News from Africa


news from burundi 

CIBITOKE
We thank you so much for your steady correspondence and the Bibles. We ask for forgiveness for the delay in replying; we have a big problem with money for sending letters etc., we even have a problem with language, for we do not know much English. I now send some photos for publishing in Gospel News
Bro. Kashindi-Bin-Nyassinde

 


news from cameroon 

BANGEM
We wish to announce that we had three new born babies in our ecclesia on 30th January 2004, their names are Bro. Victor Mesumbe, Sis. Alice Ntungwe and Bro Ringsly Epie. We pray that God Almighty will guard them and give them strength so that the gospel of God continues to spread world-wide.
Bro. Felix and Bro. Elongson

KUMBA
"The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth He has given to the sons of men". "No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man". "And the Lord will become King over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and His name one" (Ps. 115:16; John 3:13; Zech. 14:9).
Sis. Therese Lene

Photo: Sis. Therese Lene

LIMBE
I received Gospel News and it was a blessing to me, knowing about my brethren in other parts of the world. With me, my health is improving and things are getting better. I was in hospital for four months. The picture is of me returning back home from hospital.
Bro. George Ewi

Photo: Bro. Ewi

MUTENGENE
I am a cabinet maker and hold a diploma in woodwork and small business management, also a certificate of apprenticeship. I am unemployed, but make furniture for some ecclesias, like benches, tables, chairs, blackboards etc. Please, can any Brother send me a woodwork catalogue?
Bro. Brian Ebong

 


news from ghana 

KUMASI
I’m now in my third year and currently doing my teaching practice in a village a few kms. away from the college. I teach English language, social studies, agricultural science, religious and moral education, life skills and Ghanaian language in the Junior secondary school.
Bro. Kofi Agyekum

SHAMA
It is very sad to report that our Bro. Evans Dwame Anyiglah has fallen asleep in Christ. He was baptised on May 21, 2003. He had an accident and was rushed to hospital at Sekondi, where he was admitted for two weeks and later discharged, but he died within a few days. I have had two attacks of malaria. The last one happened when I went out to buy food and, returning, I suddenly fell down on the roadside where I lay for a while before I was able to get up and continue to my house. Sis. Cecilia travelled to see her senior sister at Kumasi in December. I am still preaching the word of God here and at present have students; if our Lord remains away there may be two or three baptisms. People here are showing a great interest in the gospel; although many of them go to church, they lack good teaching of God’s word. We pray that the Lord will come soon and that we may all enter into that great Kingdom.
Bro. Joseph Oppong



news from kenya 

BARICHO
We had hoped last year would bring the Lord’s return, but although the signs continue to build up, the Great Day has still not arrived. We pray this year may see our Lord’s second coming. We can be sure we will continue to see more signs to strengthen our faith as the time approaches; Israel is still at the centre of it all. As we look around the world with all its troubles, we realise that it is completely beyond man’s ability to put things right. Jesus said there would be distress of nations with perplexity and men’s hearts failing them for fear. It does seem that the terrorists are able to strike wherever they choose.
Bro. Eliud Ngayo

BULUMBO
I am thankful for Gospel News by which I am gaining knowledge from the views of Brethren and Sisters from all over the world. Please continue – don’t give up. I thank Brethren for the work of translation they are undertaking. I was happy when I read in Gospel News that Bible Basics has been translated into Swahili. Those Brethren who sacrificed for this work will be blessed..
Bro. Moses Sande Joumer

BUNGOMA
I have read the CAT booklet, ‘Women in the Church’, and note that the arguments are supported by Holy Scripture, whereas the other denominations dwell on events of history.
Bro. John Kwyala

CHUKA-MERU-SOUTH
I am fine and still in the race towards the Kingdom, for I have learned, like Paul, that nothing can, or will, separate me from the lover of God which is manifested in Christ our Lord (Rom. 8:39). Right now I have written a message in Swahili which I intended to put on tapes, but I have no money to do so. Hope the Kingdom will be here soon. The last word: Can I get about three Bible Basics in Kiswahili? I also need a good King James’ Bible, if possible.
Bro. David Aphaxard

GISAMBAH
I thank Bros Rob Splint and Kizayi who came to my house and shared the breaking of bread and the wine in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ who was crucified on a tree because of sin. I pray for my Brothers and Sisters and our friends so that we might make an ecclesia in our area. I also thank Bro. Ernest Lavuna, who showed me the way to the Kingdom. I won’t turn back like Lot’s wife when God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, or like somebody who puts their hand to the plough and looks back; such are not fit for the Kingdom of God (Lk. 9:62). Please send me Bible Basics and Sunday School material.
Bro. Solomon Abukika

KABABU
In a village in Kenya a man died and was buried. Later, the man’s wife was convinced by a dream that her husband wanted his watch, so she took the watch and buried it next to his body. A young man secretly dug up the watch and used it for years until it wore out. No harm came to him. If the dead man had had the power to influence the living, he surely would have punished the thief who stole his watch from the grave. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 says, "For the living know that they shall die, but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun". So we must stick to the Bible, Brothers and Sisters, because man’s teaching is faulty.
Bro. Nicholas Odhiambo

 

Photo: Bro. Nicholas Odhiambo

KAMUKUYWA
I am sorry not to have let you know that the Bible Basics you sent arrived safely. I gave them to friends and think they are enjoying reading them. For this reason I request you to send at least three more, one in Kiswahili, to give to other interested friends.
Bro. Patrick Wafula

God will fulfil His ancient promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and He has invited Gentiles to participate in the same benefits (Gal. 3:8-9). The three steps to salvation are (a) belief (b) baptism and (c) obedience. What must we first believe? According to the Scriptures, "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his Name" (John 20:31). It is also written in the epistle to the Romans (1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek". In step two we find that baptism is followed after belief, "He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). Paul, as an apostle of Christ, says to the Galatians, "And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Gal. 3:29). Thirdly, we should in our Christian life obey God’s and Jesus’ commandments. With the help of the Bible Companion we should read God’s word daily.
Bro. Moses Kutukhulu

Photo: Bro. Moses Kutukhulu

KITALE
It’s a long time since I wrote to you. I have been in Tanzania preaching the gospel. I’m happy because Gospel News helped us in reading more good testimonies from many Brothers and Sisters all over the world. We have arranged a mini Bible School for September and December.
Bro. Martin W. Chemiati

KITISE
Thank you for the book. My wife was bitten by a very poisonous snake but, thanks to God, she is now going on well. Here at Kitise it is very, very dry. As you know, people are all different – some ask whether there is any help for us, others ask whether you will come to visit us. But I tell them that if they hear my voice, they also hear yours, because we understand the same gospel.
Bro. Daniel Maingi

KOBUJOI
This picture was taken on the rocks of the Nandi Escarpment. There is a steep section and the background shows the sugar cane Belt Zone. The place is called Kapuenyele and is a tourist attraction area. Things have been moving towards establishing an ecclesia at Nandi Hills town and I managed to travel to the town to meet up with Brethren in charge of the Rift Valley region. The meeting was successful, being blessed by our Heavenly Father.
Bro. Geoffrey Chirchir

Photo: Bro Geoffrey Chirchir, back, second from right with friends.

MAKINDU
We had a good 2003 and hope God will continue to bless us. Thank you for the good job with Gospel News – keep it up! Enclosed is a photo of the members of the Makindu ecclesia and one of myself.
Bro. Nicholas M. Nzuki

 

Photo: Bro. Nzuki

Photo: Makindu ecclesia

MBITA
I have a baby boy, 9 months old, and I named him Duncan. He is suffering from a bent foot, forcing me to take him to the hospital for an operation; he is young enough that the foot can be treated.
Bro. Daniel Ogembo

MWANDEO
Almost every one of us is expecting Jesus to come soon. The Bible promises us that Jesus will truly come (Matt. 24:36-39; Luke 17:26-27). The day and the hour no one knows, but the Father only, and the days will be like the days of Noah (Gen. 6:5-8), and "because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matt. 24:12-14). People will be lovers of earthly things, forgetting their God (2 Tim. 3). Matthew ch. 24 is like a mirror for us to watch. Many of these things are happening, but the end is not yet, therefore we should endure all the sufferings so that Jesus finds us ready for salvation.
Bro. Nicholas K. Mutuku

Photo: Bro. Nicholas Mutuku with some of his family

In the beginning God placed man where everything was free (Gen. 1:28-30). There was a river in Eden for watering. Problems started when Eve ate the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6). From that day to our own, problems have increased daily in the world and man has turned away from God. Genesis ch. 6 tells us how God decided to punish mankind for their evil by destroying them with a flood. And we all know it is the same in our own days due to the fact that man has turned away from God. Let us all keep close to God and everything will be OK.

Bro. M. Lugo Jefa

NANYUKI
I appreciate copies of Gospel News, they are not wasted. A friend and I (who studied the Bible with others) were caught and convicted of holding a gathering without a certificate of registration as a known church community. We were mistaken as being a certain sect that was not registered and was against the government, the so-called ‘Mungiki’. Therefore the two of us were said to be the ones leading the gathering and were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, but now we are out and are continuing with our studies, for it is for our benefit.
Francis Kinandu

NDHIWA
I appreciate the work you do of informing those who work for the Lord of what is happening in the world. I am always grateful when I read Gospel News and I make sure I go through it and understand it. I always pray for the oppressed and hope God will answer my prayers. Jesus said (Mark 10:29-30) if we leave things in this life for his sake and the gospel’s we shall receive a hundred fold with persecutions (repeat, persecutions), and in the world to come eternal life. We should therefore preach the gospel of our Master without fear of persecution, knowing it is part of our heritage.
Sis. Dorine A. Mboya

Photo: Sis. Dorine Mboya (right), with friends

NYONGONGA
I thank you very much for constantly sending me Gospel News. God’s mercy is wonderful, and I really appreciate the spiritual feeding you have been offering me for so long. You have been using your resources and energy to see to it that we get the word of God right at our home turfs and on our door steps. I really appreciate the effort you make to give this spiritual food to so many Brothers and Sisters in all corners of the earth. May the Almighty God keep you safe and prolong your life in order to keep on serving His children. I am a Sunday School teacher here.
Bro. Benson A. Ngadi

Photo: Bro Ngadi

SINDO
I started receiving Gospel News May/June 1999 to date and it has made me grow spiritually in reading Brethren and Sisters’ living witness to the true gospel. We pray for the truth to spread and encourage contributions to the Magazine. We wish you to continue the witness to the truth, and pray for Brethren and Sisters to stand firm in the faith. We pray for Brethren and Sisters where the truth is restricted, especially in Muslim countries. The topic of the pre-existence of Christ by Bro. John and Sis. Sally Palmer was of great spiritual help to us showing that the Scriptures are the best interpreter. God has provided the true evidence that the Bible is His inspired word, therefore it is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that we may be perfect to do the works of good (2 Tim. 3:16). No prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation, but holy men spoke from God as they were moved by the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20,21). The God of the Bible is the Creator of heaven and earth; He is King eternal, invisible, the only wise God, the Almighty. God has the power to create and destroy (1 Tim. 1:17; Gen. 1:1; Deut. 32:39). The God of the Bible spoke through the prophets, apostles and through His Son, Jesus Christ, to reveal His wonderful purpose with man and the earth. He spoke through Moses and promised to raise up a Prophet from the family of Israel to whom salvation would be preached in his name (Deut. 18:15; 17:20 [compare Acts 20:20-26]). We must appreciate God’s love in sending His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, anointed with the Holy Spirit, to be Lord and Christ, the promised Messiah. We are looking forward to his second coming, he who is our only Redeemer, to take over the kingdoms of men.
Bro. John Owalo Onani

TONGAREN
I am grateful to God to be able to announce that Tongaren ecclesia has been blessed with three baptisms, all are daughters of the undersigned: Esther Kasembeli (wife of Bro. Moses Kasembeli), Getquin Mandako and Lowvine Nafuna. May God bless them as they now journey through the wilderness of this world to the Kingdom of God.
Bro. Isaac Kapa

WEBUYE
I thank God for His mercy which He has on us this minute. I have problems here and there; I need your prayers so that I may escape them. Don’t stop sending books and other items, because they keep my faith strong in the coming Kingdom. They also help me in knowing more of the truth of the word of God and of His Son, Jesus. Be blessed with the Lord and continue doing His will until the Kingdom comes with our Brother, Jesus.
Sis. Dorcus Mabuka

 

 


news from mauritius 

We must keep our lamps filled with oil and our garments clean. Thank you for the spiritual material you send regularly. I have retired from work, but bad health follows my footsteps and I take many pills to survive. CAT is the sower of seeds in every part of the world, especially in Moslem countries – a job considered to be difficult. Another fellowship has opened a little ecclesia here and one of our members has joined them.
Bro. Lilcan Ancharar



news from mozambique 

LICHINGA
Thank you for your letter and the cards, which are helping me to read the Bible and know the truth. God be glorified. I and the Brethren and Sisters were happy to hear that you had been to Australia meeting with Brethren and Sisters whose ecclesia runs special English courses for foreigners, and do it by teaching them to read from the Bible. This is most interesting to us because most of us speak French, Swahili or Portuguese. Is it possible for us to be helped to understand English?
Bre. & Srs. From Lichinga ecclesia.

Comment: If anyone has suitable literature to help these Bre. & Srs. learn English, could they please let me know. MH

 


news from namibia 

OSIRE
We want to move forward and share this Good News with our fellow refugees and compatriots outside the camp, but the restrictions within which we live do not allow us to be outside the camp. However, the ecclesia continues to meet and to work normally. Our worship meetings function normally, with a Sunday School. We continue with individual preaching and feel the need for more literature in French, English and Portuguese as well as Swahili (brochures, Bibles, etc). As for our Sunday School, the material we have only deals with the Old Testament. Since the baptism of Bre Kitego Sunguza, Etoka and Kashindi, other faithful friends are following the teaching. We continue to work with them and they are still waiting for baptism. However, we still have not received any letter about the Brothers in South Africa. It has been difficult to organise the breaking of bread at times because of a lack of bread and wine.
Bro Kashindi Ndubula

OTJIWARONGO
I am very happy to receive your letter together with Gospel News, in which I find much to help me to progress in faith and in understanding of the Word of God. I hope you will be able to continue to preach the living truth of our Lord, because many souls are suffering from sin without knowing the truth and the gift which has been freely given by God. Myself, I did not know of this truth, but through you I have received it. For God has enlightened you in order to reach me by the Bible, brochures and Bible Basics which tells about the truth and the grace of God. In this way, I strengthen my faith in Him who chose me long ago. We continue to meet together with all the brothers in Christ present in the camp as well as Godson Mulisho and others who are awaiting baptism. Some believers are no longer with us. We see the mighty hand of God in spite of the difficult situation in which we live in the camp; we stand firm in the Lord. Pray for us, that we may be further strengthened in the faith and encouraged to develop in our Christadelphian doctrines. God alone gives to each his reward. Go with us hand-in-hand to attain the Kingdom which has been reserved for us by the Most High.
Kitego Oredi

 



news from nigeria 

ENUGU                                  
The men of the underworld broke into my house last November and took away my money and other belongings. They beat me up, wounding my eyes, but thanks be to God for saving my life through the help of sympathisers who rushed me to the hospital. This I’m writing as a testimony, asking all Brethren to pray for one another for His perfect protection and guidance, especially in these evil days. This takes our minds to 2 Tim. 3:1-4 and Gen. 6:5, for violence and corruption have filled the earth. Remain in Him.
Bro. Goddy Nwosu

Thank the living God who brought me to the faith, where the word of God is preached without any respect of man. Please do not relent in sending me literature. Flesh and blood is a dominating force in all mankind, which started from the garden of Eden. The woman disobeyed the law and obeyed her lust and both she and the man were sentenced to death (Gen. 3:6,17-19; Rom 3:23; 6:23). Even the called, Abraham, played the part of the flesh when he told a lie (Gen. 20:2-11). King David did the same when he committed adultery with Bath-Sheba, the wife of Uriah and killed her husband (2 Sam. 12:1-7.). These men are key personalities to our salvation, for God made covenants with them which brought forth the Messiah. Unto Abraham the Lord God swore, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen 22:18 [Gal. 3:16]). Unto David the Lord God said, "…I will stablish the throne of his (David’s seed) kingdom for ever" (2 Sam. 7). When that promised "seed" of the woman, came into the world, he taught us how we can conquer the pull of the flesh and gain victory for eternal life (Matt. 4:1-10).
Bro Golden Onuoha

KANO
Please forgive me for not having written you for quite some time now, this stems from the economic situation that has characterised the governance of our God-given country. To worsen everything, I lost the little job I was doing to keep body and soul together since last year. The underlying problems associated with this are better imagined. What an upheaval to meet the demands nature forces on one. For the past few months I have not been able to receive letters because of my inability to pay the rental bill of my postal box.
Bro. Chris M. Anyanwu

OSHODI
It is with joy I write this letter to you as we see the day of the return of our Lord quickly approaching. Hoping that you are keeping well. We remember Jesus said (Luke 17:26-30) what the world would be like before his coming. So with these signs, and many others, we know that the coming of our Lord cannot be far away. The question for each of us is, Are we ready for his coming? Ours is a high and holy calling; we are called to be sons and daughters of the living God and Brothers and Sisters of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we are promised a glorious future in the Kingdom Jesus will set up on the earth very soon, and we want to be in that Kingdom. Psalm 2 gives us a picture of the Kingdom being given to Jesus by God, his Father. There will be no soft option for those who rebel. We are told that he will rule them with a rod of iron. The fact is that we are in the time of the end; it’s in our own interest that we are faithful stewards now. We all want to be with our Master, Jesus Christ, in that day, but it all depends on how we live now. We all need to do our best to live perfectly, and when we stand before the Judge of all the earth he will welcome us into his Kingdom with joy beyond measure, with eternal life, to live and reign with him.
Bro. Victor Moon

UMUAHIA
I really thank God for the effort you people are making to keep the things of God growing, both in the area of preaching and in other things. It is quite unfortunate that I have had a break-down I plead that Brethren remember me in their prayers, praying that God will bring me back to normality quickly. I wish to use this opportunity to thank you for the bulk materials of Ibo Bible Basics. I am really happy to have them.
Bro. Lucky Eforibe

Photo: Bro. Lucky Eforibe

 

 


news from south africa 

EDENVALE
I spent a profitable three weeks in the Transkei and our team have signed up over 1000 for the Correspondence Course; we have now covered about 26 towns and have only another eight to complete the Transkei proper. We still have a long way to go to complete the Xhosa-speaking areas. We have had a total response of about 1700. The next challenge is the follow-up! This trip I did 7550km. We now have a short-list of about 30. I really should be living there to do justice to the interest. We are hoping to build a meeting room, but are being delayed by forms. The drought in RSA is bad and in some parts is the worst for 88 years. Many subsistence farmers in the black areas haven’t been able to plough because it’s too dry – nor make bricks for that matter. The young ecclesia, started this year, went through a dip but is now fired-up again. I enclose the Xhosa Bible Basics done by Zwaiake; it is proving very popular. There is very little in Xhosa – even in the world generally.
Bro. Norman Durk

FERNDALE
Back here in Kempton Park we are quite happy; the ecclesia is slowly growing in numbers and in spirit and maturity. We, as an ecclesia, maintain a literature stand on the main street in Kempton Park near a busy Mall. The response from people is quite encouraging. One of the major things of this is that it is a permanent feature every Saturday from 10am to 12 o’clock, so people do start to know us. We have got a number of students from this. By God’s grace we are hoping to have some fruit from this.
Bro.Wacek



news from tanzania 

KASULU
I appreciate your tireless efforts of preaching and encouraging Sisters and Brothers. It is very interesting that I get the opportunity to learn of how Brothers and Sisters are moving to our destination. In fact, it is difficult to put in writing all the benefits extracted from Gospel News – it would need more paper! I am eager to read news of my Brothers and Sisters and learning their views on the way towards the Kingdom of God.
Bro. Patrick Athanasi

KIGOMA
I travelled away from my region (Kigoma) for a period of four months, but fortunately I found your letter on my return. It is encouraging to hear that people in Middle East countries (most being Islamic) have received the true word of our Heavenly Father. I believer He will always enable Bro. David Jacob and others to spread His word there. We have started translating pamphlets and other hand-outs into Kiswahili for ease of reading and understanding.
Bro Alimasi Jacob

KILOSA
I thank you for the opportunity of becoming a closer member of the family in Christ and feel the bonds of fellowship world-wide. My mother and father have both gone to rest; my mother died in October, 2002 and my father in May, 2003, but I am still at peace, due to the truth that has been planted in my heart. The apostle Paul, in the epistle to the Galations, shows that his authority was from the Lord Jesus alone, and that therefore his message was divine. He then insists that salvation is entirely by grace and not by law-keeping; this cannot give life. God gave the law to show men their need of a Saviour. Once they accept this, they are redeemed from the curse of the law, henceforth Christ, and not the law, is their rule of life. Paul closes by encouraging the saints to live in the enjoyment of Christian liberty and not to allow themselves to be put under the bondage of the law.
Bro. Alick Noah

KYELA
We are highly pleased that we have now instituted a new ecclesia at Kyela town. The Truth has penetrated hard into villages like Ipinda, Kanga and Tenende. Kyela town was in total darkness of the Truth, but we are looking forward to people responding to our preaching. Kyela ecclesia has three Brothers and one Sister.
Bro. Gasper M. Mwasimba

Photo:  Bro Elius Kanyengela being given a piece of wedding cake.

MATAI
I would like to thank you because since you started to post books to me I have got good teaching. We all need to prepare for the Lord, so that we can enter the Kingdom.
Bro. Sabastian Lusale

MBOZI
Kindly send us additional copies of Gospel News for our library, which is becoming more and more popular here, mainly because you have printed news about our ecclesia. As a result many people are coming to learn Bible truth and about God’s Kingdom. I am happy to inform you that I have already started construction of another residential house, after selling my home to pay Government debts last year.
Bro. Raphael M. Mkeya

TABORA
Thank you for Gospel News, it is always good to hear from distant Brethren and Sisters and very encouraging. I look forward to receiving it. Let’s hold fast and be watchful as we know not the day or the hour of our Lord’s coming.
Bro. Fredrick Misonge

UJIJI
My family and I are very thankful to you for sending us the English language Bible Course/literature. We are really trying our best to study, but face a major problem of language. The English used in the Course material is very advanced for most of us, thus we get difficulties during study. Also, more people – many of whom understand Kiswahili language – would join our study group if the Course was available in Kiswahili. In fact, three quarters of the members of our Bible study group depend on the few who understand limited English to interpret the Course into Kiswahili, which is a very hard task, because the Swahili speakers can’t study independently unless they have interpreters. We therefore have two kind requests to make to you: firstly, if possible, please send us an English language dictionary, since the only person who had a dictionary here went to college to study and we can’t afford to buy one. Secondly, send us the Kiswahili Bible course materials to help our Brethren and Sisters here.
Bro. Wanea Mkosa             

Comment: The first edition of the Kiswahili Bible Basics has been distributed. There is a huge demand for it and a reprint has now been produced, so further copies will be sent out. Any help with this project would be most appreciated.

URUMBO

Photo: Bro. Mathias Nyelele (right) with Bro. Michael Mpandachalo. Sis. Elizabeth Nyelele, child, and Sis. Elizabeth Michael (after Bible study). Gospel News is in the sister's hand.

UVINZA
I am very happy to hear that Bible Basics has been translated into 50 languages and feel many people who speak those languages will be happy to have it.
Bro. Imani Dimanche




news from uganda 

KABERAMAIDO
A rebel group known as LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) come from a tribe called Acholi people. They began fighting people, using pangus (swords) as their main weapons. As they continued, they learnt to use guns and still use them to kill people. Their aim is to kill civilians, burn houses, steal cows, goats, clothes, food, money. They don’t want to take over government or even to fight with Government soldiers, but they are after civilians; they are just robbers and killers. Their activities affect Northern Uganda only and that is the very place we live. Now people are in camps everywhere with no proper food or shelter, clean water etc. Some people rent houses. This situation causes many diseases. I am just happy that many people are crying to God for help, so we are able to preach the word of God every Sunday morning to those who are in camps. In the evening we preach the Gospel news of Jesus Christ and God’s Kingdom. So I have learnt that sufferings bring us near to God; it is a good lesson for us all when we have sufferings (Heb. 12:5-11). Thank you again for your help in spreading the gospel news of Jesus Christ and God’s Kingdom all over the world through the Magazine and books.
Bro. Opio Bosco

KIGANDALO
Many people feel that provided they change their life for the better there is no need to submit to baptism. How wrong they are; how ineffective all their efforts to do right. Consider the case of Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5). Elisha the prophet, a man of God, told him to wash in the river Jordan to cure his leprosy. At first he refused, but when his servant persuaded him to obey this specific detail given by God, he was cured at once. If we obey the word of God as closely as we can, we, too, can be cured and start afresh. But we may wonder about subsequent mistakes and sins, that is, those committed after baptism. As we know, by baptism we are associated with the death of Jesus Christ, and this event was a once-and-for-all sacrifice for sin, and those things which we do wrong in our new life in Christ are forgiven by prayer through our new-found Saviour. When we repent and ask for God’s forgiveness, all our sins and errors are blotted out from the record and therefore we can go forward daily confident that, if we try to do right, God has promised to mercifully forgive us. God has offered us this wonderful opportunity through His word. Do we yet feel the need to start our life again? With our experience of the mistakes we have made and the desire to erase some of the dark patches of our previous life, here is a unique opportunity to start again – not this time on a life that leads to the grave, but on the road to immortality and the glorious Kingdom of God. God’s way is the only way by which we can be reconciled to Him. This is the importance of baptism. It is an essential act of obedience, an essential part of God’s way of salvation.
Bro. Colin Bwire

Photo: Bro. Colin Bwire

KISINGA
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Sis. Janet Shemeld for her wonderful efforts which helped me find the truth through sending the Bible lessons. I was baptised in the Name of our Lord on June 21, 2003, by Bro. Godwin Mugasi of Mbarara. I have continued to receive Glad Tidings and Gospel News and am still continuing with Bible studies. The preaching work is progressing steadily. We now have over 100 contacts – students taking either the 40-Lesson course or Bible Basics Introductory Course. Please send me more copies of Bible Basics and any book to help me in preparing public talks. I keep moving to help the contacts and teaching them what God really wants from us, although this task is not easy – going without food, walking long distances etc. I request fellow Brothers and Sisters to remember me and keep praying for this work.
Bro. Baluku Nicodemus

Photo: Bro. Baluku Nicodemus

LUGAZI
A believer’s life is joyful, as an expression of obedience to God’s call and such obedience, followed by walking and living according to God’s principles, yields salvation. I am pleased with the work being carried out to redeem people all over the world, and especially in Uganda. The glorious message of the word has reached, and is reaching, many parts of the world. God is calling believers to arise and do exploits for Him (Luke 10:2), therefore as co-labourers we have a great task before us to sow God’s word generously to help rescue people and set the captives free.
A Brother

MBARARA
Sister Jane, my wife, and Sis. Savana, my daughter, join hands in sending greetings to everyone. We are very much lacking Bible Basics. We are going ahead with the translation of Bible Basics in our indigenous language (Runyankore) for our non-English-speaking converts. Endeavour always to write to me as I feel bothered when time goes without hearing from you.
Bro. Godwin Mugasi

MT. ELGON
I thank God for the work you do in sending Gospel News which encourages us in reading the Bible. We must encourage each other and pray for everyone (read Lam. 3:25-26; Luke 15:10). Jesus said we are his friends if we do whatever he commands (John 15:14).
Hariet Wekeye

Photo: Mt. Elgon Sunday School

DOKOLO BROTHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Update on our brothers in Uganda who are refugees in their own country after being driven from their homes by the Lord's Resistance Army. The BBC has recently shown horrific scenes of carnage caused by the LRA.

The brothers are very thankful for the help that we have been able to send to them, they were safe at the end of February and we pray that they still are. The brothers wrote:

"Thank God we are still alive up to now. We would like to express our appreciation to you for the assistance of money you gave us by bro Kevin and Paul (Paul Boyd and Kevin Rawlings saw the brothers during their visit in
October 2003) . We pray that God may bless you… We also are very thankful for the welfare you are doing. The rebel activities is still going on. No means of going back to our farm lands until the rebel leader Joseph Kony is arrested or dead. He is fighting civilians but not the Government that is why he is in control of the villages hunting to kill innocent people like wild animals in the bush. And all people must stay in camps without digging. On the 4th Feb 2004 they attacked and kill many peoples living in Abia Camps, Apala sub city, 20 miles north of Dokolo and was reported on BBC radio, we think you might have heard. And many which are not reported. So we are like orphans and homeless wanderers, without farm land. We are not able to get food, soap, salt, clothings, pay school fees for our children in Secondary Schools, taking patients to be treated in clinics. Many of our relatives have died by rebels and diseases. We really praise God for joining us to you instead many of us would have died. Because of you we are able to buy food, soup, salt and take our children to clinics for treatment."

We have been able to get sufficient help through to our brothers and we have encouraged them to be sparing with the resources that we have been able to get through. God has helped them to stay faithful and they have been responsible with the money we have sent. They continue by writing:

"10th February we came back from Lira (where they had been staying) to Dokolo Township Camp because of lack of water and firewood and because the rent for houses is very expensive and also because transport from Lira to Kaberamaido Post Office is very high (Kaberamaido is where they actually lived - they travel back here during the day to get any post). So we are now living in Dokolo camp."

The brothers have asked if we can again assist them, this we will try to do. They also need our prayers, for strength, for safety and that they will be able to return to their homes. We (John and Sue Mathias) are hoping, God willing to see them at the Bible School in April, so please also pray that they can travel safely to see us.

The brothers conclude their letter by writing:

"Thank you for your Spiritual exhortations. What we are doing is reading the Bible and prayer. Our main prayer is that Jesus coming back should be soon to release us from this suffering which is a very strange war, even to the life of our grandfathers. Now during this dry season, the fire is burning night and day through. And all grass house are burnt (rebels burnt the villages). So pray for us without ceasing. We hope to hear from you. In love bros Selestino, Bosco and Tom."
John and Sue Mathias

 

 


news from zambia 

CHINGOLA
I received six Bible Basics printed in English and I have distributed them to my Brothers and Sisters, and we say thanks a lot for them. There are some books that I see from my Brothers who are in other ecclesias, but we do not have them in our ecclesia’s library. Please, we would like you to send us books for use in our library.
Bro. Pinoty Chimbele

CHINSALI
August, 2003. Four baptisms in Mandona’s village in Lubu River (interviewed by Bro. Glen Mitchell), now our Brothers: Edwin Mfule, Charles Kangwa, Jimmy Katongo, and Joel Mutale. Please send them copies of Gospel News (in total, six copies of GN are required.)
Bro. Ignatius Chilekwa

KABWE
"Let down the nets", based on Luke ch. 5. I feel there is something to learn considering the way Jesus and the fishermen became friends. It is simply teaching us to spend more time with God more than anything else in the world if we are to prosper in everything that we do. But again, we must bring more lost sheep to light in our various fields. I am trying to imagine how Simon Peter and the others responded when Jesus came by and started teaching the crowd from the boat. What we have to bear in mind is that they had worked hard all night and had caught nothing and here comes Jesus and the crowd. If I put myself in Simon Peter’s shoes I would likely have been rather irritated: Who is this man; he just walks here spreading the message. Shouldn’t he be where he ought to be – in a church – forgetting that the word of God is to be spoken and freely shared wherever people meet. May Almighty God continue to richly bless your work as you try to spread the gospel. I can only thank you for all that you do, but God will give you a perfect reward.
Bro. Lapulani Malata

KAFUE
Whilst stressing the need for persistence in prayer, Jesus narrated a parable (read Luke 18:2-8). Are we among those seeking to be avenged of an adversary? There is a way out. Hebrews 4:16 says, "Come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Obviously this is the time of need. Our much-needed help and succour is at the place of prayer – let us go there now.
Bro. Lotson Kayuni

KASAMA
We are glad to have this wonderful chance of writing to you. Here in Kasama we have a long list of Bible students who need to be visited by us. Some of them stay in very remote areas and feel neglected if they are not visited. The problem is that some areas do not have roads that can be used by vehicles. We are arranging for a fraternal gathering with our Brethren and Sisters in Chinsali, God willing. The number of our Sunday School youngsters is increasing, for which we are very thankful to our Heavenly Father and to their parents for allowing them to join with us.
Bro. Joshua Muchili

Photo: Right to left: Bre. Willis Simbowe, Nelson Bwalya and Joshua Muchili

We lack Sunday School teaching material here which is a big problem for us. The translating issue is also very important because some aspiring students of the Bible are Memba speakers and are missing most of the good news published in English.
Kasama Ecclesia

KAZEMBE
I thank you, in the Master’s Name, for the literature sent to me. Continue sending to me; I need them because they are so educative and informative. Is it possible for you to assist me with the Concise Oxford Dictionary? Even an old one. I also received a book entitled, ‘Why Are We Here?’
Bro. James M. Kanbobe

KITWE
I am sending you an application form for a student who wants to know the truth. I still have three copies of Bible Basics in French. God willing, I am planning to go to Congo, to a town near the border called Sakania, I will use my bicycle. God willing, it may be that He will open a door for the spreading of His word.
Bro. Robert M. Muwele

LUNDAZI
I love to travel to meet my family in Christ, I spent some days in Mzimba, Malawi. I only wish I could be there in UK to meet you all; I feel I know many of you already, but if the Lord wills it we will meet in his Kingdom.
Bro. John R. Chulu

LUSAKA
I would like to do journalism and work at Radio Christian Voice, but some people are not with me on this, some with very good reasons. I really want to know what your thoughts are. I would very much like to play gospel music and preach to a lot of people through the media. We formed the Youth League in September, but the attendance is terribly poor; at first it was between six and 13, but lately it’s between three and six. I prepare the Bible quiz and something for our ‘Health Corner’ and come up with topics for general discussion – it’s quite a task. Other activities include drama, games, choir, poems, but with that poor attendance all we do are the Bible readings and singing – and sweeping the hall. For nine weeks last year we were with Silas from Mufulira. However, he mentioned some problems the Youth League is facing there, which are exactly what we are facing. We can just pray and trust in God and His Son to help us in situations like these.
Sis. Bevelyn Tembo

I am a nephew to Bro. Herbert Tigerepasi and Sis. Luna is my aunt. I have been a Brother since 2000 and I am the one who sleeps at our ecclesial hall here in Lusaka since it was built.
Bro. Ephraim Mwamje Mambwe

Thank you for Gospel News and your letter. It’s wonderful to hear how the truth is being spread far and wide. I pray for God’s increase and blessings. I am 29 and have been a Christadelphian for about eight years now and I would love to continue feeding on God’s truth and increase my knowledge of Him.
Bro. Paul Chembe

MUFULIRA
I could have written before, but had to go to the farm where Dad and Mum wanted me to go. I spent a week there, came back for the Sunday service and the following Monday I had to go back to the farm. Again, I stayed for another six days and came back, and that is when the malaria started. The weather is not the same – the water there is not chlorinated (purified) in any way – straight from the well into the cup and you drink. Also, mosquitoes hit me badly. I am always praying for you and those involved in producing Gospel News. May the Lord always be your Guide, day after day, until His set day. I was very pleased to see the article in Gospel News entitled, ‘Doing Good’, which Sis. Bervelyn and I wrote. Not only that, there were (are) a lot of other articles which I enjoyed reading like the Christmas issue and the Pre-existence of Jesus. You are doing a tremendous job and I pray that the Lord will keep blessing you every passing day until His appointed time. Even so, come Lord soon!
Bro. Silas K. Chishimba

Thank you all for the good work you are doing in Christ. No one will remove us away from God our Father (Rom. 8:37). God is love (read Ex. 34:5-7). May our Lord open the way for you so that you may still go on to preach the gospel. "How shall they hear without a preacher? How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Rom. 10:14-15).
Bro. Charles Daka

NAKONDE
I am the third born daughter of Bro. Zacchaeus and Sis. Eunice Muntete of Nakonde and was baptised in August 2001. I was really overwhelmed with joy to be born into this wonderful family of God. My hope and prayer is that our merciful Father will lead us all into His Kingdom. I have enjoyed reading articles by my Brethren and Sisters all over the world. It is amazing to see the way the true gospel is reaching ‘dark’ places – i.e. the Arab world – where people have been denied the opportunity of hearing the word of Life; indeed, nothing is impossible with God. "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matt. 24:14). May Jesus come soon to reward all those who love his appearing.
Sis. Esther Muntete

NCHELENGE
I am out of profitable employment. I used to work as a financial accountant. I have a problem with my mitral valve, making the heart unable to carry out its functions properly. I am thus unable to walk over 50 metres; since 2002 I am confined to my yard. I wish to tell Brethren and Sisters around the globe about my state of health so that they can remember me in their prayers. May our walk to the Kingdom be shortened by the return of our Lord.
Bro. Chisela Mwaba

NDOLA
I lost my blood sister, called Orpa Mwanza, last year. May our Lord Jesus soon come, when he will judge this world in righteousness and when there will be no more death nor poverty and God’s will shall be done on earth as it is done in heaven. It is only the fool that says in his heart, There is no God (Ps. 53:1). May God bless you for the wonderful work you are doing.
Bro. James Mwanza

PEMBA
I have a friend who wanted to know more on the issue of the Holy Spirit. One question he asked is, If the Holy Spirit has been withdrawn, how could it have been left with us? You can send me any material on this subject. Muzoka is a small township; even our nearest Post Office is some 15km away and we are in between two bigger towns – Choma and Monze – about 45km both ways. I was happy to receive some book marks from the Brothers/Sisters in New Zealand. I am enclosing a photo taken during my graduation ceremony last December.
Bro. Wilfred Chibomba

SOLWEZI
I wish to thank the Brothers and Sisters in New Zealand for the hand-made book marks they sent via Bro. Marcus. I also thank you for other booklets and for the love shown. I know we have lost some beloved Brothers and Sisters from our ‘family’ in 2003. The Almighty God has been merciful to us, so that we can make up what is lacking in ourselves so that we can enter the Kingdom of God. I strongly urge my Brothers and Sisters that we should shed more light on those outside our Christadelphian family so that they become part of it. Although we are isolated from each other, we are together in prayers.
Bro. Joseph Kapimpa

 

 


news from zimbabwe 

BANKET

We read in the letter to the Ephesians that husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. No one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church. For we are members of his body. So this is our example and we have become the body of Christ through baptism. Gen. 2:22-24 tells us that the Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken from man, and he said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, for she was taken our of man. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they shall be one flesh. We have become Christ’s ‘bride’ through his death (Adam’s sleep) and his wonderful resurrection.
Bro. Fibion Ngozi

Thanks once more for the leaflets etc. so that I can communicate with you. Things are very difficult in our country these days. I could hardly afford to purchase the postage, since I am out of employment. Quoting from our Master in Matt. 24:9, we are prepared to be murdered for the sake of our Lord’s Name, as is happening in some countries, but perhaps this is just "the beginning of sorrows" (v. 8). Thanks for everything and much love in our Master’s Name.
Bro. David Yelulani

CHEGUTU

The good Lord continues to bless our numbers. Please join us in rejoicing in the baptism of three more babes into Christ last November 15, they are: BAUTIE MBEWE, GOMBA P. BANDARI and TOFARA GIBSON. We have met to join those of our numbers near and far in the act of remembering our Lord’s sacrifice by partaking of the emblems. We are overjoyed by our increase and hope our Lord will continue to bless us all so that we preach the Good News of the promised Kingdom, which binds us together, even though we are separated. Let us all strive hard and toil in the Lord’s vineyard and at the appointed time the Almighty will definitely give us our reward.
Bro. Itai P. Tembo

Thank you very much for the Bible Basics which are of great use as I have so many students who needed them; that was wonderful. The situation in our country is not good, but we hope God will intervene and restore peace to His children and destroy hunger and poverty. God says in Hosea 11:1-2, "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my Son. But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me". Our Father in heaven loves and cares for us, but we let Him down by running to the things of the earth. A man was a servant of the Lord and living in poverty. God heard his prayers and he became a rich man. He turned away from God and thought it was better to enjoy his money; he could not be found reading Gospel News nor praying, but he enjoyed his money; "When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud, then they forgot me.
Bro. Farai Phiri

Photo: Bro. Farai Phiri with the carvings he made at Africraft, which are sold to help Brethren and Sisters.

 

CHINHOYI

I would like to thank you all for Gospel News; it is a magazine full of enco uragement, testimonies, preaching and all good news from the Bible; I thank all who contribute to it. I would also like to thank Sis. Ruth Owen for the book she sent me; I did not write to her due to unaffordable postage prices. I would like to know much about the nation of Israel – ancient and modern times – if you have books and maps about it. As we await the coming Kingdom, let us always think about Jesus Christ who died on the cross so that we might be saved.
Bro. Moses Ajiweka

GUTU

I am sorry to hear of a Brother from Uganda who is experiencing a very gruelling life with his mother, the problem being that of religion. In most cases the tension usually occurs when one finds the real truth about the Kingdom of God. I know it’s hard to keep going when life keeps throwing us curves. I have a few words of encouragement to all in such a situation. As part of the Christadelphian family, we might think that we have made a mistake. We must always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labour in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58). We must devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, as other religions depend on human tradition rather than on Christ (Col. 2:8). We must set our hope on the Lord so that he will deliver us from such hardships. We must endeavour to instruct those who oppose us, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim. 2:24-26).
Bro. Tarirai Raphael Nyandoro

GWERU

I travelled to Rimbi and met with Bro Moses Dhlakama there. We talked about many issues regarding our ecclesias in Zimbabwe. In the evening we had a Bible talk from Bro. Moses based on Babylon (Iraq): that the garden of Eden was in Iraq (Gen. 2:14) He also took a quotation from Rev. 14:8, "Babylon is fallen" – applying to both literal and spiritual Babylon. Bible Class was on four themes from Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy: (1) my beloved son (2) sound in the faith (3) in season and out of season (4) hard times. After the Class, Bro. Moses showed me a project at Rimbi being funded by Meal-a-Day fund. I then left for Mutema, and met Bro. Patrick. Bro. Patrick arranged a meeting at Tangan; we met two Brothers and one Sister. The next Sunday Bro. Patrick and I went to Mutema and started with Bible study from 9am to 11.30am, which was well attended. After that we had our Sunday service.
Bro. Dzinga Sumburera

HARARE

I give my thanks to God who has been my Guide during my 13 years working in Harare. Now I am leaving Harare as my employers are leaving for Ireland. I am going to accompany my wife in isolation at Nyanga. The isolation will be only for the flesh, but in spirit we will be together. We always remember each other in prayers and writing as Paul did, "I always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in my prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 1:2-3). May the love of Christ be with the Kawara family who were very supportive of me during my 13 years in Harare.
Bro. Israel Mutunduwe

May God bless you all who do His work. I also take this opportunity to thank Bro. Fred and Sis. Nancy Milburn for bringing the truth to us. We were in darkness, as we thought we went to heaven when we die. We thank you also for sharing with us what you know.
Sis. Lassie

RENCO MINE

I am 17 years old and attend the Breaking of Bread service at Masvingo Rural ecclesia every Sunday. I have read Bible Basics and it really helped me, most especially where I was in doubt.
Simon Mudavose

Letter from Bro Davison Mupariwa

Isolation member in Chishuma Magunje, Zimbabwe

Thank you a lot for sending me Gospel News. It’s helping very much to improve my Bible studies and also to learn how my brothers and sisters around the world are living and what they think and know concerning the coming Kingdom of God which Jesus Christ is coming soon to set up on this earth. Sadly, I would like to comfort brothers and sisters who are in trouble for the truth in the Bible. Don’t worry too much, brothers and sisters, Jesus is coming very soon to wipe away your tears. Jesus is going to be King of Kings and Lord or Lords. We shall all be happy in this Kingdom.

May I take this oppertunity to thank Brother A.D. Liwawa of Malawi in his exhortation on false prophets which was in the Nov/Dec 2003 Gospel News. It touched me a lot because I am surrounded by a lot of these prophets here. I was a hard nut to crack. I have Jesus as my prophet who is at the right hand of God pleading the case of his true believers. Keep on teaching, my brother. May you write me a letter with more teachings on that.

I am now struggling in Chipapa, with a place beside Elephant Walk Hotel along Kariba Road. I am doing a lot of work here to clear the place of scrub to make a good field. If possible I would like help to buy good maize seed and fertilisers to give me a start to become independent.

It is very hard to attend Sunday services in Chishumba/Magunje every Sunday because of bus fares. I would like to thank Bro. K Smith of South Africa for sending me exhortation papers.

 



previous chapter table of contents next page next chapter