The Western Cape Provence of South Africa was our first destination in this country thirteen years ago. Many of our oldest and most cherished relationships are here and we always look forward to the time we are able to spend in the area. Trina and I went together and one of her observations was very telling of our entire experience, “I am amazed at the maturity I see in the people.”
Mqokeleli Mntanga has been a friend, facilitator and pastor to the Mbekweni Township for more than 15 years. Often in the face of significant opposition, He has tirelessly preached Christ and been a spearhead for a number of private community development projects in this area. They called us from a tired place and asked for a weekend of meetings that focused on encouragement and vision. From our perspective, they were in a much better place than they thought. Many of those who have been part of this work for years have progressed to the point where the Lord is beginning to use them. We focused on 1 Peter 4:10 NASB which says,
10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
The Brothers and Sisters in Christ in Mbekweni have been growing and are poised to share the Life of Jesus with many. We can’t wait to see the fruit of the Lord making Himself known through these precious people.
From there we visited a number of other fellowships that ranged from small and new to larger and more established. We traveled over a 100 kilometer area to churches in the cities of Wellington, Kraaifontein, Melkbosstrand and Durbanville. We spent individual time with the leadership and preached to those who attend the larger gatherings. In addition to the public ministry, we do our best to pay attention to the specific spiritual environment around the individual works. Because many of the relationships with these churches are new, we are praying for the wisdom to address what we believe the Lord is showing us in each situation.
Even after two full weeks of work we weren’t able to be with everyone. Please continue to pray for the Western Cape and that on our next trip we will carefully follow His will as we continue to serve this part of South Africa.
