News from Africa
FONTEM
Thank you for the books you sent me Helps for the Christian Warfare, The Ways of Providence and Bible History’. As you told me, all welfare has to go through our linkman, and you sent a copy of my letter to Bro. Ian Fifield.
Bro. Anthony Mbiaoh
WUM
We are grateful indeed for the book you sent entitled The Death of the Cross. We pray that God will continue to give us strength and that His will may be done on earth as it is in heaven. The book is helpful to me for it reveals the sufferings and death of Jesus on the cross and its meaning in our lives whenever we come to remember him in the breaking of bread and drinking of the wine, as he commanded us. This really was the revelation of God’s love toward us, and we should love one another, for if we do not love one another, then the love of God is not in us.
I found the magazine interesting. We, too, have been patiently preparing for Christ’s return. It matters not how few in number we are. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Please extend our greetings to all the brothers and sisters in your ecclesia and nearby ecclesias and Sunday Schools.
We are few in number and often remind ourselves of Jesus’ promise, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt.18:20). To those of us who are isolated this should be a verse of comfort in our Christian life.
Our thanks go to all the brethren and sisters worldwide for their support of us, both spiritually and physically. So we say thank CIL and CAT for their spiritual feeding these past years and pray that God will continue to bless them in order that they may continue to strengthen His people.
Bro. Kum Donatus Cheghe
We and all those baptized are doing well, and we feel we are moving into the stage of advancement from the basic things of the Gospel we have learnt and taught.
Bro. Ogun
Thank you for the Gospel News you have been sending me for the last three years. I hope you will continue sending it and corresponding with me. Bro Nestor Byema is now living in Canada but I do not have his address.
Bro Gabriel Kiragi Dendhal
CAPE COAST
Firstly, I want to extend my greetings to the brethren in Australia who have suffered because of the climatic conditions. I want to tell them that they should not be offended in God through what has just happened. I want to assure them that only God knows best and He overrules what happens to them. Also it is only God who gives and who takes away. All things happen in this world through His will and power, so we should always depend on Him whether things are good or bad.
Also I want to take this opportunity to say that while other brethren and sisters have experienced trials or other happenings in their lives, these could happen to any of us, so we should always watch and pray for strength and understanding when they befall us. Our Lord and Master was tried and trials must and will befall us and we must face them with humility and love. All this is happiness indeed as it is the medicine of the godly man.
Sis. Monica Agyeman
SUBRI
We are indeed living in exciting times and we are seeing and hearing of the end time prophecies being fulfilled. I receive Signs of the Times and Glad Tidings, which I pass around to other brethren and sisters and I plan to put some flyers inside the magazines, so that interested friends can apply for the correspondence course. We must continue to pray earnestly for our brethren in refugee camps, those in Israel and other war countries. We need now, more than ever, to hold fast and pray as our redemption draws near.
Sis. Janet Odiko
BONDO
Dear fellow worker in the hope of Israel we share, please receive my warm greetings.
All here is fine, just earnestly praying for the Lord’s return to establish the Kingdom.
Here in Kenya we are faced with a myriad of problems after the clashes and riots of last year following the disputed election results.
This year Kenyans are faced with starvation, which has affected the whole country’s basic food supply. Commodities are lacking in most of the Government Cereal Board stores, and people are running to and fro to get food which is rare, and whose prices have rocketed skywards.
Coalition partners who are in the Grand Coalition Government are also bickering in sharing power, leaving the common man in a dilemma and at crossroads. These and many more difficulties are sure signs that our Lord and Master may come at any hour, when we least expect him.
I have been thinking of starting Cassava farming for our Ecclesia as a food security measure, but we lack resources to start it off, since first it needs a piece of land and fencing all around before ploughing and planting takes place: but this all needs money in order to make it happen.
In April I was privileged to meet other Kenyan brethren and sisters and some brethren from the U.K. team at the Bible Conference in Mombasa and I was glad to share the emblems with them. This is very memorable and a foretaste of what we look forward to in the coming Kingdom of our Lord. Matt.26:26.
I was very thrilled by the booklet you sent me entitled ‘The Truth about Demons and Spirits,’ a subject which has caused much controversy in Africa. I have also received the six copies of Bible Basics in good condition which you sent me.
Please find enclosed a photo of Kenya Youth Conference which I attended at Bondo recently. I hope you will return it to me later.
Bro. Raphael Aimo
Youth Conference at Bondo
BUNGOMA
I do appreciate very much the work CAT are doing to spread the gospel news to the four corners of the world. It really needs a lot of sacrifice as very few people especially here in Africa, where poverty is rampant will be willing to spend their resources on people they do not know. It may be because of our selfishness that Africa lurks behind in development as the Bible says more blessed is the hand that gives than the one that takes. I will be graduating from the University this coming year and God willing if I get a job I may help meet the cost.
I will be much grateful for a copy of Brother Duncan’s book The Real Devil, this is a very lively topic here.
Bro Griffin Wafula
CHWELE
It is another wonderful time that our Heavenly Father has given to us. From what we are seeing in the world, and particularly in Israel, we are able to conclude that Jesus Christ is about to come back. Things that were prophesied, like hunger, are now worldwide and in Kenya it has been declared as a national disaster. Many people in our country are suffering very much from hunger.
These signs make us strengthen our faith so that we may enter the Kingdom when Jesus comes.
I would like to thank you for the books you sent to me, i.e. Eureka and Notes on Signs and Prophecy that shows the Bible to be true. They have been of great importance to me and the Ecclesia. I have also developed an interest in visual literature, but I lack a D.V.D., so if you have one available I would greatly appreciate and make proper use of it so that I will not have an excuse in judgement. I think that God will open our eyes so that we may see wonderful things of the truth in the Law, as we wait for the coming of Jesus.
Bro. Daniel Wakhabu
ELDORET
I have received the books you sent me and am very thankful for them because they will go a long way to help save many souls in isolation.
Brother, when we read Genesis 12, the subject is ‘Blessing of Abram,’ and the great famine which caused Abram to seek refuge for food in Egypt. We learn how Abram and Sarah decided to call themselves brother and sister in order to save their lives from danger and hunger. Surely that kind of state is what we are facing in Kenya currently. I need not hide, brother, that I’m really a victim of this kind of situation. Surely the brothers who have benefited from reading Bible Basics will not remain the same again spiritually. Also the Gospel News is really worth reading.
My country is currently undergoing a very crucial famine. Not all of us are in the same situation, but a few deaths have been recorded due to this cruel drought.
By putting ourselves totally in God’s hand, we lay hold of the victory Jesus has already obtained on the cross – we must recognize that we are powerless to do anything in our own strength.
Bro. Jacob Okoth
ISHIARA
We are well, waiting for the return of our Master to save us. My Mum is unwell but we believe that the Lord God has the power and will to heal her.
My student is continuing with studies, hoping to be baptized this year. We shall be happy to have company at Ishiara. I am happy also to inform you that we have changed our address, now using Box 191 Ishiara -60102: please pass this to others who would like it.
This year I enjoyed an occasion when I was among the Central Area Group which went to Mombasa for the National AGM. There we met with brothers and sisters from different parts of the world. There were Kenyans, some from the UK, Canada, South Africa and Australia. I was happy to meet with the family of Bro. Treval, who I had not met since my baptism in April 2005. Bro. Alan and his wife also were there and Bro. Alan took the largest part of our studies. After the Memorial Service on Sunday we departed. It was my first time to see the Indian Ocean.
To the Brothers and Sisters world-wide: our time in this order of things is nearly gone. Our Master is around the corner. What will prevent us from welcoming him? What sorrow will be ours if we miss that opportunity! What could be our aim in this world then? Our hope is in the Lord, who prompts us to show works of love to each other, giving thanks to God for every increase in our Christadelphian family. For what is our work as God’s family but to live, preach and spread the good news to others, as Jesus did? For God’s Word says in Deut.32:2 ‘My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass.’ And Jesus said, ‘everything shall pass away but my word shall remain perfect.’ Let us hold on to the promised coming of Christ and the resurrection.
The Resurrection Tree
The naked, sleeping almond tree
With dark limbs spread
Against swift wind clouds riding free
High overhead,
Speaks of the wintry night and death
In earth’s full womb;
Where saints devoid of living breath
Sleep in the tomb.
But soon the songbirds’ melody
Acclaiming Spring,
Awakes the sleeping almond tree
And blossoming,
It deeply breathes crisp fragrant air,
And leaves appear.
Soon petals fall from blossom fair –
The fruit is near.
Sis. Caroline Aphaxard
KANDUYI
The magazines you sent are helping us both spiritually and physically. I recently had my email address made active, so I hope that our communications will be more frequent.
My prayer and entreaty is that the Almighty may continue to give us life and understanding of His revelation so that we may be faithful until the coming of our Master.
I would be delighted if you could link me with a brother who is able to transmit to me exhortations on my email address (wanjala.samuel@yahoo.com).
Bro. Samuel Wanjala
KATITO
Many thanks for the excerpts, Testimony magazine, news and information you sent. Here it is very hot and dry. Many thousands are starving as our maize is sold by greedy government officials. I’ve enclosed an extract from our local dailies talking of corruption. These are times when we need not be anxious but have courage. There is a list of men of courage in God’s Word.
Bro. Lawrence K’owiti
KILGORIS
I am very happy for the work you are doing in the Master's service. I am requesting for the book "Wrested Scriptures" by brother Ron Abel.
Bro. James Nyangute
KITALE
I appreciate very much receiving Gospel News and the book ‘Index Rerum’, a Ready Reference book distributed from the USA. We are studying the book together with brothers, sisters and friends. We hope you will continue sending us such good gifts in future, and please keep me on your mailing list. If you have booklets concerning farming, we would appreciate them very much.
Bro. Martin Barasa
Sis. Lydiah Fuchaka with children; they are in need of children’s hymns.
MACHAKOS
When I first joined Machakos Teachers’ College, I noticed that they were admitting all kinds of people, including the disabled. During the first orientation, we had sign language interpreters who were interpreting to the hearing impaired (deaf). After that I thought they might be given their own special classes for instruction. Fortunately or unfortunately, I happened to be the desk mate of Joseph Gichira (standing in the centre of the photo). Communication became very difficult between us – it was really a nightmare. We could only communicate through writing. But he happened to be more friendly to me and started teaching me sign language. I can now sign a few words in English.
After three weeks, another new friend was admitted to the College, his name is Mutuku Muthama from Kangundo. Although he had eyes, he had no sight and his story is very sad: when he was young, he started to feel pains in his eyes and persuaded his parents to take him to Kenyatta National Hospital for an eye check-up. The nurses there were University students, still unqualified, and they prescribed him the wrong eye drops. Immediately the medication was applied to his eyes they started to bleed, which caused one eye to lose its sight, and the other became short-sighted. He then had to use lenses, and when he joined the Secondary School they were using fluorescent tubes powered by a generator for studying. Due to the unstable power of the generator, the tubes kept going on and off, and this problem caused Mutuku’s remaining eye to lose its sight. He was then taken to Thika High School for the blind, and now we are together at the College.
I almost felt like crying when he told me that two days after he completely lost his sight, his mother died, so I took on the responsibility of caring for the hearing and visually impaired, and continue to the time of writing.
We still have very many deaf, blind and physically handicapped, and I have been friendly to all of them. But can you imagine how many people are ready to assist those with disabilities? How do you and others perceive disabilities in your country? Should we isolate these people because they are unable to cope themselves? You will discover that most disabled people were not born with their disability, like those we have in College – some got disabilities through road accidents and others through diseases. Did they apply for it, or was it God who made them to be the way they are? Most of the disabled people in the present world are very much discriminated against, in almost all facets of life. But we should remember that on their side, they do not have any problem about being disabled, whereas we who think we are well are candidates for disability: we don’t know what our future holds.
The hearing impaired students have been sponsored by an organization from America known as Global Deaf Connection. Those in difficulties are the blind: we pray for them so that one day they may have sponsorship as well. So please, let us change our perception of disabilities and consider those people as brothers and sisters.
I would like to request a copy of the book The Death of te Cross and The Place of Women, mine was borrowed by brother Alfred whom we baptised last year..It seems the books are very interesting to him that is why he is not ready to surrender them to me.
Bro. Laban Kisaka
Crouching from left: Bro. Laban Kisaka, Brown Kahindi (hearing impaired).
Standing from left Diana, Joseph Gichara (hearing impaired) and Mutuku Muthama (visually impaired).
MAKHONGE
Thank you very much for the support and care extended to us through providing us with books. This has helped us in our work of spreading the Gospel to people around us.
We wish to inform you that now we have purchased a plot for Makhonge Ecclesia and therefore we thank you for your prayers during the time we were experiencing pressure in our previous plot.
Bro. David and Sis. Jacklyne Wanjala
First meeting of Makhonge Ecclesia in the newly bought plot.
MATUU
I hope and pray that you are all doing well in the Lord. I have several Bible Basicsin English, French, and Swahili translations and also ‘Why are we here?’ and some other books and leaflets, which I supply to brethren and contacts in Kenya. I suggest that you direct anyone to me who requests such books. I also request that you send me more, and if possible include Swahili, Kikamba and Kikuyu translations. It will be cheaper than you sending direct to individuals. I am in the CBM office and I meet with other CBM committee members who represent the whole of Kenya. My area includes brethren and contacts in Nakuru, Nairobi, Nyeri, Muraga, Kikuyu, Meru, Embu, Kirinyaga, Machakos etc. and I make several personal preaching visits and carry these books with me. I shall also be trying to help those who are isolated to meet the nearest ecclesia, brethren or even contacts who share the “hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” Titus 1:2.
Bro. Lazarus Kingoo
MBITA
I am very happy that you send me Gospel News and find it very helpful.
‘IF YOU HAVE …’
If you have food in your home, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a bed to sleep on, you are richer than 75% of people in the world. So thank God.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than a million people who will not survive this week, so thank the Lord.
If you have some money in the bank, in your wallet and spare change in your pocket, you are among the world’s wealthiest 8%, so thank the Lord.
If you have read the Bible today, and can worship the true God without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are more blessed than millions of others in the world, – so really thank the Lord for that blessing.
If you have read this message, thank God again, for you are more blessed than millions of people in the world who cannot read at all.
Adapted by Bro. Daniel Ogembo
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is about to come to restore the kingdom.
I received the parcel you sent, and appreciate your help. I am having a problem with payment of school fees. I have a boy who joined form one, but I am not able to pay the school fee of £35 a year, so now he is at home.
Bro. Daniel Ogembo
MOMBASA
It is now three or four months ago that I received your letter and a good book about ‘The Gospel of Mark.’ Really it is a systematic commentary with contributions from other Gospels. All this time I have been enjoying reading it and making notes.
Digression 2: BAPTISM IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. This helped me very much because I am a teacher in Mombasa Ecclesia teaching the friends about baptism so that they may be our brothers and sisters to inherit the Kingdom we are waiting for.
Do you have a leaflet or small book about the death of the Lord Jesus Christ? I had one leaflet which was sent me by Bro. Charles French of Australia which taught that our Lord Jesus died on Thursday rather than, as many believe, that he died on Friday and was raised early Sunday morning. We read in Matt.12:40, Jesus’ body was in the grave three nights and three days, which corresponds with the reference of Jonah 1:17. When I read these passages I really learned something, that our Lord Jesus didn’t die on Friday. One of our brothers took that leaflet before I had made my notes in my Notes and Lessons Book. If you have one, please will you send this to me and I will teach our friends and also some of our members.
Bro. Edward Kunikina
From Right: Bro. Edward Kunikina and Bro. Moses Simiyu, (Mombasa), with friends.
NANGO
I am very grateful for the books and pamphlets you have given to me to help our ecclesia to grow in the Word of the Lord. The book on Devil, & Satan and The Holy Spirit,’ amongst others were thrilling, since these are the most disturbing subjects to many church-goers in Africa. I hope you will be able to continue to send us more as you have them available.
I am also pleased to tell you that I have received the tapes you sent our Ecclesia. The problem remaining now is that we don’t have a cassette player to play them on, but the dry cell batteries are available through our local arrangement. I hope you may consider other ways and means of helping our Ecclesia to develop much further if Jesus still remains away.
Bro. Raphael Aimo
NDHIWA
The Lord Jesus knows every detail about your life and who we are. He has a special purpose just for you and me he will continue to give you all you need to fulfil it, (1 Cor.2:9). And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith and it is in accord with God’s purpose. Double your determination; nothing in life that is worthy is ever too hard to achieve if you have the courage to try it and have the faith to believe. God never ploughs in the soul of man without intention and purpose.
This is the day to enrich the lives of those near you. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God. God’s mighty hand can be felt everywhere for there is nothing on earth that is not in God’s care. We all have cares and problems we cannot solve alone, but if we go to God in prayer we are never on our own, (1Chron.5:20). Everyone has problems in this restless world of care, everyone grows weary with the cross they have to bear. Let us display genuine concern and furnish assistance in shouldering the crosses of others (Titus 3:1-2).
Thank God for little things that often come our way, the things we take for granted and don’t mention when we pray. This is the day to feel how fortunate you are that God loves you, He is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Always remember that the hills ahead are never as steep as they seem and with faith in your heart start upward and climb till you reach your dream (Matt.21:21).
This is the day to increase your perseverance, somebody cares and always will, the world forgets but God loves you still and always will. Illuminate your devotion to your Creator and your zeal will also shine. Thank God for the good things He has already done and be grateful to Him for the battles you have won. Step by step climb day by day closer to God with each prayer.
May the Lord use this article to lift your spirit, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your days (Prov.19:21).
Sis. Emmy M. Aseyo
OKUMBO
I thank you for the good work you are doing to preach the Gospel. I confess if it were not for you I could not be who I am spiritually. The knowledge I have gained is good to assist me to resist ungodly influences.
I enclose a ‘photo taken of Okumbo Ecclesia, where Bro. Francis (far end) was preparing us for baptism.
Lastly I request from you the address of the Swedish Co-operative Center. It is a non-profit-making organization which supports self-help development. I wish to get some agricultural books which will assist me and the entire ecclesia to start a farming scheme. If you could supply any other material or books concerning farming they will be very helpful to us.
Bro. Benjamin Mwatu
The Swedish Co operative Centre has a number of useful handbooks and also Centres in Africa. In East Africa: P.O.Box 45767, Nairobi, Kenya, in Southern Africa, 70 Livingstone Avenue, No 1 Veronica Gardens, Harare, Zimbabwe; Co-ordination Centre, P.O.Box 32012, 93 Kudu Road, Lusaka, Zambia. Another source of books designed for small-scale sustainable agriculture in the tropics is Agromisa, P.O.Box 41, 6700 Wageningen, Netherlands.
Okumbo Ecclesia
RAPOGI
I am very happy because of my baptism into Christ which took place on 1st February 2009 by Bro. James Wyangute, which was witnessed in Okumbo Ecclesia. This occurred after my hard preparation for 11 years and it was with a lot of anxiety. The whole of my family did not allow me to even attend the ecclesia’s meetings.
I continued without fear because I have already been ‘washed clean’ to eat the fruit of eternal life (Rev.22:14). So I continued my prayerful Bible study with them, one by one happily without fear, and through the Name of our Saviour Jesus Christ, I hope one or two might well have learnt the true Gospel.
I am very happy to be among you as a brother, as we all wait for the second coming of Christ Jesus.
Bro. Michael Mokes
SUNA-MIGORI
We are all doing well, including our Ecclesia, despite a few shortfalls that have ever been with man since the beginning of creation.
Let me call them ‘Storms.’ We sometimes find ourselves off the mark – that is, in the eyes of the people around us. For instance, someone abuses you in public and the people around you expect you to retaliate. If you don’t retaliate, you have failed as far as the people around you are concerned. We all want to succeed in life. How can we handle such intriguing matters? The secret lies in knowing where to fail. Some exams are a hoax. It is in our pursuit of success that some of us have ended pushing others aside to reach our ambitions. Let us follow Jesus and success will follow us: on the contrary, if we follow success it might lead us to a step in the wrong direction.
To follow Jesus means that we have to take in everything our Bible teaches. It is the only source of information that will lead us to the Kingdom of God, which all the saints toil day and night to reach. We all know that education removes one from the dominion of darkness to light. ‘Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it’ (John 1:3-5).
Academically, men have excelled in various fields. There are men and women we cannot run our various institutions without. They know all that it takes to keep our institutions running. We are proud of them due to their technical know-how. Let’s stop and listen to this voice, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’ Even if we can remove someone’s brain tumour by using a scalpel, and skillfully help their healing, we still need to choose what Mary chose. It gives light beyond oblivion – the light that we have today in this world will one day turn to darkness. We need that light which endures for ever.
Bro. Joseph Onyango
I am very thankful I received the parcel you sent me containing a Question Book with answers. This book is very helpful to me and the contacts I am teaching the Truth to.
I am sorry for my delay to reply – I am facing some problems. The hospital where I used to work has been affected by the former political crisis, so the owner had financial constraints which forced him to make a general redundancy by which I was affected. But that cannot stop me from serving our God. I hope, God willing, to get another job.
Bro. Benjamin Mwatu
TONGARAN
Sis. Nancy Sikola with some of her grandchildren
WAIROBI
All the reading textbooks you are sending to us are good and help us in our Bible study.
Although the Truth has been in Kenya for some years, the progress has been slow. Several reasons can be given as to why this is happening. The first difficulty is the widespread influence of the Evangelical churches, the Seventh Day Adventists and other churches who have active missionary networks and resident pastors throughout the country. The second reason is that the Christadelphian Mission in Kenya does not broadcast radio programmes as the other churches do. Lastly, our brethren and sisters in the country have limited access to technology which will enable them to experience the wonders of God through the internet. We need to be doers of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22).
Bro. Samuel Maruta
BOLERO
Bro. Nyomilo Lujanga
DOMASI
I received the Bible and Gospel News, thank you very much. If you have used books about the Bible, please send them to me also. At the moment I have a bad leg. I send greetings to you all.
Bro. B. S. Kawonga
DZALEKA
My greetings to you through the name of Jesus. I thank the Lord for having this opportunity to write this letter, renewing my correspondence with you. I have moved from Tanzania to Malawi, together with my family. I have taken this decision because the Tanzanian Government has decided to close all Congolese Refugee Camps early this year. So owing to the political situation in my country, Democratic Republic of Congo, I am not ready to go there. Please use the new address to send me the Gospel News and other books which you feel will interest me.
I have found brothers here with little knowledge of our Christadelphian faith, as many among them have embraced other denominations, taken Christadelphian equipment, and others are having fellowship without the Breaking of Bread service. But now we are breaking bread in fellowship as well.
Bro. Bernard Ikola
Photo: The first fellowship contact in Dzaleka between Bro. John’s family and that of Bro. Bernard Ikola’s. From left: Sis. Marie Chantal (carrying baby), Bro. John Abwe, Sis. Sophia Kilinda (carrying baby) and Bro. Bernard Ikola.
Seated: Apolina, Mauwa and Shukura John; Aimerence and Anastazia Bernard and Emanuel John.
Family Information:
Greetings through Jesus’ Name. I am very sorry to inform you about what has happened to my son Lambert John. In March of this year he was taken by someone and personally abused. This person was seen by neighbours and immediately took him to the police in this Camp. I reported this action to the UNHCR Camp Administrator, and the Malawi Red Cross, but no action has so far been taken.
I am still facing many difficulties here, so I need more prayers from my brothers and sisters.
We thank the Lord we are able to inform you that we have received another Christadelphian family from Lugufu Refugee Camp (Tanzania), Bro. Bernard Ikola and Sis. Sophia Kilinda, his wife, and their four children. For now we are together here in Dzaleka Refugee Camp (Malawi) and fellowship together, doing our ecclesial activities and breaking bread together; but because of living conditions here in the Camp, we use Coca-cola instead of wine. Please remember us in your daily prayers, because Christians are tempted all the time – only God can save us from this situation.
Bro. John Abwe
Photo: Bro. Bernard conducting Breaking of Bread service in the accommodation of Bro. John Abwe. Standing: centre Bro. Bernard, John and Abwe, with one contact each end.
Seated: Sisters Marie and Sophia with children.
GONDA
Please pray for us here that God may allow us still to grow in our spiritual life and become more mature. The world is affected by so many problems, so we need to be strong: this should be done to show the failings of the rules of this world’s Governments. Soon Jesus, who is the only ruler who is chosen by God the Creator, will provide everything and his kingdom will be established for ever.
The C.B.M. made contact through the internet with ONGO. (which is called LOMADEF), to go and meet the C.B.M. of Malawi to summon one leader from each church from all parts of Malawi, and Gonda Ecclesia was chosen. Each representative was to learn how to make compost manure, and this can be made in different ways. We attended our school for one week at Ntcheu District. After learning how to make these types of compost we were given certificates. We were told to go and form clubs in our churches for all who are interested, and so not all will be Christadelphians. But this work of making compost manure will be very difficult because the necessary equipment is very expensive.
As you have already said, this climate change is part of the world’s troubles. I think what you assume is correct because it is a time prophesied by Jesus in Luke 21:25-28 when he said ‘There shall be signs in the sun, and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity, for the roaring of the sea and waves. Men’s hearts will be fainting for fear and for expectation of the things which are coming to the world, for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.’ Regarding this prophecy even world Governments are trying ways to provide people with peace and security, but they fail and the world is still affected with so many problems. We Christians have the same problems because we live under the same rulership, but the exciting thing is this, God protects His people and gives them life. Maybe He wants to fulfil verse 28 which says, ‘When these things begin to come to pass, look up and lift up your heads because your redemption draweth nigh.’
I was happy to receive Sunday School parcels from Canada, and each child has a named Jumbo, finding inside clothes, colouring pens and pencils, a Bible, toothbrush and paste and combs – all parcels the same and gratefully received and gave much joy to the children and parents.
Bro. Robert Folley
Photo: Bro. Robert Folley. In his right hand a packet from Sis. Walker with Sunday School lessons, and in his left hand the certificate given at the Compost Manure Course.
I am glad to receive the Gospel News magazine and the books you sent. Thank you, all brothers and sisters who endeavour to send books which interest and help us, and I pray that you may be able to continue to send to us all.
I would like to share with our brothers and sisters about how we can enjoy a good life on earth: we need to read and learn God’s Word and understand it well, praying for His guidance to help us understand His message. The Bible says God loves and takes care of those who do what is right (Psalm 1). We should work hard to continue to please the Lord and inherit His blessings.
Bro. Diverson Folley
JALI
I would like to apologise for taking a long time to write to you. This was due to the death of our Brother J. Chikapa, whose postal address I was using for my mail. Now my appeal is that you continue sending me Gospel News, and as we are living in the last days, I am in great need of the book ‘Family Life in the Lord.’
Bro. Robert Mapsera
KASUNGU
Our ecclesia is very strong indeed and we will benefit a lot from the books you have sent us. We appreciate your help very much. You always choose very good books for us. Lastly pass my warm greetings to your family friends and relatives. I think Sis. Gwladys is older now, I remember her when you visited me in Kasungu.
Bro. Harmony Ntchalachala
LILONGWE
We are quite short of copies of the ‘Revision Studies’ and ‘Teach me Thy Way’, could you please send us some as they are good in preparing those who are studying for baptism.
Brother Daniel Banda’s reading glasses have arrived safely and have been given to him. He says only God will assist to thank you for him. More than anything else, I hope to reach out to others, and this will I think give us a wonderful approach – this personal contact to those around us. For those in need of spiritual growth, it makes its foundation much stronger. Though pulpit evangelism wins more souls, the numbers decline fast.
Your prayers and material support really guide me to know the truth. Please continue to do so. May the Lord soon come.
Bro. Henderson Sosola
MASANJE
I am sorry I have not written to you for some time, but I was involved in an accident that caused me to remain quiet for some time because of that incident. This accident occurred when I was cycling to visit my friend who was not feeling well at that time, but I failed to visit because of the incident that hospitalized me for over four months.
Please continue to send me Gospel News and other Bible material to keep me close to Jesus Christ as a way of life. Since some of my fellow members are young boys and girls, please can you send Chichewa Bibles as a way of keeping the youth in touch with Jesus Christ.
Bro. Tholesi Nazombe
MAYAKA
Thank you for the book you sent to me and for your prayers and preaching. I am glad to say that my wife is healed from the disease and I believe that this happened because of your prayer and love. I am now staying in the city of Zomba near Chalwe Hotel. Please continue praying for my family. Please read Acts 20:35-36.
Bro. Lameck Niwawala
MWAMBO
Dear God,
I would like to thank you for your greatest love which you have been showing to me before, during and after my birth, and up to now you are still showing your love to me. I’m giving abundant thanks to you, my helpful God. You are the God of love, peace, mercy, wisdom grace, faithfulness, forgiveness and even jealous, gracious, longsuffering and righteous. All these virtues signify your character.
Your Almighty Name ‘JEHOVAH’ (Lord God) reminds me how good, how powerful and how active you are. Nevertheless, you gave your only beloved Son, Jesus Christ, also known as ‘Emmanuel,’ meaning ‘God is with us,’ to die, crucified on the cross for us. This is a wonderful gift to those who believe, fear and depend on you.
To trust you is important because of our sinful nature and our failures before you. We are alive in your presence, and we also die in your presence. We have to praise and worship you and live a life of sacrifice in order to please you always.
For instance, when I look at your creation, such as mountains, waters, sun, moon, stars, wild and domestic animals, fish, human beings, birds, lightning and thunderstorms, living and non-living things, vegetation and wind– all these teach and give me fear of You, Lord God. Indeed, your created natural world is so beautiful and good.
(Let us give honour to and salute our Lord God and his Son, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Just imagine, today people world-wide are honouring our fellow human beings. Each and every day we should praise and give honour to our God.)
Finally, my dear God, I am a sinful man to you and I appeal to you and Jesus Christ to forgive me my iniquities, to make me righteous in your sight.
Here in Malawi a poor harvest is expected again due to last year’s hunger. Many people are using the maize from the field before harvest, which will result in a very low yield. We are expecting another famine from November through to February next year. With regard to rice, yes, of course in some parts people will produce a better harvest.
Bro. Kenneth and Sis. Lidia Maganga
In the photo, from left is me holding the baby boy, in the middle is our firstborn, and to the right is my wife Lidia holding the baby girl.
Bro. Kenneth and Sis. Lidia Maganga
MZUZU
Here in Mzuzu we are all well. I am writing this soon after the fraternal meeting we had in Mzimba. Two of us from Mzuzu attended but others were unable because of the cost of transport. While we were there the brethren proposed that a fraternal should be held here in Mzuzu before the end of the year. What we need, if possible, is some assistance to help us to buy some chairs, because we do not have any at the place we are renting.
Bro. Sylvester Tembo.
I would like to thank you for sending me books on the ‘Immortality of the Soul.’ Due to such problems as shortage of stamps, I am sorry I took quite a long time to write this letter to you.
Every fact you wrote to me was read and considered as true. The more you will be in despair by the postage costs, the more we will suffer here, possibly twice as much as you. I am so very concerned about that and pray that God will cause a means to be found to reduce this problem.
Bro. Dutch Mphayah
SALIMA
I wish to let you know that I received your letter at my new address, together with a copy of ‘The Testimony’ magazine, so let us thank the Heavenly Father for opening this avenue of communication. I also wish to inform you that the Lord did wonders to assist in the matter I wrote to you about. At the moment I have a couple of ‘Bible Basics’ which interested parties borrow and give back, however when the book on the work of Christ comes out I will be most grateful for a copy.
Bro. Ignatius A.G.Maluwa
ULONGWE
Thank you for your letter and your help to us all. I have been going to the hospital to take medicine because, although I am still suffering, it’s better than before. I thank God for his blessings.
Bro. Harry Benito
ZOMBA
I enclose ‘photos of when I was in Lilongwe and I was coming from Bunda and Malingunde Ecclesias to preach the news of the Gospel with Brother David Remmison, UK. He took the ‘photo with his camera. Brother David is a kind man who loves teaching the Gospel in Malawi and likes to go to local areas.
I love you in the name of Jesus and ask that you continue to send me Gospel News. We must always think of what God has asked us to do and I keep you in my prayers that one day we shall see one another.
Bro. Davis Madolo
Davis Madolo
Advertising the correspondence course
Thank you for the pamphlets on Acid Reflux etc. concerning my wife’s problems. My wife is being hospitalized 264 Kms away from here in Lilongwe, where she is still in a semi-coma. Thank you for your help and good advice.
Bro. Henry Banda
I have not yet received the latest copy of Gospel News. My ecclesia is the new one at Poste-de-Flacq, but I have heard that the ecclesia of Quatre-Bornes has received their copy. In Australia they received copies very early, because a brother has sent me a copy. For a long time I have regularly received all copies of , except this time it is very late.
Bro. Guy Jhureea
I would like to acknowledge receipt of the ‘Bible Basics’ book and a advertising packet of rulers, which you have sent. Thank you, I really appreciate it a lot. Can you again send me a copy of the 5th edition of ‘Bible Basics’? I would like to give it personally to a friend of mine.
Bro. Angelito V. Corpuz
ASABA
We have been greatly helped by the books you sent to us last year. Also we have enjoyed Gospel News a great deal. We are a small ecclesia but enjoy fellowship with other ecclesias that visit us from time to time and our overseas brethren have visited us in the past. We are advancing in preaching, except that to make one person agree in the doctrine is like going to Mecca! However, we shall be happy if you could be good enough to send us large quantities of pioneers books as well as leaflets, pamphlets and hymn books, including children’s hymns.
We are quite aware and concerned for you because of this world meltdown as most of our help comes from that end. In Nigeria we are accustomed to any eventuality as our leaders are not fair or straightforward and they amass wealth, contracting graduates for jobs, so there are no jobs for the less privileged who consist of 98% of the population. We wait for Christ’s coming Kingdom to redress man’s inhumanity to man and the suppression and oppression we are witnessing in our country.
My ecclesia, my wife Peace and my two children, Ikechukwu and Chisom, send their greetings to your wife, family and ecclesia.
Bro. Ikechukwu Ugwu
ENUGU
All are well here, by the grace of God. I have received the book about Daniel that you sent, with much thanks. I am happy with the way you are co-operating with Bre. Stanley Blackstone and John Woodcock; they are my friends.
I am sending you a report of the all Nigeria CYC gathering at Akwanga Nasarawa, which is in Northern Nigeria. It was the first time that the CYC was held there. The gathering started on 9th April and ended on 13th April. It was very good and many people came. Five brethren from U.K. attended and the gathering was led by Bro. Dafydd Jenkins. I use this opportunity to express my thanks to overseas brethren for their support in the gospel work in Nigeria. Five people were baptised at the gathering: two from Warri Ecclesia, Sis. Roseline Chukwu and Bro.Terry Otobor, one person from Aba Ecclesia, Sis. Mercy Avisa, and two from Akwanga Ecclesia, Sis. Kyolu Isaac and Sis. Deborah Isaac. We pray for our Heavenly Father to guide these newborn members to a place in the Kingdom.
In March, three new sisters were baptised in Enugu Ecclesia. They were Sis. Oge-chi Goddy, Sis. Chidubem Ugwunta and Sis. Chiamaka Ugwunta. We pray for the Father’s richest blessing on our new sisters as they walk with us to the Kingdom. The writer’s daughter was among those baptised. He expresses much thanks to God for keeping him alive to see his daughter baptised in the Lord.
Bro. Goddy Nwosu
Three sisters baptised at Enugu. From left, Sis. Chidubem Ugwunta, Sis. Chiamaka Ugwunta and Sis. Oge-chi Goddy.
The three new sisters being welcomed by Bro. Goddy.
PRAYERS NEEDED FOR OUR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN NIGERIA
There have been hundreds of killings violence, robberies, kidnappings, burning of properties recently in Nigeria which has alas affected some of our brethren and Sisters, for security reasons we have withheld the names of the two brethren that have sent in these disturbing reports.
On the way home from visiting an Ecclesia.
“We met a group of armed robbers on the high-way with gun and cutlass and covered faces. They stopped us by force and started searching the motor, lied us down and took my mobile phone and my bag with my new Bible and hymn book. I managed to reach home with the help of some people. I thank God that they did not kill us. Help me to thank our God for sparing my life. All these things happening is the fulfilment of the prophecies (Luke21:26). Nothing at all will stop me from going outside preaching till I die!
Another brother write from a different part of the Country,
“Nigeria is in a mess, God only will solve its problem and not any human. What is now the order of the day? It is kidnapping and destruction of innocent souls God created. Men are being kidnapped each day. You only free yourself if your people can pay a ransom---if after the day they give your people expires without anything done, and then you pay with your blood for they will shoot you. ---It is now over a month they started kidnapping children from Churches and Schools.--- Everybody is in great fear both day and night.
Only 500 yards from my home, five policemen were butchered in cold blood by kidnappers. There is no night that passes without hearing the sound of gun shots from different angles. There is no security of any type; God is the only security to his servants.
OHAFIA
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God, therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, but it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
I write to thank you for all your concern to help us in this isolated area of ours, for all the books and booklets that you send to us have gone a long way to help us to always be in constant hope for his return and the events of today show us that it will be soon. We really need constant prayers for each other to overcome this world of materialism and increase of knowledge. May we always purpose in our heart, like Daniel, not to defile ourselves with the portion of the king’s meat nor with wine which he drank, Dan.1:8. Let us always continue to hold forth the Word of Life that we may rejoice in the day of Christ, which is at hand. Philip.2:16.
Bro. Uka Egwu
JOHANNESBURG
More evidence that, with hard work, the Lord will bring people to Christ – another baptism from a local area outside Johannesburg and the friend of a Johannesburg brother. As someone said, “Work as though it all depends upon you and pray as though it all depends upon God”.
MOKETS
May our Heavenly Father bless all the brothers in the whole world. I am Bro. Kuvarega Mavuvo of Triangle ecclesia in Zimbabwe and I am now in South Africa working at B.H.B. ZZZ in the Shed. I met Bro. Tavaremba Mugova and Sis. Tambiraikle for a prayer and daily readings and we sang hymn 2 of Shona and 268 from the black hymn book. I feel at home and my family in Zimbabwe are fit and fine. I am looking for brothers and sisters who are Christadelphians as it is rather lonely here. My address is ZZZ, Box 19 Mooketsi, South Africa, 78km from Pietersburg. Please let me know the nearest meeting place to Pietersburg and also try to send me Gospel News and encouraging Scripture material. I am the lost sheep who needs to be with the other 99 sheep. I am staying at B.H.B. Hotels. (2 Thess. 3:16).
Bro. Kuvarega Mavuvo
I pray you are alright and keeping strong in the Lord’s hands as well. Thank you so much for the
Gospel News and I'm happy to read all the news worldwide. Its been cold here and I have allergy so I have difficult times in the mornings. May God be with you all.
Thanks a lot for the good news about the work in Latvia and the new hall and the books.
Our bro Justine was attacked by stroke but he was rushed to the hospital so he can walk a bit he is around 78 years now. We are meeting at his home as he cannot walk to our meeting place. Its so important to meet together to Break Break.
Sis. Monica
BUSIA
The Bible offers unique opportunities to help others by planting God’S truth in those with little or no hope. There is nothing more inspiring than witnessing young men and women, who once only cared about themselves, undergoing a genuine change of heart to live for others with the true gospel. May it be said of us as it was of Jesus “You are my son; today I have become your father” (Heb.5:5). The Bible is telling us not to make our hearts hard, because God loves us and that is why He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die in order that we might be saved.
I request you to send me some interesting books like Bible Basics and The Real Christ. These books will help me to find out more about the Word of God and will give me knowledge to help me to teach other brothers, sisters and contacts who want to join with us. In Busia ecclesia we have 16 meeting with us; 7 brothers, 4 sisters and 5 interested contacts. Recently I was privileged to go to Gulu with Bro. Fredrick Wabwire to baptise some Ugandans there.
Bro. Mangeni Rogers
BUTIRU
Greetings to you in the Hope of Israel. I hope that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is caring for you and the family as you continue serving Him. Thank you for the Bible Basics books which have really given a lot of spiritual help to the brothers, sisters and to seven contacts of Butiru Ecclesia. I would like to inform you that I have really gained a lot of spiritual help from this book and become a strong mountain in the faith and no one can move me away from it. I would like to request more copies of Bible Basics, both in English and Swahili.
Bro. Boniface Masakala
KASESE
Living in the Fear of God
The Lord will confide in those who fear him. Ps.25:14
The Lord will store up his goodness for those who fear him. Ps.31:19
The Lord’s eyes will be upon those who fear him. Ps.33:18
The Lord’s angel will encamp around those who fear him. Ps.34:7
The Lord will provide for those who fear him. Ps.147:11
The Lord will grant knowledge and wisdom to those who fear him. Prov1:7,3:7
The Lord will impart strong confidence to those who fear him. Ps.14:26
With so many wonderful promises, it is certainly to our advantage to fear the Lord.
Bro. Muhekha Addidas
We must read the Word of God first. It cannot live in us unless if we fill our hearts and minds with it. It only lives in us when it becomes part of our character, when we are living like Jesus, doing things his way and not the world’s way –it is then we are making it the living Word in our lives, otherwise it is just a book of words, pages that rot and get eaten by mice, rats, termites, it is a dead thing. The Word only lives when we make it come alive by doing what it says. That is why Jesus was called the Word made flesh, because he lived it, he made it come alive, everything he did was according to God’s Word.
James 1:22, Ps.119:9-11. It is a challenge. We must get God’s Word inside us so that it can flow out of us in our behaviour and attitude.
Bro. Baluku Nicodemus
LUMINO
There is sometimes a situation where some of our friends, brothers or sisters fall into temptations which make them sin and they are rejected, hated, put out of fellowship and laughed at by their fellow-believers. As brethren and sisters should we continue to do such things to those who are tempted? What is our task in salvation? How should we treat or feed our minds to avoid such situations and foolish things about those who sin? What does our Lord tell us to do?
We should love and pray for each and everybody, more especially those who fall into temptation, this should be our greatest task. Read Gal.5:22, 1 Cor.13:13, Philip.1:27, James 5:16. Brethren and sisters, we should allow the spirit of the Truth to work into our minds in order to avoid such foolish talk which may lead to envy, jealousy, gossip and quarrels as 1 Tim.6:3-11 and John 5:1-5 tell us.
Let us seek God’s Kingdom by serving as Jesus did. He loved and prayed for the sinners so we should not talk bad words about those who are tempted and alas fall, knowing that Jesus is coming to see the fruits of our forgiveness and love to others.
Bro. Godfrey Egessa
NEKUKU
I am sending you some simple notes of advice/guidelines on how to pray and the importance of prayer to a Christian person. They look small but very interesting to me. I did not want to be selfish with the Word of the Lord and that is why I wanted to share it with my fellow brothers and sisters all over the world so I hope it will be published in Gospel News. (They are printed as an article in this edition) We hope to learn more as we wait for the coming of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.
Bro. Mukisa Samuel
MUSESE
I understood about the salvation from our Saviour when I read Bible Basics and Introducing Bible Basics, which are available from my fellow Christadelphians here in Uganda. The library provides the means, but I would beg you to send me an English Bible and booklets as a sword to fight with here. Jesus said, “Ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brothers or sisters shall inherit everlasting life.”
One of the most powerful arguments for the existence of God Almighty is in the Bible. The Bible contains many prophecies about the rise and fall of kingdoms and nations, about individuals and events. In many cases these prophecies were recorded hundreds of years in advance. This is something that man could not do, only God, who controls all things, could have caused them to be written. If we are to understand the Bible, Jesus said that we must become teachable as little children. Jesus again said, If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them, because some of us are weak in faith. The Bible gives us the reasons for these facts. This is a powerful proof that the Bible is divinely inspired and therefore infallible. Despite its age, the slight variations of translation in the various versions, they do not affect the doctrine, prophecy or historical facts, so the work of archaeology confirms in a remarkable way the truth and reliability of the Bible and thus, indirectly, show it to be the production of divine inspiration.
But the aim of Bible Basics is to enable one to systematically study the Bible by oneself. At the end of the studies, you have a clear view of the basic gospel, which Jesus taught. He commanded the disciples to preach the gospel to all the world, and to baptise believers by immersion in water, into his death and resurrection.
Bro. Benson Mandali
CHAMBISHI
Thank you for the book, Christendom Astray from the Bible, which has helped me to understand questions I find difficult to comprehend. I also understand who the Bible ‘Lucifer’ is. The pamphlets you sent help me to understand and grasp the explanations. I am happy that one of the friends that I preached the gospel to has received Bible lessons from you. I encouraged him to write to you and allowed him to use my address. I have delivered the gospel material you sent him which included Bible Basics and I am explaining some scriptures which he finds difficult to understand.
Bro. Christopher Mwewa
CHINSALI
I received your letter and the message it contained together with the Revised Version of the Holy Bible, ‘The Ways of Providence’, ‘Women in the Church’ and five copies of Bible Basics. I pray to God that He gives me time to go through them and get to understand the spiritual guidance they contain. I appreciate all you are doing as a very good example of Jesus’ instructions to his disciples in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Reading Gospel News reminds me of many things that we go through as believers in Jesus, but our stand should not be shaken by circumstances that come our way, but we should always remain united in the Lord and pray for one another as we wait for the Lord’s day.
The book ‘Women in the Church’ is very interesting to read and understand, more especially to us in Christadelphian communities. I wish I had material to translate into our local language. I have a lot of interest in spiritual books and if you have any other titles please send me some more, as I shall be very glad to receive them. “Even so, come Lord.”
Bro. Charles Kangwa
KABOMPO
I am grateful for the study materials, especially the book, ‘Questions on Daily Readings, April-June’. The book is an excellent study material and if there is another copy for July-December please send it to me for it will be useful with my preaching contacts in Kabompo or wherever I may be if it be God’s will. I informed the Kabompo ecclesia about the effect of bush fires in Australia on our brethren and thanked our Heavenly Father for protecting their lives so that they can give glory to the Lord our God and to his Son, Jesus Christ. Material loss is nothing in the sight of God for the Lord Jesus Christ came to save our lives from sin and death, not from loss of possessions of this world. The Lord also does all things good, or bad, for His purpose (Isa 45:5-7).
We are praying for the Christadelphian Advancement Trust work that you are doing, together with Bro. Duncan and other brethren and sisters in the U.K. I again forward names of other people who would like to receive and study the Bible Correspondence Courses.
Bro. Reuben Musole Kaambeu
The great assistance given for the fraternal was very much appreciated. This year, Bre. Arnold Kunda and Dennis Kombe were the speakers from C.B.M. (Z.) Committee.
Topics of discussion included:-
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Correct methods of recording the income and
Expenditure.
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Jesus and the Law of Moses.
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Jesus as our representative.
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Question and answer session.
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Ecclesial life.
I am requesting you to assist with books, leaflets and any other spiritual material if it is possible that may help the students. The rich blessing of our living God be with you until we meet in the Kingdom to come.
Bro. Charles Muhupu
KABWE
I am glad to inform you that Gospel News has arrived and also ‘God-Spell’. Please keep on sending me books as you know that it helps me a lot and especially nowadays when we are in the last days and we must read the Bible and other books about God. Here, in our country things are not good; we have many problems at this time, including employment, crime and prostitution. It is true that we have to be on our guard and study the Bible as things are changing every day. I want to encourage our brothers and sisters worldwide to be firm in the Word of God, especially at this time when the whole world has financial problems. False preachers will arise and deceive many, so please let us wake up, watch and let no one deceive us. Let us put on our helmet and fight back whatever will come our way because we are on a long journey, so let us not be like a vehicle which has a breakdown.
Bro. Greenwell Kunda
KAFUE
Greetings to you in the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Thank you for responding to my call for help and putting my letter in Gospel News. May God richly bless you. The nature of our problem as a family is actually shelter. The house we stay in, which was partially built for me by my late son, has just been partially roofed with asbestos sheets leaving the other rooms, where children sleep, open and exposed to all weather patterns that we have here in Zambia. This poses great danger to us, especially in the rainy season, when most times we are forced to spend nights in my bedroom to avoid being soaked. Because the type of roofing already on the house is that of asbestos sheets we are requesting that we be helped with the remaining 18 x 3m sheets.
Bro. Lotson Kayuni
KALOMO
We are all OK at Kalomo. We are halfway through building our ecclesial hall, using some poles, grass and muddy bricks; it is much better than our previous one. At present we are busy maintaining the surroundings where we have a small playground for soccer, mainly for our Sunday School, though we have no good ball. At the roadside, about 30 metres away from the ecclesial hall, we put a small box with C.B.M. literature for passers-by to read or take away to spread the gospel. If you have copies of English and Bemba Bible Basics, different types of leaflets, pamphlets etc. please send some to us and they will really help greatly in ministering the gospel to others. We have a programme to hold a one-day preaching session when we will invite the general public to attend. This will be the best time to distribute some pamphlets and you may have more cassettes for some choirs, or messages we could use on that day. Please do support us in any way possible for the gospel to go to every door of every house.
Bro. Harry Hambula
KAMUCHANGA
With the Global Financial Crisis of the world today, here in Zambia I am sure that we, the Zambians, are the people who have experienced everything – a) Job crisis and b) Global Financial Crisis. In particular, in Mufulira where I am staying, the job crisis took only two months from November to December 2008. Many companies in the mines sector were thrown out and many employees lost their employment. Just imagine, many employees got their loans from the banks and after spending their money on buying cars, renovating their homes, buying all they needed, their jobs were finished and their banks got everything from their last payment. Many people came back with nothing in their pockets. All businesses have gone down and many people have gone away from their own towns. Many people who bought cars, houses and anything for their homes sold them again at the cheapest price. This has happened to Mufulira Copper Mine and lastly to Chililabombwe K.C.M. Many have suffered and felt the pinch of the global problem. We see from the newsletter that our large countries have suffered in the same way and many will still suffer and I am also badly affected. Your letter collection from the world teaches us very much.
Bro. Katongo Mulenga
KASAMA
I write to find out how I can be helped with some books. I have been a Christadelphian student and I have finished the lessons from my two tutors. I am very grateful for what God has done for me through these two ladies, may God bless. I am hereby requesting a Bible with references, as here they are very expensive.
Binwell Musipi
Thanks a lot for the chemistry book which I received, and may Almighty God continue to protect you. I also received Gospel News, which I would like to continue to receive. As you know, I was at a College where I had been given a place to do Secondary teaching for three years (Diploma), but I have been transferred into a School for Civil Engineering, which will be a three and a half year diploma.
Willie Kanage
KAZEMBE
Last Sunday I was called to exhort in English and Bro. John Kasanda helped me tremendously to translate Bible language using the Bemba Bible. The brothers and sisters had no difficulty in understanding. I feel this is the right method of praising the Word of the Lord and to understand Glad Tidings magazines and Gospel News in English, which every member is receiving regularly. After all, each member has a son or daughter aspiring for a higher grade in secondary school, who can act as a translator at home.
I have three farm areas, one around my house, another 1 km away at the Old Pantaleo’s village and the last one where, bananas are found, sugar cane, etc., is at the shore 2 km away, where fish trapping is another hobby. I am sorry to hear of bush fires in Australia and I pray that the powerful arm of the Lord will stretch forward and quench them.
Bro. Vincent M. Mwense
LIVINGSTONE
I am truly with you, trying to serve the Lord as best I can. Despite all problems we stay firmly in Christ and see you as our loving brothers in Christ, for so many things you have done for us. We really appreciate your wonderful work, for I am always receiving spiritual food which is such a blessing for reading and teaching the community about the work of Christ and to prepare ourselves more for his return. I am now out of hospital but my health is very poor at the moment. I was very ill, in constant pain and I could not walk. I thank God that I am a bit better now and ask for your prayers in this situation.
The Livingstone Ecclesia are well. Thank you for sending me the Middle East News. Please continue encouraging us to spread this news worldwide. The Middle East conflict is a sign that the Lord Jesus will come soon to establish his Kingdom. I really feel grateful for your concern in sending me reading material, which is so important and encouraging to our hope, especially now, when we are walking through all our troubles. We must hold on to this hope because it is our only hope, to keep strong in our faith and pray to God always. Read 1 Sam. 8:10, 17-19. God in earlier times provided Israel with kings who were to deliver a good service to the nation but they failed to give the people clear direction and purpose, many became too concerned about their own position. This is what is happening in many countries today. Leaders are engaged in corrupt activities and are busy stealing public funds, building the best homes as part of their investment and other resources. They do not consider poor people; workers are going on strike due to poor salaries and some people are living like wild animals. The country now seems to be motivated more by personal gain. I urge all brothers and sisters, whatever difficulties we may face to hold on to that great and precious Hope before us and pray for God’s Kingdom to come so that bureaucratic behaviour and sorrows may be over. We all look forward to the return of our Lord.
Let us think of the court of the Gentiles. John 2:13-16.
The encroachment upon the Gentile court by the priest salesmen of sacrificial animals and birds is an indication of their degeneracy and also a symbol of how the whole religious service was debased. Instead of a house of prayer it had become a den of thieves. The object of the Jews’ desire was not righteousness but wickedness. The Jews are a type of our natural sinful life from Adam. Should we follow the bondage of the Law? The choice is ours brothers and sisters, to choose the path which leads to destruction or the path in the service of Almighty God and have the promise of God, everlasting life; the way of God or the way of man. No one makes us do wrong, we do so because we want to and we find sin pleasurable. The way is prepared for us, Jesus is God’s manifestation in the flesh, justified in Spirit and is the only Name given among men whereby we can be saved and inherit the coming Kingdom.
Bro. Caphes Sikanyika
Appeal for Carpentry Course notes –
N.B. Our Brother wishes to become a carpenter and would appreciate any do it yourself type of books with diagrams of how to do various jobs. M.H.
LUSAKA
Thank you very much for everything you have done and are doing for me. This gives me courage. I mentioned in my previous letter about a laptop. I know that you cannot help me with it at the moment but I am asking if you can manage to let me have a mobile phone, which is more advanced so that I could send my articles via your e.mail address.
Bro. Stephen Siamabi
MAZABUKA
It is because Jesus is our Mediator that we put all our prayer requests before our God through him who is our Saviour. It will be lovely when Jesus returns to set up God’s Kingdom. I feel and pray that his return is soon. The present severe problems with the world’s finances and Israel’s latest events are a sign that his arrival will be soon. Let us pray that when he comes we will have been faithful and by God’s abundant mercy be part of the Kingdom.
Thank you for sending more reading matter. It was kind of you to tell me that you had T.B. when you were young. Thank God that with the modern medicine we now have the possibility of quick recovery. I am a bit better with the help of medicine and am feeling the love of God’s healing each day. I do pray that all your work will be done by God’s grace.
I have written an article and hope it will be of help to you and for consideration for Gospel News. We are experiencing the hardest economy ever with meal meal prices rising as well as almost everything else, which makes the poor more destitute. We are one and the same in Christ and when need arises like hunger and illness we must do all we can to try and help out and carry each other’s burdens.
Bro. Gideon Hankomone
MICHELO
Michelo Ecclesia
MUZOKA
Muzoka Sunday School
NABOYE
In your letter you advised me to send a picture of the work in progress at our meeting hall so that you could put it in Gospel News. Enclosed is a picture of our meeting hall together with blocks, which I mentioned in my letter. I am second from the right. I have to praise God all the time and give thanks for everything we receive daily. Our way of life is the best way of preaching to most people around us. May the Lord continue to protect us in all the troubles that are upon the world.
Bro. Josiah Siame
Naboye Meeting Hall
NDOLA
I am happy with the books you sent to me – ‘The Man David’ and ’ Where it Happened’. I am reading them at present and hope that I will learn something from them.
Bro. Harris N. Mulongesha
The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ
Jesus was born to Mary of sinful nature. Read Luke 1:30, Heb. 2:14-18 and Romans 8:3. Because of our sins God sent Jesus. Read 1 Tim. 2:5. Jesus was born of our nature and tempted as we are also tempted. Animal sacrifice cannot take away sins, only Jesus Christ took away our sins. Read Heb.10:4 and Gal. 1:4. Jesus has power given to him by his Father to plead or speak on our behalf, as our Mediator. We are now in Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Jesus Christ died for our sins and the Old Testament sacrifices were a shadow of Christ’s sacrifice.
Bro. James Mwanza
PEMBA
Thank you for the encouraging literature received and especially for all the updates from around the world, which are such an interesting link to the world situation and Bible truths about the present day and we see that, God willing, the problems in our particular area will eventually come to an end. Bro. Kelly Simambula of Kafue visited us and spoke about this topic as well as other issues of concern. I trust that God will soon intervene in the world and we know that He is always in control, overruling every situation.
Thank you also for the books you have sent which equip our ecclesial library, we make good use of these. The financial situation has hindered us, to some extent, to share our literature with others, unless we meet at the Bible Camp. It is good to see people asking for Bible Basics locally. It is so important to try to look forward to the coming of Christ and it is comforting to see so many signs that the time is near when our Master will take over and bring the present world situation to an end.
Bro. Wilfred Chibomba
BANKET
I would like to thank you most sincerely for your lovely informative letter and I am delighted to learn that you had a nice time on the island of Malta, where a baptism was conducted. There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who think they do not need to repent. We are ambassadors for Christ and our major task is to go into all the world and preach the good news to all creatures. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. May the Lord bless and keep you and we all look forward to the time when we will rejoice together in the Kingdom in the mercy of the Lord.
I would like to thank you most sincerely for your invaluable help. Every item I got from you is put into our ecclesial library for brethren and sisters to read and we are benefiting greatly. If there are tracts that we could translate into our local language and use them for preaching we would be glad to receive them. Thank you for the papers, which update the events in the Middle East.
Today, buildings are erected on foundations made of concrete. Before cement came along, the ancient builders used to lay huge stones for foundations. The builders had to pick and choose which ones would fit into the design for the house. Some were discarded because they were unsuitable. Others, when used, became an integral part of the building. Once in place, they served a valuable function and could be said to have come alive.
In the Bible, the people of Israel considered themselves to have been rejected by the world but chosen by God. So was Jesus. He was the foundation stone of a new building, the Ecclesia. As the rock on which the Christian community was built he was a living stone.
The world still rejects him. It thinks his values are too idealistic, his way of love too weak, his power confined to a few trivial areas of life and his significance limited to being only one of a range of religious options. But he is still the stone God uses on which to build his community. From him comes the grace that grows and strengthens the Church that bears his name. He is the source of the Spirit that empowers his disciples. At the end they will see that the kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever. (Rev.11:15).
Bro. David Banda Yelulani
BINDURA
Thank you for the Gospel News, Glad Tidings and Bible Basics, which reached me OK, I have also received a new Bible from Bro. John Butler via Bulawayo. I have not been able to attend my ecclesia in Harare for a long time because of transport costs as it is 90 km away. As I am unemployed lack of money makes life complicated and both my parents have recently passed away and these bereavements have given me a lot of problems. We read in the Bible of these signs of the times, such as famine, untreated diseases, uprising of nations etc. and look forward to the coming of Christ.
Joseph Mucheri
CHEGUTU
Thank you for the materials that you sent, which are a great help as I have a big task of teaching students in our local language, so I need to do extra study and research in the Word and I need Bible Basics and other literature for the students. Recently we had four successful interviews for baptism and four more sheep were added to our number. Still there is a great work needing to be done. Pray for us. As Servants of Christ. “The Challenge to Serve”. 1 Cor. ch. 4
v.2. “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Yes, it is our duty to act likewise as we have been given light to lead the world out of darkness, let us be on the hunt and overcome evil.
v.3. “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court, indeed, I do not even judge myself.”
v.4. “My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord that judges me.”
v.5. “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time, wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” Paul’s words to the Corinthians encourage us that our duty is to serve the Church with the Word. Let us be hard workers in the Lord and the Master is waiting when our duty ends. If we read the Word and meditate we will not go astray.
v.7. “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” After reading this verse I looked at myself, looked at everything around my room and saw everything I had received. Basically I have no need to boast about myself, only our duty is to be disciples of Christ. We received the Word and need to pass it on. We should not have any bad thoughts about our dear brethren. The world belongs to God. I have brought nothing into the world and I will carry none of life’s trappings out of it. However, we pray like Nehemiah that in the day of our resurrection we will be remembered for good.
CHEGUTU
In May we held a Preaching Weekend at Chegutu and the theme was Love, Hope and Faith. On the Friday brothers and sisters from Chegutu and other ecclesias, students and the Sunday School started to arrive for the big event at around 3 p.m. What a wonderful start it was and the Word was shared from speaker to speaker and everyone was greatly moved by the Spirit Word. Time for supper arrived and our sisters prepared the local dish and it was very much enjoyed. The evening programme started after supper and talent was shown from individual groups and all participated in musical items, drama and quiz. The Lord was with us as we went for sleep late, after 10.p.m.
The next day, Saturday was a big day, as after the morning service we went out for the Outreach and distributed C.B.M. material and preached at local shopping areas and other locations. All was done and the Lord was with us and about 12 contacts were interested in doing the lessons and joining us. After the Outreach, back at the school it was time for the five students to be interviewed and four were successful. The Lord added to our number as we had one mind and heart, It showed how we at Chegutu are doing concerning the Word of God. So far this year we have had about 8 baptisms and God wiling, many will be added to the House of God. Great events were done and happiness was shown among those present.
Then Sunday arrived and all was done in remembrance of Our Dear Lord, who died for us on the cross. After the main service there were other activities until we had to break off for the night. Monday was the day of saying goodbye as we had to leave for our different places after discussing the positives and the negatives from the weekend. Everyone concluded that we had achieved our goal and must have another such gathering. We have seen how it strengthens our ecclesia over here. This is the first time in Zimbabwe that we have had such an event arranged by local brethren, so we have seen that we have matured spiritually and can do great wonders if time permits. It was wonderful and enjoyable to be there. Photos were taken to show how it was done and about sixty people attended the weekend.
Bro. Farai Phiri
Chegutu Preaching Weekend
Supper time at Chegutu
CHINHOYI
I write this letter to inform you that I am now a Christadelphian brother. I have been baptised by Bro. Lungu. I had been thinking about baptism for a long time and am very glad that I have made the right decision. I write to inform you that as Sis. Mary Woodgate’s student I wish to continue studying the Bible Lessons. I have also heard about the Gospel News publication and am very interested to make a contribution. I have a poem and a lesson about the Saviour who was cursed on our behalf and I would be happy if my writing could be included in Gospel News.
Bro. Tinashe Mberengwa
I will glorify His Name
I lift my hands to you
higher, higher, like an eagle
in distant clouds
praising your name aloud –
I will glorify your name.
I will go over the mountain top
spreading your message time and again,
for in you I’ve seen something
far beyond my eye can see –
I will glorify His name.
Jesus Christ, a man of wonders,
love is what we’ve learnt from Him:
Glory be unto you my Lord
and for that
I’ll glorify your name forever!
Poem sent in by Bro. Tinashe Mberengwa
Jesus never tried to please people. (Luke 4:28-29)
He never told people what they wanted to hear but what they should have heard. Because his words penetrated their spiritual stubbornness and pride they affected them in different ways. Many accepted the challenge of his words to righteous living and, at sacrificial cost, gave their all to follow him. Others bitterly resented what they heard, for he revealed their sins and weaknesses and they were afraid when they realised that he knew them so well.
Today the words of Jesus have the same penetrative power and basically produce the same reaction. There are people who respond with cheerful readiness to obey his every command because they have caught a vision of what life can become if it is lived in harmony with him. Their love for him is expressed in willing obedience. Few people deliberately reject the challenge conveyed in the words of Jesus, but they are adept at side stepping his invitation to a new and righteous life. The time is inopportune, the inconvenience discipleship could cause among workmates and friends, and numerous other excuses are all evasions to the call of Christ to “Follow me”.
When Christ presents a challenge he speaks to the heart and not only to the mind. His words possess a healing quality that, when applied to life, bring the peace that passes all understanding, into the experience of daily living.
I’m no longer staying at Banket. I’m now in Chinhoyi. I am attending the services together with brothers and sisters of Chinhoyi.
Bro Calvin Chitano
Thank you for everything you have done for us in Africa, especially in Zimbabwe. On behalf of my fellow brethren I would like to say, “May the Lord grant you many more years to come”. Your teachings are so good and easy to share with others. We all appreciate your effort.
Bro. Gift Lungu
CHIPINGE
Thank you for Gospel News. It is nice to hear how other brothers and sisters are coping in this tense situation; the likes of Sisters Nina and Ludmila and others, reading of their age and how willing they are to preach and also those like Alexei and Vera and others I have not mentioned but we read about them in Gospel News.
There are now goods in the shops here, fuel is available, schools and hospitals are also open again. Right now we are busy harvesting. We have already finished harvesting beans, soya beans and ground nuts and we are almost half way harvesting maize and sunflower we haven’t yet started. Very soon we will be introducing what we call Village Bible Education – we want to reduce time spent going out preaching since this new initiative will attract local people to our farm and teach them the Truth while we are here. Please pray with us that this will be successful.
We have decided to change the method of preaching and decided to do everything on the farm. So far we have one lady who has completed Bible Basics and her husband has also requested to join the studies. Also a pastor from a local church wanted to join the studies and there are also ten boys who are doing the Introduction to Bible Basics. We are also doing the book ‘Speaking about Jesus’ with the boys every Saturday. I am doing all these activities under the programme “Village Bible Education Centre”, but to follow our Lord Jesus’ command, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16.
Bro. Moses Dhlakama
CHIREDZI
I would like to thank you for the book, ‘The Death of the Cross’ that you sent to me. It has helped me and every other Christian who has borrowed it to read. It is very enjoyable with lots of reminders of the days to come. Is it possible for me to obtain the pamphlets, ‘Campaign of the Kingdom’ and ‘A Brief History of God’s World’?.
Currently I am employed as an office orderly at the Triangle Sugar Company, Tongaat Hulletts, Zimbabwe. I was born on 27/04/1971 in Zvishavane Town, have five children, am married to Stella and we have been together for the past 18 years. My children are doing Sunday School lessons with Bro. Stephens of the C.B.M. My father was laid to rest in August 2008 and my 80- year old mother is still living. Please pray for my family.
Our mission is to preach the Word of God in every corner of the world like the Apostle Paul. We have a big job to do and God will judge us if the message is not sent to those, after knowing the goodness of God.
Bro. Mobie Siziba
CHIREDZI
Brothers, I am so pleased to tell you that the books and materials you sent to me I have received safely. I got the reading glasses and a book ‘The Real Devil,’ which I am enjoying a lot because now I am ready to answer most of the questions asked by a lot of people around my work place and the community. As I stay where people believe in different doctrines, I am trying my best to teach them the Truth revealed in the Bible, written by different authors under inspiration. The Bible teaches us God’s purpose for his people and those who believe in Him and his Son with all their heart and strength.
I tell those brothers and sisters who stay in isolation that if we feel lonely in our struggle to keep faith with God, always remember that Jesus Christ is close beside us even though we cannot see him. 1 John 2:1 says, ‘My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin, but if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Jesus brings us comfort. John is saying that in our struggle against sin we have the comfort of Jesus to help us because he is beside us. If we feel weak in our faith, if we struggle against opposition to our preaching, or have personal problems in our lives, if we reach out to Jesus he will be with us.
Bro. Abel Dumbu
CHISAPE
Lovely greetings in the name of our Saviour as our mediator. My father, who had been ill for two years, since November 2007, has now fallen asleep. When he was seriously ill he was admitted to the General Hospital several times and discharged without any change. Instead of getting well he was getting seriously ill and since I was the only man among his daughter,s the task was on me to look after him and I became bankrupted. We can only pray that our Lord will return and restore us from all these calamities. I just remember Job when he fell on temptations and all his sons and belongings perished. He said, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Bro. Weston Kamota
CHISHUMBA
‘Judgement to Come’ arrived safely, thank you very much for a book well written. Can you please send me any book you may have by the same author. I am taking this opportunity to let you know that we of Chishumba Ecclesia had six baptisms on 28th December 2008. The newly baptised are Brethren Frank Chigariza and Wilbert Munyaradzi and Sisters Lorraine Chigazira (nee Kamutikaoma), Heather Chadra, Letwin Chikwata and Eunice Tigere. May the Lord of peace guide them in their walk to the very soon coming Kingdom. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Bro. Norman and Sis Grace Kamutikaoma
Alas, alas Bro Norman Kamutikaoma of Chishumba (Magunje) died in hospital after a short illness on 26 June. He was 66. We do not yet know what he died of, but his death came not long after the death of his wife, Sis Grace, and his 7 year old grandson in Harare. He will be sadly missed by the ecclesia and the community in Chishumba.
Per Bro John Butler
HARARE
Right now I am working on my own as a motor mechanic. The problem is that I don’t have a toolbox. I am therefore renting a toolbox, and the money I am paying to rent the tools is half the price of the job I am doing.
The situation in our country is now stable. We thank God for hearing our prayers. People in this area are asking for more books, especially the one on Bible teaching about homosexuality. Please send some if you can. Thank you very much.
May God bless you for the job you are doing.
Bro. Noah Thom
HARARE
I am well here, trying to do the will of God and attending the meetings of remembrance of our Master when I can. I always remember you in my prayers. The situation in our country is better but still the economy is shaking, not stable. At the moment I am looking for better employment, as I would like to prepare for inputs for the next rainy season, buy food and other items for the family. Please pray for us, everything is possible with God. I am working hard in the vineyard, the ground seems to be fruitful and more literature would be good for gospel proclamation at this end.
Bro. Stanford Kuuzha
KADOMA
I have received the book ‘Life in New Testament Times’, which is very useful, even though non-Christadelphian.
I thank you for all you have done for me and continue to do. Present Day Events and write-ups are good to read, enjoyable and stimulating.
Bro. Itai P. Tembo
KWEKWE
In his mortal life Christ was establishing a Kingdom on different principles to most kings. He called men, not to authority, but to service, the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak. Those who possessed positions of power or had talent or education had a greater obligation to serve their fellows. To even the lowliest of Christ’s disciples it is said, “all things are for your sakes”. “The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Among his disciples Christ was in every sense a caretaker, a burden bearer. He shared their poverty, he practised self-denial on their account, he went before them to smooth the difficult places and soon he would consummate his work on earth by laying down his life. The plan and ground of salvation is lore. In the Kingdom of God those are greatest who follow the examples he has given and act as shepherds of his flock. “This is the message that you have heard from the beginning that we should love one another.” Christ laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our life for the brethren. “To him that overcometh,” Christ said, “will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and I will write upon him the name of my God, I will write upon him my new name.” Rev. 3:21,
2 Tim.4:6-8, 1 Cor.9:19 & 10:33, 1 John 3:11-16.
Submitted by Bro. Raphael Mutoma
MUTARE
I want to thank you for the books, which you sent to me. I am interested in the Word of God and the coming of our Lord Jesus to the Kingdom in Jerusalem for the resurrection and judgement of all the dead who have died in Christ. Here you never know what is happening, but Jesus, the Lord, knows everything everywhere. The problems that are happening in our and other nations are very difficult. It is like waiting for the second coming of our Lord Jesus, no one knows the day it will be, as we are breaking bread and drinking wine with the brethren and sisters to remember his body and blood, we hope he is coming soon to rule the world.
Thank you very much for the notes on the daily readings. I think it was a nice visit to Malta for a baptism and also Bro. Duncan had a good visit to Egypt and Burma.
Bro. Henry Kushata
Thank you so much for continuing to send me literature, which is very important to me. The inclusive Government has helped us to have enough food but rents, electricity and water costs are still high.
Bro. Gilbert Tevere
RATELSHOEK
There are more students at Ratelshoek, developing an interest in learning the truth and hopefully they will ask for baptism (God willing). We had a nice meeting with the two brothers from Triangle, Elifasi Mlambo and Taurai Mudodo, who were baptised at Rimbi on 19 April. My sister, Sis Barbara Makendeni is a member of Triangle ecclesia and she is very willing to receive Gospel News and was asking me for a Bible Basics. Her two sons Phillip Collins Chimuse, 13 years and Leonard Amos Chimuse, 10 years will be joining the Sunday School at Chiredzi.
Bro. Farai Makendeni
Bro. Farai Makendeni soon after his baptism in the Tanganda River in 2007.
SHURUGWI
We had a good time with Bro. John Butler and his son-in-law Bro. Jeremy Hulme, for the A.G.M. so we met more brethren and a few sisters. The members of my ecclesia are quite old with only three sisters and five brethren and we meet at my house once a week and then every month we meet at the large ecclesia in Bulawayo.
I am a farmer with 35 hectares of land but I do not have much experience with farming. If you could please help me to get a book about farming I would be grateful. I would like to plant tomatoes and to keep chickens, pigs and cattle for milk. I want to sink a borehole for the garden. So far I do have a small dam.
Bro. Lulu Kazomponda
ZVISHAVANE
I have written this letter to request if you can send me 10 copies of Bible Basics in English and 3 copies in Zulu to give to contacts who are on the Bible Correspondence Course. Bible Basics has become a strong tool to those seeking the Truth in the Word of God. Keep up the good work in preaching the gospel worldwide.
Bro. Sibangani Maka
