First Full Week
It seems as if I was still getting feet under me, although I had now been there for a few days. Each day continued to start fresh and early with Steve still beating me out of bed even though I was up at 5:30 ? 6:15am. The breeze, warm and soothing, drifted through the open windows. Time to do some reading and study. Steve also helped to reengage my reading of other good books which I am still doing.
Steve is writing a book on Philemon but the container project and my presence has put the project on hold. This is one project I am anticipating and plan on buying several copies once it hits the printer. It has been an on and off discussion we have had about the topic and I’m looking forward to hearing his sharp insight on Philemon.
Around 7:20 there would be tea and breakfast along with some fresh fruit. I enjoyed each morning’s relaxed conversation about various topics that interests the both of us. This first full week had come on the heels of a great Sunday morning service with the French Congolese congregation. Thankfully we also had time afterwards to visit the monthly craft market where I had the opportunity to meet people from both Cape Town and around Africa. I still had thoughts about just how far I really was away from everything I have known and absolutely loving where I was at the moment. Nothing could be much better other than to be sharing this experience with my family.
Going to See Ntobie
This new day provided me unrestricted time to visit with Thompson Ntobie. The plan had been to teach Monday – Thursday every day. However, the Monday night group hadn’t chosen to start just yet and so I found a complete (and alert) day to travel and visit. I took my recorder with me for after 20 years I would have the opportunity to visit someone I had only heard about second hand.
Ntobie, who first learned to read and write with Steve’s dad (Al Zimmerman), is a sharp and quick learner.
He is fluent in 5 languages and a very good translator. He works tirelessly in his office which he built with funds from supporters of SACM. Ntobie also is an avid traveler teaching among the churches and homes. Though slowed a bit by being in his 80’s there seems little to stop him except as he says, “Til I close my eyes.”
In Bishop Lavis
Steve left me in Bishop Lavis where Ntobie among the translation room we spent considerable time talking, asking questions and listening to the years of wisdom God has granted Ntobie. Steve left me alone with Ntobie so I could hear directly without any filter. This story I greatly embellished with others by saying Steve dropped me off in Bishop Lavis and told me he would return sometime later. I was having fun with the story because Bishop Lavis is well know in Cape Town as a gangland and it’s unusual for a “white” man to be seen going about in Bishop Lavis.
This afternoon was a great benefit to me. I learned one thing – if God gives me the ability and help, I would like to accomplish for Ntobie: “America has done enough. It is time for the African Christians to do the work themselves. But before I close my eyes I would like to go to America, even if it’s for only one week, and see the people from where my teaching came.”
End of a Long Anticipated meeting
Our long conversation came to an end when Steve returned. I had learned much about South Africa and Ntobi and Steve’s mission work there. It would not be our last time together. I eagerly looked forward to perhaps a Sunday teaching and preaching together with Ntobie. The next Sunday would provide just that opportunity. However, it was at that moment when Ntobie’s words were imprinted into my memory, thinking if only I could have known him 20 years ago as I do now.
Did I happen to mention Ntobie was a Prince among men? Ntobie will never talk about it himself but His Grandfather was the King of the Xhosa tribe. I would not have known this except that Steve had tipped me off. Today Ntobie lives not as a Prince of men but as a child of the King. Ntobie would agree that this is a far greater honor than the former.
Your many years of support has born lasting fruit. Thank you from Ntobie and myself.
Part 3 – by Mark Vernik
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