August
8 - 20, 2007
Report on visit to Pietermaritzburg, South
Africa,
Hi
prayers partners,
I
am writing to say a BIG THANK YOU for your effectual
prayers during my trip to Africa. In all the
things I was asked to do I felt the presence
of your prayers. I simply woke up each day not
knowing all I would be asked to do and presented
myself to God and claimed your prayers. Wow!
Was it encouraging!
I
represented the chairman of the U. S. Board of
Directors for African Enterprise Ministry. I
gave a report on our activities over the last
year and participated in discussions about future
missions activities.
The
reports given by ministry leaders throughout
the continent of Africa brought both tears of
joy and tears of sorrow as they shared on campaigns
that brought hundreds to Christ, church planting,
service to AIDS patients, teaching about AIDS
in the school systems and reconciliation in such
places as Rwanda and the Kinshasha Republic (formerly
the Belgian Congo). These brought the tears
of joy.
Tears
of sorrow came as reports were given on such
places as Zimbabwe where conditions are worsening.
Please pray for God’s will to be done and that
great blessings would descend upon that land.
Reports are that food is very scarce and many
stores have empty shelves. Whites fear being
persecuted more than ever, since a number of
them own property. Many have left the country.
An
AE representative and I had the opportunity to
visit an AE supported school in Pietermaritzburg.
The name of the school is Bonginkosi which means
“Praise the Lord” in Zulu. It’s a Christian school
in a very poor area.
I
also had the opportunity to speak on the topic
of reconciliation at Newton Special Education
School in Pietermaritzburg. I had had a discussion
with an instructor connected with AE, Robert
Page. After hearing about what we do he
asked me to speak and share whatever I wanted
to. He said ORM has the missing piece to the
puzzle that they need to help their students.
So I spoke to teachers and staff. There were
about 50 in attendance. I discussed the need
to show love and concern as the foundation for
effective motivation and encouragement to the
students. I also gave 4 steps toward real healing
and reconciliation. The response was very positive. Robert
is working on his doctorate in emotional intelligence
and requested ORM’s input.
I
met fellow reconcilers who are working at high
levels of government and among military factions
in different parts of Africa. We will be sharing
experiences and resources.
Finally,
I spoke in the WCG church in Pietermaritzburg
on Sunday, August 12, and in God’s Family Life
Center on Sunday, August 19. This service helped
to give me a RHYTHM TUNE—UP as we sang in English
and Zulu. There were dancing moves involved.
The altar call was given by retired All Souls
Church pastor and author, Rev. Richard Bewes
from London, whose grandfather was brought to
Christ by D.L. Moody.
Three
people came up to confess and accept Christ.
By the way, the WCG congregation has a number
of teens and young adults from a local shelter
attending. Last week 2 teens were late and missed
their pickup. THEY TOOK A TAXI AND PAID TO BE
AT SERVICES! Uhmmm, they must like what they
hear and see. Go pastor Rachel!
All
and all, it was a great learning and expanding
experience.
Thanks
again,
Curtis |
