Our alumni are serving in communities around Africa (and the world!). On occasion, we receive news from them and we want to share them with you. Here’s a recent newsletter from Collence Chikuni who is working for the church in Zambia about happenings from May-July 2012.
Dear brethren and friends,
Happy once more to find this time of informing you about some of the activities that are happening in the field of God in this part of Zambia. It is my sincere hope that our only mighty God is taking good care of you.
This mail serves to inform you about how the work of God is going in the following areas: Prison, Hospital, Church activities and other areas of need.
Church Activities
I would like to thank God for the development that is happening at Ngwenya Church. The gracious Lord has helped us to raise money for the window frames. Initially the Church building had only some kind of ventilation, but the installation of the window frame is a major step considering the state of the people found in this area. The money for the glasses are being raised also and hopefully we should be done come next year.
Attendance: The attendance is encouraging after the extension of the Church building. The number goes up to 150 from the the previous 130.
Baptisms: We had six baptisms for the past three months. The Lord is good all the time.
Prayers: we are conducting prayers everyday at 7pm 8pm.
Bible study is on Wednesdays at 2pm at the Church building. There is also Bible studies conducted from house to house on Saturdays at 4pm.
Prison Evangelism Ministry
Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
We are doing fine in the prison where we preach God’s word to inmates. The attendance is 30 on Sunday services, though the number fluctuates due to the condition of the prison.
Bible study: The Bible study in the prison is conducted on Thursdays at 2:30pm to 3:30pm. This last Thursday, we were 15. The attendance on Bible study is affected due to that fact that most of the inmates are doing their assigned duties.
Baptisms: we had four new baptisms in the past two months.
Construction of Baptistery: The inmates can only be baptized inside the prison hence the need to make another baptistery since the old one has worn out. This will cost us K300, 000=$65.
Challenges in the prion: The major challenges we are facing are the Bibles. Those who are released go home without Bibles. Amongst them, there are those we have identified to be potential church leaders when they leave the prison. We can therefore, not sit down and watch them go without this powerful tool (Bible).
Hospital Ministry
Matthew 25:36: “I was sick and you visited me.”
The hospital visitation is done mostly on Sunday evening from 5pm to 6pm. The main targets are those who have no relatives to give and show them love. Everyone needs hope in times of trouble and this is what we try to give to the community.
Family News
My family is doing fine. May I please take this opportunity to ask for your prayers for my wife. She was attacked by some spiritual forces. May you include me in your prayers too for my leg. The pain has not gone completely. I could feel the pain especially when I do a lot of work.
Accommodation: With the grace of God we have managed to erect our three roomed house up to the window level. When we finish building we will spare ourselves from paying huge rentals.
The weather: The weather is relatively cold with maximum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
Upcoming events: There will be a conference in Nyawa rural which is held every year in the month of August. This time the conference will start on 08-12.08.2012. your prayers are very important for the success of this conference. It is attended by more than 20 congregations.
Conclusion
I would like to thank you for taking your time to read this newsletter. Indeed, without your support, the work of God could not have gone the way it has. Still the challenge is still huge. The biggest set-back we face is transportation to reach these areas. Though we try within our means, sometimes we are failing. The suitable transport is bicycle.
I thank you once more for your prayers and all the support. May God continue to bless your work till we meet in his holy presence.
Best regards to all.
In Christ’s service,
Evangelist Collence Chikuni