News from Africa
MUTENGE
Many thanks for updating Gospel News web-site, I find it very easy now to read the articles and news from Brethren and Sisters worldwide. More so Carelinks web-site helps me to get articles to prepare exhortations. Special encouragement goes to our Brethren in the Arab world, despite persecution they still remain strong.
Bro Constantine Fonkem
You are welcome to read Gospel News online at http://www.carelinks.net/pastissues.htm And you can see our French literature at http://www.carelinks.net/French.html You are welcome to translate anything into your local language to be posted on this site.
There are so many religions in the world because after the death of Jesus and his apostles wrong teaching entered the Christian congregations and drew believers to follow them instead of Christ (Matt.7v15-20, Act 20 v29-30). How can we identify a true religion? True religion is where the Christians of that group have real love among themselves (John 13v34-35.1John, ch.4 v20.21).They have deep respect for the Bible and they believe what it says (Jn 17v17, 2 Tim.3vs16-17).They treat God’s words as being more important than human ideals or customs. They try to live by the Bible in their everyday life. They don't preach one thing and practice another (Titus ch.1v15-16).True religion must honour God’s name (Matt.6v.9). True religion must preach about God’s Kingdom (Luke .8v1). Jesus always talked about God’s Kingdom. True religion must believe that only God’s Kingdom will bring peace and security to this sinful world (Ps146).
Bro Nicolas Menjuah
The arrival of the parcel of books could not have been more timely. It arrived during the visit of the Brethren from the UK, Bre. Andrew Walker and Ian Fifield. They interviewed and found three people prepared for baptism in the remote village of Buweh where the books, Where There Is No Doctor and Where Women Have No Doctor are very valuable. We have three new babies there, by names Bro MUGEH and his wife Sis MONICA and Bro NGWA JOHN. Sadly we regret the falling asleep of Bro Nkeng Charles formerly of the CBM school for the Blind and Handicapped. He was a Brother indeed. May our Lord reunite us at his return.
MUYUKA
We are delighted to thank the Brethren and Sisters of the Muyenge ecclesia who visited us for our end of year mini Bible School. Everything went well. We had some talks from Bro Kenneth Mbah with the piggery he has built, but alas he can not afford to buy a pig for it.
Bre George, Martin and Thomas of Muyenge and Muyuka ecclesias. This day is marked as one of the greatest witnessed by our ecclesia.
Bro Romanus Akamin
AGOGO
I am still jobless even though I have been searching for employment ceaselessly, but all to no avail, and this problem makes life very difficult and uncertain for me. Even accommodation is becoming a problem since we were ejected from our late father’s family house. I will appreciate it very much if you will not deny me your help and ecclesia’s prayers. Bro. William Aboagye
WINNEBA
I have much pleasure in thanking you for the great love which you all have towards me in my walk in the Truth. I am sorry that I have delayed in writing to you for some time now, all due to my health and my eyesight. The Gospel News is interesting and gives me joy after reading through it. I hope the books will help me to increase my faith, I hope to have more such books etc. I am living in my home town Senya Beraku via Winneba in complete isolation and I am appealing to all to strengthen my lonely walk by writing uplifting, instructive letters to me and also sending me exhortations. May we all hold fast in the last days before our Lord’s coming by fighting a good fight and running a good race and waiting patiently for the Lord, and hear from his lips those beautiful words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.” So come Lord. Until I hear from you it is goodbye, keep fit and may God bless you all.
Bro. John Dadzie
BONDO
In Kenya last year many people were blessed by the rains, giving us a good harvest which we hope will last until this year’s harvest, should the Lord remain away. The rains of last year make me recall the book of Proverbs which says that the Lord brings rain as a blessing, but sometimes as a punishment. Recently we have seen war happenings in the Middle East between Israel and the surrounding countries of Lebanon and Palestine, and this causes me to think of the prophecies from Ezekiel chapters 36-38 and other chapters from the Scriptures. These are clear signs to us to watch, for our redemption draws nearer than when we were first baptised.
Bro. Raphael Joni Aimo
By the medium of this corres-pondence, I wish to express my sincere thanks to all brethren and sisters in our Master, Jesus Christ, whom we expect soon. I appreciate the Gospel News which is assisting so many, helping us to recognise the closeness and feeling of fellowship which we have. We had our area Bible School, it was really great, giving us many impressions which we can’t express in words – our hearts are full of happiness. The whole Bible School was amazing.
Bro. Vincent Odhiambo
BULIMBO
I salute you in the Name of our Lord Jesus, hoping that you are strong in our striving for salvation. Here in Kenya we are fine and fighting the good fight for our Saviour Jesus Christ in proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom. The last Gospel News helped to strengthen my faith.
Bro. Emmanuel Joumer
BUNGOMA
We believe that with us you are striving to be counted among those saints who will be found worthy to reign with Christ when he comes to establish his kingdom on this earth. Bible Basics has shown people a right way to live and has turned many from their wrong ways to follow Christ. In Daniel 12:3 we see that the wise who lead others to righteousness will shine as the heavenly stars. By the work of preaching people have come to know the true living, Father and the Son Jesus, whom they should worship and praise during their lives. May this work continue, to bring many to salvation as we read in Rev. 22:12-14. Jesus is coming soon to reward each according to their works. May our Lord grant mercy upon you and all our brothers and sisters who help us by sending books and magazines.
Bro Boniface and Irene Juma
The picture shows: from right Bro. Boniface Juma, followed by his son Hamphrey Nyongesa, Mercylyne Juma and on left Mrs. Irene Juma.
I wish to thank you for your support in helping people to change their lives. Here in Kenya, especially in my division, many people have found the Truth because of the books you have been sending.
Bro. Anadetus Konje Khaemba
Loving greetings to all in the bonds of our One Hope in Christ Jesus. Many thanks for your letter, Gospel News and the two booklets that you sent me, which really encouraged me. I would like the Bible Reading Calendar for 2007 and the book of Revision Studies for the Baptism course. I possess a Bible which is not complete, so I would also appreciate your help with a Bible.
Another year has passed and has brought us one step closer to the appointed day when God will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained, who when he comes will not be alone. There will be a multitude who have become heirs of salvation, having walked in Jesus’ ways and been given the honour that pertains to the saints of assisting with the judgements prophesied. As present days become more evil, those who love the Truth yearn more earnestly for Christ’s return. The danger of these troubled times is of becoming weary and losing that ardent fervour – to count continued absence of the Lord as delay. It is not delay, for that day is appointed. A set time is decreed. We must bear patiently the remaining days, redeeming them in the pursuit of working out our salvation and not be caught unawares, for ‘he that shall come, most assuredly will come’. God has ‘fixed a day in which He will judge the whole world with justice by means of that man He has chosen, and He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31) The apostle Peter helps us, ‘What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming’ (2Peter 3:11,12).
George Maina Wabwile
Above is the photograph of the Brethren at a meeting. Standing from left, Bro. Eric Wamalwa, Martin Sikuku, Solomon Simiyu,; Benson Wekesa, Gilbert Wanjala, Juliors Sangura, David Wekesa, Martin Barasa, Joch Barosa, Alex Wanjalor, George Mourio,. Sitting line from right: Wycliffe Wekesa, Aggrey Kasili, and two friends.
CHWELE
Thank you very much for sending us Gospel News and some pamphlets, they are really encouraging us. We learn about the Word of God and what is happening around the world. We wish also to let you know that we are very happy at the way you are doing this work.
Bro. Patrick and Join Sawa
GISAMBAI
I request you to kindly send me ten Kiswahili Bible Basics. As you know some Brothers and Sisters in our Ecclesia do not understand English, this is why I am making this request.
Bro. Solomon Abukira
We have received copies of Bible Basics and other literature. I and my Ecclesia are very thankful for your services. A book called “Where There Is No Doctor” would be of great use to us here, and we hope you will be able to send it. Please continue to send us any other useful literature for our Scriptural upbuilding.
Bro. Ernest Lavuna.
ISHIARA
I am fine here together with the rest of the family, hoping and looking above for we are aware that our Saviour Jesus Christ is near. He suffered on the cross for our sins, fulfilling Gen.3:15. to redeem the sinful flesh of man to everlasting life. This is why we are all standing in one hope (hope of Israel), waiting for Jesus to ‘establish His Kingdom with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.’ So we are praying our Lord God to remember all of us, that we may meet in that Kingdom. Finally, I am thankful to have received reading glasses which have helped me greatly, and the King James Bible which also helped us, for we had a problem. May you continue to remember us in prayers.
Sis. Caroline K. Aphaxard
KAKAMEGA
I wish to request further material refuting the ‘Da Vinci Code’. I also need ‘Where Women Have no Doctor.’ I am dealing with a group of women from a rural part and I can assure you the book will be put to good use.
Bro. Gibson A. Azere
KAPTAMA
We have been continuing to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God here at Kaptama Mt. Elgon since the year 1997 until now and baptised many. But what I’m requesting is that you to assist us spiritually because we lack Christadelphian literature and also Gospel News for encouragement and guidance. We have many places to go to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, but here in Kenya we must sacrifice ourselves even if we stay in a poor life. God’s reward is great for His faithful, as Jesus told his disciples, ‘he who endures to the end shall be saved’ (Matt.24:13). I appeal to the brothers, sisters and youths everywhere to arise and preach the gospel and live a spiritual life, as the return of our Lord is at hand.
Bro. Moses Borter
KITALI
We’re happy to receive Gospel News. Could you please send the book entitled Mwalimu Wa Kristadelphian, which will help our friends who are ready for baptism – ten in number. Also we kindly ask for 20 copies of the Bible Companion and the address of CIL. This we hope will help us to request Sunday School material.
Bro. Martin Chemiati
KITWE
Thank you for the literature which I enjoyed reading. I would be glad if you could please send me ‘The Death of the Cross’ ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses, their Doctrines Briefly Tested by Scripture’ ‘How to grow a Balanced Diet’and ‘Do You Believe in a Devil?’ booklets. Furthermore, I thank you very much for sending me Middle East Crisis leaflets, as they have given me a clear picture of the situation in which our brethren and sisters stand. We pray our Heavenly Father to soon send His beloved Son to deal with the problems the world is facing.
I am desperately in need of exhortation papers and would like to start Bible Basics lessons with others. My wife is very eager to learn, but in our local language (Bemba). I pray that in the near future there will be lessons in our own local language. We join our hands with my family to pass our heartfelt love to you all. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.
Bro. Willies Simbowe
KWALE
I’m happy to send you this letter to inform you that I am grateful for your assistance to my life. You have helped me with some books like Gospel News, which make me stronger in my belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. I’m a Sister baptised in June 2005. I beg you to kindly assist me with Bible Basics so that I can understand more of the word of God. Your books are very good guidance in Bible study. Sis. Lydia Maingi
LOITOKTOK
I write you this letter full of joy in whatever circumstance I find myself, since the book of James tells me to count it joy whenever I face trials, knowing that it is for a short time, and the times we are in are the last days just before the return of Christ, when he will restore order in this troubled world.
I say thank you for the book ‘Legalism v/s Faith’ as this has assisted me so much in my everyday work, since I can just start from chapter one and have something to tell those who buy my drawings. I had never ever thought or considered the fact that many of Jesus’ healings were done on a Sabbath day, but through this book, together with my Bible, it helps me make sense and accuracy in whatever I say and preach.
I have been ill due to Malaria for the last month, but now I am recovered and have regained my health. I have been well informed with Gospel News and very soon I am to go to Tanzania in the hope that I will locate my brothers at Arusha Ecclesia.
Looking at Bible Basics, on page 169 there is a photograph of the snake and the brain of a human being: does it have another meaning apart from what happened in Genesis chapter 3:15? If so, I would be glad to know, i.e. the enmity of the seed of the woman and that of the serpent. Thank you once again for the Thank you once again for the literature I have been receiving, and I would be glad to have any other which you feel would help me, e.g. the Statement of Faith. Greet all those who write to you with the hope that one day we shall meet, either in this present troubled world, or in the Kingdom for which we wait.
Bro. Peter Thuo
MAKHONGE
Thank you very much for the wonderful work we have seen you doing in the Lord’s Vineyard here in our ecclesia; we enjoy reading the Gospel News magazine and other books you have sent to many of us. Manasseh is my son. About myself, I am a member of Makhonge ecclesia. I am 66 years old and I was haptised in 1981 after I had been a Bible student for some time. Initially, I was a member of an Evangelical group, but the Christadelphian doctrines shed more light to me when I accepted the faith. I am a farmer by occupation. I grow such crops as maize, beans, sunflowers and others in my small garden and farm.
Bro. William Wamamili Buyela
We really appreciate your efforts and generosity in supplying varied literature to enable us to grow spiritually and morally. We are also grateful for the English programme that you have just introduced to our ecclesia. Bro. David lent us a copy and it is so good. Actually, you have killed two birds with one stone: we are able to read and speak English and read the whole of Mark’s Gospel too. For those of us who did not get the opportunity to join Colleges and University because of lack of money for school fees, we now have a golden opportunity to learn and advance in English. We would request that, if possible, the programme should be on a continuous basis in our ecclesia. We want the Sisters to learn English grammar and participate fully in the Gospel News, just as the brothers are doing.
Bro. Manasseh and Sis Doricus Wamamili.
Bethren and Sisters after the Memorial Service at Makhonge
MIWANI
We are happy to inform all our brothers and sisters worldwide of the baptisms of Bro Marcelus Otieno and Sis Darnela Adiyo. Praise the Almighty God.
Thank you very much for the assistance CAT gave us to buy Casava hybrid plants – there will be more reports of this later. Thank you also for the books we received. Could you please send me the name and address of our Linkman?
Bro. Peter and Sis. Jane Omuny
Photo shows Brothers and Sisters of the Miwani Ecclesia, our Sunday School children and friends, after the Memorial Service
NALONDO
The youth today must show forth a greater maturity than any previous generation, for they are called upon to pass through the gravest crisis in the history of the world and they must meet their destiny with faith, steadfastness, assurance and reality!
They can have a hope and promise that brings them to the full measure of their destiny on earth. Learn to live according to spiritual discipline and achieve a new balance in life, a balance that is conducive to heroic deeds and to a state of complete devotion, and strive for true spiritual excellence. Our expectant eyes are fixed on them. Remember that youth can move the world! If each of them arises and fully plays his or her part, the key words are discipline, and deepening devotion. LET THEM NOT LET CHRIST DOWN.
God will test them because the rewards are great, so the tests must also be great. And He will prove their sincerity and they should expect that there will be more difficulties. They are the bearers of the word of God in this day, they have been chosen by Him. Let their life be a sacrifice for Him and so eagerly wait for the second coming of His Son to raise the saints to shine as stars in the firmament. If they are willing and if they are ready, let them just arise and say, ‘Here we are. Oh Lord, send us out!’ Can they hear? Are they responsible? Do they hear this voice of Jesus? If they do, let them act.
Bro. Moses Wanami
The Creator of heaven of earth, the God of Abraham and Isaac, the Giver of life, is a wonderful Deity who controls the whole universe, (Gen 1 and 2). Initially God loved the earth and the first couple, Adam and Eve. It was not His will that mankind should perish but sin intervened which led to death as a penalty (Gen 3). But God is a loving Father. Mankind has an alternative to death by hearing the gospel, and repentance and confession. That is why God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Bro Samuel Wanga
Thank you for your recent letter with a book about Jesus, which is very interesting. This actually shows how seriously you are working for the Lord to make sure that both judgement and salvation reaches all responsive creatures on earth. How sorry one will be if he/she has given only ten per cent of their life to God’s service, contrary to what was promised at the time of baptism. We should remember that it wasn’t an agreement made between us and whoever interviewed us, but it was with God.
We have tried to sacrifice ourselves for God’s work by sharing spiritual meals with brethren from within our ecclesia and from distant places. For instance, Bro. Moses Borter from Kaptama Ecclesia Bro Andrew Wangila from Nyasi Farm Ecclesia. Bro. Laban and I, both from Nalondo Ecclesia., paid a visit to Sis Wereah Murunga at Kilingani where we enjoyed a Bible discussion with her family, starting from the moment we arrived at 4.00 p.m. to midnight. We rested until morning. After breakfast, they accompanied us to Lurambi where the Bible study was held. We shared scripture with brothers and sisters both from within our ecclesia and those far away. Actually, the day was successful. We parted at around 3.00 p.m. in peace We were very grateful to learn that you have extended your Gospel work to those places which are very far from where we stay. Many of them witnessed how you have enriched them with Bible literature.
We thank God for a Bible study held at Nalondo Ecclesia where two from Nalondo were baptised - Carolyne Nafula and Claire Nanjala are now Sisters with us in Christ. We also thank God for a recent invitation to give sound doctrine to a Pentecostal church at Bukembe. where Bro Laban and I went with two friends, who we are hoping to baptise soon. Bro. Laban spoke about worldliness and I spoke about the Kingdom of God which is to be on earth for fulfilment of scripture prophecy. Indeed, the message was challenging and amazing for them as it was totally different from what they believed. Some asked if we had any relationship with Jehovah’s Witnesses. We denied that we had any relationship with them, or that we knew their teachings. We are now waiting for their reaction.
How we pray that God will continue caring for us so that we may take the Gospel to all places where He sends us.
Bro. Nimrod and Sis. Caren Masika
NYERI
Christ will be revealed to the nations on the Mount of Olives (Zech. ch.14). “Behold the day of the Lord cometh and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle and the city shall be taken, the houses rifled and the women ravished. Half of the city shall go forth into captivity and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives which is before Jerusalem on the East, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north and half toward the south… The Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with him. But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, and there will be no day nor night. And it shall be in that day that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem, half of them towards the former sea and half of them towards the hinder sea; in summer and in winter shall it be”.
Rev. 21:3 says, “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying , Behold the tabernacle of God is with men. And He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people; and God himself shall be with them and be their God, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes”. When Jesus taught about the last days he said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away. Take heed, watch and pray, for ye know not when the time is” (Mark 13:20-37). No-one knows the day or hour when Jesus will come back to the earth, but we are told to watch. Brethren and sisters, we should watch while reading the Bible daily. Thank you all for your work in printing and sending the Gospel News, the Bible Missionary and Glad Tidings magazines. With the love of God and Christ, you will be helped in this work. Also we pray that this work may continue with our Father’s blessing, so that when the word reaches us it will build us up spiritually and we may have understanding. We in Nyeri are glad when we see pictures of different places and we feel happy when reading and seeing brethren and sisters in different countries. God will help each of us to understand His Word. We are still striving to meet Jesus Christ on his return, for the time is at hand.
Sis. Helen Njeri
Since February last year, our post office box was closed, for it was not paid. But after struggling with hard problems God helped Sister Helen with money so she paid the rent of the box last month. Now we have received Gospel News and also some letters from abroad, and the Bible Missionary magazines. Thank you all.
Bro. Alex K. Mwaniki
SINDO
I was filled with great joy to receive your parcel of books. I paid only seventy shillings Kenyan money, but what I gained is more valuable, as it is information about life in our Saviour Jesus Christ and how we can protect and maintain our health, and earn our living, preparing ourselves to welcome King Jesus to take over the kingdoms of this earth. Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one thanked him for the miracle. The books I received with God’s love, and I thank you.
Bro. John Owalo Onani
SONGHOR
Thank you very much for the good work done since you started it years back and supplying Gospel New. I have enclosed a photo of the Songhor Ecclesia at their Memorial Service held one fine Sunday morning.
Bro. Alex Abuya
Charity is dying and the world is cold. The only heat that may really warm it before it destroys itself is the word of God and the faith that Christ is soon coming.
Charity is dying and the world is cold: cold with the hatred that brother kills brother. In many parts of the world, men kill men like themselves, the earth cries out in fear and trembling and abhorrence at having to absorb once more the blood shed by the likes of Cain. Charity is dying and the
world is cold. Cold with a lot of suspicion and doubt. Men walk in dark fogs that seem to rise from nowhere but in reality are everywhere. Fogs distort reality and make the real seem unreal. They bring the suspicion and doubt because they bring fear. Fear that blocks out intellect and imagination and makes people neurotic. All this is happening because charity is dying. But why is charity dying? What is charity? CHARITY IS LOVE. And God is love. Charity is dying in the heart of men because they refuse the love of God. In fact they refuse God Himself. They reject Him. Some say they have no need of Him and can live without Him. Some say that God does not exist and has never existed. Charity can be resurrected in the hearts of men if only they will stop and think about love and God. The incredible and true fact is that God loved them first and all they have to do to banish strife, wars, atomic bombs, is to begin to love Him back. Then the light and fire of charity will be so immense that no one will hate his brother.
Bro George Ndiege
SUNA – MIGORI
Thank you for your letter. My only problem is my hearing. We arranged with a Brother when we were at the Nairobi Conference for him to send me money to buy a hearing aid after receiving a letter from the doctor. But after I had sent the letter he refered me to another Brother, but nothing materialised. So I have problems when we gather to hear the Word. Also, my difficulty did not come as a result of meningitis, as stated, but when I was injected with quinine, this affected my hearing. That is why doctors referred me to get that type of hearing aid to help me.
Bro. Samwel Masara
Comment: Whilst not all hearing aids can be used by others, we would like to hav
any that are surplus, as it may be they may help others with hearing problems. It’s worth trying. MH
Me, my family and ecclesial members are all fine and greet everyone wherever you are toiling in the Master’s vineyard. I am very grateful to CAT. for the various publications and ask you to continue with the good work. All these are a sign of the work of the all powerful God who has made us one big family. Disease, ignorance and poverty continue to plague developing nations in the world. Thanks to God who has enabled medical research, which takes many years to develop remedies for some of our common ailments. In medical sociology disease is a deviation from the norm. Definitely this deviation started at the Garden of Eden, where our first parents rebelled (Gen 3:1-11). It was accelerated at the Tower of Babel where languages were confounded (Gen. 11:1).
The Scriptures hold answers to the prevailing ailing situation in the world, beyond any reasonable doubt. Such disasters as the pictures in our papers of earthquakes and volcanoes are clear indications of what is written in 2 Tim3:1-5. ‘But mark this, there will be terrible times in the last days, the days preceding the coming of Jesus Christ. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous; without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
Bro. Joseph Onyango
WEBUYE
We fervently continue sowing the seed of the Kingdom in a more organised way since 2005. Our present service area is Mt. Elgon and its environs. One brother and two Sisters were baptised in May this year. One of the sisters, Sis Florence Wasike, is aged 63 years, but can read and understand our Christadelphian literature. We are out of stock of books and booklets on the Truth and would appreciate any assistance.
Bro. Shawn Tyler
CHIKWAWA
Gospel News helps and interests me, it also links brothers and sisters together worldwide as one family. You may send me Bible Basics in Chichewa and the book entitled “Teach me Thy Way
“Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways and ask for the old paths, where are the good ways, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” (Jer. 6:16). Brothers, only a Bible is a crossroads where we can stand and ask for the ancient paths because there are so many books and local Christian beliefs which are not following the true Bible teachings. So we should not let this Book depart from our mouth and we should meditate upon it day and night so that we may be careful to do everything written in it” (Joshua 1:8). A good sign of the true Christian is one who daily practices love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance; against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22).
Bro. Robert Folley
CHITALA
In Matthew 24:24 Jesus warned that false Christs and false prophets will arise. We had our own ‘Christ’ somewhere in Blantyre in the name of Matiki. He claimed that he was Jesus Christ and had a set of disciples, one of whom had the name of Simon Peter. A mob of youths wanted to lynch him for blasphemy! The police saved him. If this is not an indicator of the last days, I wonder what is.
Bro. Robert Folley’s family
Sister Muriel Whitaker sent me video tapes: 1. Conflict in the Middle East. 2. Bible Prophecy is reliable. If you have any other tapes on the Truth please dispatch them. I recently acquired a power generator to complement the solar power supply I have so I can screen tapes as often and as long as needed.
Bro. Ignatius Maluwa
DOMASI
Please keep sending the magazine because it will help me a lot. My hope is to know more about the Holy Book but I cannot unless someone helps me. If possible please send me the book, Bible Basics, to help me with understanding the gospel.
Bro. Mkwaira
Photo. – Bro. Bernard Kawonga
JALI
I would like to thank you for the present of the Bible you sent me. This is a most wonderful thing which other people cannot do. I received it with great pleasure as it will help my spiritual life to grow well. Warmest greetings in Jesus Christ to all Brothers and Sisters there in U.K.
Bro. Robert Mapsera
Here at my home there are some who want to have the Chichewa Bible Basics if possible. There are newly up coming seeds who are ready to
Basics if possible. There are newly up coming seeds who are ready to become Christadelphian members so I am happy because the house of God is now growing here. So let us pray together because the Lord is coming soon, Isaiah 21:11-12. But who will enter the Kingdom of God. Wake up brothers, we are living in the last days of the coming of Jesus as it is written, Matt. 22:4-14.
Bro. Lucky F. Mbalale
LILONGWE
I am still having problems with my right eye and an operation is the only solution. Also I am concerned I may also lose the sight in the good eye and that will be the end of Bible reading. Now it is the rain season here in Malawi and we have been blessed with rains. We have all the hope this time that God will keep us alive and in good health.
Bro. Clifford Mtisau
I would like to request the following literature – The Judgement to come, Do Christians Need Prophets? 10 Bible calendars 2007 and a Bible in Chichewa or English. I hope that you can send me the required literature. Thank you very much. May the Heavenly Father bless you all in His service.
Bro. Henderson Sosola.
LIWONDE
I enjoy reading the Bible and Gospel News every day. Thanks to CAT for arranging to send me nine books which I enjoy very much and I need more books like those. Please provide me with a glass sometime as my eye is not working much; the size of glass I need is 2.5. We have opened a new ecclesia here at home and we need more materials.
Bro. G. Michael
MIGOWI
One day I was coming from Mozambique with my younger brother. As we were about to reach the Migration my brother’s bicycle broke down – eighteen spokes were uprooted. I was very sorry since we had no money for repair. While we were surprised at what to do with the broken bicycle a certain lady got to where we had laid our bicycles. She asked what had happened with the bicycle. “Eighteen spokes have uprooted due to the bump,” I replied. She sympathetically urged us to have a sleep at her house since it was night. We were very must obliged for what God had done for us through that lady. I sat down and prayed for such kindness.
Bro Symon Wanyekheya
MWANZA
Whilst some have moved on there are still ten Brethren and Sisters in the instruction and a good number of Sunday School Children. We are in need of some French or Swahili Hymn books.
NENO
I was to have retired age this coming November from the Ministry of Health, but the government has increased the retirement age, so I have five more years to go. We were to retire at the age of 55 but now the government says we are to retire at the age of 60. So if God wills I will be 60 in 2011.
Bro. A.D. Liwawa
SALIMA
I am trying to make necessary arrangements to liaise with the authorities of Chitala Farm Institute so that they may allow me access to their hall for conducting Sunday School prayer services, but first I am endeavouring to hold a two-day Bible Seminar with Bro George and Bro Emmanuel from South Africa as he is used to visiting us once or twice every year. I will come back later to inform you the way forward for our programmes as soon as possible. Thanks for the box of Bible Basics and a copy of Wrested Scriptures. Hence there are already 13 students registered. I see the shocking news concerning the Middle East crisis; it gives me hope and I am sure the prophecies are being fulfilled by the these events.
Bro. Austin Nyirenda
Bro. Venancion Malata Phiri at Zambezi Ecclesia
THYOLO
I write to ask if you could grant me a book with stories of Israel. I am lacking this kind of information; if possible send it in English or Chichewa language.
Bro. Duncan S. Matthews
ULONGWE
First and foremost I thank you for Gospel News. It is very useful to us isolated members, it encourages us to read and write when we read articles by our fellow brothers and sisters from all over the world. With Gospel News we learn how the gospel message is spreading throughout the world and it contains some uplifting and spiritual articles and testimonies. With the help of our prayers God will ever open our eyes to His precious truth as we eagerly and earnestly wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus. We do not know the day nor the hour of his return, but surely natural political and economic troubles, allied to the continually increasing pollution and degradation of the earth, plus the instability caused by instant world-wide communication, demonstrates that the final hour is near. Let us keep watching for him, endeavouring to live holy lives in all godliness and honesty, aiming to grow like our Lord and bearing in mind that our faith must be shown in what we do (Matt. 25:34-40). My wife and a daughter have been in hospital for a month now. My wife is suffering from a disease called Vericella, which is a disease which looks like measles but is not. My daughter is suffering from malaria. I beg you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me so that this problem may pass over for me. May God bless you all.
Outside the Mangombo hall
Front row: Lidia Petro, Edson Makwecha and Be trice Maonga
Back row: John Petro, Ane Mtukwanika, Patuma Petro, Joyce John and Jenipher Joseph
I am so pleased to announce the baptism of some brothers and sisters right here at Mangombo ecclesia. There are four sisters and two brothers who have entered into the family of Abraham and their names are: Peter Robert, Daniel Jackson, Rose Mleso, Pauline Jailos, Jenipher Joseph and (Lucia) Lusiya Jossam. May we pray for them that their faith will be strengthened.
Thank you for ‘Where Women have no Doctor’; I find it very helpful to use and it will help us in our community, especially women. I have to inform you that my wife is ill in hospital with TB and I beg you as my brothers and sisters to pray for her that she may recover as soon as possible. Your prayers will help us in our family and will bless you all.
Bro. Edson Makwecha
This is to report that, Bro Kishobero LucTubalole has attended Bible studies and has been interviewed and baptized by Bre.Adamson Sikelo and Bernardo at Nampula, -Mozambique. Bro.Kishobero is a qualified medical assistant, who is searching for a job opportunity
ABA
It gives me joy reading about my brethren and sisters all over the world, even as you have been helping our brethren and sisters with low income per annum. I remember you in my prayers. I always pray that
God will strenghten you in your good works. We are all fine here in Aba and anxiuosly waiting for the return of our great King this year.
Sis Josephine N.W. Onwuchekwa,.
KADUNA
I must not fail to confess that I have been enjoying the Gospel News magazine through Bro. Tony Coker and Sis. Joy Amuchi whom I united in marriage at the CYC camp meeting in Enugu in April last year. The Gospel News has made me know how closely related we are in the Truth and to always feel at home as if we are all living in the neighbourhood, though far and near. Moreover, compliments for the wonderful work well done on the Bible Basics. Please kindly send me two copies, one for myself and one I wish to place in the Kaduma State Library for the benefit of those who may care for the Truth. May the blessings of Yahweh be upon you all who are the instrument through which the gospel is being propagated in these last days.
Bro. Frank Onyemaechi
Recently baptized
Sisters at Aba
A Letter from Bible Education Centre
CAT has been very kind to us at the Yeoville Bible Education Centre in sending us materials.
We want to say how much we appreciate those kind gifts and to give you some news about how they are being used.
The range of Bible Basics in several languages are now on display, and visitors are impressed with how well the meeting room is stocked. The BEC has two large rooms, and one of them is large enough to have three divisions in it – one for study, one for group discussions (our weekly Bible class for example), and one is a lounge for relaxation in. We have recently been able to afford some display and glass-fronted cupboards and it is these that display the books you have sent. It means that visitors can browse and decide to borrow, purchase, or be given what they see. And we gladly give away appropriate copies of Bible Basics. Your thoughtfulness in sending us a stock of French BBs has enhanced our work there. Bro Martin Munyangai, a Congolese Brother, has been appointed full-time “Education Director”, and he is able to help his Congolese friends with materials in French.
The Calendars have been distributed, firstly to Bre and Sis, but now as classes are restarting to our local visitors. We have put a welcome letter inside each, inviting those who take up the godly discipline of daily
SOUTH AFRICA
readings to let us know and we will form a group to encourage one another.
Because we believe that interest is most effective and long lasting if it is by word of mouth the BEC is taking a little while to take off, but the growth is sure. (We do, of course, also advertise by bill-distribution and newspaper adverts, but that is limited.) Because we also believe that we should be self-sufficient, we have not done the usual appeal to many ecclesias, as we are of the opinion that such appeals can sometimes reduce the personal commitment, especially financially. That does not mean that we do not accept gifts, and yours, as well as the monetary gifts from visitors, are gladly received and made good use of.
Duncan and Cindy’s visit and subsequent article were a great encouragement, and we love to have visitors – if you both would like to visit Johannesburg we would make you most welcome, and we would love to have you as guests. Meanwhile we send our love in Christ Jesus to you all, from those who are running the Yeoville BEC with us. Bro Leon and Sister Joan Shuker, 1008 Agulhas, Kirby Road, Bedford Gardens 2007, South Africa.
KASULU I would like to write so much and read but sometimes I do
not do what I want to do because I live in an isolated area. In this
camp there is no e-mail address or any electronics address except the
network of the mobile phone, which I have no possibility of having or
buying. I am a learner of the English language here. We are ten people
who want to know more how to speak, read and write English very much
and we request you to ask for someone or some groups or teachers who
can send us books of English like the dictionary of English/French and
the English correspondence course. We would be very grateful to know
how to speak the English language.
Bro. Wilonja R. Lewis. Nyarugusu Camp, Village C 3, CL4, PL13, CBM Box 331, Kasulu (Kigoma)
KIGOMA
In Tanzania only 20% understand English and 80% Swahili and so literature in Swahili is much appreciated.
Bro. Edward Musabaha
Photo:
Edward Musabaha, Peter Musabaha, Furaha Edward
LUGUFU 1
We thank our Heavenly Father that we had a nice time
holding a Fraternal gathering at our Ecclesial hall attended by 43
(Christadelphians and individuals from the Pentecostal church and
Seventh Day Adventist church) around God’s Word. The subjects and
speakers were:
1. God and Death Anzuluni Makutano
2. Satan and Devil
Bro. Alexandre Lukye
3. The Kingdom of God on earth
Bro. Wabene Ikola
4. Christadelphian Marriage
Fungamali Bulukwe
It is a delight that our non-Christadelphian visitors have seen and
understand how far they are astray from Bible Truth. Of course it is a
thing for which we always give thanks to our Most High God for
His great mercy in enabling you brethren from far and near to help us
discover and understand the true hope of life eternal contained in the
Bible. It is for that we are confident Christadelphians, so we make it
our goal to please God until the return of the Lord. We send our
sincere love and thanks particularly to brethren Tim Evans, S. Mike
Harris, Ray J. Morse, Marcus Heaster, Steve Stewart, David Emerson, Ron
Kidd, Chris Sales, Gordon MacFarlane and Sis. Jo Cottrell for their
regular effort of strengthening us in the Truth. Also we thank members
of Lugufu ecclesia for their contributions.
Bro. Isodore E. Mwibeleca, Secretary
Bro. Jerome Bukambo and family
Here at Lugufu Camp we face more difficulties and trials. My thanks
to our Brethren and Sisters worldwide who remember us in the Word of
God, because when someone leaves his country for another country there
are more difficulties to be faced. When I read Genesis ch. 39 - 40, I
remember the moving story which we enjoy reading. Added to this, we are
impressed with the faith and godly life of Joseph when faced with
trials of life. His faith is clearly seen when he was about to die in
Egypt (read Gen 50v24-26) For us, we pray that we might have this same
faith in the Word of God that in all trials and difficulties we might
pray to God in faith and God will save us and all trials will end when
our Lord Jesus returns to set up the Kingdom of God on earth.
Bro. Amnobe Iyungu
We are glad to send you our ecclesial hall photograph and the
following news to print in the Gospel News magazine. We have
constructed our hall but we lack paint for internal walls.
Bre. Rehani Pascal, Isidore Mwibeleca, Amnobe Iyungu
MBEYA
With sadness I report the falling asleep of our beloved
Brother Kingdom Mwakiswalele. He is now asleep in our Lord Jesus
waiting for the glorious resurrection at the second advent of our
Master. God willing, I expect to have a trip to a friend in Malawi. I
got some CDs for exhortations from GPL. Publications in Australia so I
am going to listen to them there for my friend has a computer which is
better than a DVD player. Christadelphians are the custodians of the
whole truth found in the Word of God. I am very proud of it. Brother,
here at our ecclesia we are badly in need of clothes. Would you kindly
send some for us; we are thirteen members – three are sisters. I hope
you will kindly consider our request, God willing. Lastly, but not
least, I thank you for all the generous things you offer to us, plus
the good job you are doing in His vineyard by enlightening the world
through literature, books and other ways, may God bless you.
Bro. James Mwangomo
Above: Construction of Lugufu 1 Ecclesial Hall.
Below: Lugufu 1 Fraternal Gathering
MUSOMA
I am very happy to read from Gospel News, the Musoma
news which was so good and that a Brother from England, who I wrote to
three years back could remember me and the names of the children. He
managed to send me a letter again which I received today, and I will
write back to him. My son Kevin passed his examinations and he is
supposed to join secondary school this year. Musoma is doing well and
they need six Bible reading planners please.
Sis Monica Achieng
SONGEA
Ihave recieved four books recently sent to me. One book
entitled “At last True Christianity” by Bro Alan Eyre has been donated
to Tanzania National Library. The other three have been stocked in our
Ecclesia Library at Ndrima-Litembo to which I serve as recording
brother. May our Lord bless us. Bro. Brown Silwani
TABORA
Thanks a lot for the glasses to help withmy sight. When
my friends heard that I had become a Christadelphian they showed great
interest to getting a lot of information about us.
Bro. Makenga Reveriano
BUSIA
Love is the reason for redemption. Love came first from
God and He sent His son into the world. Love cannot be reduced to a law
or considered in terms of rights and earnings. Love is above all,
beyond mere meeting for bread and wine alone, or greeting brothers and
sisters and merely saying “I’ll love him/her”. Love is above and beyond
all other considerations. Love owes nothing to any goodness or merit in
us. Love comes from God who is “merciful and gracious”. Before you
forgive, you must have love. If you forgive and don’t forget it means
that you haven’t really forgiven and have no love.
One of the secrets of the cross is that it is the source of the
forgiveness of sins. The cross is not a debt being settled. It is not a
substitutionary offering whereby someone is paid a price so that others
might go free. No, the cross is a means of forgiveness, and forgiveness
is an act of grace, not of rights or earnings in the settlement of a
debt. Oh, brothers and sisters! Do you want to be paid or bought before
you forgive? If God forgives freely, what about you? Therefore, our
understanding of the redemptive work of Jesus our Lord must allow for
the full expression of the love of God and His forgiveness.
The blessings of love and forgiveness flow to us through the channel
of faith in the message of the gospel of Christ and by God’s acceptance
of us through Jesus. Forgiveness comes to a believer when he personally
seeks and asks for it in the way appointed by God. Forgiveness is
certain but is not automatic. There is forgiveness with God, but it is
not bestowed on men without their knowledge and co-operation. Such a
thing would be true if redemptions were the erasure of a debt or a
substitutionary transaction which had totally removed the necessity for
us to seek forgiveness. Forgiveness comes to the man or woman who
believes the gospel, repents and is baptised into the name of Christ
(Acts 2:38).
Brothers and sisters, are you able to forgive now?
Bro Wilberforce Wandera
BUSWALE
Jesus Christ teaches us that our relationship with the
world should be in it but not of it! Throughout history men and women
have lived by Jesus’ pattern, those who have kept away from the ways of
the world.
Noah could have joined the merry-making of his days but
instead toiled to build the ark. Moses could have given in to the
murmuring of the people and returned with them to Egypt, but he chose
to lead them on through the wilderness for forty years. Jeremiah could
have avoided a dank, unpleasant prison by ceasing to prophesy. Paul
could have avoided many of his hardships and his final imprisonment by
ceasing to preach. All these, and many others, provide telling examples
of the practical outworking of the commandments.
We need to
carefully consider our own positions. All too easily the world can
embrace us as we start to let its influence work on us. Around us there
are members of other religious groups who take a much stronger stance
than we do on many things. It is salutary to ponder whether they are
being too extreme or we too loose. It is always more comfortable to
take the easy path.
In contrast, the established churches wallow in
a mire of uncertainty as they strive to remain MODERN. They profess the
need to adapt to changing times, and so such things as divorce,
remarriage, homosexuality and ordaining of women are permitted,
contrary to the ways of God. Why? Because the world wants them.
Brothers and sisters, remember: God’s ways never change. We must follow
them for they give us hope. What hope is there in the world?
We are
about 26 in the ecclesia, so dear brother, if you can let us have more
copies of ‘Gospel News’ we shall be grateful. Our new address is PO Box
123, Bugiri, Uganda,
Bro Juma Jophta
BUTACHO
. I am happy with the ministry and the work you are
doing to supply me with scriptural materials and Gospel News. I have
sent some articles via. Bro. Roy Boyd and I am looking forward to
seeing them. It has been a long time since you heard from me but it has
been due to an unaffordable situation in life, where my brother died
and left me with the children and I have just come out of school
therefore I cannot manage to care for them. Sometimes the envelopes you
send, are not accepted by the local post office.. I have enclosed
photos of our Sunday School children. I would like to request
Introducing Bible Basics, Bible Basics and some relevant material. Any
assistance is highly appreciated and waiting to hear from you soon.
Bro. Erisania Sifuna Mayende
Butacho ecclesia Sunday School with their teacher and Sis. Catherine Mayende after football.
KASESE
Thank you for “Bible Basics for Moslems”. “Blessed
is he who has regard for the weak, the Lord delivers him in times of
trouble” (Psalm 41:1). We have both physical and spiritual weakness
because we are created with different abilities, so David calls us to
support one another both physically and spiritually, exhort one another
and encourage one another as we race to the Kingdom. “Blessed are the
poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are those who
mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will
inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for
they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will
see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for
theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds
of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is
your reward awaiting you” Matt.5:3-11 (NIV).
Baptism alone is not
enough to take us to the Kingdom, neither our trust in men, nor CBM
activities. There is need to encourage the weak in faith, there is need
to exhort them in fellowship rather than casting them out of the race
to the Kingdom. Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
the Kingdom of God; but he who does the will of my Father who is in
heaven” (Matt.7:21). The Bible warns us to be careful on that day when
many will tell the Lord, “Did we not prophesy in your name and cast out
demons in your name and do many mighty works in your name? The Lord
will answer, I never knew you” (Matt.7:22-23). Let us always thank the
Almighty God through Jesus Christ our Master for His great grace to
have set us out of this corrupt world for His work of preaching the
true gospel all over the world. Let us do His will on this earth and
manifest the life of Jesus in our mortal flesh as we are running our
race to the Kingdom soon to come.
Bro. Isaac Bulea Cox
KIGANDALO
I am 34 years old and have 5 children and God has
blessed them all, they are still breathing the breath of life. Before I
came to the Truth I did many things I should not have done, but I
hearkened when God said to me, “Come now, let us reason together,
though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” So, my
dear and beloved brothers and sisters, as persons we are sinful by
nature. However God has been so merciful to us and given His only
begotten son, Jesus Christ to die, opening up the way of salvation in
order to make us clean, that is why it is stated in the Bible that
Jesus was pierced for our sins and also bruised for our iniquities. As
Christadelphians and as followers of Jesus Christ, let us try very hard
indeed to imitate our Lord and be holy, for he is holy. I was glad to
hear from you, to receive Gospel News, Signs of the Times and the
booklet. We need 10 Kiswahili Bible Basics to use at our Bible study.
Paul, almost anticipating this very question, confidently said: “For I
reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom.8:18). In
other words, the hardships of today are small and insignificant when
compared with the glory that will follow later. Paul actually calls the
present sufferings, “light affliction” compared to the “eternal weight
of glory” (2 Cor.4:17). Jesus responded to Peter’s original question by
saying that those who have “left houses or brothers or sisters or
father or mother or children or lands” – or, in other words have been
prepared to make difficult decisions to follow him – “will receive a
hundredfold and inherit eternal life” (Matt.19:29.RSV). So here Jesus
assures us that the investment we make now will generate dividends
worth “a hundredfold” in the future Kingdom of God! To comfort us even
more, Paul informs us that the faithful will receive “an inheritance”
(Eph.1:11), when Jesus returns to the earth. What an exciting prospect
– a personal inheritance – given by Jesus, the future King!
Bro. Colin Bwire
LUMINO
I constantly need to strive against the lusts of the
flesh to make my life holy before God, and should not allow myself to
be discouraged in this by the attitude of those around me. It is wrong
to give way to hasty temper. If I have, I must constantly fight to
control it. I must always speak the truth; lying is a great evil. The
consequences of the serpent’s lie in Eden are still with us, Revelation
22:15. All that I do and say should show that I am a disciple of Jesus.
I
should always be on my guard against denying him (Luke 12:8). I
should acknowledge the Father’s control in my life by saying “If the
Lord will”, “God willing” and “By God’s grace”, Proverbs 3:6. I should
keep Jesus always in my mind especially when faced with difficulty. I
should ask myself “What would Jesus do?” John 13:15.
In all things
I must aim at purity and holiness and so please my Master in heaven. I
believe the coming of my Lord is near, and I must live as one who
really believes it, Matthew 10:37,38.
Bro Denis Oguttu Ojara
MBARARA
It is quite some time since we last communicated. Even though we are always together and close in spirit as members of the same family of God. The photograph is of one
of our old brothers who crossed over to the main fellowship last year.
He is Bro James Tibesigwa, attached to Mbarara ecclesia and was
baptised in 1993. I hope you received my request for English
Bible Basics, we are indeed lacking them in all the ecclesias in the
west. The Introducing Bible Basics you said you sent to us has never
reached us. Your brother in patient waiting for our Master’s return.
Bro. Godwin Mugasi
NEKUKU
It was nice to hear from you in an encouraging spirit in
the Lord’s Name. We are worried about North Korea and America because
of the nuclear weapons; we pray to God so that He decides what to do.
The Bible says He is the only God and there is nobody above Him and He
brings peace and disaster on earth. Nekuku Ecclesia needs a dictionary,
to help us simplify words and avoid arguments as to their meaning.
Bro. Samuel Mukisa
Thanks for Gospel News and other booklets, they expand our knowledge
of God. I was baptised on 18th December 2005. Since that time up to now
I have found life so interesting in Jesus Christ. I will never join
other churches; our doctrines are so very
Bro. Fredrick Wanyami
I was baptised by Brother Paul Boyd who managed to organise my
baptism on 26th October 2006 during his visit to Uganda. I am in need
of Gospel News since I am a constant brother of Nekuku ecclesia.
Brother, please put me on your mailing list so that this magazine will quickly increase my understanding about God and His Kingdom.
Bro. Nelson Wandera
CHILIZABOMBWE
I would like to thank God for enabling me to write this first letter to you to request a regular copy of Gospel News, so that I can have more encouragemen. I was baptized in August 2003 by Bro. Glen Mitchell in Chinsali. I was a Sunday School scholar, then I became a student and am now baptised. I am 21 years of age. I have been looking for a job for a long time but have not found one yet.
First of all I need to thank God for having mercy on me to enable me to grow up in His presence and to give me knowledge of knowing Him as my personal Saviour. Some people have no opportunity to know Him, they are wondering without knowing God, most of them are denying the truth and cling to what has no hope. For the world will pass away but the Word of God is from everlasting to everlasting. But for me, I have known the Lord and the Lord knows me; that’s why I have to praise Him and I have confidence in the Lord. I must thank Him very much. Let us lift up our heads because redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28). I say to everyone, watch! love one another, do good to everyone. (Rom. 12:9-21, 13:11-14).
Bro. Lemmy Simwawa
CHIBOMBO
I want to inform you that I am no longer part of Mandona Ecclesia in Chinsali having shifted to Chibombo district after Kabwe town.
I hope I won’t have to leave this lovely Christian community in Chibombo. Only death will separate me from the Christadelphian community. Problems are everywhere but the only problem I am facing is wages. I am working on a farm but have not been paid since last October. I am married with four children, so there are great problems over spiritual well-being, and even of life. I look forward to brothers and sisters worldwide praying for me to get out of these bad times, as when God delivered the Israelites from slavery. As they rejoiced I look forward to wonderful times.
However, I am not scared with the present sufferings, they will pass, the real sufferings will be in the future for evildoers. I thank God for keeping me alive and strong during all this time and one day God will deliver us all.
Lastly, I ask everyone who is facing similar problems to be humble and pray to God every day and to remain with a pure heart. One day, God will answer our prayers.
Bro Ignatius Chilekwa
KABOMPO
Being without a helper is a state of being alone. Going to the Bible when God created everything so well, He created Adam and saw that it was not good for him to be alone. What was in the mind of God? Wasn’t it love? Adam was lonely, God thought of giving him his comforter. How wonderful it is! Do you have one comforter in your life? Many answers can come out of this question. Adam was given one that could help him. He was very happy because Eve was his special gift from his Maker. (Gen. 2:23-25). God set things in His order. God sets the lonely in families (Ps. 68:6). The love of God is so great. The prisoners are led into singing by his power. Do not worry, lonely people. Pray, pray, again and again, for God is our compassionate Father.
Bro. Amos Chikanda
KABWE
I would like to inform you that my Diploma results are out and the Almighty God made it possible for me to get through. I am just waiting to be employed and posted by the Zambian Government. The problem is nobody knows when we will be put on the pay roll. I hope and pray it doesn’t take more than a year, as I can’t bear the situation. This year’s rainy season is promising; in fact, I am considering going back to the land to keep me busy and have a little to eat, but I barely have anything for seeds and fertilizer.
Bro. Lapulani Malata
KAZEMBE
I have been travelling here and there through circumstances beyond my control. First of all my mother died on 24.09.06 after a short illness and old age of 84 years. From there our third born in our line, had his first born son die on 6,10.06 in Kitwe, Copperbelt, and then the first born in our family, had his first born also pass away in Lusaka on 21.10.06. Therefore all these movements have disturbed my thoughts and my correspondence with you. Last year wasn’t mine, but we can just leave everything in the hands of the Almighty God. May God be with you in everything that you are doing, particularly in proclaiming the Word of God.
Bro. James Mwanda Kambobe
Comment. You certainly had a very sad year last year and have the brethren and sisters sympathy and prayers. May our Master comes this year, when all will be made new, for ourselves and eventually for all the world.
KITWE
I have received the booklet on backyard rabbit farming in the tropics and it is a very interesting book and I have learnt more about rabbit farming. For this cause I have constructed at my farm a stable divided into four cages both in trees and bamboo. I hope to start with a few rabbits and gradually build up stock. Feeding them will be no problem for they will be fed with cabbages from the gardens and other vegetables.
Bro. Robert Mpungu Miwele
I first of all wish to ask for the assistance of a Bible with a concordance (NIV). The one I was given is torn due to the fact that I have many students here in my area, and none of them have Bibles. So I lend any student my Bible when they receive lessons from the UK.
Secondly, I wish to put my testimony of how I became a Christadelphian into ‘Gospel News’.I am in isolation, am about 78 km from Kitwe ecclesia. I first of all wish to congratulate the
Almighty Lord God for the true gospel He brought to me through Bro Darkwell Mubanga of Garneton. I spent most of my years in OMML Church and used to work as a church elder at Chisungabalanda CMML Church. Bro Darkwell preached the gospel to me but I did not believe him. I was puzzled because Bro Darkwell and I were in the same church, and used to do the same job of Church Preachers.
However, after a long time I started listening to what he used to tell me and came to believe that what he told me was the truth. Then I started lessons. After learning the true basics of the Bible, I left my former church and was baptised. I started sharing the truth of the Bible with others in Chati Forest community where I stay. I have many students who have even started doing the lessons. We have booked a class room at Fibale Middle Basic School where we gather for studies. I do thank Bro Robert Miwele and Bro Alex Mutale who visited us in Chati. My wife Ahatha Sela is baptised.
Bro Samuel Mubanga
KWE KWE
Christ, the spotless lamb of God, was about to present himself as a sin offering, that he would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies. As he ate the Passover with his disciples he instituted in its place the services that were to be the memorial of his sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be observed by his followers in all lands and through all ages. The ordinance of the Lord’s supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ, till he shall come the second time in power and glory, this is to be celebrated. (1 Cor.11:23-26).
Bro. Raphael Mutoma
LIVINGSTONE
Livingstone Ecclesia is well I would like to thank you for the wonderful work being done. I received the books on the Truth safely and some booklets on production of some exotic vegetables and conservation farming which are very informative and I will put into practice. It was good to hear from you the evidence against the false claim that Jesus had children. It is true that this world is full of troubles. The Bible has good news, we are now walking towards the last days and the return of Jesus Christ is near. I would also be happy if you could send me an English dictionary as I find it very difficult to understand some words and it will help me so much. Please do not give up sending me books as they are so useful and upgrade our living. The book about Abraham, the father of the faithful is very interesting and nice to read and I am sure my ecclesia will learn more about Abraham, thank you so much.
Bro. Caphes Sikanyika
LUSAKA
Thank you for Gospel News in which I found some inspiring passages which encouraged me so much. Last month I went to the Bible School where I met brothers and sisters in Christ; it was the first time I had attended such a big occasion. The other thing is how I am getting inspired by the daily readings. I am the only Christadelphian in a school of approximately 2,000 pupils and am asking for your support. I am doing Grade 10.
Thank you for the book you sent me some weeks ago, I am so happy for your concern to my request, this shows me that you really care about me. Here in Lusaka I am enjoying being with my brethren on a daily basis when we meet together. I would like to inform you, next year God willing, I will be doing Grade 11 and I thank God for protecting me from all kinds of problems that I have gone through during my junior secondary school education.
Bro. Stephen Siamabi
I have moved from my usual address in Kabompo to Lusaka where I have come to pioneer a place for our next settlement. I want to thank you for the book “Legalism vs. Faith”. It really taught me many new things on faith and mere hypocritical worship. I know many are in this category, even some Christadelphians fall into it but how do we truly change to the right attitude of our Christianity? Rom. 8:28-31, indeed many are called but few are chosen. Faith really deals with the inside of a person; how many people know themselves in this way? If you belong to Christ then you are Abraham’s seed despite race, colour etc. We are at the moment, as a family, in a very difficult time. We are trying to settle in a new place which is the capital city of the country. We are leaving Kabompo because our contract jobs finished. We are praying that our Lord Almighty God may bless us in the name of Jesus Christ. We believe that our former employers may pay us our gratuities so that we can make use of it to start a living in Lusaka.
Bro. Francis Mukabe
MUFULIRA
If you have to contact your brother, can you love him and draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith? Good, but bring your brother to you and work together with him (1 John 2:10,11).
One command is: “Be subject one to another and be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). And the framework of understanding is in harmony with other apostolic teaching (Ephesians 5:21).
Dearly beloved, be of good courage and comfort your souls with the hope of our high reward. Bear the image of Christ in your mortal bodies that at his coming you may be made like his immortal body.
Bro Charles Daka
MUSOKA
So wonderful to hear from you and I want to acknowledge the information you gave me about the goat project which will actually go a long way in helping to sustain our lives and we hope to try it. It is so important to get in touch even if we cannot do or offer anything for brothers or sisters in need of comfort. But to send a letter can in a way give comfort, or if we pray for one another, this, too, is a wonderful personal service for the Lord. Paul keeps reminding us, and we should therefore keep reminding one another, that our work shall not be in vain, (1 Cor. 15:58) and surely one day a reward for good works shall be granted to us if we keep watch, (Luke 12:35-36). We need to do our best so that we can continue doing according to His will and should not forget to thank Him (1 Cor.15:57).
I am always strengthened when I read so much interesting material from you. It is nice to go through your encouraging letters and Gospel News. One of our sisters, Monde Nyambe, is away at college and therefore has a difficult life in isolation, but sometimes when she has extra money she makes it for the Sunday gathering but it is quite costly. I do not know if you can be sending her any literature to read to keep her loneliness away. Her address is Sister Monde Nyambe, Community Development College, Box 660078, Monze, Zambia. She would be happy to hear from you. I am also happy to let you know that I am just sending back marked work for my two students from Kalomo, Imelddah and Mary who have commenced lessons. One of them has asked me for a Tonga Bible, unfortunately I do not have one, I only have an English Bible which I am using. I hope God will always guide us in His glorious work for the coming Kingdom as we grow spiritually on a daily basis.
Bro. Wilfred Chibomba
NDOLA
I am grateful to acknowledge receipt of the important notes on citrus propagation and rootstocks. I currently have a small portion of an orchard with some oranges, lemons, guava, peaches and paw paws which require important technical information on how best to grow them. Similarly I will make a follow up with Mr. Mvula who has sworn willingness to study the Word of God using the Bible Basics as an introductory study.
Bro. Dennis C. Kombe
What is the purpose of God with the Ecclesias “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” Revelation 3:21,22. Ecclesia(s), church: a body of people, an assembly, a congregation (Acts 7:37,38; 15:14).
Ecclesias need principles which are applied in a spirit of reconciliation and require persistence in Ecclesias to produce fellowship. What is fellowship? It is what we believe together as brothers and sisters throughout the world (Ephesians 4:1-16). As we journey to the Kingdom, let us help each other. Thanks be to the Lord God for His love and mercy
Bro Harris N Mulongesha
BEITBRIDGE
The good news is that Christ is working. I have been
able to meet brothers and sisters from across the country. It was a
blessing to be at CBM Zimbabwe Northern Conference
in early August last year and the Southern Bible Weekend in the
second weekend of October and the last weekend of November I was in
Chivi blessed to be with Bro. Lovemore Zivanai and the members of the
area in Christ. Also Bro. Museba and his sister wife from Masvingo
graced the activities.
Bro. Joshua Pakali
BULAWAYO
At school I did Agriculture and I managed to get a “B”
after my GEC ordinary level. At school I did many projects like
chicken-rearing, rabbit -rearing and even bee-keeping. So I have sent
you this five paged paper with some notes on how to rear goats on
communal land. I got them from my project notes from school and some I
did while I was working in Botswana. I hope this will help you and
those who are keeping goats in Africa, Please let me know if you
received my first information on poultry production. Very soon I will
send you “Rabbit Production”. My brother, I have a question on the
issue of Ex. 23:8. Please explain to me about bribes in an African
context. Could you please explain Daniel 7. I know the fourth beast is
Rome but please explain about the little horn and the Ancient of Days.
Bro. Dzingai Sumburera
Comment: We have now printed out these interesting papers on animal
husbandry and copies can be obtained direct from Bro Dzingai. c/o CBM,
Box 5125, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
CHEGUTU
Thank you very much for the Shona Bible Basics that you
sent me; it is going a long way and will be quite useful because right
now I have students whom I am helping to do Shona lessons. I have had a
discussion, which I must say has been interesting with Stan, a friend
of my cousin’s brother. He asked me about my religion and I gave him
details of what we believe and preach and how we conduct our services
and our correspondence courses. He did not understand what happens
when we die, the devil, evil spirits and demons. After our talk, Stan
then asked me if I had done studies with some college or university to
have such knowledge. When I said no he could not believe it. He went on
to say that the answers I had given him were some of the difficult
answers to questions that had proved difficult to lecturers at the
college he attends. Stan is a student at the University of Zimbabwe and
he is doing Computer Science and Business Management. He is now an
interested person who wants to start on the 40 lesson Course. Meanwhile
I had a look at the bulletins of the Gospel Publicity League that you
sent to my wife. It is quite amazing to read of so much activity in the
Middle East.
Bro. Richard Phiri
I was baptized a couple
of years ago and I have always enjoyed Gospel News. It is quite amazing
how the nations are re-arming when the Bible in Proverbs 29:25
indicates that man’s fear will be his snare. These nations have fear of
each other so much that they spy on each other to know of the
advancements of military intelligence hence the re-arming. What does
the Bible say to those who have faith in God? The same verse says that
whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. I have been having terrible
chest pains and a cough since August and I am receiving treatment now
and hope, with your prayers and the medication that I am receiving I
will be alright soon. I look forward to more information on current
world affairs as the coming of our Lord draws near.
Sis. Hlezipi Phiri
CHIPINGE
To see Christ foreshadowed in the lives and
circumstances of men like Melchizedek and David is not to suggest that
“The Anointed” is simply another in a succession of great figures in Israel’s history. There were many in that long
history who were anointed as kings, prophets and priests but this
“Anointed” would have unique status above all others: “Thou lovest
righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath
anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Psalm 45:7).
God had told Moses that He would raise up a prophet “like unto thee,
and will put my words in His mouth” (Deuteronomy 18:18). But Christ
would speak with an authority that not even Moses could command. The
apostle Peter declared that, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the
Holy Spirit and with power” (Acts 10:38). On a sabbath day 1500 years
after Moses, Jesus stood up in the synagogue at Nazareth and read from
the prophecy of Isaiah, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he
hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to
heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are
bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:16-19
quoting Isaiah 62:1,2).
However reluctantly, his fellow Galileans
in Nazareth, and later in Capernaum were forced to concede that here
was a man who spoke as if the Scriptures had been written with him in
mind: “And he began to say unto them, ‘This day is this Scripture
fulfilled in your ears’. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the
gracious words which proceeded our of his mouth--- And they were
astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power” (Luke 2:21,22,32).The Jews were not mistaken in their expectation that their
“Messiah” – “The Anointed” - would be their king. Their understanding
was, however, incomplete. With the benefit of hindsight, it is possible
to see that the Old Testament contains a wealth of detail concerning
the Messiah, coming as a prophet, he would “preach good tidings,
proclaiming ‘liberty to the captives” (Isaiah 61:1) not those in
subjection to the Romans, but those under the domination of sin. At
this, his first appearing, he would not be accepted by his fellow Jews.
As a result, “the acceptable year of the Lord” would quickly give way
to the day of vengeance of our God (Isaiah 61:2). As a priest, he would
offer a unique sacrifice – himself - reconciling both Jews and Gentiles
to God.
Jesus is now in heaven at the right hand of God and will
soon return to the earth as Israel’s king. Sadly, with hundreds of Old
Testament passages to draw upon, the Jews of Christ’s day had formed a
picture of the Anointed One which could not accommodate their Messiah
even when he came to them.
Bro Moses Dhlakama.
CHISAPE
The books you are sending help a lot in making us become
spiritually self-sufficient. We should go into all the world and share
the good news of the gospel. How did our turbulent world get to this
point? Where are we heading? Have you ever asked such questions? Many
feel somewhat lost when they look at the world scene. Realities such as
warfare, disease and crime leave people wondering what the future
holds. Government leaders offer little hope. However a reliable
explanation of the distressing days is available from God in His Word.
The Bible helps us to see where we are in the storm of time. It shows
us that we are in “the last days” of the present system of things (2 Tim. 3:1). Consider, for example, the answer Jesus gave to some
questions raised by his disciples. Three days before Jesus died they
asked him, “What will be the signs of your presence and of the
conclusion of this system of things?” (Matt.24:3). In reply Jesus told
of specific world events and situations that would clearly show that
this ungodly system has entered the last days. Things have become worse
and not better. Actually this is a strong indication that God’s Kingdom
is about to be established.
Bro. Edwin and Sis. Shumirai Katandika
I was so glad when I received the Oct-Dec copy of Gospel News. The
articles written by my brothers and sisters are so good, encouraging,
informative and comforting in our wilderness journey to the Kingdom of
God. When the magazine arrived I was discussing “Where Women have no
Doctor” with my wife, Sister Joyce. I thank CAT and the Hesperian
Foundation for these medical books and “How to Grow a Balanced Diet”. I
am always using these books and they are so helpful in our day-to-day
living in my family. God bless. What shall I give back to the Almighty
God for me to do likewise to other brothers and sisters. I salute you
for the goats project which is a good start up as an agriculturist. 1)
They can be housed easily, 2) They are tolerant of most animal
diseases, 3) They produce good meat, 4) Their droppings are good for
garden and field manure. Sure it is true that 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. My place is well for
these animals. I am requesting these books published by CAT: “Wrested
Scriptures” and “A Mighty Flame, Love in the Bible” by Mary Eyre,
published by the Caribbean Pioneer.
Bro. Stanford Kunzha
Thank you for Gospel News and the book on Job. I enjoy reading the
articles written by brethren and sisters worldwide. It is a long time
since we had any writing contact but we are connected in Jesus and we
always will be. Since my return from Harare God has looked after me
marvellously; and four days after arriving back here I got a parcel of
books. It was a great moment when I received them.
Sis Joyce Maugente
GURUVE
We must be faithful believers and work together like ants to build the church of God. We are now in the last days and must not be like the Pharisees and Sadducees who had hard hearts.
Do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come to wake up
from slumber because our salvation is nearer now than when we believed.
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put
aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us
behave decently as in the daytime, not in orgies or drunkenness, not in
sexual debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy (Rom 13:11-14),
Sis Loveness Ngunga
GUTU
Thank you very much for sending the information I
requested on how to grow jatiopha plants. I read with much pleasure as
the leaflets are very easy to read. I have so far planted some and hope
that it will pay me some dividends in the near future. I also received
with much pleasure the parcels of Shona Bible Basics. The first parcel
I distributed to a school. They were very happy to receive them and are
requesting more copies as you will see from the enclosed letter.
Bro. Tarirai Raphael Nyandoro
HARARE
The choice we make determines our eternal destiny. One
leads to everlasting life and the other to condemnation. Abram was
called to leave his country, his people and his home and go to the land
to which God would direct him (Gen.12:1). It is hard to leave your
friends, nice house and some of your family to go to a place you have
never been to before, but Abram made a choice which determind his
eternal destiny by following God’s command to leave Ur. He left as the
Lord told him and he went with Lot, Gen.12:4-5. Abram’s choice was good
because he believed in God. As he was to enter Egypt he said to his
wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are.” He said this
because he was afraid that he would be killed by the Egyptians and they
would take his wife. That is why he said he was the brother of Sarai.
The Egyptians treated him well for the sake of his wife and he acquired
cattle, sheep, male and female donkeys, menservants and women servants
and camels (Gen.12:10-17).
Abram and Lot separated (Gen.13:5-13),
Abram told Lot to choose first the land he wanted to have. Lot chose to
pitch his tent near Sodom (Gen.13:5-13). “The Lord said to Abram, after
that Lot had parted from him, Lift up your eyes from where you are and
look north and south,
east and west. All the land you see I will
give you and your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if
anyone can count the dust then your offspring can be counted.”
(vs14-16). When Sodom was attacked and Lot was taken, Abraham rounded
up his men and went after the king who had taken Lot and his goods and
he recovered them (Gen.14:1-21). The choice is ours, brothers and
sisters, to choose light or darkness.
Bro. James Zvitete
KARIBA
After reading well part of the Da Vinci Code my mind
realized the English proverb, “Many cooks spoil the pot” and this is
part of a novel. This type of confusion happened to the 2nd
Thessalonians ch.2:3, “Don’t let anyone deceive you”, Paul warned his
beloved. I am very much encouraged by Rom.1:8, nothing more than such
words. The mind of man is like a computer. Whatever you feed it, it
reflects that. I wish all my best to please God though I may fail in
some areas, as Paul said, 1 Thess.4:1-12. When Paul was on his way to
Jerusalem in Acts 21:12 what a wonderful courage he showed those with
him, v.14.
Bro. David Mhondiwa
KARIBA
Very soon now, God’s kingdom in the hands of Jesus
Christ, will destroy the wicked world and provide a great deliverance
for those accounted upright and blameless (Proverbs 2:21,22: Daniel
2:44). All of God’s enemies will then perish, and those who love him
will be as when the sun goes forth in its mightiness (Judges 5:31).Let
us prove to be among the lovers of God by applying what we have learned
from the scriptures.
The fundamental truth demonstrated over and
over in the book of Judges is this: Obedience to God leads to rich
blessings, disobedience to dire consequences (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).
How vital it is that we become “obedient from the heart” to the revealed will of God (Romans 6:17; 1 John 2:17).
Bro Davison Mupariwa
KWE KWE
Christ, the spotless lamb of God, was about to present
himself as a sin offering, that he would thus bring to an end the
system of types and ceremonies. As he ate the Passover with his
disciples he instituted in their place the service which was to be the
memorial of his sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to
pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be
observed by his followers in all lands and through all ages. The
ordinance of the Lord’s supper was given to commemorate the great
deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ, till he
shall come the second time in power and glory, this is to be celebrate.
(1 Cor.11:23-26; Luke 22:16-18).
Bro. Raphael Mutoma
The offerings presented to the Lord were to be without blemish.
These offerings represented Christ and from this it is evident that
Jesus himself was free from physical deformity. He was the lamb without
blemish and without spot (1 Pet.1:19). His physical structure was not
marred by any defect. His body was strong and healthy throughout his
lifetime. He was an example of what God designed all humanity to be
through obedience to His laws. God had promised to give the firstborn
to save the sinner. This gift was to be acknowledged in every
household. Christ has power to save the world, if they will have him.
Bro. Melusi Ndlovu
MUTARE
Some brothers or sisters don’t gain partners but remain
single. This is sometimes a cause for concern but it can be turned to
good and the unmarried brother or sister is often a needed and valued
member of an ecclesia. Marriage is but a parable of the greater time to come. The
ecclesia is the mother, or bearer, of the children of God, who will
ultimately be manifested as the sons of Diety. The devotion and love of
brothers and sisters like Paul, Epaphras, Onesimus, Mary, Martha,
Timothy, Luke, and Tychicus, is an example to every one of us. Their
expression of love for Christ enthralled the whole ecclesia without
being concentrated on a mortal partner. Paul said, “I am jealous over
you with godly jealousy, for I have espoused you to one husband, that I
may present you a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Cor.11:2).
Bro. Gilber Tevere
TRIANGLE
I am writing to tell you that I was recently
transferred by my work from *Triangle Estates to Zimbabwe Sugar
Association - 20 km. from Triangle to the transferred place. I
acknowledge receipt of the book “Where Women have no Doctor”. There
have been several applications for the 40 lessons which will be dealt
with by Bro. Gordon Ackeroyd. It is amazing and encouraging that there
are more brothers and sisters accepting the Truth in Eastern Europe.
May God bless them. Where I am now living is reminiscent of Sodom,
where I am vexed amidst so many people in error and non-brethren. God
willing the seed will germinate in truth and grow and produce fruits.
*Triangle Estates are cane sugar growing estates.
Bro. Kuvarega Mavuvo
ZVISHAVANE
I am very thankful for the work you are doing. The
times we are living in are very dangerous as most people are drifting
away from the Truth. Wherever you travel people are very much concerned
with money issues which cannot give them a hope for the furure. My
brethren, as much as time allows, let us keep on proclaiming the good news to all
throughout the world. We are living under hardships but all in all we
depend on the land. I am of the opinion that “until He comes whose
right it is” we can temporarily depend on the land’s produce, if well
tilled it, but all this needs the technical know-how. Brother Marcus,
kindly I ask you to send me the book, “How to Grow a Balanced Diet”. It
is my hope that this book will be of use not to me alone but to all
with me here.
Bro. Sibangani Maka
