CHURCH MISSIONARY TOUR - APRIL 2016

7 May

Posted on: SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2016 1:07 PM

Mally and I have just returned from a tour of three regions in which Macedonian Ministries is currently ministering. It was immensely gratifying to see the progress which is being made by different Churches in different regions, some of them struggling under some very trying circumstances.

Obambo (Northern Zululand)

Wells bring about fresh water in Zululand

This region is in the grip of a severe drought, which has seen many of the cattle die and most households are now facing the winter without any summer crops to harvest. A difficult time lies ahead. Please pray.

In partnership with the KZNBA we have just completed the fourth borehole, each of which has been sunk on church property for the free harvesting of potable water by the local community. Praise God for this provision.

Last year saw the commencement of the tenth church planting initiative in this region, near Mseleni Mission Hospital. By God’s Grace so many people came to salvation in a short space of time, that the home in which they were meeting was too small to accommodate the congregation. We all felt it was time to build a sanctuary. Work began immediately. This week will see the roof added and soon the Building will be completed. PG.

Mozambique

After a few days we moved across the border into neighbouring Mozambique.

They too, are in the grip of the drought, only difference for them is that the severity is exacerbated by a harsher climate and soil which is much less arable.

Here, the cattle have also died, but saddest of all was to hear of famine related deaths among the people living in surrounding villages… and the winter season has hardly begun. Please pray.

Happily, we have donors who regularly provide for disaster relief aid, so we were prepared for the inevitable. After lengthy deliberations around the most pressing needs in the various communities, we were able to distribute funding to pastors for the alleviation of poverty through those churches in the worst affected areas. THANK YOU, DONORS, FOR YOUR “CUP OF COLD WATER GIVEN IN JESUS’ NAME”.

Despite the nagging hardships, we were grateful to God for pastors and congregations who are displaying the most indomitable spirit imaginable. They are committed to the cause of the Gospel; shown in active evangelisation, discipleship of their congregations and church planting.

At Bella Vista, Pastor Theresa is leading a congregation which has outgrown their little straw church and is only a few days away from finishing the few remaining cement blocks which are needed for their new Church Building. The site, obtained from local government, has already been cleared and they are “ready to build”. PG.

While we were there, Mally and I had the joy of teaching the Mozambique team the fundamentals of Christian leadership; highlighting the differences between Pastoring a congregation as opposed to “managing the church”.

After the distribution of clothing, linen, seed, tools and machinery (most Pastors are bio-vocational), it was once again time to bid farewell and start heading for our next destination in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Safely across the border, and without incident, we set out for Pongola, about one hundred and sixty kilometres away.

Northern KwaZulu-Natal

Pastor Peterson Shozi met us on the gravel road near his new church site. Only 15 months ago, he and his wife Dudu (both graduates with degrees in agriculture), commenced planting a church among this very needy community. Originally, they worshipped in a small marquee tent provided by his tent hiring business. This soon proved to be too small and the prevailing winds, which destroyed two tents, were the last straw to break their enthusiasm. They began to seek God’s intervention in favour of a substantial building. The Lord, THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH, proved again that He is the God of PROVIDENCE.

Pastor Shozi, came across a “half-finished hall”. On investigation, he discovered that the owners had aborted their plans due to financial constraints. The Conclusion? This most suitable incomplete building perfectly situated and easy to adapt into a sanctuary, was purchased for pittance. PG.

With some deep digging into their personal resources and a little help from outside, the congregation was able to sufficiently complete the building to the point where they are able to use it for ministry. PG.

Please pray/contribute to the funds needed for the finishing touches of this project.

All good things, they say, come to an end. This is how we were feeling as continued on toward our last assignment on this trip. Vryheid, a small cosmopolitan town in the middle of nowhere.

Vryheid

Here we met briefly with Jan Engelbracke, recently inducted pastor of the reconstituted Vryheid Baptist Church.

The drought has also affected this community, but it was pleasing to hear of how determined they are to work around the hardships. Many new, very exciting ministry opportunities have come their way and they have grasped them with open arms.PG. The fellowship and prayer were most encouraging.

The remainder of our journey home was without incident. After 1200 kilometres we were in the safe arms of our Dear Lord and so much blessing, it’s time to pause, and reflect on THE ALL SURPASSING GREATNESS OF OUR GOD, AND HOW INCREDIBLY PRIVILEDGED WE ARE TO BE HIS SERVANTS.

Together with Mally, I want to confess our inexpressible joy found in serving the one who called us follow Him with the promise that He would make us fishes of men. By His Grace we are striving to obey, and as the journey proceeds, together with us, please give thanks for all that has been achieved for the Eternal Kingdom as a result of our partnership in Ministry. Thank you for all that you do and mean to us. Please continue to remember us in prayer.

With sincere love and appreciation from both of us.

Trevor and Marilyn.

Mylene Paynter

South African, traveling between Stellenbosch, South Africa and Cornelius, NC, USA.