News from Africa
COTONOU
I want to use this opportunity to greet the brotherhood all over the world, as we have entered the time that draws nearer to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. More especially, I thank Duncan and Marcus Heaster and all the other brethren who take care of us here in Africa. I appreciate your effort in the work of the Master. I will not fail to mention Bro. John Woodcock, whose uplifting epistles often come to us. I see him as the living apostle Paul of old; may the good Lord see him through as he battles with life, in this our time of probation.
Generally, the things we see and hear today prove that we are living in the last days, considering what is going on in the Middle East now and the commentaries from people, one would know for sure that the Word of God is True (1 Cor.3:18-20). The mystery of the Truth is hid from the world but revealed to us. The trumpet call is going out now and only those who have spiritual ears will hear. So, no matter the situation we find ourselves, let us know that very soon the Lord will return and we shall rejoice with him, but we must keep our garments clean in order to achieve that goal.
Bro. John Eke Aduje
May the peace of our Lord be with you. We continue to preach in Masisi, which is a big city where many people live, especially many refugees, and it would be good to buy a plot of land for a meeting room. We continue to make discoveries about Christianity and breaking bread according to God’s Word. We must continue to share the bread and wine and, if we continue, we shall grow from time to time. We beg you to come on site to visit the Christadelphians of Masisi Centrale. Your presence on site would be a great encouragement. To back us up it would be desirable to send us a copy of Bible Basics in French.
Bro. Edmond Rajabu
We are delighted to announce the baptisms of OGUNDARE and BESEDI, followed on a later visit, by INNOCENT, DARE, FRED, OSUN, MICHAEL, WALTER, FEMI and SEGUN. May God bless this new ecclesia towards His Kingdom.
People seem afraid of the power of God in their lives, preferring the ways of tradition. I can see that God has made a great partnership between us and I pray it shall continue. I am trying to prepare more people to accept Christ, but in this country things are so difficult for Christians.
Bro. Ogundare
BONDO
Thanks to God, this year Sisters and youths from all corners of North Nyanza held their separate convention here at Tsondo Ecclesia. The sessions were entertaining as well as morally uplifting. We are planning that even Sunday School children should be given a chance to interact so as to enhance their social skills. What we are lacking are funds to make it a success, but we hope God will pave the way. Please send us more Sunday School materials if possible.
Bro. Vincent Odhiambo
BULIMBO
I encourage you to carry on sending me Gospel News and other pamphlets to help me understand the Bible because our beliefs are quite different from other denominations. We believe that when we die we must wait for the coming of Messiah and the resurrection. Other people think that after death they go to heaven, which is not even written in the Bible. How can we proclaim the good news through the gospel? Let all of us read our Bibles every day and refer to what we have read and make use of those readings. I ask others to take this opportunity to spread the Word of God to local people in their areas in order to work for the free gift of eternal life in the coming Kingdom of God, which will be set up on earth very soon.
Bro. Emmanuel and Sis. Sarah Joumer
BUNGOMA
I am very grateful for the books I received which will be very helpful. We are sorry that because of inflation and rising prices you are not able to do all that you would like for us. We have the same conditions here in Kenya and it seems they are worldwide. We realise that the things that Jesus prophesied, are happening in our times and when war arises the outcome is famine and hardship. I have baptised two candidates, one brother and one sister, and they have joined us this year in our fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ through the Youth Camp that our Bro. Philip Mundey from U.K. and others helped to make successful. May God bless the work that they are doing, especially in Western Kenya.
Bro. Boniface Juma
I was very pleased to receive the Bible. I thank God that He has led us through our hardships during the last year. Some of our family members have passed away but we are still breathing in and out as usual. May God, through His power, assist us in our hardships, temptations and any illness, so that we may become more pleasing in His sight.
Bro. Aggrey Muyila
Gospel News IS influencing me and helping me to grow in the faith, so it is my wish that if you can positively support me in this way my faith and knowledge will continue to develop. I was baptised last year and am still a student at High School.
Bro. Gabriel Wamalwa Werunga
I have received two books, “Woman’s Place” and “Christendom Astray”. Here in Kenya we are well apart from various problems and I am looking forward to the Kingdom of God. You have assisted me spiritually through books and prayers so that I have been able to help more people. In April, God Willing, we are goping to baptise three peoples so that they can share with us the Lord’s table, breaking of bread and partaking of the wine. I pray that our Almighty God will help us so that we direct people in the right channel.
Bro. Anasetus Khaemba
Members of Luuya Ecclelsia while in Bible Study led by Bro. Anasetus Khaemba
CHWELE
It is true that most of us do not have many books to help us in our studies. Thank you for the book on the daily readings for April to June. It is a very good book for the family when doing daily readings and I would be very pleased if there is another book available for the whole year.
Sis. Florence Wafula
ELDORET
I am confident that our Lord Jesus Christ will come to rescue this disturbed world. Thank you for coming to my aid in times of crisis. It is now a year ago since we lost our things and household goods in the political chaos in Kenya. Please pass my best regards to Colin and Margaret Quaaife for sending me a Holy Bible. Praise to the Lord, O Lord you are my God, I will exalt you, I will praise your Name, for you have done wonderful things. I do need some copies of Bible Basics in both Kiswahili and English. My prayer is to put up a building for the worship of God in ElDoret City.
Bro. Jacob Okoth
HOMA BAY
It cannot go without saying that last year we saw the hand of the Lord, because we received six contacts who passed the interview well and were baptised, therefore the number has increased in our Ecclesia. I would like to request a copy of “Bible Basics 5th edition 2008” and also “Preparation for Baptism”. Once more may I remind you of my Sunday School children and pray that they may be considered.
Bro. Mike Juma
KATITO
Many thanks for your letter and the book, udgement to Come which I find very good and stimulating. I am not well and am in dire need of help. Our Master is still away and the world has seen some remarkable events, like the new President in the U.S., P.M. Ehud Olmert flushed out in the Middle East and warfare preparations in Iran and Russia. Inflation is so high that the cost of living is unbearable, e.g. a 2kg packet of flour costs Ksh 120here in Kenya. I do agree with your comment that Armageddon is to take place after Christ’s return. I receive Present Day Events from Australia so you do not need to send it to me. It is nice of having Gospel News in a new format – short and clear type.
In Eph 4:11-16, we find that Christ divided to his flock some of the gifts. These he gave for some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, in that order; “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”. It meant that we are still immature and movable in our fullness as a body.
Many have been moved by false doctrine so they have not reached the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to grow to the stature of the fullness of Christ. It is clearly evident that each body part needs each other to make the whole body one, and we can only be ‘functional’ parts if we have deeper understanding of the Truth and are united, so that we cannot be deceived.
I am here talking with great concern the rise of Christendom. For many people, the search for scriptural truth is a constant pursuit in tandem with the rise of numerous denominations, and the need to gain divine guidance has become more pertinent than ever before. There are publications pitched on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, which remains one of the most fulfilling endeavours the Messiah vested upon Christians. The emergence of false religions with their false teaching has also spawned the rise of occults and cults, which serve as the centre of evil deceptions.
One of the greatest and most important pursuits in life is thirst for scriptural truth, be it temporal or eternal, in the form of information, knowledge or understanding. Therefore one needs to be emphatic on how important it is to recognise genuine truth, which is right, accurate, factual, real, consistent and reliable. There are many religious books ‘out there’ that claim to be truthful but they cannot stand the test of proof of truth, reliability, accuracy and Divine authorship like the Holy Bible.
Bro. Lawrence K’Owiti
KISUMU
It is my pleasure to inform my fellow brethren that Kisumu Ecclesia is existing. On behalf of the ecclesia I welcome any isolated brother or sister across Kisumu Town to join us at Jomo Kenyatta Grounds.
Bro. Richard Oduma, c/o T. Oduma, P.O.Box 2330, Kisumu, Kenya
KISUMU CITY
Warmest greetings to you. I am very happy for your encouraging effort. There are always newer pastures to work on. I was unable to find the address of the linkman for Kenya so there is a delay in getting those books and also I managed some photos, which will be ready later. I have built a new house and a nice home and took some photos beside it and one day will get them printed. I have no good job yet, only tarmacking and I go home twice a month, which leaves me with very little time for anything else but my Bible reading and writing notes. It seems I will be dying in isolation and I keep asking myself why this should be, but God is always with me.
Bro. Nelson Anyal
KITALE
Sis. Veronica Fuchaka
KOBUJOI
The notes on the signs of the times are really exciting. I do receive Present Day Events from Australia but most often, because of postage costs which are currently high, I miss out confirming. I receive the printed sheets through the post.
Thank you very much for “The Death of the Cross” by Bro. Duncan, and the other interesting literature. Thanks also for the news on the gospel work in Latvia. It is very encouraging to see brethren and sisters from various nations pooling their resources in order to enable a Bible Conference Centre there.
I managed to attend a Bible School at Songhor. It was great meeting up with several brethren and sisters from the Nyanza area and sharing together, lovingly, memories of the Truth dating back to our day of baptism up to the present time. We all seemed to have grown in the faith. It was a time to encourage each other to continue in THE WAY as we all see the approach of the coming of our Lord and Saviour.
Bro. Geoffrey Chirchir
LUBOKHA
Gospel News is very interesting and encouraging in my study. Now I am happy with my family as we improve our living standard through your effort and we also learn more from others throughout the world. Secondly, it is my great pleasure to inform you that I have an interested friend, who is very much moved, and having borrowed some of my copies would also like to receive Gospel News, if possible.
Bro. Patrick Wekesa
MBITA
Please keep on sending me books about Bible study. I found the book written about judgement very interesting. I know that the book you sent me was not my choice, but thank you and try to keep the promise.
Hello brothers and sisters worldwide, which means that we are together in the Name of Jesus Christ through baptism.
Bro. Jared Oketch
MISAKA
The eclipse of the sun, we read in Luke 23:44, “And it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.” It was a miraculous eclipse. This event is also recorded in Mark 15:33 and Matthew 27:45. Jesus Christ died on the 14th day of the lunar month of Nisan. The first day of Nisan is fixed by the appearance of the new moon.
Bro. Costa Mwape
MIWANI
True Christians must preach about God’s Kingdom. Our Lord Jesus always talked about the Kingdom of God, (Luke 8:1). The Lord commanded his disciples to preach this same message in all the earth, (Matt. 24:14; 28:19-20). True Christians believe that only God’s Kingdom will bring true peace and security to this world. (Psalm 146:3-5). Every disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ must have no part in this wicked world (John 17:16); they do not get involved in the world’s political affairs and social controversies and they avoid the harmful conduct, practices and attitudes that are common in the world (James 1:27; 4:4). In conclusion, true Christians love one another, respect the Bible and preach about the Kingdom of God.
Bro. Peter and Sis. Jane Omuny
MOMBASA
I am surrounded by Moslems in Ukunda, so if you can get me a good book concerning Moslems or any brother’s writing about Moslems changing to true Christianity, I think I could see and know the difference in their faith and in the Truth more clearly.
Bro. Edward Kunikina
MUHORONI
I thank God for the care and protection that He has shown us and for your lives and the hard work that you have been doing in ensuring that the gospel reaches all parts of the world. Our God is alive and will reward the labourers on Jesus’ return. The work needs a lot of commitment both physical and material and I pray for your lives and for the Word of God to continue. I received the New English Bible (NT) that you sent to me with a lot of joy and appreciation, I just wish it were both Old and New Testaments.
Bro. Sylvester Ariri
Thank you very much for the box of Kiswahili Bible Basics. As you have mentioned in your letter that you have a stock available, I am requesting that you kindly send them over for us, should time allow please. I wish you the very best for the work in Latvia. I would very much like to visit this wonderful Bible Study Centre one day should the Lord remain away and God willing.
Bro. Alex Abuya
MWEIGA
I received with great rejoicing the 9.90kg parcel containing “SLA-TO-MA” MYSTERY:- DELPHIAN”, for which I cannot thank you enough. More than 75 volumes of the SLA-TO-MA are now ready to reach readers for the purpose of exhortation to brethren and sisters and preaching to unbelievers to bring many to Christ in this area. All this work is done in our Lord’s Name.
According to the instruction, ‘tis in union’, which binds all the message of exhortation in our Christadelphian Hymn Book, to us as Christians; I guess you understand my point of view. Not because I want to trade, gain or benefit by this chance of writing books as some unbelieving writers do, for gain. No, no brethren. From the bottom of my heart, I fear to sin against God, I fear to risk my life.
But it is not a sin to look on both sides. The Gospel is a “gift freely given” by God, and “you give freely.” Matt.10:8. That means that every God-fearing man cannot be a gospel-gainer in any way at all. But what should we say? I guess that Bro. Paul had more foresight when he commented to the church at Corinth over this aspect, 1 Cor. 9:8-14.
In a case like this he did not intend to make a trap, which pseudo-Christians have fallen into in our day before our eyes, in the case of “Serve not our Lord, but their own belly.” Rom.16:18. Therefore, obstacles are now all over the world: the bouncing crisis of world economy, the food relief crisis and other things. This is the danger; as faithful Christians we do not like to jeopardise our lives against God or put to shame the gospel of our Lord in case that we err in rushing to the world because we must table for our everyday meals.
Bro. Lawrence Gitonga
NAIROBI
Jesus has been my reason for living and without him in my daily life I would lose the meaning and purpose of staying in this world. Jesus has a purpose and a mission for me that I have to fulfil before he comes back. The mission he has given his elect is to speak the Gospel to all creatures and teach sound doctrine. This is what you have been doing and I tell you that, as a servant of God, you will never fail to fulfil your mission and plans. Though things seem hard in England, brothers, God is bigger than your situation; when He comes in like a storm against the plains, God is raising a standard to overtake the enemy. Be still in the Lord; all the setbacks, difficulties and hardships you have been seeing, or you are encountering, the Bible clearly says in Exodus 14:13-14, “The Lord will fight for you, just be still in him.”
I have discovered something about God, it is that I do not need to struggle to make things work for me, but 2009 is the year of just trusting and obeying God and knowing and understanding Him and His mind and heart, Jer.9:23-24.
You are going to move into higher levels in ministry and preaching the gospel. You may see darkness today but I want to tell you that God is working out things behind the scenes, light is coming; where you think there is no way, that is where God is going to make a way. Your work is not in vain. You may think this is impossible but I tell you, God is watching your steps and monitoring your work. I thank God for you because you have been of great support to me in my spiritual growth and my understanding of the Word of God has improved greatly. I am not really troubled by what happens around me; what I usually say to God is to let His will be done according to His Word.
Bro. Jared Kidiga
NAKURU
Bro Samuel Wanga and a workmate at the Supermarket where he works
NDALI
May the God of heaven bless the work of your hands and those who are supporting you. I received the book entitled, Judgement to come. I have read through a quarter of the book and it has opened up new thoughts to me.
Bro. Johnstone Kaliwanga
NDHIWA
At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, which shook the prison to its foundation. At once all the doors opened and the chains fell off all the prisoners. The jailor woke up and when he saw the prison doors open he thought that the prisoners had escaped, so he pulled out his sword and was about to kill himself, but Paul shouted at the top of his voice, “Don’t harm yourself, we are all here!”
God can use you. God used Saul and changed his name to Paul (Acts13v9). So Paul wrote many letters to the believers to cheer and encourage them. His purpose was to tell them about the power of God in a believer’s life.
Sis. Dorine A. Mboya
Loving and warm greetings in the Lord Jesus, our Master. It was nice to hear from you and I am pleased to hear that you are getting others interested in helping the children. I have been struggling in my life in Christ, as it has many ups and downs, but God still tells me not to despair, so I hope that one day my efforts and objectives will be fulfilled before the coming of our Lord Jesus.
Thank you for the book on crop production. I am planning to call an officer concerned with agriculture and hold a seminar to create awareness of modern food production with the parents, to enable them to know how to care for my pupils (children). I am glad of the effort you make to pass on my cry for help to the linkman and it is my prayer that his suggestions and conclusion will pave the way for the funding of the project somehow. Many people have now heard of Christadelphians in this area through the materials you send and the project activity.
The food situation in Kenya is worsening and most children only have the porridge I supply and feed them with and when they do not have anything left to eat they look at me sorrowfully and it is very hard. That forces me to cry to my God who knows more than man. I welcome any brother or sister from anywhere in the world to fulfil my dream to give me a helping hand to produce enough for these children as it is beyond my resources. The Acocks Green Ecclesia Ndhiwa is small but active enough through God’s revelation and most of our members are young men between 24-30. We hold our Bible classes every Wednesday in each member’s house in turn.
Sis. Emmy Aseyo
SINDO
I was happy to receive the book you sent, “The Death of the Cross”. I took time to go through the topic of taking up the cross. Matt.11:29, “Come to me and I will give you rest”. Luke 14:27, “Whosoever does not bear his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke 9:23, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Matt.10:38, “And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Phil.2:8, Christ is an example of humility, “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself to become obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” 2 Tim.2:5 tells us that an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
In conclusion, Rev.2:7 refers to the one who conquers, “I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Rev.22:14, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city”.
We learn through God’s message that our Saviour, Jesus Christ, died on the cross in order to conquer sin and death and win victory by his resurrection, to be the first to get immortality. We must follow his example of humility, he who is the author of our salvation. We also look forward to being given the reward of eternal life – salvation - when he comes the second time to reign on this earth.
Bro. John Owalo Onani
SUNA MIGORI
Is it really possible that names of people once written in the book of life can be blotted out? Yes, it is possible. These are those who have received the Lord and been united with him in baptism, but at a later stage have not read his Word or had fellowship with him in prayer. Daily commitments and activities, as well as aspirations of success in this world, have choked the spiritual life and eventually they are like branches that yield no fruit and so have to be cut down and thrown into the fire to be burnt. In Rev.20:15 we read, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Brethren and sisters, we need to live in daily repentance and in the grace of forgiveness of sin. It is only the blood of Jesus our Saviour that provides for the daily cleansing of our sins and this ‘applied’ blood that reinforces the names written in the book of life. If we have no use for this cleansing blood our names will be obliterated from the book of life and at the last day we shall be separated from the Lord.
I received the book, How we got our Bible, which is an interesting book. I wish you could send some more books, especially How To Grow a Balanced Diet or Where There is No Doctor. These two books could really assist me very much. On the other hand I am doing well with my forty-lesson course. There was a delay in receiving some lessons but thank you for your efforts to write to Rachel who connected me to my personal tutor called Roy Delve, who wrote to me recently. I was to have been baptised on 6 December 2008, but James, our Chairman had an accident on his motorcycle and the Secretary, Bro. Samuel Masswa had lost his brother in a different motorcycle accident. So as you can see motorcycle accidents are very common in Kenya.
Bro. Benjamin Mwatu
Bro. Joshua Masswa, Bro. Bernard Ochotha and the father of Bro. James, our chairman, taken at a Bible Seminar at Kababu while having breakfast.
TONGAREN
Warmest greetings in the saving name of Jesus our Master and King. Thank you for your letter and all the books and documents you send to me; may God bless you in all that you do. In brief Tongaren Ecclesia has started the project for the families of MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN. The object of the project is to help the most defenceless children living in Tongaren. Our purpose is to help elevate these children from their current economic, emotional and spiritual status and to encourage them to acknowledge and honour the God of creation. This project is a Biblical response to those in need. We need donors who can supply learning aids, such as children’s Bible learning materials, Bibles and Bible lessons. Through this project we may get future Christadelphians by teaching them the truth of the Bible. By the grace of God, children need never be denied an opportunity to learn God’s Word and the grace of the gospel message.
Bro. Isaac Kapa
Photos: 1. Bro. Isaac Kapa with the Sunday School children who have been registered in the project of MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN.
2. Bro. Daniel Simiyo with the Most Vulnerable Children of Tongaren Ecclesia, consisting of more than 100 children, inside the Ecclesial building.
BALAKA
Thank you for sending me the books and lectures, which strengthen me to stand firm. I pray every day for the spread of the gospel worldwide, though I cannot travel long distances, but I pray for transport so that I may join my brothers and sisters who are doing the job, to fulfil the words in Mark 16:15-16. Life is very hard now everything is so expensive.
Bro. Eason Makwecha
When I went to Chinamwali Misson in Zomba district, on the way the bus had an accident and some people died while others were injured. I was among the injured and I stayed in hospital for two months. Since I depend on agriculture (subsistence farming) I have failed to harvest enough food and am in trouble due to hunger. Also I am failing to preach well now. Of course I am a church mouse and it does not rise from deceitful lips. Is it possible to help me, as I am lacking in health, food and money as I am in trouble? I have resolved that my words will not be sin in God’s sight, but please God that you can help me.
Bro. Harry Benito
CHIKWAWA
Thank you for what you have done for us here. It is only God in heaven giving you more days and years of life to enable you to spread the gospel. As we read in 2 Tim ch. 3, the last days of our life will be complicated with new, strange things like civil war, hunger, selfishness and the like.
Bro. Harold Temboh
Bro. Harold Temboh standing on the left with Bro. Mpezeni right and Bro. Roneck sitting.
GONDA
I greet you all in your team in the name of our beloved King. I am very happy indeed to tell you that I have received three parcels of Christadelphian literature which consist of: a box of Bible Basics, Holy Bibles and Hymn books, Judgement to Come, a Biblical discussion, ‘Signs of the Times’ leaflets and a parcel of Gospel News, Bible Reader’s Calendars 2009 and papers needing to be filled in. For all these I am very thankful because it means that God has answered our prayers about the missing parcels. I think that God corrected this problem in order to allow us to have preaching materials and to strengthen our ecclesia to be courageous. As Joshua 1:7 says, “Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law”.
I want to thank you for the notes on Sunday School lesson books and general notes on the ‘Signs of the Times’ you send us here. We had a meeting at Ntowe Christadelphian Ecclesia and Bro. Walker encouraged all present about preaching and he assured us that the day of the Lord will not come until all God’s chosen people hear His Word and are baptised. It is the work of all who receive the message, believe it and are baptised, to preach the gospel and to ask God to increase the number of preachers in these last days.
Bro Robert Folley
KASUNGU
How is your life and that of Sis. Gwladys. I hope God is keeping you well now. Here in Kasungu Ecclesia we are all fine and we have commenced this year with eight Bible students. God willing, out of this number some will be baptised. The Sisters’ Bible Class have just reminded me that there is another book which I wish I could read and that is “Beyond Bible Basics”. I remembered this when I saw our sisters in Kasungu studying Bible Basics. God has blessed me because some time ago I was in isolation but now I am praying with brothers and sisters and moreover we have an ecclesia here. Very wonderful!
Bro Harmony Ntchalachala
LILONGWE
I want to write about Colossians. About ten times in the epistles Paul talks about praying without ceasing. Clearly it does not mean that Paul did nothing else but pray. What it does mean is that whatever he was doing, saying, writing or thinking was always accompanied by prayer. In Col.1:3, Paul has the brethren and sisters at Colosse in his mind. Col.4:2-3, It is not for everyone to be a missionary, certainly not in the way Paul was, but all of us have things we can do in service to the Lord. It is important that we all acknowledge what each one can do and we ask in prayer for God’s help and support for one another as Paul here asked his brothers and sisters to pray for him. Col.4:12, notice he is said to be labouring fervently for them in prayer, wrestling in prayer is the idea. The prayer he offered on their behalf was that they might “stand perfect, complete in all the will of God.” It is a prayer we could well offer for each other. Do we really desire that our brothers and sisters might be successful in working out their salvation? Do we pray that they will? This is the way of Epaphras.
The epistle also contains some examples of Paul’s actual prayers. It is easy to miss that they are prayers because they are mixed in with the rest of what he has to say. This is an example to us of the way in which practical thoughts, meditation and prayer can and should all blend together as we think about the way we can help each other grow in grace before God.
There are two examples: one is in Col.1:9-13 and the second is in Col.2:2. Notice how each prayer does not actually come to a full stop but goes on into a meditation about the importance of the Lord Jesus Christ, how we are in him and the great blessings we have through him. Let us consider the first prayer more closely. The prayer begins by asking that we might be filled with a growing knowledge of the will of God. The purpose of prayer is that we might know the will of God and co-operate with it. As Ezra and Isaiah have taught us, we need to get to know what God has revealed and tremble at His Word. When we pray we are not so much making God listen to us, but making ourselves ready to hear His Word.
Bro. Finley G. Nkomelah
MZUZU
Many thanks for the parcel of tapes and books which I received a week ago. I have already listened to some of the tapes and the messages are very encouraging. As I am writing this letter, we are remaining with just a day to close the year 2008. While looking ahead to the New Year, we should at the same time be thinking of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. God willing, as we begin the New Year let us also consider how we have walked in the Lord this year that is just ending. Do we still have the burning zeal in looking forward to the Master’s coming? If not, let us pull up our socks in the New Year to match up to our first love for Jesus.
Bro. Sylvester Tembo
We are still working hand in hand, battling and we are still in that battlefield. We don’t lose hope for we know that one day we shall rejoice and sing in the Lord. I have only received one book – Christendom Astray from the Bible. If there is still the opportunity of other books, may you please consider me for some, except Bible Basics and Women in the Church, which I already have. I will be happy if there are any other books.
Fertilizers have doubled in price. Last year’s harvest was very bad because only a few farmers grew maize, but many of them grew tobacco which is their Malawian reliable cash crop and due to this problem we still expect a little hunger which always happens during these seasons.
Bro. Dutch Mphayah
NENO
We had suspected cholera cases where the people who are interested Christadelphian contacts are. Then my office provided me with transport to go to investigate and tell the people measures of control. I then met two of the contacts who are teachers at a primary school. I asked them whether they are continuing with the Bible Basics book and they said yes. I then gave them the leaflets you sent and the Introduction to Bible Basics and urged them to continue and strengthen the other seven families to continue praying.
I still have the Israelis here at Neno and we discuss their belief in Judaism and they provide me with information from the Wikipedia. Bro. Tony Benson, the editor of the ‘Testimony’, had an article about Wikipedia in one of the magazines and it is true that we should take care of what is written in Wikipedia. I agree with him because there are Ashkenazi Jews who say they are originated from the sons of Japeth, after the flood who are mentioned in Gen.10 and when we read Gen.11 we find the real origin of the Jewish nation from Abraham and that continues to Gen.12. I therefore find it difficult to believe that the Gen.10 people are Jewish. If possible can you find more information about them. It seems to me that they don’t know much about their Bible. They do not read the Bible on their own; they believe only what they were told by someone who they think knows much.
I think we should put much effort to preach to people and I know the effort is already there. When I again visit these people who are interested I will let you know and I hope you will write to them using the address I have given you for a back up.
Bro. A.D. Liwawa
NSANJE
Thank you for the Gospel News and “The Death of the Cross”. We had a meeting with our friends from Chislidi, which we enjoyed but unfortunately we are lacking Chichewa Bibles. Could you please help us because our common language is Chichewa and Christians here need Chichewa Bibles for easy reading.
Bro. M.P. M’Gundeni
RUMPHI
I am devoted to the defence of the Gospel, edification of the household of faith and to maintaining purity.
Bro. Luke Chawinga
SALIMA
I am busy working in the groundnut field. Rains are now with us and I am hoping to send you photographs of both maize and groundnut fields in the near future. Thanks for the books you sent me: Christendom Astray and The Devil explained in the Bible. They are comprehensive and give me more depth of understanding in the Scriptures.
Bro. Austin F. Nyirenda
SINYALA
God does hear us when we pray. To pray is to talk to God, to enjoy fellowship with Him, to come close to His throne. There we speak to Him with simple words that come from our hearts. We worship Him and make our requests to Him. Whoever has a heart that is cleansed from sin by the blood of Jesus and is yielding to the will of God has the privilege of praying. If the person does not meet these requirements he may confess his sin to God. If his repentance is real, God will hear his prayer and cleanse his heart. The Bible says in Heb.4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of NEED.” Since the Bible says that there is but one Mediator between God and us, all our prayers to God need to be made through Jesus.
I humbly appeal for your kindness to send reading glasses for Bro. Daniel Banda, Lens clear +2.50. He is failing to read the Bible as his eyes are not good. May the Almighty be with you in all effort to spread his Word.
Bro. Henderson M. Sosola
TENGANI
Bro. Brown Ketche’s family
THYOLO
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ I would like to thank you a lot for all the good things that you did for me. I thank you also for the encouragement you give me from the United Kingdom through sending me Gospel News. May we not forget to read the Bible ans meet together as written in Heb.10:25. If Chichewa Bibles are still available please try to send one to me to help my study.
Bro. S. Lombe
ZOMBA
Thank you for the new edition of Bible Basics for Moslems as well as the news updates which I found interesting and helpful. Here in Malawi from January to February every year, we always experience hunger and now people are starving indeed. The parcel of maize flour we use and buy each day we call a “Walk Man” meaning a small packet, which is equal to 1-1 and a half kg. that a man put in his pocket to take home. But God cannot leave His people alone, hopefully He will provide something better. All these signs, such as famine, floods, wars, earthquakes and so on fulfil the conditions of the last days, which point forward to the return of our Lord Jesus. The babies are growing healthier, as well as their mother, even the first born son, Frank, they are all feeling better.
Bro. Kenneth Maganger
I appreciate and thank CAT very much, for all the great job that it is doing in spreading God’s Word throughout the world. I sincerely wish that God will bless CAT. even more spiritually and financially and that you will always be successful in every field of activity. I am thankful to receive Gospel News as I am happy to read good news from other brethren and sisters in Christ.
Sis. Pinky Seetaram
If we look for some exhortation from the Bible we have some contradiction on this matter. For example, Col.2:20-22 and Col.2:8, Gen.19:26, to remember Lot’s wife, also 2 Cor.6:14-18 etc. I want to have your exhortation on this point please. May the Lord keep you well and bless you for your answers. I receive my Gospel News regularly and it is very interesting to know the news of all brethren and sisters in the world. Thank you for your good work to my spirituality.
Bro. Guy Jhureea
On behalf of the Mozambican Christadelphian congregation I write to acknowledge receipt of ten English Bible Basics, assorted magazines and other literature. I send my sincere thanks and I believe this will help us so much in our Bible studies. Using the same opportunity, I report having received ten mosquito nets for our brothers and sisters here in Mozambique from the CBM. This shows us how the Christadelphian family care for our health and they will help significantly to combat the malaria epidemic which is very common in our area. Lastly, I would like to inform you that whenever sending me any parcel please can you use the following address: Aaron Mhlanga, c/o Moses Dhlakama, PO Box 320, Chipinge, Zimbabwe. I thank you for posting literature to me. If possible with the next post please can you help me with an English/Portugese dictionary. Thank you.
Bro. Aaron Mhlanga
ABA
The Ecclesia has made great progress in propagating the Truth inside and outside the State as well as public and Sunday Radio Broadcasts.
(Photo). The baptism of Bro Joseph Onwukwe
CALABAB
I write to inform you that all your letters have reached my hands: Present Day Events, Christendom Astray from the Bible, and Gospel News. Thank you very much for your kindness in keeping me informed on present day world news. I expect to hear from you soon and extend my greetings to other brothers and sisters in the Truth.
Bro. Igani U. Eteng
IKWUEKE
I was very pleased to hear from you and thank you for the excellent books from you in the whole armour of spreading the Truth. I understand that Gospel News has reached all over the world. With all the books, we too must be busy workers for our Lord and gather the sweet honey of His Word to grow by it. We must be brave also in defending it from robbers, wise as serpents, harmless as doves; the time is passing quickly.
Bro. Friday E. Enyiogu
Photo: A time of excitement at Ikwueke
I thank you for the excellent Gospel News that you send to me and pray for your wellbeing. Sis. Victoria sends her love, along with Ikwueke Ecclelsia, in our one hope in Christ Jesus.
Bro. Chituru Ogbonna
CANDU
Bro. Templeton Mdludlu of the Candu Ecclesia in South Africa asked us to print these pictures taken on Easter Sunday morning, April 12, 2009. He would be pleased to see them included in an upcoming copy of Gospel News. The first picture shows Bro. Templeton with Sisters-to-be Mirriam Jevu and Nozulo Bula, standing beside the pool in Durban, SA, before they were baptized. The second shows Bro. Templeton baptizing Sis. Mirriam Jevu. The right hand of fellowship and breaking of bread followed, as part of the annual Easter Conference in South Africa.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time, though for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1: 3 - 7
KEMPTON PARK
We rejoice with Bro. Obed on the baptism into our Lord Jesus, at Kempton Park ecclesia, of his wife, Mrs. Betty Mafifi. May our gracious Lord bless our new Sister and may she and our Brother Obed be a source of strength to each other and the ecclesia in their walk to His Kingdom. .
LIMPOPO
The baptism of Bro. Charlie Golele.
YEOVILLE
Yeoville ecclesia rejoiced at the baptisms of Brother Julio Silva, and Sisters Melody Masiraha and Dede Bindamuaka.
DAR ES SALAAM
First of all I thank you for all the scripts you have been sending to me. My concern is that I used to pursue a correspondence course with Mrs. Liz Robinson, but I got some immigration cases, which caused me to be jailed for two years which interrupted my Bible studies. Now, I have lost all contact with Mrs. Liz. Could you please help me to get my tutor’s address as I lost many of my items including my papers about the Bible.
Ernest Shindano
MBEYA
Receive many greetings of love and peace from me personally, from my family of six people, from my neighbours and from over fifty who attend my evening Bible Class, which I conduct here in my home. I received your lovely mailbag with all the wonderful contents. What a surprise! I am particularly impressed by the most wonderful Study Bible, which is very rare in Tanzania and it is the only kind of book like it in this southern part of Tanzania; many people wonder how I got it. It is helping me a great deal in my Bible correspondence course.
I have learned of the death of Bro. Bernard’s wife and I am also sending him a letter to encourage him as he is going through a period of sorrow. We all have to face death, but so long as we die in Christ we are sure to be resurrected.
Ewaldi Mushi
MOROGORO
Bro Joctor Rufano when he was at the Teacher’s College
MUSOMA
We are all fine and are planning to have another branch in Buhemba in Musoma rural,This will be uplifting spiritually. May God bless you, and looking forward to hearing more from you soon.
The days are quickly flying - how much nearer we are to the reality of all our hopes and dreams. What glorious things are promised to those who love God! No more pain, sorrow, doubt or fear; no more hunger or thirst; freedom from the temptations of the flesh; knowing always the right thing to do and say; being able to help those in trouble; and can you imagine seeing the Creator’s Son face to face? Nothing that we worry about now will matter at all in that moment.
Be brave and strong for He is with you always in every way.
Sis Monica Achieng
Sis Monica and her two children Kevin and Bev
USAGARA
Photo: Usagara Ecclesial members and children.
BUGIRI
I told you a while ago that I have a boy named Morgan Marcus Heaster. He is my last-born up to now and he is your name sake. He is now two years old. I gave him your name because of the brotherly love we share and so, dear brother, you may be able to see his photo sometime. The purpose of this letter is to let you know that I have not received Bible Basics in Kiswahili yet but I do not know how long it takes by sea mail.
Bro. Samuel Mukisa
BUSIA
I was glad to see my article printed in Gospel News. I have a question to ask and I need your guidance. We all know that Adam had two sons, Cain and Abel, and later on Cain killed Abel. The Bible talks of incest as a sin but how did the children of Seth and Cain come about? Also, who are the twenty-four elders that the Bible talks about?
Bro. Peter Mugeni
KIGANDALO
I have been away from my ecclesia for almost three months but I was able to attend the Ugandan Youth Camp. It was a very uplifting Camp although there are not enough occasions like this as there are a great number of young people needing this sort of event. This means that in Uganda the number of Christadelphians is increasing, so we still need spiritual books to enlarge our preaching. My regards go to Bro. Mayende, Bro. J.J. and Sis. Savanah, who helped mostly during the youth camp and the U.K. team, Bro. Richard Janes, Joni and Sis. Esther. We hope they will come back again. May God bless you all abundantly and may he keep you like Daniel in the lion’s den.
Bro. Samuel Onyango
Bro. Samuel Onyango at Entebbe International Airport.
MBALE
Every human being tries to find a way by which he or she can be reconciled to God/a god, i.e. Each person wishes to find a way whereby he/she can escape the awful punishment for his sins. Pharoah used magicians to try to solve the awful problem by convincing himself that the God the Israelites worshiped was inferior to the Egyptian gods Ex.5:2. Actually Pharoah and his group can be described as atheists, or agnostic. The Egyptians had designed visible gods, which they worshipped, hence they had no knowledge of the living God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who sent Moses.
Today, we are also living in a world where people have designed their own gods, e.g. the Buddhists, while others look at planets and stars to worship. Some others have no connection with the Bible to support their religion as a means to salvation! Actually about one third of the world’s population describe themselves as ‘Christian’. Indeed each and every religion today, whether very slightly related to the Bible or apparently quite true to the Bible, claims to be the most correct to lead its followers to salvation. e.g. Roman Catholics, Baptist, Reformed, Presbyterian, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, etc. I thank God that I am a Christadelphian. Brothers and Sisters, know that God chose Israel to be His people, not the Egyptians, hence the power of the magicians was null and void, just as God has chosen you and me. Eph.1:3-5, Rom.9:15, etc. Therefore, dear Christadelphians, we need never lose our hope of salvation because God has a plan to save us in His own time. Lam.3:26, Ps.62:5-8.
Thank you for passing on my request to Bro. John Matthias. In Uganda life is not easy, indeed the situation is hard for me and I have nowhere to turn. Imagine now, we are approaching a season to plant crops but I have no money to buy seeds! Actually, it is now ten years since I finished my studies and have been looking for a job but all in vain, yet I am a qualified secondary school teacher of Geography and Economics. In Uganda, the Army is recruiting more staff, where training and deployment is government sponsored, yet I who underwent training as a secondary school teacher, at a cost, is living miserably unemployed! Job 6:13; 21:6-14. Anyway, include me in your prayers to find God’s favour as the situation is really hard, especially hunger, sickness, shelter and isolation. I thank my God who has sustained and protected me for this long; give honour and glory back to Him.
I have a female student whom I wish to send to the brothers and sisters in Suume Ecclesia this month for baptism. Let us patiently wait for Christ’s return. God bless you.
Bro. Patrick Kukuya
MBARARA
Here in Mbarara ,we are very well and honored to be co-workers in the work of God with people who are very many miles away from us. We are happy for the work you and others have contributed to the lives of people in all circles of life, especially spiritual; thank you too, for Gospel News you send to me. I have changed my address to P.O.Box 885 Mbarara, Uganda.
Bro Sunday Moses
Here in Mbarara ecclessia we are doing well and the youth all over Uganda, because we last met in Jan. 2009 for a week of spiritual renewal session called the Youth camp. It was a wonderful time for all the young people to get to know each other so that they don’t think they are alone in the work of God. My new address is the one of the ecclessia, that is Bro George Mayimba, Mbarara Ecclesia, P.O Box 885, Mbarara, Uganda.
CHINSALI
I wish to t hank you for Gospel News, and I would like you to know that it has become the first book on my bookshelf, after my house was burnt to ashes by unknown people. This happened due to my different belief which I have in the Christadelphian faith; to those who are Trinity believers every Christadelphian is deemed a Satanist here.
This happened when I went to attend the funeral of our Bro Joel Mutale who fell asleep recently after a long illness. He has left a wife and eight children. On my way back after the burial, I found my house completely burnt with everything in it. I couldn’t believe that this had happened, but now I have come to understand that we have trials. This has been a great blow to me and my family, but I still remain in faith and pray for comfort and spiritual guidance. Furthermore, I wish to thank God that I was not indoors – if I was in the house it could have caused my death. The Lord God be praised for evermore.
Bro. Charles Kangwa
CHIPATA
I would like to thank you for your effort in producing such a wonderful publication. It is my hope that many, through the knowledge acquired will benefit greatly in spiritual growth. May the Lord of mercy bless you all in this challenging mission.
Sis. Esther Mbewe
FRINGILLA
Last year was a bad year for me in the sense that I underwent serious illness, such as shortness of breath, chest pains and body weakness. I was bedridden from August to November 2008. When I went into hospital I was told that I had Asthma. Immediately I was introduced to drugs for this disease.
However, from December and January good fruits have been shown, and this is the indication that God’s hand has already touched me. Therefore I would like to tell brothers and sisters around the globe that I am well and looking forward to God continuing to bless me that I may stay in good health, as now.
Brethren and sisters, let’s prayerfully read the Bible on a daily basis; God’s hand is not short. If we remain faithful, God will richly bless us.
Bro. Ignatius Chilikwa
KABOMPO
I and members of my household greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The atmosphere with us is as when the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, like ‘men who dreamed, mouths filled with laughter, tongues with joy,’ and our brethren ‘have seen the mercies and love of our Heavenly Father upon us. The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy. That we may sow in tears, but will reap with songs of joy. We are going out weeping, carrying seed (the word of God) to sow. ‘We will meet the Lord in the air with joy soon,’ whether we sleep in the Lord or meet him first before falling asleep. (Psalm 126 and 1 Thess.4:13-18)
I am looking forward to reading the book on AIDS once it is published and you have a chance to send me a copy, for God willing, I hope to translate it into my mother tongue (Luchazi) for students and believers alike to read in the local language they understand. I am grateful for the books, ‘The Death of the Cross,’ ‘Preaching the Word,’ and all the study materials you have sent me. I am very encouraged. I now feel that all I have passed through has been for my correction, instruction and guidance on my way to the Kingdom. My desire is to preach until I sleep in the Lord, or meet him in life when he comes.
I have begun preaching at my farm, Lelavana Farm, and I am asking you to pray for me and those who are hearing the word of God, that our Heavenly Father may save some by faith in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The word of the Lord accomplishes His purpose whenever it is preached. This is why I desire to preach wherever I am, in whatever circumstance. I do not look at what I am by the flesh, but what I am in Jesus Christ who is in me. I sing praises to my Lord, meditate on his word in whatever situation. My mind is on the things our Heavenly Father has reserved for us on the day the Lord shall come - heavenly things, not of the flesh. This makes me feel I should not dwell in town or city, but in the typical rural areas, tilling the land and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Dear brother and sister, kindly find some sister who can personally take the responsibility of teaching my daughter Sarah Kaambeu: she has completed grade 12; and my niece Briniah Masaku, she is in grade 11 at High School. Sarah is your sister in the Lord, she was baptized in 2005 by the late Brother Nelson Bwalya, but Briniah has just joined our family in Kabompo from Mufumbrere I am sending you their addresses.
Bro. Reuben Kaambeu
I wish to greet all Sunday School students, and tell you about Noah. Why did Noah find favour in the eyes of the Lord God? Let’s read Genesis 6:8-9, and 7:1 ‘The Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.”’
Shall we say that only Noah found favour? He did at that time, but we also can find favour if we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that God sent him to die for our sins. Read John 8:24 and 7:38. Everyone who believes that Jesus Christ is our Saviour, can find favour with the Lord, as did Noah, who was righteous in his generation. 1 John 5:1, 4-5.
Sis Gracious Kufuna
My old bicycle is badly damaged and broken beyond repair. Now I am walking with all my family to Kabompo main ecclesia. The bicycle was helping me carry my young children to the ecclesia, but now it is damaged it is not possible and I have to carry them on my shoulders. My wife, your sister, can’t carry two children as she has a new baby, and it is a long distance from where I live to the main ecclesia – it’s 15km. So I would be grateful if you could help me to buy another bicycle to help the seven members in my family.
Bro. Goodson Kufuna
I am sorry for sending the photo for the Second North-Western Bible School so late, this is due to delays with the photographer. The chief speaker was Bro. Dennis Kombe from Ndola, who is our national secretary.
Brother, I am writing this letter during an asthma attack, which has now lasted three months. After taking a lot of medicine in 1997 the disease seemed to have gone, but now it has started again. I ask brothers and sisters world-wide to pray for me: I believe with God nothing is impossible.
The ecclesia is assisting in replying to students.
Bro. Charles Muhupu
Second N.W. Bible School, August 2008.
KABWE
I will be very glad if my letter finds you in good health, as it has left me here. I received your letter, together with books. Although the books which I requested had all gone, all the same it is good and nice that you have sent me some others. Please continue doing so, God willing.
Since you started sending me Gospel News and other literature, I have learned a lot of things, that’s where we can learn what is happening in other ecclesias, and what they are doing. I have been moving from one place to another looking for employment. You know things nowadays are much more difficult, so you have to work extra hard in order to survive.
Last year I missed Bible School but this year, if God is willing, I will be there, because that’s where I know brothers and sisters from different countries or towns, and that’s where we learn a lot of things. Life is so hard, but God is great and controlling everything, since He is the one who created all things, and we are in the last days.
Bro. Greenwell Kunda
KAFUE
I am very grateful for the ‘Christendom Astray from the Bible’ book you sent to me and I would like to ask you to assist me with another book called ‘The Last Days,’ written by Duncan.
Our way of life is the best way of preaching to most people around us. The word of God, which is already working in us will effectively produce fruit which will yield salvation.
By the grace of the Almighty we have started building our meeting hall; brothers and sisters help with the project once a week. We are appealing to all brothers and sisters who can assist us with building material for the hall.
Bro. Josiah Siane
I have received a book you sent me, thank you very much, the book is becoming helpful to me. I am requesting a DVD, ‘The Revelation in One Hour,’ I think it will be very helpful to me to teach others. I would be very happy if you could send me any suitable DVDs. Also ‘2,600 years: Daniel and the Revelation – A Brief History of God’s World.’
I have a question on how a Christadelphian brother or sister should dresss: what does the Bible say on this? I need your help on this matter. Thank you.
Sis. Moment Mazyamuna
Happily Almighty God will bring an end to all adversity very soon (Isaiah 25:8; Rev.1:3; 21:3-4). In the meantime, He shows that He really cares for us by providing ‘instruction’ and ‘comfort from the Scriptures,’ so that we can cope with trials now, as we look forward to that wonderful future just ahead. (Rom.15:4; 1 Peter 5:7). At that time those who are upright in God’s eyes will enjoy unending life in a new world, free from every form of adversity. (Psalm 37:29, 37).
Bro. Lotson Kayuni
KASAMA
My young brother has an old-fashioned video/audio set which can play tapes, VCDs and DVDs. He is Catholic, but there is potential for preaching, for he and his family do read and learn our expositions. He invites us at times for discussion. My request is that you may send us any information using the forms mentioned above. This home of seven members can be a good springboard for the word of God, by His grace and will. (1Pet.3:20; 2Pet.2:5)
In spiritual terms the Bible (God’s word), has always symbolically associated gold with tested faith. (1Pet.1:7). How do we relate this to Dan.2:32?
Logos Vol.75 #3, Dec.2008 pp.122 (Millennial Temple): the passage suggests the temple will be physical, which a sister like me, fails to understand. In contrast, the following passages seem to suggest something spiritual: John 2:19; 1Cor.3:16; 1Pet.2:5; Heb.3:5-6; Rev.3:12 and Rev.21:22. I would like to have your views on this, and please as you always do, some notes where possible.
Sis. Christine Simpanzye
Trusting all is well with you, I would like to let you know that if things go well and God is willing, I hope to start a carpentry workshop, which could help me make a living. If possible would you kindly, help me by sending the prices of suitable tools which I need to purchase. Tools here in Zambia are very expensive – that’s why I want to consider buying them from the U.K.
Bro. Joshua Mushili
KAZEMBE
When studying the Truth, I used Bible Basics seriously, together with the KJV Bible which I borrowed from the nearest brother. Now the Kazembe Ecclesia has moved from Kasumpa School to Mbereshi. I have remained isolated near Mangamu, but every Sunday I walk all the way to Mbereshi and take part in the Breaking of Bread and exhortations. Could you please send me another Bible Basics together with the Gospel News as these are essential to me for regularly revising and studying.
Bro. Vincent Mwenje
KITWE
I would like to make some comments on the topic ‘The Devil’. Firstly, because the word ‘devil’ is found many times, but in the New Testament only. Secondly, because many people talk about it in Christian circles as well as in non-Christian circles. Thirdly, because many people believe that the devil is a fallen angel.
Collins Gem Dictionary describes ‘devil’ as a personified spirit of evil, or a person of wickedness.
Let us look at Matt 4:1-11, bearing in mind that “Jesus was given the Holy Spirit without limit” (John 3:34), so that although he could have allowed himself to be moved from place to place by an evil person, here this happened in the mind of Jesus, in his thoughts.
The word ‘devil’ is an abstract noun, so that it is a ‘naming’ word expressing an idea, not a material thing. Examples are: knowledge, truth, efficiency, honour. An abstract noun is the name of a thing which you cannot see, hear, taste or touch. You cannot pick it up and walk with it. It exists in the mind. In another sense, ‘devil’ means ‘sin’ (and the word ‘sin’ is another abstract noun).
The passage in Matthew 4:11 shows clearly that Jesus was tempted by his fleshly nature but overcame it. The Bible says that he was tempted (Hebrews 4:15) in every way, just as we are – yet without sin. Therefore the word ‘devil’ is what we call sinful human nature and cannot be a fallen angel.
In our family lives as well as in the ecclesial body, we should follow Jesus’ example, and not be followers of our fleshly desires. We should always listen to the word of God which abides in us, as it did in Jesus.
Bro Robert Mpundu Niwele
LUSAKA
I was thrilled to read the transcript of the public debate, “Are the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit possessed today?”
Primarily, let me ask the question, if the Holy Spirit works in people who claim so, why then do they belong to different religions? Often these are the people who have disagreed with one another at some time for reasons better known to themselves, and have gone to form splinter churches with different doctrines, yet God is a God of order, not of disorder, and of peace. (1 Cor.14:33)
Even for those so-called ‘miraculous healings’, are they really from God? Jesus and the apostles remained united through and through – an indicator that God was with them.
To modern healers money seems to play a prominent role in apparent healings. So many people go to them with tokens of appreciation in the form of material wealth, including money. They have amassed a lot of wealth through their so-called gift of healing by receiving tokens in this way. By contrast, Jesus never collected money or any form of wealth from people whom he healed. On occasion, he even provided for them. (Matt.15:38) When Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, he told them: ‘Cure the sick people, raise up dead persons, make lepers clean, expel demons. You received freely, give freely.’ (Matt.10:8) Why are the practices of modern-day healers so different from those of Jesus?
In his famous Sermon on the Mount Jesus said religious imposters would say to him, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not perform many powerful works in your name?’ Yet he would reply: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matt.7:22-23).
The genuine miraculous healings recorded in the Christian scripture clearly identified Jesus and the apostles as being from God. (John 3:2, Heb.2:3-4) Jesus’ miraculous cures also supported the message he preached: ‘He went round throughout the whole of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the kingdom and curing every sort of disease.’ (Matt.4:23)
Such powerful works, or gifts of the spirit, passed away with the death of Jesus and the apostles and any to whom they passed on the gifts. The apostle wrote: ‘Whether there are gifts of phophesying, they will be done away with;’ (1Cor.13:8). Why? Having accomplished their purpose – identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah and the Christian congregation as favoured by God – such powerful works, including healing, are no longer needed; they are ‘done away with.’
Still, Jesus’ miracles of healing have an important message for us today. If we pay attention to and exercise faith in what Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God, we can look forward to the time when inspired prophecy will be fulfilled both spiritually and physically. “No resident will say, ‘I am sick.’” Isa.33:24, 35:5-6.
Bro. Francis Mukabe
Before I came to the Truth I did man’s things, which I should not have done. But I listened when God said to me, ‘Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’ So my dear and beloved brothers and sisters, as persons we are sinful by nature. However, God has been so merciful to us and given us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins in order to make us clean. That is why it is stated in the Bible that Jesus was pierced for our sins and also bruised for our iniquities.
Bro. Aaron Salamo
MUFULIRA
God wants us to look to His word and see that life in Christ is good. We love, and pray to thank our Father for everything we receive, otherwise the problems of this world will just make us weak in the Truth.
So we have to go on loving one another – no-one may say ‘stop giving to your brother, because here on earth we are facing more trials’ : in this way we need to make our life acceptable. We must love one another with the love which made Christ offer himself on the cross.
Bro. Charles Daka
NDOLA
There is among us those who want the Magazine to cease, and I say it is not the will of the Lord to give them the authority to say it will not go ahead. If it is God’s will the brothers who don’t want that the Magazine continue will be striving against the Lord.
I pray to the Lord God that He will help you always, as you are working in difficult times, to publish the magazine, and I trust in the Lord God through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, that He will not fail to help you in this work. I pray that the Magazine will go ahead to the end of the age.
Bro. Harris Ndonga
What is faith? This question is not simple to answer, but one has to read the Bible widely and be able to understand it. Read Heb 11:1. ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ Read also Matt.9:20-26. A woman suffered from a discharge of blood for 12 years – what did she do? She sought Jesus Christ our Saviour. This woman had great faith because she knew that if she touched the garment of Jesus she would be healed. Read Luke 7:50. The faith of the Centurion: he heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. Read Heb.11:6, where it says ‘without faith it is impossible to please God.’ Therefore let us draw near to God and believe in Him. Remember James 2:14-17 where it says ‘faith without works is dead.’
Bro. James Mwanza
BINDURA
I thought I had been abandoned once and for all, by you not posting any articles to me to indicate that we are still together in the boat of Christianity. It’s actually a long journey to make. Now I’m feeling reassured by your sharing the word of God with me. May God bless you that you may never get tired, and blessings will be poured like manna from Heaven.
I am sorry for my late reply, and it is beyond description to explain the reason, since I am looking for food – especially maize cob and seed maize for planting. Every time we wish to buy, the prices of the commodities are increasing at an escalating rate. However, that has been prophesied in the Bible, that there will be an uprising of nations, starvation, etc. All these things are occurring time after time.
We as Christians should pray fervently that we will be enabled to overcome temptation. Jesus himself overcame all temptation and he knew what was going to happen. Furthermore, we should live like him, firmly strong, so that we cannot be eroded by run off water. This is the time to reform, whether our Christianity is weak or strong. Our situation requires God’s intervention (i.e. involvement) so that everything happens according to His will and purpose. That’s how it has been planned. In life we are supposed to experience complications to have a ‘story,’ but as time proceeds, better changes start to be felt. God himself has a purpose for this suffering.
Bro. Joseph Mucheri
CHINHOYI
Romans is filled with messages for us. We are all sinners, but God has provided the way of deliverance from sin’s bondage by sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross. Through faith in Jesus we receive the gracious gift of eternal life. Sin goes back to the fall of Adam and Eve, and it enslaves all of us and brings death as its wages (Rom6:23). As we read Romans we discover both the power of sin in our lives and our need for salvation. “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” (Rom.4:7-8)
Sis. Margaret Nyoni
CHIPINGE
The word of God is moving smoothly in the area of Chipinge Ratelshoek, with many Bible students all doing their lessons well, and some of the students are about to complete their final lessons and are wishing to be baptised. With the help of Brother Rhobson of Bulawayo and other Christadelphians around Chipinge, the work of God is in an advanced stage. A photo of the Bible students will be sent, God willing, as soon as we have organised it.
Bro. Farai Makandeni
I would like to thank God for the gift of life. He enabled us to enter another year. Right now we are busy on farms. The rains came very late but so far we have a good amount of rainfall which was supposed to give us a bumper harvest if the inputs were to be found in the market. We cannot blame our Heavenly Father this time for the poor harvest we are to have – it’s due to our own actions. That is why we are always looking forward to the second coming of the Lord Jesus.
The signs of the times are pointing forward to Jesus’ imminent return to restore all the mess we have made of dear mother Earth, resulting in climate change of which we are all responsible.
Bro. Moses Dhlakama
Photo: Chipinge Ecclesia with Bro. Steven Moore (UK).
CHIREDZI
I have received some Bible Basics which I am sharing with other brethren and sisters, including students, in our ecclesia. I would be pleased if you will continue with your supply of reading materials.
"The Lord formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul” (Gen.2:7). He created male and female in his own image, they were made living souls
(Gen.2:22-24).
They were the first people to live in the garden of Eden; Adam and Eve living happily with everything, without knowing that their number one enemy was coming. God commanded them not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for the day they ate of it they would surely die. Here comes the enemy: the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die”. The woman responded to the serpent’s temptation and both Adam and Eve sinned. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord”. So sin – which brings death - is our number one enemy – it takes our beloved ones – children, husbands, wives, friends, mothers and fathers and leaves us with a lot of grief.
The only hope of defeating this enemy is to be baptised into Christ our Lord, because he is also the enemy of death. 2 Tim.1:10: “our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel”. He died on the cross and defeated sin and death when he rose on the third day. So when we believe, repent and are baptised we can be made like him in his Kingdom to come here on earth, with its capital city, Jerusalem.
Bro. Abel Dumbu
CHISHUMBA
One thing men neglect, is prayer, which heals sore hearts, protects the failing, gives courage and confidence. Not forgetting the hungry, with prayer their stomachs are filled with everlasting food and the thirsty are given the word of God, which is like cold water quenching their thirst.
I am a happy man, like David, for the confidence I hold in Christ. It is never wandering. Despite living in isolation I smile when the thought of God pops in my mind, because it reminds me ‘I am never alone’ – I have his strength backing me always. Through prayer we talk to Him. He hears every prayer and replies to everyone as they pray.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who sits at the right hand of our Father, is our Mediator. When we pray to God we don’t need to forget Jesus and go straight to God. He advised us that Jesus is “the way”. Through him, Jesus, we will go to the Father. So in prayer, let’s not forget to ask our Mediator to seek mercy on our behalf, to help us by carrying our prayer to the Father.
Bro. Steven Tedza
I have much pleasure to write to you for the first time. How are you? I am still alive and kicking.
I am writing from Chishumba Ecclesia. Four of us were baptised on 4.12.04, two brothers and two sisters. On 13.3.05. I was robbed by 6-10 people at midnight: the store is in the remote area in Hurlungive, and even though there are five stores, only one was working. They asked if I could write my will, because I had few hours left. But God was on my side and caused it not to happen. So I surrendered everything for life: that included my radio, since they were stoning me through the broken windows.
I never looked back, almost filling my store, with God’s help things have worked out. Now has come inflation, and I read Haggai 1:1-6. Here now it’s little more than living from hand-to-mouth and hoping for the best.
I greet all brothers and sisters, and please pray for our enemies.
Bro. Lamiel Mazvaramhaka
CHISAPE
Thank you for all the literature you send. We are getting information from all over the world in Gospel News, and so have news from different ecclesias and personal items.
Here we meet every Sunday at our Hall with nine brothers and seven sisters, except the first Sunday of every month when we have a big meeting at Magunje where we meet jointly with isolation members and Chishumba Ecclesia.
In our preaching we are trying all means, but the problems we are facing are that most people are not educated, so they find the lessons very hard; and since they go 2-3 months without receiving other lessons, some of the students give up. So nowadays we are trying in Shona: we sit around the table with lessons and try to teach them every Sunday. Some of them are illiterate – they don’t read or write. We have a big job to cope with this.
Bro. Weston Kamota
HARARE
Here are some words of discipline from Proverbs 3:11-12 and 13:24:
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him”.
God loves us: He has only our good at heart. Therefore, and to that end, He disciplines us. We should follow His example in the way we discipline our children. To direct a child’s development without hindering it by undue control should be studied by parents. Too much management is as bad as too little. The effort to ‘break the will’ of a child is a terrible mistake. Minds are constituted differently: while force may secure the outward submission, the result with many children is a more determined rebellion of the heart. Even should the parent succeed in gaining the control he seeks, the outcome may be no less harmful to the child. The will should be guided and moulded, but not ignored or crushed. Save the strength of the will in the battle of life – it will be needed.
When all else has failed, physical punishment may be necessary, but violent physical abuse is contrary to the spirit of Christ and is counter-productive in itself. Punishment administered in anger only creates bitterness, resentment, and future problems for all concerned. Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Do not provoke. This advice is essential if the obedience required of the children is to rest on a moral basis. The last part of Colossians 3:21, “lest they become discouraged” gives the reason for this admonition.
There is a great strength and blessing in praying together in our families, with and for our children. When children have done wrong, we have to talk to them kindly and then pray with them. It won’t be necessary after that to punish them: their hearts would melt in tenderness before Jesus in answer to prayer.
I have enclosed my son Isaac’s photo. I thank God for this baby – he was born with difficulties but is now doing well and is two years old.
Sis. Shorai Phiri
Photo: Sis. Shorai’s son Isaac
Thank you for the Gospel News that you send to me. As world events keep pointing to the coming of Jesus, we shouldn’t relax our grip on the Gospel, but should continue preaching it, spreading it and sharing it as is the need. The way to the coming Kingdom of God may still be miles or kilometers away and there will be some walking to do, so we should keep up this good fight and good walk.
Changing conditions and situations in our country are making life very difficult for many people, including my family and me. Anyway, meetings are being well attended, thanks to the visible hand of God.
Bro. Alexio Kajowe
KARIBA
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Lord God for our daily living; mostly the life He has given us. Therefore I am so happy that you do remember brothers and sisters in different countries.
May God bless all the brothers and sisters world-wide. Also I would like to thank you for your spiritual encouragement. You are not only doing such good things for me, but you are reminding all brothers and sisters about the Kingdom to come. May God bless you for that wonderful work.
Things are not going too well with me, but I am not so much troubled, because our Lord Jesus Christ is around the corner. These are the last days, as Timothy wrote in 2 Tim.3:1-3, “In the last days there will come times of stress”.
Here people are busy shouting and accusing others, instead of accepting God’s hand in our lives and showing faith by the way we talk about these things.
Please keep on praying for us. Please, brothers, send me the books that you are willing to send.
Bro. Innocent Mushambi
As you read this topic ‘Be Careful,’ you will realise it’s a warning us Christadelphians of the Christendom Astray. If we read Proverbs chapter 8 we find with no care we get lost. Most people think that, for example, verse 27 which reads, “When He prepared the heavens, I was there”. By this statement someone might think it was Jesus Christ. Please brethren and sisters, read this script carefully; it was not Jesus, but wisdom – go to verse 1 of that chapter, “Does not wisdom call?” Does that mean that wisdom is a woman? No, but simply that wisdom is personified. Further, verse 11, “For wisdom is better than jewels…” So it is she (wisdom) who we should look for.
So by this we learn that it was not Jesus, but rather wisdom, meaning that wisdom was possessed by God at the beginning of His work. It also highlights that it is this wisdom that we should seek (v.32.) Finally, it illustrates that “whoever finds me (wisdom) finds life and obtains favour from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself. All who hate me love death” (v.35-36). So by having scriptural wisdom we find favour from the Lord, but if we despise Him we love death.
Bro. Emmanuel Mhondiwa
MASVINGO RURAL
Thank you very much for continuing to send me Gospel News. May our Lord be with us during our walk toward the Kingdom of God. Let us work hard in spearing ahead the word of God to every corner of the world.
Bro. Admire Museba
MT. DARWIN
Rejoice in the Lord, brothers and sisters, I say rejoice! What a privilege to have someone who can carry all our problems without paying him. Jesus Christ and the Father solve all our problems and shield us from our enemies (Psalm 23:4-5).
Everything which is happening these days reminds us of the coming of Christ, so stand firm. Proverbs 10:25, 1Peter 5:9, James 5:8-9. ‘You too, be patient and stand firm, don’t grumble against each other or you will be judged.’ ‘Brothers, take the prophets as an example of patience in the face of suffering.’ Paul warns us not to change our behaviour because of suffering. Moses told the Israelites to stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord (Ex14:13). So let’s keep on praying, for God knows how to help us.
Sis. Esther Chigiji
MUTARE
Recently I received a copy of Christadelphian Tidings which I found very helpful. Many brothers are very interested in preaching the word of God but shortage of resources limits the work. Please pray for our preaching to be more effective, so that everyone here knows the gospel: I’m prepared to be a full-time worker for God.
A number of brothers and sisters have left this country to look for work in nearby countries because of the difficult situation here.
Thank you so much for your letter and envelope to reply. You thus helped me to write to you because postage has risen to US$2.00 for a 10g letter. Everything on sale in Zimbabwe is now charged by foreign currency. I wonder what is happening, as I have not yet received Gospel News since Nov.2008 – maybe I will receive it soon.
Recently I have enrolled 20 Bible students; I pray that they may be members of our ecclesia when they fully understand the Word of God. 2 Timothy should be understood clearly by everyone before Christ’s coming.
Bro. Gilbert Tevere
SANYATI
By the grace of God, we have survived through what I rate as the most difficult year in living memory for Zimbabweans at large, and the global village in general. Our hopes are on the sure and near return of our Master and Saviour Jesus, who we are absolutely sure will right all the wrongs and unrest the world is facing today.
I write to inform you that I have now moved house from Kadoma to Sanyati (a growth point 100kms west of Kadoma). I now have a position inthe technical sction of telecommunications, a move from administration. This is something I have always wanted. The position also comes with company accommodation and will save on the astronomical rentals we were being charged in hard currency. We are yet to settle down well, as we are still new in the area, but hopefully, God willing, everything will be fine in the long run.
As I write to you, we have managed to do open air preaching in which we distributed pamphlets during face to face preaching. A number of people we spoke to have shown interest. So as far as preaching is concerned, we will welcome any preaching aids you may have, such as pamphlets.
I have received your reply to my letter about Melchizedek and ‘legion of demons,’ which arrived safely with all the enclosures. Thank you: the notes are really good, and the signs of the times write-ups.
We pray that the situation obtaining in the world today, especially the financial crisis, will be resolved to enable the work of the mission field to continue.
Bro. Itai P. Tembo
TRIANGLE
The Triangle Ecclesia is very thankful to Bro. Admire Museba (Masvingo Rural), Rhobson Sithole (Bulawayo) and Moses Dhlakama (Rimbi) in Chipinge for interviewing Sis. Barbra Makandeni of Hippo Valley Sugar Estates. Sis. Barbra had a successful interview and she was baptised by Triangle brothers. Many students witnessed the baptism at Cheche river, near the Mill. It was a day of joy because we welcomed our sister in fellowship. We had a breaking of bread and drinking wine and sang Hymn 268, ‘Brethren let us walk together in the bonds of love and peace…’ It was a special Sunday. A short talk was given by Bro. Pasipanodya, taken from Minute Meditations, about soap.
Soap is a detergent which removes dirt in our clothes. Our children play in mud with good clothes, but mothers take soap and wash them to clean them. This is a true lesson to brothers and sisters who are Christadelphians, who must leave the dirty works of their past to walk in the right paths Jesus has shown us.
I also thank Bro. John Butler for his support in sending me the books ‘Elpis Israel’ (the Hope of Israel) and ‘Christendom Astray.’ I am growing spiritually and am spiritually minded, though suffering certain hardships in life. Since being in the Truth with Christadelphians the whole of my life changed.
Bro. Kuvarega Mavuvo
Photo: Left, Bro. Kuvarega Mavuvo and his friend.
ZAKA
First, I want to thank you very much for the five Shona Bible Basics you sent to me, and four booklets, ‘Introducing Bible Basics.’
By going through these books, I find them very useful. Shona reading students are enjoying very much the Shona Bible Basics. Also introductory studies booklets are very enjoyable.
In isolation areas we are pleased to receive more books, magazines, etc. so as to widen our knowledge as far as the Bible is concerned.
Thank you also for your letter and the book ‘The Death of the Cross.’ Going through it I found it very interesting and helpful. I am reading it in my spare time, and I hope it will help to equip me with knowledge about the need for Jesus to die on the cross.
I have also heard of the problems you have of high postage costs. I hope things will not continue in this state for long and that things will change to allow us to have more books.
I also thank you for Bible Basic Principles pamphlets which you sent me, with topics such as free will and pre-destination; the second coming of Jesus Christ; remembering Christ in bread and wine; Jerusalem, city of the great King; and the role of Sisters. By going through these pamphlets, I want to share some points with my fellow brothers and sisters world-wide.
To begin with, I want to talk about remembering Christ in bread and wine. First, when Jesus Christ was in the upper room in Jerusalem, “while they were eating Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: Take, eat, this is my body. Then he took the cup and gave thanks and gave it to them, saying: Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for many for the remission of sins”. He told them that he was not going to drink of this fruit of the vine until the day when he would drink it in his Father’s Kingdom.
We are told that the sharing of bread and wine has deep spiritual meaning; viewed in four complementary viewpoints that is:
· As a commandment of Jesus to be obeyed
· As a remembrance – to remember the suffering of Jesus for us, which brings forgiveness of sins.
· As a fellowship in Jesus, signifying that true believers are one in him.
· As an acted prophecy of Christ’s return, as the Lord promised.
We are also told that the Breaking of Bread was designed to be shared by sinners who have been forgiven through repentance and baptism. Also we are told that sometimes believers make excuses for absence from the Lord’s table – that they do not feel worthy – yet it is precisely because nobody is worthy, because all are forgiven sinners, that they are to meet to remember the sacrifice that has brought them forgiveness. We are told that the Breaking of Bread can be performed anywhere at any time, with any number of believers.
Bro. Christopher Biza
ZUMBA
I am a sister who was recently baptized and I would like to greet all the brothers and sisters around the world, wishing them the best in Christ. It is now the time of the prophecy of the coming of Christ, which is coming nearer and nearer.
Soon, very soon, we are going to see the ‘King’, Jesus Christ, for it is written, “When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, see that ye be not troubled, for these will come to pass but the end is not yet” – but nearer, just around the corner.
“For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famine, and all these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matt 24:6-8). So keep watching!
Sis Nhamo Wiki
