Africa Mission & Beyond: September 2016
6
| SEPT 2016 AfricaMission.com 1 AFRICA MISSION & beyond September 2016 God blessed the annual, national meeting in Kenya one more time. Bro. Michael, Sis. René Smith, and Bro. Clint Doolittle were in attendance from the United States. Before the meeting, there was an outreach service with a congregation in Nairobi which had a Pentecostal background. ey were desirous of knowing more about the Church of God. e team then flew to Kisumu where they had services with a young Church of God congregation. e national meeting was held from August 14-21. e meeting was well attended with people coming from various parts of Kenya in addition to visitors from Tanzania and Uganda. Many tribes were represented and there were at least ten languages spoken. Services were conducted in English and Swahili. As various ethnicities met together in worship to the Lord, rather than in rioting and fighting, the heavenly scene of all nations, kindreds, and tongues gathered around the throne of God was a reality. ere were two main services a day with a devotional held in the evenings. Bro. Michael and Bro. Clint preached and taught exclusively throughout the meeting. ere were services with doctrinal teaching and instruction and evangelistic services where people sought the Lord for salvation and for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. In addition, there were separate meetings held for the youth, men, and women. Much truth was shared in these special gatherings and it was a blessing to have the native brethren sharing reasons for careful holy living. It was much better to come from their mouths rather than just from the “foreigners.” Bro. Clint, who had never before been to Africa, was initiated quickly with the opportunity to wade into a leach-infested lake and baptize many people who were making first steps to follow the Lord in obedience. It was especially touching to share in the washing of the saints’ feet and to drink together of the cup of suffering of our Lord Jesus. e Holy Spirit anointed the services and gave strength to the mission group. All the prayers and support of God’s people for this meeting and mission endeavor was appreciated. • Kenya Mission TRip National Camp Meeting held in Migori, Kenya In this Issue . . . Kenya Mission Trip ................................... 1 Editorial ..................................................... 2 The Gospel Truth Team ............................ 3 Nigeria Land Purchase ............................. 4 Huruma Dolor Orphanage ........................ 5 Malawi....................................................... 6 Pakistan .................................................... 6
Transcript of Africa Mission & Beyond: September 2016
Africa Mission & Beyond: September 2016September 2016
God blessed the annual, national meeting in Kenya one more time. Bro. Michael, Sis. René Smith, and Bro. Clint Doolittle were in attendance from the United States. Before the meeting, there was an outreach service with a congregation in Nairobi which had a Pentecostal background. They were desirous of knowing more about the Church of God. The team then flew to Kisumu where they had services with a young Church of God congregation.
The national meeting was held from August 14-21. The meeting was well attended with people coming from various parts of Kenya in addition to visitors from Tanzania and Uganda. Many tribes were represented and there were at least ten languages spoken. Services were conducted in English and Swahili. As various ethnicities met together in worship to the Lord, rather than in rioting and fighting, the heavenly scene of all nations, kindreds, and tongues gathered around the throne of God was a reality.
There were two main services a day with a devotional held in the evenings. Bro. Michael and Bro. Clint preached and taught exclusively throughout the meeting. There were services with doctrinal teaching and instruction and evangelistic services where people sought the Lord for salvation and for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. In addition, there were separate meetings held for the youth, men, and women. Much truth was shared in these special gatherings and it was a blessing to have the native brethren sharing reasons for careful holy living. It was much better to come from their mouths rather than just from the “foreigners.”
Bro. Clint, who had never before been to Africa, was initiated quickly with the opportunity to wade into a leach-infested lake and baptize many people who were making first steps to follow the Lord in obedience. It was especially touching to share in the washing of the saints’ feet and to drink together of the cup of suffering of our Lord Jesus.
The Holy Spirit anointed the services and gave strength to the mission group. All the prayers and support of God’s people for this meeting and mission endeavor was appreciated. •
Kenya Mission TRip National Camp Meeting held in Migori, Kenya
In this Issue . . . Kenya Mission Trip ................................... 1 Editorial ..................................................... 2 The Gospel Truth Team ............................ 3 Nigeria Land Purchase ............................. 4 Huruma Dolor Orphanage ........................ 5 Malawi ....................................................... 6 Pakistan .................................................... 6
2 SEPT 2016 | AfricaMission.com
The angels in heaven rejoice over one lost soul finding his way home to the fold of the Lord. What a crescendo in heaven there must be when multiple souls are washed in the blood of the Lamb. It is beautiful to behold the tears and hear the prayers of people seeking the Lord in repentance.
I thank God for the spreading of the gospel in foreign lands. While there are challenges and disappointments, the fields are still white and ready to harvest. We are continually in need of prayer for God’s guidance and leadership as we seek to spread the good news through the printed and preached Word. We desire wisdom from the Lord as we communicate and work with the Church of God brethren in other countries. There are always temporal needs and the resources are limited.
In the last year, Africa Mission & Beyond has experienced a decrease in donations and the expenses have increased. Donations are used to assist with gospel meetings abroad, ministerial support, chapel construction, mission trips, publication of the Gospel Truth, humanitarian relief, online literature, etc. Sis. Lenée Sorrell is also working part time to assist us with various aspects of these gospel efforts.
We appreciate the support and sacrifice of those who are continuing to carry a burden for this ministry. It is God’s work and we look to Him to guide us and to supply the needs as it is fitting in His plan.
—Michael W. Smith
Editor’s Note There is no greater joy than to find a soul seeking his Saviour.
The Africa Mission & Beyond website (www.africamission.com) has been down for construction for a number of months.The mission work is continuing, but due to developmental problems, the release of the new site has been delayed. We trust this will be rectified before the end of the year.
Information can still be found at: www.facebook.com/africamissionbeyond.
WE’RE REMODELING
Africa Mission & Beyond
To support these gospel and missionary efforts, send your donation to:
Africa Mission & Beyond P. O. Box 2042
Nixa, MO 65714
| SEPT 2016AfricaMission.com 3
The Gospel Truth
Proofreader USA
USA
USA
Stephen Mwangi Swahili Translator
KENYA Bible Society KENYA
The Gospel Truth is a quarterly publication providing biblical instruction and encouragement for the mission field worldwide. It is translated into four other languages and is printed in various countries for local distribution.
The time and sacrifice of all involved in this ministry is much appreciated.
Subscribe Online! The Gospel Truth is printed and distributed free of charge. This local and international
ministry is operated by faith and is supported by free-will offerings. The Gospel Truth, P.O. Box 2042, Nixa, MO 65714
New Website A new and improved website is now available at www.thegospeltruth.org.
The Evening Light Songs Hymnal inventory is once again getting very
low. The Gospel Truth is working to make minor corrections in the songbook. There
are copyright issues which will result in an increase in the cost of the new book due
to copyright payments. Plans are to send the files to the printer within two months.
Hymnals are available for purchase at www.churchofgodeveninglight.com.
Song Book Reprint Replenishing stock of the Evening Light Songs Hymnal
4 SEPT 2016 | AfricaMission.com
The saints in Nigeria are desirous of purchasing land for a chapel in Bori, Nigeria. A new congregation was born in this location four years ago. Below are excerpts of letters from Bro. F. Naths Igbanibo concerning the spiritual and temporal background of this endeavor.
Please bear with me for the urgent request I am about to make on behalf of the church. Land has been located on a good site for the church at Bori. Site inspection has been made by a team of brethren together with a representative of the land owners and negotiation began immediately. A plot was offered for $3800. The two plots we intend to purchase will be $7600. It is seen to be God’s answer to our long prayers offered to Him for such a land which is situated in a place not hidden.
The congregation in Bori has been raised through the combined evangelical work of three brothers from Port Harcourt congregation in the year 2012. One of them, Bro. Chinwendu Nwanchukwu has since taken residence there laboring to nurture the converts. From a little beginning, the work is bearing fruit and we are encouraged. One of the major challenges is the place we use for worship temporarily. The room can hardly contain the brethren and some invited persons in fellowship…. Bori is one of the local government headquarters with a good population and there is a possibility of the gospel reaching many communities in that land.
Nigeria Meeting Report F. Naths-Igbanibo
I am very glad to report that the national camp meeting ended on the 3rd of September, 2016, with good success and many blessings. In view of the present economy realities, poor turnout was the vision of many, but the Lord surprised us with a large attendance. Some who have made themselves enemies of the cross dissuaded others from attending that of last year. But with a spiritual awakening, they came, heard the soundness of God’s Word delivered, they witnessed the spirit of God at work, they confessed that they were deceived to be under the rule of men, promising never to go back to the same condition. That is one of the greatest fights we have to fight. Indeed, a number of souls in darkness saw the light of God and were happy that they had been restored. In fact, no regrets for attending and spending time, energy and resources for it. •
Nigeria Chapel Project Chapel Land Needed in Bori, Nigeria
“Sponsorship changes
$10/week can help me
Huruma Dolor Orphanage, Kenya
| SEPT 2016AfricaMission.com 5
During the national meeting, the Form IV (grade 12) students returned for a graduation/ celebration ceremony. They have two months before their national tests, but it is illegal to have a celebration during that time due to cheating and rioting. These orphans were the first group of students to finish school and reach adulthood from Huruma. Some of them will be returning to volunteer at the orphanage and others will return to their native villages and clans. We are thankful for all of the sponsors who have stood by these children through the years providing them with the basic needs of life and giving them the opportunity to be educated and to know of God’s saving grace. Please pray for each of them that they will all serve the Lord and that God will direct them in their future decisions.
The secondary school building is relatively complete. It is a miracle of the Lord to have this school available for the orphans and to also serve the community. We request special prayer that God will provide qualified, spiritual staff for the school. There is a special, present need for a new principal.
The government required the older children to be separated from the younger children in their living quarters. Hence, the older girls were put in a temporary mud and stick structure. In the last few weeks, funds were sent to begin construction to close in the upper story of the girls’ dorm for cleaner, safer housing for the older girls.
The complex is large and there is always work to do and things to be repaired. The vehicle which was purchased a few years ago has been inoperable recently. A used engine was purchased and mechanics are changing out the engine. The tractor is also being repaired. The new guest house provided a nice place to stay on this last mission trip, although the plumbing was still not working. Three different plumbers worked on the same problems and it still was not fixed correctly. It is a work in progress.
It remains our desire to help the orphanage be self-sustaining. This is a great challenge and it may be some time before this is accomplished. The full sponsorships HAVE been reduced from $80 to $60/mth. There are still many projects and things that need to be purchased in the future. A brick wall needs to be built around the orphanage for greater security. Mud is a continual problem and a good walkway throughout the complex would be a great blessing. There is a great need for more tables and chairs in the schools and in the dining area.
Another long-term vision is for a new primary school. The primary school students at Huruma are performing better than most, if not all, of the schools in the district. A large part of the old primary school needs to be torn down and new classrooms built. That is for one of the tomorrows….
The last few months at Huruma have been especially challenging with some staffing issues and financial problems. Please pray that God will bless the board in Kenya and give wisdom to those who are overseeing the work at the orphanage. These orphans continue to be worthy of our love, care, and support. Thank you to all of those who are sponsoring a child and/or supporting these humanitarian projects. You are making a difference! •
Huruma Dolor Orphanage First Class of Students Graduate from Form 4
Nigeria Chapel Project Chapel Land Needed in Bori, Nigeria
Secondary School nearly completed
Awarding Form 4 Students
Entrance to the compound
6 SEPT 2016 | AfricaMission.com
I had the opportunity to make a short visit to Malawi on my way to Kenya in August. I was privileged to be in service on Sunday in the village where our mission efforts began in Africa. The gospel journey has been slow and sometimes tedious in this locale, but we thank God for His faithfulness and longsuffering. I shared a pastoral message to the growing congregation of around 300 people about the need of bearing fruit and maturing in Christ. The Holy Spirit anointed the Word and we were all edified by the presence of the Lord.
Over the last year, Africa Mission & Beyond has sponsored 8 large ministers’ meetings in Malawi and Mozambique. I had a burden this year to meet with a smaller group of ministers to be able to have more meaningful discussion and informal teaching.
I met with 22 ministers in the Zomba region in a small brick chapel with dirt floors. We discussed many primary Biblical doctrines and had interactive sessions with the group. Plans were made for future outreach efforts in
the villages. The ministers were excited and energized about the possibilities and methods of local evangelism. In addition to the more spiritual aspects of the meeting, one afternoon I spoke to the ministers about temporal affairs—goals, budgeting, saving, farming methods, etc. Much of the instruction was novel to them and their minds were opened to a new way of thinking. Our prayer is that it will prove to be a blessing to these impoverished people. They were asking for these topics to be taught to all of the people.
I got very sick with food poisoning the day before I was supposed to fly back to Kenya. God undertook and enabled me to travel. I thank God for His healing power and for the leadership and comfort of the Holy Spirit. •
MALAWI Ministers’ Fellowship and Mentoring
PAKISTAN Pray for preliminary plans for mission trip.
The brethren in Pakistan are currently trying to reregister the church with the government as Church of God. They were previously operating under a different name but are now working to be recognized officially by the government as the Church of God. Please pray that this can be accomplished without problems.
God blessed the annual, national meeting in Kenya one more time. Bro. Michael, Sis. René Smith, and Bro. Clint Doolittle were in attendance from the United States. Before the meeting, there was an outreach service with a congregation in Nairobi which had a Pentecostal background. They were desirous of knowing more about the Church of God. The team then flew to Kisumu where they had services with a young Church of God congregation.
The national meeting was held from August 14-21. The meeting was well attended with people coming from various parts of Kenya in addition to visitors from Tanzania and Uganda. Many tribes were represented and there were at least ten languages spoken. Services were conducted in English and Swahili. As various ethnicities met together in worship to the Lord, rather than in rioting and fighting, the heavenly scene of all nations, kindreds, and tongues gathered around the throne of God was a reality.
There were two main services a day with a devotional held in the evenings. Bro. Michael and Bro. Clint preached and taught exclusively throughout the meeting. There were services with doctrinal teaching and instruction and evangelistic services where people sought the Lord for salvation and for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. In addition, there were separate meetings held for the youth, men, and women. Much truth was shared in these special gatherings and it was a blessing to have the native brethren sharing reasons for careful holy living. It was much better to come from their mouths rather than just from the “foreigners.”
Bro. Clint, who had never before been to Africa, was initiated quickly with the opportunity to wade into a leach-infested lake and baptize many people who were making first steps to follow the Lord in obedience. It was especially touching to share in the washing of the saints’ feet and to drink together of the cup of suffering of our Lord Jesus.
The Holy Spirit anointed the services and gave strength to the mission group. All the prayers and support of God’s people for this meeting and mission endeavor was appreciated. •
Kenya Mission TRip National Camp Meeting held in Migori, Kenya
In this Issue . . . Kenya Mission Trip ................................... 1 Editorial ..................................................... 2 The Gospel Truth Team ............................ 3 Nigeria Land Purchase ............................. 4 Huruma Dolor Orphanage ........................ 5 Malawi ....................................................... 6 Pakistan .................................................... 6
2 SEPT 2016 | AfricaMission.com
The angels in heaven rejoice over one lost soul finding his way home to the fold of the Lord. What a crescendo in heaven there must be when multiple souls are washed in the blood of the Lamb. It is beautiful to behold the tears and hear the prayers of people seeking the Lord in repentance.
I thank God for the spreading of the gospel in foreign lands. While there are challenges and disappointments, the fields are still white and ready to harvest. We are continually in need of prayer for God’s guidance and leadership as we seek to spread the good news through the printed and preached Word. We desire wisdom from the Lord as we communicate and work with the Church of God brethren in other countries. There are always temporal needs and the resources are limited.
In the last year, Africa Mission & Beyond has experienced a decrease in donations and the expenses have increased. Donations are used to assist with gospel meetings abroad, ministerial support, chapel construction, mission trips, publication of the Gospel Truth, humanitarian relief, online literature, etc. Sis. Lenée Sorrell is also working part time to assist us with various aspects of these gospel efforts.
We appreciate the support and sacrifice of those who are continuing to carry a burden for this ministry. It is God’s work and we look to Him to guide us and to supply the needs as it is fitting in His plan.
—Michael W. Smith
Editor’s Note There is no greater joy than to find a soul seeking his Saviour.
The Africa Mission & Beyond website (www.africamission.com) has been down for construction for a number of months.The mission work is continuing, but due to developmental problems, the release of the new site has been delayed. We trust this will be rectified before the end of the year.
Information can still be found at: www.facebook.com/africamissionbeyond.
WE’RE REMODELING
Africa Mission & Beyond
To support these gospel and missionary efforts, send your donation to:
Africa Mission & Beyond P. O. Box 2042
Nixa, MO 65714
| SEPT 2016AfricaMission.com 3
The Gospel Truth
Proofreader USA
USA
USA
Stephen Mwangi Swahili Translator
KENYA Bible Society KENYA
The Gospel Truth is a quarterly publication providing biblical instruction and encouragement for the mission field worldwide. It is translated into four other languages and is printed in various countries for local distribution.
The time and sacrifice of all involved in this ministry is much appreciated.
Subscribe Online! The Gospel Truth is printed and distributed free of charge. This local and international
ministry is operated by faith and is supported by free-will offerings. The Gospel Truth, P.O. Box 2042, Nixa, MO 65714
New Website A new and improved website is now available at www.thegospeltruth.org.
The Evening Light Songs Hymnal inventory is once again getting very
low. The Gospel Truth is working to make minor corrections in the songbook. There
are copyright issues which will result in an increase in the cost of the new book due
to copyright payments. Plans are to send the files to the printer within two months.
Hymnals are available for purchase at www.churchofgodeveninglight.com.
Song Book Reprint Replenishing stock of the Evening Light Songs Hymnal
4 SEPT 2016 | AfricaMission.com
The saints in Nigeria are desirous of purchasing land for a chapel in Bori, Nigeria. A new congregation was born in this location four years ago. Below are excerpts of letters from Bro. F. Naths Igbanibo concerning the spiritual and temporal background of this endeavor.
Please bear with me for the urgent request I am about to make on behalf of the church. Land has been located on a good site for the church at Bori. Site inspection has been made by a team of brethren together with a representative of the land owners and negotiation began immediately. A plot was offered for $3800. The two plots we intend to purchase will be $7600. It is seen to be God’s answer to our long prayers offered to Him for such a land which is situated in a place not hidden.
The congregation in Bori has been raised through the combined evangelical work of three brothers from Port Harcourt congregation in the year 2012. One of them, Bro. Chinwendu Nwanchukwu has since taken residence there laboring to nurture the converts. From a little beginning, the work is bearing fruit and we are encouraged. One of the major challenges is the place we use for worship temporarily. The room can hardly contain the brethren and some invited persons in fellowship…. Bori is one of the local government headquarters with a good population and there is a possibility of the gospel reaching many communities in that land.
Nigeria Meeting Report F. Naths-Igbanibo
I am very glad to report that the national camp meeting ended on the 3rd of September, 2016, with good success and many blessings. In view of the present economy realities, poor turnout was the vision of many, but the Lord surprised us with a large attendance. Some who have made themselves enemies of the cross dissuaded others from attending that of last year. But with a spiritual awakening, they came, heard the soundness of God’s Word delivered, they witnessed the spirit of God at work, they confessed that they were deceived to be under the rule of men, promising never to go back to the same condition. That is one of the greatest fights we have to fight. Indeed, a number of souls in darkness saw the light of God and were happy that they had been restored. In fact, no regrets for attending and spending time, energy and resources for it. •
Nigeria Chapel Project Chapel Land Needed in Bori, Nigeria
“Sponsorship changes
$10/week can help me
Huruma Dolor Orphanage, Kenya
| SEPT 2016AfricaMission.com 5
During the national meeting, the Form IV (grade 12) students returned for a graduation/ celebration ceremony. They have two months before their national tests, but it is illegal to have a celebration during that time due to cheating and rioting. These orphans were the first group of students to finish school and reach adulthood from Huruma. Some of them will be returning to volunteer at the orphanage and others will return to their native villages and clans. We are thankful for all of the sponsors who have stood by these children through the years providing them with the basic needs of life and giving them the opportunity to be educated and to know of God’s saving grace. Please pray for each of them that they will all serve the Lord and that God will direct them in their future decisions.
The secondary school building is relatively complete. It is a miracle of the Lord to have this school available for the orphans and to also serve the community. We request special prayer that God will provide qualified, spiritual staff for the school. There is a special, present need for a new principal.
The government required the older children to be separated from the younger children in their living quarters. Hence, the older girls were put in a temporary mud and stick structure. In the last few weeks, funds were sent to begin construction to close in the upper story of the girls’ dorm for cleaner, safer housing for the older girls.
The complex is large and there is always work to do and things to be repaired. The vehicle which was purchased a few years ago has been inoperable recently. A used engine was purchased and mechanics are changing out the engine. The tractor is also being repaired. The new guest house provided a nice place to stay on this last mission trip, although the plumbing was still not working. Three different plumbers worked on the same problems and it still was not fixed correctly. It is a work in progress.
It remains our desire to help the orphanage be self-sustaining. This is a great challenge and it may be some time before this is accomplished. The full sponsorships HAVE been reduced from $80 to $60/mth. There are still many projects and things that need to be purchased in the future. A brick wall needs to be built around the orphanage for greater security. Mud is a continual problem and a good walkway throughout the complex would be a great blessing. There is a great need for more tables and chairs in the schools and in the dining area.
Another long-term vision is for a new primary school. The primary school students at Huruma are performing better than most, if not all, of the schools in the district. A large part of the old primary school needs to be torn down and new classrooms built. That is for one of the tomorrows….
The last few months at Huruma have been especially challenging with some staffing issues and financial problems. Please pray that God will bless the board in Kenya and give wisdom to those who are overseeing the work at the orphanage. These orphans continue to be worthy of our love, care, and support. Thank you to all of those who are sponsoring a child and/or supporting these humanitarian projects. You are making a difference! •
Huruma Dolor Orphanage First Class of Students Graduate from Form 4
Nigeria Chapel Project Chapel Land Needed in Bori, Nigeria
Secondary School nearly completed
Awarding Form 4 Students
Entrance to the compound
6 SEPT 2016 | AfricaMission.com
I had the opportunity to make a short visit to Malawi on my way to Kenya in August. I was privileged to be in service on Sunday in the village where our mission efforts began in Africa. The gospel journey has been slow and sometimes tedious in this locale, but we thank God for His faithfulness and longsuffering. I shared a pastoral message to the growing congregation of around 300 people about the need of bearing fruit and maturing in Christ. The Holy Spirit anointed the Word and we were all edified by the presence of the Lord.
Over the last year, Africa Mission & Beyond has sponsored 8 large ministers’ meetings in Malawi and Mozambique. I had a burden this year to meet with a smaller group of ministers to be able to have more meaningful discussion and informal teaching.
I met with 22 ministers in the Zomba region in a small brick chapel with dirt floors. We discussed many primary Biblical doctrines and had interactive sessions with the group. Plans were made for future outreach efforts in
the villages. The ministers were excited and energized about the possibilities and methods of local evangelism. In addition to the more spiritual aspects of the meeting, one afternoon I spoke to the ministers about temporal affairs—goals, budgeting, saving, farming methods, etc. Much of the instruction was novel to them and their minds were opened to a new way of thinking. Our prayer is that it will prove to be a blessing to these impoverished people. They were asking for these topics to be taught to all of the people.
I got very sick with food poisoning the day before I was supposed to fly back to Kenya. God undertook and enabled me to travel. I thank God for His healing power and for the leadership and comfort of the Holy Spirit. •
MALAWI Ministers’ Fellowship and Mentoring
PAKISTAN Pray for preliminary plans for mission trip.
The brethren in Pakistan are currently trying to reregister the church with the government as Church of God. They were previously operating under a different name but are now working to be recognized officially by the government as the Church of God. Please pray that this can be accomplished without problems.
