon make war to cease everywhere when He sets up His Kingdom. All will honour Him. God will provide a covering for our sin if we seek Him in time. Salvation involves the forgiveness of sins. Righteousness can be obtained only by the grace of God and our faith in Christ.
Bro Nobert Kachasu
RIMBI
If the Master delays his return, on 12th February 2006 I will be accompanied by Bro. Admire Museba of Masvingo Rural ecclesia. Bro. Admire is showing interest in sowing the seeds of the gospel into Mozambique as well. All the Bible Basics you have sent are being put to good use. With great sorrow we report the falling asleep on 20th October 2005 of our beloved Sister Joyce Dhlakama. She now awaits the call to everlasting joy. She had been in the truth for 11 months. Joyce is my firstborn daughter. I found comfort in the word of Job, “And naked came I out of my mother’s womb and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down he fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not.”
Bro. Moses Dhlakama
ZUMBA
We do thank you so much for the Bible Basics and Gospel News which we receive smoothly. Our ecclesia has four brothers and two sisters and we are looking for more fruits from the regular contacts. We are now preparing the fields for the coming season. We hope that things are going to improve this season so that we get adequate food. Till we meet either in this life or in Jesus’ Kingdom, may God bless you.
Bro. Moses Ajiweka
