Greetings in the name of our Lord! Whilst America seems to be buried under snow and ice, South Africa is baking in the heat!
CAPE BIBLE SEMINARY
There have been so many invitations and requests that I could not fulfill them all. Since our summer break starts in the middle of December, what usually happens is that churches and groups suddenly wake up as the end of the year approaches. They phone or e-mail, asking for teaching or ministering for their church programs. Then, conversely, the reverse occurs: it’ll be quiet from Christmas for another three weeks while the kids are on vacation and factories close. So, it’s like a yo-yo.
This season, I was able to visit several new contacts in the townships in and around Cape Town. Pastor Mike was desperate for teaching in his small group and arranged several nights in a row just after New Year. His small church meets in his home and consists of Nigerian refugees and a few locals. They responded enthusiastically to the series on the Will of God and Pastor Mike asked for the full notes so he could continue with the people. Sadly, their request for Bibles and Christian study books could not be met. The warehouse is empty.
Pastor Angers from Montague (about two hours into the eastern mountains) also requested more teaching. He ministers to a few congregations, one of which is in Delft, a working class suburb of Cape Town. I was able to take one of our co-workers visiting from Florida with me. This was Kim Wilson’s first experience of a worship service like this. At the end of the service, about thirty people came forward. I am amazed at the openness of those who respond to the Word.
More classes and teaching are schedule for the first quarter of this New Year. It’s a matter of juggling times and places but the needs of the churches and groups come first.
CO-WORKERS
Kim Wilson and Sherry Isaacson arrived in South Africa at the end of January for an 11 day short mission trip. Kim runs God’s Share Program in Zephyrhills (FL) and I was introduced to her by Walt and Bea Mielke. Kim has a thrift shop but sends materials, books and supplies to foreign missions. She has contributed perhaps 100 boxes of Bibles and Christian books for the container project over the years. (Kim and Sherry worship at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church.)
Kim e-mailed me about 18 months ago, asking if it was possible to come over for a short term mission trip. We corresponded and made plans. They arrived in Cape Town with several heavy suitcases, which contained supplies for the kid’s ministries. Right away, they threw themselves into each project, participated in each group and worked so hard to make a difference within the short time they had here. And when they left, so many people – children and teachers – had been touched by their labors for the Lord. We thank God for their selflessness and eagerness to get their hands dirty and give of their means.
MCLAUGHLIN NEW LIFE CENTER
The Bibles for Africa Project is gaining steam. Churches and people have responded to the challenge to fill a contain of Bibles, Christian reference books and commentaries. Funds have been donated and people are sending boxes to Michigan. There is such an urgent need for Bibles, English and French – I have been called from Congo, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon, desperate pleas by pastors, ministers and teachers. The warehouse is empty and the need is great. If you can help in anyway, please visit our website for details.
FURLOUGH
We are planning furlough during the latter half of 2014. It’s time again and we want to make the best of the time available. (Hopefully, there won’t be any more blizzards or storms to interrupt the schedule!) Mark Vernik is handling all the arrangements so please contact him if you want to secure a speaking date.
Our needs are simple: a place to live and use as a base for our travels and a reliable vehicle to borrow for a few months. (We plan to arrive prior to August 24, 2014 and leave sometime in November.)
Our thanks to everyone who have prayed, helped and supported us in the Lord’s vineyard in South Africa. The work is growing, Christians are being equipped and the Word is broadcast.
Steve and Sana Zimmerman
S.A. Christian Mission, Cape Town