Our vision is to see strong churches in Southern Africa that by the power of the gospel transform their neighborhoods through mercy and community development.  Essentially, we long to be used by God to show and tell the gospel in Southern Africa for His glory and the building up of His church.

Email Letter - 12/02/04

Hello Friends,

Stella was busy dying of AIDS when we visited her in April. As we drove up, a neighbor came over to speak with us. While his English was rather difficult to understand, it was far better than our Zulu. He wanted to share with me a verse from Scripture. After much hard thought and
concentration, I figured out he wanted us to read Isaiah 61.1,2. As I read it to Stella, I realized that she did not know that these verses were fulfilled in Christ. So, I also read the corresponding verses from Luke 4 and shared with her the good news the Jesus did indeed come to
set the captives free.

Moments later, Elena, the nurse we were traveling with, came over to check on Stella. Elena had been speaking with Stella's mother on other side of the room. Elena immediately noticed the green yarn around Stella's head and wrists. She asked her about it. Stella said that the sangoma (witch doctor) had come over the previous night and told her that the yarn would keep the evil spirits away and cure her of AIDS. Elena immediately spoke of Jesus Christ, who came to set the captives free from evil spirits. She quoted the very same verse the neighbor brought over and pointed to Jesus as I had. Stella heard the gospel twice that day and certainly nearly every day since.

World AIDS Day is just about over. It was a day to increase awareness of the terrible plague of HIV/AIDS on the world and to mourn the loss of so many people to this disease. For those of us who know the God who sent his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, it is also a day to pray for those like Stella who are putting their hope in yarn. Please also pray for

 

1. The care-givers who face such difficult duties day in and day out. We met several while we were down in South Africa (Elena and Hannes among others) whose testimonies were incredible - they testified to a mighty God who sustains them and gives them hope.
2. The governments to show wisdom as they struggle to deal with this crisis.
3. The churches that they might find ways to care for the widows and orphans in their midst. Many of the churches we'll be working with have few resources but a mighty God. Pray that they might know him and serve him, being strong in him.

As you know, our calling is to Southern Africa to work in church-based community development. Check below for some fascinating stats about HIV/AIDS in South Africa. For churches in Southern Africa, one of the most serious development issues is the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in their communities. This presents a tremendous challenge for church planting,
church nurture, evangelism and discipleship. There is no way that the church can ignore such a crisis.

We thank you all for your support as we long to be in South Africa showing and telling the gospel for God's glory and the building up of his people.

Blessings,
Bert, Nancy, Gregory, and Emily
(443) 570-8391
PMB 375
210 Marlboro Ave, Suite 31
Easton, MD 21601