PORT ST. JOHNS MISSION TRIP – AUGUST 2011
Posted on: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 11:29 AM
OBJECTIVES
Last year Mally and I, with the help of Pastor Xoko, spent a week in this coastal town in Transkei, reassessing the needs of the region as whole. We looked at the Infra-structure, sociological needs, Government’s service delivery [Education/health/water/electricity], Church and its impact on the community and the well-being of people in general.
We concluded that the most pressing need, which needed our immediate attention was a new all-embracing spread of the Gospel into homes of the town and region. Starting with the children, we visited 11 schools, distributing about 9000 Gospels of John, and preaching the message of Salvation wherever we were permitted to do so. Without exception each school pleaded for us to return and take the initiative further. PTL.
So, we returned with evangelism high on our agenda; this time to start with a more concentrated approach in the heart of Port St Johns, which has a number of small independent and denominational churches; and two private medium sized Christian Schools. Plan was to work alongside like-minded Christians in evangelism. Long term plan was to identify where our future major investment should be.
THURSDAY AUGUST, 11
Thursday morning 04:00 arrived suddenly with Vernon waking us up and adding the reminder that our fellow-workers, a Short-Term Missions Team from the Mooi River Baptist Church, was already on-the-road, their expected time of arrival with us was 05:00. Quick cup of coffee, last minute packing of frozen foods into the trucks, lock up the house and we were ready. The phone rang, it was Gerry, to inform us that the Mooi River guys were only five minutes away.
A brief moment of introduction, prayer of thanksgiving and petition for God’s protection – it was 04:55 and we were on our way.
The trip was pleasant. Magusheni was only a few kilometres away, where we would tail-gate for breakfast. We were making good progress, and then it all happened, cars, trucks, people everywhere. As we slowed down and came under the traffic control of a young man who directed us through a maze of confusion, we discovered that a young lady had been run over by a vehicle and killed, her body in the process of being removed from the scene of the accident. A chilling silent shock of sadness swept through the team. I remembered our prayer time prior to leaving home, “Thank you Jesus that we have been kept from danger and accident”, I found myself praying.
The tailgate breakfast was wonderful. Another hour and a half and we arrived in Port St Johns. By 12:00 noon we had pitched camp and Mally had a light lunch ready. Enough time for an hour in the WORD and prayer. I have the daily joy of walking the team through an exposition of “Victorious Christian Living and Leadership” from the Book of Joshua.
We considered Chapter 1. Three Changeless Factors in Leadership:
1. The significance of History. [HIS Story] vs 1-6
2. The Sufficiency of the Word of God vs 7-9
3. God’s Timeless Call to Obedience vs10-11
On the stroke of 15:00 Pastor Soloman Bam arrived to help us with set up for the screening of the Jesus film in a new township overlooking the sea. It took some time, but eventually we located the keys to the hall, and the team left for our first ministry opportunity. About sixty younger people were present for the showing of the first quarter of the film, which closed with Vernon sharing a short Gospel message.
Back at our campsite by 20:30 for dinner of meat and vegetables, followed by dessert and tea and coffee. “WHO said that mission was difficult!” A very welcome steaming hot shower in ablutions which permit one to listen to the night noises and observe the stars, then into bed for some hard-earned sleep after a considerable long day. God had been good to us and we slept like “logs”.
FRIDAY AUGUST 12
Beautiful clear day. A river of icy air was flowing down the Umzimvubu River Valley from the snow-covered mountains around Kokstad, some 50 miles inland. We were camped on the banks of this river and it was very cold at 07:00. But this would soon be gone as the sun was rising and it looked as if it was going to be another hot day in Africa.
Breakfast of porridge, fruit, eggs, bacon, toast and coffee. Doesn’t get better than this! And then into the WORD for devotions and prayer.
Joshua Chap. 2: RAHAB
1. Her God and her ministry vs 1-9
2. The Gospel of Redemptive History which she Proclaimed vs 10-11
3. Her acceptance into the Children of God Jos 6:23-25
4. Faith with Works Heb11/Jam2:21-25
5. Ancestor to Christ Matt 4:1-6
6. Meditation… “Hope for you and me”
After a time of rejoicing and petition in prayer, and loading of literature into the trucks, we were ready to leave for evangelism in the towns commercial centre and at schools.
Vernon’s team visited two private schools, distributing English Gospels of John to learners and teachers and preaching the Gospel at both locations. One of the schools requested the Jesus film be screened in the school hall each evening for three nights. Thank you, Jesus, for influencing us to bring two projectors and two films – something we have never planned for before in our ministry. God is Good, ALL THE TIME!
My team joined me on a trip to consult with government leaders and make some food purchases for Mally. It didn’t take us long to finish these errands. Now we needed parking as close to the village market as possible. We found the spot and began to hand out Gospels. The town was wall-to-wall people. Many of them dignitaries arriving for a Regional Government Leaders celebration taking place in a 3000-seater tent only a stone’s throw from where were handing out literature. We could hardly contain the flow of people from all walks of life. Everyone seemed to in town, and all excepting one young man that I met, was very eager to have a Gospel. About 4000 Gospels later, 14:00 came quickly and we decided to return to the campsite for lunch.
Over cold meat and salads, fruit and chilled orange juice we exchanged the blessings of the day. There was a warm feeling of blessedness in our hearts as we meditated over the numerous homes into which these Gospels would be taken and hopefully read. “Dear Lord, by your Spirit move these needy people to read the WORD OF GOD which they have received.”
It was “chill-time” and most of the team took a nap.
16:30 came quickly. The teams left for their two venues to show the next portion of the Jesus film. It was Friday night. “Dear Lord, please save us from disruptive elements, and open the eyes of those whom you are wishing to bring to Salvation. Amen.” Both outreaches had good attendances and returned to camp by 9 pm rejoicing again at how God was honouring our efforts to take the Gospel this needy community.
It was dinner time. Pork stir-fry cooked on an open fire, followed by fresh fruit salad and tea and coffee. It was GOOOOOOD! By 22:00 we were in bed and enjoying the gift of sleep. Thank you, Jesus.
SATURDAY AUGUST 13
The weather had changed. Rained all through the night and was still a little intermittent. Everyone was dry and taking it in their stride as men on a mission ought to do. A tasty hot breakfast of porridge and French toast, fruit, toast and coffee made all the difference.
Then it was into the WORD once again. JOSHUA chap 3.
We considered 15 dynamics of Victorious Christian Leadership which were revealed on this occasion in the leadership model of Joshua as he led the Children of Israel across the river Jordan. Then it was back to the commercial centre of town to distribute a further two thousand Gospels, do some follow up evangelism with contacts made earlier and confirm ministry for the rest of the day.
Our hamburger lunch was early, to as much time as possible for a visionary tour to some of the outlying rural areas of Port St Johns, where we have been planting churches for the past 14 years. There is still a lot of ministry which still needs to be completed/developed. The team returned more burdened than ever for the masses of people still living in poverty and spiritual darkness. Most school children in these areas arrive at school each day without a meal in their stomachs. Government is currently trying to supply one hot meal per child per school day.
At 15:00 Mally and I left for Lusikisiki where a group for 100 ladies from Baptist Churches in the Transkei were gathered for a leadership conference. We were overwhelmed by their welcome. Mally brought greetings and addressed the conference, sharing a message on Women in Leadership from Phil.4: 4-7.
Before we left, there was the customary courtesy of hot tea and a light meal. Fellowship was rich and encouraging for all of us. To soon we had to leave to get back to Port St Johns in time for the final screening of the Last section of the Jesus film.
There was great rejoicing when the teams returned at 9pm. 32 young people had responded to an invitation for those who wished to seek Christ as Saviour. On this wonderful note the day came to an end.
SUNDAY AUGUST 14
A beautiful day, cloudless and warm to hot. Before breakfast the Mooi River guys were very busy breaking camp. They were leaving for home immediately after the morning worship service which they were going to minister at in Port St. Johns.
Our devotions took us to Joshua chapters 4-5 PREPERATIONS FOR BATTLE.
1. Understanding the significance of the ARK OF THE COVENANT chap4
2. Circumcision: its place and meaning chap 5:2-9
3. Passover: its celebration and significance. Chap5:10-12
With this food for thought the teams left for worship and minister, Vernon into Port St. Johns, where they led worship at the youth centre where Pastor Solomon Bam is planting an English-speaking church among young people. Mally and I headed for Tombo Baptist Church, a tiny congregation housed in the smallest of sanctuaries off the beaten track and hidden in the bush. After some searching, we eventually found it. The most amazing welcome awaited us. We last visited this congregation about 14 years ago, when they prepared a breakfast and worship service for 35 young people on a Mission Safari. Now, it was our tern to reciprocate. The Afro-centric worship was very inspirational and then it was time for me to preach. A message of encouragement from Mark 4:35-41 “Jesus calms the storm.” When the service ended, we had the joy of distributing gifts to this impoverished community. Toys for the children, food and vegetable seed for the households, clothing for men and women and children, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap for all. It was a wonderful of giving and receiving. Such joy was evident that I have not seen for a long time. One of the younger women asked: “What’s happening, how did all these gifts come about?” An old granny replied: “IT’S NKULUKULU [AWESOME GOD OF THE UNIVERSE] WHO IS VISITING US TODAY. She was so right in her understanding of God and is providential care of the Bride of Christ.
After an hour of rejoicing together we had to leave, with warm hearts of thanksgiving for the supreme joy that is experienced when one is able to serve God through the Great commission ministries of the Church.
Our journey back was through some stunningly beautiful scenery, to our riverside camp where “chilled” with nature for the rest of the day.
MONDAY AUGUST 15
Vernon once again got us up and going at the crack of dawn. Two schools in Lusikisiki for ministry and Gospel distribution and the inspection of a building project lay ahead of us.
By 07:00 we were on our way. Although the rain had stopped, the roads were wet. This meant we were in for some “fun and games” once turned off the paved main road.
The school visits were again most inspiring. Children were overjoyed with their own copy of scripture in English, even though it was on one of the books of the Bible. Then it was on to check the building, and we nearly didn’t make it. Somehow we got through and very impressed with quality of workmanship. We hope it will not be too long before this home for the local Pastor is finished.
We arrived back at camp around midday. Our ministry finished for this trip, meant that we now had to start breaking camp, pack trucks and prepare for the journey home. Leaving the field is often more difficult than arriving. One doesn’t know whether one will ever get to be back and visit with these dear brothers and sisters in the Lord. Their indomitable spirit in the face of so much uncertainty, poverty, and difficulty was humbling to those of us whose live with so much comfort and ease. We are very grateful to God for the glorious privilege which has been ours to live with, and minister to, this warm-hearted community.
THANKS
· to those who make it possible for us perform the ministry of mission.
· to those who provided the resources.
· to those who gave the gifts of toys, seed, shoes, food, Gospels, clothes and other commodities.
· to those who encourage to keep going.
· to those who pray without ceasing.
· to the mission team from Mooi River Baptist Church.
BUT, MOST OF ALL OUR GREATEST THANKS TO OUR LORD AND SAVIOR WHOSE PRIVILGE IT IS FOR US REPRESENT AS THE ONE AND ONLY SAVIOUR OF ALL PEOPLE EVERWHERE.
Trevor Eayrs
August 2011.
