News from Africa

news from botswana

The Botswana group of brethren and sisters is meeting every Sunday and having Bible Classes on Wednesdays at the home of Sister Madii. This is very encouraging.

news from cameroon

DOUALA

I had a bad experience with bandits attacking me. But again I tell myself that God is with me and we have to experience all such trials from Him. I am committed to standing firm in my faith.

Bro. Guy Walter

news from congo

Do please join us in prayer for the global situation so that the Almighty God provides strength and increases faith to His sons and daughters in this deep sorrow the world is going through. Anyone can see that the global sorrow goes from bad to worse in some cities of the world that has negative impact even to (some) Christians and requires the help of God so that one remains stout in the faith. Thus, we require your prayer support for the recurrent trouble in Congo, D.R. that touches the ecclesia and its members as well. Let us pray one for another

Bro Kims

At Bible study

At breaking of bread service. At the middle position you will see Brother Kims conducting the service.

news from ghana

All is well with us here. Sometimes, whilst I am in isolation, I do not always feel I am as I often visit. My nearest ecclesia – Accra, is about 198km away from my home region! I enjoy fellowship with those of like faith, sharing other things in common and sometimes spending a night or days before or after the Memorial Service.

The Ecclesia recently designed a card – looks like complimentary card, recipients are informed of Christadelphians’ beliefs and meeting place. It opens up discussion anywhere, any time one finds us. It is really a GREAT NEWS FOR THE WORLD!

I have found more comfort in the reading of the Bible through Bro Roberts’ Reading Plan (The Bible Companion). reading the Old Testament once and New Testament twice a year.

Sometimes we tell our pupils here the syllabus allows about 70% of the teaching work whilst they take part of the remaining 30, at their own accord. We should get people interested in the Reading (and study) of the Bible, daily through the Bible Companion. There and then can our introduction of Biblical teachings/doctrines be taken seriously. This will be overshadowed with divine intervention, if God wills. This is why we are really saved by grace. God has seen the effort through our zeal for His word, just like the Eunuch in Acts 8;27-38! Lets pray for God to make a way in our clients’ hearts.

It was another surprise to have another welcome package! The Real Christ and the fifth edition of Bible Basics! in a completely new style, very well designed. The other leaflets are also much appreciated.

I've enjoyed the introductions to the two books and one wonders how often the average Christian make use of his or her Bible. We need to be serious about this and take the readings seriously.

Wonder Wornyo

news from kenya

BUNGOMA

A good leader is one who brings people to the kingdom by living and preaching the gospel. Being Christians, everyone is a leader now, Jesus Christ being the Light of the World.

John 3:16: ‘For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’

Sis Gentrix Mutabasi

Sis Gentrix Mutabasi and Sis. Beatrice Wechuli

Thank you for the good work of God you are doing to let people know the fundamentals of the true doctrine. I also appreciate much your helping hand in sending me the book, ‘The Real Devil’, which now continues to set my strong base in the true faith.

Without any prejudice it is a great treasure that we, the human race – people perverse and sinful in nature – are being elevated to an equivalent position with Christ, the only Son of God, and therefore becoming partakers of the Divine nature like Him (2 Peter 1:4). In Jesus no sin was found, though born of a human mother and had our very own nature.

However, this elevation and the high profiling of the human race is conditional. Not every being has been given such an honour and unspeakable love of God freely, but only to those who believe in Him (John 1:12-13). So the choice is with everybody, which will ultimately determine the fate of each one of us, to either resurrect to the crown of eternal life or eternal punishment – death.

However, people seem to be less concerned with the doing of God’s will and even those who call themselves ‘Christians’ seem to have hidden agendas besides the one they are known for. They often behave in surprising ways. They are ever busy with the perishable, thinking in material terms and ever worried about how to better their future lives, as if they had the power to dictate the length of their lives and to exactly tell whether they will be living in the next minute or not.

The grace of God is upon all of us, that we may believe Jesus whom God sent into the world so that we may be saved. John 3:16. John goes further to give us certain and encouraging promises in chapter 6 verses 39 and 44. Our bodies will not be lost eternally in the grave but one day, already pre-determined by God and in store, we will be resurrected and rewarded each as his/her measure deserves. May God bless you plentifully.

Bro. Grffin Wafula Wanyama

Thank you very much for your letter, including another one from a contact. I also thank you for the lessons that you are sending him. I can see he is a very good student. I will soon write to discover his whereabouts and tell you.

Bro. Clement Fwamba

I have been appointed as an elder for Luuya ecclesia and now am leading about 80 people of whom 65 are baptised and the rest are friends. We are delighted to announce the baptisms of 11 candidates, among whom are: Roger Mayemeso, Syiredia, Voilet, Pereina, Silas, Janet, Daisy and Fridatt. May they run the race to the Kingdom with every blessing along the way. Due to this, please could you send me some copies of the Bible Companion so that I can distribute these to them?

Bro. Boniface Juma

Bro. Boniface Juma, Kenya.

BULIMBO

I have enjoyed “Why are we Here?” book and it has made me thirsty for more literature. I converted to Christianity from the Moslem faith in 2003, so I have been a Christian for seven years.

I have been ill, but have managed to read the Bible every day following the Bible Companion system. Gospel News enables me to keep in touch with what is going on.

Bro. Emmanuel Joumer

I was very happy to hear from you because not so many people have reached this year 2010. There have been many disasters of floods, accidents, ferry failure and so on. This is a sign of God loving me and you to keep us communicating year after year until He will say ‘enough.’

Thank you again for Gospel News and its enclosure. Thank you, and may God bless the work of your hands. Sincerely speaking, my friends are very interested in reading more copies of Gospel News, and I usually share with them my copy which you send me. My faith is not the way it was before I started reading the copies – now I am bright in the Lord.

Sis. Imelda Nasilumbi Makokha

CHWELE

Thank you very much for another letter with news about daily events, about Israel, and for your promise of some old Christadelphian magazines sent by sea mail; we hope we will receive them soon.

Bro. David & Sis. Jacklyne Wanjala

Bre. Patrick Sava and. Moses Wekesa finishing the flooring of the latrine of Makhange CBM Plot.

ELDORET

Communication within Families

• Be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; genuine caring and concern. Colossians 3:12-13.

• Intellectual devotion and careful listening – James 1:19-21 (Note) Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. Human anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose.

• Verbal affirmation – As ‘high’ as you want your marriage to go, your words must go there first. ‘Her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her.’ Proverbs 31:28

• Love ‘speaking the truth in love.’ Eph.4:15; Proverbs 3:3-4. Kindness and truth are the balance. Do not keep resentment in your heart because it will become aggressive, negative behaviour. Real love must contain truth and real truth must contain love.

• Faith – have faith that God is the God of truth and that He is able to work in your mate’s and children’s lives. Proverbs 3:5-6; Heb.11:6

• Surrender your speech and ways to God – Romans 6:13; Eph.4:22-26. Commit your communication to the Lord – Psalm 141:3 ‘Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips.’

• Seek wisdom – Ecclesiastes 7:1-19; James 1:5-6,19, 27.

Bro. Jacob Okoth

KABABU

Sister Jane Akingo singing to the Ecclesia

Bro John Odhiambo singing a Hymn at the Ecclesia

KISUMU

The book of Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that ‘There is a time for everything and whatever happens has its purpose’. We therefore should stand and remain firm in whatever critical conditions we are undergoing. All that we see and experience are tests from our God, and that doesn’t mean that our Father is not a God of love; He loves us, but tests our belief and the amount of love we too can give Him in the light of our circumstances Eccl.3:18.

Our Heavenly Father cannot forget His children – He is always alert to help His people. I therefore urge my fellow brethren to stand firm and learn all purposes of God and His principles which will bring us to His Kingdom. Isa.49:15-16.

Bro. Richard Oduma

KITALE

I was very happy when I came across a book entitled ‘Wrested Scriptures,’ and another, ‘Why Are You Here?’ in one of our quarterly Bible Studies, when I travel 15km with our friends. For that I was advised by Bro. Martin Chemiati to request a copy from you.

Also we looked in the Gospel News and found ourselves to be behind. Brother, we shall be very happy when we receive another copy and we would request some Bible Companions.

Bro. Herman Kisabuli

MBITA

Our ecclesia is moving very well. The Bible says that if you see problems and strange things around you, that means the day of the Lord is near. I’ve seen that our Lord is ‘at the door,’ so I’m requesting our brothers and sister to watch, because our Lord could come at any time. Jesus told us that if the owner of the house knew what time the thief was coming, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Nobody knows the time of Jesus’ coming, so we must keep on watching.

Bro. Daniel Ogembo

MOMBASA

I am really being blessed with our Gospel News articles contributed by our brothers and sisters from all over the world. By reading through, I hear some of our believers in Christ are suffering after believing the Truth. I have nothing to help them other than praying for them, that our God of mercy will keep them till we meet in His Kingdom.

I am enjoying Duncan’s books which you sent me, especially ‘The Death of the Cross.’ I should be grateful for a book or a leaflet explaining the day that Jesus died, according to Matt.12:40, Jonah 1:17, 2:1-2.

Bro. Edward Kunikina

NAIROBI

When we read the history of migration in Kenya, we are told that the Bantus group (i.e. where I belong) migrated from Congo Forest to the place where they are settled now. It seems our land (Kenya) was not settled. They came to this place and got it by chance. In this life, there are so many things we get by chance: for example, the job I am doing today, I got by chance.

When Jesus spoke of going to heaven, he told his disciples he was going to prepare for places for them and return. This place is the Kingdom of God (John 14:1-3). For you to be one of the people who will inherit the Kingdom of God on earth, you have to see that you abide in the law of God always, and keep yourself pure in heart (Philippians 4:8).

Bro. Samuel Maruta

NAHIWA

I rejoice that the Breaking of Bread gives me the opportunity to remember Jesus and to celebrate his resurrection; to acknowledge that neither the cruel, excruciating death on a cross, nor the burden of this world’s sin could keep him in the grave. I am assured again of his eternal presence and his promise to never leave me nor forsake me; and to accept by faith the hope that only he can give (Hebrews 13:5-6).

When one views the memorial service from this perspective, the things I once thought were important suddenly seem so empty, so meaningless and so insignificant. Our worship, praise and thanksgiving will give us strength and encouragement to pursue our path to the Kingdom.

Bro. Allan Ketoya

NANGO

I am glad to write to you and let you know that I have received your letter, the leaflets and other enclosures and wish to thank you.

This year, we have had some rain and right now every area of Kenya is very green, and farmers are now getting vegetables from the farms freely, and water, which used to be very scarce during this period of time, is in plentiful supply now. We thank the Almighty for His gifts to mankind. The rain has both blessings and problems, however.

When I read the Newsletter on current events and Middle East events, I am convinced that our Master may come any time now and when we least expect him.

I hope you will continue to send me some more spiritual gifts by sending me Scripture-based reading material, while we are awaiting and preparing for the Master’s return.

Bro. Raphael Aimo

I am grateful to you for putting me on your mailing list for Gospel News and hope to share it with my school mates. The Present Day Event articles you enclosed are also very useful, for they add quite a lot of value for their support from the Scriptures. So please continue to send me those items, as the signs keep appearing while we are waiting for our Master’s soon return.

Erick Obhiambo

NDALU

You know the work of a pillar in the house of God. The material you have been sending to us frequently has created Bible awareness to many, and it has also revealed to us hidden verses in the Bible and their meaning.

I am happy to see many signs of the near coming of our Lord Jesus being fulfilled during my lifetime. Yet the Bible gives us warnings of a time of trouble such as never was. This has enabled many believers to make several Bible studies to help keep us ready for the coming of our Lord.

Bro. Johnstone Kaliwanga

SINDO

I was happy to receive the latest Gospel News, and took time to read of the welfare, the love of brothers and sisters at Haiti, and the work of the Gospel there. We need to pray for them and give them more spiritual help and fellowship.

The Gospel News must be given first priority as our link to listen, and observe the work of real witness to the Truth.

If you desire in your heart to do the work of God, you will do it. Your heart of devotion and your strong desire to be a witness for the Truth will contribute to the success and the revelation of God’s truth to the people around you. ‘As a man thinketh, so is he.’ We are therefore warned all the time to observe carefully what is before us. Proverbs 17:3: ‘the Lord tests the heart.’ Verse 22: ‘A joyful heart is good medicine.’ The Bible is full of references to the heart, but above everything we must never forget to walk with God all the time.

I have schooled my heart, my thoughts, desire, vision and imagination since I was baptized in Christ on 21^st August 1976 in Nairobi by Bro. David Rowley. My desire is that God will turn the hearts of my family to come to the Truth so that we can worship Him together in the Kingdom of God on earth when our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ rules the kingdoms of this world. (Rev.11:15)

Bro. John Onani

SUNA

Besides thanking you for the good articles you are offering in Gospel News, I have a request to make. So that I am not left behind when people are talking about the times and the things which happen worldwide which indicate the end times, I would request that you print the part indicating the Bible quote. In many magazines I can read the Bible quote, but when it reaches the place where the book is written you find it faded – so please can you make it clear?

Bro. Samuel Masara

SUNA MIGORI

Following signs of the times prophetically, we are living in the last days. There is an urgent call for each one of us in the mission areas to rise to the plight of our brethren in endangered zones. Thank you, in collaboration with Carelinks, for what you are doing for the brethren in Haiti and all Christadelphians worldwide.

The study of the word of God is profound. What we think we know, we may just partly know, or we may not know completely. As those responsible because we have studied, heard the teachings of prophets and apostles, let’s scrutinize the underlying circumstances. They shed some light in an area that has been marred due to ignorance. The die has been cast, we are either for, or against. Time keeps on ticking, the decision we make today has a far-reaching effect on our position in the Kingdom to come.

Bro. Joseph Onyango

I am very grateful for the books I received, which will be very helpful to me and others here in our Ecclesia. I received 11 Bible Basics, 5 ‘Women in the Church,’ and ‘The Real Christ.’ These I have distributed to brothers and sisters and also to our contacts, who are now ready for baptism.

I have requested our area elders to organize and come to my place for interviews and baptisms, God willing.

Bro. Samuel Masara

TONGAREN

May I praise God, the giver of our life. This way Tongaren Ecclesia is very strong in our faith, only waiting for our Brother Jesus to come and establish his everlasting Kingdom on this existing earth.

Yes, brother, due to the complications which affected our former address, some of the letters are being lost, possibly by the Post Master. Due to this problem Tongaren Ecclesia has opened Box 83 for faster communication for letters and other documents. All the mail sent via Box 259 has been lost.

Brother, nowadays I am having problems with reading the Bible – I need a Bible written in bigger print and in modern English – if you have such a Bible please help me. The one you sent me is printed in small letters and I have a problem reading the Bible daily according to our daily readings.

Bro. Isaac Kapa

news from malawi

BALAKA

Thank you for sending the ‘Christadelphian Expositors’ with some other literature. In answer to your question, my wife was baptised into the Christadelphian faith in 1990 and I married her in 1994 and we have been blessed with five children. I was baptized in 1985. Many of us bought our own Bibles from the Mission Centre here, so the Bibles are not a real problem but if possible could you please send ‘Bible Companions’ because many of us do not have them.

Bro. Edson Makwecha

The Balaka Christadelphians would like to thank you for remembering us in many ways with books, prayers and newsletters. Here in Malawi this year we have experienced spells of drought, mainly in Balaka district, Chikwawa and Nsanje, so we have nothing to harvest from our gardens, which is why we need your prayers. God is God and is good always. Please send us more English Bibles and Sunday School books.

Bro. Micky D.S. Mbawe

BOLERO

There is no room for thinking we have got nothing to do. “The rich shall not give more nor the poor less…”. God has set the contribution at an amount which every single member of that congregation could afford. The brother or sister who might think they have no talent could not be more wrong. So what is demanded is this enthusiastic, generous giving of all our talents and blessings so that the brethren put in charge have to say, “Stop, we have got more than enough for the work of the Truth.”

Bro. Lajanga

Bro. Lajanga and friend.

CHIMIMBE

We do need some books at Chinamwali for use in our Church and also a Bible Reading Planner as the one which we had was lost in the house where we lived that collapsed due to the earthquake earlier this year.

Sis Maicock

DOWA REFUGEE CAMP

You know that we are considered heretics and hated by our former friends in the JWs. Despite this condition we are still preaching the word of God as it is and we want to do more in this noble ministry. We have relodged our application for freedom from this place but no feedback. Please pray for us.

WE were very pleased to have a helpful visit from Brother Thomas Mleso to our Ecclesia of 9 Brethren, 5 Sisters, 5 children and 4 very interested contacts making a total of 23 and we meet in a temporary hall the Camp Administrator allows us to use. In addition to the regular breaking of Bread meeting we hold regular Bible Classes and the following are some of the topics recently discussed. –Satan, - the war in Heaven, - the sons of God came into the daughters of man and they bore children to them. (Are the sons of God spoken Genesis 6: 4 Angels or not?). - Jesus, son of God or God?, - Sheol, hell.

Thank you very much for the literature which is a great help to us.

Bro. Innocent

Photo: Bro. Innocent, his wife and children in the mud house they built in the camp.

WE were very pleased to have a helpful visit from Brother Thomas Mleso to our Ecclesia of 9 Brethren, 5 Sisters, 5 children and 4 very interested contacts making a total of 23 and we meet in a temporary hall the Camp Administrator allows us to use. In addition to the regular breaking of Bread meeting we hold regular Bible Classes and the following are some of the topics recently discussed. –Satan, - the war in Heaven, - the sons of God came into the daughters of man and they bore children to them. (Are the sons of God spoken Genesis 6: 4 Angels or not?). - Jesus, son of God or God?, - Sheol, hell.

Thank you very much for the literature which is a great help to us. We received the Bible Basics with great joy and are distributing them in the camp. We still need more Bibles in French and more of Swahili hymn books.

Bro. Wabene Ikola Bernard

DZALEKA

After a long time of there being only one family in fellowship God has increased the number of His followers here in Dzaleka Refugee Camp as follows:- In April we received Bro. Wabene Ikoh with his wife, Sis. Sophia Kilinda and their children, from Lugufu Refugee Camp, Tanzania. We have also received Bro. Shadrack Ngambi from the Democratic Republic of Congo together with his wife Elizabeth. Now the number has increased to six baptized members; four brothers and two sisters. With God’s blessing, perhaps our number will still increase. Despite our number we should not keep quiet as we have also five contacts and 10 children for our Sunday School. We meet twice each week; Sunday and Wednesday. As for the Breaking of Bread, we used to contribute some money among us to get bread and Coca-Cola (instead of wine), but this has become difficult sometimes because this contribution comes from food we receive from the UNHCR. Being a small quantity it is sometimes difficult to organize the whole service.

Bro. John Abwe

GONDA

The gospel news is spread in so many different ways:-

1. Cornelius received the gospel through a vision first and then Peter preached to him, Acts 10:3-8 and vs. 17-23.

2. The Philippian jailor received the gospel through a great earthquake which opened the door of the prison house because of Paul and Silas’s prayer. The jailor trembled with fear and needed salvation and Paul and Silas preached to him the gospel, Acts 16:25-33.

There are many other examples or how the gospel was preached in the first century after Christ.

Because of the drought I left the family and went into town to start working and was employed as a temporary worker. If God wills, I will become permanent in Bharat Trading Company Ltd. which makes tourist thing, even though there are less Safaris. There is a proverb which says that half a loaf is better than no bread. I am happy to tell you that in this working factory I continue to help people reading Bible Basics. At this time one family is interested in this Study and I gave him a book and he is also to receive a Bible Study course, as I did.

Bro. Robert Folley

Bro. Robert Folley with his wife and children - “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children, and thou shalt talk of them when though sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deut.6:6-7).

KADEWERE

If possible, please send me more articles and items for reading. At present, here in Malawi we have a shortage of rainfall; the maize stalks are drying up which will result in famine later this year. The rice will not be cultivated, even in the Government scheme, because the rivers are unable to sustain enough water for irrigation.

Bro. Kenneth Maganger

KASUNGU

I am living in a mud hut thatched with grass and its windows are nailed with sacks empty fertilisers sacks. If we want to go shopping we borrow a bicycle and cycle for about 30km. A thief can easily steal without breaking the house so I am living in unprotected shelter. We face a lot of problems in this rainy season, especially when it is raining during the night. If we eat potato leaves today then it means that tomorrow we will have cassava leaves and the other day pumpkin leaves. We repeat this as it is a cycle, so we have nsima (a product of maize flour and water) and these leaves as our relish.

I lost my good days when I joined the Public Health under Globe Funding. Most of the time we get our monthly salary after 50 days but sometimes after two months and we always get a one month salary no matter how long they have delayed us. I thought things would change; we were just saying maybe this month, maybe this month, until two years have elapsed and now in June this year we are finishing our third year with the Ministry of Health and by June next year we are finishing our temporary work. We are the lowest paid class in the whole Ministry of Health. Our fellow Health Surveillance Assistants (H.S.A.) are paid much higher than us. Even a maid, cleaner or ground labourer in the Ministry of Health is higher than us.

We need more English Bibles and other books. As for Bible Basics in Chichewa, I am sure that every brother and sister in Kasungu has their own copy. There are very few who can speak English.

Bro. Harmony Ntchalachala.

Bro. Harmony and Sis. Susan studying the books of Ezra and Nehemiah while sitting on a mat.

Bro. Harmony with his youngest son, Glesta. Leversey is carrying a small chair.

MTENTHE

One day as Jesus was teaching, a rich man came to him and asked him what he could do to gain eternal life. Jesus told him to keep the commandments. The man said, “Which ones?” Jesus named several of them, and the rich man said, “I have done all of these; what else do I need to do?” Jesus told him if he wanted to be complete and mature in his Christian life, he should sell what he had and give money to the poor.

The young man was unhappy with what Jesus told him and with a heavy heart walked away, unwilling to pay the price that Jesus had asked of him.

Why is it hard for a rich man to be saved? A wealthy person is one who has many earthly possessions. He is one who has more wealth than he needs to live. When someone is so well supplied beyond what he needs, it is hard for him to be saved. In Hebrews 11:6 we read, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God), for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

When the rich young man came and asked Jesus what he could do to have eternal life, Jesus knew what his problem was. The young man’s problem was that he was breaking one of the first commandments (Exodus 20:3) e He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

- ‘you shall have no other gods before Me’. This man was trusting in his good works to save him.

The Bible often refers to wealth as a hindrance in doing God’s will. Too many people are too concerned for their own welfare. Jesus said, ‘Your Heavenly Father knoweth that you have need of all these things. But seek you first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’ (Matt 6:32-33).

Romans 10:12 says, ‘The Lord Jesus is rich unto all that call on him.’ Here we can see that true riches are in being saved. Again in Romans Paul says, ‘O, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God’ (Romans 11:33).

“With God all things are possible,” but we must put our lives under His control. Paul says in Romans 10:9, “if thou shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved”.

Bro. Henderson Sosola

MZUZU

Thank you for sending me the book entitled ‘The Real Christ’ which has aroused much interest in so many brothers and sisters here. I have experienced a lot of trouble of mind due to my one and only brother’s death and the sickness of my only son, who is suffering from skin wounds which started first like blisters or burns over a year ago. I have taken him to the local hospitals as I cannot afford a private hospital but the treatment has not helped him.

As the time of Jesus’ coming is near lots of strange events are happening in this country, including sexual immorality between men. Also over thirty earthquakes have occurred in this northern region resulting in leaving many homeless in Karonga, Rumphi, Mzuzu and Chitipa.

Bro. Dutch Mphayah.

I always appreciate all that CAT is doing for us and for all your encouragement. It is good to hear what is being done for brothers and sisters in Haiti, because of the earthquake disaster. It is my prayer that the Lord God may continue to bless all that you are doing. I very much appreciate the batch of Bible Basics which are very useful for serious friends who may be interested in our beliefs. Many thanks for introducing me to a Bible student; I am delighted to have his name. I marked the work he did straight away and am waiting to have his response. Lastly, I want to report that this year at least there are fewer areas that are experiencing hunger due to lack of rain and moreover some areas got rains very late and this has contributed to the lack of enough food in other places. However, the general experience here in Malawi is that the worst months for food shortages are January and February of each year.

Bro. Sylvester Tembo

NENO

There are four men, three of them teachers, who are very interested in being baptized and I hope that soon they will be and that they will also benefit from the books sent to me. I have six sons and four daughters and eight grandchildren who will also benefit from these books, and, God willing, there is another grandchild on the way. We all know that Jesus lives and will live for ever and that is our hope that as we do better we will also be like him. We have the hope that soon he will be coming to make the world free from current problems and bring people back to God.

Bro. A.D. Liwawa

NGABU

I am the firstborn in our family and go to school in Saindi, I am in class 4 and like playing netball as my best hobby. One thing I like most is praising God as my Creator. I am a Christadelphian member, as my father is an elder of Tigwirizane Christadelphian Church here in Ngabu area and I am also choir-mistress of this Church. The subject I most like is English, because it is our international language. I was born of a poor family and my mother died when I was only two-and-a-half years old.

Sis Cynthia Wyson Sozinyu

Sis Cynthia Wyson Sozinyu

NKANDA

It is God’s purpose to reward His faithful people with eternal life at the return of Jesus Christ. This eternal life will be spent on earth. God’s repeated promises concerning this never imply that the faithful will go to heaven; only Jesus went to heaven and he promised his followers that although they could not go there, (John 13:33), he was to come back to earth and be with them there, (John 14:3). Our salvation and eternal life will be experienced in a bodily form, (Romans 8:11-23).

Such honour and privilege inevitably bring responsibilities, yet these are not designed to be too heavy or onerous for us. If we truly love God we will appreciate that His offer of salvation is not an automatic reward for certain works, but a loving desire on His part to do all that He can for His children to grant them an eternal life of happiness through their appreciation of His marvellous character. Never are His loving eyes away from us; never can we forget or undo our knowledge of Him.

Bro. Lyton John Nkanda

Brothers and sisters of Nkanda Ecclesia, from right to left – Bro. Lyton John, Bro. Fabiano Zimbulani, Bro. Aubry Zimbulani, Sis. Kwangule, Sis. Sambu Jumbe, Sis. Ides John and the young boys Clement and his brother.

Bro. John Moyo, grandfather, born in 1901 and baptized in 1997 at Nkanda Ecclesia.

Bro. Lyton John

SALIMA

I am running short of ‘Introducing Bible Basics’ for a number of scholars, which are increasing. I also only have a few “Bible Basics” both English and Chichewa. There are indications that more people now have a zeal to learn what the Bible teaches through the Christadelphians, only that the study materials are inadequate. Most of them are able to read and understand our vernacular language which is Chichewa.

Concerning people living in my area, I have now found five members who wish to meet me at their doorstep to convene an indoor meeting on the issue of the truth of the ONE GOD not Trinity, the Sabbath day and true worshipping.

Bro. Austin F. Nyirenda

With greatest sorrow I wish to report that we have lost my beloved wife Sis. Nellie, who fell asleep on 2^nd May after battling with pneumonia. The brotherhood gave us a very strong moral and spiritual support and she died at Mulanje District Hospital. Please pray for the three boys who were following the Truth under her guidance.

Bro. Ignatius Maluwa

NB. We send our deep sympathy and love to our Brother and his family.MH.

TSANGANO

Here God is still loving us. Please send as many copies of Gospel News and other magazines as you can because every two months we receive three or four new members who join us from other churches. We have opened a new Church called Gomo La Mpingwi which started with 25 members but has now increased, so we need more literature as we obtain much knowledge and encouragement from it. It is very difficult for us to communicate through the internet but the time will come when we will do so. We want to thank CAT for the wonderful job they are doing in sending us this literature. It is wonderful that, as God’s children, we can eat, drink, sing and share what we can as Christians. You talk about some of the problems you are facing when you are sending some of our materials. Let us ask our Heavenly Father to help us deal with all problems as we depend on you to send us Bibles, and other things to help our lives in Christ.

Bro. Peter Mbingwani

Left, Bro Samisoni Massina, Middle, Bro Kondwani Nkhoma, Rt, Bro Selemawo Gama. The Elders of the Goma la Mpango Ecclesia

ULONGWE

I am still suffering due to the car accident I have already told you about. Please help me because I am in danger of hunger and I do not know what to do with the children that are looking after me as I am not working.

Bro. Harry Benito

news from nigeria

ABA

I have received Bible Basics in English together with the Gospel News am very grateful especially in helping me and others to a greater spiritual understanding in our walk towards the kingdom of God. I will like to continue receiving Gospel News and one Bible Basics for a sister who is interested in it. It is heartening and encouraging us as we learn more about our brothers and sisters world-wide.We are pleased to announce the baptism of Bro. Henry Ugorji Okorie who has been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. May the Lord preserve him in his ways and desire to further develop our Ecclessia in ABA.

Sis. Elizabeth Ojike.

 

CALABAR

The Gospel Publicity League news on the World Watch, the Benefits of Yahweh’s Secret of Events, comments and Bible quotations has reached my hands. I have to thank the Almighty God and you for the pains, time and money spent to send this news and information to me.

With all these events that are taking place we should be expecting the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ at any time now. May the Almighty God grant us that love and grace to be with our Lord in his coming Kingdom. Amen.

Bro. Igani U. Eteng

ENUGU

We are here praying for the help of our Almighty God. I praise all of you who are trying to contribute one thing or another for the welfare of others. For us here, our conditions are like Haiti. There is no earthquake here, but our situation is almost the same. Lawlessness is rampant, and everything is scattered. Brother Dafydd’s team who were to have visited us were not allowed to come East because of kidnappers and dangers to their lives.

Is it not better that when the earthquake occurred, although people suffered, both the wicked and righteous alike were swept away. Those who have faith, however, are assured of waking in resurrection when Christ returns. Here we live among evil people who affect our daily lives. All our prayer is that our Father, who is in heaven, will send His Son Jesus back to us here, so that we will not see death.

Our landlords are disturbing us by increasing house rent without notice: not everyone should seek to build houses – we are travelling only towards Jesus.

Enugu Ecclesia’s members are all well, by the grace of God. We all went to the gathering – about three hundred miles away. We left in the morning and finished our journey in the evening. We spent four days there.

Bro. Goddy Nwosu

IKWUEKE

In most cases when things are tough or something is lost, people do not want to blame themselves. They try all means to blame either someone or something. They want to be sinless and innocent. I think it is very good for everyone to look first and examine or judge themselves, because God sees all and knows our thoughts (Heb.4:13).

The sin of the first Adam, who brought sin and death into the world (Romans 5:12), the second Adam (our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ). brought life into the world, He commanded us ‘Go ye into all the world and preach to every creature’ (Mark 16:15).

Over the centuries there have been many changes in church thought, belief, customs and outlook. Yet there is but one Gospel, one God, one Lord Jesus Christ, one Hope of Israel and one true Bible., which are unchangeable.

Sinner, I ask you: will you open the Word of God and check its teachings with current belief? The result may be amazing to you, but it will give you satisfaction and reassurance, and a peace that passes understanding. After all, life without God (Deut. 6:4) AND HIS SON (Matt. 20:28) is barren and meaningless.

Bro. F. E. Enyiogu

news from tanzania

KIGOMA

The members of Nyarugusu II Ecclesia would like to appeal for help in order to make a Garden Project. This kind of project is fruitful to brothers and sisters because we are in a troubled situation in this camp. We are suffering from a shortage of food at this moment, but our project will be continuing.

We cultivate cabbages, onions and tomatoes. That is why we come to ask for your help with tools, etc. In the ‘photos you see how the inundation has broken a house, and we are still accommodating brothers until the rebuilding of the house is completed.

Bro. Daniel Sabuni

In the recent heavy rains parts of Musoma is were flood and 45 families had to migrate to other places and they lost their belongings.  No death is reported except there was also a road accident caused by a bridge as it went off with the water and 45 people died  and five taken to hospital. This happened in Mwanza Region... the world is full of disasters.

Good News, one Bro John joined the breaking of bread after Bro. Michael Owens interview. God is great there are also three more contacts  for next year God willing. We are all doing well.

Sis Monica Achieng

Sister Monica and her family, except the little boy, a neighbours child

news from uganda

BUSIA

I want to thank God for giving us life and the wonderful hope of the Gospel. Since 2007 I have been active in the Truth and have encountered many problems including the loss of my bicycle and mobile phone. At present I am studying hard for the ‘O’ level exams in October and November, and if successful will then proceed to the ‘A’ level course, so I need your prayers for God to help me get a good grade and also to serve Him as I should.

My mother and most of our family have embraced the Truth, apart from two who are keen to do so.

Bro. Mangeni Rogers

BUTIRU

Thank you for what you are doing for God’s people. The Gospel is extending to very many people because of the energetic efforts you have shown in sending books and spiritual notes. I have received all the M-bags at the cost of 9,000 Uganda shillings (£3) charged by the post administration. But due to the help I have found in your literature, I struggled for a way of raising funds until I paid for it.

I promise to use these Bible Basics properly, especially when we meet for Bible Study classes.

Lastly, I would like to request you to pass my greetings and those of my wife to all members of our fellowship, and I request you to pray for me to receive God’s blessing that we may have help to complete our house.

Bro. Boniface Buyeyi Masakala

Scenes from the Sisters’ Seminar at Butiru

Sis. Evelyn Buyeyi presiding at the seminar.

Singing together.

Two visiting speakers from Mt. Elgon.

The Butiru Ecclesia

JINJA

An Elders workshop at the Jinja YMCA which they all found constructive and encouraging – indeed one says it “changed his life”.

Bro. Boniface Masakala, with Sis. Faith Boyd and Bro. Hassan Matzatza.

Bro. Jonathan Johnstone and another brother at the workshop.

LUMINO

The idea of supplying Bibles is very good and necessary. At Lumino and our area at large Bibles are very few and most brethren and sisters share Bibles in the meetings. Visitors just listen to the readings and Sunday School scholars do not have any books apart from lesson books but their teacher has a Bible. There is a need to provide as you did with the Bible Basics last time. With Bible Companions, we photocopy the ones we have and give them to our visitors and those who need them.

Yes, many people are turning to the Bible for their solution to this world’s troubles. I and my family read the Bible together daily. In our Bible Class we do much study in Bible Basics with our visitors. We shall encourage members in each ecclesia to form little groups to read the Bible and Bible Basics together, a few pages or a chapter, and then discuss them together, and the same with our visitors or contacts, as routine.

It is true that the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few, as the Bible says. At Lumino we have suggested a new way of spreading the Truth, by going to the water sources like boreholes, wells, springs etc. where people get water and we get involved in various work like washing all jerricans and other containers, cleaning (sweeping) and pumping/fetching water for all the people around the water source. We also help in any repairs needed in case of any damage. As we do these tasks we talk about God’s Word in the Bible and Bible Basics and we also give out leaflets. The community leaders/members where we visit are so happy with our Bible truth and our work and support there that they visit us in our meetings and Bible classes. What do you think about this kind of preaching?

What you say about the gradual aid to Haiti seems to be true. Our general fund has been cut by 25% and other aids like projects, welfare emergencies and famine problems have been reduced.

Bro. Godfrey Egessa

MADOWA

Let us work for the Kingdom of God, not for the things of the world. Let us fight for eternal life in the Kingdom of God by living and preaching the good news to all people - Luke 4:43. Blessed are you when men hate you because of the son of man, Christ Jesus - Luke 6:20-23. Be spiritually rich in the eyes of God. Jesus said that God has given to you the secrets of the Kingdom of God – Luke 8:10.

Brothers and sisters, we will be in the Kingdom if we seek it and are doing good things for God – read Luke 12:31-32. “I tell you the truth, whoever has left home or wife or brother or parents or children for the sake of the Kingdom of God will receive it.” Luke 18:29-30. Let everybody follow Jesus Christ as did the disciples, Simon Peter, James and John, as we read in Luke 5:8-11.

Bro. Patrick Muboli

news from zambia

CHIPATA

Thank you for “Present Day Events” and other magazines which I feel are very helpful. They help me a lot to know more about events in these last days and things which are happening in this world, especially in Israel. Please do not give up sending me these magazines which increase our spiritual knowledge.

Bro. Donald Mwale

FRINGILLA

Every day our lives ought to be a day of thanks; therefore we are blessed to be alive and we have to give praises to God. Therefore let us change our well-being by denying ungodliness and worldly lusts and living soberly and righteously and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. However, we live with friends and relatives to whom we should reveal the Word of God. Moreover we should not become weak, we should always pray to God to give us strength and courage to do his work in harmony.

KABOMPO

The brothers and sisters are suffering many difficult challenges, unpleasant situations caused by present conditions in the world economy, persecution and other circumstances. It is a fact that hardship creates the right situation for people to consider God. Really, the signs of the times are stimulating at the moment and we wonder how much more have to be fulfilled before the return of the Lord.

Despite all these difficulties our Heavenly Father is in control. Through the magazines we remind one another worldwide of the signs of the times, as it does seem that the coming of the Lord is very near and we all have to prepare ourselves for that – “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto the God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph.5:15-20. The reason is that we are the temple of God.

The Gospel News helps us understand not only events and signs of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ but also it plays a major role in uniting us in the love of our Lord in our walk to the Kingdom, because we read in it news from our brothers and sisters worldwide. This is a wonderful blessing from the Lord and may our Heavenly Father continue to bless you and use you to send us literature to encourage us.

I came to know the Truth and be baptised through the advertisements you put in the newspapers in Ndola in 1979 to 1980. I also thank you for sending me all the books which I use as reference books during our group Bible studies and as library books to lend to my Bible students. I am happy that Bro. Denis Kombe of Ndola has been sending names of new Bible students to the linkman, Bro. David Nicholls and many have now begun receiving their 40 lesson postal courses. We expect the baptisms of three people soon, two men and one woman who have been studying with us.

Jerusalem, the City of the Lord, shall be given a new name when God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11); “And the Gentiles shall see God’s righteousness and all kings thy glory, and thou shall be called a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.” (Isaiah 62:2).

“But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for behold I create Jerusalem a rejoicing and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” (Isaiah 65:18-19). Such will be the lifestyle of the subjects of the Kingdom of God when the Lord rules the world with his saints, who will be kings and priests with him.

We have a huge responsibility therefore out of love for the return of our Lord, to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God and it is for this reason that the Kabompo Ecclesia, of which I am the secretary, has a project known as “Sowing Seed Project”, aimed at enhancing the preaching campaign in Kabompo district this year, using door to door campaign preaching and distributing Christadelphian pamphlets and visiting Bible students, encouraging them to read the Bible as well as to study the 40 lesson postal course.

Really I am not alone, you are with me and I am with you and the Lord Jesus Christ is always with us. We shall do all things by the power of God who sustains our lives for a purpose as it pleases Him. We do not desire riches but we daily seek His Kingdom and His righteousness that we may be found blameless through His righteousness, not our righteousness, for not one of us apart from Him can earn eternity or life immortal in the age to come. Surely no infirmity or illness can stop us from proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, for the love of God in Christ Jesus cannot be overcome by these conditions. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

I have come to learn that all those who preach the Word or Gospel of the Kingdom of God are not loved by the world because they and the world are opposed to each other and indeed, “Who has believed our report and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” Jesus Christ, our Master, grew up as a tender plant, as a root out of a dry ground: he had no form nor comeliness and even when he was seen he had no beauty that they would desire him. (Isaiah 53:1-12).

He was despised and rejected by men. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and people hid their faces from him. He was despised and they esteemed him not. But surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows away, (that is why I do not any longer consider my own illness as a hindrance but a positive condition for me to preach and proclaim what the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished for us. He has provided the atonement for our sins. He has put on us his righteousness, so as to be our garment, lest we appear to him naked at his appearance with his holy angels soon). We should esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted and wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon him and with his stripes we were healed.

Therefore I count myself, by faith, already healed of my disease because I no longer value the present body of sin and corruption, but I regard myself as one of those chosen to put on immortality at Christ’s return. What I hope for is of much higher and of more noble value than the present I seem to possess or be in this world. Then if our Lord opened not his mouth when he was oppressed and afflicted and was dumb when he was murdered, judged and imprisoned, why should I complain about my illness which is a result of my former sins and the sinful nature I am in the moment, which will be swallowed up by immortality at Christ’s return. (1 Cor.15:51-58).

Indeed, our labour, my brothers and sisters in our Christadelphian community worldwide, is not in vain (1 Cor.15:58). So we should be steadfast, unmoveable, but always abounding in the work of the Lord, for our labour is not in vain, we shall behold the glory of God at the return of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Yes brother, the harvest is plentiful but indeed the labourers are few and indeed that is the situation we are in now. I am grateful indeed for your assistance. I was at the farm harvesting maize, so that we may dry it well, following to heavy downpours in February and March. The yield would have been good, however we have enough for our domestic consumption this year to last us to the next harvest. Thanking you for your prayers. We are all well and the ecclesia is well too.

Bro. Reuben Kaambeu

Sis. Carol Bwlaya, baptised 25.10.09.

Si
s. Sarah Kaambeu, daughter of Bro. And Sis. Reuben Kaambeu.

Lilly Musumali – a serious Bible student.

KAFUE

Greetings in the redeeming Name of our Lord Jesus Christ and Saviour. Thank you for all the support you have been giving me in my times of need, which has given strength to my feeble bones and strengthened me in the disappointments I have encountered in all my ways. May God richly bless you and your families.

I have sad news in that ever since I started working last year I have only been able to attend a Sunday service once and I am trying to negotiate with the company to give me a day off on a Sunday. I usually have my day off on a Tuesday when I spend it at the ecclesia cutting the grass and weeding around the area. The reason that I do this kind of job is that I have no one to depend on and some took advantage of my vulnerability, so I decided to work in order to stop this. I am optimistic that the same God who provided me with this job will enable me to attend the meetings again.

It is recorded that the Apostles set about their preaching in just the same way as Jesus addressed himself to converting them. He had showed himself alive to them “by many infallible proofs”, and they were the witnesses to present their proof to the world. (Acts 1:3). The word “witness” is appropriated to them in the preaching. (Acts1:21-22). When

They appointed another apostle to replace the traitor, Judas, they were scrupulous that he must have proper qualifications, having been familiar with Jesus from the beginning and up to the time of his resurrection and ascension, and so be able to add his testimony to theirs. (Acts 1:21). They also invited their hearers to note the intimacy of their acquaintance with the risen Lord. “We did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.” (Acts 10:41)

But they also appealed to the Scriptures in their dealing with their Jewish fellows. So Peter appealed to a Psalm of David to show that Jesus could not remain in the grave, and later in a letter, summed up the evidence of the Old Testament in words remarkably like those that Jesus is said to have instructed the disciples. (Acts 3:22-24). Philip could convert a man who was reading a prophecy about the suffering Christ by beginning at that same scripture and preaching Jesus. (Acts 8:30-35).

Finally, brothers and sisters, let us read the Bible in our everyday life despite the challenges we pass through as we journey towards our God’s Kingdom.

Bro. Stephen Siamabi

Bro. Stephen Siamabi

KALOMO

Bro. Ackim Sikabuli

KASAMA

I lost my job in 2008 so I decided to settle down at our family farm. At first it was hard for me to be living here but eventually I got used to it. You and Duncan are welcome to stay at my house. We are situated about 15 kms. from the town centre. After losing my parents in 2004 and 2006 I look at life and measure it to be meaningless. I think so much about my parents. You never know the value of parents until you lose them. I thank God that he is always at my side.

It is important for you to keep that spirit of encouraging members to be strong in the ecclesia. Here in Zambia it is now the Pentecostals and Jehovah’s Witnesses who are still moving in all corners to have support from the lost sheep. I am once again asking you to send me some Christian magazines.

So many things happen in my village here, e.g. last year an elderly woman was burnt to ashes in her small hut. Then a young boy accidently axed his young brother and a young man aged about 25 years married and with two beautiful children, committed suicide. My own daughter Beliya stopped school in grade 11 at the age of 18 and became a mother, so I am now a grandma of a lively boy. I hope that one day that Jesus will bring you here to see the children you helped to know Christ.

Sis. Jane Bwalya Daka

KAZEMBE

Just after the curing of a damsel, Paul and Silas suddenly found themselves dragged into the market place, lied about, severely beaten and thrown into prison. Paul and Silas had certainly known better days! However the mistreatment they endured did not crush their spirits. About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25).

Then an earthquake hit the prison and all the cell doors flew open. Even the chains that bound the prisoners came loose. When the jailor woke up and saw what had happened, he feared his punishment more than he feared death. Braving his sword, he was about to kill himself when the voice of Paul came from deep within the prison. He said , “Do not harm yourself! We are all here!” What happened next is the basis of this study: The jailor called for lights, rushed in and fell before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:29-30).

There is so much that we do not know about the jailor. Was he kind or cruel? Did he worship in the temples of idols? Before that night had he been spiritually interested at all? Had he heard anything about Jesus or Christians? We simply do not know. What we do know is that he was terrified by his near-death experience and he was thankful just to be alive and to have a second chance. Some power greater than anything he had ever known had shaken the foundations of the prison and his life. Was there anything he could do to be saved?

WE CANNOT SAVE OURSELVES. Before we look at what the jailor was told to do it is important to realise that we cannot save ourselves, we cannot earn salvation and we cannot provide a worthy sacrifice for our own sins. In writing to the Ephesian Christians, Paul stated this clearly. “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph.2:8-9). On another occasion Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “Just at the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly……God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:6-8).

Without Jesus we are powerless sinners, incapable of doing anything that would save us. So whatever the jailor was told to do that memorable night, he was not challenged to save himself; only Jesus can be a Saviour! But the jailor found that there were things that he needed to do to respond to the Saviour’s invitation.

Bro. James Kambobe

LIVINGSTONE

God takes the home to be a very important place in the believer’s life. The family was made by God for the keeping of much that is worthwhile in life. If less attention is put to the home even our progress in life goes down. Home is a means of developing spiritual qualities, one’s fitness for leadership in the ecclesia grows out of a man’s character in the home. There must be a family altar in a believer’s home where the family gathers for Scripture reading and for prayer. The father must have authority in the home and he should use it in wisdom and love. The mother must know that her first responsibility is to God and the family in the home. Father and mother should show a godly example to their children. Both parents must come together on matters concerning the disciplining of their children. God places discipline very highly. (Heb.12:10-11). Some parents spend much of their time away from their children. This is bad because children may suffer from lack of affection. It is important to keep the family unit. In every believer’s home, work for the Lord should be put first. Whether at home, at work or wherever we may be, we should know the fact that we represent our Saviour and so every word and act should be worthy of him and should be governed by him.

Bro. Likando Ileshebo

I thank Almighty God for His love in bringing us together as one family in Christ. We must put our trust in knowing that when we die or when the Lord Jesus returns we have been promised a place in God’s Kingdom and we have no need to be frightened. We should always remember that great and precious promise. Many people today are concerned as to their future prosperity, no longer considering the things of God.

I am sorry for being silent for a long time but now I am able to write and indeed strong in Our Lord. He certainly is the only certain hope in life. A great difficulty has faced Livingstone which we never experienced before. Due to heavy rain many people’s houses have been submerged, bridges damaged and fields washed away.

I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health in preparation for the coming Kingdom. I am happy for the great help to me concerning the book I asked for. It will help me in my plan and I appreciate your concern. Please continue this spirit of dedication for the work of the Lord.

Bro. Caphes Sikanyika

Bro. Caphes Sikanyika

LUSAKA

Thank you for sending Gospel News. Please continue to send it to me and I am very happy if you put my letter in the magazine. I am your fellow soldier in the conquest and advancement of the Gospel and pray that the good God will continue to help, provide and protect you.

Bro. Aaron Samalo

Being lonesome is a situation where you feel neglected with no one to talk to. In life we need somebody; the one you delight. He or she is your companion; you are attached together in one mind and have one common goal. When you are separated you begin to feel desolate. It is not a good condition.

We have such a wonderful being and we are warmly attached to one another. He is our Counsellor, a Saviour, a Prince of Peace, a Lamp of God, the one who cares most. Without him we feel irrigable. Let us call him to our hearts, let him build us because he is a big cornerstone to our hands or our bodies. Winds will come to destroy the building but it will remain for it is on a good foundation whose builder is Christ himself. He is the shepherd, he cannot allow us to perish. See the cross where he died! It is where redemption was won, his blood, a ransom to cleanse us from our iniquities, all our sins covered at the cross of Calvary. “If you obey my commands you will remain in my love; just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” John 15:10.

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude : 21. Read Isaiah 45:5-6 and Isaiah 46:9-10.

Name withheld

Taken at Mulungushi Hotel. Sis. Sarah Stevenson and Bro. Michael Ashton were among others who came from the U.K.. Bro. Joshua Mushili, on left side and Bro. Gideon to the right side putting his bag on the ground.

MAZABUKA

It is always uplifting to read about how others are doing in the Mission Field and testimonies of how others came to know the true teaching. Do keep up doing such a splendid work in the Lord’s vineyard. I had fainting bouts earlier this year and I am glad to report that I am well again, through the grace of God. May God be thanked for all the blessing of health and life we have, not that we are important and that is why we live, but that God has a purpose for our lives. We have only a short time to prepare for Jesus’ return, which will be soon, and may we all be found to be like sheep without blemish at Judgement Day.

The old friendship between the U.S.A. and Israel is beginning to fall apart. This is a sign that the return of Christ is near; Israel will soon have no other friend in the world. This will encourage Israel’s enemies to attack her, which will lead to the last world war and will be the worst ever, with nuclear, chemical and bio weapons. Keep looking at Israel. Pray for God to give the Israelites a soft heart because as things are now, their hearts are made of stones.

I had the privilege of being called by St. John’s Catholic Church to share Bible studies with their youths. I am glad to report that my studies from the Bible Basics were liked and I would like to request more leaflets, books and materials for Bible study.

As we wait for the soon return of Jesus Christ, let us work hard to tell as many people as we can the good news, to bring people to God. Brothers and sisters around the world, can we bring God and the hope of life in God’s Kingdom for all believers and where there will be no more hunger or thirst, to our friends and neighbours: It is urgent! Let us teach the people to accept God and his Son Jesus Christ. Let us make the Word of God plain to them so that they can understand the Gospel, as we learned from it. We are now children of God and a brother or sister of his Son, Jesus Christ. We are now in God and Jesus’ hands and protected. I shall pray for you in this respect as well, to be successful in your preaching efforts to bring more people to safety and I do pray also for God to help us to find ears willing to hear the message of God and understand it, so that we can bear fruits as we labour together in the Lord’s service.

I also pray that we will become a shining example, full of enthusiasm for the Word of life and that God may help us to find listeners to hear the Gospel. I know that we can do it with the help of God and his Son, Jesus. With everlasting love for God, the Creator and Jesus his Son, I greet you all with the brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.

Bro. Gideon Timothy Hankomone

NDOLA

I am going through the public debate, “Are the miraculous gifts available today?” It is a good book and I am enjoying it. When I was looking at the Christadelphian hymn book I came across hymn no. 308. It goes like this:-

Shall we behold the promised land,
Its streams and long down-trodden dust
Delivered from the alien hand,
And given to the just?

Shall we be there with saints of old
Assembled round the judgment throne,
When making up gems and gold
The Lord selects His own?

Shall we with pure and strengthened voice
Join in that saintly choir to sing
And with immortal power rejoice
To praise the chosen King?

Compare Psalm 89:15-17, Psalm 95:1-2, and Psalm 98:4-9.

We know the end, we know the way,

And some with life he will endow,

Shall we be with him in that day?

We make the answer now.

Read: John 6:67-68 and John 14:4-7

Luke 23:42-43

Joshua 24:13-15.

Brothers and sisters, ask yourselves this question, “Will I be there on that day?” As the hymn goes on, make the answer now’

Remember the glory,

Remember the land.

May the LORD GOD’S Good Hands be with you all, Amen.

Bro. Harris Mulongesha

Bro. Harris Mulongesha at the Copper Belt Fraternal

news from zimbabwe

CHEGUTU

All is well over here and the house of God is in order and look forward to the return of our Master. Our ecclesia has a big Sunday Bible Day and it has started on a big note. We do hope that we will continue meeting and upbuilding one another until the return of our Master. The support you are giving us in this time of need is greatly valued. May God bless the CAT. Let us all work for the Lord and he will be pleased with us.

Bro. Farai Phiri

Chegutu Ecclesia

The Youth Group with Bro. Itai Tembo

Sisters preparing the meal

The Sunday School.

CHIPINGE

Thank you very much for the Present Day Events as well as the Carelinks newsletter. These days I am without news as my radio is not working. I used to tune in to ‘Voice of America’ Africa service, where I used to hear news around the world, including Israel. Anyway, God is in control because I am now utilising that time by reading the magazines by Christadelphians as well as books written by brothers. So far I have finished reading ‘The Real Christ’ and I have re-read ‘Beyond Bible Basics’ by Bro. Duncan, ‘My Days and My Ways’ by Bro Robert Roberts, with an appendix by Bro. C.C. Walker and I am now busy reading ‘Christendom Astray’ by Bro. R.Roberts; he was such a clever brother and I am looking forward to meeting him and speaking to him face to face in the coming Kingdom. Duncan helped me a lot before I was baptized. While I was in South Africa he wrote to me and introduced me to Bro. Paul and Sis. Leonie Verster, who later arranged for my baptism. As if it was not enough he travelled from Latvia and helped us to establish Rimbi Ecclesia, in the company of Bro. Paul and Sis. Leonie.

We have started rotating meetings for breaking of bread here in Chipinge north, with Bre. Farai and Simeon, Sis. Evelyn and myself, either at our farm or at Ratelshoek, where Farai and Simeon work. Though things are difficult for us all, I hoped and felt that somehow the means would be provided by God Himself. We are busy harvesting and this season we are going to realize 80% loss because of climate change.

I have received the bound volumes of the Christadelphian magazines. most of them are over 100 years ago and the latest is 90 years. I have also received ‘Bible Basics’ and Bible commentary plus another box with books written by Christadelphian authors. While at home I caught the flu and was given Co-trimoxazole. Another big problem was created as my legs swelled and I was in great pain. I went to see a doctor and he prescribed me another drug. Even though I am in pain I am doing my daily readings and am exhorted to attend to my business in the fear of God, seeking first the Kingdom and righteousness and having food and raiment therewith to be content.

As troubles thickens in this time of the end, men’s hearts are failing them for fear, looking for the things coming upon the earth. Apart from the Hope of Israel how appalling is the prospect!! Having the light of God’s Word upon the situation, we can discern the working out of His revealed purpose and proof in the current troubles that Christ is at the door. May he soon gather together his waiting servants.

On the 16^th July 2010 we met at Rimbi; myself, Brethren. Nyasha, Patrick, Rhobson of Bulawayo. We held two interviews and one was successful.

The 18^th was a real blessed day as brothers of the Chipinge district ecclesia walked to the banks of Tanganda River. It’s still winter here, but that day the sun shone in the beautiful blue sky – a real blessing for the baptism of Maxwell Mashapa. The baptism was witnessed by Brethren Tumai, Nyasha, Shadreck,Patrick, who did the baptism, and myself.

Before the baptism, we read Romans chapter 6. The reading was done by Bro. Shadreck and the baptism talk was given by Bro. Moses, concluding the talk by reading Colossians 3:1-4.

Before giving the newly baptised Brother the right hand of fellowship, we normally sing Anthems 37 and 38, but because everyone had come with our Shona yellow hymnbook, we all read Numbers 6:24-26 together with firm, loud voices.

Bro. Moses Dhlakama

KWEKWE

Through the blood shed for our redemption there are triumphs to be achieved that will bring glory to God and the Lamb. Christ will not be satisfied till victory is complete and “He shall see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied”, Isa.53:11. All the nations of the earth shall hear the gospel of his grace, but not all will receive it but “a seed shall serve him, it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation”, Ps.22:30. “The greatness of the Kingdom under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High”, and “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord” Dan.7:27, Isa.11:9.

The greatest gift of God had been given to the world.
Joy to the poor; for Christ had come to make them heirs of his Kingdom.
Joy to the rich; for he would teach them how to secure eternal riches.
Joy to the ignorant; he would make them wise unto salvation.
Joy to the learned; he would open to them deeper mysteries than they had ever fathomed; truths that had been hidden from the foundation of the world would be opened to men by the Saviour’s mission.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” John 16:19,20.

Bro. Melusi Ndlovu

MAGUNJE

We are fit and strong in the Word of God. My preaching is very fruitful and many people are responding to our gospel proclamation. Your letter and some leaflets of the news of Israel and its neighbours reached my letter box thank you so much. My preaching and campaign giving Glad Tidings books and leaflets in different subjects is so encouraging to students and I need more. We have met Bro. Steve and Sis. Ruth Moore recently and had a good meeting with them. We are encouraged as our redemption is near and we pray that Christ will come soon. Zimbabwe is still a mess and we need your prayers. My Australian magazine stopped coming last year and I do not know why. I am looking for spiritual food from the saints and hope to hear more from you and my brothers in Christ.

I am going to use my talent, my shield of faith; I have put the helmet of salvation on my head to keep it. My mind is protected through the Bible. I am renewed in transformation of my mind. I thank God and His Son every day of my life. Hope to hear from you very soon.

Bro. Stanford Kuuzha

MHANGURA

There is a protection behind the breastplate of righteousness. If we do what is right we will be safe. If we are careful, committed and ethical in all that we do, say and think, we will enjoy protection and victory. Let us then be pure, clean and right before the Lord and before others in all of our attitudes and actions. Our motives – the deep purposes of our heart – must ever be to glorify Him and do His Will. Let us be worthy unto Him so that our names remain in the Book of Life (Rev. 3:4-6).

Justification is just the beginning of our great salvation. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power (authority, the right or privilege) to become the sons of God…” John 1:12. The word “power” is important in this verse, it should be translated “authority” since it is the Greek word exousia. This is a word of privilege, right or permission. Let us take it in this way; when the traffic signal turns green you have the exousia (right, permission or privilege) to proceed forward. If your car runs out of gas at that instant, you do not have the power to go even though you have the authority to go. So when we receive Christ we are given the permission, the right or authority to become sons of God. Similarly, the Israelites had the authority to enter Canaan and possess it, but they perished in the wilderness in unbelief. So as Christians let us receive him, follow him and believe in him for us to become sons and daughters of God.

Bro. Joseph Zishechi

MPATA

I am a brother living in isolation at Chinhoyi rural and I enclose my postal address. I shall be very happy if you will send me another book, “The Death of the Cross”.

Bro. Benjamin Makuti

MUTARE

Thank you for sending me a pamphlet on how to hold a funeral for a Christadelphian. Recently we had a good time with Bro. Steve and Ruth Moore from U.K. We did Bible studies with them and two students were interviewed and baptized at the Wise Owl Motel in Mutare. We are still fighting hard to make sure that most people in Mutare know about the Christadelphians. Most people are no longer using ‘snail mail’, but e-mails and mobile phones for communication and the Post Office’s business is being affected. I will continue writing to you.

Bro. Gilbert Tevere

RATELSHOEK

It was a very Good Friday to witness and to welcome Bro. Simeon Mudhimbayo into fellowship at Ratelshoek. He went into the water in Chibudzana River and was baptized by Bro. Moses Dhlakama. We waited a long time for Bre. Admire and Patrick who failed to come for different reasons and at long last we started the work of God. All went well in peace and harmony, witnessed by four other Bible students who attended the scene. Bro. Moses gave a talk about baptism. The Bible tells us that no one will enter into the Kingdom without being baptised into Christ, a symbol of dying once with Christ under water and rising again with Christ out of the water to a newness of life. Romans 6 and Colossians 2. We enjoyed a nice meal prepared by Monica Mudhimbayo, the wife of Bro. Simeon. She is doing Shona lessons with five other students.

I would like to thank brothers and sisters of Chipinge Ecclesia and those of the worldwide community who gave donations to the Memorial Service for Sis Vheina.

Bro. Simeon was given the right hand of fellowship at Rimbi Ecclesia by Bro. Rhobson Sithole of Bulawayo. To all Chistadelphians in the worldwide community, pray for us here to grow in Christ, and please keep sending us books and pamphlets to let the Word of God grow here at Ratelshoek.

Bro. Farai Makandeni.

Bro. Farai on his horse, Talent.

HARARE (Ruwa)

I appreciate your encouraging letter. As we get older we experience different pains in our bodies and we put our hope of a new healthy and pain free life in the resurrection when our Lord Jesus comes again on the earth to establish his Kingdom. I trust very much in God’s plans and promises to his people, some of which have been fulfilled, such as the seed from, Abraham and David who is our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Also in Isaiah, when God said to Israel that he would scatter them into a foreign land and carry them back to their own land by eagles’ wings. For a long time, since I started reading the Bible at twelve years old, I wondered how eagles could carry people with its wings, but when I came to understand the good doctrine, through the Christadelphians, that is where I found the Truth.

When studying the Bible I find it difficult to explain some passages to those who have no Bible and when you give them a question to answer they need a Bible. I have supplied some copies of Bible Basics to some people who are seeking the Truth. I have a few problems with my two Bibles, which are a King James version and an English Standard version, copyright and edited 2001 in Korea. Both Bibles sound to me as if they have shortened some of the references and some passages are quite different from my old Bible, New International version, which I really loved but which was destroyed by fire in 2005.

I found some of the pages missing or shortened, for example, in 2 Kings when on one occasion some young boys blasphemed, mocked and laughed at Elisha the prophet for his bald head and after Elisha left them they were all eaten by a lion. In my latest Bible versions this passage is just not there. Also in the New Testament gospel record, while Peter and others were fishing, Peter was half naked when Jesus arrived and he quickly wrapped a cloth around himself and Jesus told him that the time would come when he would not be able to dress himself and someone would do it for him. Again, in Revelation a plague of locusts were mentioned which would harm people on earth, a sign of the time of Christ’s return to the earth. The missing of some of these references have confused me as it is written that no word should be added or taken away from God’s Word. Although I am now short sighted and I have searched very hard, I cannot find any of these references in my two Bibles. I have been into a big book shop in town, where I found a copy of the New International Version like my old one, but I was not able to afford it due to the price, so I had to leave the shop and prayed that one day I will be able to afford it.

I am very glad to learn that the good news of the Gospel is spreading all over the world and such news is reaching Haiti and many other places where the gospel is being preached. We pray that God may bless and take care of those preaching for his Word’s sake, and bring them back safely to their homes. I sometimes meet with some hard questions but through the help of our Lord Jesus I try to do my best. Some ask me why we were created black, from which nation, how did it happen and will we be accepted in the coming Kingdom? I tell them that the colour of our skin does not matter only our belief of Jesus’ teachings, repentance and faith and trust in him and his Heavenly Father. God loves all creatures He has created, whether they are lame, blind, deaf or dumb but if we do not worship and obey him we will not be accepted by Him.

Bro. Maxwell Mlakah

TRIANGLE

I was very pleased to see my article published in the January Gospel News. I am still aiming to send you more articles to be published. I have arranged three meetings a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so the scarcity of Bibles has disturbed the studies.

Bro. Tavaremba Mugova

ZAKA

Thank you for the books you sent us, ‘Parables of the Messiah’, ‘He Healeth all thy Diseases’, ‘Dr. Thomas, His Life and Work’ and ‘The Ten Commandments in the Twentieth Century’. Would you please carry on supplying us with more information to guide us spiritually until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. I greet all the brothers and sisters in Christ, worldwide.

Bro. Svuure Faustino

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