News from Africa
We are sorry to report the falling asleep in Christ of Bro Nkeng Charles in Fontem, on the 4th November 2006. He has served his Master for more than 25 years. He is now at rest awaiting the call to the resurrection. Our sympathies are extended to his family.
BAMENDA
I hope with God’s kindness and love, also with the prayers of brothers and sisters worldwide, that everything has been going on well. Brethren, we have not been sleeping for praying for you, as we know that you do the same because the road is narrow and we need to lead each other along with prayer and perseverance.
My special thanks goes to CAT for their work. Well done, for the work exhausts me! I am now usually able to know what is going on, right or wrong, with my brothers and sisters worldwide. Thanks be to God Almighty, as we joyfully wait for His will to be done on earth as in heaven.
Extend my greetings in the Lord to Sis Aleksandra in Latvia, and let her be joyful in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for he is the only way to find truth and light. Count your sufferings as if they were past and look forward to the coming Kingdom which will flow with milk and honey.
Brethren, I wish to say that as we are on this battlefield, we should not cease to pray for each other, as the devil of our own sinful flesh is also at work opposing the will of God.
Please keep sending me literature which will increase my Bible knowledge. Brethren, things are not easy on my side, but I keep on struggling for we must all struggle in order to win the battle.
Bro X
BARIADA
The problem happening to us was as we were travelling by bus from Mwanza to meet Bro Michael Owen. When we had nearly arrived at Bariadi, the bus in which we were travelling was attacked by thieves, and they took our money. Matthew 24:7; 2 Timothy 3:1-3.
Bro Joseph Ismaba
FONTEM
We do hope you are all actively and patiently awaiting Christ’s return to establish God’s Kingdom. We were blessed with twins, both boys, and we thank the Almighty God for such a surprise gift. Although life is a little difficult, we put everything into prayers. We need a copy of “Where Women Have No Doctor” Your brother and sister in the precious promises which God made to the fathers, even Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and then to David. – promises which, by His grace, are extended even to us.
Bro Linus and Sis Stella Forya
Bro Linus and Sis Stella Forya, showing God’s blessing of the birth of twin baby boys
KUMBA
God promised Abraham a great nation and blessings. God said Abraham will be a blessing and that his name will be great. God said He will bless those that bless him and curse those who curse him and through him shall all families of the earth be blessed (Gen 12v2-3). God said to Abraham after Lot had gone , lift up your eyes and look northward, southward and eastwards and westward. And the Lord said the land you see I give it to you and your children for ever and ever (Gen 13v 14-15). God is not like us humans when we make promise and fail sometimes to keep them. With this in mind, when the Lord Jesus returns to earth, he will raise Abraham and his seed to inherit the promised land for ever and ever.
Bro Leke Thomas
MUYUKA
We are all well here. I am writing to request Bible Basics for our contacts and for five brothers who have asked me to request it on their behalf. We have French-speaking contacts and the French Bible Basics will be very useful.
Bro George Nwuanjeah.
WUM
I was again admitted to the Wum Catholic Hospital. God has cared for me and I am better now. I am always happy when I receive Gospel News and when I read the editorial it makes me feel as if I am already in the Kingdom! With hope and faith, God will always hear us (Mat 21:22; John 15:7).
The Gospel News really showed me what I should be doing, but illness and poverty prevented me from continuing. I am 45 years now. When I was 16 I was rearing goats, pigs and cows. I see that this is especially good in this north west part of Cameroon.
The editorial in Gospel News about ‘Let the dead bury their dead’ was a good one. Two brothers here do not go to burials, saying the Bible says that the dead should bury the dead.
I will be happy if you send me a copy of Where There Is No Doctor. Our Recording Brother has gone out to the South West of the country, and I have been elected to take his place. So please pray for me so that I can do the job.
Bro Kenneth N Mbah,
AKATSI
This is to acknowledge receipt of Where There is No Doctor. It came so quick that I cannot express myself to its effect. It's said that teachers are museums of information; this is a real book for all, where ever one finds himself, and especially during mission work. What happens when we get to the villages?
I think with our small knowledge in 'medical science', we may get used and people might think we are a Doctors.
I’m very grateful for the leaflet ‘An Appeal to Pentecostals’ One wonders what befalls a man when he takes some things into consideration while neglecting the real and true bible teaching. Christadelphians need to be glad for the joy of knowing the truth in Jesus.
Bro Wonder Wornyo
BUNGOMA
The current turmoil in the Middle East should certainly motivate us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). I am very happy for the work of encouraging us to spread the good news of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your letter arrived when we had gone to spread the gospel in Eastern Uganda. We need more books and we would be grateful if you would provide us with copies of Sunday School teaching and other material.
What will happen at the end of the days? The prophet Daniel was a man “on deck?” who had a wonderful far-reaching vision. He thought, prayed and spoke on a global scale through the grace of God and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Daniel had a vision and saw the coming Kingdom of God. He saw the diverse “dark” ages in the bright light of the prophetic word of God when Daniel stood before the Babylonian world ruler, Nebuchadnezzar, to tell him about his dream and how to interpret it. We read in Daniel 2:27 onward, “Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said ….” What will take place at the end of the days is not determined by the “great men” of this world – they cannot foresee it. Even Nostradamus, whose prophecies are increasingly discussed in the media, could not do this. What will take place at the end of the days is determined by God in heaven alone. His plan will be fulfilled. The political events on earth are being guided in such a way so that ultimately his Word will be fulfilled. Everything in the history and politics of the world is moving towards the one great goal: the coming Kingdom of Jesus Christ on earth which will fill the whole world. (Daniel 2:35 and 44-45).
Bro. Chisantus Wasi
I cannot adequately express my deep sense of gratitude for your brotherly reply. Furthermore, thank you in abundance for having sent me a Bible Basics, a Gospel News and a copy of Present Day Events. I would further like to request a book entitled “The Death on the Cross” plus other literature materials available.
Bro. Nimrod Masila
CHWELE
There can be hardly a single one of us who can deny having passed through a situation causing anger. However, high emotion in itself is not a sin: it is one of the feelings created by God.
Anger is brought about by many things: what other people do to us: what our eyes might see and those things our ears might hear. Imagine you are walking along the road in the street and all of a sudden somebody pushes and knocks you down; you get up hurt somewhere in your body, the person has already disappeared without any show of apology. How do you feel about the matter? If this occurs, we should relax, and control our thoughts so that we abstain from any wrong action. We are called fools if we are easily bad-tempered. For the Bible warns: “Don’t be quick-tempered, that is being a fool” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
During Christ’s ministry, he could lead his disciples in wise teachings, telling them to forgive other people’s crimes and forget. Hear what he says: “If someone slaps uou on one cheek, let him slap the other besides! If someone demands your coat, give him your shirt besides” (Luke 6:29).
A good way we can control our temper, forgiving and forgetting, is an example we show to other friends around us to emulate. What great joy and peace for us all to put these wonderful teachings into practice, for the times we are living in are not very different from the times of our forefather Noah. The Lord is soon returning on earth as King of Kings. Be ready!
Bro Manasseh Wamamili
We have received the book How to Grow a Balanced Diet and the books about Speaking About Jesus. How happy we were when we got them! they are really helping us to know more things. We have divided our quarter acre piece of land into portions to grow different types of crops to ensure our family get supplied with a balanced diet. Also we are preparing manure to to improve soil fertility. How good the books are; if it is possible, please send us some English Bibles.
The Makhonge Ecclesia started in 1978 when I was in Sunday School. There came a time when the UK Brothers and Sisters wanted to build a hall for Makhonge Brothers and Sisters and through the Western Area representatives it was agreed to purchase a plot first. One brother suggested to give a plot in order to build a hall, that was in 1993. A shade was erected for us and after a short period of time the area representatives wanted to have a plot registered in order to build a permanent building. Surprisingly they came to learn that the owner of the land had sold it to another person, and therefore it had a big question mark. The owner has now subdivided the land among his sons, our plot being allocated to one of his sons who has issued us with an eviction notice. We have held meetings with the Western Area representatives but all has been in vain.. We have had challenges at this plot, even our meetings have been held in our homes due to this problem.
Comment; This is a serious problem we understand the Kenya Committee is endeavoring to resolve and needs all our ardent prayers. The important thing to remember is that ultimately the Lord is in control and nothing can happen to us outside of His control, so long term all will work out to the benefit of the Truth. MH
Photo: MAKHONGE ECCLESIAL HALL on the plot they are being evicted from.
ISHIARA
I want to inform you of the loss of Bro. David Aphazard who left home on 13th February 2006. He went and we had hope of his coming back but from that day he has never come back. We are asking all brethren worldwide to remember us with prayer and even more for our brother as no one knows where he is. May we march together to our Lord Jesus’ Kingdom.
Sis. Doris Aphaxard
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ whom we are awaiting. My name is Caroline K. Aphaxard. I attend Ishiara Ecclesia which is an isolated ecclesia. It serves as a family because only my Dad, Mum, my sister Joy and I are baptised. Sunday School children are my six younger brothers but some Sundays other children from nearby attend. We are never discouraged because of that, for we always remember the words of our Lord Jesus when he said, “Where two or three come together, I will be there”. I was baptised last year, together with my sister Joy, by Brother Lazarus King’oo. Sister Tanya and Marlene from UK interviewed us and the same day we were baptised 1st. April. I am very encouraged by reading Gospel News and have realized that many are in the same situation as us. So what can we do? Brethren and Sisters who are in the same faith can pray to God that He will send His Son, soon and take away all our difficulties. What I can do is to encourage brothers and sisters worldwide by a poem which I would like to appear in Gospel News for all Christadelphians in isolation or who have different troubles.
The Lonely Cry
When sorrows deep our trembling hearts ensnare,
When friends have fled, abandoning us to care,
All human conflict gone and we’re alone,
Oh Heavenly Father hear our spirit’s groan.
What heart can feel our soul’s lone misery?
No arms outstretched to comfort tenderly,
Pour out Thy grace when cries the anguished soul,
May Gilead’s balm heal us and make us whole.
Storm rages stronger, dark the night ahead.
Alone Thy presence soothes our troubled head,
Grant to thy lambs the solace Thou canst give
Cleanse painful hearts and O, dear Lord, forgive.
Thy Son thou gavest in Thy wondrous love,
Now may we rest, assured that from above
Compassion still in endless stream will flow,
When sad in heart may we Thy mercy know.
Friends may forsake us, eyes grow dim with tears,
Why do we fear? Thou casteth out all fears.
Man’s love may waver, but changeless, Lord, thou art,
O Saviour hear, and heal the broken heart.
Let us all take it as a prayer to our Almighty Lord God and all hope to see His Son, Jesus coming with clouds (Acts 1:11).
Finally may I give thanks to the Christadelphian Advancement Trust for sending me four Bible Basics and nine Introducing Bible Basics. I am also thanking you for remembering me with my ecclesia and more thanks to another Sister who chose for me a full Bible, Old and New Testaments in the King James version. This book will help me, together with my isolated ecclesia. I also want to thank Bro. Lazarus King’oo and Sis. Eveyline who never forget about us even though we are far from their Yatta ecclelsia. They always try their best to visit us at our home and share encouraging words, mostly remembering the blood and body of our Lord Jesus Christ. They have really encouraged us and even increased our spiritual growth. May God bless them and remember them in His everlasting Kingdom, which will be established soon. My last words to you this time, I have an eye problem and I request one pair of reading glasses grade + 1.5. I have enclosed my snap and I would like it to appear in Gospel News. May Almighty God bless you.
Sis. Carol K. Aphaxard
Photo: Sis. Carol Aphaxard with her sister Joy on the left at the Nairobi National Youth Camp
KABABU
As a brother who had been having a problem with reading clearly (without reading glasses), I have benefited a lot from the experiment made by our brother. I have received + 2.5 reading glasses from Bro. Alan Sutton, who presented them to me on his visit to Kenya. Now may I take this opportunity to thank all those who made their efforts to think about us and helped me with the glasses I received.
Bro. Samwel Masawa
N. KINAGOP
It is good that through Gospel News I find myself communicating to all of our brethren in the Lord and those who are seriously waiting upon the Lord and reflecting on the word of God. Rev. 17:1 says, “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, John, come, I will show you the judgement of the great harlot who is seated upon many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and with the wine of whose fornication the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” Personal reflection – the harlot here is explained in verse 3 as a woman (unfaithful woman obviously). Woman symbolises a church bearing in mind that Jesus compares the church to a bride – Rev. 21:1-12 and 2 Cor. 11:2. From this symbolism one finds it clear to reflect on the first big and splendid institution called the “Church of Christ” (Catholic). Indeed it has done a lot of harm to the gospel of Christ. It bears only the name of Jesus Christ but in reality is not. For this reason, the church bears blasphemous names as per Rev. 17, having seven heads and ten horns. As per the first part of “bearing blasphemous names”, this refers to all names that you will find there, e.g. holy sacrament, holy men and women, sacred rooms, clothes and vessels, sacred books. In truth this has made many people drunk with its false doctrines. Its teachings have made all denominations drunk too e.g. on the very doctrine of trinity and authority of leadership. They contradict the whole truth by heresy, which is one fruit of those not led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:20).
The words of Jesus in Luke 21:34-36 give hope to those in the Lord that he is coming back to take his faithful ones. The verse says, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares, for as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”
Rev.17, the great harlot who is seated upon many waters is explained in verse 15 as a symbol of peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. Rev. 18:4 says, “Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues, for her sins are heaped high as heaven and God has remembered her iniquities…” This advises all those willing to be saved to separate and pray ceaselessly as in 1 Pet. 2:9-10, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” So brethren let us be in ceaseless prayers, reading our Bibles daily, reflecting and meditating for the proper understanding in order to be in fellowship with our God. Jesus is at the corner, ready to appear in the world for the second time, now as a King and a real King of the world.
Bro. Peter Njuguna
MIWANI
On behalf of Miwani Ecclesia I send greetings.Our P.O.Box 97 had been closed but praise the Lord it is now opened; we use the same box number and received all past letters from March to date. Let me express our thanks for the willingness of CAT, and through you our brothers and sisters in England, in helping us understand the gospel and the Bible Basics and for the commitment which you have shown in diligently helping our Ecclesia to grow. The Miwani Ecclesia is growing spiritually very well.
The Brother Stanley Blackstone, Questions and Answers on the Daily Readings is an inspiration to many of us and we would like to receive them regularly. May we thank’s for the books Growing a Balanced Diet which is really very important in this part of the country. They are going to be quite useful in our day-to-day farming operation especially under dry land farming techniques. In one of our letters we responded about the cassava variety that is resistant to disease and tolerant to drought, though we had not carried out research from approved centres. However, we have been currently blessed to receive a list of these varieties which can do well in my area. The following is a list of them:- SS 4, MM 96/5280, Mijera, Unknow 1, Sele Sele, Unknow 2. If we could be assisted to buy some and do bulking and later pass to Brothers and Sisters for food and nutritional security it wouls be good. As Christians we recognize the inherent value of God’s creation. We believe that as we confront hunger and poverty in response to Jesus Christ’s commission, God our Father opens the door to abundant life bringing the possibility of wholeness to all. We believe that the Christadelphians in partnership with others can help alleviate hunger and poverty in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what can help in the communities where we live, work and witness. We believe that God through Jesus Christ our Lord can call us to that task through a sustainable agricultural and rural development initiative starting with assistance to buy cassava sets and other drought tolerant crops.
We are happy that God has guided us all through this year. Thanks be to the Almighty God our Father in heaven. We are happy to inform all Brothers and Sisters worldwide that we have eight students plus two old illiterate people and thirteen Sunday
School children aged 2 – 18 years. There is need for spiritual and socio-economic development and assistance, as human beings we live with problems that we know will one day be overcome by our Lord when he comes back to earth. Diseases are really troubling in this country especially malaria and not forgetting HIV/AIDS.
Bro. Peter and Sis. Jane Omuny
Photo: Vero daughter of Sis. Lydiah Fuchaka, and her friend
KITALE
I am thankful to God for His kindness and goodness to us in keeping us well and uniting us in our remembrance of our absent Master. I am very happy to have had your letter and Gospel News giving more encouragement regarding the soon coming of Christ to establish the Kingdom of God, for which we are eagerly waiting.
Sis. Lydiah Fuchaka
Photo: Sis Lydiah Fuchaka with a parcel of books recently received
MSAMBWENI
Kenya reports peace and stability despite a few tribal clashes in different areas of Kenya. Peace of mind and heart is prevailing among Brothers and Sisters as we wait for our Master who is soon coming. News breaks are reporting on the Middle East shedding of blood. Israel is in danger now and every Brother and Sister is much aware that is one of the signs of the Lord Jesus’ coming. We are all having that hope as we strive hard to receive our crown of salvation. Paul in Philippians 3:12-14 gives us strength to strive hoping for a crown at the end of our journey in missionary work. I hereby urge all Brothers and Sisters worldwide to wake up and fight the good fight waiting for our Saviour. The Bible calls for repentance and living according to God’s will. Whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord should keep away from evil. God urges us to be holy as He himself is holy.
The work of the gospel is very much done with the effort of very dedicated brothers and sisters who are willing to spread the gospel of the hope of the Kingdom. I am happy to report on several who last year received Jesus in baptism from five ecclesias in Coast Province. Newly baptised Brothers and Sisters include – Stephen Mutunga, Mary Mutosya, Florance Mutuku, Esther Kennedy and Mary Kiamba. In June I, Bro. Gideon, Bro. Zakako from Mombasa.
Bro. Dennis from Kokotoni conducted a Bible campaign of two days at the border of Kenya and Tanzania which was very successful. There is a group of persons willing to receive the truth of the gospel. Lastly keep on sending Gospel News and other feeding material. We fully support the work of the gospel.
Bro. Gideon Mukekh
SINDO
I was happy to receive “Legalism vs. Faith” by Bro David Levin. I was also happy to receive the Gospel News. We actually must give thanks for the blessings of the gospel message about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 8:12. The key to understanding the gospel message comes through the knowledge of understanding the Kingdom of God and his Son, Jesus Christ. We must accept the message and get that hope of resurrection or perish in the dust with no hope. 1 Tim. 1:15, Jer. 15:16. God sent Jesus to save us from sins. I am deeply feeling great love for our Lord Jesus’ death on the cross to provide us with immortality.
Demon Study Day
We had a Bible School organised by Bro. James Nyangate of Kiagware ecclesia and Bro. Samuel M. Masawa of Kababu ecclesia. The main Bible discussion was based on “Demons”. The following ecclesias were present:- Kiagware, Kababu, Oruba. Okumbo and Nyandenga. John Owado comes from Nyandenga ecclesia. It was well organised and about 40 brothers and sisters attended. We were given the opportunity to hear the voice of God from the Holy Scripture with Bible teaching with references from both Old and New Testament. Here are a few things we learnt from the Bible.
God is the source of all power and he is responsible for both the good things and the bad things in our lives – Isa. 45:7, Mic. 1:12, Amos 3:6, Job 1:21, Job 2:10, Heb. 12:5-8, Isa. 44:8, Deut. 4:35.
Demons are idols – Scripture references – 1 Cor.10:20,28, 1 Cor. 8:4-6, Acts 17:16-18.
Old Testament demons were idols – Deut. 28:22-28, 59-61, Deut. 32:17. Ps 106:36-39.
New Testament demons – Matt. 8:16,17 – people thought that Jesus was mad and said this must be because he had a demon. “He hath a demon and is mad”. John 10:20, John 7:19,20, John 8:52.
Healing the sick - possessed with demons - are said to return to their right mind – Mark 5:15, Luke 8:35. This implies that being possessed ‘with demons’ was another way of saying someone was mentally unwell, i.e. not in their right mind. Matt. 4:24, Matt. 12:22, Matt. 17:18.
In short, God blessed us in the Bible School.
Bro. John Owalo Onani
SUNA MIGORI
I would like to thank you for your interesting letter and the book, Woman’s Place”, which is very encouraging to those involved in the work. I am very much thankful for the teaching I received from that book, it had a lot of extra Biblical knowledge. All Christians should live to know that the Bible is the real word of God inspired through prophets to let us differentiate the good and bad things in this financial jungle. 2 Tim. 3:15-17. All things shall fade away but the Word shall remain.
Bro. Samuel O. Masara
TONGAREN
May I praise the Lord and our Almighty God for the work He is doing to see that Tongaren has a stand to proclaim his Word in Bukusu language. Tongaren ecclesia members were more than joyful when they heard that the project of a plot was confirmed in the UK; for this we must praise God. Also may I thank Sis. Mary Clement, also the Kenya linkmen, Trevor and Allan who have struggled to see that Tongaren is in existence with all its projects. May God bless them all.
The projects that will exist in Tongaren ecclesia hall are as follows:
Christadelphian memorial services to operate every Sunday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30.a.m.
Bukusu translation – This project will be operated during weekdays to see that every English version of Christadelphian books is translated into Bukusu language for the benefit of unlearned people. Tongaren members have vowed to do this job freely.
Tailoring School – Our brothers have accepted to have a Tongaren Tailoring School to be operated in the ecclesia plot so that people can be trained as garment makers to earn their living. The project will make the ecclesia more active. To this we shall see that orphans and handicapped trainees are to benefit free of charge.
Correspondence Courses – This project will be done for non-Christadelphians so that they may know the truth of the Bible through Post Office boxes. We shall give out courses in Swahili and Bukusu languages. At this time we are translating the last lessons of Bible correspondence course into Bukusu language.
Sunday School – This is the project we shall never forget. We shall have a room for Sunday School and Sunday activities.
We hope that in the near future we shall buy a plot and run these projects.Two days ago I received a parcel of Bukusu leaflets and Glad Tidings magazines for distribution from Christadelphian Advancement Trust; thank you for these versions...
Bro. Sikolia Kapa
Photo: Bro Isaac Kapa
Because of persecution I am leaving for Diego Suarez. The problems have meant it is hard for our group in Tana but they are continuing faithful. Please please pray for us.
Bro. RijaWe do ask your prayers for Brother Rija, there is a gang really trying to kill him, the bad thing is that some of these are from our former church, they think we changed our religion for money, but that is not true.
Sis. Claudette
CHITALA
I am residing temporarily at Chitala because I have changed my job. Chitala Research Station carries out research activities in cross-breeding crops of various species as well as our local animals with the exotic ones. My job here is to carry out maintenance work of the Research residences in the field of carpentry and joinery. The Station is surrounded by the strong influence of Roman Catholic teaching, Pentecostals, Cen. Africa Presbyterians, Seventh Day Adventists and, alongside, Islam, but very few of them.
Bro. Austin Frank Nyirenda
DOMASI
I and the family are in very good health. I am still working at the Malawi Institute of Education. Can you please send me a Bible in English.
Bro. K.S. Kawonga
JALI
Concerning the keeping of rabbits, I would like to tell you that I have just finished making hutches. Now I am moulding bricks for the construction of a goat house. Do you know anything about the Satanic church, or Satanism; here it is now the talk of the village. Some people say that accidents are happening because of Satanism and that those who follow that church meet at secret places. Is it the same in England? Recently, someone in the city of Blantyre introduced himself as Jesus Christ and he has a wife and two children, but you know what happened? That same week some people went to Chilomoni where he lived. They took stones with them for him to change them into bread and he failed; they then stoned him and now he is in the hospital.
Bro. Lucky F. Mbalale
KASUNGU
Thank you very much for your notes on how to grow oil palm. I have discovered this is a very good long term crop. I know I will never be employed. Just fancy, from 1994 up to 2006 without employment. We are now making ridges, preparing for next year’s growing season. Some people have finished and are just waiting for the rains. We read in the Christadelphian Magazine that monies were sent to Malawi and Ethiopia for famine relief but we haven’t got anything from them yet. The last two months the Salvation Army church were giving people food regardless of their denominations and we were able to have a share in that (the Salvation Army gave us food twice). I received their food, but I was very much ashamed because I do oppose their teaching but we have been desperately hungry.
Bro. Harmony Ntchalachala
MACHINGA
To begin with, the Nakalata Christadelphians are very happy to learn what other sister-churches are doing; this will help to strengthen our faith in the Lord. Also, through this correspondence you will know more about us. For instance, we are about to celebrate our silver jubilee. Yes, the Nakalata Christadelphian Church has been in existence for 25 years now. We view Jesus’ words in John 17: 10 as our cornerstone, indeed, if we are united with Jesus Christ then the whole world will know that we are for God, the Almighty. As of now the congregation is growing and on August 20 this year we welcomed new members who were baptized by Bro. Masangwi.
Bro. R.W. Kalowa
MBAWA
Our ecclesia is now four years old. Our counsellor, Bro. Banda, gave us Gospel News to read and we learnt many lessons, that is why we are writing for more copies. We enclose our photo for you and those around the world to see us.
Bro. Cleverson C. Nguluwe
Photo: Mbawa ecclesia L to R: Adams Ndolo, Prince Mbewe, Cleverson Nguluwe, Glades Zimba, Kelvas Chunge and Dryson Mithi.
MIGOWI
I would like to thank Duncan for the Bible Basics he has provided me with. I am very much benefited by having this book. Moreover, at Makina Christadelphian ecclesia the number of converts is growing quickly. I ask God to empower me by giving me the ability to carry out this weighty task. I remind you that I am still looking for a job.
Bro. Symon Wanyekheya
MONKEY BAY
The parcel you sent has reached here safely and in good condition. My request again is, if possible, that you send me more Bible Basics in Chichewa; my reason for asking is so that Brothers and Sisters can read and understand what the Bible teaches from them.
Bro. Langton Pasulani
MZUZU
I enjoy reading Gospel News very much. As a new Christadelphian member, I shall be pleased if you can send me more and more different types of books, if it is possible.
Bro. Dutch Mphayah
NKHATABAY
The name “Mary” in the Bible is found in all 4 gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), Acts of the Apostles and in the Letter to the Romans. All Marys are found in 46 verses of the New Testament. There are six Marys:
Mary, the betrothed of Joseph and mother of Jesus, Matthew 1:18-25; 12:46; Mark 6:3
Luke 8:19; John 2:1-5; 19:26; Acts 1:14.
Mary, wife of Cleophas, Matthew 27:56,61; 28:1-9; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-10.
Mary, the mother of John Mark, Acts 12:12 Colossians 4:10.
Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, Luke 10:41,42; John 11:12.
Mary Magdalene, Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-10; Luke 24:10; John 20:1-18.
Mary, a Roman convert, Romans 16:6.
Three Marys were at the cross, John 19:25.
Bro Joel Singini
NSANJE
Photo: Left, Bro. M.P. Mngundeni and Bro. C. Size
SENGABAY
I have been attending evening classes studying for a certificate in Financial Accounting. The goats are going OK. My house is close to the market and it is a busy place and densely populated and the goats at times roam and spoil other people’s things. I have not yet found a solution, though I know for sure that I will have to find some place far from home, but I fear I may not find someone to tend them, being isolated from the community. Three of the goats have given birth to a kid each. Goats at some ecclesias are doing well and I have hope that somehow our goal will be met in the long run. Our prayer house at Chapita is almost finished; we are at the roofing stage.
Brother George Nkhoma
THYOLO
You have been long in my thoughts but I never managed to get those thoughts on paper. I am not a Christadelphian member, but I enjoy reading Gospel News and Bible Basics through Mr. Smart Wmbe and Mr. Muleso, church elders at Chimiko Christadelphian church. They are doing a very good job in trying to win souls to Christ and preaching the sudden coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our main clinic is close to the church at Chimiko and we are always blessed when Mr. Muleso visits us at the clinic, indeed God has got wonderful plans for him, that is why He has given him a long life. I am Senior nurse/midwife at the clinic. Be advised that the majority of Malawians between 15 and 49 years are HIV positive and their immunity system is very low. We are struggling against HIV/AIDS; please just keep on praying for us, putting me on your prayer list.
Mrs Joyce Milendu
ZOMBA
Hoping that you are fine and enjoying life in Jesus Christ. I also am enjoying spreading the gospel. I like reading the word of God, but I lack books and magazines, so I am asking you to send some to me, don’t fail. I also teach a group of people the words of God. I admired the magazines and books I have seen which you have sent to another brother. Brother, continue feeding the world with the word of God as it is our spiritual food, no one can grow without it. May the Lord who provides everything for us, give you more wisdom and knowledge.
Bro. Suzgo Simwaka
Photo: ZAMBEZI ECCLESIA
Thank you for Gospel News received
regularly for quite a long time now. We thank the team for the great
work of propagating the seed in all four corners of the world. Yahweh
will look after them for generations. We must fill our lamps with oil
and keep our garments white and clean. The time will come when we shall
see the Lord’s face in glory as his disciples saw him 2,000 years ago.
My health is stabilising after a by-pass operation; this was performed
by foreign doctors who voluntarily did a good job. We are grateful the
Almighty God and the Lord Jesus Christ who have given me a second
chance to live.
Bro. Ancharaz
ENUGU
Thank you for your letter regarding ‘Gospel News’. Please continue to use my address for those Brethren who live far distant and who use my mail box. As long as I live and remain in the Truth I will ensure that their mail gets to them because I am one of those who does not believe in wastage of materials and funds. Again, some of these Brethren left their families here whilst they search for jobs, as there are no more jobs here in Enugu so they get jobs outside town. It will please you to hear that after nearly two months two sisters of the same parents were baptised, they are: Mwaka and Chiege Nuaji. Enugu ecclesia send their greetings.
Bro. Goddy Nwosu
OBORO
Surprising though it may seem, many people who have been church-goers all their lives have little idea of the Bible story and the sequence of events written therein. The reason for this is that they depend upon their religious leaders who masquerade themselves as truth. The Apostle John uses a unique term to describe those who, knowing the truth of the gospel, set out deliberately to misrepresent its message. He calls them “Antichrist”. “Many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh” 2 John 1:7.
John went on to warn his hearers about the danger of this deceptive teaching from men and women in the last days who perverted the way of truth. Peter explains about the pernicious ways of the false prophet, 2 Peter 2:1. In the last days, widespread deception about antichrist and the false prophet comes from being inconsistent with the scriptures. John reveals that many deceivers are needed to make an antichrist, and now there are many antichrists, 1 John 2:18. The spirit of antichrist is in the world, 1 John 4:3 with many people going out into the world preaching a false gospel, contradicting the work of the apostles who had been sent out into the world by their Master, to preach his message of saving truth, John 17:18; 1 John 4:1. The wonderful thing about the Bible is that it is old and yet is always fresh.
Bro Friday Enyiogu
CALABAR
I have received the books you send to me (`1) 2 ‘Bible Basics’ (2) 1 ’Jehovah’s Witnesses, their Doctrines Briefly Tested by Scripture’ and (3) 1 ‘The Death of the Cross’. I told you before these books were to be donated to the University Library. The four ‘Bible Basics’ were donated, as you can see in the picture, to the Chief Librarian, Dr. (Mrs) Ekwere O. Akpan (also Miss Adah and myself), during the presentation on June 13th, while the other two books I kept for myself as I am not leaving them. I received a letter of thanks and saying they were looking forward to receiving more such donations.
Bro. Igani U. Eteng
Photo: Left, Dr. Ekwere Otu Akpan, Miss Adah and Bro. Igani Eteng.
SOWETOWe are placing advertisements here and I so pray that the people who reply to them will be serious with their Bible studies so that we can open an ecclesia here in Soweto. This is my dream. I pray for you all, wherever you are.
Bro. Elijah
SOWETO We are placing advertisements here and I so pray that the people who reply to them will be serious with their Bible studies so that we can open an ecclesia here in Soweto. This is my dream. I pray for you all, wherever you are.
Bro. Elijah
DAR ES SALAAM
It is a great pleasure to get this opportunity to inform you that I have been receiving different religious pamphlets and books. Even though it is a matter of struggling in life, I have written to you to thank you a lot for your continuous mailing to me, even though I have not written to you before.
Bro Ernest S Shindano
IFAKARA
We often come across people who say the differences in interpreting the Bible is not spiritually significant. They do not understand that it is by His Word that He works in us ‘that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ’ [Heb 13:21].
Points of validity of different interpretations, based on human wisdom, however sincere, will not get man to the saving truths. It is a decisive principle.
Bro.Kimimino Mnzava.
IPINDA
I am grateful and happy to have received an invitation so that I can belong to the Christadelphian body, and am pleased to receive all the articles that you send out to us! My intention in writing this piece is to tell you how fond I am of all the books sent out for our spiritual growth. Please, I pray that you look for more books that will help me to grow in the Spirit.
Bro Nelson Jo Mwaisumo
KIGOMA
I thank our Heavenly Father in enabling me to smoothly continue with His work. I very much hope that we will be together in the ever-happy kingdom. I also thank Him for enabling you in your daily activities to provide us with some fruit-bearing books, pamphlets and tracts.
I continue preaching the word to the Moslem world around me by awakening them to the True Faith. I hope that in the near future I will have a good number of them ready to be baptised.
Bro Jerome Bukambo
KVELA
You suggested that “Introducing Bible Basics” be produced in a series of leaflets in Kiswahili. I found this a very good idea and therefore I’ve started translating it. The only trouble will be the expense of typing it up and putting it on disc. Computer owners here use them commercially, so it is not possible to find one who will charge little for doing it.
Bro Justin Mwakasege
MUSOMA
It is wonderful that a brother from Mwanza came to visit us and we were able to give him two English Bible Basics and two Msingi ya Biblia. He has three contacts at present two understand English and one Kiswahili, that’s why I gave him the books. I am going to give our contacts one Bible Basics each and I will let them sign for me that they are going to put them to good use with my supervision.
Sis Monica Achieng
Photo: Monica’s daughter Beverlyn and her son Cherlingstone
I thank you once more for the information you have passed to me. I know that things will work out the way that God wills it, that is for the ultimate benefit of true believers. The time has come for the fulfilment of many of the prophecies (2 Timothy 3:1-5). But we are to persevere (Matthew 24:13).
Bro Joseph Nyipillah
USAGARA
Thank you for Where Women Have No Doctor. I think all of us at our ecclesia will use it to get knowledge to educate our sisters and others. The condition of our area with drought is very difficult. The government is distributing emergency food.
Bro Joctor Rufano
BUGIRI
We are organising a seminar to teach the young brothers and sisters how to behave towards society or how a Christian should behave. I will inform you more later. In this seminar we will include the following: Baptism and Bible study and breaking bread and drinking wine. My aim is to extend the gospel all over the country of Uganda. We need to teach people the facts concerning God’s Kingdom in the future, and the past and about Jesus Christ.
We the ecclesia of Nekuku, Bugiri are writing to request the following booklet I) Where There Is No Doctor, 2) Where Women Have No Doctor, 3) A Woman’s Place, to enable us to keep life easy in our villages. Malaria and other diseases have become a major problem in our area.
Bro. Samuel Mukisa
BUSIA
I appreciate the Gospel News magazine for it stood with us, and encouraged me even when I was still in isolation. Whenever I could read it and see the photos of the Brothers and Sisters published in it I felt comfortable and only smiles and tears flowing from my eyes expressed my joy. I knew that our community was being bound by the truth. Continue to publish it and sending me copies. I have run short of time through schoolwork; that is why I rarely send articles. By sending us study materials, brother, you have stood with us Ugandans and from the bottom of my heart, I say thank you. Yet the job ahead of us is greater than ever. The cry for the gospel and the love of God is more intense than it has ever been. Our responsibility to our wonderful Jesus is also immense. Our time seems very short given the signs of the end happening. Look at the Middle East crisis. And what we would do, we must do now! That is why I have always thought of adding some new teaching/preaching programmes. We have initiated the Uganda Christadelphian youth preaching team. It is already at work but not as frequent as I had intended. I desired that we had three every year but we only had one last year and are most likely to have one this year.
Bro. Frederick Wabwire
The Bible does not leave us without a solution. Jesus Christ invites every individual to accept his terms for eternal salvation. He told his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptised shall be saved but he that believes not shall be condemned (Mark 16:16). Belief in the one true gospel and baptism into the name of the Lord Jesus Christ are the two essentials for personal salvation.
Notice carefully, brothers and sisters, the Bible’s definition of the gospel which Paul explains in these terms: ”The scriptures foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached beforehand the gospel unto Abraham saying, ‘In thee shall all nations be blesses’” (Galatians 3:8). Therefore the gospel of salvation involves all nations of the earth in a state of harmony with God and the granting to mankind of great blessings. That is why it is recorded that Philip, one of the Lord’s disciples, went about preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, resulting in many of his listeners being baptised, both men and women (Acts 8:12).
God offers eternal life and an inheritance in His kingdom to those who believe and obey the gospel. So ask yourself, do you do it? An understanding of Bible truth, baptism into the sin-covering name of His son Jesus Christ and a consistent life of dedication and obedience to the principles laid down in the scriptures are essential for salvation in the day of Christ’s coming.
I urge you brothers and sisters who read this article to take up the challenge to decide for yourselves which route you take. Investigate the evidence. Bible prophecy is not dull or archaic. It is a living, vibrant, urgent message that can exclte and direct those prepared to experience its power.
Bro Wilberforce Waudera
KAMPALA
The address on the letter is my new address and the one I am going to be using from today onwards. Although I have been receiving all the magazines you send on the old address, it takes a long time for me to receive them. The one who is responsible for collecting the mail takes a long time to go to the post office. Would you please send me the book, Where There Is No Doctor, if possible. Sis. Annette Namagga
KASESE
The highlights you sent us about the Da Vinci Code are important as the Da Vince material has received much publicity and is misleading people about Bible truth. I read the book for a long time till I came to disprove the contents of it. I read Christadelphian magazines and convey the messages to other people who do not know anything about Christadelphians. The magazines I read are:- Glad Tidings, The Christadelphian, Faith Alive, The Way Ahead, The Missionary, Gospel News, ALS Exhortations and Present Day Events. It is through these that I get my contacts. It is so important that I should understand all that I read before explaining the messages to the people. My heartfelt request therefore is to send me a dictionary, which can help me to master all the information. My message to Brothers and Sisters worldwide is this: “Do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised, for in just a very little while he who is coming will come and will not delay. But the righteous will live by faith and if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved” (Heb. 10:35-39). Let us pray that our Lord Jesus returns soon in glory so that we are perfected and meet in God’s glorious Kingdom.
Bro. Isaac Bulea Cox
KIGANDALO
Here at Kigandalo we are all fine. I appreciate your work and more so Bre. John Matthias, John Palmer, Sally and Paul who have tried their level best to come to Uganda. We are happy that we are going to have baptisms at the end of the week with the students who had been studying with us.
I would like to send my warm and loving greetings to Bro. John Ouma and Bro. Frederic Wabwire of Busia for vising our ecclesia and I hope they will continue with the same spirit.
Bro. Samuel Onyango
MAYUGE
The daily reading of the Bible is a very great task we must fulfil as Christadelphian believers and followers of Jesus Christ. This is because the more time we spend gossiping makes us live in a fleshly way instead of living in a godly way. The Bible is so important because it tells us about God. The Bible shows us how we can be like God. In John 6:63 the Lord Jesus says the following about the words that he spoke: “The spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” Here we read that the words Jesus spoke can give us life. We must listen to the Lord Jesus’ words and to the other words in the Bible and let them guide us in our lives. This way we will live Godly lives – we will have life! In this coming year please let us remember to read God’s word, the Bible, as much as we can every day. Remember that it gives us life if we have faith in what it tells us and if we follow it.
I am facing many problems, more especially when it comes to reference books and other preaching materials like leaflets, and therefore request you to send me some necessary leaflets about Christadelphian beliefs, baptism, the devil and satan and others. Some essential books – Thine is the Kingdom and The Bible our Guide.
Bro. Robert Ocheng
Thank you for sending me papers from which I read and learn new words which I did not know. It makes me happy to read more information about things. I was particularly interested in the papers explaining the falseness of the Da Vinci Code, by Bro. Botten.
Bro. Peter Ouma
MBALE
We are always receiving Gospel News, Glad Tidings and other literature from you. We have appreciated them and hope you continue with that spirit. We are humbly requesting a copy of, Where There Is No Doctor, more Bible Basics and other educative books and leaflets. My prayer is that you extend your hand of help both spiritually and physically to whatever God so wills, for the reward reserved for you is immeasurable. I also pray for you that the love and peace of our God be with us untill the Kingdom is revealed when we will see each other face to face.
Bro. Robert Shibita
NEKUKU
Nice to hear from you again and to receive the book entitled Wrested Scriptures. I am trying my level best to read and find out the truth in the Bible. It is an interesting book to have by my side and for other Brothers in the ecclesia. As I told you my Brother that we hope soon to have a simple seminar at Nekuku Ecclesia.
Bro. Samuel Musika
ULYANKULU
We would like to congratulate you on your letter which we received a few days ago. We would like to thank you for your explanation of the way you received the Christadelphian faith a long time ago. Also we say thanks for hearing our problem with hunger, so we are waiting for communication between you and the Linkman for Uganda. We have much hunger and we are suffering much.
Bro Makenga Reveriand and Bro Balansoloma Liberi
CHAMBISHI
I write to let you know that it has been almost a year since I received any literature from the Christadelphians. I am pretty sure that you will take note of my plight. I don’t even have a Christadelphian calendar for this year. Even so my faith in Christ is still forcing me to share the good news with those who are eager for the word. As I preached about my Christadelphian faith, one day, thank God I came to meet a person who was hungry for the gospel. After some discussion he told me to go ahead and preach to him and at last he told me he wanted to start learning about the Bible with me. I went home not knowing what next. I was thinking about where to find the money for the postage and I prayed. Two days afterwards, I was searching through all the literature that I have. That is when I came to notice the only response payee envelope I had. I don’t have employment and in our country it is very difficult to acquire even a small amount of money. I am always in the field cultivating to keep my family and myself alive. Moreover, I have a small group of Sunday School children and I usually teach them using the Bible. I am sure someone can assist me with teaching material.
Bro. Willies Simbowe
Comment: Now we have your new address I trust you are now receiving our mailings regularly.
KABOMPO
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. We may be walking in various ways, all that we need is advice from people. No one knows everything. Anyone who does not like advice from others ends in failure and disappointment. We need to listen to our friends for better advice. Brothers and Sisters in all ecclesias, we need to love one another to maintain the unity which we have through the Lord Jesus, our great example.
Our Linkman, Bro. David Nicholls, Sis Linda, Bro. Arnold Kunda and Bro. Harris Mulongesha arrived in Kabompo just as it was arranged by the messages received from them. We were praying for this as an ecclesia. We were pleased to receive them for the first time in Kabompo, except Bro. Mulongesha who had been here before. There was wonderful Bible study and one baptism took place – a new born baby in Kabompo ecclesia from Katendwa. May God bless the seed sown in good soil that it will yield good fruits. We are praying also that Charuma people will be visited to cultivate the hard land and plant the seed there for the sake of our Lord Jesus. North Western is a big region with seven districts. To plant the seed we need to be having big fraternals in future, starting in 2007 and onwards, for the seven districts. May the Lord bless us and we pray for the Kingdom to come on this earth, at present so full of hatred.
I want to study mechanics. If there is any brother who is able to send me a book about mechanics I will be very glad. I want to work hard for a career.
Bro. Amos Chikanda
I am very busy here as you know. We only have two months till the start of our rain season. Roll bricks have been made and I am now bringing them to the site for the shelter of my family. I have been cutting grass and poles for my house roof.
Bro. Charles and Sis Cecillia Muhupu
KAPIRIMPOSHI
When I received your letters I was more than delighted because of the issues you outlined. Honestly I have been out of the fellowship for some time now and the Linkman was not wrong at all by telling you to delete my name from your mailing list. I had a lot of problems to settle but God helped me and I am now settled and hope to mend my past mistakes and become in union with my Brothers and Sisters. I thank you a lot for encouraging me to get back into fellowship.
Bro. Mike Mweene
KASAMA
We are very busy with the Correspondence Course and are in contact with some of the students doing the 40 lesson course in Kasama. We would very much like a copy of Where Women Have No Doctor which could help many, as would the book Wrested Scriptures. We have also found Bible Basics for Moslems very informative and helpful. So far I have not received the tapes you sent me – sea mail at times takes very many months to arrive. It is true that the HIV problem here in Zambia seems enormous and it is also true that only Jesus Christ will solve this and other problems when he comes back to establish the glorious Kingdom here on earth.
Bro. Joshua Mushili
Photo: Bro Joshua Mushili
I received the Da Vinci Code Notes you sent on 25th August 2006 at my brother’s home, watching TV I had a quick glance through it and concluded immediately that it had nothing to do with my faith and hope in the Lord. To my surprise, coincidently there came up a programme on the TV called “Turning Point International” by the CBN. and surprisingly they still had Da Vinci to discuss. I know my God arranged this coincidence for me and really whatever is on this pamphlet came exactly and I learnt a lot from this programme in relation to what you sent me. I personally don’t see anything convincing enough as to challenge my faith in Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God. Only a desperate Christian with a shaky foundation of doctrines would be troubled by such meaningless attacks (1 John 2:22,23, 1 John 4:4-6, Isaiah 8:20).
Concerning the Gospel News magazine, I personally deeply appreciate it and your concern for our spiritual well being. May the Lord God bless you and your work of His message to His people. May He grant us wisdom as He did to Solomon that we may learn, understand his Word and apply it in our everyday life for the sake of Jesus Christ (Phil 2:10,11). I was baptized in Tanzania, witnessed by Bro. Geoff Dawe.
Bro. Boniface Simpanzye
LIVINGSTONE
Many thanks for Where there is no Doctor; it will upgrade my knowledge in my life and the community as well, identifying illnesses. Also very happy to have the book “How to Grow a Balanced Diet” and a dictionary. Please do not give up in getting me more knowledge. The news which I heard on the South Africa radio was that Jesus was married and he had children and Mary Magdalene was his wife. It is nice to hear news from both Israeli and Palestinian governments and what is happening in both Israel and Palestine. I think it is good to continue fighting the good fight of faith in order to be part of the promised Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ for which we are all waiting. I hope to hear more from you.
Bro. Caphes Sikanyika
Comment: It is not true that Jesus was married. We have explained how this so called “Da Vinci Code” is false and most of you will have received the yellow notes on the subject by Bro. John Botten which gives ample evidence to refute this false claim. Further copies can be obtained if required from us. MH
LUNDAZI
The Word s of Comfort, “For all those things hath mine hand made and all those things have been, saith the Lord. But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word.” (Isa 66:2). But are there not numerous passages in both the Old and New Testaments which testify to the real help and comfort which God will grant to his faithful? There are indeed too many by far to quote but here are a few: “Nothing in the world shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life …” (Rom 8:38-39). “Blessed be God, the Father of mercies and the Lord of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation”
(2 Cor. 1:3). “My God shall supply all your need” (Phil 4:19). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb.4:16). “The God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, stablish, strengthen you” (1 Pet.5:10). What are we to do with such passages? Why, heartily believe them of course. Bro John Chulu
NAKONDE
May God’s blessings be with you always, for the work that you are doing is great and may you continue for you will be richly rewarded. I thank you also for the book and leaflets you sent to me. I am also happy for your great help concerning the books that I asked for. Bro. and Sis. Webb have done a great job, they have sent me those books. Really I appreciate your concern. Now that we are living in the last days let us fix our hearts and minds on godly things so that when Christ is revealed he will find us doing what is right. Please pray for us so that we be not of those who shrink back and are destroyed.
Sis. Esther Muntete
NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE
Tour of North Western Province of Zambia, July 8-9
Bro. and Sis David Nicholls visited the above province for the first time,
accompanied by Brothers,. Arnold Bwalya Kunda from Lusaka and Harrison Mulongesha from Ndola. On July 11th I was told by Bro. Richard, who had a cellphone that I should meet the Brothers in Mufumbwe so I travelled there on July 12th to meet them. We had lessons with the students there and also questions, we left the same day for Kabompo where we spent a night in Kabompo. On July 13th we travelled to Zambezi as the programme indicated. In Zambezi lessons were given and questions from the students. On July 15th we came back to Kabompo where lessons were given and questions from students were answered correctly. In Kabompo there was the baptism of Bro. Goodson Kufuna, who is now joined to the family of God in Kabompo although he is in isolation, being 15km from the district. On July 19th we came again to Mufumbwe to meet the students and finish the tour, although my Brothers were continuing to other parts of the country. I learnt that people in the province are still behind with the following topics: Satan, Trinity and Holy Spirit work. If more material could be provided on these subjects, God willing, we will supply it to them. I pray that a Brother or ecclesia will help in contributing these materials which will be much appreciated. We only have two ecclesias in the province which are Solwezi and Kabompo and the remaining five districts have only students.
Bro. Charles Muhupu
Photo: Bro Harris Mulongesha
PEMBA
Loving greetings in the name of our Master, who will soon come. I hope that this letter will find you in good health, the Brothers and Sisters at Muzoka are doing very well. I had a bicycle accident after recovering from malaria which landed me in hospital because our local clinic could not attend to it. I had a dislocation of my left shoulder (collar) bone, so I had to sell one of my goats to meet my hospital expenses, x-ray as well as travel expenses and I was fortunate I was worked upon then back home. I have to do a bit of physio to keep both my muscles and my whole hand working. So pleased to receive your letter, that advice, also the news about the Middle East the booklets have been very useful during Bible study. I do appreciate these additional materials. Looking at what is happening all around us makes us know that it requires us to be united together, as we wait for his coming (Psalm 133:1). Also it requires us to be prepared.
There is no point, after knowing the truth of what is to come, to pretend to ignore this truth, it should keep us watchful, ready for his coming soon! We should take courage and leave fear (Luke 12:32) Our true basis for salvation lies in trust in Jesus as the one to redeem us (Phil.3:9). We should be able to see these events (Luke 12:54-56). I remember on TV/ BBC coverage over Middle East tensions, Israel’s army widening ground offensive; it is very sad to watch these things happening, but the time is near (Jer.30:3). When all these things end “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation…” (Is 2:4) “God will wipe away every tear” (Rev. 21:4).
I have just distributed agricultural notes to some Brothers and Sisters in Lusaka, Matero ecclesia, Chinsali after my distribution to Kafue, Kasaka ecclesias. Bro. Dennis Kombe, as a matter of concern, has written to me for detailed information on how to grow citrus fruits like oranges, apples, pawpaws and the type of fertilizer to use. Do you have any information on apples and pawpaws? I had a leaflet on oranges in my local language but I still have to look for it and translate it and then send it to him together with these others. As soon as I have it I shall let him have this material.
Bro. Wilfred Chibomba
Comment I have sent you and Bro. Dennis some information on growing fruit trees in Africa. Whilst it takes a few years before one gets fruit, once they start bearing one gets a crop for many years. They are a good long term investment and should the Lord remain away, will provide an income when one is too old to work the land. MH.
Greetings in the blessed Name of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. I write to let you know that my work of translation is being delayed as my own dictionary does not assist me in finding the correct meaning of some words in English. I shall be very pleased if you have an old dictionary if you could send it to me. I also wish to let you know that, from the information I got from “Where there is no Doctor” concerning Talc and other health care materials and equipment, I wrote to Hesperian (USA) Foundation to ask whether they could send me more detailed information on how to get or order these. These books are very helpful especially to us who live in rural areas.
Bro. Joseph Mulawo
NDOLA
I would like to continue receiving Gospel News because it is educative, informative and I learn a lot from the Brothers and sisters from other countries and ecclesias. Read Luke 9:23-26, where it tells us to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in his glory and the glory of my Father and of the holy angels.”
Bro. James Mwanza
BANKET
When we pray we say, “Our Father”, so as God is our Father, surely let us respond to His laws by following them, doing the right things only and teaching others. Thank you for all your support which you are handling so that preaching can proceed. I am in isolation so please send me book like “Where Women Have No Doctor”.
Bro. Gaud Mamba
BULAWAYO
Greetings to all Brethren and Sisters who are near and abroad. It is very pleasing to read different ideas and messages of encouragement to spiritual growth. The articles in Gospel News bring us together in spirit although we are many miles apart. It appears sometimes Brethren and Sisters are marrying unbelievers or one of a different church. In doing this it shows that we do not do what we read and are told to do in the Bible. Let us have a look in 2 Cor. 6:14-15, which says “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness, and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?”
How can you be “one flesh” as written in Eph. 5:31 when you have two different doctrines between yourselves that are true and false. For this reason the Lord God prohibited the Israelites’ marriage with the heathen people around them (Deut. 7:3-4), because He knew that as soon as there was mixed marriage His people were going to learn Baal worship. A mixed marriage can be a prolific source of misery (Gen. 27:46). It has come to my notice that such marriages may have no perfect happiness, especially on days of church going as there is a tug-of-war to see which of the two have the true belief and doctrine. How can you be of one mind and live in peace while having two different opinions in life in your service to God whom you worship day and night? Let us bear in mind that there is one body (one true church), one true doctrine, one hope of our calling (Eph. 4:4-6).
Bro. Ambrose Tanyepana
LIVE FOR SOMETHING
Live for something, be not idle
Look around for something to do,
Sit not down to useless dreaming,
Labour is the sweetest joy.
Folded hands are ever weary,
Selfish hearts are never content,
Life for you has many duties,
Then be active while you may.
If we daily do our duty
With a singleness of aim,
We shall see God’s wondrous
deeds and beauty
And shall magnify His name.
We may not be highly gifted
But may fill a little space,
But the meek will be uplifted
In the kingdom of His grace.
Scatter blessings in the pathway,
Gentle words and cheering smiles;
For better than gold and silver
With their grief-dispelling wiles.
So watch how you spend your time.
Sis Jean Mayo
I am enjoying the prophecy of Jeremiah because he was not like the other prophets. When he was preaching he was the doer of the preaching. If all of us were like Jeremiah the word would be preached to the four sides of the world. I hope you are working hard to write the next issue of Gospel News.
Bro. Dzingai Sumburere
CHEGUTU
I am very thankful for your letter and the contents and books. Well at times God does great things in our lives. He is great. The parable of the faith of the Canaanite woman, Matt. 15:22, reminds me of my faith in you and God. When Abraham was called he was told to leave everything and go to the land that God would show him. Jesus, when sending out his twelve disciples gave them instructions, Matt. 10:6-14. So now, because we have agreed to be together as Christadelphians we are one united family. But some among us are not serving the Lord spiritually and I wonder whether we are going to get the “rest” at the end. God knows everything. The death of Bro. Nelson is very sad and the great job he has been doing in Zambia was good. He preached to many of the brethren there and did his missionary work well. I knew his son, David Bwalya, and his young brother Alfred when I stayed with them during my days in Chipata, Zambia. May God be with his family.
Bro. Farai Phiri
Thank you for publishing my article that appeared in Gospel News. My young brother, Webster, was baptized together with two other students, Stanley and Paidamoyo. Our ecclesia keeps growing as we look forward to the coming of the Son of Man.
Bro. Richard Phiri
I would like to thank you very much for the splendid work you are doing on spreading the word through Gospel News and all the literature that you send to all those keen students wishing to learn of the ways of the truth. I have a confession to make and I hope you will publish it in Gospel News, together with my photograph. I used to go to a Methodist church, as from my childhood my whole family were Methodists. Well it was when I met Richard Phiri that he introduced me to the Christadelphians and I saw things differently. There was the Bible Planner to enable one to read portions each day which we never did at the Methodist church. What really helped most was the correspondence course of the 40 lessons; a lot of my questions were answered and I now understand. The leaflets and Bible studies have also helped me greatly. Meanwhile I keep strong and look forward to the coming of our Lord.
Sis. Hlezipi Phiri
Photo: Sis. Hlezipi Phiri
CHINHOYI
Allow me to express my views on the crossword puzzles and some questions. They are very helpful to us as they help us to stretch our brains and search for Bible answers, but for the puzzles I think it would be better if the answers were printed in the next Gospel News rather than put in the back of the same issue. For question and answer I think it is also good if there is a page set aside for that. I have just finished those which were presented by Irene and Lorton and were answered by Sis Joan Shuker. They have helped me very much and they are a sort of inspiration to dig further into the pages of the Bible. I am also stressed about the way John the Baptist behaved in the last days of his life. Question: When John was put in prison he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask whether he was the one to come or should they expect someone else (Luke 7:18). There and then Jesus started to cure those with diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits and giving sight to the blind. Jesus told the disciples to go and report to John what they had seen and heard. Before that, John had baptized Jesus and had said he was powerful and that he was unworthy to untie his sandals. Does that mean John’s belief had decreased because he was in trouble? Does that mean there were other people who looked like Jesus and performed miracles as Jesus did although they were antiichrists? Where did John’s disciples go after John was beheaded?
I would like to thank you all who contribute to Gospel News and would like to assure my many Brethren and Sisters that I am with you in my prayers. I was most touched about what is happening to our Brothers and Sisters in Iran, Morocco and most Islam countries. I am also sorry and sad to hear of the death of Brother Nelson Bwalya; he has been a good writer and inspiration to us young brothers. To his family and ecclesia I repeat 2 Chron. 19:11 “…act with courage, and may God be with those who do well.”
Bro. Moses Ajiweka Zumba
Comment: The miracles Jesus did not only confirmed John’s belief in Jesus being the Messiah, but would also have demonstrated to John’s disciples, that Jesus was the Messiah whom they should follow.
CHIPINGE
I was diagnosed TB and I am on TB treatment. I want to thank God for the assistance I got from the CBM Welfare Fund as it enables me to go for a blood test to see if I have a malaria parasite in my blood, because at first I thought it was malaria.
Bro. Moses Dhlakama
It is encouraging to see how God’s Word is spreading to so many remote places. I have been to Mozambique twice with Moses and I met quite a number of Bible students and I am tutoring most of them. It has been a privilege for me to talk face to face with them. The two visits have been a great joy to us all. We all made our way home with a firm resolve to continue the work by correspondence and possibly further visits, God willing. Recently Moses and Admire went back and the visit was blessed by the baptism of Sister Evermore Muchanga, the wife of our Bro. Arone Muchanga. She has been on the 40 lessons correspondence course.
Sis. Evelyn Dhlakama
We thank you for Portuguese Bible Basics as well as books Speaking About Jesus.
Bro. Arone Muchanga – Translated from Portuguese
CHIVI
According to the second epistle of John it says, “To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only but also all who know the truth, because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us for ever.” Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the son of the Father in truth, and love”, Brother with the happiness which is in my heart now. I am not here to tell you anything but I just want to thank our heavenly Father through our Lord Jesus for the kindness and love you have shown to the people of Chivi. The students are enjoying their studies and I have been given a classroom here at Chivi District Hospital and I also want to say thank you very much to Bro. Dhlakama of Rimbi who gave us some leaflets about the book Speaking About Jesus; we would like some more please.
Bro. Isaac Vheremu Ngara
KARIBA
Faith has two main aspects, it is true knowledge about God and Christ with an unshakeable conviction that what God has revealed about Himself and about us is true. Faith also involves trusting in God and being assured deep down that by His grace we are made right with Him because of Christ; that what Christ has accomplished applies to us. Faith is centred in Christ and in what he has done as each one of us is called to make a personal confession of faith in Christ as Saviour and Lord. The Blind Bartimaeus had faith in Jesus Christ that he would see and he received his sight. As Brethren and Sisters in Christ we must stand firm in faith knowing that God is always testing our faith to strengthen it. This testing may involve pain and suffering and God wants us to reach out to Him and trust that He is working for our good.
Bro. Witness Majecha
I am praising our Lord Jesus that I want to learn more of his words. God bless you for the wonderful books I am now reading. I am confident that God’s test only comes when and wherever He wants it done. Job 9:8, :18-19, Isa. 48:13. Regrettably our human nature is our enemy. In August God blessed us in Zimbabwe in having a Christadelphian Conference in Harare, when we met Bro. Steve and Sis Ruth Moore. Bro. Alan Turner and his wife Sonia. It was the most wonderful time I and my children have ever had.
Jesus, being of our nature, showed us the character of God. God is after his image being in us. God is looking upon this earth to see the hearts of those that realize they have to try to imitate the life of Jesus.. How and where can you run away from Him? God loves us, let us hear Him.. May the Lord give us more strength to stand against the winds that may come, for God wants strong people with faith looking forward to the coming Kingdom of the Lord Jesus.
Bro. David Mhondiwa
KAROI
Once more I am writing to forward my word of thanks to you and may the Lord add more to you for another hand that you have given to me. Many more days and blessings from the Almighty for you people who care for the poor and needy at the Lord’s table. I am preparing to go to the Conference in Harare, God willing.
Bro. Marison Tafirenyika
MAGUNJE
Joyous salutations in Christ. With heavy breath I gladly received your letter. Thank you so much for your great love. You took the burden off my shoulders which was too heavy for me. My prayer is that you extend your hand of help both spiritually and physically to wherever God so wills for the reward reserved for you is immeasurable. No amount of words would be enough to express my innermost gratitude for the services you have personally rendered to me. No more words of explanation can explain my joy and peace at this time. I am always singing hymns 268 and 335. Your fellow sufferer, fellow soldier, fellow pilgrim and fellow suppliant of the mercy of God unto eternal life.
Bro. Stanford Kunzha
I received the books you sent through sea mail and then a letter and the book “Where Women have no Doctor”. I think Sister Ruth and others will find it useful. I will take time to read all these books and those on gardening, goats, and rabbits. I am now well equipped with all information so I will have to keep them nicely. From the garden this last season I had managed to yield sweet potatoes, cassava and sugar cane which have different nutrients for the family. This time I have tomatoes of different varieties some of which I am about to market but we have a problem with our Zimbabwean dollar which is not stable. The news from the Middle East, as the Bible predicts, shows us that our Lord is now near to make everything change for the better.
Bro. Weston and Sis. Ruth Kamota
First and foremost I would like to thank you for send me Bible Basics, Introducing Bible Basics, The Death of the Cross, Jehovah’s Witnesses Doctrines Briefly Tested by Scripture and Bible Basics for Moslems.
Remember the words of the Master of the vineyard: “He who endures to the end will be saved”.
Bro Norman and Sis Grace Kamutikaoma
MASVINGO
On 18 August 2006 we had Bro. Steve and Sis. Ruth Moore in Masvingo town ecclesia and we had Daily Bible Readings and we shared the word for spiritual growth. I have found it difficult to raise college fees alone, since both of my parents died in an accident.
Bro. Simon Mudavose
MT. DARWIN
God gave us the 66 books of the Bible. He meant us to study all of them – not only read or study a few that are our favourites. We cannot build a house without a proper foundation. So when we get the proper foundation laid we need to put up some side buildings to hold the roof and have a strong house to live in. Therefore the 66 books of the Bible will build us up in faith. The writer of 2 Timothy 2:15 urges us to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of faith.” Again 2 Tim.3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” So the only recourse we have these days is the Word of God. The reason that many fall by the wayside is that the seed fell among the stones. It did not get deeply rooted. The Word of God is the seed and unless we study all the Word of God, getting down into the good, rich soil, we will not become very healthy spiritually and it won’t be long until we get trampled down and dried out by the earthly sun. To stand in these days we need to be rooted in the Word of God. As Peter says, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy, where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Peter1:19-20) So do not pull out just one verse or two and think you have it. That is the tragedy of Bible study; we must take it all? So, Brothers and Sisters, let us all build entirely upon the Word of God using our Bible Companions, (Also reproduced in the Bible Readers Ccalendar) as by following this plan we will be able to read every chapter of the Bible each year. I am thanking Bre. Steve Moore, Alan Tanner and Sis Ruth and Sonia for coming to Zimbabwe, Resthaven CBM. Conference and studying the Bible with us using the theme, “Israel, past, present and future.” Please arrange more conferences for us in the future. I believe the study of God’s Word is our only hope for the future.
Bro. Sylvester Chakaipa
MUTEMA
Thank you very much for literature on growing crops in drought conditions; they are useful booklets. We are suffering high inflation in our country, indeed we are experiencing hyper-inflation. Many thanks for your advice and suggestions concerning the problems I mentioned. Thank you, too, for exhortation on present day events which is very interesting. I have not received the latest Gospel Publicity leaflets. Concerning copies of Gospel News, I suggest that you send one or two copies per small ecclesia. In our ecclesia we are 13 members, two copies are enough, we exchange them as we do one copy of the Testimony, the Christadelphian Magazine. This may reduce the cost of printing and by mailing to one ecclesia. If my suggestion is helpful send them through the ecclesial secretary. The Gospel News joins us all together worldwide. We pray for your wonderful work and its continuity till Christ returns.
Bro. Patrick Mandvinga
