Author: Peter Marais

Ezek 6-7
Ch 6: 1-4 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face
toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them, And say, Ye mountains
of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains,
and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys; Behold, I, even I, will bring a sword
upon you, and I will destroy your high places. And your altars shall be desolate, and
your images shall be broken: and I will cast down your slain men before your idols.
At this stage in Israel’s history Judah was at the mercy of two big super-powers: Egypt to
the south-west and Babylon to the north-east. They were also regularly invaded by the
surrounding tribes of Ammon, Moab, the Philistines, Tyre and Sidon. God was able to
hold all these enemies off as He had done in the past, but He also warned them through
the law and the prophets that if they turned their back on Him, he would remove that
protection. The 10 northern tribes of Israel were already taken into captivity by Egypt 135
years before. The prophet Jeremiah was included in that captivity to Egypt. The
Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar first invaded Jerusalem in 605BC and the first
captivity included people like Daniel and other nobles. Ezekiel was deported with the
second captivity in 597BC, and now he was among the captives living in Babylon. From
there God was showing him that the city of Jerusalem will be destroyed, which happened
11 years later in 586BC. During this time false prophets in Israel were prophesying lies to
the people of “peace and safety”, saying the city will not fall, and the captives will return
shortly. Jeremiah on the other hand foretold that the captivity would last 70 years. This
chapter of Ezekiel deals with God’s judgment on the whole country of Israel, their cities
and their remaining inhabitants.
CH 6:5-7 And your altars shall be desolate, and your images shall be broken: and I
will cast down your slain men before your idols. And I will lay the dead carcases of
the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about
your altars. In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high
places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and
your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your
works may be abolished. And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall
know that I am the LORD.
Judgement is pronounced on Israel’s mountains, hills, rivers, valleys, and their dwelling
places in their cities. Also their altars and their idols will be broken down and their slain
men shall fall before their idols. God is going to thoroughly purge the nation of their
idolatry, and when these judgements come to pass, He says to Israel “ye shall know that
I am the Lord.” We will see in the book of Ezekiel, that God firstly deals with His own
people and the retribution of Jerusalem in chapters 4-24, and the phrase “ye shall know
that I am the Lord” is frequently used. The next section of the book chapters 25-32 deals
with God’s revenge on the nations surrounding Judah, who was taking advantage of the
fact that Judah was now under Babylonian control and gloated over Israel’s demise. God
says He will judge Judah’s neighbours and then “they shall know that He is the Lord.”
The last section, chapters 33-39 is more hopeful and deals with the return from exile in
Babylon, and finally in chapters 40-48 the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem. When
these things come to pass God says “the nations will know that I am the Lord”. Then

the whole world will know that He is God, and He is in control and has all authority in
heaven and on earth.
Ch 6:8-10 Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the
sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries. And
they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be
carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath
departed from me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and
they shall lothe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their
abominations. And they shall know that I am the LORD, and that I have not said in
vain that I would do this evil unto them.
God always preserves for Himself a believing remnant. Paul writes in Rom 11:1-5 about
this remnant:
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of
the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people
which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh
intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and
digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith
the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who
have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time
also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
The prophet Elijah thought he was the last true prophet remaining when he faced the 450
prophets of Baal who served Jezebel. But God reassured him that He had worked in the
hearts of 7000 men to remain faithful to Him. God is able to preserve a remnant. He was
going to do it during the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity, and He has done
it through all the history of man. This should be a comfort to our hearts also, on whom the
end of the ages has come. God is able to keep us, by the word of His power, through faith
for salvation on the day of Christ’s return. No sickness, no power in heaven or on earth or
under the earth can separate us from His love or pluck us from His hand.
Our text makes a remarkable statement about the heart of God over His chosen people.
He says, “I am broken with their whorish heart”. Judah’s idolatry broke God’s heart.
God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt long before with a mighty hand. He preserved
them 40 years in the wilderness. He brought them through Jordan into a good land that
He promised them. He drove out nations before them. He crowned them with glory which
peaked in the time of king David and his son Solomon. In spite of all His goodness, Israel
turned their backs on God, and this broke His heart. God takes no pleasure in the death
of the wicked and He wills all men to be saved. His heart is broken over our sin, and He
wants to lead us to repentance – to the place where we lothe ourselves for our idolatry
and lukewarmness.
Ezek 6:11-14 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy
foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall
fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence. He that is far off shall die of
the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and
is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them. Then
shall ye know that I am the LORD, when their slain men shall be among their idols
round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and
under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer
sweet savour to all their idols. So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make

the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their
habitations: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
The choices for the rebellious ones who stayed behind will be very grim. They can choose
to stay in Jerusalem and die of famine, or they can make a run for it and be killed by the
sword, or they can be carried into distant lands and God will strike them there with the
pestilence (diseases). It turns out if God is against you, no wealth or power on earth will
save you. But praise Him, if God is for you, none shall be able to stand against you.
Ezek 7:1-4 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Also, thou son of
man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon
the four corners of the land. Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine
anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense
upon thee all thine abominations. And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I
have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall
be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Chapter 7 contains the second of two judgements proclaimed against the whole land of
Israel. At this stage Jerusalem was not yet destroyed, and the remaining inhabitants had
not heeded the warnings of God to turn from their idolatry. In Christianity today many
profess to know God, but in their works they deny Christ. People maintaining a form of
godliness attend churches and do charitable deeds, but they have no power of a bornagain
life. Just like these Jews, what makes their condemnation worse, is that they have
heard the word of God over and over, and have become dull of hearing and have not
repented.
2 Corinthians 5:10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;
that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath
done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we
persuade men…
The judgment of Christ is not going to be about what we profess to believe (our doctrine),
but rather our works. If what we believe does not result in holy living, we will not see God.
True righteousness and holiness is something God imparts to the one who comes to
repentance and faith in Christ as saviour. In Him is no sin and we are warned to abide in
Him and continue in obedience to His word until He comes.
Ezek 7:5-9 saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come. An end is
come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come. The morning is
come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of
trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains. Now will I shortly pour
out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee
according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations. And
mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to
thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know
that I am the LORD that smiteth.
This text is in sharp contrast to the false belief that God is love and therefore He will do no
harm to any sinner. We know it is the will of God that none should perish, and that all men
should come to repentance. But God has determined a day to judge the world by Jesus
Christ. In that day He will not spare or have pity, “and ye shall know that I am the LORD
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that smiteth.” It will be a day when everyone’s works will be judged by fire (1 Cor 3:13).
We know that judgement will begin at the house of God, the church (1 Pet 4:17). This is
true chronologically, since only believers will participate in the first resurrection. It is only
after the millennial reign of Christ on earth, that the second resurrection, or “resurrection
of the dead” will take place (Rev 20). They will appear before the great white throne, and
because their names are not found in the book of life, they are then cast in the lake of
fire and brimstone where the beast (antichrist), the false prophet and the devil are. This
will be their final and eternal destination, and will be a place of eternal torment. “Knowing
therefore the terror of the Lord” , we are also persuading men and women through the
gospel’s call to repentance.
Ezek 7:10-13 Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod
hath blossomed, pride hath budded. Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness:
none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither shall
there be wailing for them. The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer
rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. For the
seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the
vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall
any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.
Their day of destruction will devastate both the buyer and the seller. Most often in our
case when the markets fall, the rich just get richer by way of being able to buy up what
the distressed seller is almost giving away. When the value of things crumble, there are
always some fortunate buyers rejoicing to get a bargain. In the destruction of the whole of
Israel the buyer and the seller will be destroyed. They will lose all, and they will not return
in their lifetime to their lands and possessions. It will do us well to be reminded that such
a day is again coming on all the earth, when God will judge the economic system of the
beast, called the city of Babylon in Rev 18. Nothing we collect on earth will be carried
over into the next life, except for the souls that were saved. This truly is the currency of
heaven.
Ezek 7:14-15 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth
to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. The sword is without,
and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the
sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.
The judgement of God will be in the form of the sword, famine and pestilence. Neither the
field or the city will provide a refuge. Even if the trumpet would be blown to summons to
arms, none will make ready.
Ezek 7:16-19 But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the
mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.
All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. They shall also gird
themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon
all faces, and baldness upon all their heads. They shall cast their silver in the
streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able
to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their
souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.
They will cast their silver and gold in the streets, as it will have no value. It will not be able
to deliver them from God’s wrath, and it will not satisfy their souls or satisfy them in the
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famine. In fact, it “is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.” This is probably a reference
to the idols that they worshipped which were often made of wood and overlaid with silver
or gold. The idols will not delivery them from wrath, or satisfy the longing of their souls, or
provide for their physical needs – all promises that only Jehovah could fulfil for His people.
Ezek 7:20-22 As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made
the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore
have I set it far from them. And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a
prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it. My face will
I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall
enter into it, and defile it.
Here the Lord says they have taken “the beauty of his ornament” which “he set in
majesty” in the temple and its ornaments and vessels, and have turned it into a place for
their idols and abominations. All these valuable items will be stripped when the
Babylonians enter the city, to destroy it, and rob it. God’s temple will also be polluted and
destroyed. The Jews at that time were told by false prophets that the siege will not be
successful, and in spite of the first and second captivity, Jerusalem will not be destroyed,
for God will protect His city and HIs temple. Ezekiel’s message is in stark contrast to
these prophets, who were saying, “peace and safety”.
Ezek 7:23-27 Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full
of violence. Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess
their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places
shall be defiled. Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be
none. Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then
shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and
counsel from the ancients. The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed
with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do
unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they
shall know that I am the LORD.
I think the lukewarm church of our age is also at the place where “they seek a vision of
the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the
ancients.” They prefer to ask a “word” from a self-proclaimed prophet, than to study the
word of God and seek His face. Today people perish because they “don’t know the
scriptures or the power of God.” They are easily led astray by money-hungry preachers
who make merchandise of the flock. The charismatics are accused of not knowing the
scriptures, and the baptists of not knowing the power of God. But in all this, God is found
by them that diligently seek Him. He draws near to those who draw near unto Him. Israel
was not listening to the word of God, and rather seeking words of comfort from false
prophets. There are many false prophets today as we are warned in 2 Pet 2:1, and we are
told to test every spirit. Paul says in 1 Cor 14:29 that in the church meeting those who
prophecy should “speak two or three, and let the others judge.” In the old testament
“holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Pet1:21). How much
more in the new testament, those who are washed by the blood of the Lamb of God,
sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit, are moved to speak and declare the word of God,
with the purpose to edify, exhort and comfort (1 Cor 14:3). John 16:12-15 I have yet
many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the
Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of
himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you
things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it

unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take
of mine, and shall shew it unto you. This is the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the church
today. He still longs to glorify Jesus, and reveal to us the things of Christ, to make real our
Lord’s precious promises, to make real those spiritual blessings in heavenly places, to
show us things to come that will comfort and edify us. In no way adding or subtracting to
the written word of God, but rather confirming and revealing it.
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Ezekiel ch 3-4
Ezek 3:1-11 we read that Ezekiel is not being sent to a people with a foreign language,
but to his own idolatrous people of Israel. Not all “missionwork” involves crossing
borders, but often the mission field is our own homes, and our daily contacts. It will
always involve our time and our effort. It will always involve communicating the gospel, by
preaching (speaking) and by life’s demonstration.
Ch 3:9 God will make his forehead “harder than flint”. In other words God will enable
Ezekiel to go and speak to them even when they reject his words. God stood with Paul
and strengthened him to preach in the face of strong adversity and persecution.
2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that
by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and
I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
God must know how fragile we are and how easily we are swayed by man’s disapproval.
Even the prophet Ezekiel was divinely empowered by the Lord, his forehead hardened like
a flint, to endure what lay ahead. Suffering the devastation of captivity with the rebellious
house of Judah, while he was an upright man, was hard enough. Now to go and sit
among the captives, and share their shame and their sorrow was even a greater ask. Then
for God to use him as a living demonstration of the woes that will come on Jerusalem
touches on above-natural strength. There where God calls, He is faithful to provide, to
enable and empower.
Ch 3:12-14 The manisfest presence and glory of God in the wheels and the living
creatures and their wings is seen by Ezekiel and he hears a mighty voice crying out
“Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place”. With a very disturbed heart he is
lifted by the spirit and transported to the captives by the river Chebar.
Ch 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel:
therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
God’s prophets in the old testament spoke primarily to the house of Israel. They only ever
spoke to heathen nations and kings concerning things that touched the nation of Israel –
think of Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, and Pharaoh. Ezekiel is sent as a “watchman” to Israel,
and we will hear the serious qualifications of a watchman:
Ch 3:18-20 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him
not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life;
the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine
hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from
his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again,
When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I
lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him
warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not
be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

This doesn’t sound like eternal security. God cannot change or lie, nor is He using idle
threats. In the old covenant Abraham’s righteousness came by faith, even before the law
was given. Our’s is also by faith, and we need to heed this warning for ourselves.
Rom 4:3 Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
The law was added to make sin appear clearly as sin through the transgression of the law,
but sin was in the world before the law. ( see Rom 5:12-14).
“When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness”, speaks of someone to
whom God has imputed righteousness through faith, who TURNS from it and enters back
into a lifestyle of sinning. Even when Ezekiel speaks in an old testament context, I believe
the warning should be even more severe to us in the new covenant! If we TURN from our
righteousness – that is the righteousness by faith in the shed blood of Christ, who was
delivered for our offences and was raised for our justification (Rom 4:24-25) – we will be
in even greater condemnation. The context is not of a righteous person who sins during
his continuing commitment to Christ, and who will be immediately pricked in conscience
to confess his sin to the Lord and turn away from it.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal,
The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of
Christ depart from iniquity.
To the child of God Jesus is precious, and so is the blood that He shed for the remission
of our sins. Our lifestyle is no longer characterised by sinning, but rather TURNING away
from sin (departing from iniquity). We are saved by Him that we should sin no more, and
to abide in Him, for in Him is no sin. Praise God that he also sends us warnings, rebukes
and exhortations through the ministry of His word. As Paul writes to the Colossian
believers, Col 1:27-28 …Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning
every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man
perfect in Christ Jesus. The ministries are functioning to present us perfect in Christ.
Eph 5:27-28 That he (Christ) might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the
washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church,
not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish.
The presumption that we can carry on with the works of the flesh, while we have a
testimony of a conversion to Christ in the past, and a knowledge of the scripture, and
even a regular attendance to a church – will NOT result in salvation. Ezekiel’s warning still
stands today, “he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall
not be remembered”.
Gal 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness,
revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in
time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Ezek 3:23-27 After being commissioned by the Lord as watchman to Israel, Ezekiel is
taken from the river Chebar to the plain, where he sees the same manifestation of God’s
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presence as before. This is comforting to know that wherever God sends us, He also will
be WITH US! His presence will be there, and He will carry us along. Ezekiel is told that he
will be shut up in his house, and during this time his ministry will be without words, but by
physical demonstrations only. Then later the Spirit will give him words to speak.
The judgement of Jerusalem (ch 4-5)
In chapters 4 and 5 Ezekiel is going to use certain signs and act out certain parables
before the people. At this time Jerusalem was not yet destroyed, and the false prophets
were telling the people of Israel that they were going to have peace. They were saying
that the Jews already in the Babylonian captivity would return to their land shortly, but
Ezekiel is going to confirm the word of Jeremiah, who had told them they would not be
going back for many years and that Jerusalem would be destroyed.
A tile of Jerusalem, an iron pan, and defiled bread
The sign of the tile portrayed the siege of Jerusalem. The Babylonians used clay bricks
(tiles) to write and record on. He would draw Jerusalem on the tile and portray the siege
of it and even make battering rams to demonstrate the charge of the gates. For the
second sign Ezekiel was to take an iron pan and put it between himself and this picture of
Jerusalem which he had made, to show that God had put a wall between Himself and the
city of Jerusalem. The destruction of the city was inevitable; it could not be stopped. It
showed the hardships of divine judgment, that the people were to go through terrible
suffering, and that God would not be intreated by them. A third sign describes additional
punishments to come upon Jerusalem. It is the sign of the defiled bread. Ezek 4:9-13 he
is told to only eat bread made from 200 grams of wheat and only drink 600ml of water.
The bread was to be prepared on his own excrement, which would be defilement to a
priest as himself. After intreating the Lord about it, he was allowed to use cow’s dung.
During this time when he was not cooking his food or using the bathroom, he was to lie in
his house on his left side for 390 days for Northern 10 tribes, and 40 days on his right side
for the Southern kingdom of Judah. A century before, the 10 tribes of Israel to the North
were carried off to Assyria. They had ignored the warnings of the prophets Amos and
Hosea. Ezekiel was concerned with the two tribes to the South (Judah and Benjamin). For
40 years they had followed in the godless behaviour of their Northern brothers. They also
ignored warnings of judgment from the prophets Isaiah and Micah, and a little later from
Jeremiah. The little prophecy of Habakkuk warned them of their impending doom at the
hands of the Babylonians, but this too fell on deaf ears. So finally Jerusalem was to fall as
prophesied.
The language used referring to the sins of Israel and Judah that will be “laid upon thee”
as he had to lie on his sides, and “thou shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel” –
is also what God did with His only Son, who has become the Lamb who takes away the
sins of the world. Isa 53:6 says “the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all,” and
vs11 “by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear
their iniquities.” This is also what our Lord Jesus has accomplished on our behalf.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
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Ezekiel’s calling
He was born into the priestly family of Zadok in 622 BC, and would have reached his Bar Mitzvah
(13 yrs) around the time king Josiah was killed. He was deported with the first captivity into
Babylon at age 25, along with Daniel and most of the nobles of Israel. Once they were deported
they were allowed to live in their own settlements with relative freedom. Ezekiel settled with his
family at a place now called Tel Aviv (currently one of the largest cities in Israel), by one of the
canals that joined the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers.
In ch 2 and 3 Ezekiel receives his calling from God, or rather a vision of the purpose of God for his
life. He is to be a prophet and a watchman to Israel, during the time of the Southern kingdom’s
captivity in Babylon, and the destruction of Jerusalem.
This calling starts with a revelation of the glory of God and of A MAN above the throne. This can
only be a reference to God the Son. He stands above the living creatures and the manifest
presence of God’s glory in the creatures and the wheels of chapters 1 and 2. His brightness and
his glory has the appearance of fire, and the brightness of a rainbow of colours. This vision of the
glory of THAT MAN causes Ezekiel to fall on his face and hear His words. We sometimes forget
who this Christ is, who’s name we bear, who’s songs we sing, and who’s words we like to quote.
He is “high and lifted up, and his train (glory) fills the temple” (ISA 6:1). He is a consuming fire!
(HEB12:29). He dwells in light that no man can approach unto, and all things are open to the eyes
of Him to whom we shall give an account. We should tremble at His word, and humble ourselves
under His mighty hand, for we will all appear before the judgement seat of Christ one day.
It is the Holy Spirit that enters Ezekiel (2:2) to stand and receive the words coming from the Man.
The Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of truth” who teaches us all things concerning Christ. He opens up
the scriptures for us, to hear the voice of our Great Shepherd and Lord.
Yet shall (they) know that there hath been a prophet
among them
Ch 2:3-4 God says Ezekiel will be sent to a rebellious nation who are stiffhearted. Whether they
will hear and obey or whether they will refuse, will not change Ezekiel’s calling to speak God’s
words to them. We learn a few aspects of a prophet’s ministry, and we can take personal lessons
from this.
Firstly, ch 2:6 he is told not to be afraid of them, or their words. We are not to have a fear of man,
but rather a fear of God. We have not received a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7), and we are not
respecters of any man’s person (his status in this life through his wealth or power). In Gal 1:10
Paul says we cannot please men, and if we live to please men, we will never be the servants of
God. Isn’t it strange how easy it is to share the gospel with a poor man, who begs at our window,
or who wants a job from us, or who drives our Uber – but how reserved and quiet we become
concerning the gospel, when faced with wealthy, important and powerful people. May we receive
great boldness through the Spirit’s filling to kneel before God, and stand before men. Today’s
gospel preaching is often so Internet-driven. The preacher can preach from the comfort of his own
home, without fear of scorn or correction of others. His ministry is judged by his popularity
through his views, likes, followers and subscribers – who also become the source of his income.
The more they like what they hear, and view what the preacher posts, the more his popularity (and
income) grows. There is an obvious danger in this for the man of God, who is to speak and teach
God’s word regardless of whether folk like it or receive it. Almost without exception God’s
prophets were rejected and persecuted by the nation. Ezekiel is warned by God that “briers and
thorns” will be with him, and he will dwell among “scorpions” – a description of his audience and
their reaction to his ministry. Jesus was also “despised and rejected by men”, and if they did it to
Him, they will do it to us also. God is going to demonstrate HIs word through the living example of
Ezekiel’s life and actions. Is the preacher today only a talker of the bible, or is he a walker of it?
God wants to DEMONSTRATE the life of Christ through us, not just in the use of words. Words
can come very cheap, but how costly and precious is a living testimony forged through the fires of
life, through all our afflictions and troubles. Ezekiel’s message will be portrayed through 6
demonstrations:

1. He was told to take a slab of clay and paint a picture of Jerusalem on it, and then demonstrate
   the siege of the city and using a model of a battering ram to ram the gates. He had to act this
   demonstration before the people in total silence. The crowds must have shook their heads
   and mocked this mad prophet.
2. God told Ezekiel to demonstrate the rebellion of the house of Israel by lying on his left side for
   390 days and then on his right side for another 40 days for Judah’s rebellion – a day on his
   side represents a year of the nations disobedience. He would even be tied by a rope while
   lying down.
3. He was also told to go on a meagre diet, to symbolise the shortage of food and water during
   Jerusalem’s siege. He was only allowed 200g of bread and 600ml of water per day, and his
   bread was to be cooked, using his own excrement as fuel for the fire! After pleading with God,
   he was permitted to use cow’s dung instead – God is gracious!
4. God told Ezekiel to shave his head and his beard with a sharp sword and put the hair in three
   piles. The first pile was to be burned when the siege of Jerusalem was come to an end. The
   second pile was to be struck with a sword all around the model of the city, depicting the
   slaughter of its survivors. The third piled was to be thrown into the air and blown away by the
   wind, depicting the scattering of the Jews into the nations.
5. Next he had to place all his clothes in a bag and dig a hole in a wall and crawl through it by
   night. Here he demonstrated how king Zedekiah and some others would try to escape
   Jerusalem. They were eventually caught down the road, his sons slaughtered in front of him,
   whereafter he had his eyes gauged out, then chained, and kept in prison. The enemy is always
   after our children, and desires to take away our spiritual eyesight and steal our vision. Lastly
   he wants to chain us and keep us useless and in prison.
6. Ezekiel was told while living in captivity in Babylon, that his wife would die on the exact same
   day as when the city of Jerusalem falls to the sword. He was commanded not to mourn on the
   day of her death, since the Jews would be so stunned by the fall of Jerusalem that they
   wouldn’t even be able to cry in utter disbelief of what has taken place.
   Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go
   speak unto the house of Israel
   Ezekiel is told not to be rebellious but eat the word of God that God will give him, and then to go
   and speak it to the people. There is no other way or some short cut, or a little bible course that
   will equip the man of God. It is by our daily, diligent study of the word of God, that we have our
   own hearts filled and our feet directed in God’s ways. If we are not reading the Bible ourselves,
   the Holy Spirit is very limited to teach us. Reading the Word, is like drinking mother’s milk to a
   baby.
   (1 Peter 2:2) As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
   (2 Timothy 3:16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
   reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect,
   throughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.
   The words of Christ is Spirit, and they give life to the spirit of a man (John 6:63). We need to “eat
   the roll”, to fill our hearts with God’s word, that we may have words of life to share with people.
   The spiritual contribution that we make in our meetings and in the lives of the people we meet,
   can be directly related to our study of God’s word. If we have received nothing, we also have
   nothing to give…
   I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel
   In ch 3:15 Ezekiel comes to captives at Telabib in Babylon, by the river of Chebar, and he sits
   among them for seven days before speaking a word. It serves us well to “sit in” with the people
   we want to preach to and experience their grief and their suffering, before we start preaching at
   them from some disconnected place. Ezekiel was to be a watchman who gives the Jews
   warnings from God to repent and return to Him. A watchman is one who identifies himself with
   the people he is watching for on God’s behalf. He doesn’t just come to tell them stuff, but he
   becomes one with them, he shares with their suffering, he feels their pain. Jesus became a man,
   took on Himself flesh and blood, lived amongst us, and was tempted in all points as we are
   tempted. He was made the perfect High Priest for us, through going through our sufferings.
   (Heb2:9-18). Although He has the right to demand our obedience, he also pleads our case before
   the Father. He was the Lamb slain for us, and has become our Advocate. The reality is that we
   need and advocate, and a very good one, before God. Only death and judgement are certain
   things to come to every man. So much preparation goes into our health and education and our
   provision for retirement, but how much planning goes into our eternal destiny. Daniel says in
   chapter 12 “and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even
   to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found
   written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to
   everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine
   as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever
   and ever.”
   Jesus wants to be your Advocate before God the Father. He paid the price for your pardon on the
   cross with His own life. He is ready to plead the merits of His blood to accomplish your
   forgiveness. He as the power to make everything new in your life. He watches over your soul and
   would have you turn from your sins to the living God, to call on the name of Jesus and be saved
   from the wrath to come. Furthermore he wants to raise you up as you daily “eat the roll”, to give
   you His words to speak to others and to turn many others to Him. When he speaks to you today,
   don’t harden your heart and be rebellious any longer, but yield yourself entirely to Him. Allow Him
   to have his perfect way with you – He will do the work!
   
   1 Francois Visser 3 May 2021

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Mathew 28 18-20.

And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit” – Acts 19 1-2.

And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19 6.

I first came to know the Lord in July 1980 when I surrendered my life to Him. During the period since my conversion and just prior to being asked to go on mission I had always had the desire to be baptised with the Holy Spirit but without much success. This, I believe was mainly due to a disappointing experience I had in the 1980’s when I attended a Holy Spirit receiving meeting and the pastor publicly singled me out as someone who had a wall of Jericho around him as I was unwilling to mimic the sounds that he was encouraging me to make. I desired the real deal and did not want to be an imposter for the Lord. I knew that the Lord would grant me the gift of being baptised with the Holy Spirit in His time but that I had to continually believe and desire it.

During mid-August 2019, my wife and I were invited for tea by Rupert Freese and his wife Barbara. Rupert and his wife were house sitting in Langebaan for our Pastor, Tony Robson. During our visit Rupert asked whether we had done the “Principles of the doctrine of Christ”. We hadn’t done any specific teaching on the Principles, so Rupert offered to meet with us for 2 days a week over a 4-week period that he was spending in Langebaan. Although the teaching had to be condensed due to time constraints, we had a blessed time of fellowship and teaching from the Word during this period. The Principles formed a firm foundation for my subsequent reading of the Scriptures and brought a deeper, richer revelation of God’s Word. After a number of these sessions Rupert enquired whether I had ever been baptised with the Holy Spirit and whether I would like to go on a mission trip with him in September 2019. I shared my experience all those years ago and acknowledged that I had never been baptised in the Spirit, despite desiring it. I also mentioned to Rupert that I was unable to leave my wife for an extended period as she had been battling with health issues and required my help. We agreed to pray about both issues and ask the Lord to direct as He pleases.

In subsequent weeks the Lord intervened in a wonderful and miraculous way and circumstances changed that allowed me to go on the mission. I had still not been baptised with the Holy Spirit but I remained hopeful. As time hastened towards our planned departure for Mozambique and Malawi I was filled with a sense of trepidation as I had never ministered the Word to a group of people and I definitely was not known for my public speaking skills. I felt totally ill equipped to preach the Word to the people of both these countries. Rupert continued to offer much encouragement and reassurance to me that the Lord will do the work and all He wanted was a willing heart.

Rupert had arranged accommodation for me in Kommetjie for the night prior to the trip with a very generous and lovely brother and sister in Christ. They opened up their home to me, a total stranger and welcomed me with open arms for which I was extremely grateful. The 3-day trip to Mozambique started from Cape Town, with both Rupert and myself travelling to the small Free State town of Petrus Steyn where we planned to meet up with two other brethren who would be joining us, using two vehicles.

We were welcomed into our brethrens’ homes by their wonderful and very hospitable families, where we spent the first night before leaving for Mozambique travelling through Zimbabwe. We all retired for the evening after enjoying a delicious supper and were afforded the privilege of having our own bedrooms with our hosts children offering up their rooms. During the early hours of the following morning I was woken up by strange sounds coming from my mouth. It took a while for me to gather my thoughts before I realised what was happening – I was being baptised in the Spirit, worshipping the Lord in tongues. I was also filled with a sense of peace and assurance that the Lord was with me. I felt invigorated and empowered! Praise the Lord!

I’m not a very demonstrative person and avoid showing strong feelings of emotion publicly. I had experienced this all and yet felt hesitant to share with my fellow brothers as I wanted confirmation that the experience was real. However, sometime later when we had stopped for lunch, I felt compelled to share this wonderful experience with them.

A short distance after entering Zimbabwe, we spent the night at Bubu village. By this time, we were all exhausted from travelling as well as negotiating a smooth passage through the border post. It was not long before we retired for bed, each sleeping in single beds lined up in dormitory fashion. We started the morning with Rupert emphasising the purpose of the trip and prayed for the Lord’s protection, anointing and guidance. This was followed by a time of worshipping the Lord in Spirit, where once again I was able to participate in this Godly worship free from any inhibitions or distractions.

Our hosts in both Mozambique and Malawi were subsistence farmers who lived in very harsh environments. However, they were extremely gracious and hospitable during our stay. The villagers welcomed us with open arms and it was soon abundantly clear that they were hungry to hear the Word of God. It was truly amazing to experience their generosity despite the fact that they had very little materially. What they lacked materially they had in abundance spiritually.

While in Mozambique we used the home of Johan and Anne in Chimoio as a base while splitting into groups of two to visit the various villages in the immediate and outlying areas, often spending a couple of nights in the villages sleeping in a tent. Johan and his family have provided this valued service for more than twenty years and is a testimony of their commitment and generosity to the Mission. The ministry was operated similarly in Malawi where we were afforded the benefit of using the Mission House in Blantyre and splitting into groups of 2 as mentioned before, to minister the Word to the brethren staying in the various villages.

It would be grossly irresponsible of me not to mention the Holy Spirit’s hand in the preaching of the gospel. Often there was no time for preparing a sermon and it was nerve racking for me the first time. I was under the impression that initially I would merely observe my colleagues bring the message but little did I know what awaited me during our first meeting. We were escorted to a place where the villagers were gathered and I was asked unexpectedly to bring the Word. I could just feel the sense of expectation emanating from all these wonderful smiling faces singing in such harmony praising the Lord, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Miraculously, the Lord placed a short word on my heart which I shared with the group. Over time, I learnt to trust the Lord more and more and as a result gained in the confidence and knowledge that it was not about me, but the Lord opening the people’s hearts to receive the seed of the Word of God. Often the messages brought by each of us individually without prior knowledge of what was going to be ministered dovetailed so perfectly, one could see the Lord’s work at hand.

The trip was a life changing experience for me and while there were some hardships and sacrifices along the way, it certainly drew me closer to the Lord and taught me to trust the Lord more, continuously and diligently seeking Him. It also taught me to appreciate the love and hospitality of my brethren, no matter what culture or background – we are all one with Christ. Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy.

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS OH GOD!!!

Grace and Peace to All

During 2019 we experienced many wonderful blessings of God’s keeping power, provision and anointing.

In Mozambique we had our first Bible School in Chimoio where we were able to impart the powerful Word of Life to many leading couples in the work. Brothers and sisters were blessed and enriched by the Word and some received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Believers came from far and wide with some folk travelling around 1500 km to attend. Those who had travelled were accommodated under a tarpaulin draped over the perimeter walls of the unfinished hall in Chimoio.

With great thanks to the Lord we are seeing much fruit from the 5 annual visits to the Church of the Lord Jesus in Mozambique.  Sadly, 2019 was the year of those devastating floods!  Thanks to the Lord for the generosity of the believers who gave around R 40 000 to be distributed amongst the most affected and needy.  We were also able to distribute more than 100 000 L of clean water to many thirsty people. 

Elias was given the opportunity  to speak on Radio Pulpit where he shared concerning the plight of the Mozambiquan people.  This resulted in a truck load of some 6000 kg of clothing, food and water being distributed to those affected. 

In Malawi, the Lord has been gracious to raise up a group of men with a heart for the vision of the Gospel. Food shortages due to droughts or floods and financial constraints are some of the factors that often hinder the brothers from fulfilling this calling. Much prayer support is needed.

Our regular visits to the rural churches is a wonderful encouragement to the believers.  The folk also greatly appreciated the support they received  during the devastating floods that destroyed many homes, washed away livestock and hundreds of people perished

There are two building projects in progress which have reached roof height.  We are looking to the Lord for sufficient funds to complete the buildings in time for the Bible School sessions in July 2020.  The Blantyre building is in need of doors, windows, materials to construct beds and mattresses.  In Mozambique they still need roofing materials, doors, windows.

Thanks to the Lord for Pieter and Olga in Swakopmund, Namibia, who continue to minister to the believers at the stables and in town.  We pray that the Lord will continue to  bless this mission field.

During 2020, God willing, there are planed visits to the following countries.

The time table follows:

1. Namibia 

28^th Feb to 01^st March

Additional dates will be provided in due course

1. Mozambique and Malawi church visits and leadership training

18^th March to 02^nd April

16^th September to 01^st October

1. Mozambique and Malawi Bible School

07^th July to 24^th July

            During this time Bible School sessions will be held at Chimoio in Mozambique, at Mzimba in Malawi and at Blantyre in Malawi.

1. Visits to Mossuril in Northern Mozambique will take place during June and November.

The team responsible for the care of JFAM activities, take this opportunity to thank all believers for their participation in pray, mission trips, finances and supplies etc needed for the spreading of the good news of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. 

An invitation is extended to all believers to continue  in the joyous and rewarding commission of fulfilling the command of the Lord Jesus given to us in Matt 28 v 18 – 20.

Lord bless

Rupert Freese

Hi Everyone and the Lord bless you All richly in Christ Jesus!

It is always a wonderful privilege for us believers to be involved in the work of the Lord Jesus in whatever He has given us to do.  “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor 15 v 58

Unfortunately, due to work pressures amongst other things, Bruce Munro from KZN was not able to join us and so we were 4 team members and not 5 as we had hoped. (Caril & Rupert from Cape Town and Jaco & David from Free State).  Our round trip was +/- 8500km of which 7500km (94hours) were spent in the vehicle together.  Many hours went by in fellowshipping around God’s Word and encouraging one another to press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

This April trip to Mozambique and Malawi, with all it’s additional challenges due to the recent floods, was a especial blessing!  With great joy and gratitude the teams were received at the 12 fellowships we were able to visited. 

We  encourage many folk to keep their eyes fixed on our Lord Jesus during these difficult times they are enduring.  Also, due to the open hearts and generosity of believers we were able to assist many of the most flood affected believers with clothes (value round R4000.00), water purification sachets (approx. one million litres)  and cash (amount R21 400.00) Thanks be to the Lord our God!!! 

The team would like to express grateful thanks to God our Father and to everyone for your participation in making this trip possible, especially for upholding us before the Lord in prayer. 

Lord bless!!

Jaco, Caril, David & Rupert

FEEDBACK/REPORT VAN CARIL:

Mozambique/Malawi trip 2019 took place from the 27March and we returned back home on the 11th April.

Greetings and good tidings to both all the brothers and sisters in  our marvelous Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the only God.

A powerful cyclone along with terrentual rain, wind speeds of around 209km p/he, mud slides,washed away roads and bridges, collapsed houses, missing people, people who had died, no electricity, no communication, no fuel, no more crops, no fresh water infact a picture of disaster was painted back here at home.

This spoke of a “field” that was ready for harvest, but was now surely ruined by nature (speaking in spiritual terms now). We were truly facing a” mountain” in front of us and we were unsure of whether the trip would even go ahead.

Mathew17:20 comes to mind and it was only by faith that we put our hands to the plough and proceeded forward into the Grace of God, because after all it was only by God’s Grace that the trip went ahead.

It’s in times like this where uncertainty and turmoil fill our hearts with doubt and we question God’s plan. But the ever faithful Father in Heaven steps in and reveals to us his way by encouraging, reassuring and confirming through the Holy Ghost that it’s He who is in control here, not man or man’s ways.

In Mozambique we saw most of the aftermath caused by the cyclone. The churches in Chimoi and Gorongoza district received us with open hearts as they always have, even with what had happened around them.

The folk here we’re longing to hear of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Ghost was ever faithful and moved freely amongst the folk, convicting men and women of sin, righteousness and judgement.

Before we knew it we were heading towards Blantyre, Malawi. We split into our teams again, which were Team A : Rupert and Elias

  Team B : David, Jaco and Caril.

We truly had an  awesome time preaching our hearts out , proclaiming the Lord Jesus and salvation through him. Every opportunity we saw , we grabbed it with both hands and gave it our all.

Folks eyes lit up as we preached on repentance from dead works and faith towards God.

Most sessions ended with half an hour to and hours time of questions and answers, this was promoted by brother Jaco.

Once questions were asked, we could see how hearts were being revealed and in the answering of the questions the Holy Ghost led men and woman to the truth.

Minds were changed , hearts were softened and lives changed all through revelation of who Christ is and understanding what he had done for each and every person who has walked the earth. Folk came to understand that it’s only through Christ and him alone that we receive salvation and life eternal.

After four days of travelling and eight days of intense preaching , we were poked and admittedly ready to come back home.

We look forward to next year again where we can be United once again as brothers in Christ and excited to see growth and fruit that would have taken place amongst our brothers and sisters in Africa.

Lord bless to all.

Caril de Beer

A testimony of the Mozambiek and Malawi outreach trip by Jaco Campher

Jesus blessed me with the opportunity to be part of the mission trip to Mozambiek and Malawi from the 28^th of March up to the 11^th of April 2019.

To be able to go on a trip like this just grips the love of Jesus in your heart!

I received so much more than what I gave, just like the miracle where Jesus fed the 5000 men, whatever I had to give, Jesus took and multiplied it in my own life!

In Mozambiek we could only share the gospel two days of the four days, due to unforeseen circumstances.  The two days that we could share was an amazing experience, to see how people just love Jesus.

In Malawi we could share the gospel all four days, and also just amazing how people live in such peach with having only the clothes on their body’s and food for the day.

The more you give, the more you will receive.

My recommendation is to all to join in and give whatever you can, and see how you grow in Jesus! The King of my heart! And all the believers hearts!

But go on the trip to see for yourself!

Thank Jesus for all the love and all the people who joined in the trip, and deposited truth in my life!

Friday the 29th of March we have just passed through the Zimbabwe, Mozambique border post. The Lord has truly seen favour on the team. We have had no issues thus far and give God thanks and praise HIS name for that. We are now on our way to Chimoio to sleep over at Johan and Ann. Please continue praying for us as we continue with the Lord’s work.

Monday the 1st of April We had a blessed meeting yesterday at Birro Cinco( David, Jaco and Caril) and Rupert and Elias were at the Masica fellowship. With all the distractions around us caused by the cyclone, including the loud music from the neighbouring people at Birro Cinco, the Holy Ghost was not held back at all. The Lord Jesus had a message for the folk to receive and each brother preached their hearts out like there was no tomorrow. Men and woman’s face lit up as the message was delivered and they received each Word with recieving, open hearts. We give God ALL the glory and we praise his glorious name. Please continue to pray for us today as we head out again into the field to do the work of the Lord. We are on our way to Nyamaphanza.

Some of the pictures of how the buildings have been destroyed by the Cyclone:

Some nights are easier than others. One specific evening we had some ants but thank the Lord we have a stretcher and mosquito nets

8 April 2019:

Hello all. We have just arrived back in Mozambique (Johan and Ann). We had such an easy drive on the road and had WONDERFUL fellowship in the chariot.We had a wonderful time in Malawi. The Lords hand is at work, truly. We had special time spent with all the believers and it was wonderful to see the folk receive the message and even more special to see the folk respond to the promoting of the Holy Ghost. We praise the name of the Lord and glorify the Father in heaven.
Thanks again to all the prayers and support.
Please continue to pray for us as we continue our journey back home.
GOD IS ALIVE AND HE IS REIGNING ON HIGH!!!!!!!.
Lord bless to all.

Report:  Swakopmund weekend 6 to 8 July 2018

Always when we go onwards to visit and minister to a place, there is a unknown in our minds. We wonder how are things going, what state of mind the people are in, if they are growing in Christ or if a repeat of doctrine is needed?

We enquire of the Lord beforehand to prepare our hearts and that He will speak His heart and mind to the people through us.

This weekend was no exception. There was the unknown, we did prepare our hearts and we were blessed by what we found.

People still yearning to grow in the word of God and eager to listen with an open heart and mind.

 

As always the hospitality of the people in Swakopmund, and for this weekend Ritz and Wilma was beautiful. They received ya with a friendliness and readiness to serve our physical needs. Wilma is especially excellent in hosting folk and warmed our hearts (and bellies ????)

The ministry over the weekend was clear. Keep building on our solid Rock, Jesus Christ, keep searching His scriptures and continue towards perfection. Loads of teaching was also done on being filled with the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in Swakopmund and beyond. Sunday ministry included teaching on the family, husband and wife relationship and roles, children to obey their parents and how Jesus is the head of this structure.

Saturday we visited Okakwamba horse stables and were blessed indeed. About 10 workers and some of their wives with kids, including the owner Katrin attended and the gospel of Christ was preached with boldness and love. Folk responded well with even prayers from their side at the end. Pieter that is part of the fellowship there will continue sharing on Saturday and we pray the Holy Spirit to work through him mightily.

Still loads of growth is needed in Swakopmund but there is progress and we praise God for what He is doing in Swakopmund.

We ended off together with prayer and left with a yearning to go back, to help, to encourage and to love.

We pray the folk to continue steadfastly serving and seeking God.