We returned home with joy in our heart after having done the Lord’s will.

True Word
We returned home with joy in our heart after having done the Lord’s will.
My first impressions of Malawi was “So many people all milling around along the main road.” Time is of no essence in Malawi – no competition or pushing for our patronage as we stopped at different street vendors to buy supplies.
Rupert showed a side of his character that I doubt many know about – he loves to drive at exceedingly high speeds over treacherous terrain – must be his chance to relive his youth. By the grace of our Lord we arrived safely at Lake Kazuni.
Rustic is an understatement to describe the accommodation with no water, electricity or candles. Wind was howling through gaps in the reeds and open hole windows. Further, with the constant sifting of fine debris from the equally shabby grass roof, not much sleep was enjoyed. Must say the sounds of hippos; almost all through the night right next to our rondaval; made up for the lack in the accommodation.
Meeting the fellowship at Kazuni and seeing the church the built was an experience. We counted 85 children under the age of 10. ± 8-10 children per family. We were so warmly welcomed and their singing to the Lord was wonderful. Our meals consisted of goat meat and rice which was served in the leader’s house (two rooms) with chickens happily hatching eggs in the corner.
They asked about Alex and François and told us they have arranged a wife for Alex Peter and Rupert taught on repentance from dead works and I so enjoyed watching how through acting and repetitive teaching over a period of two days the understanding seemed to come.
The woman each have a baby in arms and a toddler at their side so how much they receive of God’s word is questionable. Everyone at the meeting ±120 people got fed in order of rank. The Azungus (white people) first as honoured guests and children last.
On our way to Blantyre we overnight at a place at Lake Malawi, Palm Springs resort. Fredson and Macnell said they thought they had arrived in heaven that evening, as we enjoyed a good hearty western home-cooked meal. I am sure the running hot water, electricity, decent beds and a room sheltered from the cold night air contributed to their remark. The next day we left for Blantyre…again, the challenge to avoid potholes, dogs, goats, pedestrians and other livestock. Rupert’s driving skills are really one to be admired by even a Formula 1 driver. Through the Lords protection, the only life along the road that was lost was that of a single chicken.
In Blantyre the church building has just been completed with a brand new roof in place. Words cannot explain the condition of even the road leading into the township to the church. If Sam (owner of the car rental company) had not upgraded Rupert to a 4×4 (free of charge) I do not know how we would have managed. Again, the Lord undertook for his children doing his work.
During the four days of Bible School it was as if I was in the time of Paul writing to the Corinthians. The same issues had to be addressed. Men elevating themselves, selfishness, family conflict and splitting the fellowship into two camps. On the fourth day the Holy Spirit took over. Men were breaking down and the Lord’s love for a contrite heart and broken spirit came shining forth.
Surely it can only be the love of Christ that constraineth men to carry out His work. 11 Corinthians 5v14 and 15: And henceforth no longer live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them and rose again.
Please sisters in Christ these men need all our support and constant prayers.
Your sister in Christ
Adrie Lord
“Available/want to come with me to Mozambique 20-25 Feb?” read the sms from Rupert. After making arrangements with my family and work, the date was set. Fortunately we could fly from Cape Town to Beira all in one day. Our host for the next 5 days in Chimoio (Johan and Anne Cilliers) fetched us at the airport and first treated us to a lovely supper at a very rustic beach restaurant in Beira.
(Johan, Anne, Danielle, Matthew)
Then we hit the 4 hour journey to Chimoio by car. The bakkie we used was a Toyota double-cab, that I dubbed “The Dodge”, since dodging massive potholes is all it does!
Leaving the 99…
Our day before the seminar started, was an extremely productive one. That Thursday afternoon we had it in our hearts by the Holy Ghost to visit a man called Karlito, who had been deceived by a false ‘pastor’ to see Elias and the missionaries from SA as ‘crooks’. Karlito was one of the brothers in a rural area of Gorongoza. He met the team from SA first in 2006, when he walked a 100km to get to a meeting to hear the word of God. The trip was about 200km from Chimoio to Karlito’s place.
After turning off the tar road onto dirt road for a few kilometers, we turned onto what looked like a rough pedestrian trail. We drove as far as the Dodge would go, parked under a tree, and did the rest of the distance by foot – crossing small rivers, sometimes getting muddy shoes, over a few hills and eventually reached Karlito’s homestead, where a small mud ‘church’ was. I just want to mention that bro Elias’ condition is improving still, and he was able to do this walk with us, with only mild discomfort. Please continue to pray that God will complete the healing work He has begun in Elias’ body.
Now there was no way of contacting Karlito beforehand to make sure we would find him there. We did a 3 hour journey there to rescue a brother and that fellowship, without any guarantee of seeing him. My heart was moved with the love of the brethren for this man, causing them to make such a journey to find that ‘one sheep’ that was lost – only the Great Shepherd can pour such love into men’s hearts!
Arriving at his place, Karlito’s wife and children met us with great joy. We went into the small dark meeting house for prayer and sang a hymn together. Then we waited for about an hour while Karlito was being called. Eventually a small, sweaty, panting man appeared from the fields. His shirt was tattered and drawn out to almost reach his knees, his pants were patched in various places and he had no shoes.
(Karlito, his daughter, and Elias)
Overjoyed to see us, we went into the church to discuss the matter and strengthen the bond of fellowship. After much discussion, and more prayer, the Holy Ghost seemed to win the day and rescue Karlito from the trap of the evil one. With a freshly roasted mielie each, we started walking back with great joy.
(About to walk back – mission accomplished)
Please pray for Karlito and that fellowship in Gorongoza, that the Lord will continue to strengthen them and protect them from savage ‘wolves’ who seek to destroy the work of God.
Seminar in Chimoio
We spent 3 days in Chimoio with leading brethren from all over Mozambique. The Holy Ghost lead us to preach about the ‘New Man’ in Christ, being free and delivered from cultural traditions which obstruct the purpose of God in the Church. The trend of giving men titles and promoting them to ‘positions’ in the Church was addressed.
The grace of God has been given as a gift to every believer in Christ, outworking God’s power in the five gifts of Christ. In this way the work of Christ will go forward. The superstitions and fears of the Mozambican people were shattered by the Word of God and the Holy Ghost brought a wonderful liberty and joy into the hearts of the people.
We thank the Lord for the opportunity to participate in the work He is doing in Mozambique. Our prayer will continue for God to raise up Mozambican men and women after His own heart, who have a vision to care for the flock of God in that country.
Francois Visser
Brethren from all over
Dear Brother and Sister – With the arrival at Sarnia of the tired team members and battered mission vehicles at 21:30 on Thursday 5 April one might be tempted to conclude that the latest mission trip to the Central African assemblies to be complete. The truth is, the mission continues: our hearts are buried in those fields of harvest, where our thoughts are continually turned to those fellowships vulnerable to the merciless onslaught of the enemy who through famine, poverty, disease and corruption tries to keep these gentle folk under heel.This was a mission where, again our risen Saviour was victorious, and we were but active spectators of Him building His church. What a good work that will be when the Bride is completed: Hallelujah!
Every home contribution towards this mission; be it a popcorn prayer on the way to work to remember the team, or a potato act of faith to intercede for a specific border crossing, or a monetary contribution to the expenses, or a sweetie to the “goodie rat-pack” all were sincerely appreciated. Every SMS for encouragement, every call, and every prayer to the Lord for His intervention in impossible situations was real to us and we were carried as the whole body, co-ordinated by the Master to stride to His victory. Praise God! The thankful hearts of sisters and brothers, receiving donated literature; elders receiving much needed clothing for distribution to relieved widows and orphans, and children accepting a longed dreamed for sweetie all testify that there is desperate need there in every situation calls for us as a complete body to continue to outpour His love.