News from Africa
Brother
Abedi Ndjelekulu - request for prayer
An
article in the Bible Missionary of January 2004 describes the plight of Brother
Abedi Ndjelekulu and his family, refugees from the Congo, then in
Ghana. Brother Abedi and his family have now been deported to a desolate refugee
camp in Benin, about 40 miles from town. The camp has no means of
providing for the refugees, and the Beninese people, unlike the Ghanaians, are
generally unwelcoming towards the refugees, often frankly hostile. Abedi is
afraid for his life, and for his family: his wife and their five children, four
girls and a little boy. Please pray for them. Love in Jesus,
GABORONE
I am no longer
in Zimbabwe, but am now working in Botswana as a mechanic. Since coming here I
am not gaining much spiritually, as most of the time I am by myself, except when
I have visits once a month from South African brethren. I have not been
receiving magazines and other scriptural materils, but when I went home for
Christmas holiday I saw the Gospel News. I then said to myself I must
write and let you know of my whereabouts. Thanks be to our Lord, you have
maintained your love towards me which I cannot match. However, I am standing
firm; I am trying my best. This country is infested with evil; the people
don’t even think God exists. I don’t know whether they do this because they are
not suffering or whether they are just like that. I am trying by all means to
preach the truth to them, but they are ignorant, they just want to enjoy their
lives. The other problem is that one has to speak their language, which I am
learning. I do hope God will grant me my wish that some may be saved. The
country has 2 million people, 80% of whom are HIV positive. If they would only
fear God, surely the number wouldn’t be so very high. I do pray that things
will turn well one day – it will only be by the intervention of the Almighty
Himself; the people love only pleasure. May you pray for me, as I am in the
wilderness infested with both dangerous animals.
Bro. Everisto
Ruzvidzo
MAUN
I am writing
asking for the proceedings of two public debates held in 1989 by, among others,
Pastor John Liliekas and Mr. John Alfree on, ‘Are the Miraculous Gifts of the
Holy Spirit Possessed Today?’
Gastingwe
Bamatshabile
FONTEM
Eternal life
is a free gift. How can one receive it? The rich young ruler asked Jesus in
Mark 10:17, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” The answer was
to leave all, take up his cross and follow him. In essence, we must believe
that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to save us and therefore dedicate
our entire life in service. There is nothing we can do ourselves to earn
eternal life. Truly, we are saved by faith, not by works, yet James tells us
(2:14-20) that faith without works is dead. We are also told to walk in the
light as he is in the light (1 John 1:7), and we read in John 8:31 to continue
in his word. Hebrews 3:14 states that we are to hold our confidence steadfast
unto the end. As long as we obey God’s voice and keep His words, our gift of
eternal life remains secure.
Bro Atabong Vistor
Photo:
Bro. Atabong
MUTENGENE
Some people think that it is God who has brought suffering into the world. Man
brought suffering into the world through disobedience and not God as some people
allege. When God created Adam and Eve our first parents, God put them in a fine
garden comprising all eatable things. He told them not to eat the fruit in the
middle of the garden, which was the tree of knowing good and bad. The serpent
deceived Eve saying that if they ate of the tree in the middle of the garden,
they would be as clever as God. Eve was convinced and ate the fruit. When Adam
came, Eve told him the story and Adam also ate the fruit. As both of them ate
the fruit they knew that they were naked and God asked, Who told you that you
are naked?. Have you eaten of the forbidden fruit? Adam answered and said, The
woman you gave me, gave me the fruit to eat. So God drove them out of the garden
and passed suffering and death sentence on them. To Adam God said you will work
in the sweat of thy face and then die. To Eve he said you suffer when giving
birth and you may die. To the serpent he said you will be an enemy to man. God
said man will bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel. We are suffering
today because of the disobedience of our first parents Adam and Eve.
Bre. Nicolas and
Regina Menjuah
HOHOE
I’m thinking
now of the point made in Bible Basics concerning the baptized believer
who, after being baptized, found himself in the wilderness going towards the
promised land - this is mainly in connection with the children of God after
being taken across the Red Sea (an illustration of their baptism) by the
Almighty, and as they took their journey to the promised land (in the
wilderness), so do we who, by His grace, embrace the saving hands of the
invisible God. What shall we say then? Are we safe ‘in Christ’ into whom we
have been baptized, until he returns, or us reaching the promised land?
“Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to
all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise,
which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant” ( Kings 8:56). We have a
task ahead of us and we must not relax from the trek. God will not change His
promises (Eze. 12:25; Matt. 5:18). Paul wrote to the Philippians, “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 toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus” (3:13,14). Forgetting the past is not all that easy, but God is
faithful.
Bro. Wonder
Wornyo
BONDO
I was informed
this morning that Brother Alex left information in our house that Brother
Benedict Miruka has fallen asleep.
Bro
Walter
BULIMBO
We are fine
and fighting a good fight and spreading the gospel. I was so pleased to receive
a copy of Bible Basics this book has helped me to ginger up my faith. I
found it to be so interesting and it guides me in day-to-day prayers.
Bro.
Sadique B. Joumer
ELDORET
I am glad to
let you know that I am still receiving Gospel News through the above
Box. In my area I have a Sunday School and this is a good time for spreading
the gospel to them.
Bro. Waliaula
Alex
ISHIARA
How I wish
that our Master would return to give us that longed-for reward! I hope you all
are fine. I am, alas, still unemployed. Life is not smooth at all – today you are
here, tomorrow you are there. Just trying to make ends meet, but in vain. I
have a group of about 15 people having instruction through CBM Lessons. I am
taking these as a group and hope that soon I will have some companions. I
remember telling you that I was compiling a message in Kiswahili for recording.
I have finished Part 1, in 12 pages, and Part 2 is even longer than that. If I
could record these I think it would help in preaching to the people around.
Bro. David
Aphaxard
KABABU
As we are
teaching oneness in Jesus Christ our Saviour, it is a very good and interesting
opportunity to share our Bible knowledge together, as our Father made possible
in March last year at Kiagware ecclesia. May I urge all brothers and sisters to
preach the word
through such
meetings. Also, I would like to commend all the brothers and sisters who
offered towards the Bible School. Let us all praise the Lord wherever we are.
Sis. Jane
Akongo
KAMUKVYWA
Thank you for
your letter. I heard that you are having a journey of 10 days, so I pray that
Yahweh may be with you wherever you walk so that you may continue with the work
of Christ until he comes to establish God’s Kingdom. Here some follow worldly
practices, but our aim is to pray for them that they may keep to the old paths.
We can preach house-to-house, although most people are RCs.Bro. Patrick
Wafula
Photo: Sisters
at the Bible School at Kiagware in 2003.
With the help
of Gospel News world wide, I have really benefited, for I read my Bible
daily with the help of the Bible Companion. In fact, the Holy Book,
known as the Bible, is really the word of God which came by inspiration of God
through His holy prophets and apostles (2 Peter1:20-21). “All scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be
perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Bro. Patrick
Wekesa
KANDUYI
We are new
readers of the Bible truth, being assisted by Bro. Moses Masika Wanami. We were
baptized recently and now sharing the one true faith. We have come to learn of
Gospel News to all Nations and the contents have greatly interested us
because most parts of the world have received the good news about the Kingdom of
God. We are now introducing ourselves to you so that we may learn more as we
continue searching the scriptures. We also need some books to give us more
information about the Bible.
Bro.
Eric Wamalwa
Some
brothers at Kanduyi, left to right: Bro. George Maina, Bro. Wycliffe Wekwa and,
Bro. Eric Wamalwa
KIKONENI
Here in Kenya
peace is prevailing; there is no political instability any more. All ecclesias
around Kenya are moving on well; brothers and sisters are eagerly waiting the
second coming of our Master, Jesus, to establish the Kingdom here on earth; we
all put our trust in him. Our ‘eye mirror’ (Middle east) has problems, and
shedding of blood is now increasing; there is no peace at all. Only Jesus will
bring peace to the Middle East, so the only hope I can give to strengthen
Brothers and Sisters is that we should all hide ourselves in Jesus alone. We
are all happy if we know that the Kingdom shall be ours for ever. The spread of
the gospel in Kenya is highly done, and we appreciate the books you sent to us;
they also give challenges to the non-believers and give them the truth of the
Bible. I am praying that you will be able to print more copies of my Kikamba
translation booklet; it will be of much benefit to those who read it.
Bro. Gideon
Matheka Mukeku
KOBUJOI
I am actually
through with the Kalenjin translation of the booklet, ‘What is the
Gospel?’ but I have not managed to type it onto a computer disc.
Arrangements to establish an ecclesia at the town of Mandi Hills have gone
well. We all pray for God’s blessing on this.
Bro. Geoffrey
Chirchir
MBITA
My questions
are to parents, relatives etc., Does a parent explain to his child why a father
would beat another? Does a parent explain to his child why people exchange
abuses, either in parliament or in public? What example are we setting to our
children? What kind of role model are we? My conclusions are that as
parents we have the responsibility of being the best role models to our
children. When, as parents, we may know very well that we are in a violent
home, the best that can be done for the children and ourselves is to leave the
violent situation, leave and seek help for both yourself and the children.
Regarding my life, I am sorry to inform you that my contract in Migori has
finished and now I am back home. Please remember me in your prayers with hope
that God will raise up His hands upon me.
Bro. Richard
Aduma
The first time
death appears in the Bible is as a punishment – not a reward to be enjoyed in
heaven. God punished Adam for disobedience by returning his body to the ground,
the dust, from which he had been made (Gen. 3:19). The Bible never talks about
going to heaven when we die or about a reward in paradise. God gives each of us
one life (Heb. 9:27); what we do with that life decides what happens when it
comes to an end, just as it did with Adam. Many people in the Bible obviously
believed in the resurrection (a) Job – knew that he would stand on the earth
again (Job 19:25-27). (b) Abraham – knew he would live again in the land of
Israel (Gen. 13:17; Heb. 11:13). (c) Martha had a clear conviction about
resurrection (John 11:24). (d) Paul – couldn’t have been more explicit about
the importance of resurrection (1 Cor. 15). It always surprises me that since
the Bible is so full of the
resurrection (see 1 Cor. 15 and Heb. 11) people do not talk more about it.
Bro. Daniel
Ogembo
MOMBASA
It is good and
encouraging reading the brethren’s testimonies and articles. As I read the
informtion of our brothers and sisters, Z and K; M and A of Iran, really I felt
and saw that we in Kenya have continued to be loved by God. Because of this, we
need to do God’s work without fear, because we are given an opportunity and the
free will to worship Him. I do pray for our brethren in other countries where
the truth is opposed. I thank you for the cards which have taught me much about
the Bible.
Bro. Edward
Kunikina
I had been
teaching at Maweni School, Mombasa, but last year I joined the Kenya Institute
of Applied Sciences to further my education and I thank God for that. From
Mombasa to Eldoret, where the Institute is located, is a distance of about
900km; this change contributed to my silence. Gospel News has been a
companion to me personally and to the pupils I was teaching, so continue sending
it to me.
Bro. Abwad
Bwademba
Bro. Abwad
Bwademba, back row far right, with a class of pupils at the Maweni School,
Mombasa.
NANYUK
We must not
make the mistake of asking God for guidance if we are not prepared to act on it
fully. God is always willing to make His purpose known. If then we cannot find
an answer, it may be that we have some reservation in our heart. God will not
lead us to His will if we are merely considering it alongside other possible
alternatives. Unless we are prepared to trust fully His wisdom and love and go
where He leads us, then we should not seek His will. Many people say they
cannot get God’s guidance when in their hearts they wish He would show them an
easier way. God promises to lead us only if we are ready to be led (John 7:17).
Bro. Francis
Mwangi Kinandu
Photo: Baptism of
Bro. Samson Onyango
NYERI
We would like
to have an ecclesia here in Nyeri so that we can preach the gospel news to
others.
Bro. Alex K.
Mwaniki
OKUMBO
Bro. Samson
Onyango was baptized in 2003 by Bro. Samuel Masowa. Before we went to the
occasion we read from the Bible Hebrews 3:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 from
where we taught the gospel We have also had a talk by Bro. John Mbaga about the
spirit of God, referring to Matt. 12:28 and Gen. 1:2-3 After that teaching our
friends agreed that spirit is the power of God, not God himself.
Bro. John
Otieno Kine
SOSIOT
Christians
grow by giving and that is why the apostle Paul said, “It is more blessed to
give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). What we give to advance God’s Kingdom is
of eternal value. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where
moth and rust destroys, and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will
be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). As we give we remember: “The earth is the Lord’s and
everything in it” (Ps. 24:1), including the silver and gold (Haggai 2:8). We
ourselves belong to God because He created us and because He rescued us from our
sins (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Everything we own belongs to God. How much does our
crucified and risen Lord invite us to share with him for giving the gospel to
others? “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, How do we rob you?
In tithes and offerings”. How much should we give in offerings? Offerings are
a matter of individual decision. Each person “should give what he has decided
in his heart to give” (2 Cor. 9:5-7). We can’t outgive God. “Give, and it will
be given to you, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over
will be poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38).
Bro. Erick
Kiprofo Moses
TONGAREN
We have been
having our memorial services at Maine Primary School for the last two years, but
because we were warned that we could not stay long, the room has now been
locked. At this time we have nowhere to worship God. Tongaren ecclesia has
seven brothers and nine sisters and a Sunday School of 13 children. Our best
regards go to Bro. Trevor who has supported us so much, but to solve the problem
completely, we need to buy a space for Sunday worship. Tongaren ecclesia was
established in 1996 and and was
growing rapidly with the help of God. We notify the following baptisms: Getquin
Nandako Sikolia, Lowrin Nafuna Sikolia, Esther Olima Kasembeli. May the Lord
guide them to the coming Kingdom.
Bro. Isaac
Kapa
Photo: Members of
Tongaren ecclesia breaking bread at Bro. Isaac’s home.
DZALEKA
A lot of
people understand nothing about the word of God and eternal life, but are
running after their own interests and look to satisfy their human needs for
today’s life. Yet the Bible states in John 6:63-66, “The Spirit
gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are
spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe. For
Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would
betray him. He went on to say, This is why I told you that no one can come to
me unless the Father has enabled him. From this time many of his disciples
turned back and no longer followed him”. Alas, seven of our members have joined
other denominations, despite our many efforts to meet and exhort and encourage
them, showing all our love for them in such a way to have them come back.
Bro. Willy
Kananga
MANGOCHI
I thank God
Almighty for letting me know the truth. May I take the opportunity to thank
brothers and sisters who are keen on converting others, by the Lord’s grace, and
to say that their task is
appreciated and that their reward is with our God. In addition, we want to
follow in preaching the word of God to others around us, as we are aware that
there are those who have not yet received the truth. When Bro. David
Nightingale visited our ecclesia he enlightened us regarding the prophet Elijah,
that he didn’t go to heaven, but is in the grave waiting for the coming of the
Lord Jesus Christ. I enclose a photo during a meeting at Mpinganjira.
Bro. Morris
Asani
Photo: Mpinganjira
ecclesia
MWANZA
I’m now here
in Malawi with my family and not in Namibia. I’ve made up my mind that I can’t
return there and I appeal to you for any information about the brethren here.
Bro. Jafari
Amisi
SAKATA
We are living
in the last days and the book of life will soon be shut and I want to be in it,
so please help me to understand more about the
Bible by sending me letters and literature. I find Gospel News supports
me by letting me know what others are doing and how we can broadcast the gospel
message.
Bro. Davis
Madolo
Photo: Bro. Davis
Madolo
SALIMA
I sincerely
thank you for the book, Elpis Israel, which I received. I am expecting to be
baptized in early May and only wish you could have come to witness this, for I
have now made my decision to follow the required steps to be “born again” (John
3:2-5): (1) hearing the words of God and believing them (2) confession (3)
repentance (4) to be born of water (baptism). I have now come to know the
difference between being born of water and that of the holy spirit. A person
will be born of the spirit when they are rewarded with immortality after Jesus
coming, as Jesus was now over 2000 years ago. We had a Bible study at Bro.
George’s home and I enclose a photo.
Bro. Austin F.
Nyirenda
Photo: Left to
right: myself, Bro. Mphatso (a son of Bro. George), Bro. Ngwanda (a long-time
Christadelphian), Sis. Nkhoma, wife of Bro. George, and Bro. George himself.
ENUGU
It was the end
of last year that armed robbers attacked me and took my belongings; I’ve not
yet fully recovered from that. We are pleased to report that our Sister Franca
Omeje who left us when her husband died three years ago is back with us, saying
that she had been to other churches and was dissatisfied with their doctrine.
We pray that she will be with us until the coming of our Lord.
Bro. Goddy
Nwosu
IKWUEKE OBORO
I apologise
for the long delay in writing. It will interest you to hear about our newly
opened ecclesia at Ikwueke Oboro which began in February. People attending are
13, four of whom are baptized. We desperately need help for spreading the
gospel as we are in a new area. As a family in Christ who feel the bonds of
fellowship, and ask you for your prayers for
our work. We are here to do the will of our Creator. We are warned not to
despise the punishment of the Lord, neither be tired of His correction (Prov.
3:11). The troubles and difficulties will only serve to cement God’s true
children more firmly together. Some, though few, will be chosen, the upholders
of that which is good have ever been in the minority in the congregation of the
Lord. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Bro. Friday
Enyiogu
URHONIGBE
The idea of
rest began with the Creator and Owner of the earth Himself. Genesis 2:3 speaks
of God resting “from all the work of creating that he had done”. After the
Israelites had suffered as slaves in the land of Egypt God came to their rescue
through Moses, and his assignment was to lead God’s people to a land “flowing
with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8). This land of Canaan, according to God, was a
land that they never cultivated and cities that they did not build. A land that
“drinks rain from heaven”. “It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes
of the Lord your God are continually on it, from the beginning of the year to
its end” (Deut. 11:11-12; Ps. 11:6). From this, and other scripture, we
understand the land of Canaan was a kind of resting place for the Israelites; in
fact when they wanted to enter Canaan, Joshua reminded them that Canaan was a
land of rest (Josh. 1:13). It is, however, clear from scripture that the
Israelites never really rested, despite the luxuries of Canaan. In Canaan they
fought wars; they sinned and disobeyed; they grew stubborn and stiff-necked.
This shows that the rest they had was a physical and temporary one. What,
then, is the true rest, if it was not Canaan? How can we enter this rest? What
are the manifestations of a life that is in the rest of God? Let us be assured
that the true rest does exist. Hebrews 4:9 says, “There remains, then, a
Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests
from his own work, just as God did from His. Is this not interesting? This is
the covenant rest of God (Heb. 4:9-11); it is not a cessation of work, but a
release from unfruitful labour into the Divine bliss of God. We thank God for
the various welcome schemes: retirement schemes, housing policies, favourable
conditions of service; poverty alleviation programmes of Government and
non-Governmental organisations etc., but I make bold to say that none of these
will equal the foolproof Covenant rest of God. I want to use
this medium to thank Bro. Chris Furnice for doing good work of God.and showing a
very keen interest towards Urhonigbe ecclesial. hall. Presently Urhonigbe
Ecclesial hall has been fully electrified under the auspices of our UK brothers
most especially Bro. Chris Furnice. We are happy
to announce the baptism of our sisters that took place on the 26 April 2004 at
river Ethiope,Nigeria. Their names are Sis.Cilina Iyenagbe, Sis.Osadolor Regina,
Sis.Ovbiebo Osayemwenre. We pray that God will continue to strengthen their
minds, increase their faith and protect them throughout their lives. Amen.
Bro.Osaretin
Jolly
BENONI
I just want to
thank you for all the literature you have sent me; it helped and is still
helping me in understanding the Bible and also to grow stronger in faith. For
the past 16 months I have been ill, suffering from gout and it has affected my
work so that I am now unemployed. A man must go through many hardships to enter
the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). I cannot walk long distances and for that
reason I cannot attend Sunday meetings, not that I do not want to. What are our
struggles compared to those of Jesus, Peter and Paul?
Bro. Francis
Chauke
IDUTYWA
We have a
small group of youth who attend Sunday School (12 in number), all very keen to
learn something. We are also pleased to receive some books (from Sisters at
East London ecclesia) which
help us to
feed them with knowledge. Sisters Selinah and Zelpha thank these Sisters for
their help in supplying them with Xhosa books. I enclose a couple of pictures
and think they will be happy to see their photograph in Gospel News and
hope they will encourage/attract others. We pray to our Heavenly Father to
increase us both in numbers and spiritually.
Bro.
Templeton Mdludu
Photo:
Teachers, Sis Selinah Banzana and Zelpha Mdludlu.
-
Photo: Mdibaniso
Nkoiyoyo, Mdibaniso Sgoebezana, Mdludlu Dowie, Mdludlu Amahle, Mapukata Oresimo,
Mafikula Siyasanga, Mapukata Asive.
RANDBURG
Please be notified that my
brother in the flesh and in the truth, Geoffrey Kamuloni Mphambo, fell asleep in
Christ. He passed through the waters of baptism in September 1998. We look
forward to his resurrection. May the Lord soon come to redeem his beloved ones.
In December last I went to Malawi and conducted Bible Seminars in Nkhota-kota,
Salima and Senga-Bay assisted by Brother George Mayimba Nkhoma. One baptism is
due next month.
Bro Mphambo
KIGOMA
Our means of
transport is so unsure that letters are delayed at the Post Office. The
ecclesia here at Lugufu has changed the postal address to P.O. Box 116 Uvinza ,
which is located near the Lugufu camps. My family and I are sad to hear about
the suffering and persecution of brethren and sisters in Iran, but rejoice to
hear that some of them are now safely in America. May our Heavenly Father
bless them.
We still face problems, such as shortage of food, clothing etc., so life is
bad. Members of Lugufu ecclesia meet regularly to remember the sacrifice of
Jesus Christ and his ministry, which we spread to people around us. I always
hold discussion with people of different denominations to teach them the return
of Jesus Christ to the earth and the Kingdom of God on earth, and that we
refrain from taking part in discrimination, terrorism, political elections and
other worldly practices, which are a negation of our Christian principles.
Please remember us in your prayers.
Bro. Lawi
Pililo
KYELA
The ecclesia
at Kyela is now eight months old.
Bro.
Gasper M. Mwasimba.
From left
to right, standing: Bre. Benson Mwalukama, Gasper Mwasimba, Samuel M. Mwaipaja
(Bible student), Willy Mwaisaka, Stephen Mpangala (Bible student) and Sis.
Magreth Mwasimba. In the front Sis. Mariam Sanga with the Sunday School
children.
MBEYA
Gospel News
is read with keen interest not just by me and my family, but has been
circulating to all members of the ecclesia who have a minimum knowledge of
English. For those who are not able to read English, they enjoy looking at the
attractive photographs. We are about 20 members here.
Bro. Nestory
Kanjelu
MUSOMA
I hope you are
all doing well with the Lords's activities. Here in Musoma we are doing so
well, and spreading the word according to the Lord's will. I heard from Sis.
Otter. Her dad is really sick and was admitted to hospital for three weeks; I
really pity her and am praying for her during her difficulties. Preaching work
is going on nicely; I have four contacts right now and two are doing lessons
through correspondence, so making six. I still have thoughts of having a small
ecclesial building in Musoma, I am never giving up. I recently visited Mwanza
and Usagara ecclesias and really enjoyed being with the brothers and sisters;
they were also very happy to meet me once again. It will be wonderful
when all brothers and sisters world-wide will be together in the Kingdom. I
don't want to miss it. A Post Office box has been opened and I hope it will be
safe for communications Brothers from Mwanza managed to purchase for me a
mobile telephone out of their own pockets; how wonderful this is! They sat
down themselves and decided to buy a phone for me, this is because we are doing
a joint Bible study, Mwanza/Musoma; if I do not understand something in the
Bible I can send a message and they answer straight away. The brothers from
Mwanza are very mature in the truth; I really like their positive response
towards the Bible. I am attaching two photographs of the Musoma Sunday School
children. I had 15 students, aged 2-15. Some are very mature; they attend
their lessons as usual and the Sunday services. Three students have already
said they'll stay in the 'Christadelphians'. I pray for them to understand the
truth and be baptized and maybe their parents will come to understand the truth.
Sis. Monica
Achieng
Photo: Musoma
Sunday School children taken inside the house, drawing after their lessons
RUKWA
The words
below renew my heart day by day: "But all these things that I once thought very
worthwhile, now I've thrown them all away so that I can put my trust and hope in
Christ alone. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ
Jesus my Lord. I have put aside all else, counting it worth less than nothing,
in order that I can have Christ" (Phil. 3:7-8). I was buried in baptism by Bro.
D.A. Smith on August 6th, 1997 at Kigwa-Tabora. Now I am dwelling at
Katumba.
Bro.
Anderson Rabilr
Photo: Bro Anderson
Rabilr
SUMBAWANGA
I am
requesting Gospel News and five English Bible Basics and five in
Swahili and other tools for helping to teach the gospel and to increase our
faith. I was baptized on July 16th, 2000 and from that day
everything changed. I am just sorry for
Tanzanians who think that at death we go to heaven (Dan. 12:2, John 5:28-29). I
thank God for showing me the truth from reading the Bible.
Bro. Andrew
Mlengo
USAGARA
Our ecclesia
is now growing in faith, which has been helped after we received the Kiswahili
Bible Basics. Due to this, our Bible talks and Bible discussions are
going on well each Sunday and Tuesday.
Bro. Joctor
J.M. Rufano
Photo: Usagara
Ecclesial members and children
UVINZA
I am a
Congolese refugee boy, born on March 2, 1980, and here in Tanzania, Kigoma
Western region. My father fell asleep in 1995 and I remained with my mother and
two young brothers. After this incident, our mother remarried and left us
alone. At that period we lived in an old refugee camp called Kigwa in Tabora,
Centre region of Tanzania where Bro. Lawi Pililo began to teach me about the
Christadelphian faith, and I was baptized in 1998 by Bre. David Smith and Tony
Jarvis of UK. Now we are living in the Lugufu refugee camp as orphans where we
have not a close relative, only our brothers in Christ who encourage us in
several ways. My thanks to Bro. Bernard Ikola, my big counsellor. Brother, I
always get discouraged when my young brothers tell me about a repatriation
programme, and emphasise, Where shall we go? as we are now strangers in the
Congo (DRC). This becomes a great dilemma to us and we feel without hope in
this temporary life for the future.
Bro. Shadrack
Ngambi
I use this occasion to express my gratitude for the long period of time that you
have religiously sent me the Magazine. In fact the Magazine has been able to
uplift me realising that there are other brothers and sisters in a worse
situation than mine. In fact I remember them in my prayers. I only pray that
God's kingdom will appear soon to give us the comfort we have toiled for.
I have been reading the Magazine via the internet. In this
regard I would let you know that I haven't lost my interest in the magazine at
all, rather my copies should be sent to other brothers who need them.
I want to assure my brothers and sisters that we in Lome, Togo are with you all.
Elijah Okorie
BUGIRI
There is
certainly something wrong with the world we live in. Every day we hear grim
news of crime and violence; there are wars and the threat of war. Terrible
diseases spread rapidly. Many die of hunger while others have more than
enough. Many kings and rulers are not concerned for the happiness of those they
rule over. We are so used to hearing about such things we take them for
granted. But if we stop to think about it, we are bound to ask, Why? Surely
when God first made the world - and made it such a perfect place for man to live
in - He intended something better than the world of trouble and uncertainty we
live in today.
In the
beginning, when God made the first man, Adam, He taught him His ways. He also
gave Adam a simple law, and just as a father expects obedience from his
children, so God expected obedience from Adam (read Gen. 2:16-17). Adam
disobeyed God, and his disobedience led eventually to death, as God had said it
would. Every man and woman since that time has found it easy to sin. We read
in Romans, "As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so
death passed upon
all men, for that all have sinned" (v. 12).
Because Adam was a sinner he died. Notice that God did not promise Adam and Eve
that they would go to heaven when they died, that would have been a reward not
a punishment. We also sin and die, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have
turned every one to his own way" (Isa. 53:6), and the prophet Jeremiah says, "The heart is
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (17:9). We read these
things in the Bible and know them to be so true, just as the apostle Paul did,
when he said, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good
thing" (Rom..7:18). We all have to agree with Paul.
Bro. Colin
Bwire Moses
IGANGA
With me, this
way, preaching is fine, but there are some problems due to lack of materials,
like Bibles and some books which would add to my reading, apart from the Bible.
I feel very happy and strong in faith because of the letters I receive, although
you are very far off and there is no way to meet each other personally - only by
writing. Remember us when you are praying because of the many problems, like
famines and wars in Northern Uganda, which means it is more difficult to preach
there. I have been told
that Gospel
News will no longer be sent to me and I want to know more from you.
Bro. Kidamba
Godfrey
Comment:
This is not so; Gospel News is not ceasing publication, as someone seems
to be telling many of you. MH
MBARARA
We are OK
here, getting on well with God's work and, God willing, we hope to get some
additional baptisms soon. We are lacking Bible Basics, we are left with
just no copies and you know what that means; many of our contacts here are
running to me, but to no avail! Endeavour to send me at least 20 copies.
Bro. Godwin
Mugasi
Standing on
the Equator in Uganda: Bre. Rawlings, Godwin Mugasi, Stephen Waako and Sis.
Mary Najjingo.
CHINGOLA
I am very
happy to let you know that, with the help of our Brothers, I have opened another
Post Box, as my other one was closed; it is now Box 10437, Chingola, so you can
send Gospel News there. Can you please send me an old Bible and a
Bible Basics and I would like some tapes on the Truth.
Bro. Cliff
Masuwa
CHINSALI
Our thanks go
to brothers and sisters world-wide who spread the gospel in areas where it has
never been heard. God is richly blessing us in doing His work in these last
days. I pray to God to bless all Christadelphians in bearing good fruit and
standing firm in the faith, because the days we are living in are bad. Let us
all run faster in the race, looking for the goal ahead. Let us
look for things that can give us life, basing our hopes on heavenly things.
God's reward to those who keep His commands is eternal salvation.
Bro. Ignatius
Chilekwa
LUSAKA
Before I learned the truth,
through my Uncle, Bro. Herbert Tigerepasi and my Aunt, Sis. Luna, I was a
believer of other doctrines and, actually, I was lost, because I did not know
what I was
believing. I thank God for what He did for me.
Bro. Ephraim
Mambwe Mwanje
Thank you for
the calendar. I have shifted from Nakonde and am now staying with my Uncle. I
came here because I wanted to start a Course at Hone College, but I have
failed, due to the cost of the fees. Please help me fight my problems by
praying for me so that God will make a way through. I am just looking forward
to His Kingdom, so that when it is established we all who are in need will lack
nothing. May the Lord come soon.
Sis. Esther
Muntete
MUFULIRA
In our country
the rains were too much, affecting some crops. In this world all the time we
face hardship. Sunday service is going on very well. Also, the Sunday School is
going very, very well; we have youth groups who like the songs and Bible
talks. We are sad to report the death of two Brothers , Bro. Lakaba Kaiza
Bauduin and Bro. Mumba of Kitwe ecclesia. My brother, our Father is one, so
please don't stop helping us in anything. The world is full of hunger, illness,
hatred etc., but don't stop serving our Father. We pray for God's bessings on
all our work in His service.
Bro. Charles
M. Daka
NDOLA
James 1:2-6
encourages us to count our trials as 'joy'. This attitude will, of itself, help
us to see beyond our present situations and experiences, knowing that they are for
our good and that we might learn that our
dependence is on God alone. We must help each other on the road, and pray for
each other, but at the end of the day, we each have to bear our own burdens. We
must not be like 'doubting Thomas' who said, "unless I see the print of the
nails in his hands I will not believe". I am enclosing a photo of the
Copperbelt Fraternal at Chingola a while ago.
Bro James Mwanza
Photo: Brethren,
Sisters and children, taken at a Copperbelt fraternal.
I am very
sorry for not replying to your letter which I received on Jan. 11. Many thanks
and especially for the cards too. I am once again thanking the Lord God for the
job you are doing towards us, your brothers in Christ. May the Lord God be with
you all the time. I hope and trust in the Lord that one day you will be here in
Zambia. I am requesting from you a Bible Companion, as the one I have is
worn out.
Bro.
Harris Ndonga Mulongesha
I am in turn
hoping you're in good health and up with your everyday doings, as I am myself at
this end of the line. The Magazine truly provides a unifying forum for all
Christadelphian news and an outlet for Christadelphian writing and thought.
Bro Oversease
SPECIAL
From Sis
Eleanor and Bro John Mannell,
Canada
To my dear
friends who also know and love Martin Tembo. Thought you might like the name we
have chosen for Aaron's middle name. Martin is such a special brother whom I am
in some touch with these days but not like when I was flying regularly(ish) to
Lusaka. Anyway he took good care of me while on trips down there and one time
even Alice was with me and we broke bread together in his home. If any of you
know whether Martin has an email address I would love to know it because then we
could send him the site address to show him the news/pictures. Otherwise I shall
try to do a letter snail mail to him soon.
Much love and
God be with you all as we wait for our Lord together,
Comment:
When Sister Eleanor worked as an Air Hostess she used to be able to see many of
you all over the world and also took many books which saved on postage. She now
has three sons and should Jesus tarry, we pray they will grow to continue the
good work Eleanor and John do in the Truth.
CHINHOYI
I am very
happy to be a Christian in the Christadelphian family. There are many things I
learn from the Bible. Equipped with all the holy words of God, I have developed
a strong zeal for seeking the Kingdom of God each and every day. From these
scriptures there are some important things which each of us should mark as we
journey towards the Kingdom of God. Firstly, we can read alone, using the
Bible Companion, or as a couple, as a family or in the ecclesia. Secondly,
prayer. We pray for our own salvation and that of others. It is a means of
communication between ourselves and God. Thirdly, the Memorial meal. Our Lord
Jesus commanded us to meet and share the bread and wine (representing his flesh
and his blood) as a sign of his sacrifice. Without reading the Bible, praying
and breaking bread we gradually cease to recognize these marks on our journey
which leads to eternal life. Last, but not least, our hymns, which we should
practice to sing alone or with others. With the hope of eternity in the Kingdom
of God, we should safeguard our baptism, a sign of burying the ungodly self, and
stick to the new principles within our new family.
Bro. Obert
Wiki
CHISHUMBA
We of
Chishumba ecclesia are very happy to welcome Bro. Norman Kamutikaoma back into
fellowship; our Brother Norman has been out of fellowship for 14 months for
reasons beyond his control, being falsely accused. Praise and thanks be to God
the matter is rectified. Bro. Norman has played a major part within our
ecclesia among brethren and sisters. The students, both English and Shona
speaking, will gain much for us having our Brother with us. Though Bro. Norman
was out of fellowship, he never ceased preaching about his beliefs and hope of
the very soon coming Kingdom. Our Bro. Grey Masoka is still very sick and is at
home. He is not taking any medicine now, and is being looked after by his
son-in-law's parents, who are JWs; they are looking after him very well; may
God bless them.
Bro. Ngoni
Chikwata
CONCESSION
Thanks a
million for Gospel News. This is a catchment area for anything produced
in the Shona language.
Bro. E.
Kagogodza
DETE
I am a person
who likes to spread the word of God to many people, but there are 'pros' and
'cons' which hinder my work. I have been cultivating in the field with my wife,
Sis. Miriam, but the hand is one as she can't work hard due to the operation on
her stomach and I am using my hands because I do not have assets, like a plough
and oxen. Now I am doing gardening where I generate income for supporting my
family.
Bro. Fungai
Phiri
GWERU
People called
'Christians' should live disciplined lives and each Christian should be careful
not to be caught up by the covetous spirit of our society, which leads to the
worshipping of materialism. John is warning of this (1 John:15-16), because it
is incompatible with the love for the Father and because the world and all in it
are transient (v. 17). As Christians, we should be aware that the spirit of
antichrist is already at work (vs. 18,19) and be prepared for battle. Only
those who are deeply rooted in Christ can withstand the antichrist. Our key
words must be
"Love not the world". I hope God will help us through this
hopeless world.
Bro. Dzingai
KADOMA
There are so many problems here in
Zimbabwe. For myself, the wife of my employer left the country last year. She
left me with nothing, but every month I get my salary, which is enough to buy
food for the month. I say to people like me that they must not worry; Jesus
said we must not worry about what we are going to eat or wear. We must look to
God, who is able to give us more than we need (2 Cor. 9:8). The joy of looking
forward is peaceful, but life style is clouded by worry. Jesus wants me to lay
all my worry on him (Matt11:30). I thank you for all your prayers.
Sis. Alice
Mlambo
KARIBA
Some time back I received from a
Sister some books - "Elphis Israel", "Great News for the
World" and a Bible Student's Map book, which I appreciate very much. The Brothers here are well and fit, sowing the seed of the Truth. Response from
people from various walks of life (both believers and unbelievers) is very
encouraging. Most people are keen to know the Bible teaching and several are on
the Bible course. God willing, some will be added to our numbers, in due
course. I am enclosing some pictures.
Bro. Joshua
Pakali
Photo: After the baptism of Bro. Witness Majecha (left to right): Bre. Richard, Joshua,
Witness, Revi and Innocent.
Maybe you do
not know that I have a problem with my eyes. I always meet up with the brothers
here in Kariba and thank God we have increased in number; we are now seven
Brothers and several students who, God willing, may be baptised soon. I can
hardly read or write, and often get help from the brothers when it is my duty to
preach or to read a certain chapter when we meet to remember the death and
resurrection of our Master, Jesus. Hopefully, in the Kingdom to come my sight will be restored, by
the mercy of our Lord Jesus.
Bro. Innocent Manyembere
Jesus said that no man knows the day or the hour, except
the Father, so we should be prepared to meet him at
any time. A pregnant woman gets busy preparing for her child, so we are
spiritually pregnant, but we must not be proud, since some may bring forth
nothing when Christ returns. We recall that even Moses did not reach
Canaan from Egypt. We must not see splinters in our friend's eye
when we have a plank in our own eye. Let us testify the word of the Lord
according to the Scriptures, especially those who claim to be prophets today.
Bro. Clever
Thomas
MAGUNJE
The apostle
Paul said, Who can deliver me from this body of death? (Rom7:24). Although all
men are sinners and unable to help themselves, God has given to us a Saviour and
Deliverer. Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, gave himself for us to redeem us from all
iniquity (Titus 2:14), he is the Saviour of the world, if they will have him.
The Old Testament points forward to Jesus and God's promise to send him. The
New Testament tells us of his coming, his life, death and resurrection. "God so
loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should
not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus Christ saves men from the
consequences of sin.
Bro. Emmanuel
S. Mgugeufe
There is no
room for quarrelling in Christ's family. Christ died in agony to give us peace
with God. We must not spoil that heavenly peace by earthly bickering. If we
let God's word work in our lives, we will produce fruit. Let us pray to the
living, Almighty God, our Father, for the setting up of His Kingdom with the
return of Jesus Christ and to understand the scriptures.
Bro. Jonathan
Muparabasa
Photo: Bro. Jonathan
Many thanks
for Gospel News that we have been receiving regularly. Every time I
receive it I feel so much less lonely in times of problems and also in
happiness. Give my deep appreciation and thanks to all brothers and sisters for
their zeal and effort in working the things which please God. I am praying that
God will soon send His Son so that we may all share the joy which the world
cannot give to us, especially during times of distress and evil. I am happy
that my son is enjoying the Bible stories I tell him about Jesus Christ, Adam
and Eve etc., so can you please send him Sunday School Bible stories.
Sis. P.
Tongovona
