News from Africa
BAKUMBA
There is total co sickness, wars etc. are all around us. Why? Many scientific
studies, doctors, governments etc. have tried to stop these troubles, but there
are no solutions. They cannot give the world the satisfaction it seeks. We must
be on our guard, but the master key is prayer. When the Lord Jesus Christ comes
to the earth – he will be the solution to all the world’s problems.
We are happy to announce the baptisms, early last year, of four people, now our
Brothers: MOKUBE LUCAS, MOKUBE DAVID, BOKWE HAMMETT, BOKWE WILSON. May they all
do the will of our Father on earth.
We regret to report the desperate sickness of, Bro. Joshua Mosume. By the Lord’s
mercies he is improving, but please all share with us in prayer in his sickness.
Bro. Mbella Elias
FONTEM
As I have repented, God has overlooked my sins of the past, done in ignorance. I
trust I will not return to those times of ignorance, for I am sure God has set
aside a day, which is coming very fast, when He will judge the world through
Jesus. So I tell my children and personal relatives that when I go to my deep
sleep and my body is laid in the ground, “Let no clan’s tradition be attached to
my body”. I repeat, “When my days are over and I go to rest in my tomb, it will
be done and cared for by the Christadelphians only, and by no other sect. Jesus,
my Saviour, will return soon and raise the responsible dead.” Grace and peace be
with you all.
Bro. Victor Atabong
NDOP
After a few years I visited the Blind and Handicapped School in Mbengwi and was
very happy with the changes I saw – the guest house, new ecclesial hall, new
rehabilitation unit, swimming pool etc. Please, I beg a regular copy of Gospel
News.
Bro. Songson Simon
Photo: Bro. Simon nailing a fence at the School
SHAMA JUNCTION
Abraham had a difficult time when the Lord called him to leave his country to go
to a land that He would show him, Abraham being a stranger there. So is our
life; we are now strangers at Shama Junction, making a new life, having stayed
at Cape Coast since 1967. Present events in the world tell us that the coming of
the Lord is very near and that we are to hold fast until the end by helping one
another on the narrow road to the Kingdom where, we pray, we will be received by
our Lord. May we all be found worthy in that day.
Bro. Joseph Oppong
BULIMBO
I am a Brother of 20 years old and I was baptised into Jesus Christ last year
after being interviewed by Brethren Moses Joumer and Francio Wamaiwa. I was
baptised with the sole aim of entering into the Kingdom and this remains my aim
today.
Bro. Emmanuel Joumer
Photo: Sister in Christ Sara Joumer and Bro. Emmanuel
Photo: Bro. Bruno O. Ateya, whose letter appeared in the Nov/Dec issue of Gospel News
HOMA BAY
I am still holding fast to my faith. However, my health has not been very good;
I have been down with malaria – off and on for about two months – but God has
been taking great care of the children who are now coming to terms with single
parenthood, except during the times when I am very much down and feel disturbed
so much. These problems have been so great on us, but we have to bear them. Even
when Jesus was suffering such great pain on the cross he did not say anything
out of place. It was the centurion who said, “Truly this was the Son of God”
(Matt. 27:54). I’m praying so that I don’t share Job’s wife’s view.
Bro. Isaiah Awino
KAMUKUYWA
I would like two Swahili Bible Basics and also the book, ‘Where There Is No
Doctor’ to help people in my village about health.
Bro. Joseph Wanjala
Thank you for your letter and the Bible Key Cards which are very educative, and
request you to send more if they are available. We have a lot of work to do to
spread the gospel all over the nation of Kenya, even if three-quarters of the
people do not know English. Actually, here in Kenya Kiswahili is the national
language. Many friends who received the Kiswahili Bible Basics send their
greetings.
We each have different challenges to face us in the battle of life. A display of
normal cunning is to be avoided and mere expediency is not sufficient. We must
avoid doing ‘evil that good may come’. Sometimes the use of fleshly methods may
appear to offer the prospects of greater success, but we will fail if we succumb
to the temptation. A man can find himself in the centre of a storm, tossed to
and fro by its raging, but if he hearkens to the voice of Yahweh and discerns
His teaching in the storm, he will ultimately find peace. So let us consider our
ways: are they really pleasing God? Let us be yoked together so that we have
peace in our ecclesias; this is a service that each one can render no matter how
humble our standing might be.
Bro. Patrick Wafula
I was baptised in 2002. I thank God for what He did for me, and thank Bro. Lamas
Okoth Muga for teaching me the Truth. May God bless Lamas in his work of
preaching the Gospel. Since my baptism I have met many challenges, but have
always remembered what I promised God. I have been at Nyagowa ecclesia in the
south part of the country; there is another ecclesia, Adiedo. Please send more
Bible Basics and Bible Companions as many are in need of them. With abiding love
in the Lord,
Bro. Collins Onyango
KERICHO
I would like to thank you a lot for the many booklets you have been sending to
me. I received the Key Cards which was much appreciated and welcomed with all my
heart. I would like to request that you introduce me and my journalistic work to
poets and freelance writers worldwide. Here in Kenya, a third world country,
problems are abundant ranging from unemployment, corruption, immorality etc. but
when Jesus comes we will be saints in His Kingdom.
Bro. Erick Mutai
KITISE
The gospel was preached to me and I received it happily. In return, I give you
all my love in Christ and I rejoice for the books and cards which I received
from you.
Bro. Daniel Maingi
KWALE
Greetings dear Brothers and Sisters who are looking forward to and awaiting the
second coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, to establish God’s everlasting
Kingdom here on earth. It is my hope that you are already prepared to welcome
the bridegroom (Jesus) and be with him. I am very much thankful for the Bible
Basics sent to me, I received them in good order and am learning more; it is a
great help to me, thank you very much and may God bless you. I am eager to meet
with you face to face so that we may share our joy and happiness, but I pray
that we shall meet in the Kingdom when Jesus comes. I am praying for the peace
that is missing in the Middle East. Israel and the Palestinians are ever in
clashes, but I pray to God that He will bring peace and harmony to His people
and to the whole world.
Bro. Gideon Matheka Mukeku
Bro. Collins Onyango
MATUU
You are doing a good work in helping to spread the glad tidings throughout the
world. I was pleased that you have now produced Bible Basics in Kiswahili and
that copies are available to Kiswahili-speaking countries such as Kenya,
Tanzania and Uganda – this is a very good work. I am doing some translation into
Kiswahili and Kikamba of Sunday School Union literature.
Bro. Lazarus Kingoo
MBITA
I got the books, plus Gospel News, which you sent to me and other things. I
thank you for what you have done for me. I want you to give my greetings to
Brothers and Sisters and tell my tutor, Janet Hobbins, I have lost her address.
I am looking forward to the time when Jesus will be back with us and reform the
earth with the Kingdom.
Bro. Jared Oketch
MSAMBWENI
Thank you very much for the good service. I have been reading Gospel News and,
frankly speaking, it has changed my life (and my wife’s). Since I started
reading it I have found that life in Christ is peaceful. God willing, I will be
baptised soon (Munga is now baptised). Please send to me the daily Bible reading
calendar. Currently I’m missing it and it’s hard to read the Bible in sequential
order without a guide.
Bro. Munga Lugo
NANGO
Dago ecclesia was established in 1987. Our members are doing well and we pray
and hope God will keep us together with you world-wide in the one faith. We pray
together with you that Jesus will soon come. When we look at the world situation
at present, we are convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that the coming of our
Lord and Master is at hand. Jesus gave examples and signs to look at, here are a
few chapters and verses from the scriptures: Luke 21:29-31,34-36; Matt. 24:4-8;
2 Tim. 4:1-5. We hope the day will not catch us unawares and we pray to God to
give us everlasting life in His coming Kingdom. May God bless all who are awake
and keeping their lamps burning, for we shall soon rise to meet the Lord when he
comes from heaven with great glory. We are also very happy for having the Gospel
News magazine which we always receive, since it is a great source of blessing to
our life.
Bro. Raphael Joni Aimo
Bro. Henry Mwei
NDALU
Basically, a true Christian is one who reads the Bible, understands it and does
what it says. Unfortunately it is not so with many, because they lust for so
many things in their minds. For instance, the Bible says a true Christian should
have love, peace, patience and all the good things that we can think of. In a
nutshell, we should be holy because He who called us is holy.
Bro. Peter Simiyu
NDHIWA
Give my greetings to your ecclesia and tell them that I am with them in the Name
of Jesus Christ. I was at Okumbo ecclesia, but now am at Ndhiwa (14km from
Okumbo) and am in isolation with my sister, Sis. Dorine Adoyo Mboya.
Bro. Leonard Mboya Lar
NYAGOWA
We are 17 Brothers and Sisters in the village of Nyagowa, but I am far away from
the ecclesia, but I am happy that we are together ‘in Christ’. Everything is
possible, because God has a purpose. The Christadelphian faith was introduced to
me by Bro. Patrick and Sis. Claudic Opondo. I was brought up in a traditional
SDA family. We know that God is the Head of all leaders; leaders in this world
acquire their power from God. I am blessed by having been chosen of God and
taken from the religion of SDA and promise to stand firm in the faith.
Bro. Amayo Remjus
Bro. Amayo Remjus and Bro. Lamas Muga Okot
PALA-SARE
Some time back we were still conducting our prayers at our Sunday gathering when
we were visited by two Brothers, Samwel Masawa from Migori and James Nyan’gute
from Kisii. That day the exhortation was given by Bro. James Nyangute. We had
interviews with contacts, but only one qualified for baptism. We give thanks to
God that on that day Samson Onyango was baptised by Bro. Samwel Masawa. We thank
the Brothers and Sisters in UK for saving our lives from malaria by providing
the mosquito nets; we can now sleep comfortably and we give you all our grateful
thanks
Bro. John O. Kine
SOSIOT
Currently here in Kenya all is not well because unemployment is at a premium,
criminal activities and violation against human rights are reported everywhere.
To make all ends meet, I have decided to venture into journalism, having been
motivated by articles carried in Gospel News. I am happy and contented to know
that the Kingdom of God is prepared for those who confess their sins and accept
Jesus as their Redeemer. We are eagerly and patiently waiting for the coming of
Jesus Christ.
Bro. Erick Kipruto Mutai
TONGAREN
Thank you very much for assisting me in many ways. Your words of encouragement
and those from the various messages in the booklets you send are so important to
me and my friends with whom I usually share the word of the Lord. At times I
have borrowed Bible Basics from my friend, Moses Wafula Sitati, but he also may
be using it, thus limiting my usage. I request some more, so that I can have a
copy of my own and also for my friends with whom I share God’s word; they come
from different East African countries. Currently I am undertaking a teaching
profession as a secondary teacher of biology and chemistry at the University of
Kyambogo.
Bro. Martin Wamalwa
The magazines have made me grow in faith day after day and I will never refuse
to read God’s word. I like reading and answering questions better than just
writing letters, so I request you to send magazines, questions and any other
material which will make me write to you from time to time. I have a friend who
is a Roman Catholic and we have been studying Bible Basics together and he is
after joining me in wanting to be baptised into Christ. He had a question: he
was officially married in his church; would he have to be married again in our
‘church’ as all marriage certificates in Kenya are officially issued from the
Attorney General’s office. All in all we are living in the last days, so let us
be prepared to receive our Lord Jesus Christ and obey his commands.
Bro. Romano O. Ejakaiti
URIRI
Our ecclesia at Uriri village comprises 40 members. We lack many things, but are
at an early stage, so we need a lot of help. I’m a primary school teacher,
having trained in 1991-92.
Bro. Moses E. Maleya
I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your spiritual and moral support. We
have moved our Migori ecclesia to Uriri which is situated about 10km from Migori.
We decided to move to Uriri because of expenditure, that is, house rent and the
daily travelling costs of meeting our brethren who are located in different
parts. We were blessed to have a member offer us a free house to meet in. We
also spend much in preparing Bible lessons for the youth forum and also
preparing prayers for different members who request them. We ask you to kindly
continue sending us the Magazine and help in any way you can. Our mission of
preaching the gospel is faring very well.
Bro. Kennedy Kirinya
WEBUYE
Thank you for writing and thank you for supporting us spiritually. Our ecclesia
is growing rapidly so continue supplying Gospel News and other material for our
new members, AUGUSTINE WAMALWA, BENJAMINE WANYONYI and MARTIN WAKHUNGU. I
received the Key Cards and they are of great value, the numbers were from
146-210. If you get time, then please send me other numbers for they are really
helping me in Bible study.
Bro. Joseph M. Wanjala
I have received the book, “Why Are We Here?” Really, I am so grateful for this
wonderful book which was sent to me as a gift so that I might read it and
increase my knowledge thoroughly of the word of God, and His only begotten Son,
Jesus Christ, whom it clearly describes and explains in the Bible that he died
for us on the cross for our sins. I just say ‘Thank you’ indeed for this book.
Here in my beloved country it just seems as though the time which has been
prophesied has come, concerning both the deeds and events that are happening,
e.g. there is famine in so many parts of the country. Due to starvation,
numerous numbers of people have turned to be killers, some have turned to be
thieves and break our houses and steal things and sell them very cheaply for
their own survival. Also, some have turned to be criminals; they kill people
savagely to possess, by force, their goods. There is also a hatred among people;
there is no love in the family. Children rebel against their parents and some
even beat them up and some kill them. Things have changed and have become worse
indeed. So what do these things indicate? Is it that the coming of Jesus Christ
is very near, therefore we should be prepared for his coming? Only God knows
what is going to happen, for I trust Him and regard Him as both my Shield and
Fortress, especially in bad conditions. I pray God that He will give me strength
that I will do His will and please Him. Please pray for me that God will hear my
prayers in asking for employment.
Bro. Bernard Lintsa
OSIRE
I thank the mighty God for having saved me from the evils. I now belong to the
Christadelphians at Osire. I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo where
the war broke out. Until now there is no peace. This war has forced people to
flee in different directions. In my case, I found myself as a refugee here in
Namibia and living in a refugee camp. When we arrived here my friends and I
resumed Bible studies and everyday prayers. I really thank the Lord, for he
enabled me to know His word. I am an orphan; both my parents died before the war
started in my country. I am not married yet, due to some problems that I am
facing in life. After being taught the Christadelphian approach and doctrine, I
was baptised on June 12, 2003 here in Namibia by Bro. Leon, Sis. Joanne and Sis.
Jen from Australia.
Bro. Kitego Shungaza
BRYANSTON
It is now a long time since I wrote to you, but since my wife fell asleep things
have been hectic for me, but I am always praying and standing with the Truth of
our Lord. I am now in S. Africa, having arrived in May last year. Since then
I’ve been trying to locate Christadelphian Brothers and Sisters. I would indeed
be pleased to meet Brothers and Sisters in Christ in South Africa. (This has
been done)
Bro. Mathias Msimanga
KEMPTON PARK
Just a bit of encouragement – last Saturday PM Paul and I went to visit a
student in Florida (west of JHB) who had answered all courses, particularly
Bible Basics, exceptionally well and said wanted a visit. This well spoken and
better read man of 44 and of Norwegian blood, was waiting for us outside a very
dilapidated house and then showed us to some rickety chairs in the garden – all
he has is a small servant’s room in his mother’s house (mother is dead) - he has
been relegated there by his brother’s Muslim wife who lives in the main house.
He has no electricity, or running water, he was retrenched, took the package and
lost that on a bad business venture. With no money could do nothing to fix his
car so sold it and there he is – pretty stranded, doing carpentry jobs of sorts.
His Bible knowledge is outstanding. Has grasped the truth with an amazing
thoroughness and is mad about reading – has read the Bible through many times
and also Bible Basics four times. Wants to get into Elpis Israel, Christendom
Astray etc. So now the challenge for us is to get him to the meeting with no one
living anywhere close to him. Paul is fetching him tomorrow and God Willing
he’ll be baptised next Sunday. Keep strong... always abounding in the work of
the Lord.
Sis. Leonie
ARUSHA
I take the opportunity to thank you all for your concern for me, for sure I was
very thrilled to get many, many letters. The Christadelphians have revealed to
my family and me the truth about God, so I must also work hard in spreading the
Good News. A Sister has also sent me some books and I thank her so much through
you.
Bro. Thierry Kabangu
KATUMBA
In your life is there anything more important that you would exchange for
eternal life, as we wait for our Lord Jesus Christ?
Brothers and Sisters, visitors and contacts after the Breaking of Bread in
Mwanza Tanzania
Bro. Hakiza William
If the answer is ‘Yes’, I am sorry for you. If not, then God bless you until His
Son’s coming to establish His Kingdom on this earth. Also I say, be careful in
taking alcohol. One bottle can lead to more and more. Be a good example among
the other churches and keep away from alcoholic drink.
Bro. Hakiza Ephraim William
BUGIRI
It is because of the Lord Jesus Christ that we are related to the hope of
eternal life if we hold fast to the hope which we profess in faith and
obedience. The ongoing trouble in Iraq and the Middle East, and world
conditions, make us realise that these are signs of the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ. I thank God for all the work going on in Uganda and for the strength God
is giving me. I kindly request, if possible, to have more books and leaflets.
Bro. Patrick Morse Opondo
MBARARA
The two photographs I am sending are of a Brother and a Sister baptised in June
and July, 2003, at Mbarara.
Bro. Godwin Mugasi
Bro. Amon Ahabwe baptised on June 22nd 2003
CHIPATA
Greeting you in the Master’s Name, whom we await patiently to bring peace to
this violent world. I went to Chinsali to see my mother, then went back to the
bush camp and for our trip to Central and Northern Province. Although we had a
road accident, fortunately God was with us and we all are alive, only my left
shoulder is still painful. We had 16 baptisms, i.e. seven from Chinkumba
ecclesia in Chinsali, and four from my former ecclesia, Chifunsa, also in
Chinsali, four in Mandona and one in the isolated ecclesia of Nankonde
Bro. Alfred Bwalya
KALOMO
The gospel of the Kingdom must be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a
testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. The rapid spread of the
Truth to many additional nations today stimulates us to preach. Here, many
are willing to learn the Truth from Christadel - phians, but it is not everybody
who knows or understands English. It is very helpful to have some of our
booklets in our own language.
Bro. Shadreck Mwiya
KAWAMBWA
Sis. Jane baptised on July 6th 2003
I would like to inform you that I and others will be very happy to receive Bible
Basics in Bemba – please send six and one must be in English – all sent in one
parcel. We wait for them to reach our hands. May God be with you as we all wait
for the return of our King, Jesus Christ.
Bro. Mwansa Titus
KAZEMBIA
Due to certain circumstances beyond my control, I have been away for a period of
time, but despite my absence my wife, Josephine, was in a position to collect
the literature you sent to me. I would like to continue to receive more from
you, please.
Bro. James Kanbabe
MUFULIRA
Thank you for the Bible Basics; I gave one to Bro. Alex Mutale from Kitwe who
was asking for it. We, as children of God, look to our Father. We give thanks to
Him, call on His Name, and make known among the nations what He has done. Thank
you for your help and for encouraging me to pass the examination in motor
mechanics, level one. Out of 12 students who wrote the final exam, five were
picked for Craft Certificate, and the cutting point was 75%. I was one of those;
I got 86% theory and 60% final practical exam. Bro. David Nicholls came with a
manual for motor mechanics and it is helping me very much. The signs of the
times are incredible: terrorism, violence becoming like the days of Noah. The
only Hope is the return of our Lord. We thank God for what you have done for us
on our way to the Kingdom.
Bro. Charles Daka
One of the photos taken at the Youth meeting, Harare
The first Christadelphian Bible Mission Conference held in Harare, 1987. Back
row: Bre. Innocent Kuvuta, Exebio Chakwerera, Walter Mangono, Augustine
Garanewafo, Samson M’lauzi, Crispen Zimba, Sis. Nancy Milburn. Front: Bre.
Charles McQuoid, James Uprichard, Frederick Matarirano and Sis. Tracy Garanewako
CHEGUTU
I have completed the first part at the Craft Centre. God was with me during my
stay in Zambia. God did great wonders to me, and really the hard times I
experienced were a test from God to show how strong in faith I am. Yes, I did
put everything in His hands and He opened my heart and brain to grasp quickly
what I was learning. Now I am back home and would like to thank you for the
Bible Basics you sent. I have distributed to some Brothers who were in need of
them. If possible, can you send me some more because I had to distribute even my
own copy.
Bro. Farai Phiri
HARARE
I thank God for giving me this time to write to you. How are you in the UK? Here
everything is OK except the hardships we are facing day by day. We had a Youth
meeting in Bulawayo. Everybody was blessed through the programme and the word,
which was powerful.
Bro. James Znitete
KARIBA
After the baptism of Bro. David Mhondiwa on May 18, 2003, at twilight we sat
down along the shore of Lake Kariba to remember our Lord. Bro. Richard
Katongomara baptised David. Sitting on the grass, Bro. Joshua presided for Bro.
Innocent, who enlightened us by his exhortation. We thank and praise God for
adding to our number, and we pray for His guidance and protection until Jesus
comes to set up God’s Kingdom.
Bro. Joshua Pakli
Brothers Richard, Joshua, William, Revi, David and Innocent, Kariba
Bro. Richard Katongomara baptising David, Kariba
