Simon Mainze, one of our translators. He also makes cement blocks with Thompson Ntobie for a little extra income. Right now, Simon is in the hospital after having been robbed and beaten severely on the way to a funeral service where he was supposed to translate.
A warm greeting in Christ from a hot Cape Town!
VISITORS
Walt and Bea Mielke from Lakeland (FL) have always opened their home when I needed a place to lay my head during furlough. They have attended the Zephyhills Christian Church and now worship at Chancey Rd. Their generous spirit during my brief stays have always been a haven and this time, it was our turn to host them.
They arrived during the second week of February and took over the guest room. They brought suitcases full of clothing for the kids at Bavumeleni Childrens Center, all donated by the church in Chancey Rd. Sister Primrose was so delight with each and every item.
Walt and Bea have a special mission – they physically take things to missionaries all over the world. Since Walt retired from his job at an airline, he has a cheaper flight pass for most countries in the world. He and Bea decided to use this gift for the Lord. They have taken medicines to Haiti, Bibles to the former Iron Curtain countries and now, winter clothing to South Africa!
During their two week visit here, I asked Walt to teach all the Cape Bible Seminary classes and minister on Sunday mornings, too. (A warning to all future visitors! I will request the same of everyone who comes here!!) Walt did a wonderful job even though some of the experiences were brand new.
We visited the refugee church in Eersterivier (First River), most of whom are Congolese. The songs were sung in KiSwahili, Lingala, English, French and Congi! Walt preached and Bro Kiku translated into French. The next Sunday was in Elsies River – Pastor Sam Jacobs made us all feel very welcome!
During weeknights – Monday to Wednesday – Walt taught in various parts of Cape Town, each group uniquely different to the others. One of the groups is in Worcester, about 55 miles through the eastern mountains. Our hosts, Andre and Rogene Brandt, even prepared supper after the Cape Bible Seminary study!
My personal thanks goes to Walt and Bea who are serving the Lord selflessly.
TRANSLATOR’S OFFICE
Thompson and I are very worried. Our translator, Simon Mainze, is missing and has been for a few weeks. He has had trouble before and sometimes goes off without telling anyone but this time, a few weeks had passed and no one, not even his sister, with whom he lives, has seen nor heard from him.
The last time anyone heard from Simon is when Thompson asked him to translate at a funeral in a nearby township. Simon Mainze never arrived. We are searching the hospitals, police stations and morgues but trust that our prayers are answered by our Father in Heaven.
We also ask for your prayers, too, for Simon.
CAPE BIBLE SEMINARY
Since January, the CBS courses have been filling up. It is usually slow after the summer break and people begin returning to their jobs in mid-January. There have been changes and new requests for classes. The Elsies River church, which has been silent since their internal strife, has asked me to return to teach classes every second and fourth Sundays. A new congregation in Mitchell’s Plain has also made provision for a Wednesday night slot, vacated by a church in Ravensmead. (This church is embarking on an evangelism outreach for the next six months.)
So, I am back up to speed and Christians are being equipped with the Word.
PERSONAL
Prayers and encouragements continue to arrive via e-mail and post. We want to thank all of you who care for us so much during this time.
May God continue to bless all of you as you serve Him.
Steve and Pat Zimmerman
S.A. Christian Mission, Cape Town
