News from Africa
Brother, accept my loveing greetings in the faith and the hope we have in our Lord. We should stay fast for success in the hope we have in him. May we continue to stay fast prayerfully and patiently awaiting his coming. I wish to thank all for your prayers, and pray that all over there will continue to fight the good fight in the Lord.
Bro Kum Donatus
Before joining the Christadelphians I was a member of the Catholic Church where I learned that after death your soul goes to heaven or after purgatory. I learned so many things, which I did not understand. But when the Christadelphian Church came to Muyuka I attended for some time and came to learn that after death our soul goes no where but we remain resting waiting for the judgement day. This was my point of confusion but Bro Martin gave me a clue and some biblical quotations where one could find thefull truth. This made me very happy and interested in finding the truth, I then decided to continue to investigate the doctrines untill I became ripe for baptism. We are seven in number and we were baptised by Bro Moses from Tole; Bro Alain and Sis Glory from Kumba and Sis Grace from Muyenge on Sunday the 2nd of July 2006. After the baptism we had the Breaking of Bread meeting and we were given a right hand of fellowship. In fact this has been my favourite day when I became a true child of God.
Bro Azemanyi Tazoacha Ken
We are now printing the 40 lessons basic truth in NW Cameroon and we have about 40,000 copies in stock. We have distributed the first aid material in the remote area of Buweh where the book ‘Where There Is No Doctor’ is proving very valuable. This is the most valuable instrument as the Government has given the CBM air time for the wonderful assistance to the envy of other denominations. In Bamenda there are about 17 preparing for baptism, God Willing in November. during the visit of the UK brethren. Medical help is what we need and will welcome your help, if you can, to the greater community.
Bro Emmanul, Nanji
MENJI
Hi young friends world wide. Do you go to Sunday School? In our Sunday School Bro. Oliver has gone through the Lord’s prayer with us many times. We are very happy. In our different schools, like primary or secondary, which are non-denominational. the leaders have noticed that we are Christadelphian children. Why? I was asked to give a morning prayer and I said the Lord’s prayer (Matt. 6:9-13). From that day other children learned not to end the Lord’s prayer at verse 13 (half way) without completing the whole to the word “Amen”. Let us all study the Bible as we have been blessed with parents who have their Bibles open daily.
John Atem Nkeng
MUTENGENE
I was at a funeral where I heard someone say, ‘Where do the dead go?’ His friend said that the dead go to heaven, hell or purgatory. I told them that the dead are buried and return to dust; some will be resurrected when Jesus returns to the earth. They asked, Will Jesus come back? I said, Yes, and told them to go to the Bible and look at Acts 1:11 and Rev. 22:12 etc. They asked, Why has Jesus not come? I told them that Jesus had not come yet because God wants all to repent (2 Peter 3:9). I asked them whether they know about the resurrection and they said, Yes. I asked them, If the dead go to heaven or hell or purgatory, (as they alleged), then who is the resurrection for. They could not answer and said their priest or pastor, who has studied the Bible for many years, told them the dead go to one of the places mentioned above. I told them that none of those places is mentioned in the Bible. I asked them, What is purgatory?. They said it is a place where the soul of the dead is purified before entering heaven.
Mutengene ecclesia is back in the home of Bro. Nicolas while we look for a cheaper hall. Members have dropped from nine to four as some have gone to other towns due to employment opportunities.
Bro. Nicolas Menjauh
Photo: Menji ecclesia Sunday School, Fontem, Cameroon: Acha, John, Nancy, Christy and Walter and Bro. Oliver Mbiaoh, teacher (sitting).
MUYUKA
We were delighted to have the company of Bro Moses Bua of Tole Ecclesia Bro Alain Leke and Sis Glory from Kumba ecclesia and Sis Grace Tanyi from Muyenge ecclesia. They visited us and we had a very enjoyable and unforgettable time. They interviewed and baptised seven contacts from our Muyuka Ecclesia and we studied ecclesial unity.
Bro Martin Atabong & Bro Emmanul, Nanji
A Brother generally has only one opportunity to find a wife for himself and having done this we must stay with her always. If he makes a foolish choice he may have to pay for his mistake being unhappy for the rest of his life. The Bible often warns us of this; here are three passages, using the RSV: “It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman. It is better to live in a desert land than with a fretful woman” (Prov. 21:9,19). “Like a gold ring in a swine’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion” (Prov. 11:22). “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Prov. 31:30). All over the world men admire beautiful women. In countries where bride price has to be paid, a woman’s beauty determines her price. After all, it is a very natural thing for a man to want a beautiful wife. Natural, yes, but also dangerous. If a man is concerned only with a woman’s beauty, he may find himself married to an unsuitable wife. Look back at the three Proverbs quoted above; the first tells us that life with the wrong sort of wife can be utterly miserable. The last two tell us that beauty alone is not enough. What really matters is that a woman should have “discretion and fear the Lord”.
Bro. Akamin Romanus
PERSONAL TESTIMONIES OF CONVERSION
I am so glad that I have accepted baptism and I know that I have changed becoming a new person because of my new relationship with God. This has all been because of the help of my brothers and sisters in our ecclesia. I now read the Bible often and keep on striving to follow the commandments of Christ. We all know Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”(Matt 5:6)
Sis Agatha
It is a wonderful thing to became a child of God. I have lived in the past in ignorance of God's words and in darkness. But when I came across the Christadelphians I was enlightened by Bro Martin and other brothers of my ecclesia until this great Day, Sunday the 2nd July 2006, I was baptised by Bre Moses and Alain. I have seen the truth and will never relent in my efforts.
Bro Thomas T. Njang
I understood that nothing is better than to be in Jesus Christ. I had never liked to hear about God's words until Bro Martin started visiting me and giving me some biblical pamphlets, I then became interested. - Baby baptism, heaven going after death, and sprinkling of water on somebody in the name of baptism were all wrong. I learned many other new things and I was always referred to the Bible. After being baptised on 2nd July 2006 I have became a moderate man and I feel peaceful when reading the Bible, in fact nothing is better than to be in Jesus Christ.
Bro Mathiew Zilefac
I am very happy and feel glorious having been baptised into Christ and becoming part of the Chritadelphian family world-wide.This is a free gift and we must admit that we are sinners."For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"(Rom3:23). When my husband, Thomas Njang, who was another contact like myself, gave me encouragement, I joined Sis Lucy who gave me some clues and some Biblical quotations which made me change my lifestyle. for the Bible says," Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish"(Luke 13:3).
Sis Honorine Tazoache
I have always lived believing that Mary was the mother of God who went to heaven both body and soul - according to the Catholic doctrine. But when I came closer to Bro Romanus, another brother, He wiped away this idea and defended it using the Bible. This made me know the truth, then I became a Christadelphian.
Sis Theresia Anyi Njang
I used to be attracted by the Christadelphian Hymnals. When I came nearer them I found that they know a lot of Biblical realities which I have always failed to understand. When I knew enough, I became ripe for baptism and was baptised by Bre Alain and Moses.
Sis Juliana Fondong
Photo: Buroia / Masisi Ecclesia, Congo
SUBRI-WASSA
It has been a long time since you heard from me. I have only received Gospel News occasionally. Since I left Subri for Koforidua, in the Eastern Region of Ghana, little did I contemplate on the consequences of my action, but after two unfruitful years it has not been possible to start another Ecclesia in that region. I have returned to Subri , where after struggling in vain for 16 years in Lord finally granted my request and an ecclesia was formed. Many brethren from the UK helped in all ways to see to the spiritual growth and the CBM built a meeting hall for the Subri ecclesia. As it is in all establishments, there are always teething problems My only success in Koforidua station was teaching a Sister who was baptised into the Accra ecclesia. “I have embarked on many preaching tours in the Western Region of Ghana; this has paid off and last year there were five baptisms in Moseaso and four in Subri, the four in Subri being products of our Youth classes, they are: Bro. Duncan Okai Kotei (son of Bro. Odiko), Bro. Dacosta Larbi Amo (son of Bro. Amo), Sis. Justina Ansah (daughter of Bro. Ansah) and Bro. David Cobbinah. May brethren and sisters write to encourage them in their journey to the Kingdom. We have revived the Western fraternal, the first being in Adjuom from May 25th-28th 2006. It was successful, as it has created awareness in the village. Our second, God willing, is to be August 31st to Sept. 3, and the third, God willing, from 30th Nov.-3rd. Dec. Our Post Office at Ateiku has been closed down, so we travel to Tarkwah for our letters which are sometimes tampered with, some, we think, never reach their destination.. I therefore decided to have a new Post Box, which by God’s grace I now have at Twifo Praso where a Sister attends market twice a week Please notify Brethren and Sisters about this change of address in our medium. My new address, which is also the ecclesial, one is: The Christadelphians, Subri-Wasa, P.O. Box TW 194, Twifo Praso, Central Region, Ghana.Last Easter while I was away to Moseaso on a preaching tour at the request of Bro. Sykes, I returned only to see the entire roof of my house ripped off by a rain storm. As a result all our belongings, including my precious books, were soaked.
Bro Francis Odiko
Photo: Brethren and Sisters of Subri ecclesia after the baptisms of the four new members (Dec. 20th 2005).
BULIMBO
I would like to request Gospel News. Since I have no access to it, I have been having a hard time borrowing one before I can study the local information in them. I also request a copy of the Kiswahili Bible Basics, a Bible Companion for next year and the Good Company copies.
Bro Laban Sirengo Kisaka
A picture taken of Bro Laban Kisaka a year ago at school, with stuffed lion capturing its prey
BUNGOMA
We are grateful for your recent letter which introduces and connects us with the international non-governmental and non-profit making organization “Swedish Co-operative Centre” (SCC) that offers support to self-help development initiatives to co-operatives, farmers’ organizations and informal groups. It has its regional headquarters in Nairobi, capital of Kenya. We also received three books, namely:
- Principles of Planning Vegetable Production
We have contacted them through the internet and we are still corresponding. Since the work started is not ours but the Lord’s, we are still pushing the gospel forward though sometimes through hardships. We believe that the Lord has prepared our pay and that He will pay everyone accordingly at his appearing. Many friends are being changed to our faith and even leaders are joining us. It is our joy that the number of workers in our Lord’s vineyard is increasing. Due to this, we shall not be tired of requesting more Bible materials, eg Key to Understanding the Bible, Introducing Bible Basics and others; also, Where There Is No Doctor, and Where Women Have No Doctor, if available please.
Bro Nimrod and Sis Caren Masika
The wicked shall be turned into sheol. The wicked are those “who know not God, and obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ”. Of these there are three classes:
1. Sinners that have never heard of the one true God, the Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel; others who are incapable of faith and obedience
2. Those who have come to an understanding of the gospel but have rejected it.
3. Those who have obeyed it, but do not hold fast the beginning of their confidence steadfast to the end, nor walk according to its precepts but walk after the flesh.
The first die and perish as the beasts.
The second also die, but comes forth from the grave to encounter the indignation of Christ.
The third experience judgment day, to come forth and be judged, then undergo condemnation with “sorer punishment”. However, those who try to serve the Lord, howbeit with many failings, will, by grace enter into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord.
Bro Francis Mayen
You have done wonders in giving me Gospel News. I have learnt more about people’s lives, learning through our Lord Jesus Christ. I also study Introducing Bible Basics, and try to answer questions. It gives exactly the divine way to the Kingdom of God.
Bro Emmanuel Kumbu
PHOTO : Bro Emmanuel (with the watch), with friends Phostine and Daniel.
I’m very pleased to receive your letter and Bible Basics for Moslems. I will share these with my brothers and sisters who are in fellowship, also with the friends and the surrounding ecclesias.
I am very happy at receiving Gospel News; it lets me know that some of our brothers and sisters are also doing the will of God. It is heart warming to let us know what brothers and sisters in other countries are also doing, and moving on, with the word of God like me.
You are a good link for us with the brothers and sisters who are all going towards the Kingdom of God. I am very happy to know the difference between Christians and Moslems through Bible Basics for Moslems.
Bro Aggrey K Muyila
Photo: Bro Aggrey K Muyila
God knows and searches our hearts.
Psalm 139:23,24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts.”
Isaiah 43:18,19: “Remember not the former things nor consider the former things of old.”
Exodus 23:20,21: “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place which I have prepared. Give heed to him and hearken to his voice, do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.” And the Name is God so don’t rebel against Him.
Exodus24:9-11: “Then Moses and Aaron, Nabad and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. And he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank”.
Acts 17:30,31: “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all men everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all men by raising him from the dead”.
Bro George Maina Wabwile
CHWELE
Elderly people should be helped during this weak and tiring time to enjoy their lives. They need love, care and support. In so doing, young people should show appreciation for the good work they did when they themselves were still little children, and also please God. There are important steps to follow to make older men and women happy in their lives:
1. Preserve their dignity – “Do not sharply rebuke an older man but be appealing to him as a father … (to) an older woman as a mother” (1 Timothy 5:1,2).
2. Listen to them carefully – “Be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath” (James 1:19).
3. Show empathy - “All of you be like-minded, showing fellow feelings, having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate, humble in mind, not paying injury for injury or reviling for reviling” (1 Peter 3:8,9).
4. Discern when encouragement is needed - “As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it” (Proverbs 25:11).
5. Involve them in your work - “Follow the course of hospitality” (Romans 12:13).
6. Offer practical assistance - “Whoever has the world’s means for supporting life and beholding
his brother having need and yet shuts the door of his tender compassion upon him, in what way does the love of God remain in him? Little children, let us love, neither in word or tongue, but in deeds and truth” (1 John 3:17,18).
7. Be long-suffering: - “Clothe yourself with the tender affection of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, and long suffering” (Colossians 3:12).
8. By caring for and loving the elderly, we show respect for God’s own standards because His word states: - “You must show consideration for the person of an old man or old woman” (Leviticus 19:32).
Bro Manasseh Wamamili and Sis Doricus Manasseh
Greetings to you in the shared hope of Israel. I write to congratulate you for the good work you are doing by preaching the word of God to reach every corner of the world by supplying Gospel News magazine and Bible Basics. Truly this is the work that Jesus commissioned his disciples to do to go into the whole world and preach the word to every creature so that whoever believes will be saved but whoever does not will be condemned. However, I used to get Gospel News but stopped receiving it at the start of this year. How I wish, brother, that you supply me with it as it encourages and strengthens me.
Bro Patrick Sawa
Photo on Left - from left: Bro George Maina, Bro Remmy Wekesa Nyongesa during his baptism at Kabuchai, and Bro Anzetus Khoremba.
Photo on Right - from left: Bro George Maina, Sis Bridgit Nabwile Wanyama during her baptism at Kabuchia, and Bro Anazetus.
Photo: Bro Patrick and his wife Sis Joina Sawa
I was baptised in the year 2000 by elder brothers in western Kenya. I have been enjoying lessons from you and others around the world. I would like to thank you for sending brothers and sisters in our ecclesia books such as “Where There Is No Doctor” and “Bible Basics” which have been of very great importance to us in spiritual growth. Having basic knowledge from the book “Where There Is No Doctor” has been of very, very great importance to me.
I was allergic to penicillin, but the knowledge contained in “Where There Is No Doctor” has kept me alive up to the time I am writing this letter. I pray that God will bless you abundantly so that you may again help us in getting a first aid kit so that we can continue saving other people’s lives.
Bro Daniel Wakhabu
Photo: Bro Daniel Wakhabu
GISAMBAI
I am happy to hear that you are sending us some Bible Basics and one book asked for Where There Is No Doctor. The other book I forgot to include in my letter is How To Grow A Balanced Diet. This will assist us in our planting and the type of plants for our diet. I have passed all this information to the ecclesia and they are happy and look forward to receiving them. As I have written to you, my ecclesia is young and growing so we need your support by sending us books and any other literature for preaching. Please send us some Bible Companions. We have only two copies and right now we are ten members, eight brothers and two sisters.
Bro Ernest Lavuna
KINANGOP
I am proud of being a Christadelphian. I have come to discover many biblical writings which have not been expounded by many who call themselves ‘Christians’. Indeed to be an ordinary ‘Christian’, not much is expected, apart from faith in God through His only son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:6). Having been a Catholic from birth, I have discovered a lot that had been hidden from me and this has brought me to a state of almost hating the Catholic faith. My emphasis here is for true Christians to adhere to the true doctrines of the Bible of humility, stressing much on peace and arming themselves with the shield of faith.
Though sure of our faith, we have a great task of preaching to the present world of hypocrisy, corruption and freedom of worship. Many people don’t like to prepare before going into the field of ‘evangelism’ which entails difficulties and faith in the Lord Jesus. Thanks for the Christadelphians who, though not famous worldwide have the faith which is based on biblical truth.
Let us all look forward fro the coming of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ who is coming this time as a King and every eye shall see. Israel shall look with remorse on the one they ignored, betrayed and killed.
Bro Peter Njuguna
KITALE
Here in Kitale I’m quite okay in the Lord, enjoying the precious grace of God which has kept me in the faith. I have been helped to see and read about how many are continuing in the faith. Also, I have understood and been encouraged by the topics that are published. I request Bible Basic in Kiswahili because I have some friends who are studying with me and they cannot understand English. Some people have stopped appreciating God for His faithfulness and who He is in their lives. For me not to lose focus in my Christian walk, I have decided to fix my eyes on the Lord and please Him alone. This reminds me of Jesus, who died that we might be saved, that whosoever believes in him should not perish. Alas, a lot of people are dying in sin, they are not recognising God as their Maker and the source of everything existing on this earth. Expect ingratitude. My advise is to realize that some people will not appreciate you. Do things for the joy of doing them, and give for the joy of giving; help the needy for the sake of helping them. Ingratitude is a universal sin, therefore we must do our best to avoid it. People will always talk and complain but our attitude should be a positive one. Praise should be the habit pattern of our life, regardless of the cold, even cruel, treatment received from some whom we have helped.
Sis Lydia Nekesa Fuchaka
Photo: Sis Lydia Fuchaka and her two daughters Eliza and Vicky.
LUUYA
I’m happy to send this letter to you and inform you that I am proud of your assistance to my fellow brothers in Luuya ecclesia. You have assisted us with books like Bible Basics, which makes me more excited in my belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. I am a Sister with the name Brigid N Kasili, baptised on 22-12-2005 at Kabuchai during the Bible School. I beg you to kindly assist me with Bible Basics study so that I can make more effort in the word of God. Actually your books are very good guidance in the word of God. Here is my photograph during the time of baptism. I am 14 years old
Sis Brigid Kasili
MAKHONE
Marriage as an institution should be revered by husbands and wives. And this honour must be indicated through being faithful to each other. It follows that anyone who deviates from this moral conduct will be punished savagely by God during judgment, because God does not condone immorality and vice, like adultery (Hebrews 13:4). So, brethren, let us refrain from lust which can tarnish this holy institution. And as we detest lust, we should put on an armour which is the word of God.
Husband and wife should live in harmony (Ecclesiastes 9:9. As you enjoy life, that enjoyment has to encompass the love of our wife. In this context, Ecclesiastes points out that our joy will be meaningless if it excludes our wife.
A wife is precious (Proverbs 18:22)’ To find a wife is something good and it shows that God is good to us. We should be grateful to Him for helping us to achieve this. We are cautioned by God that we should not dare to make any divorce (Malachi 2:14,15).
We should try to abide by this directive given to us by God. be faithful to your wives. Not being faithful to our wife is denying her our love (Proverbs 5:15-18). Therefore we should stick to our wives and give them sufficient care with all our focus on them. That way we consolidate our families, thereby creates harmony. It is absolutely dangerous to sleep with another man’s wife (Proverbs 6:29). Doing so is like carrying fire against your chest and you are certain of burning yourself (Proverbs 6:27); also, it is like walking on hot charcoal with bare feet: it is inevitable that those who attempt it will get burnt.
Bro Emmanuel Sikuku Sichangi
I am very happy with your concern about my baptism and other details. It reminds me of way back in 1995 when one day seven of us from Makhonge Ecclesia gathered ay at Chwele River Ecclesia for interviews. We were interviewed by Bros: Joshya Kisuya (former Western Area Representative), Tom Kituyi, John Mulongo (Chwele River Ecclesia) and Richard Simiyu (Nalondo Ecclesia). Only one candidate failed, but six passed and were baptised by Bros Tom Kituyi and Joshya Kisuya in the River Chwele. It was such a fine Sunday morning. I will never forget it because of the great multitude of brethren and sisters from seven ecclesias gathered around to witness.
I must say that it was a long journey from my infancy in Sunday School to join a congregation of baptised brothers and sisters, not only in ecclesias in Kenya but world wide.
I find the Bible literature about legalism very interesting in my Bible study and would welcome comments on world events. May I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks for the great work you are doing in God’s vineyard. May you be blessed in your efforts in supplying the Gospel News worldwide. Indeed the time we are living in is full of many evil things here and there, but we pray God to keep us on the right path towards His kingdom which is imminent.
Thank you very much for the book ‘Where Women Have No Doctor’ and the encouraging information about the on-going events in the Middle East. We are certainly living in the last days, full of evil things happening all over the world. Recently the media were full of the news about the Da Vinci Code with fictions ridiculing the life of Jesus Christ and the wonderful ministry in the Bible. It claims that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had many children who he intended to lead the church. While millions of copies are being circulated everywhere convincing many people, it means that true Christians/believers must be alert, reading our Bibles seriously and prayerfully to resist this influence against the Gospel. May the Lord come even now! (Should any require material refuting the DaVince Code, please write to Gospel news for it. MH)
I am preparing my piece of land to plant beans and groundnuts for the next season. I depend wholly upon farming for my livelihood. In addition, I am receiving 5-8 men and women every day at my home. A few are brothers and sisters while the majority are villagers within the community, seeking some pieces of advice on their health problems. I appreciate the up-dated help in the book you sent, which adds to the little I learnt on a course some few years ago.
The community prefers me to the nurses in the Health Centre in many ways: nurses can be very harsh, full of don’t-care attitudes towards the patients/clients. Last month the Public Health Officer (PHO) came to my house incognito to see for himself the good service I am delivering to people, after he had heard that my work is excellent. He then recommended me to start getting some drugs at low cost to serve the community and my ecclesia from October this year – but on condition that I should build a house with good accommodation and proper storage of the drugs. It is a habit for people in this area to burn bushes while preparing their fields for planting crops in February and March, which means that my house could be burnt down as its roof is grass-thatched, or it could leak during heavy rains. I am unable to meet the expense in this time frame.
Bro Manasseh and Sis Doricus Wamamili
Photo: Bro Manasseh and Sis Doricus Wamamili (The photo is of Sister Doricus and myself taken in February, 2000 during our new life in marriage)
MAKHONGE
It is our firm faith that you are still forging ahead with the preparation of Gospel News magazine that reflects the views of brothers and sisters worldwide. Your support in supplying important books has been really profitable in terms of life-saving and even reducing medical cost. We have managed to help many brothers, sisters and other people in our village. Some have been coming to read from medical colleges, others have read to find the medicines to use. For example, a friend of ours who had ear problems managed to get the correct drugs which has helped him very much. He can now hear properly. We also helped our Bro Daniel who had been injected with procaine penicillin which resulted in allergic shock. As soon as we were informed, we rushed him to the nearest Health Centre about 30 km away using our bicycle at 8 pm, where we informed the nurse to give him an adrenaline injection as instructed by the book ‘Where There Is No Doctor’.
Even though the villagers are deep-rooted in their cultural beliefs, they are finding the book very helpful in solving their health problems. Therefore, brother, your help has been very important to us, and to many other people around. You have shown how kind and loving you are to brothers, sisters and friends. Concerning the
English language, we wonder if it is possible, and if God wills it, that you help us with some books of English grammar so that we can help brothers and sisters who cannot read and write the English language very well.
God bless us all while we await the Lord’s return.
Bro David and Sis Jacklyne Wanjala
MBITA (SUBA)
I thank God for the work He has done for His people especially our brothers and sisters in the UK for getting food during the famine in Kenya. We are happy to congratulate them on their good work and for volunteering to help us. I know that when people are sure in God, God will be sure with them. We were made even more sure when the brothers and sisters from UK visited us in Kenya.
When they came to the meeting in Nairobi, they promised us they would visit our ecclesia in Nelisi and I was very proud of them. And they taught us many things. We now have three new members: Paul Ndige, Soffy Achieng Otho and Apollo Mgundu. Bro Jared Owuor Oketch
NAKURU
I’m writing to let you know that I really recognise the way you handle and consider me, even though I am an African. We share the one faith, and in particular I appreciate the books: God’s Visible Hands, Understanding the Bible, the book about Muslims – and Gospel News, of course. I have just collected from the Post Office the leaflets of the book, ‘What is the Gospel?’ in Luhya; now Luo, Kiswahili and Kikuyu will follow, God willing. Thanks a lot. (I was charged before collecting the parcel from the Post Office.)
If you gather or come across any information on how one can emigrate to a green pasture in another country, please pass it on to me.
Say “Tambo” (hallo) to your family members and all the members of your ecclesia as we wait for our Lord to come and reign for ever.
Bro Samuel Wanga Watako
Photo: Bro Samuel Wanga Watako
NDHIWA
I am Brother Mike, a sinner saved by the Lord Jesus Christ. In 1994 I realized how selfish desires made me fail with so many sins before the Lord, just as is written in Paul’s letter to the Galatians 5:19-21. After that I found that only confession and repentance and going to God’s throne of grace is the major theme of life. I have not won but am still in the battle each and every day.
I am married with three children with which the Lord has blessed us. I joined the Christadelphian group in September 1996 and had spiritual growth under the supervision of my tutor, Sis Joice M Roe. I did the lessons for nine years because I wanted to be rooted in Christadelphian teachings. I was baptised in Sept 2005. I had before been attending
Okumbo Ecclesia for six years as a friend, but now I am proud to be a member. I contacted you through Bro John D Kine, who encouraged me to write to you. I have read some of your material such as Living With Alcoholism and Gospel News and I would like to receive more from you.
Bro Mike Gerald D Juma
I thank the Almighty God for the love He has shown His people, and give much thanks also for the blessing of CAT and their aim to preach the truth, also to encourage brethren and sisters to grow spiritually in the TRUTH. I want to praise the Lord. Psalm 138:1-3: I will praise you, O Lord with all my heart; before the ‘gods’ I will sing your praise. I will bow down towards your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and word. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stout-hearted.
We women should be wise.
a) Ecc7:26-28.
b) Romans 16:1,2 help others;
c) Luke 10:38-42, don’t be worried, choose Jesus as your saviour;
d) Matthew 26:7-13, Your deeds wll be remembered. To the widows; read 1 Cor 7:39-40; 1 Tim 5:9-12,14-16. James 1:19-27.
I request the book: ‘How To Grow A Balanced Diet’, All I say is through God’s will.
Sis Dorine A Mboya
Comment; Our Bro Leonard Mboya fell asleep in Christ in May.
It was a pleasure to baptize the first Christadelphians here: Brothers ARMAND, JOSE, HONORE, RIZA, FAIROMEZANE, THOMAS, RADO, LOVA, HOBY and TSIMBA; and Sisters LALA, SYLVIA and CLAUDETTE. May God bless them and the new community here to His glory.
I am anxious to signal you dear brother that at the time of our meeting last Saturday the members passed 80 people already. We need to buy 40 Bibles so that at least the visitors will have one Bible between two people. We all here appreciate so much the visit of Duncan and Cindy to us.
Bro Riza
BLANTYRE
In my gentile life when I was still young, I was full of rage and resentment. My quick temper led me to stormy anger; this as an end result made me impatient, disrespectful and violent. Though I never drank nor smoked (drug intake) my attitude seemed no different from those who did it: One funny thing was a strange silence which, if anyone wronged me, I would burst out to strike which ever person was stronger than me.
The reason for this temper was the way of life we lived in, a life of bullying each other to show who was strongest. As time went on, things started changing in me. I started going to church. Later on I was introduced to the Christadelphians by my cousin. The avoidance of fights and quarrels started appearing little by little.
The daily reading (although I missed them some days) of God’s word and occasional prayers were factors in understanding myself, - who I was and what people expected of me. I shunned some of my previous friends and started controlling my temper (Proverbs 16:32).
Thanks to God (Psalm 7:17; Philippians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 3:14), my growing knowledge of the Bible had a good effect on me and my conscience. It helped me to subdue my quick temper and to develop self-control, as James says, “Draw close to God and he will draw close to you (4:8). My personality dramatically changed and I was more and more interested in knowing God’s word (Hebrews 4:12,13; Matthew 6:33). My baptism in 2003 brought so many differences. By this time I had vowed not to go back to my old life but to try and understand God’s word fully.
So I would like to encourage all brethren and sisters either in similar situations, or in different ones, to pray and read the word of God for guidance. God doesn’t hate anyone, that is why He rains rain everywhere, both on sinners and the righteous. I especially thank my tutor who has always been there for me in times when I felt low or distressed, for her help and encouragement.
Bro Oliver Chilefu
BOLERO
Could you please send me some copper bracelets for arthritis relief. Arthritis is a painful disease of the joints which is very common in the part of the world where I live.
Bro Lukanga Nyomiro
BUA
I thank you for always thinking about me. May God bless you for ever and ever more. The idea that I should be among those who may be keeping goats to have something for their living is most welcome. I am so thankful to Almighty God, for He provides something for me out of nothing. I always say, ‘What shall I give back to God for whatever He provides through His loved ones’. I will try if possible to make contact with the animal husbandry assistant who helps other people who are in clubs keeping chickens, goats, pigs and cattle. Then I will have knowledge on how to keep them. I will try very hard to have a good house for the goats.
Sis Bertha Khonje
CHILEKA
My name is Kenneth Maganger, the first born son of Mr Moses Maganger here in Zomba, Malawi. We all belong to the Chileka Christadelphian Ecclesia. I would like to let you know that if possible, you send me ‘Gospel News’ and the book ‘Bible Basics’ as you have done to my father, Bro Maganger. I have a problem occasionally in the Bible New Testament. There are some verses missing in the Chichewa Bibles and in some English Bibles: Mark 15, verse 28; John 5:4; Acts 15:34. In the English Bible from Bro David Rennson these verses are present. Which version is correct? Please help me over this point.
I’m married and have a baby called Frank. I have provided my photo for you to recognize me.
Bro Kenneth Maganger
CHINANI
Thanks for the good study from the Holy Bible. I was ignorant but now I know the scriptures, please send me more studies. I know little about the English language. Don’t you have more books which can help me to know more about English? Help me if possible. I was using a Chichewa language Bible; may you send me an English Bible.
Bro Michael B R Chinangwa
Photo: Bro Michael B R Chinangwa
CHITALA
I have just come in from Mulanje where my wife was admitted two weeks for suspected TB. The sputum smear and Xray results were silent. However, the hospital authorities gave her enough drugs for the coming eight months. In Malawi, respiratory disorders are so common that it is difficult to recognize TB cases.
Recently one of our secular weekend papers had an article in which it sought the views of various religious leaders on whether the end of the world was near. Three quarters agreed that it was, citing wars, famines, pestilences (Matthew 24:7) lawlessness (v12, 1 Timothy 1:9,10; 4:1,2). So far, so good. Scriptures say that all these are the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:8). One encouraging thing is that humanity has begun taking interest in the immediate future because “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and THEN the end WILL COME”.
None of the respondents pointed out the Middle East as one of the indicators. I am glad that in your letter you did dwell on the importance of looking out for the events in the Middle East
Recently Sister Muriel Whittaker sent me a videotape “Conflict in the Middle East (to be resolved by God)”. I plan to circulate it to our sister ecclesias at Senga Bay (where Brothers George Maimba Nkhoma and Nyitenda stay) and Chapita (45 km south of here) where there is a flourishing young ecclesia. Such topics on the Middle East are timely because most preaching discounts them as earthly stories without spiritual application.
Our five small ecclesias sent elderly Sister representatives to attend the course sponsored by the CAT. The course took place at the ecclesia where our Brother George Nkoma stays and it greatly benefited the participants. Which brings me to the concern you have brought forward on trying to find out a sustainable project which could benefit brothers and sisters in Malawi not only during hard times but also other times. I salute you for your proposal of a goats project because (as an agriculturalist):
1,They need minimal care
2, They are tolerant of most animal diseases
3, They can be housed easily
4, They are not easily pinched by thieves
5, They produce excellent milk and meat
6, Their droppings facilitate the making of compost manure.
To avoid jealousy and murmuring the recipients should be arranged in teams as we did with the European Union-sponsored animals in my work last year. The first team got two female goats per family (we started with 10 families). The first female kid born to a family in team A would be given to a family in team B until every family in team B got two female kids. These would repeat the procedure by giving to families in team C so that at the end of five years the majority of the beneficiaries would have she-goats. We purchased hybrid goats for circulation (one he-goat to 10 does) to avoid in-breeding. I am sure such a project would reduce the moral burden of our UK-based brethren and sisters to send cash to buy maize in times of famine (because I can’t see any end to these famines). While they happen owing to natural causes beyond our control, most of them are aggravated by human mismanagement. To crown it all, during the past 10 years, we have developed a culture which is dependent on “Donor” countries. In simple language, I pray to the Heavenly Father to financially assist you so that such a project can come to maturity because, as you have said, it is better to give a man a fishing rod and teach him to catch fish for a long time, than giving him a fish which is consumed in one day.
Bro Ignatius Maluwa
JALI
I am a member of the Christadelphians and I was baptised in 1996, on October 6 as were some other brothers and sisters including Bro George Benjamin Nightingale, Bro Wahera Church Consullors and many sisters. During the past time, I used to attend the Bible School and Chiramwate in Tomba using my late father’s bicycle which got stolen. But as of now I do not attend because of transport; but I last went there when Bro Nightingale was handing over to Bro Arne Roberts
Bro Lucky J Mbalale
JALI
I want to thank you very much for sending me the entire book dealing with Revelation printed by Logos. Following my last questions I beg you to continue sending me gospel books and many more. I know the kingdom of God is just around the corner. And, my brother, I want a book called Who are the Christadelphians? and when you find it, please send it me.
Bro S Maseya John
KASUNGU
I think that you have heard that we had the baptisms of four students. So our number has gone up to 16. This shows that God is still blessing our work in the truth. Bro Marcus, the changing weather pattern in Kasungu has put us into fear. We don’t know what comes next. It was on the air by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture that 95% of the people of Kasungu Central and Northern Region plus the east of Kasungu will not harvest anything this year due to the longest drought that we have had. Our crops dried up after we had applied fertiliser twice. The Government has accepted to help people until the next growing season; that is next year’s harvest. 50 kg of maize is shared between two families. And it takes one month before another distribution. Not all receive what the Government is distributing.
Bro Harmony Ntchalachala
MZIMBA
I thank CAT for enabling the meeting we had in Mzuzu. Thank you for your willingness, because nothing can be done from nothing. But action must first be taken. Thank you again for being with us in this action of offering for a meeting. We had a good meeting. There were brothers and sisters from Zambia at Lundazi ecclesia at Mzembe town and some isolated brothers at Mgamatchuwa School and from Khata-Bay. Baptisms conducted for two new brothers. We didn’t have many non-Christadelphians. Thank you for letting us hear how the work of God goes on in many parts of the world. Thank you for sending me a book entitled, “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit”. It will help me to increase my knowledge of the subject. In the Gospel News No 1, vol 19, Oct-Dec, I read concerning the bracelets for arthritis relief. Now, I would ask you to send me several for myself and for other brothers and sisters. In January my younger brother, who was working in South Africa, died. It’s my pleasure to have the precious time waiting for the promise Jesus made of his return. I have to thank our Heavenly Father for revealing everything that He wants His followers to do and that He has expressed the blessings that we as Christians are to receive at Christ’s return (everlasting life), when we do according to His will (Romans 6:23).
Bro Humphrey M Banda
MZUZU
The fraternal meeting was held here in Mzuzu and despite the hunger in this country, the brethren and sisters managed to travel long distances. Some came from as far as Lunkazi in Zambia, Salima and many more from Mzimba. This meeting was organized locally by the brethren here. I feel this was a very good test of our strength in the faith. Please find enclosed herewith three snaps which show what transpired during our meeting.
Concerning our great period of hunger, one of the contributing factors was the price of fertilizer. To an ordinary man, this was unaffordable. However, with the present change of government there was a bill in Parliament to reduce the price and it was passed. This year in some parts of the country crops are very promising despite climate changes. If what the government has done continues, in two years’ time Malawi will be self-reliant in food as before in the reign of Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda. Our first President stressed very much the importance of food for his people. He said that he did not want his people to go on empty stomachs. That is why during his reign the prices of food and fertilizer were under strict control by the government.
Bro Sylvester Tembo
Photo: Mzuzu Fraternal Top: The Brethren, Centre: The Sisters Bottom: Group Photo - The two without shirts recently baptized.
NGABU
We thank you and we are very happy to have the booklets you send to us. We believe these will help us in our ministry for Sunday School use. Slowly by slowly we have managed to do something for our families. We have managed to start our ministry of Christadelphia here with seven families. 19 members were baptised and we were serving our God under a tree. Our concern is teaching materials like Bibles, Sunday School books, etc. Our vision is to build a church so we need iron sheets; the bricks we have already made ourselves through the power of God. So we need help from well-wishers all over the world in order to finish our church of 10 X 30 metres with a capacity for 30 members. So it’s our plea again to you and your friends to come to Malawi to preach the word of God and assess the situation here.
Sis and Bro Mc Micky DS Mbawe
NSANJE
I was baptised by a Christadelphian, Bro Emanuel in Usanje district in 2002. I am very happy with the encouragement of your letters and summary sheet which you sent me. And now my knowledge of the Bible is quite open. In adding to that, I ask that you remember me, in your daily prayers so that our Lord may seal His perfection in my life.
Bro G P M’ngundeni
SINYALA
We are greatly encouraged by your enthusiasm and the work that you are doing. I hope this letter finds you well and thriving.
1. I should be pleased if you would send me copies of notes on the daily readings (with the help of Bro Blackstone?)
2. Also send me Bibles, two in Chichewa and two in English for brothers and sisters who are poor and can’t get money to buy them.
3. I would also like to receive some study material from you. My aim is to keep on preaching and I desire to establish another new ecclesia 30 km from Mtentaela, for the truth in Malawi. Already three brothers and three sisters were baptised on 12 March 2006 and there are about thirty followers. It will be called Mbweza Christadelphian Ecclesia. I will let you know what happens. So let us sit at Jesus’ feet, the greatest Preacher, and cultivate a Christ-like mind that will not forget God’s laws. We must remember that Israel has had a tortured history in many segments – and another foreboding segment looks set to open.
Bro Henderson Sosola
ULONGWE
I thank you for all spiritual encouragement. These days things, as well as people’s behaviour, are becoming worse and worse like Sodom and Gomorrah. As Christians, we must remember that when the darkness becomes very great, then light is near. All the signs encourage us that the coming of Jesus is at hand. Brother, I would like to inform you that most people here speak Chichewa, so can you please send us more Chichewa books.
Bro Harry Benito
Photo: Bro M'ngundeni and his family
ESPUNGABERA
We are delighted to record the baptisms of Arone Muchanga and Average Madhuku, both of Espungabera, who came to the Truth as a result of our Bible reading Seminar. We pray that they will be happy in our fellowship and that the Lord will bless them in their walk to the Kingdom.
Bre. Admire Museba & Moses Dhlakama
Photo, left to right: newly baptised Bro. Average Madhuku; Bro. Moses Dhlakama; newly baptised Bro. Arone Muchanga and Bro. Admire Museba.
MARATANE
We here are in a bad way in this refugee camp but we wish to spread the gospel further, therefore we would appreciate any copies of Bible Basics in French or Swahili.
Bro. Ramazan Juma
ABA
By God’s grace we held our CYC gathering at Enugu state when six people were baptised. I need the books you mentioned in your letter, including any others that will help me in the Kingdom race. I am glad you have sent the English Bible Basics to me.
Bro. Elijah Eze (Jnr)
IKWUANO
I have received the parcel containing, ‘Where Women Have No Doctor’ and ‘Eureka at a Glance’, which I appreciate. When I see that trials come from my Creator I give myself to prayer (Ps. 25:2-3). By God’s grace I love to work and earn a living. I try and see where I can earn a bit extra to increase the number of boxes toward my bee-keeping project. It may interest you to know that Bro. Friday Umesi and myself were both baptised into the ‘household’ on May 31 1991; we work together in the newly opened Ikwueke ecclesia, carved out from Okwe ecclesia in February, 2004. As we are approaching the last days we know that it is a ‘must’to make our calling and election sure. I have been receiving PDE for years from Bro. Charles French. I pray daily that the Lord will strengthen all the hands that help us in our understanding of the Word. God has blessed the newly opened ecclesia with baptised members and we now are ten in number. May our Lord’s coming be swift for our relief. In Him who is our peace and security,
Bro Friday and Sis. Janet Enyiogu
OKWE
Bro. Friday Enyiogu is a brother in Christ and we worship together in the same ecclesia, Ikwuano. As you know, he keeps bees and they have, at times, stung him, but this does not scare him away. It is a difficult help-scheme for me, but as a trained bee farmer he finds it easy and interesting. I rear goats for a livelihood and it is my intention to expand when I can afford to do so. Regarding the new book, ‘Wrested Scripture’, I would like to get a copy and other Scriptural literature. I enclose two photographs.
Bro. F.E. Umesi
Photos: Sis. Glory A. Umasi, after her baptism on May 14th 2006. Part of Okwe and Ikwueke who watched the baptism of Sis. Glory
KANO
I wish to seize this opportunity to acknowledge the receipt of the well-packaged parcel which arrived unscathed. I had a motorcycle accident which kept me on a hospital sick bed for three weeks which hindered me writing earlier. I have just been discharged, though still nursing some of the wounds sustained in the course of the accident. Above all, I thank God for averting what could have been a fatal accident to mere injuries. I am indeed recuperating, to the glory of His Name..
Bro. Christian M. Anyanwy
CANDU
We are pleased to announce two more baptisms: Sis Dorothy Mbuqe and Sis Nomfuneko Nzingane. Sister Nomfuneko lives in the village of Candu and has been attending the meetings for some time now. Sister Dorothy is a cripple and lives 208km from Candu; her address is Seventh Day Adventist School, Cancele, Mt. Frere, Eastern Cape, S.Africa. She is fluent in English and would appreciate letters. The creche at Candu is now running well and is keeping the Sisters very busy.
Bro. Norman Durk
LESOTHO
I am happy to tell you that I have received the reading glasses which help me greatly in my Bible reading and in understanding more of the things God said would happen before Jesus comes back. Not only do we see the signs in Israel but also in the breakdown of society, as Paul wrote in 2 Tim 3:2,3: “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good…lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”
Bro Bernard Lintsa
Photo: Inside the Ipinda [Tanzania] ecclesial hall, l. to r: Bro. Harley Mwasimba, Bro. Justin Mwakasege (contact), Bro Wakati Maleza and Bro. Ford Mwangama
IPINDA
We thank you for the effort put into ensuring that Gospel News is produced and sent to us on time. What a privilege we have to receive such a wonderful source of supplementary Scripture knowledge, the cost of which we would never be able to meet at this end of the world! Ipinda ecclesia was started in 1992 when a brother who was baptised in Morogoro (a town some 1000kms away) came to live in this area. Ipinda was the first ecclesia to be established in this vast region of Southern Tanzania. Since then the ecclesia has been actively engaged in spreading the gospel to neighbours and outlying villages. The struggle has resulted in the formation of four other ecclesias namely Kanga, Tenende, Kyela and Makwale.
Over the years we have been receiving a considerable number of CIL exhortations, lectures and Bible studies, Sunday School material, etc.. They all are a good source of learning and teaching which many a brother and sister here at Ipinda and neighbouring ecclesias would like to read for themselves were it not for the language barrier.It is our view that if translated into Swahili the underprivileged many would be able to study them and increase their understanding of the scriptures. The trouble is we do not have the equipment to enable us to accomplish this ourselves. We would be glad and grateful if any brother, sister or ecclesia in our entire brotherhood, who are thinking of getting rid of their well-used computer, scanner and printer would let us have the same so that we could begin implementing the task of translating into Swahili. We have a good hall at Ipinda, fitted with running water and installed with electricity. We hope the hall will offer a suitable place for carrying out the task we would like to embark upon.
Bro. Justin Mwakasege
KASULU
Those of us at the Nyarugusu camp recently received a photo of the late Bro. Arthur East and Sis. Muriel East of beloved memory. We were very glad to see the picture. Please is there a personal tutor for me who could further my Bible studies in the French language?
Bro. Umandama Akulu
KIGOMA
I want to request the Bible Companion (daily reading tables). Let me thank you for sending me the magazines and books etc., which are so helpful in my spiritual life. The problem we have in our ecclesia is that since we started we do not have any support money for bread and wine for the Lord’s supper, nor a Post Office box. I know after being baptised it is my right to get bread and wine. How can a son, born, grow without getting porridge and food? Bro. Obedi Joshua
MBEYA
I hereby notify you that Ilomba ecclesia has got a new address: Ilomba Ecclesia, P.O. Box 1257, Mbeya, Tanzania, E.A. On behalf of the Sisters of Iiomba ecclesia I request a copy of ‘Where Women Have No Doctor’. When our Sisters saw this mentioned in Gospel News they were very excited, hoping that if they added that book to their library it would help them much, as some of them know English. They have promised to translate it for their fellow Sisters.
Bro. James Mwangomo
MBOZI MBEYA
In June we were visited by our Linkman Bro Roger Wood. We talked a lot about the development of our ecclesia. We also discussed our proposals so that we may stop dependence on UK for even small things such as bread and wine. We are sure the projects we presented, especially a dispensary, could make us self reliant in the near future to the extent of building other ecclesial halls from the same source.
As you may recall, I once told you that it is better we start relying upon ourselves before you stop assisting us. I thought a dispensary, a tailoring mart and a Sunday school (kindergarten) would be able to achieve this objective. Bro Roger has directed that the Sunday School be conducted in the ecclesial halls we have built, together with kindergarten activities.
Bro Raphael Mkeya.
Photo: Bro. Joctor with his friend looking at their maize Shamba
MOROGORO
All things here are OK, thanks to the mercy of God. I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my great apprciation to you for sending me the book, ‘Where There Is No Doctor’; it is very useful for those in every walk of life.
Bro. Nkonge Mwakatage
RUVUMA
We were glad to receive the Bible Reader’s Calendar; it is a good witness to the Truth, one of the best preaching tools. Our address is still the same and we still need Gospel News. Letters etc. are received late, as we are far away from our capital city, Dar-es-Salaam. The roads are so very bad, but are the only means of transport that we remote people depend on. So, keep sending Gospel News as before – even more often if possible!
Bro. Samwel Nindi
UVINZA
I still encourage you in the work you are doing in preaching the second coming of our Master and I hope that God Himself will pay you when His only-begotten Son comes to earth to rule over the whole world. I am very happy still receiving Gospel News which informs me of other brothers world wide. Here is my address Mr. Bernard Wabene w’Tkola, Box 132,Uvinza, Kigoma, Tanzania, E.A.
Bro. Bernard Wabene w’Tkola
BUGIRI
Since joining the Christadelphians I have brought many fellow friends to the Truth and we preach the word of the Lord. We were concerned as we increased in number and at the Uganda AGM it was decided to confirm us as an ecclesia in an area called Kitoda. We beg you to help us with books for teaching the Sunday School, ‘Glad Tidings’ magazine, plus any other reading matter that will help us to grow spiritually. We are five in number.
Bro. Shisia Benard
BUSWALE
Two most important words are ‘faith’ and ‘hope’. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. So, brothers and sisters everywhere, let us work for the truly good life when Jesus comes (read Hebrews 11). This is not for leaders only, but all must do the work of God. Read James 2:1-5 and vs. 20-26. Consequently faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of God (Rom 10:17).
Bro. Patrick Muboli
Photo: Bro. Patrick Muboli
KASESE
I was very grateful when I received the public debate that you sent – ‘Are the Miraculous Holy Spirit Gifts Possessed Today?’ (Bro. Duncan (Christadelphian) vs. Mr. Liliekas (Charismatic/Evangelical Christian), which reflected to the truth that the miraculous holy spirit gifts do not exist today. It is only the Bible, which is the breath of God, that is to say, God speaking directly to us through His Word which teaches us the way of salvation. I really learned much from the booklet which widened my understanding about the subject; we also shared it with other brothers and sisters, even some Bible students found it very useful because many people think that miraculous Holy Spirit gifts are still existing today. People are being misled by some evangelicals who say they have got the miraculous gifts, that they are able to heal the sick, but I have not seen them raising a dead person as Jesus did, including Lazarus.
Bro. Isaac Bulea Cox
KIGANDALO
Jesus said that he who believes and is baptised shall be saved (Mark 16:16). But what exactly must we believe? The full text of Ephesians 2:11-13 is well worth considering, for it gives a comprehensive explanation of our position before God before we were baptised into Christ: “Therefore remember that you were once Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision made in the flesh by hands; that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now, in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ”.
Bro. Colin Bwire
MBALE
I wish to request more copies of Bible Basics for brothers and sisters who have requested them from me. I am really interested in studying God’s work and extending it to those who really need the message. I want to inform you that I have had much help and spiritual correction on things I formerly believed. I was really worried about satan, but not now. I was not sure where heaven was, but now I am very sure. I have also understood properly about salvation and many other things. I have read Bible Basics and it has really helped me.
Bro. Boniface Masakala
MBARARA
I am happy to have the magazine and your encouragement; all the articles are very good and build us up in the love of God and it brings together all the brethren world wide. I was glad to see, in the December issue, a picture of myself being baptised. My thanks go to my long-time tutor, Sister Anne Hutchson, before she retired from writing last year, and also to Sue Mathias who first introduced me to the Bible postal course when they were in Uganda. Brother, I don’t know if you can help me get a friend from UK, not necessarily a tutor, but just a pen-pal.
Bro. Sunday Moses
Comment: Since Brother Sunday wrote the above our Sister Anne has recently fallen asleep in Christ. One of the thrills of the Kingdom will be for you and her to meet face to face in all the splendour of Divine glory.
Mt ELGON
I am glad to report that we are appreciative of the work you do in supplying Gospel News magazine together with other literature, especially the ones we received recently; we must admit that they are of great value and we have all grown in faith. The calendars have also been directing us to read daily from the Bible. There are also others who need to be put on your list for receiving magazines etc.
Bro. Shibita Robert
CHINSALI
When we say we want to be a missionary we must be willing to take the word of God where it has not been preached before, to follow the work that Jesus left for us. Let us look at what Jesus said about the Apostle Paul. He sent Ananias to put his hands on Paul, “Go thy way for he is a chosen vessel unto me”. (Acts 9:15). We are chosen vessels. Let us go into the world and preach as Jesus is with us all the time. We should not relax in preaching the gospel because it should be like the mustard seed in us.
Bro. Edward Mutale
CHIPATA
Greetings to you in our Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, for whom we are waiting patiently to bring peace on this evil and violent world. Come Lord. Thank you very much for the tapes which are full of good news because my wife, Diana, and kids and I love to hear the exhortations. Please try to send anything interesting. Last week when I started thinking about Romans ch. 14, I came to find out that what the Bible says is somehow different from what human beings think. If we study Romans 14 and 15 carefully strong ought to take care of the weak, not the other way round. The gardener takes more care of the weak plants so that they can be strong. The thing we need to realize is that each one of us has his own time and season for spiritual growth just as the plant does. Each one of us has gone through a stage of being fed on milk and maybe in some ways some of us are still there. Please let us just encourage each other because the Saviour is coming. Romans 15:1-8 says encouragingly that the strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak and not to please themselves.
Bro. Alfred Bwalya
KABOMPO
I seem to have some difficulties in my life. I am not managing to look after my children and myself. My wife separated from my home leaving me with three children. The eldest girl is being looked after by my cousin in another district, the boy is with me and the other one is with her grandma. I don’t like my children to be like this.
Bro. Amos Chikanda
On behalf of Kabompo ecclesia we are very grateful to receive the tapes and Bible Basics. The idea of goat keeping is very helpful because the labour required for the animals is less and profitable to the needs of the ecclesia. Kabompo ecclesia is sad to announce the disfellowship of Bro. Reuben Kambeu who was the founder of our ecclelsia. We are praying that the light of the Lord will shine in his heart that he may return to the true way.
Bro. Charles Muhupu
May the Lord our God, God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Israel bless you in the good work you are doing on His behalf and continue to sustain you to be suitable in His eternal purposes at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I thank you for the book, “Bible Basics for Moslems”. I am a happy man when I defend the word of God truthfully. For example, on the subject of Lucifer, Isaiah 14:12-14. Almost everyone in our country thinks that this is Satan except for the Christadelphians. I was challenged by a Seventh Day Adventist Church member over this. I took it up boldly and confidently knowing very well that the information given to me through Bible Basics was very true. My opposer had it that Lucifer was the fallen angel (Satan) but I plainly told him that it was speaking of the King of Babylon (v4). With my small missile, the ordinary New International Version, without concordance, read through the chapter. He happened to be convinced. He consulted his big King James Version, with a concordance, and I saw him look down quietly and disappointingly. His action told me that he realized that some people have erroneously thought of Lucifer as Satan. Then he said he would visit me at our church. Some people base their facts on the doctrines of their church because of their big congregations. He said, ‘O.K, you are true about Satan but we still differ about where we will be when Jesus comes.’ He said then that they would go to heaven. But since now we are in different towns I am sending him messages about where we will be when Jesus comes. Indeed, some people have derived their doctrines by copying other books, such as that for Moslems, without carefully studying the Bible. Some don’t want to be taken aback about the truth because false doctrines have established them in big monies. Let us all afford to the word of God the truth it deserves. Brothers over there, you set us in the right direction and you can’t leave us just at baptismal level, but assist us with more and more material. We have received some books from you and they are right up in our library and I have gone through some of them and they are marvellous.
Bro. Francis Mukabe
KASAMA
Thank you for your literature and advice; they will be of great help to me especially and many other people within and outside my community. May the Lord bless this giving hand. Your literature is a light to most of us new preachers for it helps in the preparation of tapes for discussion. I have committed my daughter into the great good hands of the Lord my God and His Son Jesus to handle the matter for me in these trying moments, especially in the time of joblessness. Thank you for Bro. Levin’s “Legalism and Faith, it has cleared my doubts regarding a lot of (then) unknown issues. I can now see why I can take a Moslem as a fitting example of John’s epistles concerning denial of the Name of Jesus as the Son of God – sign of an anti-Christ. My experience during the nine years that I stayed and worked and passed most of the time with them on different occasions, also sidelines with this literature. I thank God for their conversion I read about in Gospel News.
Bro. Boniface Simpanzye
The special booklet about the eyes is indeed an eye-opener – not only to me but also to many hypertension people around here. People, including health workers, made photocopies of the pamphlet. Thanks once again. I experience most of these symptoms mentioned in the papers. It is very difficult to keep up a special diet because to start with we are in employment as casuals. The pay we get at the month end is a mockery. If you have not seen total suffering of people who are merely surviving by the grace of God you can experience it here. In Zambia today, when a person receives a visitor it is a burden. It is very, very saddening to learn of Nelson’s death. He is the one who informed me of Sister Joyce Mwango and her husband’s deaths. When I rang his home I received the sad news. He will be very difficult to replace. He was an honest and a down-to-earth brother. We shall live to remember his peace-loving voice and passion for humanity. Through his works and honesty he managed to build a very strong Kitwe ecclesia. I wish our other brothers could see that there is more sense in team work than in leadership works. We have confusions in some ecclesias because brothers are only interested in leading the ecclesia blindly. Brother Nelson Bwalya had time to listen, help build and encourage our brothers and sisters. Others have no time. I am encouraging our Sister Mrs. Nelson Bwalya, to be strong and to be encouraged by Jesus’ promise that “I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am , there ye may be also”. We have a problem of AIDS. In every place you go 2 out of 5 persons are HIV positive. People are so ignorant about going for V.C.T. (voluntary counseling and testing), and are simply dying in their homes. My daughter is very keen to read the book, “Where There Is No Doctor”. She is good at sciences. On 5 June 2006 she was 15. Time flies. Keep on sending me books. I only read for 30 minutes or less, then I stop because my vision just goes white and I stop seeing anything. Of course news from the Middle East is worrying us all - suicide bombers, assassinations etc. Yes, if we don’t open up our Bibles then we will not even know why these people are fighting over a small piece of land. As Africans, we have also started to value land. There has been controversy over the topics, the gift of the Holy Spirit and Satan, people don’t really understand them and seem to be in great difficulty. I am humbly begging you to send me more books, especially those that extensively discus the Holy Spirit and Satan.
Sis. Jane Daka
KAZEMBE
Greetings to you in the Master’s name. How are you there, together with brothers and sisters in Christ? With us here it’s only me who is feeling some pains in the chest. I am leaving everything in the hands of our Almighty God. I am glad to have read the newly introduced goat project. I am interested and willing to have that project as an individual. The project is fantastic and promising because our families will be direct beneficiaries in the sense that once goats are slaughtered they will be given meat for protein gain and as a mixed diet, while the community will be indirect beneficiaries by selling them the very meat and even to sell the whole animal. This project will enable our children to grow healthy and eradicate malnutrition in family members. The project will also enable our children to go to school (to pay school monies), pay medical fees, since this is a very big problem in our country. Most people are dying due to lack of medical fees and buying some home necessities. Clothing is a very big problem and food provision. All those mentioned can be solved once goats are sold. Goats are disease resistant and they multiply so rapidly, for instance, if you have 2-3 female goats you will find that in two years’ time you may have 12-18 goats (young ones) and these young ones (females) will be on heat within 24 weeks after birth and also give birth after 24 weeks again, which is very encouraging. Once you have farmed goats, automatically you have the bank, for us who are not in employment goat farming is a very good asset which is a perpetual developing project. I hope and trust my name will be highly considered.
We are very joyous to announce the baptisms of the following brethren: David Monta, Bernard Kabwe, Bempo H. Mupim, Paul Mukonda, Phillip Chikange and Mwaso Titus. These brethren were baptized by Brother John Kasanda in the presence of Bro David Nicholls of U.K. Our late Brother Nelson Bwalya gave a few words of encouragement to our brothers and sisters. This is not to say that once we are baptized we are saved, unless we continue in the faith we will not be saved. All believers are members of the church of God and are helping to build it. Everyone has an effect or influence on everyone else in the assembly. This influence may be good or bad. We may help others spiritually or sometimes be a hindrance to them. The now late Bro. Nelson Bwalya was industrious as far as the Word of God was concerned and he was a brother who used to understand the basic teaching of the Bible and he was a philanthropist, so to speak. Every believer has some gift from the Lord and has opportunity to earn a reward but some waste their time, do more harm than good in the church, or seek glory for themselves. These will lose the reward they might have had.
Bro. James Kambobe
KITWE
I felt very pleased to find a parcel of books at the Post Office, “Bible Basics”, “Where Women Have No Doctor” and recently “Legalism Vs Faith”. Thank you very much for these very expensive books, they will be a treasure to the brothers and sisters here. I am also very pleased to learn that Bro. Blackstone has produced a series of notes on the daily readings. These notes are really helpful. The world is indeed moving fast and with extremes. The rains in Zambia this year have been so heavy that springs of water in some places are gushing out, breaking walls, and many people have lost houses. My house has developed multiple heavy cracks and it is quite dangerous to continue living in it. The rains are often accompanied by very strong winds which are destructive to the weak foundations of most homes. Many fields have been washed away which means shortage of food. While these sad things are happening there are also good things taking place. My son, Elvin Muntemba Jnr. was baptized into the saving name by our Bro. Nelson Bwalya in Kitwe on 12th March 2006. I am happy because this now makes us two in this area. In yesterday’s third reading we see the Lord appointed seventy others and divided them into twos ahead of him. Two is a good number for witnessing (Luke 10:1).
Bro. Elvin P. Muntemba
Photo: Bro. Elvin Muntemba Jnr.
LIVINGSTONE
The Livingstone ecclesia is well. Some parts of the province were hit by the floods which left people homeless. The government and organizations are doing a wonderful work to save people. This happened before in 1950. I give thanks to God for the wonderful work you are
doing in the mission field in spreading with Word of God worldwide. May the grace of God be with you all the time. Please send me the literature and reading materials – “Where There Is No Doctor”, “Glad Tidings”, “Have You Read The Book Of Jonah”, “Christ In The Old Testament” and any other books. “Where There Is No Doctor” will help me and the community as our homes are 7kms away from a clinic.
Bro. Caphes Sikanyika
I am sorry to inform you that I had a double impact funeral: my mother fell asleep, and after 13 days my daughter fell asleep at the same place. This kind of state gives me pain, but when we go to the Bible there are these kinds of tragedies, e.g. Job lost all he had, children and wealth at the same time. The key to all the problems is prayer. Since God is the one who does all things we should pray to Him so that He can cover our problems.
Bro. Ben Matale
I want to thank you for the audio tapes, Bible Companion and “Where There Is No Doctor”. These materials have also helped the people around my community, especially “Where There Is No Doctor”; even some health workers at our small health center are benefiting from it. That is why I am sending this request to you if you can consider sending me the book “How To Grow A Balanced Diet”. I know that here in Africa, and Zambia in particular, the reason why most deaths occur is because people are not healthy. This is most in children under five years old and is due to an inadequate balanced diet. If people are taught how to grow their own food in a well manageable way I think this can help reduce some deaths. Again I say so because a person cannot get well with good medicine and without good food; these two move together. I have enclosed a photo which I took with a brother in which I am holding the book which you sent me, “Where There Is No Doctor”.
Bro. John Kakinga
Photo: Bro. John Kakinga holding the book and Bro. Ben Matale of Livingstone
LUSAKA
Thank you very much for your letter with good news about the signs of the times which are pointing forward to the second coming of our Lord and Redeemer. It is unwise to ignore these signs which are alerting us every day showing the nearness of his coming. It has been researched and discovered that out of 10 million people in Zambia, 1.5m. are HIV and AIDS positive and only a fraction of them takes ARVs. This is a great commission you are doing updating us with such information, because ignorance will never be a defence in the great Day. Brother Blackstone sent me the daily reading notes for April, May and June. I hope he will remember to send me the complete notes so that I may re-use them next year, God willing. As you may know, in the southern hemisphere we are experiencing long nights and short days. I do piece work for an Indian and the same has affected my ecclesial attendance because we usually knock off very late. I always ask God to send Jesus Christ to come and establish the ever joyful Kingdom. I thank you so much for the literature you always send me for it enlightens and strengthens me in my lonely life. Please keep it up. Therefore I request the newly printed book “Wrested Scriptures” which gives the answers to many misunderstood Bible verses. Brethren in Australia always send me “The Present Day Events”, it is just that I am not exposed to computers. They say postage is more expensive.
Bro. Jaxon Kalumba Jnr.
I was baptized on 3rd September 2000 by Bro. Arnold Kunda. Bro. Herbert is the one who taught me the lessons. I was interviewed by Bro. Martin Tembo, Bro. Fred Kayata and Bro. Arnold Kunda. Afterwards I applied for a correspondence course and I was given a tutor. I did up to 25 lessons and my tutor stopped sending them. It is now almost 2 years since I received any lessons. I tried to ask some brethren who are responsible for this issue and was told that my tutor was very and unable to continue teaching me. Yes, okay, but, please, if possible help me, I want to carry on learning, I can’t stay without learning the Word of God just because my tutor he/she is old.
Bro. Ephraim Mwanje Mambwe
I have received the pair of bifocal glasses you arranged with Sis Jackie Banford and I have written to her thanking her for them. I received the ‘Present Day Events’ and ‘New Israel Politics’. I also received the reading glasses for which I thank CAT.
Bro. Davies S. Nthara
MUFULIRA
Luke 16:13/ God and Money – I have a friend who said “I have the world in my pocket.” What he meant was that he has a lot of money in his pocket or in his bank account, and can go anywhere he wishes to go, he can buy and eat everything he wants to eat, he can marry many women, forgetting that he cannot buy or bribe salvation. He is like the rich fool we read about in Luke ch. 12 who forgot to prepare his life. Psalm 20:7 declares, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses.” “If you win the whole world and then lose your life, what will you gain?” Nothing.” (Luke 9:25). Jeremiah wrote, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in Yahweh and whose hope Yahweh is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (Jer. 17:7-8). Everyday when we get up from our bed, the first thing we think is about what we are going to eat, what we are going to drink, what we are going to wear. Philippians 3:19 says “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach and their glory is in their shame.” They forget their God is their Provider. In conclusion Matthew 6:31-33, “So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Bro. Fred Mumba
Thank you so much for your advice on a further step to do with my Motor Mechanics course. I very much agree with you that the world is moving faster and the momentum of events increasing. People are acquiring more and more knowledge and ‘fleshly desires’ getting more and more strong. We have been hearing of dreadful events, watching all kinds of pictures on televisions and hearing on radio news of so many events in the Middle East and surrounding areas and Israel being in most headlines in every news. We are now hearing of the banning of importing of birds (any kind) from any country, into Zambia, due to the bird flu pandemic. We have also heard of various diseases/illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, especially here in Africa, and quite a number of diseases in other countries. I was reading Leviticus 26 and I noticed from v. 14 going down, that “the Lord will bring upon men and women wasting diseases, that would even affect their sight…”. I had to think of the current situation and because that punishment was due to ‘disobedience’ could it be true that the prophecy has seen its fulfillment in our days?
I have recently received from Bro. Ken Miles the pack containing another set of studies on ‘What we Believe’ – to do with YAHWEH and other names of the Deity. I really enjoyed the lessons and last time we had one on GOD MANIFESTATION. It was so nice and I hope all the brethren and sisters who receive them do enjoy them too. He enclosed all of them in one big envelope to minimize the postage costs. He used to send quite a lot to individuals but is now sending them to me to distribute. Instead of £2 to each person, x 20 people, now he is spending less than £10 to all of us. His lessons are so uplifting and we hope to be receiving nine of each from him. We all look forward to receiving the Gospel News magazine. Some brethren/sisters were complaining of not receiving the magazine but I told them that they needed to write to you, so that they can be included on the waiting list. I hope by now they have sent you letters – let me know.
Bro. Silas K. Chishimba
I am happy to tell you Phaides, our daughter, has a baby girl. This is my first grand-daughter from my son-in-law, who is a student in Christ. We have been walking from Kankoyo to Kamuchanga for ten years, so now we have found a place at Mutamba High School, just for a classroom for our meeting on Sundays for myself and Bro. Kantongo Davies plus those brothers who have stopped coming for breaking of bread on Sunday because of the distance. The head of this school said we have to pay k.38,000 per month. We have been paying from our own for two months (6 pounds, the equivalent of a weeks wages). Bro. Katongo and Sis. Elizabeth, myself and my wife Cathrine, plus students and our children all go to this class. One bad thing which Zambia Electricity, (ZESCO), has done is to switch off power from our house because we had nothing to pay them. As we are all aware troubles in the world still continue this year. With all our hope depending upon the coming of our Lord to put things right we therefore must support each other on our walk to the Kingdom.
Bro. Charles and Sis. Cathrine Daka
MWINILUNGA
Tour of North-western Province, in particular Solwezi, via Mwinilunga. to see the students. I met up with our late Bro. Nelson for the journey to Mwinilunga, a 9-hour journey. We went to the nearest guest house where we spent a night. Our student came to meet us at the guest house as Bro. Nelson Bwalya had arranged. Thanks to our Lord the interview took place and went well, but the baptism did not take place then due to the flooding of the river and had to be postpone. We had some discussion on the book of Genesis. Ou late Bro. Nelson was the speaker and explained. He also quoted 1 Peter 1:10-12 and he also explained who the Christadelphians are (Matt 23:1-10) and what they believe and we ended up with a prayer and our student left. Next day we left Mwinilunga at 7:25 hrs for Solwezi and arrived at 14.43 hrs and went straight to see Bro. Lotala and in the evening we had our daily readings. Next day with Bro. Lotala we left to meet our brethren so that we could break bread and after that we left Solwezi for Kitwe via Ndola.
Bro. Harris N. Mulongesha
Photo: Bro. Harris N. Nulongesha
NAKONDE
Loving greetings in our Master’s Name. I hope and trust this letter will find you in good health. Here everyone is fine. Well, I have written this letter to you because I want you to assist me with the book “Principles of Christian Marriage”. I am really in need of this book but I don’t know where to get it and that is why I have asked you so that you can send me one.
Sister Esther Muntete
NCHELENGE
A few thoughts on how to treat the elderly.
Have respect to them – “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father… older women as mothers” (1 Tim. 5:1-2).
Pay much attention to them when they are speaking. - “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger” (James 1:19).
Be sympathetic – “Live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult” (1 Peter 3:8-9).
Let them be involved in whatever you are doing – “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality” (Romans 12:13).
Help them – “If any one has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:17-18).
Be patient – “….clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col. 3:12).
If we look after older people as in the above statement it means that we have totally respected the higher measures that are being outlined in God’s Word, the Bible, as it is stated in Leviticus 19:32.
Bro. Evans Mwansa
NDOLA
The word of the Lord says blessed are the hands that give and I pray that the Lord’s good hands be open to you in everything you are doing. I always pray for our brothers and sisters who are on the run from their country due to persecution. May the Lord God’s good hands be with you all the time as the Lord says in Joshua 1:5-7 “I will be with you, I will not leave you or forsake you.” Thanks be to the Lord for what He has done in your life wherever you are. In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he shows the Corinthians the example towards the Word of God. Ask yourself, Am I a letter to others like Paul was? 2 Cor. 3:2 says, “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need like some people letters of recommendation to you or from you?” “You yourselves are our letters, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody”. 1 Cor. 9:2, “Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord”. Brothers and sisters, count yourself, wherever you may be to be a letter to others.” Brothers and sisters, if we do not follow the Lord’s commands then we must not count ourselves with the Apostle Paul.
Bro. Harris N. Mulongesha
I am fine and I read a lot of God’s book including the books which you send me. I have learnt a lot of things by reading and studying the Word of God and I try to understand it and preach it to others so that at the end no one could say they didn’t hear the message. With everything that surpasses our understanding let us use it to try and acquire more knowledge about the power and character of God and the fulfillment of prophecy. If we are in great pain or problems let us call on Jesus because we are no longer called servants of Jesus Christ. We are friends of Jesus if we keep on following his ways; because he died for us, he alone is our mediator. Brothers and sisters there is a time for everything. Read Eccl 3:1-8, “A time to be born and a time to die”. Read also Luke 12:23. Jesus Christ gave us a command to love each other and we must not quarrel with anyone and avoid fault-finding. We must also practice self control and avoid unprofitable arguments. When troubles come we must not be shaken or moved. We must put everything in prayer. Read Psalm 33:16-22. “No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes by his great strength. But the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. May the Name of our Lord be exalted, let us exalt his Name together.” Thanks brothers, for sending me “Bible Basics for Moslems”.
I am looking forward to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to judge this world, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with a loud voice of an archangel and with the sound of the trumpet of God and the dead in Christ will rise first” 1 Thess. 4:16-18. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we must encourage one another with the Word of God every day. We must read the Bible daily. “God will bring justice to the elect who cry day and night.” Luke 18:7-8. I would also like more of the Moslem books for brethren and sisters, please send me some. I also thank you for Christadelphian Logos magazine published in Australia, I will write to them, so then they might send me a regular free copy. Thanks to Duncan Heaster, who has been to China and baptized ten students. Let us keep on sowing, we should not feel discouraged because we are the light of the world. I also thank him for his educative, informative editorial: Spiritual growth. We are asked to die with our Lord Jesus Christ through baptism, to share something of his death, the type and nature of death which he had. In our daily lives, what you can really do for a person who is dying is to die with him. Remembering how he refused the pain killer, I have remembered nursing my blood brother who passed away when he was telling me to bring him some water to drink, I died with him. That is a very good teaching to us today, to die with our Lord Jesus Christ, let us copy our Lord Jesus Christ, read John 15:13-14, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
I enclose a photo taken at the Ndola meeting, while singing our favorite song- ‘God is so good, is so good to me’.
Bro. James Mwanza
Photo: At Ndola ecclesia left to right – Bre. Overseas Mwangase, Kelly Simayumbula (Kafue eccl.), Denis Kombe, Harry Mulongesha and James Mwanza
PEMBA
I am writing to thank you for making more copies of Conservation Farming Methods. I have just distributed some copies locally and sent some to Kafue/Kasaka ecclesias for the brethren and sisters there. I only hope they will find these very useful and beneficial. I am yet to send some to Kalomo as well as Mazabuka as soon as I get the addresses, and will send to others that might need them.
Bro. Wilfred Chimbomba
I have now received the parcel of my leaflets, which you have managed to have printed in Tonga language. God is great who has enabled you to finish such hard work within a short period of time; may His Name be praised. Soon I will start sending some copies of leaflets to my brothers and sisters in Kafue, Monze, Goma, Kalomo and Livingstone ecclesias. Some I will be distributing to students and other interested people in our community. I was very pleased to receive the book “Where There Is No Doctor” and a copy of the “Current Present Day Events”. I wrote to the Gospel Publicity League in Australia and I am happy to inform you that I have now received four copies of “Present Day Events” from Australia. I believe they may be sending me other interesting preaching leaflets. On the HIV/AIDS problem in Zambia, what you hear is true. The government is trying to assist the sick people by bringing things into the country from donor countries, church organizations and N.G.O.s to sensitise people to the dangers of this killer disease. We could have joined the race as an ecclesia to organize some gatherings on both spreading the good news concerning the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as well as preaching some hints on HIV/AIDS prevention; this kind of task requires money that is why we are unable to join the move. The book that you have just printed called ‘Wrested Scriptures’ I am sure will be of great help and interest. I should love to have a copy of this when you start mailing to brothers and sisters. I believe Duncan had a big job in Asia where he managed to have a good number of contacts some of whomare expected to be baptized – that is great; praise the Lord. I also now have six contacts whom I have started teaching 1-12 Bible course lessons.
Bro. Joseph Mulawo
BULAWAYO
The name Jeshuran means ‘the upright one’ and is a poetic variant of the name Israel (Deut.32.15; 33.5). The tendency of the flesh in times of prosperity is to become self-sufficient and self-reliant and so indifferent to its spiritual responsibilities. The Israel of God, both literal and spiritual, can wax fat and so become indifferent to God’s ways “Jeshuran grew fat and kicked; filled with food, he became heavy and sleek He abandoned the God who made him and rejected the Rock his Saviour” (Deut.32:15). As we follow the Jews’ history, soon after leaving Egypt they rebelled – even worshipping a golden calf – in spite of God’s wonderful deliverance from Egypt. Joshua had cause to reprove them and warn them that if they followed other gods, God would cause them to perish from the land (Joshua 23:14-16). After Joshua’s death everyone did what was right in their own eyes and consequently they fell into the hands of their enemies (Judges 3:7-8). The same fate awaits spiritual Israel if they do not seriously take heed of God’s word.
Let us try to escape from the family of Adam to the family of God by faith and obedience. Many people ask themselves why or what is wrong with the world? All these things are happening because of Adam. When Adam sinned he did not know that great trouble was starting from him for the generations to come. When God said “Look, man is like us knowing good and evil”, the word evil means bad or trouble. We see this when God promised Adam suffering in Gen. 3:17-18. This was because of disobedience. In addition to that, on Adam’s family God put a big punishment not a reward as others think. God gave Adam and Eve a simple law that led to death. (Gen.2:16-17). So how can we escape from the death (of Adam’s family)? When God saw that man had done wrong he was filled with pity and love. He did not leave man to die for ever. He solved things by the hard way of sending His only son, Jesus (John 3:16). Everyone who believes in him and is baptised can be saved. This grace by God is given freely and openly to any who put themseles into the family of God by this means. By being born we are in Adam’s family that dies and perishes. When we are baptized we die to the family of Adam and rise to the family of God. When we say we believe in the doctor do we sit and look upon the child who is sick. Can that child be healed or die? We have to do something, and it is the same to us; we say we believe in Christ, we must do our best with our powers and abilities. My brother and sister let us escape the family of Adam and be grafted into the family of God and we will be saved from dying for ever (Rev.5:9-10).
Bro.Dzingai Sumberera
Many thanks for your letter, the notes and the book ‘Judgment to Come: A Biblical Discussion’. Also the ‘Present Day Events’ leaflet. I hope and pray that you and the entire family are in good health. We held a very good South Zimbabwe, Sub-Committee meeting at the Bulawayo Hall. It was a good time of fellowship as we had time to discuss matters about how we can make the truth known in our areas. If the book ‘The Last Days’ is still available or a secondhand one, could you try to send me one?
Bro. Ambrose Tanyepana
I would first of all like to thank my Heavenly Father for His compassion on me during my illness. I started to be ill during 1999 when I was pregnant and the illness persisted until the second child, Pinky, was born on 21 November 2002. During the birth of this child I nearly died and also during the pregnancy I couldn’t find rest. So I would like to thank my husband and God’s help; he was so kind to me paying all the fees for the private doctors and for the government clinics. Sometimes I was speaking by myself saying ‘May God take my soul’, so that I should find rest, but just because He knows the day it couldn’t be done, now I am alive I praise God for that. I delivered at a local clinic, Pelandaba, and on the second day I was taken to Mpilo half dead and I was in intensive care. Ailan also was ill during his birth; he was on and off to Mpilo until he turned six years, but now he is a fit seven-year-old. I struggled with this child and so I am thankful for the help of his father and for God’s help because he is alive. Pinky has no problems; she is a fit and fine 4 year old. So may God be with my family until Jesus comes.
Sister Memory Mukarati Tshuma
BINDURA
I have enjoyed the content of the text, “What is the Bible?” I have learnt a lot about the Bible which is God’s word. This includes the Bible definition and a clear picture of how it originated. However, this text is manna (gift) from heaven and I hadn’t expected such appropriate notes and they are very educative. It actually serves to explain the Bible to a newly converted Christian. Please will you kindly give me more notes from Bro. Stanley Blackstone, UK His notes are helpful to us believers of the word. Furthermore, life seems to be getting complicated, i.e. some manufacturing industries and firms are closing down. It is also an indication that denotes the signs of the times. The taxes are getting higher each time and jobs are difficult to get. It seems that we are heading for a depression i.e. a hard nut to crack. In addition to all that, I rely on a self job (shoe repairing) project and it is not paying very much for the family. The capital is very insufficient to run such an industry at home. However, it requires a bit of promotion to boost the business transaction. The same applies to Christianity, it requires the daily Bible-reading, that is Christianity cultivation. Christianity is enriched by putting Scriptures into practice, for an example, “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” Will you kindly help me with the following– “Jesus is the Son of God”.
Bro. Jospeh Mucheri
CHEGUTU
For we don’t know the hour, minute or even the second, but Jesus is coming very soon. We must be prepared and always alert. So brothers and sisters I urge you to be faithful, obedient, righteous, humble and not lovers of worthless things, but lovers of the word and good works for God, love each other wholeheartedly and above all follow all the commandments. Read Mark 13:32-37. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sister Legina Mbewe who fell asleep in Christ. Legina will be sadly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Our only comfort is that, by God’s grace, we will meet her when Jesus Christ returns. “The Lord gave and now He has taken away, may His Name be praised”. (Job 1:21).
Sis. Memory Lunando
Photo: Sis. Memory Lunando and family
CHIPINGE
Thank you for the book “Speaking about Jesus”. In fact I was in Mozambique and I talked about introducing a class for English for beginners and quite a number of people were interested but the condition will be that we will only register those who are on our Bible correspondence course, to reduce the work. Quite a number of people are so keen to read and to listen to our preaching. As I am writing I am visiting a group of students at Maronga and I managed to give a talk about baptism and our salvation and I am pleased because 10 people attended and the number requesting our Bible correspondence has been increased. P.S. Please send me notes on the daily readings.
Bro. Moses Dhlakama
CHISAPE
Thank you very much for your letter which I received five days ago and for the return envelope that keeps me in touch with you as often as possible. Thank you also for the enclosed
magazines which I like very much. Keep on with the good work whenever possible. If you have some more magazines that you are willing to give may I please have them. I also have received the “Present Day Events” magazine, which is a good one. If you have the book on “How To Grow A Balanced Diet” may you please help me with it, that is if some of its chapters are not covered in the book, “Where There Is No Doctor”. Please all brethren around the world let us pray so that we do not see more blood being shed in the Iran issue for in most wars the poor are the ones who die, so let us pray for the precious lives of these people. God’s will may save them from a possible war.
Bro. Marison Tafirenyika
Thank you for your letter, I was so happy receiving it. No more words can explain my joy and peace at this time. I am amazed at how you keep going in the work of leading people like me to Jesus and caring for us, despite all opposition. I am simply very grateful and pray for God’s blessings upon you. I have received all that you sent, “Where women have no doctor”, the book of the Moslems and self study material for vegetable production for drought mitigation in rural communities , very good indeed, thank you. My wife and I sang together hymn 335, ‘God be with you till we meet again! neath his wings securely hide you, daily manna still provide you, keep love’s banner floating o’er you, smite death’s threatening wave before you, God be with you till we meet again’ Amen. I am working hard in the vineyard, preaching with the help of Bible Basics. Some younger people are responding very well. I thank God for His guidance in my preaching effort. The language used in the Shona Bible Basics language is new from the old Bible, so I have asked for new translation Shona Bibles to help my students in their study of Bible Basics and answering questions at the end of each subject. These Books will be easily understood in their study of the Bible. If they finish the course they return them back to me for others to study from them.
Bro. Stanford Kuuzha
Photo: Bro. Standford Kuuzha
CHISHUMBA
God called Abram to leave Ur and to go to a place he was to be shown. He left his city life and entered into a wandering life. He had faith. The spirit of God was with Abram. We were also called from worldly things. We were chosen to carry His word to the ends of the earth and to reveal it to every hidden corner. We are supposed to carry the word in a Jesus-like manner. If we look back, as Lot’s wife did, we will fail. Romans 6:1-6, “How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Paul asked. v. 6, because: “Knowing this, that our old man died with him on the cross that the corruptible body would be done away with and get freed from the bondage of sin.” Let us put on the newness and walk in it – till the end of time. Jesus’ return is nearing. We are in an era where signs of his return are happening – so keep the hold tight.
Bro. Steven Tedza
Last year Bro. Waston Kamota and I sat down to discuss about interviews to be carried out in Kariba. We boarded the bus at Magunje. On the way to Kariba through the game park we saw some wild animals moving in groups. The question which came to my mind was: Why do different types of animals move in groups together? but they are all animals? But those animals which fear carnivore animals were grazing near elephants for protection. It is just the same for brethren and sisters of every ecclesia to work for the coming King and by doing so will have heavenly protection. The following day we carried out our interviews. Student Naomi Mhondiwa passed and was baptized on the Sunday morning and given the right hand of fellowship. For success, trust in God. As with the call of Cyrus, the way was prepared by God who said He would give him the treasures of darkness and riches stored in secret places (Isa 45:3). So when we have chosen to work for the Lord, let us do it sincerely, for if it is not wholehearted it will be to no avail..
Bro. Ngoni Chikwata
With the hope and same faith we share - which I trust is what we are wearing to enter the Kingdom of God - greetings also to every brother and sister striving to spread the Word to every far corner of the world. Thank you for the books. I also received Glad Tidings and a newsletter. I am in isolation, so I find these books encouraging and they also revive my fellowship. I enjoy reading Gospel News and writing some articles. I also ask for “How To Grow a Balanced Diet”. I have, “Where There Is No Doctor.” The book is so helpful to many since it tells the diseases and the remedy. I stay a distance, of 23 km. from the nearest hospital, Karoi, so you see the importance of such books to the isolated. I also want to send greetings to all brethren and sisters around the world and to remind everyone of the signs of the times which tell us the Son of God is near. Are you singing the songs of preparation to receive Jesus Christ? If yes, my friend, sing loud with joy, Show it on your face and labour to serve Jesus Christ only. We were ‘called’ for a purpose to serve Him so don’t let us hide the light under the table, let it shine in the house. The Word (the Bible) was given to us and now we have the Way. It is crucial to take others with us; to teach this Gospel to this corrupt world. Pray for them, God will bless our work. I also encourage the baptized not to turn back. We have heard of Lot’s wife and the turn that was fatal to her life and the salt that she later became. Yes, we are in the safest hands of a Good Shepherd so never look back. All our sins have been forgiven. We are as an infant feeding on new food and will grow fast. Learn the Word of God and you will see how it works, Amen.
Bro. Steven Tedza
I am saddened to hear of the falling asleep of Sis. Cecelia Oppong, (Bro. Joseph’s Sister wife). Though she fell asleep in Christ it is still a great loss to the Christadelphian community. I came to know Bro. Joseph and his family through the exhortations and letters of encouragement that he has written in Gospel News. I first look for and read everything by Bro. Joseph Oppong, which has drawn me very close to him. I send Bro. Joseph my condolences let him know that he is not alone in his time of loss. His Sister wife who has fought the good fight, has finished the race and has kept the faith. There is now one thing in store for her, that is, the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award her on that day, not only to her alone but also to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all who have longed for his appearing, Paul of Tarsus included. What now is left is to see those faithful servants in the very soon coming Kingdom of God, that is if we follow their footsteps. These walked with God, they spoke to God and lived a righteous life. Paul laying down his facts about the dead being raised wrote to the Corinthians, (1 Cor. 15:12-20) saying, “For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (vs16-17). The Christian faith is that the dead in Christ will be raised when Jesus comes back to set up God’s Kingdom. When this Kingdom is set, we will see the dead in Christ, provided we have walked in their footsteps. Luke 12:32, Jesus says “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom.” It is in this Kingdom where we are going to see his dead servants but also all who have longed for his appearing.
Bro. Norman Kamutikaoma
CHIVI
Brother I beg you to send me ‘Introducing to Bible Basics’. I have got 37 students and in the UK they are running short of tutors. You will know that Chivi has collapsed as an ecclesia for a long time but I am trying my best to re-establish it. So far we have four Sisters and I, one brother. If you have other books like ‘Speaking about Jesus’ which is a very good book for my Sunday School, I would be grateful. I am preparing to send you some photos of the students and the Sunday School.
Bro. Vheremu Ngara
HARARE
Loving people is not easy. Such people as back-stabbers, truth-benders, money-grabbers and vow-breakers are even harder to trust, let alone love. A wise writer says, “The secret to loving is living loved’. Following are some thoughts on love that I know some will appreciate:
God loves you personally, powerfully, passionately.
Others have promised and failed.
But God has promised and succeeded.
He loves you with an unfailing love.
And His love, if you will let it, can fill you
And leave you with a love worth giving.
God offers authentic love.
His devotion is the real deal.
But He won’t give you the genuine
Until you surrender the limitations.
Get yourself out of your eye
By getting your eye off yourself.
Quit starting at that little self
And focus on your great Saviour
Today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions.
Today’s jealousy is tomorrow’s temper tantrum.
Today’s bigotry is tomorrow’s hate crime.
Today’s anger is tomorrow’s abuse.
Today’s lust is tomorrow’s adultery.
Today’s greed is tomorrow’s embezzlement.
Today’s guilt is tomorrow’s fear.
Bro. James Zvitete
KADOMA
Please publish my new postal address – Telex One Exchange, Box 358, Kadoma, Zimbabwe. I have just moved to Kadoma with my family due to work transfers and commitments and hope to start up a new ecclesia, God willing. Because of your worldwide distribution I hope it will be of great help if you publish the address. My old address was – 23780/4 Umvovo, Box 642, Chegutu. I will always cherish the support and the overall work you are putting up with in the Lord’s vineyard and hope we shall be with him whose right it is – Jesus Christ when he returns.
Bro. Itai P. Tembo
Photo: Chegutu ecclesia a few years ago, minus two brothers who have since fallen asleep in the Lord
Above: The fruits of fishing for men, the Chegutu ecclesia now (2006) less our Sister Legina who fell asleep in Christ 24 Dec,2005
Below: Bro. Chakumanda Kondowe, Bro. Itai Tembo, holding son, Lemmington and Sis. Esnath Bro. Itai’s wife.
KARIBA
I am delighted to report the baptisms of Innocent, Faith and Susan and this has seen Kariba ecclesia grow as more and more people are accepting the truth. Kariba has a high number of students doing Bible lessons and I hope most of them, if not all, will find their way to the truth before the return of our Lord.
Bro. Witness Majecha
Photos:-
Above the Kariba ecclesia
Below; Taken soon after the baptism of Naome in Lake Kariba. Standing left to right: Naome’s mother, Sis. Naome, Bro. Witness and Emmanuel Kneeling left to right: Bro. Ngoni and Weston
I advise you that God has given to his ecclesia, Kariba, four more members, three Sisters and one Brother. John 17, the Lord Jesus’ prayer. I also ask for your prayers in our endeavour to do the Lord’s work (Matt. 10). But I fear the pride of human nature that whenever God calls those, He has called more disciples to spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God who are proud of what is not their power. Whenever I read Luke 10:17 and verse 20 - “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your name is written in heaven”, I think, please brother, what can I do to fully know that my name is written in heaven? My loving brother, warm greetings in the same hope of the Lord Jesus Christ coming with his Kingdom for which we are labouring that we may be in it. We are praying that this day will be to us not of destruction but of joy. I still look forward that I and the ecclesia may get all the spiritual encouragement, but each one of us must work for our names to be written in the Book of Life. Also loving greetings to the brothers in the name of our Lord Jesus.
Bro. David Mhondiwa
KWEKWE
As a farmer I produce vegetables pumping water from a dip well. The bucket pump was donated by Plan International. My family get a living from selling vegetables every two weeks at Nkayi Business Centre. Life was hard in 2005, there was no grain in the country and we received grain from the World Food Program.
Bro. Melusi Ndlovu
MASVINGO
I am writing to let you know that the big box of literature has arrived safely and the reading glasses and I did find my size and have given the others to those who needed them and they send many thanks. On one trip to Mozambique we had some difficulties in crossing some of the river, where Bro. Moses Dklakama lost his glasses.
Our journey was very successful and fruitful and I am expecting one or two baptisms. It was a wonderful time at our seminar which was attended by five ecclesias – Rimbi, Mutema, Triangle, Masvingo Town and host Masvingo Rural. We spent the whole weekend studying the book of Hebrews. There were five speakers and Bro. Moses gave a talk on preaching which high-lighted many.
Bro. Admire M. Museba
MUTARE
Pharisees are a group of Jews of Christ’s day who were very careful to keep the small points of the Law without really understanding what God was teaching in the Law. They thought they were very righteous. Publicans were people who collected taxes for the Roman rulers and who were hated and looked on adversly by all their fellows. Pharisees thought they were not like all the wicked men and not like the Publicans. They listed all the good things they thought they did. The Publicans knew they were sinners. Jesus said we should do what the Pharisees teach but not do their deeds. Read Luke 18:9-14 about the Pharisee’s prayer and the Publican’s prayer. The Publican asked for mercy from God as he was a sinner but the Pharisee thought he was righteous, but was not righteous in God’s eyes. Today we have our friends who think they are righteous and don’t want to connect friendship with others because they are not pure Christians.
Bro. Gilbert Tevere
RIMBI
Our Heavenly Father graciously provided us with a double portion of joy on 12th June when Chioniso Saina and Progress Saina were baptized during our memorial service. Chioniso and Progress are sisters and we pray to our gracious Father for their safe journey to His Kingdom. We also welcomed the following brethren to the Lord’s table for the month of May. Bro. Arone Muchanga (Mozambique), Bro. Patrick Mandivinga (Mutema), Bro. Rhobson Sithole (Bulawayo) and for the month of June Bro. Dzingai Sumburera (Bulawayo), Bro. Patrick Mandivinga (Mutema) and Bro. Rhobson Sithole (Bulawayo) and several Bible students plus friends. Our hall was full. On 10th June we held a memorial service for Sister Joyce Dhlakama, who recently fell asleep in Christ. On this occasion we had an opportunity to distribute 113 leaflets and give two talks, the first one was, “Who are the Christadelphians and what are their beliefs?” and the second was, “Who caused death and what will be the hope of the saints?” I want to thank Brothers Patrick and Freddy for a job well done. I also want to take this chance to thank the Christadelphian Advancement Trust for the literature received which finds its way into different homes and who knows what may come of this in future. All of us involved are extremely grateful for the help we receive from you. God willing, next week we are going to visit Mozambique with Sister Evelyn to establish a class for English for beginners, based on the book “Talking about Jesus”. Praying always that more will be moved to accept the true gospel before the return of our Master. We look forward to hearing from you.
Bro. Moses Dhlakama
