KENTANI REGIONAL REPORT – NOVEMBER 2010
Posted on: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 05:27 AM
During November, Vernon Schmidt [Our recently appointed Student Missionary] and myself spent a week ministering in and around Kentani. This southern coastal area of South Africa is home to the Xhosa people.
While the Gospel has been preached here for many decades, it has not penetrated society to the extent where it is the transforming force which God intended it to be. The churches, though numerous, are generally small and struggle to be self-sustaining. There is still a tremendous need for Christian Mission of every description.
We were there to partner with other like-minded Christians, in an effort to take some urgent mission visions to a new level.
KENTANI EVANGELICAL MISSION
This partnership, of which Macedonian Ministries is a member, is currently the custodian of the old [derelict] buildings of a Bible School and the land [about 20,000 sq. metres] on which these are located. The campus is on the outskirts of Kentani, a small town and very busy commercial centre for the region. The South African government is currently busy with the erection of 3000 low cost houses, most of which are been built around the perimeter fence of the Bible School. At the beginning of 2011, needy Xhosa families will begin moving into the homes, which are already completed.
THE KENTANI EVANGELICAL MISSION, RECOGNISES THE URGENT NEEED FOR A CHURCH TO BE PLANTED AT THE BIBLE SCHOOL WHICH IS STRATEGICALLY SITUATED TO REACH OUT TO THIS GROWING COMMUNITY.
OUR VISION
· Restore the Bible school lecturing hall and use it as a place of worship.
· Restore one of the staff homes and use it to accommodate a church planter/evangelist.
· By God’s grace plant a church and through it present a holistic Christian Ministry to the surrounding population, about 30 000 persons.
Although there is no money in the bank for this project, we are convinced of the need to move ahead IN FAITH and so are currently searching for a church planter to head up this ministry. Please pray with us for God’s intervention and providence of all that is needed to fulfil His wishes at Kentani. Your prayers, thoughts and support in this regard are needed and will be appreciated.
TAFLOFEFE HOSPITAL EVANGELISTIC SERVICE
Heavy consistent rain throughout the night and day begged the question: “Should we, or should we not attempt to reach the hospital. The gravel roads will be a nightmare. BUT, we have 4x4 drive in the vehicle, so let’s go!”
And, just as well we did, for this was one of the most blessed services we have ever had at the hospital. All the patients and on duty staff were invited to attend. 33 in attendance – a record congregation – joined for worship. Some were very sick. 10 were men, Praise God. However, the most wonderful feature of the service was the convincing sense of the presence of God. The message was from Romans 1:16, “I’m not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation.” Patients’ spiritual eyes were opened as “Gospel”, “Salvation” and “His power to save” were exegeted and preached as the only hope of eternal life for any who believe.
A considerable number of patients and some staff indicated a desire to seek Christ in salvation. These were counselled and led in a prayer of confession, repentance and the acceptance of the gift of eternal life. THANK YOU, JESUS.
Everyone received a Gospel of John in Xhosa, which included a Bible study on “The Way of Salvation.”
FISHLANI EVANGELISTIC SERVICE
We are trying to plant a church in this area. It was raining and cold, but a small group of younger people arrived. The service progressed reasonably well. However, in the middle of the service, there was the sound of raucous singing. It seemed to be coming closer. To our dismay it marched right into the church – a group of very “under the influence of mind-bending substances” young men. What made the situation so much more fearful was the fact that each one was carrying a wooden club, battle axe [small axe head on a three-foot wooden handle] or machete. They immediately took charge of the meeting – jesting, shouting, making demands, and generally showing total disdain for the House of the Lord and those who had gathered for worship. WE WHERE VERY AFRAID OF THE SITUATION GETTING OUT OF HAND AND DECIDED TO CLOSE WITH PRAYER IN THE HOPE THAT ALL WOULD LEAVE AND BE PERMITTED TO RETURN HOME UNHARMED. Our wishes were granted. “God’s Almighty authority seemed to rule in favour of order and tranquillity. Thank you, Jesus. Our God is Jehovah, our protector in all situations.
Please pray for us as we plan to return. The Gospel is the only hope for this community.
CEBE EVANGELISTIC SERVICES
A more stable situation with a church which has been in existence for a number of years. We were privileged to have two services there. Both well attended. Had the joy of expounding the Word from 1 John 4, “Overcoming sin”, and Revelations 21, “Christ’s return at the end of the age”. God honoured His Word, the Holy Spirit spoke to hearts with convicting power, and some folk openly responded to the opportunity given for them to pray and be counselled. Thank you, Jesus.
HOW YOU CAN PARTNER WITH US
· PRAISE GOD for His faithful honouring of Mission.
· Thank Him too, for his providence and protection at all times.
· Plead with Him to transform the Fishlani region.
· Join us in discovering the Lord’s perfect plan for Kentani.
· Pray with us for the HUGE RESOURCES NEEDED TO REACH OUT TO KENTANI.
· CONSIDER becoming a partner in this vision.
I was blessed, and may you be blessed, by this verse from my daily readings, 1 Corinthians 9:8, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all you need ,you will abound to every good work.” HALLELUJAH.
Trevor Eayrs
November 2010
