Gospel News — Sep-Dec 2012

16

Sister Viktorija as Naomi with Sis. Vera as Ruth; who then slept at the feet of Boaz [Bro. Anatoly]

In last Summer's Bible School report we mentioned the baptisms of three teenage sisters, two from Kazakhstan and one from Ukraine, who became best friends at the Bible School; they have kept in touch with each other and it was great to see them present again, all having made huge journeys to be present.

There have been a number of baptisms in Russia and Ukraine recently and it was pleasing to see some of our new sisters and contacts present at the school. Sisters Tanya and Ira both gave spirited testimony as to how their rejection of the dogma of Satan as a personal being had led them to such great peace. God willing, the next major Bible School will be held in Poltava, Ukraine at the end of January, where we look forward to brothers from the UK speaking; and then in Moscow, Russia next Summer. Do come along and experience the extraordinary activity of God amongst His people in this part of the world.

He Guards Me Well

Bro Isaac Kapa (Tongaren, Kenya)

During the quiet moment before a Sunday worship, the organist played a hymn that was new to me. I turned to the page noted in the hymnal and read the words of the song, "The Lord My Shepherd Guards Me Well", a beautiful paraphrase of Psalm 23. No matter how often we read or hear the familiar 23rd Psalm, it seems to come to me with a fresh message of God's care for us.

Though I should walk in the darkest ways. Through valleys like the grave No evil shall I ever fear; Your presence makes me brave On my behalf your rod and staff Assure me You will save.

This image was familiar to the people who heard Jesus say, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). Unlike a hired person who runs away from danger, the true shepherd stays with the sheep to protect them. "But the hireling, who is not a shepherd...sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees...I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep" (vs 12-14).

No matter what you are doing today, Jesus knows your name, he knows the dangers, but the true Shepherd stays with the sheep and he will not leave your side. You can say with confidence: "The Lord is my Shepherd who guards me well." The Lamb who died to save us is the Shepherd who loves to lead us.

Mighty Waters (Rev 1:9-17)

Bro Isaac Kapa (Tongaren, Kenya)

While in Webuye, I went to see Broaderick Falls, one of the biggest falls in our country. The massive falls are breath-taking, but what impressed me was not the sight of the falls or the spray of the water: it was the sound. The sound was beyond deafening – I felt as if I was actually inside the sound itself. It was an overwhelming