Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa! I know you all are heading into Spring while we prepare ourselves for the winter rains. Brrrr, all the way down to 45 degrees here in a month or so! (Don’t you feel sorry for us?)
CAPE BIBLE SEMINARY
So much has been happening in such a short space of time. Bro Jonas in Belhar was ordained as a Pastor this month – he is a hard working and dedicated student of the Word. I was proud to be included in the special service.
Bro Kiku from the Congo has met with me several times to try and establish a time for teaching for his congregation. It is difficult because most of them work as casual labor on a daily or weekly basis – if they don’t work, they don’t get paid. We’re trying to see if a Sunday afternoon can be used, an hour or so right after the main worship. The other problem is that they do not speak any of the local languages and English isn’t a good medium – they speak French, Swahili or Lingala. Many are so eager to learn the Word and they cannot wait for the classes to begin! I sure wish this kind of enthusiasm were present in all the churches.
The Monday night group has split again. Bro Henry Nigrini and his wife, Hester, have decided to begin a home church after much prayer and discussion. They both originally came out of the Dutch Reform Church (Christian Reform in the US) and have been studying in the Cape Bible Seminary classes for a few years. Henry is highly motivated and feels that the Lord is leading them both to use their home for worship and fellowship. In order not to disrupt the regular Monday night classes, they have asked that no one else follow them. We can only ask the Lord’s blessing for their faithful and enthusiasm.
BOOK PROJECT
We have run into major problems with the church annex at Elsies River. The building’s owner, who originally offered the space to us for free, has now change his mind and wants a monthly rental fee. In addition, there has been a major split in the congregation and the infighting has not ceased. I feel very strongly that we must move. Again.
To that end, a Christian woman, Pat Stephenson, who runs a Christian retreat center on the edge of the city has offered a part of her farm to us! I went out to deliver boxes of books and Bibles – her team was traveling to Zimbabwe and Bibles were and are desperately needed there. When she heard about our storage problem, she immediately offered a corner of her farm if we wanted to build our own warehouse!
The SACM Board met in April to discuss a proposal to build. It would solve our final and last problem: all the elements to send Bibles, Sunday School, VBS and teaching materials to Cape Town are in place, except for storage down here. If this last piece were in place, then the long reach across the Atlantic would be complete and so many would benefit from good sound teaching. We all ask for your prayers, support and guidance.
PERSONAL
All our sons are living and working in South Carolina. Brice and his new wife, Louise, have purchased their first house and cannot wait to move in next month. They are so revved right now buying paint and curtains! Kyle (#2 Son) will be renting a room in their house, too – he is just months away from finishing his certification in central air/heating systems. Our eldest son, Kent, needs prayer and direction for his life. He recently split with his girlfriend and had a job problem with the bank for which he worked. I understand that Kent is now working for a small supermarket chain but isn’t very settled. It is difficult to be so far away when a parent is needed. We ask for your prayers, too.
The SACM Board met in Stroh (IN) and made new Director appointments. Team Dumez, which came to Cape Town in 2006 were elected en masse. Pam Stephenson has been elected as Secretary. This is very encouraging for us to know that there is an active and caring team ensuring that God’s work in Africa continues efficiently and progressively.
I have started a regular “Thought for the Day†from Monday to Friday via e-mail. It began last year when Team Dumez visited and has grown from small beginnings to its current level of over four thousand e-mailings! The response has been overwhelmingly positive. If you wish to subscribe, either e-mail me (zimco@iafrica.com) or Mark Vernik (mark@mlvernik.com). It is free of charge.
May Christ’s richest blessings be with you all,
Steve and Pat Zimmerman
S.A. Christian Mission, Cape Town
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