MAUN

Many of us are so ignorant of the precious gift called time; we never even appreciate

it and take it as just an obvious feature of life.  But, tell you what, time is not a human concept, it is of God, we cannot buy more than what God gives us.  We cannot know exactly how much time we have, no wonder Moses prayed, “So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12).  It is painful to notice that time is such a precious gift from God and yet unappreciated; we don’t work for it, we just receive it.  We wake up in the morning and find that we have been credited with another 24 hours.  Some overlook its value and out of

immense ignorance equate it with money!  What a mismatch!  Brethren, let us not be prodigal with time, for it is not money, rather life and opportunity!    We know that if we squander our time we are squandering our lives. Time belongs to God, it is not ours, so let us use it wisely (Eph. 5:15-17) according to the will of God, taking into account that it is a finite commodity.  If we don’t use some of it today, no balance will be carried forward for tomorrow, so that we get 30 hours or so.  ‘Tomorrow’ we will still receive a fixed 24 hours.  And let us do things with our time that are worth trading with; I can’t take my precious four hours and trade it with mere sleeping during the day! There’s no ‘worth’ in that!  We must always ask God to lead us when we are planning how to use our time in a day, week, month or year. To exclude His direction from our plans is sheer folly, because He is the Author of time.

Bro. Gaotingwe Bamotshabile

 

I have been told, Salvation is free, but the Kingdom will cost you everything.  Jesus went everywhere preaching, “Repent, for the Kingdom is at hand” (Matt. 4:17).  If we read the teaching of Jesus it is very clear, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross” every Sunday morning?  No! daily “and follow me” (Luke 9:23. I am now poor and jobless, please can you help me in my travelling in a door-to-door mission. God bless you.

Bro. Costantin, Mwagalwa.

 

DSCHANG

I would like to ask for a Bible in English and other books which will help me.  I would also like to attend a meeting on Sundays, but it is a long distance between Fontem and Dschang.  I have been praying for the coming of our Lord and also for those who have not yet known the Truth;  I have two sisters in this position who I have been praying for.

Bro. Bernard Mbouna 

 

 

Bro. Bernard Mbouna

 

MUNYENGE

It’s the rainy season here and as well as rain the weeds are growing so fast and keep us busy clearing them, so that they will not choke the plants.  Also, the rain is causing black-pod disease in cocoa pods – cocoa being our main cash crop.  In fact, I have to spray my farm every two weeks with fungicide in order to have a good harvest. My wife/Sister Bridget also works on the farm, and our two sons and a daughter are all lively.  We of the Munyenge ecclesia are very active in the truth in spite of the persecution from members of the Pentecostal churches and the Roman Catholic church. They try all efforts to thwart our preaching, but we continue, with the help of God.  Our Tuesday and Thursday evening Bible classes remain a regular feature, while we have set up another plan for the truth: intending every June and September to organise Bible Schools, these to be combined efforts of Owe and Munyenge ecclesias.  Last June it was quite a success, with the baptism of three of our contacts.  We now total 16 – 12 Brothers and four Sisters.  Another Bible School is being scheduled for Sept. 23-25, this year in Munyenge with Owe ecclesia joining us here.  Owe is some 18 miles away from here and has seven Brethren in Christ.  Our appeal is for literature and preaching aids. I should be very grateful if you could find me the following books: Teach Yourself Concise Encyclopaedia of the Bible; And, of course, a problem, please can you help:  In Matt. 11 v 12 violence seems to be encouraged.  However, I understand it does not in any way support violence, as we see Christ restoring the violent action of Peter during his arrest.  Also, the apostles never dared venture into violence;  they accepted it as part of their trial of faith.  More light would help, please. Bro. George Nowuangeali

 

WOTUTU

With much love I wish to report our baptisms as follows:  Nwengang James and Mondon Nicolas, whose wife gave birth two days before baptism.

Bro. Kum, George

 

 

Bro. Kum, George

 

WUM

I thank Brothers and Sisters for their prayers and help rendered to me throughout my illness;  I am now getting better, though I am still on monthly check-ups.  Psalm 20:1-2 says, “May the Lord answer you in the day of your trouble.  May the Name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion”, and 120, “In my distress I called to the Lord and he answered me.”  In fact, the word of the Lord is so powerful and He is holy, to be praised.  I hope I still have much to do in the Lord’s vineyard.  I thank Bro. Andrew Walker who

 assisted me on his visit to Cameroon. I will be happy to receive a copy of, ‘Where There is No Doctor’ and other spiritual material.

Bro. Kenneth Mbah

 

Bro. Kenneth Mbar

 

MENJI

Photo:  Sunday School of the Menji ecclesia, sent by John Atem Nkeng.

 

 

 

MATADI

First of all, I would like to inform you that, I learned the Word of God with Sister Judy Holt from the U.K. by correspondence course in the language Esperanto.

I received both the Bible Basics and the correspondence course in French when two brothers from Cameroon came for the first time In DR Congo in July 2003.

I did photo-copies of the course and began to give it to other persons. The Ecclesia of Kinshasa and Kwilu Ngongo which were already established helped me by sending to me other books In French.

In July 2004, two brothers from Cameroon visited me in Matadi, I had my interview, and two of my contacts had their interviews too. We were two brothers to be baptized. From July 2004 till February 2005, we met in my house once a week. From March 2005, we are meeting in our Ecclesia's room. Currently, I remain the only baptized brother, the brother who was baptized the same day with me, does not come any more. I hold regular meetings: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday with 3 contacts who study with me the word of God. We also receive to our meetings the and guests to whom we offer booklets. Our children also come to our meeting on Sundays. We also give to our visitors photocopies of Bible Basics.

 

I brougth an old 486 computer, it helps us keep files of the literature downloaded on Internet. We feel the need to have a printer and a photocopier. Frankly, we distributed a good number of booklets, especially the guide for the reading of the bible. I have also some contacts apart from Matadi, I request that they progress in the study of the Bible and wish to see them become brothers in Christ in the days to come.

We also plan to use the radio, television and the newspapers to make known the word of God to the general public because some people suspect us of being a magic sect because they do not see us publicly as they do the other communities.

I would like to also start to send the course by correspondence to hundreds of people by Internet. This is why we seek to be supported financially for this work. Concerning safety, there is the war in the East of the Country, but here in the Province of Bas-Congo, in the Western South of the DR Congo, we are calm and in safety. If you want to visit us, there is no problem, you will be well accommodated. Ecclesia of Kinshasa would be given the responsibility to organiz your voyage sending the invitation letter to you. Kinshasa, have several times received the brothers who have visited this country

Bro Hans Bruno Lutete

 

CAPE COAST

With sadness we report the falling asleep in Christ of Sister Cecilia Oppong on 1st August, 2005.Final funeral rite will be held on 30th September to 2^nd October 2005. God Willing. We are very happy to have received our parcel and pray that our Almighty Father helps you in all your work. I am very worried about my Brethren and Sisters who have stopped fellowshippimg with us since 2003 and will be very happy if you send them letters, they are ten in all.  Bro Obed Biney has been disfellowshiped but I hope if he receives a letter from you he will turn back. Bro Lawrence Nkrumah

 

SHAMA

It was good to hear from you how things are doing on.  However, due to the sickness of Sis. Cecilia things seem to be somewhat difficult in life, but the Lord will solve everything.  I have to trust in the Lord, as what is hard to a man is not hard to the Lord, but we must trust in Him. The present events in the world really foretell the Master’s coming to judge the world and set up God’s Kingdom on the earth.   With all my problems I ought to have time for the Lord’s work, which is the most important thing in our lives, so I need your prayers always, as I remember you all in my daily prayers to the Lord.  The ecclesia here is keeping on; we meet every Sunday morning for Bible discussions before Breaking Bread, also the Sunday School children have their lessons. Bro. Joseph Oppong

 

 

 

 

Sis Cecilia and Bro Joseph with their family about 40 years ago

 

 

 

AHERO

I am on the farm, spending so much time in it (7 hours a day, every day, hoping that perhaps God will remember us this time).  It is greener (rainy and muddy all through).  I managed to plant millet and maize and cow-peas.  Now they are on their 60^th day, with another 30 days to ripen.

The work of God is always my concern – I’m still on Christian life correspondence course lesson 16.  I will be through in two months. Is there a spare ‘Where there is no doctor’ because Lawrence went away with the book.

Now I do agree calling every day to ones neighbour, and make him face his God.  You know I had always stressed strongly about the neighbour because it will make our Lord really happy and that perhaps will make the outcome of our judgement lighter.  Remember him asking you, “What did you do to your neighbour when he fell?”

Christ I know is unique, being born in difficult circumstances.  A child to be born now needs a bundle and a half of money and material.  Affording mothers will tell

you about modern clinics where the attendants are handy and where modern gadgets are found, but for the Lord Jesus that night and Joseph, there was no place except the manger – a place for donkeys and sheep.

Bro. Nelson Otimeo Anyals

 

Photo of Nelson with a friend working under U.N. as a human rights representative.

 

All our mail from abroad is stacked in the school boxes we use here. The Government, under the Ministry of Education, which is responsible for the rental fees, has not yet paid for the boxes and this resulted in their closure in mid-February.  We fear that the mail may be returned to senders if the 3-month duration expires.  The postal charges have gone up as from March 2005.  The new rate

for the U.K. is Kshs.75 for letters. This is just equivalent to 1 US dollar, something which is costly for the developing world.

On 20^th March we were visited by a hurricane known as Nyakoyi, followed by a heavy downpour that left many people homeless, properties of millions destroyed and even claimed some lives. The worst hit districts were Nyando, where I come from, and Suba.  I personally was lightly affected, anyway my health is fair with the wet conditions. We look forward to the hour and day of the Master’s return so that he may put things right.

I understand “How To Grow A Balanced Diet” is now out of stock. I eagerly await the outcome of your initiation with the Netherlands Charity.  We at this end experience the drought in full measure and when it starts to rain it is so short that our crops do nothing to stave off hunger in our midst.  We therefore welcome anything that can avert the problem. The drought resistant cassava is good anyway but its toxicity had previously turned lethal here in Kenya. For us sorghum and peas are good. Sorghum will find our black cotton soil so productive and hence a high yield.

 

Many world affairs today are conforming to the requirement of Bible prophecy.  Therefore whilst people are fearful and afraid of current developments, those who understand the significance of Bible prophecy look upon the scene with hope, for the signs of the times proclaim the imminence of Christ’s return.  The Present Day Events Report No. 455 on how Israel counselled the withdrawal of the settlements in Gaza shows their complete ingratitude to God’s masterplan of Israeli territorial landmark.  Maybe it will succeed but let them prepare for the wrath of God.  In short, they will not frame their doings to turn unto their God (Hosea 5:4).

Bro. Lawrence K’Owiti

 

BONDO

I would like to encourage all my brethren and sisters world-wide to care for all people, not only those we are sharing the same faith with, as caring for one another is a very practical way of demonstrating our lives as Christians.  Care does not mean that we take total control of a person, but it is in many ways manifested through physical and emotional activities such as love, help, sympathy, empathy, danger, trouble.  The same way Jesus himself cared much for us to the extent of dying for us. So why can’t we do the same for others because as Christians we should follow Jesus’ footsteps.

 

Here on this side of the world we, as brothers and sisters, have not been in a position to adequately teach the saving truth of the gospel in some areas because of shortage of funds.  So on behalf of our ecclesia, Sisters’ group, Sunday School, here are some areas for which we are requesting more help:-

(a)     Bible school support

(b)     Orphanage support

(c)     Bibles e.g. NIV, RSV, King James editions

(d)     Sunday School teaching materials

(e)     Medical support

Is it possible for us to also have “Where There Is No Doctor” and  “How To Grow A Balanced Diet”?

Bro. Vincent Odhiambo.

 

 

BULIMBO

Thanks a lot for what you sent me recently, they are of vital importance as pertaining to my salvation and the truth that I have found from the Gospel News.  You promised to send us the Bible, so that we can be spreading the gospel to the outside world, we have not yet received it.  Secondly, Bro. Sadique Bukhebi Joumer says he has not yet received the Kiswahili Bible Basics.

Bro. Emmanuel Joumer

Comment – the books are either in the post or lost.

 

BUNGOMA

I am a new reader of the Bible truth, being assisted by Bro. Eric  Wamalwa and Bro. George Wabwile, baptised believers of the gospel, sharing the true faith.  I have heard of a book entitled Bible Basics, the content of which have greatly interested me.  I would like to introduce  myself to you so that I may learn more as I continue searching for more scripture.  I also need some books to give me more information about the Bible.  Therefore I am asking you to kindly send me any books that are available.

Bro. Anasetus Khaemba

 

 

Bro. Anasetus Khaemba

 

Much greetings in the Hope of Israel.  The lessons you sent have enabled our ecclesia to grow entirely in godliness so, brother, I would wish that you continue sending more to me.  The ‘Bible Reader’s Calendar’ is a good idea, in fact we have found it more useful to us and it is our desire to have it supplied yearly. Contemporary Christians believe that the Kingdom of God will be set permanently in heaven. This has made us disagree with them and put us in a position of teaching them the truth that the Kingdom of God will be set up on this planet earth and not in heaven, see Matt.6:9.  The matter of truth after revealed to them will win a number of them to believe the gospel, but most of them would reject it and by so doing the scripture is fulfilled where it says “the unbelievers will be condemned.”

Bro. George Maina Wabwile

 

 

 

Second line left Bro. Emmanuel Wantala with some Sunday School children.

 

Sis Matrine Maina and Bro. George Maina Wabwile with their young children Jacob Wanjala and Baraka Simiyn

 

I am very interested in the books which you have sent Bro. George Maina and Bro. Eric Wamalwa. Please send me Bible Basics; I will intensify my studies and teach my friends when you send this.

Bro. Emmanuel E. Kundu

 

Receive my greetings in the Lord Jesus.  I am grateful to be able to write to you informing you about my exodus from Pentecostal mission. Moreover I am a newly converted brother fellowshipping with Bro. George Maina and Bro. Eric Wamalwa. The Pentecostal popular notions have greatly diverted the views of the present generation away from the true Scripture.  The brothers in Christ mentioned above actually prove the right channel towards the Kingdom of God. I would request you to supply me with the book Bible Basics and any other copy available. I am sure, with your support, I will progress in godliness.  God bless you abundantly as we fight against obstructions towards the Kingdom of God.

Bro. Wycliffe W. Wasike

 

 

 

Bro. Wasike

 

I was pleased to learn about the position of brothers and sisters over there. I could not imagine such a large number. The high level of poverty in Kenya has greatly affected Kenyan ecclesias.  I have heard some are forced to run illegal businesses like brewing alcohol, commonly known as changla and bonsaa, and selling them to fetch some cash for sustaining their families. The book on “How to Grow a Balanced Diet” can help much if the information is applied correctly.  I have set up an experiment on horticulture and some cereal crops.  My intention is to pass the information to other people.  Africans can learn better from the practical and therefore I am thinking of setting up a field school for the purpose of teaching others using the above book.  Your proposal and efforts to help others learn to spread English is profitable since most of the people in Africa do not know how to teach English and therefore miss much because they cannot read the literature you have been dispersing.  May God facilitate this work.

Bro. Eric Wamalwa

 

I always receive the Magazine, may the Lord increase your wisdom.  I appreciate your daily prayers for my lifetime at Chwele Hall as I become stronger in faith (Romans 10:9-13).  Please brother! how can I receive a Bible concordance and an English King James Bible with references per verse for my studies?

Bro. Geoffrey Wanyama

 

Thanks a lot for everything, I have not received Introducing Bible Basics, but they will be of much benefit to me.

 

Malnutrition is hitting our population especially those with children.  The book How to Grow a Balanced Diet will assist our members in Christ to have every essential food on the farms for healthy living and thus avoid diseases, so please send it.  I’ve also not yet received the Eureka set sent me some time earlier.  The Bible Reading Calendars are essential for our members and very convenient. The other request I’m putting before you is the sending of the Present Day Events leaflets you sent in your earlier mails to me, they keep us updated on what transpires in the world. Because of drought which affectes Kenya and most African countries, the population will starve if the Lord Jesus’ coming doesn’t occur very soon. This requires plant breeders to produce resistant crops such as cassava, shorghum, peas etc.  Relative to these I refer you to ICPE Kenya,  KARI Kenya seed company for more information for suitability of one variety or more as they change with time and new ones are bred to replace the defaced ones.

Bro. Chrisantus W. Wasike

 

CHWELE

Bro. Wanjala.  One of the articles in Glad Tidings No. 1447 had a cover picture saying “Nothing stays the same”.  Well David somehow altered the cover picture and imposed on it the photo of Bro Daniel

Walhambu to make it a real Kenyan edition – demonstrating “nothing stays the same”!

Bro. David Wanjala

 

ELDORET

I do thank you for sending me the Bible Reader’s Calendar 2005.  Please send me Bible Basics Study Manual.  I’m sorry to let you know of the latest development in my family. On 9^th February 2005, our dear Sister, who is my wife, passed away on that chilly morning.  I have been telling you about her sickness which started in early January 1999.  It has been too expensive in our life, especially when I lost my job when our company collapsed It has been a terrible life with sickness and my children had to stop schooling.

Bro. Jacob Okoth

 

KABABU

Many brethren, sisters and correspondence contacts claim that they are in lonely places, for this reason we wish to

identify ourselves with those who fall into this category in South Nyanza area. You are welcome to contact us and heal yourselves wherever you are:

1.Kabubu,  Box 1040,  Suna – 40400

2.Kiagware,  Box 303,  Ogembo

3.Kericho,  Box 1591,  Kericho – 20200

4.Nyangweso,  Box 76, Nyangweso 40311

5.Nyandenga,  Box 52,  Mbita

6.Oilumbo,  Box 12,  Pala-Sarb

7.Ndisi,  Box 306,  Ndhiwa – 40320

8.Oruba,  Box 1040,  Suna – 40400

So please you are welcome to contact us.  Our meeting services start at 9.00.a.m.- 11.00.a.m. on Sundays. Also we have Bible study classes on weekdays.  Welcome personally and we will be very

happy to see you, if it is possible.

Bro. Samuel Masawa

 

KINANGOP

I am a new convert having received baptism on 24^th April.  I felt very joyful beginning a new life in Christ, joining other Christadelphians.  My tutor has been Bro. Edwin Skinner from UK. I pray God to bless him in this life and reward him when Jesus comes. I cannot write everything here on paper but rather I say thanks to God for him.  I thank God for all His mighty works in me and most of all every breath for every moment.  Great is the faithfulness of the Lord who is my Father and Saviour, in whom I put my trust. I thank the Christadelphians all over the world, for indeed I have come to prove this as the real faith. As a matter of fact I was a Catholic, faithful all my life, before baptism into Christ, to all their teachings; I was through to the level of going to the seminary to train for the Catholic priesthood, having done philosophy and theology.  But the enlightenment of the Bible and the gospel that I have found through Christadelphians is very wonderful and gracious and I have come to see this is why the good Lord has preserved me and passed me through many hardships of this life. Now I feel prepared  for even more challenges in this new life in Christ, but I don’t fear, for the Lord is with me.  One big problem I am facing now is that I am married with four children and my wife is converted to a certain Pentecostal church, therefore she has been very much against me studying the material and lessons of Christ-adelphians for almost four years since I started.  The problem is to make her understand and give in to learn about Bible truths.  This is not easy, and I am calling for help and prayers from all brothers and sisters, for I cannot turn back, recalling the word of God in Deut 13:1-11 and in particular verses 1-3 and verse 6.  So I find in all means I have to convince everyone, including my wife, children and parents about the Bible truths.  This needs a lot of courage, wisdom and understanding, recalling the mind and advice of Jesus that we be wise and cunning as a serpent.

Bro. Peter Njuguna

 

KISUMU

It has taken me a long time to write to you, this has been due to some common disturbances, but for now I’m O.K. hoping likewise you are.  I so appreciated the book from you, ‘Where There is No Doctor and I do thank you.  I am hoping to receive the coming issues of Gospel News.

Bro. Richard Oduma

 

KITALE 

The signs of the times within and without the brotherhood clearly testify to the imminence of the Lord’s coming.  The Kingdom is at hand of that there is no doubt.  There is no time to be carefree or dilatory in the development of faith or to be entrapped by things that do not really matter.  Even ecclesial activities, being overly occupied in organising and arranging, can deflect attention from the prime purpose of life - developing the character of God and reflecting divine virtues.  This is the time for urgent and wise preparation.  The coming of the Lord will be a most rewarding, but an absolutely startling moment that we can but dimly imagine.  I consider that the sowing in corruption referred to in 1 Cor. 15:42 deals with the incident of death and the placing into the grave.  It is our desire to keep the writings of our Christadelphian fellowship to the brotherhood.  The world is in a frightful state, politically and morally.  The question of intrinsic evil in human nature has surely reached its summit; it is only one of many situations that seem to be insoluble.  We await the only solution possible, the return of our Saviour and Redeemer to change this ungodly world into a reflection of the Creator’s hand.

Bro. Martin W. Chemiati

 

KOBUJOI

I have been very pleased with the Bible Reading Calendar produced by the CAT. it would be nice if you could produce one for next year.

Bro. Geoffrey Chichir

 

LOITOKTOK

How happy I am for the Gospel News which keeps me well informed of what is happening around the world.  I received the book “Where There Is No Doctor” and it is now used by a small town known as Enterara in the semi arid areas of Kenya.  You can just imagine how nice it is to see people in and out of my house seeking what to do with illness.  I have got two Bible students, one who can read and write and another who does not know Kiswahili or English language.  Thank you very much for the parcel that you sent.  I am requesting some notes on how to grow a balanced diet and the best method of farming.  I find it more useful to advise people on modern methods of farming than giving people money.

 

We are living in the last days just before the return of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  This is a time when warnings are common words to us.  We are living in a world of warnings, terrorist attacks, AIDS, epidemics, droughts and so forth.  People are taking extra precautions to avoid terrorist attacks but the repeated word of God in Matthew, Mark and Luke have gone unnoticed.  As we continue our journey towards the Kingdom of God, seeing people being deceived and deceiving themselves are common.  We are now to stand on our guard for this day will come unexpectedly, just like the thief coming when you least expect him, and our Saviour Jesus Christ will come to restore order in this troubled world.  Just as Isaiah 11:6 puts it, “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together and a little child will lead them.”  As we continue with our journey this should be the signpost in front of us, struggling to be in this peaceful Kingdom of God with Jesus as the King, expecting Jesus Christ to appear at any time. So, brother and sister, let us take extra care not to be deceived, neither deceive ourselves but stand firm until the end comes.

Bro. Peter Thuo Kariuki

 

Bro. Peter and Sister Judy in isolation

 

 

 

MALONDO

Loving greetings to all beloved brothers and sisters world-wide.  We enjoyed the visit from Sis Beatrice Tenys who came over 30km from Kisulunu.  After reading five chapters of that day, Bro. Moses gave a word of exhortation on the subject of moving from Jericho to Jerusalem or Jerusalem to Jericho.  His main intention was to warn all of us to repent and confess our sin before God,and to love one another.  After sharing our Lord’s table Bro. John Simuyo extended a warm welcome to all members to meet regularly at our homes, building one another up in the bonds of the truth. 

We are very sorrowful to announce the falling asleep in Christ on 4^th March 2005 of our beloved Sis Elizabeth, the lovely mother to Bro. Obonyo of Mzeria ecclesia.  She faithfully upheld the truth for many years in that part of the vineyard.  Our Sister now rests in the hope of eternal life at the coming of the Lord.  Several brothers and sisters from our ecclesia made a trip to Wanga, over 50Km to where her funeral service was held.

Bro. Gilbert Walela

 

Bro. Gilbert Walela right and his friend Sirengo who is interested in the truth.

 

MUMORONI

What is a Christian?  Many people would answer that it is a name found in the Bible for the Bible is a Christian book, which is true.  But simply taking a name of some Bible character does not change one’s heart.  A name is important but it is an outward thing.  Some parents give their children Biblical names when they are born. Don’t trust your name for serving the Lord.  There is only one Name under

heaven whereby we can be saved and that is the Name of Jesus as we read in Acts 4:12.

The Bible is truly the word of God written by holy men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).  Even so, just believing the Bible does not save us if we do not obey what it says.  It says that we must believe on Jesus Christ and we shall be saved (Acts 16:31).  The salvation comes from the person of Jesus Christ whom the Bible tells us about.  We must believe on him, and what he taught.  The Pharisees of Jesus’ time were proud of the law and of their knowledge of it, but still they refused to believe in Jesus and crucified him.  So one can even know the Bible well, but if we do not accept Jesus and understand Jesus as the Saviour, we cannot be a true Christ follower.

Education is good in many ways, it opens the window of the mind but it cannot touch the heart.  Many people still walk in darkness although educated, e.g. Nicodemus was an educated man.  In John 3:3-10 we see that he was a teacher, indeed a member of the

Sanhedrin, but Jesus emphasized this issue saying that unless one is born anew he cannot see the Kingdom of God.  Paul who was also an educated man said (1 Cor. 2:14) that the natural man, that is one who has not been born again, cannot receive nor understand the things of the spirit, because they are foolishness to him.

Bro. George Ndlegu

 

Bro. George Ndlegu at his sugar farm

NAKURU

Heavenly greetings to all brethren and sisters, it is good to be reading of their spiritual fightings in order to be part of the promised Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ for which we are all waiting. I pray we will continue reading from our brethren and continue holding on to what we have  received and pray for our Lord Jesus Christ to come back soon.  The Tsunami disaster in Asia is a sign that his coming back is approaching, otherwise it is a lot of sadness to see the havoc done and ours is to pray for all those affected.

Bro. and Sister Thomas Yongo

 

NANGO

On rabbit keeping which you mentioned I am looking forward on ways and means of keeping them since they can offer delicious protein meals to my family.  I have talked to a secondary school nearby which keeps them and they say they can sell some for me if I so wish for four dollars that is about 300 K.shillings at the current exchange rate.  The housing unit, especially the wall around, I can make using local timber available but the roofing needs iron sheets and nails and some wire mesh to keep them from rain and from predators like dogs and cats and these are to be bought from hardware stores. This is a venture for the future which I hope to tackle.

I attended A.G.M. and Bible conference in Nairobi and was happy to meet many brothers and sisters from all over Kenya and U.K. as well.  The U.K. team was led by Bro. Allan Sutton and we finished off

by having the emblems.  This was a true show of one fellowship and one body of Christ and of the Kingdom which Christ is the head.  We must do this with understanding as the hour has come for us to wake up from our slumber because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  The night is

nearly over, the day is almost here, so let us behave decently as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy, rather clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of sinful nature (Romans 13:11-14).

Bro. Raphael Aimo

 

NYERI

Loving greetings to you all brethren through Jesus Christ.  Thanks for Gospel News with love of Jesus from your dear brother Alex and family here in Nyeri.  Sorry I have delayed to write to you.  Now we are teaching some students so that next time they can be baptised.  Also the number has added up to six students.

Bro. Alex K. Mwaniki

 

SARE

Thank you for the books you sent me, I got them well. I have distributed these to brethren and sisters. I also sent three to brethren and sisters at Kabubu, the remainder to Drumbo.  Total ecclesias in South Nyanza are eight.  Those people who did not know English are now using these Kiswahili books.

Bro. John Kine

 

SINDO

Since I started reading Gospel News in May/June 1999 I have admired and appreciated it.  These efforts fulfil the scripture to go and preach the gospel message to all human beings in the world.  Nothing will stop us doing the Lord’s business and to be living witnesses for the truth.  We thank our God the Father for creating us.  We thank our God the Father for sending us a Saviour, Jesus Christ.  We thank our God for the hope of everlasting life, and for His mercy and lovingkindness.  We thank Him for the life given to us as free with nothing to pay, it is a gift.  Our God has given us salvation through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to whom all things point.  We have enough evidence to believe by reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  Heb. 1:1-3,  God spoke through the prophets but in the last days through His Son, Jesus Christ, to whom He has given power to give us life after death.  We must not be like the 10 lepers healed, only one thanking our Lord Jesus Christ,  Luke 17:11-19.  David had to give thanks to the God of Israel for delivering him from his enemies: Ps. 50:23; Ps. 105:1; Ps. 106:1; 1.Chron. 16:7-36. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians 5:20, we should give glory to God every day through Jesus Christ.  We should as brothers and sisters in Christ give thanks to our Creator.

Bro. John Owalo Onani

 

TONGAREN

In the middle of October Bro. David Green is coming to Kenya for the Bible School, so when I meet him I will give him the copy of the remaining disc of the Bukusu translation of Bible Basics, for easier printing.  I also accept that, due to other complications computer typing in Kenya is very expensive and has made us lose too much.  For this moment I have accepted all the first prints be done in U.K. then be sent for corrections and returned for second prints. On the Bible Basics disc which I have, I did the corrections first before doing its recordings.

Tongaren ecclesia is expecting to be bought a plot for Sunday worship.  This was accepted at the last AGM conference.  For this we thank God for His blessings.  I also praise God for the project of translating our Christadelphian books into Bukusu language. People have marvelled at the translation and some have pressed me not to give up. Some people like the language but have rejected our doctrines.  They have complained very much about our Bible truths, which we are translating into our local language, this is because they do not read the Bible themselves, they are being read to by their pastors.  The Catholic follower, after reading our doctrine in Bukusu language, came out and condemned me that I have started destroying people from their truths. I was told not to produce such books for it will destroy people from their beliefs

Bro. Isaac Kapa

 

Nowadays Vatican is known as the holy City, but through Bible investigation we have seen that Jerusalem was prophecied about four thousand years ago.  At first it was mentioned in the time of Abraham when Melchizedek was the King of Salem.  Jerusalem then appeared on the pages of history in relation to God with Abraham as his servant.  From Abraham developed a nation called Israel, with Jerusalem its capital city.  We are told in the Bible that Jerusalem will be the centre of all nations of the world (Ezek 5:5).  Jerusalem will be the great city of the coming Kingdom and the throne of the coming King will be established in Jerusalem (Matt. 5:34-5). The Lord shall be King over all the earth (Zech. 14:9,16).  Vatican, the holy city of Catholics, has deceived many by saying that they ascend into heaven and stay with God.  This is a big confusion.  The Vatican can offer no blessings and it will vanish from the face of the earth (Rev. 18:21).  The basic doctrines of the Catholics have no relation to the expositions of Biblical promises and prophecies.  The time of Christ’s return is drawing very near so those who are not baptised into Christ must choose between the two cities – which one will you follow?  Now is the time to learn the truth concerning the gospel of the Kingdom and be baptised into the name of Jesus Christ; but remember the gospel was central to the Kingdom of God which will be established on earth, not in heaven.

Bro. Isaac Kapa Sikolia

 

 

Sister Getquin Sikolia who

was recently baptised

 

WEBUYE

Nice to hear from you this morning. It’s again a good time for me here in Kenya to communicate with you again this day for I am happy with your encouragement and testimony to me because you have done wonders in my eyes for the material you have been sending since I was baptised in 1994. Therefore continue to service me until our Lord comes back to establish God’s Kingdom.  At this moment would you please try to help me with the following if available – three Swahili Bible Basics, Introducing Bible Basics and any other literature for which I will be very thankful.

Bro. Jospeph M. Wanjala

 

It is some time since we communicated but this does not signify that we here are inactive in the Lord’s service.  With the help of your two course books Introducing Bible Basics and Bible Basics Study Manual, we have witnessed five baptisms in our ecclesial meeting alone, two others under our instruction have been baptised in other ecclesial meetings and three are still under instruction class (about to finalize their studies).  This gives us strength and joy as we experience the truth bearing fruit. Our ecclesial members,    who are now scattered throughout Kenya due to job placements, are constantly phoning us about new interested friends who would like to study the truth.  We have run short of the study materials and would request your assistance in that regard.  We have tried to direct a few to you and hope they have written.

Bro. Shawn Tyler

 

 

BUA

I really thank you for what you do for me, both naturally and spiritually.  I truly believe that, in you, God has sent me someone to care for my life.

Sis. Bertha Khonje

 

DOMASI

Many thanks for sending me 10 Bible Basics, which help me in my preaching.  I am in isolation and if you can find an old Bible (KJ) I shall be grateful.  Many thanks, too, for your words of encouragement and for your prayers for us in our difficulties.

Bro. R. Kawonga

 

GONA

Thank you for the Bible Basics you sent me.  I decided to do a course here on home job opportunities, but it is very difficult here compared to your country.  When you have a certain career or skill then you have opportunities. On the shortage of Bibles, it is a big problem and I am asking you once again to assist, but if it is difficult, try to send one English Bible and two or three (if possible) in Chichewa. Brother, can you supply some magazines in order that I can grow spiritually in these last days.  I would like your views on the question of growing and smoking tobacco and making and drinking beer.

Bro. Maxwell M. Table

Comment:  I neither smoke nor drink beer and would recommend that to others as a way of life, but it is a matter of personal choice. Smoking is generally reckoned to be bad for one’s health and bad for those inhaling the smoke from smokers; it is also very expensive.  There are many methods one can use to stop smoking. The vast majority of Christadelphians do not smoke, but a few, for various reasons, may do so, and it is not for us to either approve or condemn. One can argue that growing tobacco is no worse than selling it to other people if one works in a shop which sells it. What use one’s crop is put to is not one’s responsibility as nicotine does have some medicinal qualities, e.g. being used in the treatment of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s diseases and epilepsy, it is also valuable as an insecticide. If the argument is, ‘Don’t grow tobacco because it contains nicotine’, nicotine is also found in tomatoes, potatoes, green peppers and the leaves of cocoa.  

As for drinking, it would seem the scriptural injunction is wise, as we would expect, “use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities” (1^st Timothy 5:23).  Jesus did not condemn the drinking of wine at the wedding at Cana, indeed he turned the water into wine.  It is over-indulgence that is condemned.  Alas, alcoholism is a major problem these days and Duncan’s booklet, ‘Living With Alcoholism’ has proved very helpful with some useful information.  MH

 

 

At Mukurimba Ecclesia

KASIYA

Let me take this opportunity of thanking you for Gospel News;  I beg you to continue sending it to me.  I have been a Christadelphian since 1980.

Bro. Stenford Chipfumbi

 

LIWONDE

Thank you for always sending me Gospel News and thank all those who help you with it.  Could you kindly send me a Revised English Bible, as I find it helpful.

Bro. G.M. Chisanga

 

MTENTHELA

Thank you very much for the book, ‘Where There is no Doctor’.  I have already started organising meetings of my neighbours to study the book and discuss local health problems - prevention and paying attention to the guidelines and precautions.  Coming world physical changes (earthquakes) etc. are signs of the near coming of the Lord Jesus.  Thank you very much for your information.  It is only when the judgments of God are in the earth (world-wide) that the inhabitants will learn righteousness and the effect of this will be peace (Isa. 32).

Bro. Henderson Sosola

 

MUONA

I would inform you that Gospel News reaches me safely and I would like to ask you to send me books so that I may be strengthened in my Christian life.  I have started the ecclesia here (at Matimati), so evangelizing materials are much needed.  It would also be helpful if I had a bicycle for visiting students and brothers and sisters and for hospital visits.  There is a famine here in Malawi, most especially in our region.  Anyone who can assist us, please do so, adding your prayers for us.  Be informed that in the Matimati ecclesia I am also serving people with disabilities, e.g. blind and disabled

Bro. N. Njerwa

 

MWALASI-MACHINGA

Could you send me Bibles and other books for teaching.  I thank God for His powerful call.  I have been reading Gospel News for many years.  Since I started to worship God I have understood the joy and peace of true Christianity and am glad that I was baptised.  Brethren and Sisters here are keen to spread the gospel as Jesus instructed.  I am thankful for Gospel News as it has revealed to me something new, as I was very confused before, but I have now found the Bible much more profitable. This gives me the hope of inheriting the Kingdom of God on earth.  I could not turn down the Hope I have of Jesus’ second coming and am waiting for him.  It is difficult for me to go to Zomba because it is far away from Machinga.

Bro. John Muthumpwa

 

MZIMBA

I am happy and profiting in my spiritual life. Please send me the book, ‘Where There is No Doctor’.  Gospel News helps me because there are many reports and news items which are encouraging in our spiritual life, and it acts as a mirror where we can see what our brothers and sisters

are doing.  This news can make a brother or sister know where they are in their spiritual life.  Thank brothers and sisters who take part in sponsoring we brothers and sisters.  Back in March we had a Bible school in Mzimba North conducted by Bro. Arne Roberts and other brothers and we thank them for their willingness in coming here.  We met brothers and sisters from many places.  In our ecclesia we are not many brothers and sisters; although few, we all enjoyed the Bible school.

Bro. Humphrey Banda

 

Please be informed that we really enjoy reading Gospel News, it provides us with the sort of material that is not only excellent, but also what is required for our lives.  That Gospel News is not ceasing publication is exactly what we want to hear.  Praise be to the Lord!  I would like to register my heartfelt appreciation for the assistance you gladly send to me and to the Christian community at large.

Bro. James Nyoni

 

NGABU

I am a Malawian aged 35 years, with a wife and two children.  My wife, Grace, and I are very proud to be among the readers of Gospel News; it really has changed our life.  I came from the Central Region of Malawi, a remote village, where the gospel news is not common due to these problems (a) missionaries have established churches in towns (b) no testimonies about gospel news (c) people are not educated enough because of shortages of schools (d) lack of transportation (e) lack of communications etc.   We therefore plead with you to come and visit us here mainly at my homeland area with the purpose of preaching the word of God to my race, or you can send your fellow friends who are willing to spread the gospel news to Africa and to assess the situation here.  Many people want to know the word of God, but because there are no preachers it is difficult for them to understand it on their own.  Our family is ready to welcome any Sister or Brother wishing to preach the word of God here and we also promise to answer all letters from anyone .

Bro. and Sis.Mac Micky Mbawe

 

 

Bro. and Sis.Mac Micky Mbawe

 

NKHATA-BAY

Brother, the wine you sent me on 6^th April 1999 has run out, so I am requesting you to assist me with more.  Many people now believe that Christadelphians do teach the Truth.  One of my students is now doing lessons 1-40 and in his comments he has said he did not know (1) why Peter was called a Satan nor (2) the teaching on the prophecy of the dry bones and other teachings.  Also, Revs. of CCAP church and of African International Church (AIC) are asking me to give them copes of Bible Basics; if you can, please send them to me.

Bro. Joel Singini

 

NANGULUNGWI

I want to let you know that on 27^th May ’05 we opened a new ecclesia at Nangulungwi and we had a Bible School from May 27^th –29^th.  This meeting was

 attended by 98 people from various ecclesias, may God be with them.  After

 our meeting, five people were baptised, one Brother and four Sisters.  Of course we are very happy to receive them; may God bless us all.

Bro. G. Michael

 

NSANJE

I am very happy to have the booklets you sent to me; I believe these will help me in my ministry. I appreciate the envelopes, which will help me to write to you freely.

Nsanje has four members.  We have two other ecclesias around this area, but to travel is expensive.  Concerning the drought in Africa, many people are suffering from it.  The crops you have listed are the best, being drought- resistant, also groundnuts.  While writing, I must say just how pleased I am with the Bible Reading Calendar and my desire is

to have it yearly.  Indeed, our redemption is near. The Bible says when we see the troubles we must make ourselves ready to meet Jesus.

Bro. M.P. Mngunden

 

PHALOMBE

Long years ago the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt and the Pharaoh treated them harshly. They just wanted deliverance.  God was much concerned with His people and heard their groanings.  He called Moses to lead the people to Israel.  Although at first Moses opposed the Lord’s word, he was strengthened and

given Divine powers to carry out his task.  During their wilderness journey they faced many hardships; many died and the group wished at one time to go back to Egypt. Why was the Lord taking them into this land?  We learn from this that Moses bowed down and prayed to the Lord. Brothers and Sisters, what does this tell us?  We are on our way to the Promised land (the coming Kingdom of God).  In our wilderness journey we, like the Israelites, face serious problems; we suffer hunger, poverty, drought etc.  This is also a time of temptation; God is testing us in order to know whether we will be obedient to Him.  How many of us are still serving the Lord?  Are we serving the Lord or idols?  May God bless us all.

Bro. S.W. Wanyekheyi

 

I thank our Heavenly Father for the support you give me by sending Gospel News and the Bible. I am a regular reader of the Magazine and I am encouraging you never to grow tired of the great job you are doing;  it is indeed the Lord’s work and no one will reward you but God Himself; the Bible says, “Be not weary in doing good”; “The Lord is not

 slack concerning His promise”; “He will not forget your work and your love”. I always say to myself that God’s ways are not our ways; He has arranged everything beforehand.

Bro. Thom Bicycle

 

SUKASANJE

If you could add extra copies of Gospel News and send to me I will deliver to Brothers and Sisters in Mozambique/Mabwara, but most people do not know English.  So, please, can you assist us to write the Gospel News in Chichewa?  Additional to that, if you can start this, don’t forget the pictures as well, as done in the English copies.

Bro. John Mwaliwa

 

Bro. Thom Bicycle

THYOLO

Thank you for sending me Bible Basics which I found very useful.  Our church is about 8m long and 5m wide with iron sheets. We have about 36 members.  I will be happy to hear more about what you said concerning drought-resistant plants.  Please, we need more Bible Reading Calendars; it’s nice to know that we are all reading the same things daily.

Bro. S. Lombe

 

CALABAR

I must firstly thank you very much for your Christian brotherly care in helping me to grow.  May the Almighty God add more days for you and your family to do His work and will.  Kindly continue to send me various books.

 Bro. Igani U. Eteng

 

 

 

Thyolo meeting

 

Below The three baptised and now members of the Ikwueke ecclesia:  Bro. Silas Ukachukwu, Sis. Grace Enyiogu and Sis. Florence Umesi.

 

 

IKWUEKE

I have received the book, ‘Where There is No Doctor’; I have also received the parcel sent by you, which you had earlier informed me about.  I found the book, ‘Where There is No Doctor’ interesting because I am one of the Village Health workers in my village and trained by the Government.  Most interesting of all is how the gospel is being preached to all corners of the earth.  We here pray for all who make this success possible.  We still need your help with literature (Bibles).  We are trying in our new ecclesia (Ikwueke);  we had three immersions in the month of March this year.

Bro. F. Umesi

 

One Brother and two Sisters have been baptised by Bro. J.O. Uwasomba from Okwe ecclesia.  All three were added to Ikwueke ecclesia. 

Bro. F. Enyiogu

 

BENONI

I would like to thank God for the wonderful job He is doing in us. Thank you, too, for the work you are doing.  I am sincerely grate-ful for having distributed all the Bible Basics and other booklets. I have distributed them to High Schools where they were received with joy.  Others have included Bible Basics in the school libraries.  There are still 14 High Schools in the area next to where I stay which have not received any; they would also like some copies.  The book ‘Where There is No Doctor’ has already saved my nephew.  It is doing wonders helping the neighbourhood.  I request reading glasses +2.5; I have to adjust things to about arm’s length in order to read.  Please help. Is there any-one who could help me with an English course as I would like to improve my English.

Bro Francis Chauke

 

KEMPTON PARK

It is encouraging to see how Yahweh’s word is spreading to so many remote places, especially the last report from Pakistan.   A few years ago there was no one there and now there are so many new Brothers and Sisters.  So I want to thank all of you for this work you are doing. We have got really good news from Kempton Park for you to share: our ecclesia is experiencing, by God’s grace, a spiritual boom.  This year we have had seven baptisms and this makes our hearts filled with joy and gratitude to our God for such loving kindness. First of all it was TRUDY, daughter of our Sis. Paddy, then our Polish friend, JERZY and his wife, KRYSTYNA and their daughter ANETA WLODAREZYK; they are the fruits of the ecclesia’s efforts to preach to the Polish community here in South Africa.  I hope this is the beginning of a Polish ecclesia.  Then my son, MIESZKO CWIECEK, was baptised, to my incredible delight.  Then our Zambian friend, JOHN MULENGA went through the waters of baptism, and the wife of our Brother Peter Muliwa.  All of us were uplifted at this harvest and encouraged to serve our God even more. I was quite moved by  our new Brother Jerzy Wlodarezyk’s desire to find the Truth;  he used to spend 16 hours a day studying the scriptures to make sure of his calling.  He even wrote himself a book about Satan – this before his baptism. He spent his own money to print it and is already using it in his preaching efforts. This is quite unusual for a new convert. I would like to recommend this book to you. When thinking of how good it is to be in an ecclesia and count myself blessed to belong to such a wonderful place of worship, I feel sorry for so many living in isolation;  my heart bleeds in despair; what can we do to serve our Brothers better and sincerely?

Bro. Wacek Cwiecek

 

Having been baptised late in 2002, I am an individual doing Christadelphian missionary work in my developing country, Swaziland.    It is very unfortunate that other Brothers who were baptised into the name of Jesus under Christadelphian teachings have backslid.  At my home town (Nhlangano) my wife, (Sister Lily) and I have put up a permanent Christadelphian hall.  We have a promising Sunday School and loyal Bible students, altogether numbering 40 people (children, youth and adults).  We are in the process of registering a Swaziland mission which will work towards spreading the truth all over Swaziland.  We hold mid-week Bible studies, Sunday meetings and regular Bible seminars and have loyal attendees.

Bro. Fanuel Sithole

 

 

 

Photos: Above; Swaziland visitors attending the Bible seminar: Below: Nhlangano Sunday School children.

 

 

 

 

KASULU

I was very pleased to have a copy of ‘Where There is No Doctor’, which I have found very helpful.  Thank you a lot.  It is the best for helping us understand how to keep healthy.  Can you send me another similar written in French or an English/French dictionary.  Thank you, too, for Gospel News and a copy of the booklet, ‘Demons’.  Also thank our Linkman for aids he gave us during his

visit in December last year.  We do not have enough medicines at the Camp, but sometimes our visiting Brothers bring some, but they are not enough.

Bro.  Habonimana, Isaac

 

Photo: Bro. Habonimana

 

KIGOMA

We highly appreciate your favour in sending us the scriptural books, may He bless you in your constant duties of awakening Sisters and Brothers through His word.  We very much hope that we will in a short while handle more and new booklets and pamphlets.  The parcel contained 10 English Bible Basics though we always cry for the Kiswahili ones, as we are not fluent in English.  These are also useful as they can be used instead of Holy Bibles, which we lack.

Bro. Jerome Bukambo

Comment:  In no way, Jerome, is Bible Basics to be used instead of the Bible.  We are making an appeal for Bibles, which will be in English, whereas you need them in Kiswahili.  The cost of these is high and we hope some of our readers will be able to help financially in providing for Bibles both in Kiswahili and other foreign languages.  MH

 

Photo:  Bro. Jerome and Sis. Mgassa Bukambo

 

 

MBEYA

Please send us a copy of the book, ‘How to Grow a Balanced Diet’;  we all depend on agricultural farming and that book will help us much.  May God multiply mercy and grace to you all who are working in His vineyard.

Bro. James Mwangomo

 

NYARUGUSU

We are confirmed well in our servic