news from zambia
CHINSALI
I thank God for helping me see this day.
I hope more people begin to believe in God and His son Jesus Christ and gain salvation, because I am well aware that the path they are taking does not lead to the true religion as found in the Bible. I am doing my best to share this with as many people as possible.
Bro. Edward Mutale
Photo: Right: Bro. Edward Mutale; with others brothers at Chifunsa Ecclesia.
CHIPATA
We thank you for publishing Gospel News. It makes us feel that we are in a family, sharing the same truth. We would be happy if you could also send in the coming year, 2008, to our six new members.
Bro. James Mbewe
FRINGILLA
I am requesting some literature so that I may have a good knowledge of things: Bible Basics in English and one in Bemba. I had some publications some time back, but unfortunately my small thatched house was gutted by fire a year ago and my literature was burnt. Let’s follow all that we read in our daily readings and try to live a perfect life.
Bro. Ignatius Chilekwa
Thank you very much for all the work you are doing for God, and thank you for sending me the parcel of books which teach the word of God – ‘What is the Gospel?’ and the lessons for French and Portuguese, with Bible Basics both in French and English. I have managed to produce a 2008 calendar which includes the Care Link website address. The work I am doing, God willing, should include the snaps showing the distribution of books sent to Congo.
Bro Francis Mbalanga
DUSTBIN DISCOVERY!
Someone in Zambia put some of our leaflets and Gospel News in the dustbin. We have had a letter from Banket saying, “I would like to be enlisted to receive your Gospel News. I have heard of you through loose pamphlets and Gospel News picked from the dustbin.” Comment. I trust he will respond to the Gospel call through this providential find. He would not be the first to come into the Truth this way, one of our early converts in the 1950s was a tramp who picked up our advert in a waste bin - he later brought others into the Truth MH
KABOMPO
All our brothers worldwide were at my home through Gospel News: it is God’s wish that we live apart, but we are together in faith. I would like to inform you that our Brother Reauben Kambeca of our ecclesia is back in fellowship, I personally thank God for his return; because this was a result of prayer.
Brothers, please continue to assist us with books, because our library needs have grown bigger, with a lot of people borrowing books.
Bro. Charles Muhupu
KAFUE
I thank you very much for the reading material which I received. Please continue sending me as many pamphlets as possible, especially Gospel News and those related to the coming Kingdom.
Bro. Peter Mwika
KALOMO
In the year 1984 I came across an article printed in our local newspaper, the Sunday Times, here in Zambia. I filled in the slip and posted it to the given address. I received the reply after only two weeks. I began the course in October 1984: I was baptised in July 1987 after a great battle with the lessons, since there wasn’t a single brother or sister to help me in Livingstone town where I used to work. I received the brethren from U.K. in 1995 and 1996 who encouraged me not to give up. I received more literature and more visitors from the U.K. as well as from within Zambia. I thank my Lord God who had been sending help to me and my family through these brethren and sisters, letters, literature, etc. Had it not been for your love and kindness to shape me as I am now, I wouldn’t know what type of Brother Harry I would be. May God bless you all and care for you every day of your lives.
The Christadelphian’s hold proper doctrine, as far as I am concerned. I am now re-reading all the literature I have, including Bible Basics. I have no doubt that we preach the real Gospel: this makes me responsible for judgement. (John 15:22; Rom.1:20-21; John 6:44-45; Deuteronomy 18:19). May I now appeal to every brother and sister to re-read once more the Bible and also Bible Basics step-by-step and think about your future. Read also James 4:17; Luke 12:47-48; Acts 17:30-31. Remember the Bible reminds us that by the knowledge of God’s word we are made responsible to Him
In Revelation 22:12 the Scripture says: “I (Jesus) come quickly, and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be.” “When the chief shepherd (Jesus) shall appear, ye shall receipt a crown of glory.” (1Peter 5:4; also 1:13). But Matt. 24:36 tells us that no-one knows the exact time of His coming. Yet I am reminded of the signs in Luke 21:27-32; Joel 2:31-32;
Ezek.36:8; 1Thess.4:16-17. At the harvest at Christ’s return and judgement, all those who have laboured in the Gospel will rejoice together (John 4.35-36; Matt.13:38,43). “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt.5:5). “And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you” (Matt.25:31-34).
Bro. Harry Hambula
KANTANSHI
I can see beyond the sight of my eyes: I believe we are not on our own. I want to demonstrate that fact through an individual who accomplished great things, who looked back on his life and said, “I was not alone.” The evidence comes from the man Moses.
Let’s consider his recollections in the book of Deuteronomy 7:9: “He is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments”. “He is the rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice; a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He”. (Deut.32:4). I end simply by saying we know that the grace of Christ is greater than all our failures.
Bro. William Sakala
KASAMA
I should be glad if you could send me Bible Basics in the Bemba language, and assist me with a KJV 2000 Devotional Study Bible.
Bro. Joshua Mushili
It is really a pleasure and a spiritual revival to hear from you, especially through Gospel News and the pamphlets I regularly receive from you. I believe in some places there is a problem with alcoholism. We should be reminded that the Bible views the drunkard as undeserving of entering the Kingdom age, just as it views any unrepentant sinner. So, from whichever angle you look at the drunkard, they are the same. After all, salvation is strongly individual and strictly personal. We all know the Truth and those who have such problems know their position (1Thess.4.1-8).
The responsibility of the watchman is stated in Ezekiel and the resultant outcome made clear in relation to response. From Scriptural directive and revelation we know the state of mind that unrepentant believers have (Matt.12:43-45) and we know at least how some of these may react to the word preached to them a second time (Heb.6:1-6).
We must simply take the word to all, like brother Duncan has done in his booklet ‘Living with Alcoholism.’ Please, fellow believers, ask for this booklet. It is really helpful to whoever and wherever there appear to be problems of alcoholism.
Individuals should take the Bible as their instructor, and heed its advice. We should not want to be educated again on primary issues. How can a child begin school at six years in grade 1 and spend 15 years in the same grade? How can this child reach University level? Why do we not show maturity in faith by changing from our old self? Do we take the Lord’s advent as unsure? For if not, then we would live to please God that we may by His grace be given what He has promised.
Bro. Boniface and Sister Christine Simpanzye
Left: Bro. Joshua Mushili with, Bre. from Kazemba and Nchelenge Ecclesia.
Sis. Christine Simpanzye.
KITWE
I send you out as sheep, was Jesus’ instruction to his disciples when he sent them among the Israelites who were scattered in the land among Gentiles (Matt.10:5-6). It was at the time when Israel was under Roman oppression. God’s people mingled with Gentile culture; some of them had even lost the true worship of God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and embraced idolatry. That is why Jesus told his disciples to be on their guard. Israel’s leaders were corrupted and they misled people, therefore Jesus called them wolves. This warning applies not only to Jesus’ disciples of the day, but to us who are Jesus’ followers in this age. We have been commissioned by Jesus, after baptism, to go and preach the gospel.
We are facing today the same situation that Jesus’ followers faced in time past among those who are called Christians, but they are not, as they do not abide with the true teaching of Jesus. They may call themselves Jesus’ brethren but do not practice what Jesus says. They have turned from the word of God to man-made doctrine, putting aside God’s teaching. To this sort of people Jesus is saying to us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. In fact we live in a world full of the kind of worship which can mislead us if we do not pay attention Always let us be faithful to the Word we learnt before we were baptised. The Biblial teaching should be our code of conduct in our ecclesia and among non-believers, so that the world cannot swallow us up in its way of living. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with me. To him that overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Rev.3:20-21). These words of encouragement should always abide in our minds, then we will walk in Jesus’ steps.
I am very happy always when I receive my copy of Gospel News. Please continue sending it to me with any other material you are able. I am teaching French at Riverside Primary School. I find opportunity to share God’s Word with my fellow teachers, hoping that Jesus will show some of them the direction to salvation.
Bro. Robert Mpundu Miwele
Bro. Robert Miwele (wearing glasses) with fellow teachers.
World Teachers’ Day Celebration at Riverside School. Bro. Robert Miwele, second from right.
LIVINGSTONE
Last year we were very happy to be visited by Bro Tom from Canada and Bro Mitch and Sis Miriam Hardy from Australia. For two Sundays they broke bread with us. We asked them many questions, and they answered them well and cleared some misunderstandings we had. During weekdays we had Bible discussions with them. It is good to mix with Brothers and Sisters from other countries as it creates a feeling of togetherness in Christ.
Bro Likando Ilishebo
LUSAKA
It is said that knowledge is power but I believe that wisdom from God is life, therefore please let me know if I can have a copy of the book, Beyond Bible Basics. A sister encouraged me to have this book because it contains topics which are simplified for understanding and equipped with wisdom.
Bro. Jaxon Kalumba Jnr.
Thank you for the literature you sent me, in which I enjoyed reading some very interesting things and received encouragement of God’s Kingdom and I hope you will continue supporting me until the end. I would love to know how I can obtain Glad Tidings magazines of the Kingdom of God because I am a person who shares God’s word at school, at home with my friend and other young people and I hope by giving out these magazines to non-Christadelphians it will helpor them to know about us. My aim is to convert many to understand what I believe, and as now many friends are asking who we are, with the knowledge that I have attained I try to explain about my beliefs. Some are interested to learn more so I think that reading these magazines will help them to understand, with my help and that of other Christadelphians in Lusaka.
Bro. Stephen Siamabi
Thank you so much for the wonderful materials you keep sending me. I will always be grateful to God for you and the work you are doing. Our ecclesia is usually blessed with visitors from other parts of Zambia and it makes me feel so glad. God has increased our number with the baptism of Bro Harry and for me it is just one of those answered prayers which I do not take for granted.
Sis. Bevelyn Tembo
I was baptised on 21st July last year by Bro. Andrew Walker in Chipata but I am now staying in Lusaka. I completed senior secondary school last year and I am not yet at college because I am still looking for a sponsor. Since I was baptised I am really enjoying being a Christadelphian member because I know that I have found the true doctrine of the Word of God. I am also asking you to start sending me Gospel News which I will appreciate very much. Lastly I am encouraging all members and students to show true love to each other, as Jesus said.
Bro. Obren Chilinda
MAZABUKA
I feel encouraged and happy whenever I get your letters and I do not want to lose any of them but to keep for future reading, God willing. Thank you for your kind comments and appreciation of my article on the Sermon on the Mount. As a matter of fact what you and I are doing now is the most rewarding thing in life. Loving God is very simple in theory but sometimes very hard in practice. I say this because we all know what is good and right. We all know that we ought to be helped in prayers in our walk to the Kingdom, to be helpful to our fellow men, not to cheat, to be honest in our lives, but so often on the spur of the moment we forget; that is why we need prayers as you said to strengthen us in our faith.
Thank you also for giving me an update on world affairs insofar as food shortages is concerned. I am sorry to learn that parts of the UK are affected as well. Almost the same in Zambia; we had droughts in parts of Zambia last year and a few rains on some parts such as where I live in the southern part of Zambia. I can see that the price of food stuffs is going up. For example the price of 12.5kg. of flour for making bread has been raised from k38,000 (kwacha) to k50,000. We are indeed approaching a harder time than ever.
Did you know that the word BIBLE stands for:
B = BLESSED
I = INFORMATION
B= BRINGS
L= LIFE
E= ETERNAL..
Bro. Gideon Hankomone
MUFULIRA
We regularly receive Gospel News, and thank God for keeping us alive and helping us to communicate. Could you please send me ‘The Key to Understanding the Bible’? It is a very good book to help those who stand and teach the Word of God to others.
Mufulira Ecclesia is good and I hope that many within our area will wish to join us: I have given some Bible Basics books to some people as I feel they are good preaching aids. We are in need of books as well as other inspiring material. I also need a Nyanja Bible.
I am farming and growing food because I try to give some to the poor people who are in need: a brother in Christ needs to be a strong, hard worker.
My brothers, present day events are clear evidence that Jesus Christ is coming very soon to restore the kingdom of Israel and to reign over all the earth. The days are escalating to the end and we should be looking always, because the coming King will judge the people with just judgement.
Bro. Charles Daka facing us on the tractor.
Jesus will come as a thief, because “no-one knows exactly the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man”. Luke 12:40: “You must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him”. 2 Peter 3:10 states... “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night”. We need to be prepared and ready, watching and reminding ourselves of these Scriptures, especially when seeing the news of our current evil times.
Blessings are pronounced on those who are heedful of the signs of the times. “Blessed”, says Jesus, “is he that watcheth”. No-one can watch without light: if the heavens are dark the watchman must provide a light or he cannot watch.
The believer, or spiritual watchman, must take the sure word of prophecy, which is the only light capable of enlightening him in the surrounding gloom. This world is a dark place: if we understand the Word of the Kingdom we shall shine as lights in the world.
Bro. Fred Mumba
MUFULIRA
I have got the success in persuading people to be baptized. I have only students in Zambia and Congo DRC and not a full ecclesia because here in Zambia I have to go to the government for register, so that they can give me a document to open an ecclesia.
Bro. Francis Mbalanga
MUSHOTA KAWAMBWA
I am very thankful for the last Gospel News received, may you continue with the same heart and may God guide and be with you. All the articles for 2007 were very interesting.
Bro. Titus Mwansa
MUZOKA
We are embarking on renovating the Ecclesia/library hall and Bro. Andrew Walker left money to buy a few things to start with – paint, thinners, roller brushes, screws, pad board and a few other things. We have not yet started doing anything as the owner said we should wait as they are likely to sell the plot plus the whole building premises. We will let you know about any development, otherwise the school has shifted to another site this term. Last month we were visited by a brother from Kalomo, Bro.Alfred Mututwa. The price of cement has increased threefold within two months which brought most work, as well as some projects to a stand-still as this also resulted in shortages on the market.
Bro. Wilfred M. Chibomba
NDOLA
Since I have been studying the book Bible Basics my life has been totally different – my understanding of God’s word is plainer than it has ever been The book is really comprehensive in depth and clearly written, so that I have an unquenchable thirst to know more. ‘Amazing’ is the only word I can think of at this time, because of the very important knowledge you have revealed to me, changing my life greatly. The book is outstanding and it is a pity I have waited 50 years to have this privilege of really enjoying and understanding the Bible. Please send me more of such good books, as you know I can benefit and will be enabled to advance my knowledge of God’s word.
As we know that the end of this age is very near, we must be on our guard. We have to be watching and prepared to be received by our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is the hope we share. He will be King of kings. “He is Lord of lords and King of kings and with him will be his called, and faithful and chosen followers” (Rev.17:14). We have this message of prophecy in the Bible. We read it and believe it so that a herald may run with it, to deliver the message and give it to those to whom he has been sent.
“The revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks at the end and will not prove false; though it linger, wait for it. It will certainly come and will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:2-3).
“Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons … but my people do not know the requirements of the Lord” (Jeremiah 8:7 NIV). With these words the prophet Jeremiah pronounced God’s judgement against the apostate people of Judah, who had left the Lord their God and turned to worship foreign gods. (Jer.7:18-31). You can see how these people left the truth and provoked God to anger by making sacrifices to the gods of the nations around them.
Why did Jeremiah choose the stork as an object lesson for the unfaithful Jews? The stork was a familiar sight to the Israelites, as it migrates through Bible lands. The white stork, for example, remains paired, male and female for life, unlike the other birds mentioned in Jer.8:7. They maintain their loyalty to each other. At one time when I was in primary school, we learnt from our teacher about the stork during nature study. I remember very well the topic, although it is now about 50 years ago. We were learning about the migratory birds, which winter in warmer regions and return year after year to their country of origin, often to the same nest that they have used before. We even see the stork here in Africa during summer time. The stork’s instinctive behaviour shows this quality of loyalty in other remarkable ways. Both male and female share in incubating the eggs and feeding their young; storks are exceptional as parents. If one partner dies, the remaining one will incubate the eggs alone for 3-4 days without leaving the nest for food. They leave for only a short time to find food when it is necessary to leave the young. Instinctively, the storks show faithfulness to their lifelong mate and tender care for their young. Thus storks served well as a powerful lesson to the unfaithful and wayward Israelites. Read Jer.44:17-18; Isa.57:6; Deut.31:16-17 and 1Kings 14:9.
To many people today, loyalty and faithfulness are quaint ideas – admirable but not practical. The Lord Jesus Christ tells us that it is only the one who obeys his commands who really loves him, and the Father will love that person, and Christ will show himself to him. (John 14:21). This practical Christianity, the foundation of Christian teaching, is no longer regarded as essential. The emphasis is now almost entirely on the way of life to be led by those who would assume the title of ‘Christian.’ This modern approach, however, is not one which has the Bible’s support and because of this it is completely unacceptable. For a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, true Christianity does not rest on the opinions of men and women, with regard to either doctrine or way of life. The Bible alone is the authority, and all who claim to be followers of Christ must be tested by the standards it defines. The proliferation of divorce, abandonment, embezzlement and other forms of deceit, demonstrate that loyalty is no longer valued. In contrast, the Bible teaches that loyalty which is motivated by love and kindness is highly valued. Paul urges the true followers of Jesus to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph.4:24 NIV). The new personality which we are asked to “put on” helps us to be loyal, but we can also learn the practical lesson from the stork.
Bro. Green Mumbelunga
I was very happy to hear what you are doing with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have been receiving Gospel News regularly and should be grateful if you would continue to send it to me. You have helped many brethren to know each other and many places. Articles produced in Gospel News are helpful to us as Christians.
Bro. Abraham Changwe
Here in Ndola we are all doing fine. Thank you very much for the great work you are doing – may the loving Almighty Father, through our Lord Jesus, bless you in abundance.
The Gospel News articles are helping me very much to understand the Word of God, and most of all they are showing clearly that the time is very near for our Lord’s second coming.
The threat in President Fidel Castro’s statement that “America’s nuclear monopoly will lead to the third world war, in which we shall fight using atomic bombs”, is not to be taken lightly. A victim of Japan’s atomic bomb of 1945 may have a more complex picture of the war to come, and can clearly understand why the Lord Jesus said, “If those days were not shortened, no-one would be saved”. However, most people are not seeing this, and those who are in these places may think it will be just as it has always been happening, and will pass. But let this day not take us by surprise. Let us prepare ourselves for His coming.
Bro. Ernest Musonda
NDOLA
I had the chance to visit one of our brethren in the Lord in Mwinilunga, in the North Western Province, Bro. James Kalhinga, and now I am back and I was happy as the Lord’s hand was with me there and back.
Bro. Harris N. Mulongesha
SOLWEZI
Thank you for sending me the last issue of Gospel News: I really appreciate points like those about baptism, the letters, articles and photos. It is very important to keep in contact with you.
I send my love to you and all fellow-labourers in the glorious Hope of the Gospel.
Bro. Joseph Kapimpa
