2007 – Newsletter #2

Greetings in the Lord’s name! We are in good health and working hard in the Vineyard of our Father.

CAPE BIBLE SEMINARY
There have been a few setbacks for the CBS courses being taught in various part of the city. The biggest disappointment is the Elsies River church, which has been beset by internal divisions. There are three major factions and a few people sniping from the sidelines, all of which has brought the congregation to a virtual standstill. The minister, Samuel Jacobs, can’t seem to stop the rot either. So, temporarily, I have had to cease my CBS classes, which I have done for the past two or three years. It is just so disheartening to see fellow Christians squabble and gossip amongst themselves at the expensive of the good reputation that the church has built over the years in the community.

One of the policies of the Cape Bible Seminary is non-interference in local church matters. I will not sit on any church board or council, vote or voice a proposal, nor accept an eldership, deaconate or any other church office. While this attracts new groups who understand that I am not there to take over or control their churches, it also distances me from situations like the one at Elsies River. It is sad to watch a church disintegrate.

A group of refugees from the Congo, led by Pastor Kiku, have asked me to teach them. They are located further out of the city in Eersterivier (First River) in a school classroom. Due to their common languages of French, Swahili and Lingala, they have come together to worship although many are from various denominations. Most are from a Pentecostal background with much zeal but little Biblical doctrine or training. Yet all are enthusiastic and eagerly learn the Word. The first few times I was with them, it was strange for my classes and preaching to be translated into completely unintelligible tongues! (I can speak a little Swahili but not enough to converse or teach). They are also asking for English classes since none can speak passable English nor any local African languages. Bro Kiku and I met to arrange a teaching schedule for 2007.

BOOK/CONTAINER PROJECT
Urgent prayer is needed for a storage space. Last year, we were offered a temporary warehouse near the airport by a Christian man who worked for an airfreight company. Although we were only supposed to have the facility for a few months, it turned into seven but eventually, they had to have it back. We moved all the boxes of Bibles and books to the annex in the church building at Elsies River. The owner of the property said we could have the space for as long as we needed it, free of charge! It seemed an answer to many prayers.

That situation has changed dramatically. Probably due to the internal problems within the congregation, the owner doesn’t know what he wants to do with the building! At first, he wants to sell, then he wants to rent it out and for two weeks, he closed and locked the doors to everyone. In addition, we are experiencing the pilfering from the boxes by the church members! I have asked them many times not to disturb the boxes and even have given them books, etc! But it seems that nothing is being heard and little is being done.

We need a small warehouse in order to complete the long chain from the United States to Africa. The Snyders in Quincy (MI) have a storage shed and collect all donations from nearby churches and towns. Together with a volunteer team from Northview Christian Church and Lake Area Christian Church, they pack and ship each Container to Africa. The missing link is Cape Town. With a secure facility, we could store, sort and distribute Christian teaching materials, Bibles and other books quickly and efficiently.

We need your prayers for God’s wisdom and blessing.

PERSONAL
Our sons are all alive and well, working hard in South Carolina. We miss them terribly but knew when we accepted the Lord’s call to labor in Africa that our family might be scattered between continents. Pat was able to visit with them briefly during her trip to the States when her mother was so ill and then passed away. Next year, we hope to visit them during our furlough.

Gasoline once again is the big bugbear of our mission work. The government announced that in March 2007, there would be a hefty increase of 26 cents (SA) per liter. We have to tailor our journeys and try to make the best use of each gallon of gas.

Pat and I want to thank each and everyone for their cards and notes, especially during our time of grief. We appreciate the thoughts and encouragement.

May God continue to bless and guide,

Steve and Pat Zimmerman
S.A. Christian Mission, Cape Town