It’s hard to believe that it’s six months later and autumn already! I send all of you greetings in the name of Jesus and peace in the Holy Spirit.
GENERAL
Not good news, as I’m sure it isn’t for the rest of the world, too. Gasoline has steadily increased as the government here levies extra taxes on the easiest way to extract it from the public without actually passing a law. It is has always been the largest single expense for the Mission – there are Cape Bible Seminary classes from Mon-Thurs as well as Sundays in different parts of the city and in the rural areas of the eastern mountains. A complication is that the exchange rate fluctuates more than ever but with the new system of transferring funds by Shirley, we have saved some bank charges. I’ve tightened the belt as much as I can and combine trips in and around town wherever possible.
The political situation is dire, too. The recent murder of an Afrikaner leader, Eugene Terre’blanche, has caused accusations and distrust between blacks and Afrikaners. In addition, one of the youth leaders of the youth league has been making racists threats against non-blacks. The tension in society has risen dramatically.
BOOKS FOR AFRICA
Finally, after so many years of planning and prayer, the small warehouse started to take shape. The land was cleared, rubble removed and a large pine tree cut down. As the funding became available, the construction continued, using the labor at the Christian center (“Anathoth”) as well as a local pastor and his crew. At each stage, I negotiated a good price. The roofing contractor, Carl Mostert, helped tremendously. Through his company, we ordered all of the raw materials –sand, stone, cement, blocks, etc – and received his discounts.
Worked continued in starts and stops. Idle when there was no funds and hectic activity when there were. Pastor Johannes, the builder, not only made money- saving suggestions but also worked his team on Saturdays and in the evenings when required at no extra cost. Robbie James, the straw boss at “Anathoth”, kept control of the materials and deliveries, going out of his way to ensure everything ran smoothly.
The cement floor was skimmed and smoothed. The walls were prepared for the roof and the wooden trusses set in place. To save even more money, I switched from steel beams to wood. Carl Mostert revised the plans expertly, even when we ran into a small problem with the height of the building. The steel roller shutter door was installed and because it was the wrong color, I pressed the company to give me a discount instead of taking off the door and respraying it! (It is now black instead of gray – what would the fashionistas say about that?) Robbie and his team worked on Saturdays to seal and paint the inside of the building – brilliant white to reflect the light from the sky panels. (There is no electricity or plumbing to save costs. It isn’t necessary for the book depository.)
The skylight roof sheets were delayed and should be installed this week. Once that is done, I will move all the boxes from the Container into the warehouse. Already, I’ve scouted about 20 used shipping pallets, which will be delivered this week, too! By the end of April, it will be completed. We had to borrow $3000 from Bavumeleni Childrens Center to buy the roof sheets, steel door, painting, and a small ramp in front of the door and labor. BCC will not charge us any interest and we can pay it off as and when.
This is an answer to many prayers on both sides of the Atlantic. Once the boxes of Bibles, Sunday School materials, school books, Christian resource book, etc are stacked and sorted, the distribution will go much faster and the Africans will have these tools readily available. (Already, I have had requests as far away as Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.) There is a tremendous need for study Bibles of all kinds in Africa.
This week, I had a visit from Pastor Salie, a former Muslim. He is a pastor of a local church in the ganglands. Last year, he received 20 boxes of Sunday School materials and school books (English, Science and Maths) – he told me that the school teachers were overjoyed with the school books. They had only a few books to teach their classes and these were such a blessing even through the curriculum is different.
In addition, the local prison has asked for more Christian books for their library. Last year, I donated 45 boxes of self-help books, novels and Christian materials. Several prisoners have written to thank me for the new books. Two prisoners asked for study Bibles, which I delivered personally. They now have their own small study group within the prison and I send them CBS notes in the mail. It is amazing what the Lord is doing in the lives of those who seek Him diligently.
According to the Snyders, there are two more Land/Sea Containers ready to be shipped. They have enough to pack them and the warehouse is big enough to house everything. I know that money is tight everywhere and funding isn’t easy to find but when the Bibles and books make their way from Cape Town into the surrounding areas and further into Africa, they teach the Word! When missionaries cannot go or the regions are to volatile, Bibles take their place. Even in prison, the Word is being taught and spread!
The prayer of many Africans is to have their own Bible and teaching materials. We must do everything possible and even attempt the impossible to ensure the Word is spread and the Light of Christ can be seen.
BAVUMELENI CHILDRENS CENTER
The work with the children has spread significantly. With the direction of Lorna Rutter, who resigned from her job as a pre-school teacher after 14 years service, BCC has really blossomed. With the help of Primrose, Marty Wallace and others, BCC now assists with two day care centers nearby, which were in dire need of assistance and planning. A children’s AIDS center was also discovered and more help is given to them, too. This is in addition to the feeding program and Sunday worship services for the kids in the township.
Also, BCC is now giving extra English and Maths classes at the local school for children who are struggling with these subjects. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, Lorna, Marty, Euphonia (Primrose’s daughter) and her brother, Fenner, run practical classes for the kids. A small donation by each of the parents helps to offset the costs. There are currently about 50 kids who are being fed and learning. The principal of the school and the teaching staff are delighted to have hands-on help with the children.
There are more programs being planned and will be slotted in as the situation becomes clear. The only disappointing news was that Euphonia left with her two daughters to be with her husband in the northern districts quite suddenly and apparently will not return. This has caused problems but the working team has covered the gaps.
There was a proposal to find two more Containers for extra room and space was squashed by the local council. The land across the street from BCC belongs to the municipality and they put all future projects for that land on hold. Two more Containers were offered by a local shipping company at a tremendously low price to assist BCC. Unfortunately, we had to turn them down. We are trying to find out if and when we can continue with this idea initially proposed by Rust Draper (Zephyr Hills, FL).
VISITORS
Two visitors arrived from America this year – Mark Vernik and Mattie McLaughlin. Their visits overlapped and it was really great to be with them. Mattie stayed at “Anathoth” while Mark bunked in our home.
Mark was literally thrown into the deep end. Having no knowledge of the languages and culture, I turned him loose into the unsuspecting population. He taught every CBS class, preached every Sunday and met church leaders, the youth and African Christians. The food was strange and I left him to fend for himself in a few areas. (I’m sure he’ll tell you all the horror stories in his report.)
We dedicated the warehouse, called “McLaughlin New Life”, when Mattie was here. It was a simple service and the roof hadn’t even been put on at the time. The builders were there, the workers of “Anathoth”, Carl and his wife, Carina Mostert, Marty Wallace and Mark Vernik, too. It was a short but moving dedication. The building was set aside for the Lord’s good purposes and we asked for His blessings so that many Africans could hear His voice.
Afterwards, there was finger food, cake and fruit juice for everyone. It was such a special time.
On the final Sunday our visitors were here, Mark and I conducted the ordination of Robert James as a pastor of the church, which meets at “Anathoth”. Robbie’s life completely changed when he gave his heart and life to the Lord. His desire was to shepherd the flock for the local Christians and he and his wife are regular students of the CBS classes I teach there. The ordination was lively with music and dancing! So much happiness and joy filled every heart.
This is one of the objectives of the CBS – to teach, train and equip Christians for practical Christian ministries. The Cape Bible Seminary doesn’t appoint pastors, elders or other church leaders. Instead, the churches recognize those who study the Word and work hard, then appoints them to positions of leadership. Mark and I were only the servants that Sunday.
Mark left the day before Mattie and the next day was a huge upheaval to get Mattie on her flight. With the problem of the new systems at the revamped and expanded Cape Town airport (readied for the 2010 World Soccer Cup, starting in June) and incompetence of office staff, Mattie nearly missed her flights. We were so sad to see her go. She has been such an inspiration and donated most of the cost of the new warehouse. Both she and David have been serving in the SACM for many decades and the Africans here appreciate them so much.
PERSONAL
In August this year, Kent and Jen (eldest son and his wife) will produce my first granddaughter! All I’ve had are son and grandsons. Already, the family is planning a scheme to prevent me from spoiling her! My wife supports me for any and all tasks and helps me so much. Her lack of English prevents her from actively taking part but she has been such a blessing to me. I can only thank our Father for His blessings.
There is still so much to report but not enough time and space – Queenstown, De Doorns, the AIDS hospice, etc. The SACM is the biggest small mission and our reach is enormous for such a small support base.
Shirley has kept the books so well and continues to help with my many requests – thanks so much, Shirley! My thanks to all of you for your help and assistance. Continue in prayer. Take an active part in the mission work, no matter where the Lord leads you! May God continue to bless each one.
Steve Zimmerman
SACM, Cape Town.
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