News from Africa
The Burundi Ecclesia
BONABERI
Many thanks for those books which you're sending they will help me a great deal. On August 29th I will be 2 years old in the truth, still quite a babe isn't it? I had started reading the “Real Devil’ online some time ago and really loved it. Due to work constraints I could not go through all the pages but managed to print some of them out which I have already given to one of my contacts. With the coming of the whole book this time around at my disposal I hope to make quite good use of it.
Bro Cyril Noze Zang
BUEA
Thanks very much for the New Testaments which are of great use, not only to the youths in fellowship, but also to the brethren,who have gone down on it to revisit some details about Bible doctrine. They help very well, but it would be nice to have the whole Bible.
Bua Moses
Job, in his moments of trial, speaks about our life spans on earth. He uses the phrase, “appointed time”. Job is asking a question: whether there is a time defined for everyone of us as to how long our present lives will be. In other words Job is saying that our days are numbered and that we are as hired servants in this world, therefore meaning that we have a very short life-span, full of worries and vanity. Job 7:13.
In 2 Peter 3:8, we are reminded that one day before God is as a thousand years. It therefore means that nobody has ever lived up to one day, as seen in God’s terms, though some like Adam, Methuselah, etc. who lived above nine hundred years, nearly to a thousand years, symbolically show how man’s life span is very short as expressed in the eyes of the Almighty God.
Job’s use of the words “appointed time”, have got a deeper meaning. The actual Hebrew meaning is “time of service” or “warfare”. Since our days are numbered and we know that we shall die, or ‘fall asleep’, we have to deal with our given life spans like armies do on war fronts, we have to fight sin and spiritual trials as if it were a physical war. When we are able to overcome sin, then it will mean that our time of service (warfare) was a good one.
In Job 14:14, Job says that he will make use of all the days of his appointed time (warfare), until change or reward comes; we are not exempted. Paul writes to Timothy to “war a good warfare”, meaning to fight sin in the flesh, 1 Tim.1:18. Paul later confirms his own fight in 2 Tim.4:7, that he has “fought a good fight”.
In conclusion, while we are still alive in this evil world, a generation of vipers as John the Baptist and Jesus called it, let us please do our best during our probations and war against sin. For our days in this life are numbered, “appointed time”, a time of service like the Levitical priesthood, Num 8:24,25.
Bro Moses Tole
NKWEN
I was enriched after reading your work Bible Basics for Muslims. In fact it has given me a good insight of many things. I'm a born Christadelphian in Cameroon and was baptized in 2003. I'll be happy if you can forward me some of your articles or any book that can help me have a good understanding of the Bible. I also enjoy your editorials in the Gospel News.
Bro. Amin
BUNGOMA
I tried to find the interpretation of the book of Revelation chapter 12 and others, and found that I must have the book ‘Eureka’ by John Thomas and ‘13 Lectures on the Apocalypse’ by Robert Roberts. I would appreciate it if you could send me the latter (13 Lectures on the Apocalypse).
Here we are going on well and I pray to God that in your country there will be peace for the gospel to be spread all over the world.
Bro. Alfred Wanyonyi
I want to send my sincere thanks to you for the letters, the Gospel News and other supplementary materials you have been sending me regularly. It is a tedious task which requires devotion and self-sacrifice. This is so because it’s a world-wide exercise, and I realize how expensive it is.
Similarly, may I also register my appreciation to you for suggesting the idea of a “New preaching and consolidation scheme.” This is an essential project that will help rejuice the shortages of Bibles and eradication of spiritual illiteracy, thus promoting the gospel dissemination.
Bro. Wycliffe W. Wasike
BULIMBO
Our Bulimbo Ecclesia has thirty-two families and we have many friends coming to our meetings, and I have also converted the whole of an Apostolic group. We plan to hold a mini Bible School in our Bulimbo Ecclesia based on Bible Basics and the Youth Activities.
We shall be very grateful if our project is approved by you for preaching the Truth, as the brothers are happy with it. The book ‘Bible Basics’ you have sent us will enable us to preach effectively to those in the Apostolic church, whom we meet with every Wednesday at present. Please continue to pray for us.
Bro. Sadique Joumer
BARATON
We may have a love of the gospel theoretically; we may attend and enjoy the meetings, and in a manner be as strongly in love with the Christadelphian position as the Jews were with their Temple, and yet be lacking in the spiritual element that makes these things acceptable to God as part and parcel of a faithful service. They are good in their place – divine in their place, but if unaccompanied by the sentiment toward God which sincerely offers all to Him, and that disposition toward man which prompts to deeds of blessing and mercy, it may be all in vain. For on the two commandments of love hang all the law and the prophets, and therefore, all the gospel and all the meetings and the whole machinery of the divine service of our day. Therefore, what can we say more to the point than what Paul says? ‘Let us, therefore fear.’ Jesus says, ‘Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be trodden underfoot.’
Bro. Martin Barasa
Photo: Left to right: Bro. Aggrey Wanyama of Luuya Ecclesia and (right) Bro. Martin Barasa of Baraton Ecclesia.
CHERENGANY
The Ecclesia at Cherengany
CHWELE
We are very fine here. Thank you very much for the copies of the New Testament Bible sent to us some weeks ago. We are very pleased to use these New Testaments in our group discussion, be it in the Ecclesia or in our working places. This is so excellent! Many are showing a keen interest in learning more about Jesus and God’s Kingdom.
The photo is enclosed is of friends we discuss with – it was taken during house construction using interlocking bricks (a modern brick-making technique in the area).
Bro. Manasseh & Sis. Doricus Wamamili
Photo: Bro. Manasseh Wamamili and friends. Left to Right: Zebedee, Martin, Bro. Manasseh, Edwin and Evans.
ELDORET
All at once the world came crashing down on a single, innocent man, a man named Job: raiders stole his belongings and slaughtered his servants. Then fire from the sky burned up his sheep, a mighty wind destroyed his house and killed his sons and daughters. Finally Job was laid low with a horrible, painful disease. “What did I do to deserve such suffering?” he wailed. He went in emotional cycles, whined and wallowed in self-pity. Yet, in spite of all these calamities, Job was “a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God , and escheweth evil,...Though God slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him, He also shall be my salvation...So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than the beginning.---
“Brethren I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”(Phil.3:13-14). Forget that which lies behind, press on to the better things that lie before.
“Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Forget the sins which lie behind: if you fail anywhere, if you fall, don’t be discouraged, don’t give up, don’t brood over the sin – confess it instantly. Believe God’s word, 1John 1:9: ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ There is always something better ahead, ‘until we come to a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ’ (Eph.4:13).
Bro. Jacob Okoth
ISHIARA
I am happy now to have a baptised Brother in Ishiara after a long period in isolation; and hope to have some more people knowing the Truth here. It would be a great joy to have an Ecclesia so that we could teach people about the Gospel. I have distributed some Bible Basic books we had – some you had sent to my sister, and I pray that others may learn about the gospel here.
I am requesting, please, more copies of Bible Basics, the books ‘Teach Me Thy Way,’ and ‘Who are the Christadelphians?’ I will really appreciate them.
Sis. Joy Aphaxard
KAKAMEGA
I am writing to acknowledge receipt of a parcel of books for Kambi Muranza Ecclesia which you sent me - thank you very much. As the leader of the Ecclesia, I feel in need of a Bible with marginal references; if you could get me one I would appreciate it.
Bro. Gibson Amesa Ajere
KATITO
The effects of the drought here are felt all over the country. Many people are really starving. Some schools are forced to close down due to lack of water and food. Our politicians are bickering on constitutional implementations and 2012 Campaigns while the citizens are completely suffering. The cost of living has risen from 4.5% to 8% in the last month, and now the uprisings in Northern Africa have increased the prices of fuel. Life is very, very difficult; you can go hungry and at the same time fail to sleep because of the heat at night.
The only remedy that can secure food production is when Kenyans turn to irrigation farming instead of rain-fed. Greenhouses are good near riverbanks, but are very expensive to construct. We also need the type of water harvesting like those in the Netherlands – thanks to LEISA magazine. There are many sources of enterprises but lack of loans from the banks makes it sometimes difficult. If you look at it, we have shown some potential but lack very little assistance.
Bro. Lawrence K’Owiti
photo Bro Lawrence K’Owiti
KITALE
I have received the ‘Good News’ from Mr. Emmanuel Milimo-Tarbo who is far from me. I’m at Kimimiri Centre. The message he gave me is that our Lord Jesus Christ is coming to earth, which was of great concern to me, and I need help through your literature to get ready for this. I am Gertrude Simiyu, and I’m going to make sure that all my family, with my best friend, are with me in this faith...
I received my parcel and I’m very excited, with my family, to have from you the Bible Basics book which will help my family and friends. Also the revision of the studies; many brothers and sisters wanted to take them from me, but I have told them to make photo copies. I would like you to send me a ‘Bible Companion’.
I go to Zurambi Ecclesia although it is 4 km away from me. I understand English well. My fellow neighbours have joined me – they are three in number and they were introduced last Sunday to the meeting.
Dear brother, please help me: I was lost for so many years. I’m 42 years old and have a family of five. My close friend, who I am converting, is Emily Osite.
Sis Gertrude N. Simiyu
Photo: Sis Gertrude Simiyu
The book ‘The Real Christ’ is very interesting and we have discovered a lot of things which we had not known before. We have six members and are expecting two baptisms soon.
Bro. Nasongo Haron
NANGO
I am glad to inform you that I have received the two boxes of Bible Basics and the fifteen New Testaments you sent to our Ecclesia.
Already I have dispatched some copies to some dear friends who needed them to help them enhance their studies of the Scriptures. We are therefore looking forward to some more, since we are planning to have a Bible Studies talk with student members of a certain Secondary School on some Bible topics. The students call themselves C.U. Members (Christian Union Members).
In Kenya, at the time of writing this letter (February), the situation is very bad indeed. The country is faced with one of the worst drought periods and starvation, which has not been witnessed before, and there are no signs in sight that the rain may come soon. The drought situation called ‘Lanina,’ has made many people lose their animals which they depended on, as well as the loss of human life, and it still continues. The real situation on the ground is that many people have died in some counties of Kenya, while animals are also dying daily as a result of drought all over the country.
All these problems are being down-played by those who should feel very concerned. This causes me to refer to Isaiah 11:1-10 for comfort. I hope you will still continue to offer your prayers as well as spiritual gifts to us, as you have done in the past.
Bro. Raphael Joni Aimo
NDHIWA
How are you doing? In Kenya it is the toughest time ever. There is a dreadful famine which has made my feeding programme for the children very hard. But I pray my God to remember me.
I still need more and more books to read, although my eyes do not see well, but I hope God will enable me to see His word, to read it and use it after understanding it.
Sis. Emmy Millicent
Photo Sis Emmy with the children she tries to give a meal to and also tell them about the Bible
NAITIRI
It is with great pleasure that we in Nyange Ecclesia would like to express our gratitude and interest for what you are intending to do for us. Surely many members of the Ecclesia have been undergoing difficulties during Bible studies due to lack of personal copies of the Bible; We hope that your idea of supplying some will help the work of spreading the Gospel.
Brothers, we wish to assure you that your labour won’t go unrewarded – we hope upon the return of Jesus Christ we may all enjoy places in the Kingdom of God which will be established here on earth.
We hope that apart from Bibles, you will keep remembering us in any new thing you produce in order that we may develop our souls in preparation to receive our Lord Jesus. Finally, we hope that our Lord will bless you with financial support to ensure that you enrich people of the world with His word. We wish you all the best in your endeavours.
Bro. Adrian Wanjala
SINDO
I know you love me and I also love you. Proverbs 8:17: “I love those who love me and those who seek me diligently find me.” I shall have to bear my burden of making sure I do the best I can to provide my children with God’s message and to develop their minds to think about and observe His message in the Bible.
By 21st August 2011 I shall have been 35 years in the Truth: I was baptised into Christ on 21st August 1976 in Nairobi City, Kenya, by Bro. David Rowley of England.
I have to trust that with God all things are possible. The Bible is God’s message to mankind, and God’s love is shown by is plans revHHHis plans revealed in the Bible. I am pleased that you have done so much to provide me with spiritual guidance since 1999 to the present day. Every day I face the challenge that men and women in the Faith have faced. We are given the promise of eternal life only if we obey, continue to remain steadfast and immoveable to the end, when we shall be rewarded with salvation.
Unless we follow the example of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we will be punished by death. Only by the Bible message of love through our Saviour can our problems be solved. If you love someone, you must show your love by action. The God of the Bible has shown He is a God of love to all the human race by raising our Saviour from the death of the cross to conquer death and gain victory over sin.
That is why I love the God of Israel, for His love endureth for ever. I seek Him every day by reading His word and by witnessing His message to everyone I meet. For 35 years I have loved God’s message and have sought Him every day diligently. But I have not finished the journey to the Promised Land. Every day I meet challenges and obstacles, but through patience and endurance I shall finish the journey, God willing.
Bro. John Owalo Onani
TARBO
I was very excited as I looked at the New Testament Bro. Chemiati received from you: I also applied for one but I have not yet received it.
I would like to inform you that now the brothers from the U.K. have helped us to open the Ecclesial postal address, whereby we have our keys now, even though the ones we had been using were of our nearest school.
I would like also to have a copy of ‘The Real Devil,’ ‘Bible Companions’ and the ‘Testimony’. Our young people are doing well and the Sisters’ Classes.
We greet all brothers and sisters who are doing the same work with you. May our Lord at his return not forget you – with eternal life and His kingdom we shall rejoice.
Bro. Emmanuel Milimo
We are pleased to report the baptisms of Brothers DAVID, LUKA, ABDULLAH, PAUL, CHARLES, ANDREW, ELIAS, JAMES, PETER, SWETHAN, DANIEL and INNOCENT; and Sisters TERESA, EMILY, ZIONE, FLORENCE, KATE and JOYCE, all on the recent visit of Brother Duncan to the ecclesias in Malawi. May the Lord bless His mighty work in this country.
BALAKA
We have brothers and sisters here that read Chichewa only, so we have problems with English Bible Companions and please help us with Bible Basics books in Chichewa.
I run an Anti Malaria Club and give talks on ways of trying to prevent it, which is primarily through medication and the use of nets, all of which are in short supply. It is a sobering thought to realise that 30% of the adults and children in these photos will die of Malaria, this would not happen if they had the right preventative measures and care it. Young children are particularly vulnerable and I try to care for sixty orphaned children under seven.
Bro. Lyton John
Bro. John discussing malaria with adults.
Group in the Ecclesia’s grounds learning about malaria.
BUA
I am well and I really thank you that I will now be receiving your letters and I welcome all sisters who may wish to write and encourage me in my difficult situations. It was like a dream on a Monday morning in April when I received your Air Mail envelope containing a Gospel News to all nations magazine. I was like a lost sheep but have now found my way to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Luke 10:27. Through the great work of CAT to all nations, many will be able to enter the Kingdom of God. His invitation is, “Come unto me all you that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, Matt.11:28. So it is up to us to pray without ceasing, to live in faith and to do all things with love and to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out more workers into His field. He said, “For God so loved the world (sinners and everyone) that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Our kind and merciful Heavenly Father has provided salvation through Jesus for all who avail themselves of His wonderful grace. So without CAT’s work, “To all nations” we would not have any means of feeling bad about sin, as we would not know right from wrong.
According to Psalm 119 the Word of God is the central thing in the lives of any believer. Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Brothers and sisters, may we all be like the faithful virgins with oil in our lamps, looking, waiting and longing for the Lord’s return. Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong. Do everything in love (1 Cor.16:13-14). May all of us who worship God in sincerity and truth be ready to meet Jesus when He returns.
Sis. Bertha Khonje
Comment. The GN mailing list grows and grows and we need, from time to time to delete some recipients to keep the circulation within reasonable numbers. When we have not heard from someone for a couple of years we write and ask them if they still wish to receive the Magazine and if we do not hear from them, we delete them from the mailing list. In Sister Bertha’s case there had been a change of P.O. Box number of which we had not been notified. MH.
CHIRINGA
Knowing that nothing can be gained under the sun without having JESUS in our everyday life, I sanctify my life to God. Even though I am in the congregation of the Christadelphian Church I require some spiritual materials and I feel glad when I read your Magazine which inspires me in my walk.
Bro. Kennedy Ndaweza
DOWA
I would like to share with you this good news. Last Sunday I baptised six people into the name of Jesus Christ(Acts 2:38) and in the evening we celebrated the Lord's Supper. Many people observed our great and unforgettable events. I do thank you for baptizing me and the spiritual support you sent me, especially the Bible Basics.
Bro. Innocent
DZALEKA
We lack Swahili Bibles and would appreciate it very much if you could help us with five or more Swahili Bibles and song books.
Bro. John Abwe
Some members at Dzaleka
DZALEKA REFUGEE CAMP
I've received the parcel of the New Testaments you sent. I went to a college recently constructed near to the camp, and asked permission for distributing some pamphlets The students were very interested but I didn't have enough literature. So please if you may send me others like: Introducing Bible Basics, Bible Companion and other New Testaments, at least 100 in general.
Bro. Bernard Wabene
Comment: The Christadelphian Advancement Trust sends out literature worldwide thanks to your donations which enable us to print and mail such things. Postage costs have increased radically recently.
LIRANGWE
We break bread and drink wine in remembrance of Jesus Christ till he come. We hear of him and say, “Whom having not seen we love”. The love of Christ is not a mere phrase with the true saint, it is in reality the leading sentiment of his mind. He says with Paul, ”the love of Christ constraineth me.” There is not a more powerful motive among men at all equal to the love of Christ. Nothing binds men so firmly together as a mutual and conquering love of Christ and nothing divides them so effectually as difference in sentiment.
Please send four Bibles for our members who have not got their own.
Bro. Edmund Store
MZUZU
For sure, the life we have inherited in Adam is a wearisome life, for it was said, “by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken, for you are dust; and to dust you shall return.”
No one amongst mankind is exempted from labouring for bread for his sustenance for life, but even then a sinful-laden life has an end in death – “for the wages of sin is death…”
However, had it not been for the love of God for us we really would have been greatly pitiful. Thanks to the ALMIGHTY GOD for Jesus who invites us all to rest in him. This rest in Jesus may be given to any, only on conditions. One of the conditions is to walk according to his precepts. A good lesson for us is Israel. Many of them failed because they did not go by God’s precepts and so they did not enter into His rest – the promised land.
Still more, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God – for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.
On 3rd April, we received Mcdonard Jobe into our Central Fellowship, fulfilling his desire and wish. He is still very weak and pale recovering from TB, the whole ceremony took place at his house. It was all joy amongst us. Again, the New Testament Bibles you sent us are very ideal for our preaching endeavours. Please remember us if you have some more.
Bro. Sylvester Tembo
Photo Bro Sylvester Tembo
NENO
Thanks very much for the books, I have put them on the shelf only to be borrowed and be returned, but one Bible Basics and the New Testament are already given to one of my friends who is very much interested in reading our books maybe one of these days he will contact you as he may be studying the manual.
Bro. Amison Liwawa
NGABU
Thank you for sending me Gospel News which can encourage my friends to know more about the Bible. I would like to give a note to brothers and sisters worldwide who are spreading the Gospel, that without faith we cannot enter the Kingdom of God. We have to take the example of Abraham. God gave him a son, Isaac, when he was old and was also told to sacrifice him. Abraham went and prepared to sacrifice his son because he feared God, but God stopped him as he was about to slay him and God credited it to him as righteousness, Romans 4:3.
Bro. Diverson Folley
Photo: Bro. Diverson Folley
NKANDA
Sis. Mary Banda
Nkanda Sunday School
NKHOTAKOTA
My desire is to teach and have a strong ecclesia here and nearby areas. Here at Nkhotakota we thank God for opening our eyes through the books you sent us. I was a pastor teaching people the trinity which is not in the Bible and so many wrong things. At first I was alone, but now God gave us in all 18 baptized. Also we have contacts in other places, KASUNGU, MWASAMBO,
NCHISI and MNDULUKA. These four places need visits. Let’s pray together that God will help us to reach those who need teaching. Bro. Duncan Heaster was here last month, he knows the situation here.
Bro. Leonard Chaunga
We have received copies of various Sunday school materials, copies of Bible Basics and The New Testament New European Version. Looking at the amount of materials which have been sent to us it is clear that a fortune has been spent on these materials. May the good Lord give back whatever has been lost. We greatly appreciate the effort you are making in trying to uplift our spiritual lives. It’s my prayer that the books will go a long way in uplifting ours and other peoples’ spiritual lives as we look forward to the kingdom of God. It is also of great joy to note that even other brothers and sisters are coming forward with the materials. May God bless you all. Your continued assistance is greatly appreciated. The Sunday School books have been put in our Library ready for use while the other books are under distribution. Some have gone to yet a new district of Mangochi about 400 km from Nkhotakota. This is yet another testimony on the mighty hand of God.
Bro. Esau C Chirwa
NTERALA
Ecclesia at Nterala awaiting copies of the New Testaments
TSANGANE
Bro. and Sis Medson Katopela
ABA
I am a student in one of the universities that is 4h hours away from my ecclesia hall, Because of this I really need books like Bible Basics for comprehensive studies of the Word and proper spread of the Gospel to numerous people around me. I'll be very glad to receive a copy as soon as possible. Once again, I appreciate all your efforts both in preaching the word and in uniting all our brothers far and near through the wonderful work in Gospel News, I'll be glad if I can be getting copies of the Magazine at the University.
Sis Lydia Chidimma Ojike
Our Ecclesia is progressing, with more people coming in and a few leaving the fellowship due to some personal understanding of the Word. My Sister wife and I are still holding firm to our understanding but none of our daughters are with us. The first daughter, who was baptised, married a Pastor from Living Word Ministry in 2006 and had her baby boy in 2010. The third daughter married a C.P.M. Pastor in 2007 and they live in Italy. She also had a baby boy in 2008 and is already expecting her second child any time. These two ministries are all indigenous Christian churches. I do sometimes feel unhappy as I cannot see any of my children by my side in the Ecclesia.
Bro. James Ogbah
ENUGU
You have fulfilled my dream by sending me a box of preaching leaflets. The Customs phoned me and I immediately went for the parcel and when I saw your address I laughed. The officer opened the carton and I saw many pamphlets with the books. I thanked God first, before you. Since then I have spent much time in photocopying and running to and fro. I have had malaria fever but the joy of the pamphlets and your encouragement made me feel less ill. I am living in one room with my children because of the high cost of living here and this time of year we have hot weather and mosquitoes. I hope that in the Kingdom of God all things will be quite different. May I ask you if these are the tracts that Bro. Blackstone told me last September that he had ordered for me and told Bro. Dafydd to sign for me?
Bro. Goddy Nwosu
NYABIONDO
We were very happy to see the first edition of the Swahili Bible Basics you sent to Bro. Masimango Amisi of Goma. He was not selfish with them but shared them out with one book to each ecclesia. As people in the area are Swahili-prone, the books have created a thirst to everybody, so please send 50 books of the kind Misingi Ya Biblia. We also need 50 books in French: Principes Bibliques. You could send the package by post please as you usually do.
We are very happy to see our Ecclesia growing because from 2005 until 2009, the number of baptised were only seven brothers and one sister. Now God has blessed us during this last year and our number has grown from eight to fifteen. Six brothers and a sister from Nyabiondo have been baptised at Masisi, while Masisi Ecclesia has two brothers and Burora only one. We thank God because our area is receiving the Truth and the number of candidates preparing for baptism rises week by week, in spite of the troubles and our ecclesial room without a roof exposing us to the weather.
In the 13th chapter of Matthew’s gospel, the first nine verses tell us about someone who went out with good seeds and threw them out over the land but in different areas: near the road, on a rock, on thorny places and lastly on good land. The results of the different stages could not be the same. In our century, the sowers have become several with a different quality of seeds.
According to the explanations given by our Lord Jesus in the first case, the seed is the Gospel. Now in Africa, many churches have become as non governmental organisations (N.G.O.) and are growing as mushrooms, altering the Truth to obtain profit, in violation of the warning of 2 Peter 1:20 and Rev. 22:18,19.
The artlessness of the majority of Africans has facilitated Christendom to make religion a genuine foundation in which profit of money is the objective, lying to the hearers that they are sent by Jesus is to infringe the Lord’s own words in Matt.10:24. They are attributing to God what He did not say.
What is Christendom sowing now? The speech of the teacher, Jesus Christ, in Luke tells us all. Let us leave him to judge. However, let us meditate on the warning he gave in Luke 18:8, Shall he find the faith in the world when he returns?
Bro. Mumfano Dunia
Nyabiondo Ecclesia studying the Bible weekly. In the right hand corner – Bro. Mumfano.
KEMPTON PARK
Our new Sis Patrizia Straulino, a long time friend of Sis. Aneta from University days, was received into fellowship after her baptism into the saving name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sis Patrizia Straulino
Sis Patrizia Straulino’s Baptism
KWADWESI
It is interesting and encouraging to learn the extent to which other brothers and sisters can go in fishing people for God. As I read the articles I was using a map of USSR, to see the places mentioned. I can see how far apart those areas are, and have learnt how dangerous some were and still are. Thanks to God for his providence, and those man-fishers who are faithful enough and prepared go to deep and dangerous oceans to catch man fish. I got baptized in 1999, having got an advert about Bible lessons in a newspaper placed by Duncan in Port Elizabeth in South Africa. I thank Duncan and Sarah Greeves for the lessons and encouragement. Since then a number of people have been brought to the Truth. Now we have an ecclesia at Kwadwesi in Port Elizabeth.
Bro. Zwelakhe Shologu
SOWETO
It is with much sadness that we are writing to let you know that our dear Bro Elijah Rabaji fell asleep in the Lord he loved, on Wed 27 April.
He had been in a lot of pain for a long time and we appreciate that God has been merciful to release him from the shackles of mortality . He is at rest till that glorious day of resurrection- He always spoke with such longing to be with his Lord & in the Kingdom As the founding member and father figure of the Soweto ecclesia he has been an inspiration of faithfulness and integrity. We are thankful he had the joy of seeing the establishment of an ecclesia which had always been his prayer.
Our love in the Lord of Life
Bro Paul & Sis Leonie
DAR ES SALAAM
I am very interested in Gospel News, more than ever because our days are numbered before the second coming of Christ. The events in the Middle East, the uprising of masses against their leaders/kings, the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan are just a few SIGNS - to point towards the end of time, which are in line with Mark 13:8.
Bro. Samuel Mushi
MBOZI.
By the grace of God I am still alive but in hopeless condition after my house was burgled in the night and most of my assets, including my very valuable bicycle, taken away. My bicycle is very important to me as I am lame and getting old. Our Brother Leonard Chakupewa, who was baptized in July 2008, fell asleep in Christ on March 9th 2011 from Asthma.
Bro Raphael Mkeya
Nyarugusu
The Book the REAL CHRIST, is nice and most instructive. It helps me much to teach Brethren and contacts here at the refugee camp. Each week Bro John Aldersly (NZ) sends me exhortations that are encouraging. Regards to Bro Roger Beck also.
Bro. Isidore Mwibeleca
CHINSALI
I have received the 12 New Testaments and all are well distributed to ecclesial members, with many thanks. We need more Bibles please.
Bro. Isaiah C. Mumba
DAPHAN
We have decided to start preaching, first at home then go out, following the command of our Lord Jesus. We plan to go out preaching for a week or two using the literature you sent. This year our aim is to do God’s work as time is drawing near for the Lord to come. Please we need your prayers and support of different kinds. We, as an ecclesia, despite being so poor, are wholly behind your work. We love seeing snaps in Gospel News. We need teaching information, encouragement and more literature for preaching.
Bro. Harry Hambula
Daphan Choir Members
Daphan Congregational Singing
FRINGILLA
I would like to enlighten my fellow Christadelphians of the misery I have. The month of March came to me on a wrong side. This is to say that my wife miscarried when her pregnancy reached 7 months. Before she miscarried I visited the hospital many times. They were saying that the baby was not well and was breathing very faint and the liquid they swim in was not clean. I tried my level best but all in vain and at last she miscarried on the way to hospital.
Nevertheless, during all these challenges I never forgot God, even on my darkest day when her pregnancy was destroyed. I read in the book of Job 2:9, “Shall we receive good from God and shall we not receive evil?” This book always strengthens me whatever situation I am involved in. Moreover it tells us how firm Job’s character was and therefore we should emulate Job. I look forward to all brothers and sisters remembering me in prayers so that God will strengthen my mind and my heart.
I am hereby writing to encourage our brothers, especially those that are engaged in publishing literature such as, Gospel News, books and the like and to say that we appreciate their work. We always put them in our prayers for the smooth running of their work for Christ. These brothers face some challenges and that is why we ought to pray so as to remove any stumbling block ahead of them. God’s hand is not short to bless these lovely brothers of ours.
Furthermore, as we receive the materials from our brothers let us put them to good use and always remember that there is a lot of effort applied before we receive any single item. Therefore we look forward to being in God’s Kingdom through reading the books and to live an everlasting life.
Bro. Ignatius Chilekwa
Bro. Ignatius Chilekwa
KABWE
Throughout the world there are few who have their own Bibles so it is very good that you are printing a New Testament in modern English. I will be very glad to receive one because it is better to have your own Bible rather than borrowing or sharing one.
Bro. Greenwell Kunda
KAFUE
During the 1,000 years Jesus will rule from Jerusalem over the earth and make it into a a paradise. Also he will cancel the sins of those who love God. Jesus will thus eliminate sickness, ageing and death. Read Isaiah 11:9, 25:8. 33:24, 35:1.
When will God destroy evil on earth? Jesus gave a “sign” to indicate when the end is near. Present world conditions threaten man’s survival and show that we now live in the conclusion of the system of things. Read Matt.24:3, 7-14,21,22, 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
Regarding God’s creation, including the first humans on earth, the Genesis account says, “God saw everything he had made and look! It was very good”. Gen. 1:31. Adam and Eve were made very good, ideally suited to their earthly environment. There was nothing deficient in their makeup. Created “very good” they were certainly capable of the good conduct that was required of them. They were created “in God’s image” (Gen.1:27) so they had the capacity to demonstrate to some degree the godly qualities of wisdom, loyal love, justice and goodness, decisions that would benefit them and bring pleasure to their Heavenly Father, but they failed to do so.
Bro. Lotson Kayuni,
Thank you very much for the New Testaments and the other literature that we received recently. At present we all have full Bibles. However, if you can afford to send extra New Testament Bibles for the brethren that will be most welcome. In Kasaka and Kafue there are 11 of us who read English. We do have 22 Bible students in Western Province, where we have recently opened preaching activities for the first time, and there are two brethren in isolation on this same route, so probably they could be assisted with 24 New Testaments, if possible.
Bro. Kelly Simayumbula
KALOMO
I and my family were evicted from our home area. I would like to tell brothers and sisters what happened to me. It happened one Friday afternoon when I heard from a neighbour that the Zambian Wildlife Association (ZAWA) was chasing people to move out of the area. I rushed home and there were beatings and cries in the community and houses were burnt to ashes. I was parking my goods when the game rangers came and forced me to move out. They burned my home and pushed me out. There was noise that day and people walked day and night, driving their animals and crossing the river to a safe place.
The area’s population was 8,500 and had occupied the area since 1985. They were permitted residence by the late Chief, Nyawa Simbwizu. This incident has left me and many others in a worse situation. It reminds me of the mass movement of the Israelites from their original homes, which is now easy for me to imagine. But I thank God for his loving care to those many brothers and sisters who came to my help like Bro. Andrew and Sis. Josie Walker, Bro. Alfred Mututwa, Bro. Frank and Sis. Dorothy Abel for their spiritual encouragement to me and Bro. Patrick Sakala.
Bro. Bargley Muleya
The Bargley family living in a bush camp after eviction.
Bro. Bargley Muleya at his new building plot
KASAMA
The New Testament are well liked by our students and as you advised have been given to our serious contacts. It is true the many pages of our beliefs will help to guide them to the Truth. Please send more copies in the future. I am sending you a photo of the Eye Clinic vehicle which the CBM UK donated to Kasama General Hospital here in the Northern Region.
This is a wonderful witness to the care of Christadelphians for mankind. Please also support our appeal for Bibles to all in the Truth and those looking into the Truth.
Bro. Joshua Mushili
Bro. Joshua Mushili and the CBM donated vehicle
Left, Bro. Billy Srmulwles, Bro. Joshua Mushili in red shirt and other members of Kasama.
KALOMO
I just wish to thank you for the nice little Bibles though we are in need of even more. I am enclosing a list of names of my fellow residents of Lukashya who have expressed interest in studying the Word of God on a correspondence basis. Sis. Christine is now not in good health and has been in and out of hospital several times so my finances have been overstretched.
Bro. Boniface Simpanzye
KAZEMBE
I have received a New Testament and a very thrilling book called ‘Wrested Scriptures’ and the leaflets ‘Bible Views on the News.’ Paul says, “Now I make known to you brothers, the gospel which I preached to you brothers, received wherein also you stand….” 1 Cor 15:1-5. As servants of Christ, we are standing a good chance of being steadfast for we are going to be saved as His followers. We may suffer hardships, even to bonds as a criminal, but the Word of God is not bound. Truly you are zealously preaching glad tidings. The publication you are doing is informing us to be in readiness for Christ’s return, Luke 12:35-40. The Word of God has been preached all over the world and everyone has heard about our Master, Christ Jesus and His Father, the Creator. No one shall say he has not heard the gospel, Rom.1:18-23. You know, other churches do not get these publications freely - impossible, instead they just buy them, but for us it’s a blessing from the Lord..
Sadly, I had a trip to Monsa two months ago to attend my nephew’s funeral. As we reached the station. I went for my bag and it was a bad moment when I discovered that it had been stolen with my belongings inside. I had even taken a Bible and the book ‘The Real Christ’. May I ask you if you could send me another copy please; it was a strong tool for preaching the Divine Word, but for the Bible, no problem, I will be using a Bemba version. It was sheer daylight robbery. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Bro. James Kambobe
I received my copy of ‘The Real Christ’ and it is very special and helpful to me while learning to preach the real gospel. May God bless you all who took time and effort to write this book to such an advanced level, analysing many sentences in the Bible to enable one to understand better. It has become my first book to touch after the open Bible for daily readings. It will take some time to claim having read it through several times. Meanwhile I am enjoying Biblical backgrounds about God’s Kingdom in the future when Jesus reigns as King of kings. It is time to prepare ourselves spiritually.
Bro. John Kasanda
KITWE
My love to you all. I hope you are all well and still keep going, I am quite fine and enjoying the Lord’s work. I enjoyed giving a talk on 'Spiritual Blindness', as per reading of the day. But my Sunday is never complete as long as my Sunday School class is not on. The children closed schools for second term, some have gone on holidays, others were feeling sick while the other two had no transport to bring them to the meeting place. So it was hard to meet them and have a chat. I hope next time we shall meet, if it is the Lord's will. We hope to have our Fraternal meeting here in Kitwe, will give you updates. Keep praying for us. Even so, come Lord Jesus.
Bro Silas Chishimba
LIVINGSTONE
I am very happy to inform you that I received the 12 New Testament, 3 books plus other items you sent. Thank you very much for the effort CAT is putting in to help us grow up spiritually. May God continue to give you good health and strength as you strive to do God’s work.
Bro Likando Lishebo.
LUSAKA
The Bible is plain about the power of God and how we can sustain our hope in our everyday life as there could be times when we tend to think that our hope is declining in bearing the truth. Let us look to God alone as the one who can nourish our hope though we face many challenges; moreover be calm and God will be there for us. The sweet message, like milk and honey comes from Lamentations 3:22-36, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth ... but though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men, to crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth, to turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High.”
Brother and Sister, let us make sure that we labour for our own salvation without looking back like some are in a habit of doing. Let us fix our eyes and ears on the only voice of God, which is His Word, in order for us not to be deceived in any way.
I am happy that so many brothers and sisters are taking part in writing from all parts of the world, and who knows that our writings may have helped so many. Let us continue to encourage one another in this manner till the Lord comes.
The burdensome thing in one’s life is failing to confess their sins to God for forgiveness. God is willing to make us clean when we approach him with our whole being. However, we may not be confident enough to approach God because of some errors we have made, but he is waiting for us to confess them so that we can be pardoned and so think positively in life. If sometimes we think that we are not worthy to be accepted, then we are deceiving ourselves because God is wanting us to confess to Him in order to live at peace with him.
Let us go through the selected passage which I think will help us to make the right confession. Psalm 32:3-4, “When I kept silence my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. For this shall everyone that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
In conclusion: what a wonderful assurance is given to us if we only confess our sins. So let us labour to enter into God’s Kingdom by making right confession to God, through Jesus Christ our mediator.
Bro. Stephen Siamabi
MAZABUKA
Thank you sincerely for your kind letter and for the wonderful exhortation and encouragement it contained. The events of the past weeks and months have surely reminded us that the Creator continues to work in the kingdoms of men. This should make us examine our own lives and if needed to repent and fall down before him in prayer and supplications.
I wrote an e-mail recently asking if you can arrange a Bible for me as I lost the one I had and am borrowing the one I now use. Thank you so much for the dictionary, I will make sure I put it into good use and it will help me search the meanings of words. There was a riot in Mazabuka from 3rd – 6th March, following the death of two people watching a football match in a bar in Stage two township. The police threw tear gas into a hall where people were watching the Manchester United versus Chelsea game. The following day people demonstrated that they were unhappy about the way the police handled the matter. The deaths rose from two to seven.
The world as we see it is in a mess. There have been many problems here and there around the world, some man-made and others natural disasters. As we consider the worldwide problems, it is a sound reminder to us that Jesus’ return is near, so let us pray for the establishment of the Kingdom here on earth. The Laodiceans deserted God and were neither hot nor cold and will therefore be spat out. Our Lord Jesus also says in Rev. 3:20 that He is standing at the door and this really means to us that his return is near. So my brotherly advice is that we keep on watching the events in the Middle East; we have nothing to fear if we remain faithful.
Bro. Gideon Hankomone
MBERESHI
The Lord draws nigh. Men may abuse and defraud us but the Lord will see that justice is done and He can do it far better than anyone else. The apostle James counsels us, ”Grudge not one against the other, brethren, lest ye be condemned. Behold the judge stands before the door”(James 5:9). Let one who is tempted to grudge beware lest he be condemned himself by unwise actions. The Judge is so near that he is even “before the door”. Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? See Gen. 18:25.
This gospel of the Kingdom is not political neither is it a form of colonialism. It is the sign of the coming of Jesus Christ to set up his everlasting Kingdom of justice and happiness. It is a message of hope and goodwill for all and it is a message that makes sense – the only reasonable solution to the world’s problems. The message goes out unto all nations; no one can keep it out for it is sent by God Himself. No one can stop the onward progress of the message for it is meant to come to the attention of every living soul on earth. The very fact that the Son of God died upon the cross for men makes it necessary that the message reaches all men no matter how fiercely they may try to oppose it.
Let us prepare ourselves to have this wonderful message. Where can we get help? “Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-3. Let us awake, the time is very close.
Bro. David Monta
From left – a Sunday School teacher standing with a New Testament, Bro. David Monta holding a briefcase, Sis. Royda M. Kofwimbi, right Bro. D.Chisenga committee member, together with some Sunday School children.
MUFULIRA
I believe there are calls for us to reach out to the needy, the poor, the weak and the downtrodden in society because Jesus came for them. I have received the New Testaments and have given them to the needy. If possible I need the complete Bible for myself and my wife.
Bro. William Sakala
NCHELENGE
I am here acknowledging that we received a parcel in March which contained 10 New Testament Bibles and one book, ‘The Real Christ’, which is highly interesting and informative. As an ecclesia we do appreciate this wonderful gift. Again, please send me any booklet which can continue guiding me while on the way towards God’s Kingdom. Please continue the good work.
Bro. Evans Mwansa
PEMBA
The farming season has been good throughout this year. In Pemba, God Willing, even the harvest of the little we planted will be good, especially if the rains do not go beyond normal. As we continue to praise His name, to be good all the time means we also show to others our good works. Knowing the Truth, we should not be ashamed of our stand as believers. We know we were once sinners but now share in Jesus’ suffering for our sins, Rom.8:17-18.
Just as we have been justified through faith we have peace with God. Rom.5:1-2, as we now should stand in him, Ps.16:11, our ways become perfect.
We are therefore supposed to tell others, like Paul is saying, Rom.1:10-17, longing to visit others in His Name.
Thus we need to testify in front of others, we need to be careful however what we say, Eph.4:29, so that we can help to build up others in the same way as we, too, were brought to the Faith.
Testifying to others what has really happened to us in life may help bring others nearer to God, for suffering will end, Rom.8:18, and pass away!
Preparedness to tell and confess on your own. We have all done this when we came into the truth, believing that Jesus died for our salvation. Show others, then, your real stand, Rom.10:9-13. You will do wonders. Acts 1:8.
Standing your ground in every way; at church, place of work, meetings and prayer groups will make others like and understand you better, then closer to God. You will therefore be working to His glory, standing firm, 2 Cor.1:21-22.
Bro. Wilfred Chibomba
BANKET
It’s high time now that we must reflect on our true colours as Christadelphians. We are living in the last days, as shown by our Lord when he highlighted to us the signs which show his return (Matt.24:7).
The world we are living in is full of wickedness, as it was in the days of Noah. We are living in a world which is difficult to deal with, so we need to show the world that this is the beginning of poverty. Each and every believer, especially we Christadelphians, should not be astonished by this, because we know that Christ is about to return to earth to restore God’s Kingdom. We must be prepared for His return, although ‘no-one knows the day nor the hour, not even the angels or the Son, but God the Father only.’ (Matt.24:36)
Some time ago we were in darkness, when we were not baptised. Now we are the children of light through Jesus Christ. Let us walk as children of life – led by light, seeking things from above, not earthly things. As true Christians we must live a different life from unbelievers. Let’s be bold, not bearing our own witness but that of Christ and the Father. As Christadelphians we must live a life which is much closer and related to Christ. From the day we were baptised, we should have started to live a Christ-like life. We must not mix light with darkness, or spiritual things with worldly things. No matter how hard things may be, let’s strive hard, through prayer to have everlasting life.
Above all, let us all wear a coat of love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the love of Christ rule in our hearts, to which indeed we were called in the one body. May God bless us all so that we can enter his Kingdom and receive everlasting life.
Bro. Nesbert Mhonda
CHEGUTU
The glory of God must be revealed in all that we do as Christians. We cannot do the things which only God can do – we are His vessels and only perform what He wants us to.
Joseph said to Pharaoh, ‘I cannot do it.’ Gen.41:15-16 ‘Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream and no-one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Joseph humbled himself for the glory of God to be revealed. We need to do likewise, so that God’s glory is shown in what we do in the ecclesia or in our everyday lives.
When we do our own will, rather than God’s, He will punish us. Numbers 20:7: ‘The Lord said to Moses, “take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water.” (V.10) Moses said to them, “Listen you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. (V.12) But the Lord said to Moses, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honour me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”’ We must give glory first to God: He is the provider of everything.
Bro. Farai Phiri
CHINHOYI
I write this letter to acknowledge the receipt of the 12 New Testament books you sent for Zumba 7 Ecclesia, thank you so much for them; we Christadelphians are indeed blessed with many Scripture books. No-one will have any excuse to be ignorant of the good news. Each and every brother and sister and Sunday School child is equipped with the sword of the Spirit – the Word.
With the Word, each one of us can work out his or her own salvation. We must all help each other on the narrow path which leads to the Kingdom. Such is the everlasting gift God is extending to all mortal beings. This is the good time to live, as the message of the Kingdom of God has been preached to us.
I am spurred to persevere each and every day of my life. I am blessed with a wife who is committed to worship God with me. Our marriage and family are strengthened by praying, reading and singing hymns together. We pray to God each day so that nothing will separate us from the love of God and His dear Son, Jesus, who is our Saviour.
Bro. Obert Wiki
Sis Nhamo Wiki
CHIPINGE DISTRICT ECCLESIA REPORT
We have a refugee camp in Chipinge called Tongogara which admitted refugees from the following countries: Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, and these refugees are unified by one language, Swahili. In this camp there are four Christadelphians and several Bible students, and a large Sunday School. The baptised members were baptised in four different countries – Tanzania, Burundi, Mozambique and South Africa. The camp has 7,000 refugees, and every month 150 people are admitted. (I wonder how they managed to identify themselves as Christadelphians.)
On 20th March they came to Rimbi, where we met for our monthly rotational meetings, and arrangements were made for Sister Simangaliso of Maronga and me to visit the refugee camp. On 27th March, we visited the refugee camp, which is 1½ hours’ walk from Maronga. Thanks to the modern technology of mobile phones, as we were able to communicate, and make them aware of our coming, they sent two brothers and one student to meet us on the way. On arrival we went straight to the house of Bro. Mutambala Nondo, where they meet for the breaking of bread. As time was not on our side, we did our three daily reading portions in Swahili, and I gave the exhortation based on Luke 19; we then broke bread with the four Christadelphians.
After the memorial service we had a 45-minute discussion – we wanted to find out how they managed their lives in such a difficult time. Really, life in the camp is very difficult: they do not get clothes, only blankets on admission at the camp, and get mosquito nets when admitted to the camp’s clinic after a test for malaria. They wait for a person to get malaria before giving them a mosquito net for protection against it. There are so many problems at the camp.
Some time ago Bro. Marcus Heaster mistakenly sent me a box of Swahili Bible Basics and I gave it to them, with several Christadelphian magazines, including a CBM Zimbabwe Constitution which they said was required by the administrator for them to be allowed to meet in the camp as a church. The truth is, these brothers and a sister need our help and prayers.
Bro. Moses Dhlakama
Comment. Yes my mistake, but the hand of providence seems to have been at work MH
Photo Bro Moses Dhlakama giving out literature
I have been moved to Chipinge Jersey, where the place is so close to the Mozambique border, we can walk for 200m from Jersey to the nearby Mozambique township (Mashashani) The border is a free border crossing, so that no-one will ask anything of an intruder since most people who work at our Estate come from Mozambique. I am now very close to Brothers and Sisters of Mozambique where Bro. Herbert Mahala resides. I had asked people how long I would spend walking to Kaiseni and the journey is almost 6 hours by foot. I am planning to visit him and all contacts in that area.
But what the people of Jersey did to me is not good. I was away at my home area where I had gone to meet my newborn baby girl, Florine, who was born on the 1st January 2011, when someone gained entry into my house by breaking my lock and taking everything, leaving my home empty. They even stole all my Bibles and my hymn book. So far I have not done anything, but God is the answer to all problems.
I have managed to have about four contacts who need to join the CBM. Enclosed is my photo, standing on the Eastern border of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Bro. Farai Makandeni
Bro. Farai Makandeni amongst the tea bushes along the border.
CHISHUMBA
God is love; nobody has this kind of love. He sent Jesus to die and take away our sins, and in him we take refuge. As we know, through faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain. Also it was because of his faith that Noah was warned of the flood.
It is the same for us; the Bible shows believers the way into the new world. By faith we shall enjoy everlasting life.
We have been thrilled to have Bro. Tafirenyika Mate back in fellowship with us. We find the literature you send us most helpful in our door-to-door preaching.
Bro. Ngoni Chikwata.
CHIVI
I am working as a chrome miner at Shuningwi. Brother, this work is very hard and high risk, with danger in many areas. But with God our times are easier.
Brother, how are you progressing with the New Testament Bible? We look forward to it. The world is now showing us that Christ is near. Look at the wars that are hitting the Arabs in Africa. That shows the end of time, as well as floods, earthquakes and hunger. Human problems are also very bad – each day we hear of crimes and killings in different areas. All these are signs of the last days.
We have many problems regarding my work. In the house we have no light, and we have about 15 people under one roof. We are suffering famine again. We were so glad from December to January when we had plenty of rain. But as from February it stopped. All crops have died before they reach the mature stage.
God has blessed me again with another baby girl on 18th April – now I am a father of two.
Brother, we are driving towards the edge of our time. Signs in the Middle East and now we see signs in Africa. The same tribes of Esau and Ishmael are causing world problems. We are now driving towards the gate of God’s Kingdom. Let us keep our eyes and minds open.
Bro. Dzingai Sumburera
GURUVE
Thank you for your letter, Gospel papers and the cash. We managed to purchase the wine, as we had been about three months without breaking bread. Our area is an isolated and under-developed place.
Also, maybe at the end of this month, cell phones will start to operate in our area, as the network has been installed and it will make it easier for us even to send messages through the internet.
Lastly, we only have Shona (local language) Bibles, but would prefer to have English Bibles, if it is possible.
Bro. Nice Yotamu
A Problem
It is a command that we should meet regularly, if possible, to remember the death and resurrection of Christ. I was saddened that your Ecclesia was unable to do so owing to shortage of funds to provide the wine. CAT was pleased to help you financially to purchase wine. We also hear from some that they do not have wine at the memorial service, and in some ecclesias in Africa, Pepsi or something else is used – we have heard that sometimes lemonade, spirits, water, etc. are being used as substitutes.
My inward feeling is that as wine is fermented grape juice, I think wine – or grape juice, the fruit of the vine, are the appropriate emblems to be used to remember the poured out blood of Jesus. Whilst wine can be expensive, grape juice seems easy to obtain and fits the symbol well.
I have to confess that I have attended a meeting where Pepsi was used, but it just does not seem to me right, and I would welcome others’ views on this matter. If one is unable to obtain an appropriate emblem, one could conduct the service as normal, then at the appropriate time, thank God for the opportunity of remembering Jesus sacrifice and suffering, and ask for a blessing on what you are thinking, and pray it will be acceptable in His sight.
MH
I have enjoyed reading Gospel News through the year. It is good and interesting to hear what is happening around the world to our brethren and sisters, and have news of how they are carrying out preaching work – the glad tidings of God’s Kingdom to come. Surely, brothers and sisters, we must stand firm for welcoming our Master the Lord Jesus. He will be back soon; all the signs show it will be very soon. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
While we are waiting our Master’s return, please pray for us, as we, too, pray for you for God’s guidance. Until that day, may the Lord be with you in all your endeavours.
Bro. Fanuel Mawodzeka
Bro. Fanuel Mawodzeka on left (with glasses) and friends after a Bible discussion.
HARARE
It is so interesting to hear from brothers and sisters all over the world of what they are experiencing in life. I also would like to thank God for the work you are doing. It is not so easy to do. We also give thanks for the work done in printing the New Testament: may our Heavenly Father bless those who take time helping to spread the gospel world-wide.
Lastly I would like to thank God for being our Shepherd in the past, and pray He will ever guide us. We pray for more love and care for each other – love for one another and love for God.
Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up, and its faith, hope and patience never fail. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This is my message for us all to practise, until he comes whose right it is – Jesus Christ.
Bro. Israel Mutunduwe
Thank you for your interesting and comforting letters. Whenever I receive your letters on reading them I always feel as if I am talking to you personally, or seeing you face to face.
You sent me the book, ‘The Real Christ,’ and the next book you sent is, ‘The Real Devil.’ These books are very different from any I have read in my life and are most interesting.
Regarding meeting with brethren and sisters, it’s still hard for me as they have changed their times of meeting: we used to meet from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., which I used to cope with, but nowadays they meet from about 8.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. which is not easy for me, as my area is far away 33km.
Bro. Maxwell Mlakah
Jesus Christ earnestly and sincerely asked us to be like Him. He is asking us to embrace everyone, the rich, the poor, believers and unbelievers. Let’s serve one another and stop thinking only about ourselves.
True fulfilment comes not through ego satisfaction, but through service to others. I hold that each person has an obligation to alleviate the pain of other people. We should protect the rights of all people, for we are alike in the eyes of the Lord, no matter what colour we are, or what language we speak. Be righteous to every person and do not judge – protect the rights of the poor and needy.
Jesus Christ, the most outstanding personality of all time, came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. He was completely innocent and offered Himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including His enemies, and became the way of escape from sin and death. It was a perfect act. Believers should strive to follow their Lord.
O Lord, help us to do the hard right, rather than the easy wrong...
I would like to thank you for the New Testament Bible – I am pleased to have it. It has been a long time without my writing to you due to the fact that I have not had a stable place to live, but now I hope God will provide. I wish to spread the ‘good news’ in Belvedere now, where many Muslims live: I wish to tell them about Jesus Christ, for they do not preach about Him.
It is written that in the last days there shall be conflict amongst the nations, kings will rise against kings, and rulers against each other, but we as believers should fear not.
Bro. Calvin Chitano
KWEKWE
Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities, they will find grace sufficient to aid them in the management of their children. The gates are open for every mother who would lay her burdens at the Saviour’s feet. He who said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not,” still invites the Mothers and lead their little ones to be blessed by Him. Even the babe in its mother’s arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of its praying mother.
If we will live in communion with God, we can mould our little ones, even from their earliest moments. Fathers and mothers should look upon their children as younger members of God’s family, committed to them to educate for the Kingdom. The lessons that we ourselves learn from Christ we should teach our children, as the young minds can receive them, little by little opening to them the beauty of God’s principles. Thus the Christian home becomes a school, where the parents serve as first teachers, while Christ himself is the chief instructor.
Christ is speaking to all who are weary and heavy laden. All are weighed down with burdens that only Christ can remove. ‘The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.’ (Isa.53:6) The burdens of care and sorrow also He will bear. He invites us to cast all our care upon Him. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded? He will heal. ‘He healeth the broken-hearted, and bindeth up their wounds.’ (Ps.147:4) ‘Come unto me,’ is His invitation. ‘Take my yoke upon you,’ Jesus says. The yoke is an instrument of service as long as life shall last. ‘My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ He bids all to ‘seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.’ In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. We are to enter the school of Christ to learn from Him meekness and lowliness. Everyone who confesses by sharing Jesus’ sacrifice for the lost shall be confessed as a sharer in the glory and joy of the redeemed.
Bro. Melusi Ndlovu
MAGUNJE
God’s Name and His purpose – what exactly is God’s purpose? When God created the earth, the Bible tells us that God did not create it in vain, but He created it to be inhabited. God’s purpose is with the earth, for we read, ‘the heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord’s, but the earth hath He given to the children of men.’ (Psalm 115:16)
But the intention of the Almighty was not to populate the earth with a creation that reflected wickedness, violence and immorality; rather God desired a creation that reflected the same conditions evident in His dwellingplace.
The Psalmist tells us that ‘the heavens declare the glory of God’ (Psalm 19:1) and in keeping with His purpose, God created an environment and introduced laws by which men and women could develop characters which would reflect that glory on earth. But sin entered into the world, and the consequences are evident all around us today. However, God is a God who changes not and His word is sure and steadfast; consequently God’s original intention has never changed.
God has declared emphatically, ‘But as truly as I live all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord’ (Num 14:21). One day, therefore, and very soon, the earth will reflect the glory that exists in heaven. This is the simple teaching of the Lord’s prayer:-
‘Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven’ (Matt 6:9-10).
Sis. Rangi Mauzhent
I am one of the keenest book readers at Chishumba Ecclesia, and enjoy reading books like ‘the Real Christ,’ which you sent me. We have three preaching sessions every month with 40-49 people attending, and we wish to share the ‘good news.’ Could you possibly send me ‘Wrested Scriptures’? We have eight other students who need Bible Basics and other brothers and sisters who need to read Gospel News. ‘The Real Christ’ is the book that gives the full definition of Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit and is easy to understand. It shows the difference between Bible teaching and the preaching of other churches, and you can see easily how much they are lost.
So please try to send us further Bible books to improve Chishumba Ecclesia and help us to improve our standards of preaching in our area. There are many churches here who are preaching a wrong gospel, but through our Ecclesia they should learn the truth from us. So we need to have a good knowledge of God’s Word and spread the Truth to them. Good research and the reading of other books about the Bible will help us to achieve this. So in God we trust, and seek your help also.
Bro. Misheck Hondoma
I am praying and preaching: my purpose is that all brothers, sisters and students may be encouraged in heart and united in love. I pray they may have full understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely the sufferings of Christ. ‘Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
I would love a Bible planner.
Bro. Stanford Kuuzha
MT. DARWIN
We are living in a crucial time, where many people and all nations are seeking to remove Christ from the face of this earth, and remove any mention of the true God. God reminds us that there is a moment in time when Jesus Christ will return. Let us hold fast to our faith till his coming. We have all the indicators of how to recognize Christ’s return in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 24 v.4 it says, “Watch out that no-one deceives you.”
Bre. Sylvester, Patrick and Ignatious Chakaipa
TRIANGLE
Let me thank the CAT for the Gospel News and all those who assist in making it all it is. This is one of the best ways whereby we as Christadelphians of various countries share the good news of the Bible and the salvation which is soon to come.
Please remind everyone that God loved us so much that He offered His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins, and that whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved. “Behold I stand at the door and knock. Whoever hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with me” (Rev.3:20). John 5:24 solidly assures us: “He who hears my word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.” So there now, brothers and sisters, it’s not too late – remember one of those two robbers who were crucified together with Christ. The robber was saved at the last minute, when he repented and pointed out that Jesus was not guilty of any crime, and so asked Him to remember him when he came into His kingdom. Jesus definitely assured him that he would be in paradise together with Jesus (Luke 23:40-43).
Jesus is coming, and soon, so let’s be prepared to meet him. ‘Behold I come as a thief.’ So let’s not be caught on the wrong side of the law.
Bro. Servious Makondo
I would like to say a very big thank you to God for letting us be alive in 2011. Thank God for that, it is because of His mercy, because He loves us and the world, and that’s why He gave us His only Son, Jesus, who later died for us to be what we are – redeemed. I am very proud of it.
Anyway, brother, how are we doing for God? Think how He gave us eyes to see, ears to hear, hands to write, minds to think, feet to walk, mouths to talk, stomachs to store our food –He gave us everything. But are we doing what He wants us to do? Are we using these gifts to commit crimes, or to praise Him who is our God. I am so worried about people who are not using these gifts for God’s purpose. Let us be found ready and working for God.
Thank you very much for Basic Bible Principles ‘Marriage – Only in the Lord.’ What a good topic, one about which I was having a major discussion with church mates and nearby churches. They wanted to have more leaflets, if you have them. Also I have only a Shona Bible and not everyone speaks it, which gives me a problem when preaching.
Bro. Mobie Siziba
ZVISHAVANE
First, I would like to thank God for raising me up from my serious illness which I once had, though I am not in good health even yet. I am always happy to read and see that world-wide articles are multiplied, which shows the Word is going deep in brothers’ and sisters’ hearts. This helps us to be capable of preaching the Word seriously and achieves our goals to let others know the Truth and so repent, for the Kingdom is just round the corner. Now it is time to get busy in revising our thinking and our notes, as we know well the commandments.
May preaching be done true to Scripture without going into unspiritual teachings. I also need to remind brothers and sisters that God is the one true God and Jesus is our King, and there is much good prepared for those who believe in Him and his Father. If all items we write and read are deeply committed to the Gospel, we are knocking at the Kingdom’s door, and it will be opened for us with Jesus’ welcome.
Bro. Mesheck Shoko
Bro. Shoko, when working in a citrus fruit dept.
