We are very happy to announce that 10 brethren with 32 Sunday School children and contacts are now meeting in their new temporary ecclesial hall. The hall measures 8m x 4m with 10 benches and a table. We thank the CBM welfare and the Ludlow ecclesia for their support.
I thank God for allowing me to write to you. God opened my eyes and I was baptized at Epen-Bangem. Today my eyes are not only opened, but God is sending me to preach the gospel. At present I am teaching nine people; God is guiding them and me. Above all, I would like you to send me Bible Basics to help me in my teaching.
We plead with you by this letter to keep sending us any preaching material you have produced. We cannot pay, but we know that you understand and will send us your precious works so that we can also share them.
I hope you and rest of the Gospel News team are doing fine. I am so sorry for the long silence due to internet failure. Many thanks for sending us every edition of Gospel News. I do pray for all our brethren, especially those who are facing persecution in the Moslem world. We, the brethren of the Mutengene ecclesia, are looking forward to welcoming our brethren from the UK in the days ahead, we do hope (God willing) we shall share the good news together.
The crime of Calvary was the work of many hands. Was it Caiaphas and the priests, eager to satisfy their life of ease, profit and comfort? Was it Pilate, held in the web of past administrative errors, now determined at all costs to avoid another appeal to Caesar and to protect his career? Or was it Herod? Was it the mob who shouted applause for Jesus’ crucifixion? Or the soldiers who obeyed orders and drove nails through His flesh. But what was our Lord’s reaction amidst all of this? Luke 23:28 tells us, “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but for yourselves”. We can identify ourselves with the aforementioned people if we fail to acknowledge that Christ died for our salvation and live by his commandments, as we await his second coming.
The Wum ecclesia report with sadness the falling asleep of our Bro. Beng Lawrence on October 23, 2004. He sleeps in the Lord until the Master returns. Live by faith not by sight: “In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him, and said, Thus says the Lord, set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover. Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, Remember now. O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept bitterly.” The Lord said to Isaiah, “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the prince of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father, I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you; on the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will add fifteen years to your life” (2 Kings 20:1-6). Here we see God’s power over life and death, health and sickness. Let us follow after the things of the Name and of the Kingdom, then we shall not fear sickness or death. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you. He will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Ps. 55:22).
Photo: Bro. Achuo
I thank the Lord for leading me where heavenly pastures are to be found. I also thank Jesus for his priesthood. I thank you people very much for the spiritual material you sent. I have been baptized and fellowship with those in Christ of the Wum ecclesia. I beg you: I don’t have a complete Bible and planner or a Bible Basics. Please, if you will, send everything to my post box. I will be grateful for this.
Photo: Bro. Zun Evaristus (right) in the school library.
IVORY COAST
ABIDJAN
I am an Ivorian and manage English a little. I am very pleased to receive Gospel News where I meet Brothers and Sisters giving their views and news. I use this occasion to express my gratitude for the long period of time you have sent me the Magazine. I was baptized in 1995 and that day everything changed. I remember my Brothers and Sisters in my prayers. I pray that God’s Kingdom will appear soon to give us the comfort we have toiled for. I want to assure my Brothers and Sisters that we in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, are well and we are with you all. It is just sad to learn of our beloved Brother Faris of Kandahar being murdered.
It is just because we cannot meet the cost of running a mail box that we use the school boxes. They are not always dependable, mail can get into wrong hands, sometimes lost or even opened to check what is inside. While we are weary of starvation, we hear that our maize is sold in your markets by unknown elements in our government; the situation is still prevailing lightly. We yearn for the time when things like this will be history. The war on terrorism could be identified with Armageddon. If the Bush administration shows unwillingness to uproot Al Qaeda and arrest Osama Bin Laden, then Russia could come in. Most of our human governments forget that they are installed by God, for His purpose. Your fellow in the walk Zionwards,
What is an ecclesia? Does every believer know what it is? It is a group of called- out ones. God told David that he was not to build Him a house, but his son would build it (Solomon’s temple. 2 Sam. 7; 1 Chron. 17). But the main lesson is that we, God’s people, together become God’s ‘house’ and Jesus is the chief cornerstone (read 1 Peter 2); he was the “stone that was rejected”
BONDO
Through Gospel News I have learned especially of Christadelphians globally. Without it I would never have known of the ecclesial groupings within Africa and all over the world. Here at Bondo ecclesia we were blessed last year in that two friends were baptized, one was doing the Correspondence Course and the other was a local contact with the help of Bro. John Yonjo. So we now just comfort one another, pray and have the Sunday service together, looking forward to the Lord’s second appearing to be the King and reward the righteous with the eternal life here on earth; we eagerly pray to be among them.
Here in Kenya we are tirelessly making many preaching efforts everywhere before the return of the Lord, and hope you are also doing the same. In Kenya last year there was a shortage of rain during the planting season, as a result crops have failed terribly and the end result is hunger. There are other signs: the political climate in Kenya is not good at all, as there is a lot of bickering among members of the ruling party. There are fears as well, due to high crime rates and despite police efforts they have come to nought. We hear of murder, rape, drugs abuse, theft every day. There are also charismatic sects who claim they possess the Holy Spirit gifts and powers. The biggest ‘sign’ is the parable of the fig tree; when it shoots forth we know for sure that the seasons are near. When we see the Jews regathered in their homeland, and Arab opposition to it, those studying the Scriptures know very well that the Lord can come at any moment. Let us all lift up our eyes and our heads, for our redemption is at hand.
Photo: This was taken last year when Brothers and Sisters from Bondo ecclesia paid a visit to Dago for the one-day Bible School held at Bro. Raphael Aimo’s home. On the left is Bro. Benedict Miruka who has now fallen asleep awaiting the resurrection.
We would like to take the opportunity of thanking you for Bible Basics and Gospel News. These materials have helped us much in terms of spiritual development. Brothers and Sisters also thank you for your spiritual devotion in sending us these things. We would like you to keep up this exercise so that the truth reaches every angle of this world. We understand very well that these are the last times, seeing present events fulfilling Bible prophecy. We would be grateful if you could send things like ‘Eureka’ (Vols. 1-5), ‘Elpis Israel’ and an Exposition of Song of Solomon and any other books you know to be of importance and help to us.
“Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him”. Ezekiel 34:3-5: “You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the crippled you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts”.
I am newly converted, being a baptized believer of the gospel, sharing the one true faith. I was recently introduced to Gospel News to all Nations; the contents of it greatly interested me because I have come to learn that most parts of the world have received the good news about the Kingdom of God. I introduce myself to you so as to learn more about the Scriptures; I also want to give gratitude to you for the books you sent to Bro. Eric Wamalwa, in fact, brother, these books have greatly helped me in godliness. I therefore request you to consider me for receiving more books.
Photo: A discussion with friends and Brethren and Sisters (second left is Bro. George Maina).
KANDIEGE
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. Any thing of value will not come if we are only spectators; we must participate to receive the prize. The example of believers in the first century should be ours. ‘They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in prayer, and in breaking of bread” (Acts 2). If we continue in the same calling the reward will be ours.
We are looking forward to a visit from the UK., which seems exciting to me and I hope it is the same to the contacts in the Kobujoi area. Getting to Kobujoi is rather difficult owing to the state of the roads. They are mud roads and so during the rainy season things can get so tough. But our Brethren are not cowards, they will brave the roads and get to Kobujoi. May our Hevenly Father grant them a safe and very much blessed journey.
When writing this letter I am 600km south of Nakuru ecclesia. The nearest ecclesia to me is Mombasa, almost 300km. Nairobi is around 350km. The roads connecting me to this area are bumpy and very dusty, becoming impossible during the rainy season. Many of the people in Loitokitok are nomadic Masai tribe who cannot speak fluent Kiswahili or English. Apostolic churches are everywhere in Loitokitok; I am the only Christadelphian here. I am appealing to members who might live along the Kenya and Tanzania borders to try their best to meet with me so that we can spread the true gospel. I would remind Brothers and Sisters world wide of Luke 21:19, Matthew 24:13 and Mark 13:13, all of which speak of the need to stand firm that we may be saved and be in the everlasting Kingdom of God on earth, when it will be full of the knowledge and glory of the Lord (Habakkuk 2:14).
Bro. Peter Thuro Kanuki (in isolation)
I am thankful to God for His kindness and goodness to us in keeping us well and uniting us in our remembrance of our absent Master. I am very happy to have had your letter and Gospel News giving more encouragement regarding the soon coming of Christ to establish the Kingdom of God, which we are eagerly waiting for. I am here at the far end of Kenya (isolation) with my wife and four children and also have some four students who I am instructing through Bible Basics. We must give ourselves to the service of God; we cannot serve God and mammon. “In everything give thanks to Him, for this is His will and pleasure concerning you”. Also, let Christ dwell in our hearts by faith and in the footsteps of Christ Jesus. I send a photo taken after teaching children the Bible stories.
Photo: Bro Nuani and his children
We are so glad to hear of so many converts through the waters of baptism, including some from the Muslim community. Gospel News is always giving encouragement from various Brothers and Sisters throughout the world. How challenging it is when one reads the progress of an ecclesia or individual or how a Brother/Sister first received the message of truth. We also read of the distress/tribulation of our Brethren and Sisters. We in the Central area of Kenya are making good use of Bible Basics. We have an annual programme whereby each ecclesia studies from the book every Sunday and also an evening study; this has been taking place since January last year. From Jan-June we studied Part 1, ‘The things concerning the Kingdom of God’. From July we studied Part 2 on ‘The things concerning the Name of Jesus Christ’. We have now studied the Life in Christ and finished by the study on fellowship. This has been encouraging for Brothers and Sisters, and even for our friends.
One very important point must now be emphasised: there will be two sorts of people in the Kingdom of God – mortals and immortals. There will, in fact, be a – three-tier structure: First, the Lord Jesus Christ, the immortal King: second, His immortal helpers and third, multitudes of ordinary flesh and blood mortal men and women, who will be the mortal population of the Kingdom. Read: Isa. 65:19:20; 1 Cor. 6:2; Luke 22:29-30; Rev. 20:6.
May I inform you that the work of God here is growing, for we now have two other friends who have joined our studies. As I read Gospel News I understand that Bible Basics is now translated into Kiswahili; may God bless those who have arranged this. I request two Bible Basics in Kiswahili for the two friends who cannot understand English.
In our district there are many who believe in the Trinity and it is very hard to turn them from their belief. I ask you to send me some booklets to show these people the Truth.
The reason for my long silence is because of ill health. Thanks to the Lord I am now well and I am able to be in touch once again with the loved ones, especially Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. More good news is that we have been blessed with an ecclesia close to where I reside. We used to walk quite a long distance to attend Sunday meetings, but sometimes, when I was ill, I was isolated. I am very thankful to those at Karabu for starting a meeting in a Brother’s house in Migori, even though we are small in number – four Brothers, three Sisters, 10 Sunday School children and one contact. Our hope for the coming Kingdom surpasses everything. If Jesus remains away we hope he will keep adding more to his flock when we will be forced to look for a bigger space for our meetings.
I enclose an article on Gen. 2:24. Many brethren have completely misinterpreted this, having gone as far as rejecting their parents in regard to assisting them.
Photo: Bro Martin [left] and Bro Solomon
The 17 Bible Basics, Igbo version, sent through my Sister wife’s name got to her and has been claimed. Even before my arrival some Brethren and Sisters had taken some! We had no idea that such a version could be found in your stock. I thank Almighty God for this. You know that it is our duty to sow the seed, and it is God who gives the increase.
I have received the parcel of printed matter, which I appreciate. This came at a time badly needed because it coincided with the date we planned an outing to spread the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God and to tell the masses who we are and what we believe. As a newly opened ecclesia in this part of the town, our duty is to let people know us and to talk to them about the coming Kingdom of God on earth – not in heaven, as many believe. The leaflets in the parcel helped us much and the response is tremendous. I am appealing to you to help us more to achieve our goal of saving souls. I request that you send me Eureka and Key to Understanding the Scriptures. I like to read some of the books written by the older Brothers, but cannot get them because of financial constraints and they are not available here.
“Silver and gold have I none, but that which I have I shall give”; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ let the blessings and favour of God locate you always. May He continue to hedge and protect you till Christ returns for your kindness. Please keep praying for us, for God’s guidance and protection, especially here in Kano and other troubled areas.
I am writing from my country home. I retired from the Government service and had to relocate from Calabar to Ogoja where I have been living in isolation for over a year now. Only one Brother (Bro. Michael Nyiam) comes to me from Calabar once in a long while. I am trying to get some converts, but it is fairly difficult because out here everyone already belongs to a conventional church. I am not relenting however. I compiled a list of libraries in 2001; were you able to accomplish the task of sending copies of Bible Basics to them? I need a lot of literature to read now that I am in isolation and idle. I need a lot of leaflets and pamphlets to give to the people I am preaching to. Please send them to me. I retired on 30th June, 2003, and up till the time of writing this letter the Government has not paid me a single penny in the name of my retirement benefits, so I have been living in abject poverty, not sure of what to eat. My children have been thrown out of schools because I cannot now afford to pay their school fees..
‘To be Right with God’ was a topic given at our Sunday class. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”, Sin is the result of man’s disobedience in Eden. We have been put right with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. He has brought us, by faith, to God’s grace in which we now live. This is why we boast of the hope we have of sharing in God’s glory. God has poured out His love into our hearts by means of His Word and the work of Jesus Christ who died for the sins of the world. There is no other means whereby man can be saved. Sin came into the world through one man, Adam, and his sin brought death. The hope of salvation came into the world through one man, Jesus Christ, all by God’s grace.
(below) Bro. Aigbosare Frank teaching the men.
We thank our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ for our good health. The Amapulfe ecclesia are building a meeting place. We have cleared the area and are waiting for the job to start. We still need help in getting bags of cement and sand.
Before I came to the Truth I did many things I should not have done. But I hearkened when God said to me, “Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow”. So, my dear and beloved Brothers and Sisters, as persons we are sinful by nature. However, God has just been so merciful to us and given His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins in order to make us clean, that is why it is stated in the Bible that Jesus was pierced for our sins and also bruised for our iniquities. As Christadelphians and as followers of Jesus Christ, let us try very hard indeed to imitate our Lord and be holy, for he is holy.
Since I got in touch with you my life has changed a great deal. The copies of Introducing Bible Basics and Bible Basics study manual you gave me have helped me overcome intellectual obstacles and also to remove doubts that hindered my spiritual growth. I mean, this is marvelous and I am touching the lives of many others, using Bible Basics as a reference book. Brothers, you have planted your seed in fertile soil! So, if you have any more material it will be great and a joy to receive. Also any material, particularly about ‘apologetics’, but I will appreciate anything you provide. Also, thank you for putting me on the mailing list for Gospel News, it is so exciting and revealing a lot. May the Lord strengthen and bless you and continue with the great commission – preaching the gospel to the people. Thank you, too for giving me a copy of the public debate on miracles. Also say Hi to Annette Henriksen, my personal tutor. I greatly thank her for her faithfulness and endurance; she always marks my scripts and posts them back so quickly. You are all so organized!
KASULU
We sing here – among other things. Our choir is comprised of men, women and our youth. The choir uses traditional instruments and the music is nice and attractive. The picture I am sending shows the drum, which is the common instrument. We should be very grateful to have any ideas and any help to modernize our instruments, which will help to enhance our praises to our God.
Photo: Kasulu Area Ecclesial Choir
I was glad to hear from you, for Gospel News, ‘signs of the times’ and the booklet. We need 10 Kiswahili Bible Basics to use at our Bible study. We remember you all in our prayers. We would like to see photographs in colour. We desire to spread the truth, but lack the Kiswahili Bibles. Our Bible Seminar was postponed and held on Sept. 16-17, 2004 (instead of Sept. 1-2). We enjoyed sweet fellowship with our local brethren and sisters from both Lugufu 1/2 ecclesias and also the company of interested friends. The subjects were: The Bible – Inspired and Infallible (Bro. Isidore Mwibeleca); The Fundamental Message of the Bible (Bro. Isidore); Baptism (Bro. Rehani Pascal); Christian Marriage (Bro. Amnobe Iyungu); The Life in Christ (Bro. Lwendo Bulvma). We thank members of Lugufu 1 for their contribution and Bro. S.M. Harris (Evesham UK) for the exercise books and pens, which were gladly used during the Seminar. We thank God, our Heavenly Father, for His care, ensuring all went well.
Comment: We have considered printing the pictures in colour, but feel the extra money required would be more profitably spent on our preaching activities at the present time.
I write to inform you that our Brother Anord Kihunrwa fell asleep in Christ on November 15, 2004, here in Mikumi, after a short illness of malaria. We shall miss our Brother very much. We were three brethren, so now we remain just two in our ecclesia. We look forward to the resurrection when we will see our Brother again.
My children are well and are doing fine at school as well as the CIL Sunday School lessons. My missionary work here in Musoma is also going well and I have a contact ready for interview and also some students taking the early lessons in the Bible Course. About a month ago I received the ‘Exploring the Bible’ Course, which I am now taking. I am planning to go home to Kenya for 3-4 weeks, God willing. My son Kevin is going to Standard 7, if our Lord remains away; Cherlingstone and Bev are fine and enjoying staying with their grandma. I worry about Bev. As she is still very young to stay away without me; it makes me unsettled. I’m really happy reading and seeing pictures of brethren and sisters world-wide. I’m also very happy seeing and reading news about the Bible camps, in fact I feel I am also among them! I am not lonely as I have contacts around me and brethren and sisters. I got a message from the Mwanza brethren informing me that they had purchased a bicycle for me and will soon bring it to me. It will really help me in seeing my contacts as they are far away. Life in Musoma is very difficult as there has been no rainfall for almost six months.
Photo: Sis. Monica Achieng with Justine, a student.
UVINZA
Our activities are still going well and God Himself is doing well upon his servants here in the Camp, that’s why we are now in good condition. Some among our Lugufu ecclesial members have been resettled in the USA by UNHCR since April, 2004. Please continue to send us books, pamphlets etc. Our source of spirituality depends upon us all fortifying one another.
NEWS FROM UGANDA
Thank you for your great help of prayer and also for Gospel News. Prayer can do great things (James 5:13-18). Many rebels (LRA) are reporting back home to Government soldiers every two weeks. Praise God for the power of prayer. Northern Uganda is now becoming well and fine because of the rebel groups reporting and the Government is planning to send us back home to our village around March or April, our first rainy season, God willing. As a result of this rebel group’s activities we have great fear of famine from the beginning of the year to July. The Government has planned to give us houses, and seeds like maize, beans, cassava, but it will all be very late. So, Brothers, pray for us. Life is still hard; to be in a place which is not your home land is very difficult. We have been farmers from our youth, but not having farmed our land we have nothing in store for when we are back in our village. Thank you again for your prayers.
I hope you are safe in the hands of our God who has set us aside from the world to do His will. I request you to send me books to support our Bible study lessons and for preaching the word. Try to send me what is available please.
We are very fine with Bro. Godwin Mugasi who is serving us nicely. I am requesting books and also your prayers, as my work is not going smoothly. I am a driver, but my boss is not giving me enough money. Pray that I may get another job.
CHIPATA
I have some Brothers here who would like very much to start receiving Gospel News. We ourselves are all brothers and sisters of Christ and always trying to follow in his steps, but when we look back something is always missing. The Bible tells us that we are all sinners and can be made well when we meet Jesus. But, do some brothers and sisters stop others from meeting Jesus as a Healer? How can we say to a sick person who wants to meet a doctor, You can’t? Are we trying to follow Christ’s steps by doing what we think right in our own mind? No one is righteous no, not even one (Rom. 3:10). Christ was always talking about forgiveness, not judging others.
There is just something about Gospel News that draws me closer to every brother and sister who contributes to its pages. But the most important thing is that I simply love the way you bring out the conflicting religious values between Christians and non-Christians in Islamic nations. It is touching to realize how many brothers and sisters are being persecuted for their faith. Before I sat for my promotional exams on 15th-19th Nov, I approached the College administration and was fortunate enough to be given a portion on the Agriculture Production Unit to work on; I was cultivating. It was quite a tiring job; worse still I was under pressure – working and at the same time studying for the exams. I am currently considering ‘The Last Days’ and feel that a world-wide famine on the horizon is really part of it. There is so much that is currently happening in the world that constitutes part of the ‘signs’ of the last days. Our book library still needs some books. If it is possible for you to supply more, we would be very grateful.
King Solomon warned, “To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh” (Ecc. 12:12). Solomon was not trying to discourage reading, he was just advising us to be selective. The seventeenth-century French philosopher Rene Descartes said, ‘When one reads good books it is like having a conversation with men of breeding who lived in the past. We might even find it a selective conversation, in which the author expresses only his most noble thoughts.” Not all writers, though, are worth ‘conversing’ with, nor are all their thoughts really ‘noble’. So the oft-quoted Bible principle again comes into play: “Bad associations spoil useful habits” (1 Cor. 15:33). Yes, the people with whom we associate can mould our personality. Have you ever spent so much time with a friend that you have found yourself beginning to act, talk and even think like your friend? Well, reading a book is like spending hours conversing with the one who wrote it The principle Jesus stated at Matt. 24:15 is thus pertinent (“Let the reader use discernment”). Learn to analyze and weigh what you read. All humans are afflicted with a certain amount of bias and are not always totally honest in their portrayal of facts. Do not, therefore, accept unquestioningly everything you read or hear: “Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps” (Prov. 14:15). We should be particularly cautious about reading anything that expounds a philosophy of life - teen magazines, for example. And what about books that plunge into weighty philosophical questionings? The Bible warns: “Look out. Perhaps there maybe someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8). The Bible and Bible-based publications such as this offer far better advice (2 Tim. 3:16).
Here is a word of encouragement from me, and the message comes from the book of Deut. 31:6-8: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged”. This is the word of encouragement my beloved brethren and sisters.
Gospel News produces good results in helping brethren, sisters and our youth to get to know each other on our side of the world, as well as those far off, and we want this to continue. I am sending a picture of our Sunday School in my house; the number of children is over 60 and they like learning about Jesus. There are also a number of interested contacts in the surrounding areas, but transport makes contact impossible. I really need a bicycle to reach them as the distance is too far to walk. I have a problem: What can I do when students have completed the Correspondence Course satisfactorily and want to be baptised? Should I baptise them?
Comment: You need to refer the question of baptisms of suitable candidates to the area representative and Linkman. As baptism is essential to salvation, once a person has the required knowledge they should be baptised as soon as possible.
MH
I had a brilliant time at the Bush Camp, full of much singing, listening, talking and laughing. The numbers of young and older ones was greater than that for the year 2003. I’ve made more great friends and that makes me feel really rich; we’re keeping in touch through letters like crazy. Having Christadelphian friends is such a blessing to me that I can’t let go – a very good topic by Bro. Don Styles about being friendly. Your Nov/Dec editorial, ‘More on the Road Ahead’ helped me know more important facts, and I just pray that God will help all of us do our best in making ourselves and others worthy of the eternal life He has in store for us. The ‘Praise the Lord’ six tapes has got some of the sweetest songs I’ve listened to in my life, and the ‘Underneath His Canopy of Blessing’ kind of drives me a bit crazy. Some here at home say that there’s too much noise in the songs, but I love everything about them – including the noise!
Photo: Sis. Bevelyn (‘Lyn’) Tembo
Thank you for the Key Cards and your letter which are educative, spiritual and uplifting. May we all continue to encourage one another on our way to the Kingdom. I have friends who are interested in our preaching; they asked me about the English Bible Basics, so I am asking you to send some copies to me for distribution to them, God willing.
I know that a business is a job, any job, earning you money. If I want to have a business I must have the capital to start it. I must have a business plan. What business am I going to start? This is similar to working in the Truth; one has to decide what they wish to accomplish, what they need to do it; who will be interested and how to present the case.
MAKONDE
My family and I are very thankful that you have continued sending us Gospel News. We have just received the current issue. As usual, it contains much interesting news from all over the world – updating our knowledge about the way the Gospel is spreading world wide and how the brotherhood is faring in these last times of the kingdoms of men. We are delighted to hear that Gospel News is continuing as opposed to the rumour about its cessation. We pray that all of you who are contributing towards its continuity will be blessed with the resources to continue this noble work of preaching to the world and keeping our community well informed about its spiritual wellbeing. As members in isolation and in a rural area where there is no big hospital, we welcome with gladness the offer of the book, ‘Where There is No Doctor”. We would love to receive a copy – please send us one. Eunice, the whole family and our small ecclesia join me in sending our love and well wishes in the Lord to you all. May the God of all comfort bless your labours for His Name and keep you safe for His Kingdom, which we all await with fervour.
Bro. Zacchaeus Muntete
NDOLA
I thank you on behalf of Ndola ecclesia; we do appreciate the effort of promoting the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some people from other churches ask me why we do not put on ‘uniforms’ like some churches do during memorial services. We read in “Joel 2:12-13, “Turn to me with all your heart…rend your heart, and not your garments”. ”neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive” (Zech 13:4).Putting on ‘uniforms’ will not save us, because God looks at the heart of a person not on the outward appearance; He knows everything about us (read Jer. 1:5; Ps. 139; Eph. 1:44). The Bible also says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit”. We can do nothing of ourselves. Phil. 4:6-7 tells us not to worry but to pray, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. How we start the day can affect the rest of the day. We should start the day praying to our Lord God through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. We should use our leisure time reading the Bible, by so doing we will be using it profitably. The harvest is great, but the labourers few. Language differences cannot separate us from the love of God.
Bro. James Mwanza
Photos sent by Bro. Mwanza (a) taken at last year’s Bush Camp at Fringilla in August and (b) taken at the Copperbelt fraternal in October last year.
PEMBA
I really thank you for all materials rreceived. I appreciate the local Christadelphian community’s efforts to try and reach out. May God allow this to continue, by His will. We have experienced drought in the country, except in the Northern parts. Maybe there will be changes, but weather changes seem to be world wide.
Photo: Bro. Wilfred’s pre-school children
SOLWEZI
Regarding the baptisms of two Brothers and one Sister who were baptized in a local cow pond, we should not think of the pond itself; we can all recall where our Lord Jesus Christ was born.
Bro. Joseph Kapimpa
NEWS
FROM ZIMBABWE
BANKET
Many of the arguments about God and the way He works in the world get
nowhere because they start from the assumption that we have some kind of claim
on God. It’s true that He loved us, but love doesn’t have to do with ‘rights’.
If a partner in a marriage has to insist on his or her ‘rights’, love has almost
certainly died. Read Romans 11:25-32. We are all prisoners of disobedience or,
as Paul puts it earlier in this letter, everyone has sinned and is far away from
God’s saving presence. Read Romans 3:23. We have all broken God’s law. Our only
hope is to ask God for mercy. We have no basis for a claim on God. We all
benefit from His mercy, but He can’t ignore disobedience because He is holy and
righteous. But, as a writer of the Psalm put it, “The Lord is merciful and
loving” (Ps.103:8). Given the least spark of repentance and a desire for
forgiveness, God responds with mercy. We may measure how willing God is to
forgive by what Jesus did for us on the cross. I worship you for your power and
wisdom, Lord. I love you for your mercy and loving kindness.
Bro. Fibion Ngozi
Photo: Left Bro. John Masumba and Bro. Fibion
Ngozi
BULAWAYO
I thank you very much for Gospel News; it’s very helpful and
interesting, linking brothers and sisters together world-wide as one family.
Sorry for poor communication all along; I have not been well, but am now better.
God loves me always.
Sis Josephine Chitemerere
Hope you are well as we are here. Many thanks for the gift you sent me of the
calender. It was my first time to have it and it is great to have one. May Our
Lord bless all you are doing.
Bro.
Rhobson Sithole
CHEGUTU
More often than not we hear nations celebrating ‘freedom days’ in their
countries or commemorating the day they obtained their ‘independence’.
Christians should thus celebrate biblical, or spiritual, freedom from evil. This
freedom is really for free – at no cost at all money-wise. The first man, Adam,
and his helper, Eve, were given all the freedom in the garden of Eden. They had
dominion over it and all the animals. So freedom did not come with independence,
but rather was given in the beginning after God’s wonderful creation. It has
always been there for the taking, with no strings attached. Listen to the words
of Matt. 11:28, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
peace/rest”. It is no one but ourselves who are to blame when things go haywire
for us. This is due to our refusing to follow and live within Christ’s and God’s
commandments. The Bible tells us that those who sow to the body will reap decay,
but those who sow to the spirit will inherit eternal life. Let us therefore sow
righteousness and reap a sure reward (Prov. 11:18).
Bro. Itai P. Tembo
Man judges the outside of us, but our Heavenly Father knows what is stored in
our hearts. We always want to see ourselves as pure and without sin, but God
will judge us. I have learned that when in trouble we must not give up, because
the Lord will stand by us. We are only servants of our Master, so we should just
serve and not judge. The Master is to do that work. Jesus Christ was betrayed by
the one who was his disciple who ate the last meal with him. Bro. Marcus, my
father passed away a long time back leaving my mother and young brother. I have
my wife and two children and also the three children of my sister whose husband
passed away three years ago. All these people must have someone to look after
them, and that person is me. My family join me in sending greetings.
Bro. Farai Phiri
CHINHOYI
God knows how to take
care of people, including every one of us, but we need to listen to Him. He even
talks to His people about how they can make a living without disobeying His
commandments. There are many teachings in the Bible that help us in different
ways if we look for His instructions. He speaks to us through the Bible; Jesus
Christ is our Leader today. His teachings tell us what we should do. In the
Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7), Jesus tells us what attitude to have and how to
treat other people. God hears us when we. He teaches that we should always seek
the Lord’s will and listen when He speaks to us. We cannot expect His help and
blessing if we do not obey Him. The preaching of the word satisfies the longing
of the troubled heart. The word ‘gospel’ means ‘good news’, which is what the
life, death and resurrection of Jesus brought to lost mankind. The ‘good news’
is the bread of life and no one need go hungry, not a single person, however
large the crowd. All can come and have their spiritual needs supplied. Just as
Jesus fed the five thousand, we can come to him when we feel alone and he will
heal us.
Bro. Lloyd Lungu
CHISHUMBA
Protection comes in
many forms: a rabbit dives for his burrow, a deer runs to the dense cover of a
swamp, a two-year-old runs for his dad’s trouser
leg, a marine digs in under cover of suppportive artillery. But what does a
Christian do? Where does he hide when surrounded by danger? David knew when he
wrote Psalm 31. Things were not going well for him; he was tired and weak; his
mind was distressed, his heart was broken, his enemies were chasing him and his
friends had let him down. He was in a vulnerable position – but he was not
defenceless. He knew that God is the best possible source of safety and that a
right relationship with Him is the wisest defence strategy. That’s where he
found his security. Just as a small child finds confidence in calling out for
his older brother when threatened by a bully, David called on the Name of the
Lord. Because he was living in fellowship with Him he hid himself in the
security of that one who had helped him so many times before and who loved him
with an unfailing love. Are we as quick to seek that same security? God can be
trusted. He was a sure hiding place for David and He is also the One who we
should cling to for our protection. The Lord is able to meet all our needs;
nothing is too difficult for Him. Sarah needed to learn this truth. God’s
promise to give Abraham a son is recorded in Genesis 17:21. In the next chapter
that assurance was repeated to the patriarch as he talked outside his tent with
three men sent from God. This time Sarah overheard the conversation. To her,
having a child at her advanced age was an impossibility, so she laughed within
herself (v 12). The Lord then said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying,
Shall I surely bear a child since I am old? Is any thing too hard for the Lord?”
(vs. 13:14). As Christians, we have the same assurance. Abraham’s God is our God
and He is omnipotent; He is the Creator of the Universe. Nothing exceeds His
power. No problem intimidates Him. No obstacle is too big. Our Heavenly Father
is in control of every situation. What comfort we can find in this truth! What
confidence it can give us! The all-knowing God, everywhere present, the
all-powerful Creator and Sovereign God, can do anything. When we present our
petitions to our Heavenly Father in prayer, making sure we ask according to His
will, He assures us that nothing is too hard for Him.
Bro. Emmanuel Maugente
I am
thankful and reassured that God is so wise and powerful that absolutely nothing
can cause His purpose to fail, in fact He is able to take those things meant for
evil and make them work for good. Joseph’s brothers hated him so much that they
plotted his murder before selling him. But in Egypt Joseph gained the favour of
Pharaoh who gave him the number two position of authority. During the famine,
Joseph’s brothers came to him for food, not realizing who he was. When Joseph
finally identified himself to them he said, “Do not therefore be grieved or
angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to
preserve life” (Gen. 45:5). Later he told them, “You meant evil against me, but
God meant it for good in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many
people alive” (Gen. 50:20). To me, that is both exciting and encouraging. I am
reassured that no matter what someone might do to harm me, the Lord is able to
turn it to my benefit and to His glory. When we are discouraged because of
distressing circumstances and demanding challenges, we can rejoice in God’s
wisdom, power and sovereignty – He is working all for our good (Rom. 8:28).
No Name given
DETE
I am a person who likes to spread the word of God to many people, but due to
circumstances I can’t do it because I have to spend most of the time cultivating
the garden because, as a widow, this is where I get the money to help me and my
child. I am always in pain, but I think God will put His hands on me for a
better life.
Sis. Miriam Ncube
HARARE
Thanks for replying to my note; you have shown me love and brotherhood,
which we always preach. We had our annual conference last year, July 30th-Aug
1st. We had Sis. Ruth Moore and Bro. Steve together with
Bro. Denis and Sis. Mary Woodgate. We were truly
blessed. With Gospel News we are all put close to each other; we feel as
though we do belong to the same ecclesia. Yes, we do depend on the land for our
existence. I had a piece of land that my parents gave me. In our country you
have to look for your own fertilizers, seeds and equipment and you use only the
knowledge that you have. I am always begging our Lord to be with you all in His
word. We need to do something, as Christadelphians, about our children who are
finding it difficult to understand the Truth. At a certain school where one of
my kids attend they are taught that if you die, being a sinner, you will be put
at the left side of God where Satan/Lucifer will be waiting to put you in his
everlasting fire. The righteous will be on the right hand side of God. I just
thank God that they are day scholars and they come and ask me. Will you please
send a Gospel News to Sis Shorai Phiri who was baptized in February 2004,
the interview, address and baptism was conducted by our brethren,
Sis
Maureen Chimunya
Comment: We have
sent you the book, ‘How to Grow a Balanced Diet’.
KARIBA
I thank God
for His unlimited love shown to us in giving His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He
called me (John 17:6) after I read Bible Basics through Bro. Joshua
Pakali in 1993. After reading this I decided to do some lessons with the
Christadelphians, but failed to go forward with them due to family and health.
After realising what I knew through Bible Basics, I believe God read my
heart. I decided to be baptized since I knew where I was going (John 8:14) and
was baptized on May 8, 2003 (Acts 8:34,36). From that day I have been at peace.
God willing, five of my children will be added to our number.
Bro. David Mhandiwa
KWEKWE
A pro-active way of correcting our social ills is by mending our ways fast.
We can then hopefully improve our own family, which, in turn, may become a model
to our community and hence our society at large. One should try to be a model to
others in every respect. If we are teachers we should do our level best to be
the model teachers. By resolving to be such we shall consciously and
conscientiously behave in the best possible way. The same is true for other
individuals, be they parents, leaders in the public or private sector and more
so in Government. In other words, the higher ones position, the greater
influence one has over others. It is practising what we preach that determines
our credibility before our children first and other members of the community
second. We have moved from Gwanda to Kadoma; you will remember that I am married
to Sis. Nomathamsanga. I can help with any
translating into Shona, also if you have hand-outs we are free to distribute
them around Kadoma.
Bro. Lovemore Tungaza
LUPANE
I thank you for sending me Gospel News, it makes me feel I’m onwards towards
the Kingdom of God. I also want to thank you a lot for sending me the booklet
‘Are the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Possessed Today?’ I find this very
useful; I read it thrice. I want to thank the Brothers and Sisters for their
love and mercy towards me, without which I would not be what I am now, keeping
in good strength and not turning away from the Gospel. Sis. Susan was my Sunday
School teacher for three years – thank you very much, Sister. To you all, let us
not turn back; let us preach the Truth in every corner, no matter what
difficulties we face and we think of the killing of our beloved Brother in
Afghanistan; let’s have one thing in mind – that the Kingdom of God is around
the corner. If necessary, let us take the same assurance as was given to Daniel,
“You shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days”. And
keep up the work, dear brothers and team. We pray day by day for you for the
work to continue. Also, remember to pray for us as we pray for you. Here in
Zimbabwe it’s cold during the morning and midnight, so every one is shivering.
Bro. Balewa Ngwenya
MAGUNJE
It is now
our rainy season and we pray our Heavenly Father will enable us to do our
planting. Here, in our country it is corruption in everything. We continue our
Bible study, especially Sunday meetings when we break bread and drink wine. The
books sent are very helpful, encouraging and informative. I would like some more
Shona Bible Basics for some students who want to know the true word of
God. If possible, just send as many as you can. I would like a copy of the book,
‘Where There is no Doctor’. Your Brother, longing for Jesus Chist,
Bro. Stanford Kuuzha
MASVINGO RURAL
I send
greetings to brethren and sisters world wide. I thank God that all the
literature reached me safely. We thank all of you who are involved in publishing
Gospel News and would appreciate its expansion. Here in Africa we depend
on the land for food, but the land is now old and has poor nutrient content.
Employment opportunities are scarce; violence, crime, robbery and poverty are
increasing. We are facing famine as rains were few last season and are now in
the planting season. I would be glad if you could send me more literature as I
am interested in reading the word of God. The sense of depending on the land is
what we experience, but there is also scarcity of that since the population
increases all the time. Please pray that I find a vacancy at a teachers’
college; I have passed my ‘O’ levels with bright colours and have nothing to do.
Bro. Simon Mudavose
MT. DARWIN
In a world where violence and terrorism may strike at any time, where can we
find security? Where can we be safe? The Bible says that our security is not in
human protection but in God Himself. The book of Psalms contains a lot of
references to taking refuge in the Lord, many of them from David’s experience of
being persued by his enemies. In his prayer for help, he centred his hope in the
Lord, “You have been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. To you, O
my Strength, I will sing praises, for God is my defence, my God of mercy” (Ps.
59:16-17). God doesn’t guarantee to protect us from difficulty and physical
harm, but He does promise to be our Refuge in every situation. In Him we find
real security.
Bro. Patrick Chakaipa
We are delighted to report the baptisms of ARIANA, VIOLA & DENIZA during a recent visit by brother Ben and sisters Liz and Abi. May the Lord guide them to his Kingdom.
We are delighted to report the baptism of ANDREJ; may the Lord bless his path to the Kingdom A Bible School for children, including orphans of Chernobyl, was held over Christmas. We really appreciate the support that made this possible, and the gifts of clothes and gloves for the children.
I have no great wish to be in contact with prisoners, but I think may be this is the way God is leading me to serve Him. I was tutoring one man in prison on the correspondence course, and he introduced others, and now I find many writing to me. So this is perhaps how God is wanting to use me.
Our children are growing up now. We do truly pray for wisdom, so that they will grow up to know the Truth. I ask God too to grant me patience, to set the right pattern.
SMALYANY
I was really encouraged to get a package with vitamins etc, thank you so much. I have to bring up my grandchildren and it is so hard to do this here, all we have is our land and animals and we are far from any city. But in all things, let us give glory to God!
Sis. Nina
TERESHKI
Reading about the building of the temple, I thought, that we Christadelphians are like a temple, each of us are the different stones, we must never allow any division, or else we will all fall. The road here is still impassable for me to get easily to the nearest station, so I have not been able to get to the meetings in Minsk all Winter.
Bro. Vladimir
VILEJKA
We really wish all blessings for every Bible School wherever it is, we think these gatherings are so important. We are with you all.
Bro. Gennady & Sis. Margarita
NEWS FROM BELGIUM
We’re delighted to report the baptism of MARCUS in Leuven, after a long journey to the Lord. We look forward to fellowship with Him and are grateful to Bro. Graham Mitchell of the Walton ecclesia for coming over to assist Duncan and Cindy and David in the interview and baptism.
Photo: Bro. Marcus on left, then Duncan, Cindy, Graham, David and Ben
NEWS FROM BOSNIA
SARAJEVO
We know man commits sin because he isn't faithful to God. And we all are created in the image of God. So He did a lot for us, so why can't we do as much as we can for Him? In our mission here in this country what ever we do we do for HIM! Because of our sinful nature we are not doing as much as we could do! I am ashamed of myself and other people because we are not trying enough! God help us if we stay like this! This life is worthless, we must prepare for the Kingdom life. God is the only truth and we will go after it.
Several days ago I asked my friend, Ivica, if he believed in absolute truth. "Yes", he said. "But I believe we spend our entire day trying to get away from it." I was proud of his answer. It reminds me of Jesus' words in John: "Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." (John 3:19-21).
Bro. Dzenan
NEWS FROM BULGARIA
We are sorry to report the falling asleep in the Lord of our brother Ivan Sharkov, and we look forward to the great day of resurrection even more. BAPTISED Nov 1995.
NEWS FROM CROATIA
ZAGREB
I was thinking a thought, which I liked. That God is the ‘I am’; He is a God who is concerned with us today, and is not just about things in the past or the future Kingdom. Things are very hard for me, with my health. So this is comfort for me, as I live one day at a time.
Sis. Anita
NEWS FROM CZECH
PRAGUE
I have been thinking, how we are made of dust, how weak our lives are. I long only for our final meeting and being with our true Father, God, in His Kingdom, when we shall be changed.
Bro. Edik
I am very thankful for the spiritual care that you show to us. We are facing some problems here but we are OK.
Bro. Oleg
NEWS FROM GEORGIA
SUKHUMI
I pray honestly and openly before the Lord for each of you my dear brothers. I pray He will provide for us each in the hard moments we each face in these last days. I pray that He will give us soft hearts, as all around us, I believe in every country, is the spirit of hardness and selfishness.
Bro. Guram
NEWS FROM GERMANY
As you know I have been living here for a while having come from Kazakhstan. But things have not been easy especially with regard to accommodation, this question has been so hard for us having two young children. I thank God that He did great and wonderful things for us in our lives in this respect, as great, for me, as the great things He did in the past which we read about in the Bible.
Sis. Elena
As we know that on the 26th Dec there was an earthquake and Tsunami in Aceh Indonesia.The disaster was very terrible. According the report of the Social Departement on 26th Jan 2005 there were reported 291,271 confirmed dead and still more missing. But after the report even untill nowadays there were still many dead being found in the ruin and on the seashore. Padang is the cement factory where about 600 people work, almost all the people were missing, only 20 people are still alive. One of the private hospital all the pasients, nurses and doctors were wept away.
Was it the same as the Noah flood ? As Jesus said in Mat 24, that it is one of the signals of the coming of Jesus Christ ?
The Tsunami was very terrible, the water about 10 m high and it was very vast about 700 km per hour near the coast, and the water went far away about 140 km from the seashore.
Bro. Sigit Sulisman.
Comment. Brother Sigit sent me several gastley pictures with heaps of decomposing bodies, which stuck in my mind for days. Initially we intended to print them, but decided not to
NEWS FROM ISRAEL
BEER SHEVA
The Lord God has sent me a great blessing, in the form of a new grandchild. After so much sadness in life, I realize He does not test us more than we can endure, and He has brightened up my life, and for this I thank Him.
Sis. Anna
KARMIEL
We are missing Duncan and Cindy so much here in Israel and are finding all means possible to get them over here, to give us more life and energy in our ecclesia here. We are praying for you all.
Sis. Natasha
PETAKH TIKVA
I am moving soon to Bat Yam, but Sis Natasha continues to gather us together and unites us for the breaking of bread. The most important thing for us is to serve the Lord.
Bro. Vladimir
NEWS FROM ITALY
I have been trying to talk to some people here, also Arabs, about the things of Christadelphians, and I am showing them Bible Basics on internet and we are printing out the articles. I am trying to persuade them to baptism.
Bro. H
NEWS FROM KAZAKHSTAN
We are delighted to report the baptisms of OLEG and IRINA. May the Lord guide them to His Kingdom.
ALMATY
I have been lying in the hospital for a month and my father is also sick. So things are so hard for us financially especially with clothes for the winter for the family. We love you all. I am praying for you, and wish especial greetings to brothers Rinat and Valdas.
Sis. Lena
KOKSHETAU
We warmly welcome you here! We warmly remember all our past visitors and we love you and would love to see you.
Bro. Yuri
I wish all of us to enter more deeply into the world of Biblical things, and I so hope the Bible School in Russia will help all to do this, and I am happy for you all, although the need to work means I can’t come.
Sis. Tanya
There are so many here in our ecclesia who would love to come to the Bible School in Russia! But we are so many, and more than what there are sponsors for perhaps. We love you all and want to be with you!
Sis. Svetlana
I was just so very happy to know there would be a Bible School again in the Winter, and that I can come, and bring my husband there to be baptized I hope.
Sis. Galina
TAYNSHA
We are so terribly missing you all, and we so want to be able to get to a Bible School. Without seeing you all, it is like life is not going properly for us. We love you so much and we miss the energy that we take away from such meetings each time.
Sis. Tanya and others
NEWS FROM KYRGYZSTAN
It is very cold here, and still I cannot find work because of lack of documents. I appreciate all efforts of all brothers for us all.
Bro. Jacob
NEWS FROM LATVIA
We are delighted to report the baptisms of ARTUR and ANDREJS ; may the Lord keep them in their walk to His Kingdom. On the other hand, we deeply sorrow over the falling asleep of our beloved brother Sasha Gubin of Tukums. We earnestly look forward to the day of resurrection.
AIZKRAUKLE
I do not go out very much these days, I sit here and wait for my son to return from work, and I read the exhortations from the Isolation League. I am sorry for all problems, I am with you.
Sis. Irena
BENE
I so much appreciate the cassette tapes sent me of the Bible School, I have been playing them. We have many problems here but in all, God provides.
Bro. Nikolaj
DAUGAVPILS
I was very pleased to hear about the new Christadelphian Committee for Central Europe, and I am completely supportive of this new committee. May God bless all our work for Him.
Bro. Slava
I continue living here very poor. But I am with you. I read about the Christadelphian Committee for Central Europe and the changes with the CBM and I support the new system and pray for it and for blessing upon Brother Marcus and all his good work.
Bro. Petr
ENGURE
I am praying that this year, Jesus will return.
Sis. Vija
KRASLAVA
I think it is really quite amazing that brothers are traveling so widely in dangerous places to spread the Truth. I thank God for you and know there is a sister here in this town praying for you.
Sis. Valeryana
KUBULI
The recent Bible school in Jurmala will be for me unforgettable. I returned home with such spiritual energy and the feeling that I had really grown so far just that weekend, through the understanding of the word of God which we received. Our health here is poor, and we don’t have even money to make the journey of 100 km. total to the local hospital.
Bro. Petris
LIEPA
I was taken into hospital for 5 days because of my heart, it is very difficult for me to breathe sometimes. They only prescribe me tablets, which I can’t afford to buy. I pray for you. I remember that Abraham was promised the land but he never received it and he died in faith waiting for it, and he will receive it. This it seems is my position.
Bro. Viktor
MADONAS
I am very carefully reading the Bible and all literature I have been given. I remember with much joy the time when I came to the ecclesia in Riga. I am with you all.
Sis. Sarmite
PILTENE
Your letters are of great importance to me. It is very kind of you to deliver clothes to the needy families in Bosnia. May God bless you more and more. It means you are showing the agape love of God.
Sis. Olga
TALSI
I am now understanding that the key to spiritual life is our habits, at work, in the family, while traveling, wherever we are. I am looking for the return of Jesus soon, and I think that the repentance of the Jewish people will be the great sign. I think that there is unease in the heart of every Jew, about the question of Jesus.
Bro. Vladimir
TUKUMS
My life at the moment is so full of problems- with health, work and everything. Please pray for me.
Sis. Vaira
VILANI
I pray for you and love you. All my bones are aching and I feel like life is leaving me, reminding me of how a fish looks when it is caught and then slowly dying. I can still read, I love reading the Bible, especially seeing how God worked with Israel.
Bro. Fyodyor
NEWS FROM LITHUANIA
VARENA
Justas and I are hoping to come to Latvia for the next Bible camp. We were so interested to hear, that a Sisters weekend has been arranged, this is great, the first time there was such thing for sisters.
Bro. Albinas
NEWS FROM MACEDONIA
SKOPJE
Fortunately I still maintain my blood-sugar level, and I hope that I will be able to keep it in the level I am in. I am working on the translation of Bible Basics and hope it will soon be done. With love and thanks to you all.
Bro. D
NEWS FROM
MOLDOVA
CHISINAU
We really pray for God’s special blessing on all the good deeds, to spread the Gospel to more people and help them.
Sisters Elvira and Irina
NEWS FROM MOROCCO
MARAKECH
I have been really unwell, the doctor prescribed so many drugs that are too expensive to buy. Give my love to all brothers.
Bro. Omar
NEWS FROM NORWAY
Linda will be 3 years in February. Time is flying. She’s a very, very sweet girl, always satisfied and smiling a lot. I’m very thankful to God I have her. I continue reading the Bible and pray each day. I’m thinking about God a lot.
Sis. Helena
NEWS FROM PAKISTAN
KARACHI
Greetings to all fellows! Our brother Farooq was married to sister Tehreem on 28 January. We all traveled to Toba Tek Singh for this. They were happily married.
Bro. K
SAHIWAL
We are going to arrange a seminar here for women, to help them with their children and babies. There is a doctor at the hospital here, she agreed to give some talks for us. We are using this to spread the word of God to all peoples.
Sis. Safina
NEWS FROM THE PHILIPPINES
We are delighted to report the baptisms of ALFREDO and CECILY, whose thrilling personal testimony appears elsewhere in this issue. May the Lord keep them strong in His way until His Kingdom. We’re delighted to report that the ongoing distribution of Bible Basics and holding of Bible Basics study classes along with counseling for the families of alcoholics, has been blessed with the following baptisms: ANGELOU, ARNEL, ALGEN, MENDY and RENE. They are all in the Moslem controlled area of the southern Philippines.
We had our baby OK, we called her Christian Heaster. For couple of weeks now, I have been alone in doing the visitation. But God has been truly faithful to us because my wife's health has been slowly reviving. It was seemingly funny since we only trusted God's power to work into the herbal medicines that we have been using for her treatment.
Bro. Alfredo
NEWS FROM POLAND
We are delighted to report the baptism of KRZYSZTOF, after many years of studying Bible Basics. May the Lord guide him to the Kingdom.
POZNAN
The recent Bible School which there was really very encouraging. I think everyone who came was really helped and we all liked it.
Bro. Henryk
WALBRZYCH
I am very happy that I now have brothers in the faith. I only live in hope, that you will come to Walbrzych again, and we can have another such wonderful meeting. I've been searching for anywhere that offers free Bibles in Bosnian to help the brothers there, but without success. From my heart, I wish you all of God's blessings.
Bro. Krzysztof
NEWS FROM RUSSIA
We are keeping in touch with our young brother Leonid, who following his military service tribunal has been sent to work in a factory in Siberia. We’ve assured him of your prayers.
ARMAVIR
Here I am in a truly bad situation. I am ill with so many things. Aleksej earns only about $30 / month and this is only enough to buy gas for our heating, we have so little food, and I get weaker and weaker. If I could get a pension, this would help. But everything is so corrupt. I must go into a sanatorium for a period before the doctors will consider me as an invalid, but for that I must pay, and we have only debts, and no money. All this doesn’t mean I have lost faith. Existence is so hard, but I do truly believe and hope for the Kingdom.
Sis. Galina
EFREMOV
I continue placing advertisement stickers for Bible Basics everywhere around this town. It is my great dream to build here a strong ecclesia. I was so delighted when people in the town told me that they had had a letter from Cindy in Latvia, sending them the Bible Basics. I am so hoping some will respond here.
Bro. Oleg
INZENSK
I was so happy to get the invitation to the Bible School and I want to thank in advance those who pay towards our fares, otherwise I could simply not come, as the fare is all my pension.
Bro. Viktor
IRBIT
I am working long hours at my work, from 8 in the morning to 8 at night. I have time to read Bible each day, and on Sundays we make the breaking of bread. We are all OK here.
Bro. Vladimir
JOSHKAR OLA
I wish to greet you all. I hold to my Bible very much, I am reading with you each day, and missing you.
Sis. Elena
KAZAN
We are hoping that most here and in neighbouring ecclesias will support the Bible school planned here, hopefully there will be a good number of brothers and sisters there. I am totally against all division.
Sis. Ludmila
I have always dreamed of having my own flat instead of just moving around renting all my life, but this it seems will not be, but I am very joyful in my Christadelphian faith, It is the most important thing to me in life.
Sis. Valentina
KORKINO
I think of you very much. I so enjoy reading Beyond Bible Basics , and although I can’t travel so much, I am totally with you all. I look forward to the time when all difficulties and struggles will end and we will be in the Kingdom of God.
Sis. Sofia
We are preaching to one young family here, they are our friends. They are listening to us with a big interest! We hope that God will turn those lives over to Him.
Bro. Alexei
PECHORA
I was so happy when I received the invitation to the Bible School; it is so very far for me, up here in the Komi Republic. But God willing I will come, although it will take me several days to travel each way. I so appreciate the support with the fares. Thank you to all.
Bro. Valerij
POKROVKA
My son is really sick, and I lost a parcel of Bible books sent to me. Things are so hard here in this village. I am committed to study, study and study the word of God to the end. I think much of Cindy and I am hoping only for the Kingdom of God. I am happy always to distribute the literature to all people here.
Sis. Svetlana
PYSHMA
I am celebrating my baptismal anniversary, and I wish to thank you for all your help and support.
Bro. Viktor
RZHEV
I continue planning my dream, which is to make a missionary journey around the towns of Tver, Smolensk and Pskov Oblasts. Please pray for me to realize this!
Bro. Sasha
SARATOV
We here are all eagerly awaiting the Winter Bible School. We are very grateful that our fares can be paid because of the generosity of others, otherwise, we would have no chance to come.
Sis. Raisa
SARANSK
I sincerely wish for all blessings upon the preaching I hear is happening. I am with you all although I can’t travel much these days.