WCF REPORT – FEBRUARY 2010
Dear Brethren,
In the last few months, the increased size of the P2P Team has allowed for a wider range of activities. More regular visits have been made to Candu and Margate, and extra activities have also been possible in Umlazi, Mariannhill and Lamontville. Musicians from the team, working outside the Durban BEC, attract an increasing number of visitors to the BEC and those signing for Bible courses.
THE P2P TEAM IN FULL FLOW AT THE WEEKLY PLANNING MEETING
A regular flow of visitors come to the Durban BEC, either individuals or small groups, for Bible lessons. Although we have not had any baptisms from this work in the last two months, regular teaching bears fruit over time. We remain optimistic. A recent review showed 12 baptisms at Durban ecclesia during the years 2007 -2009, averaging one baptism every three months. Many ecclesias would be happy with that!
Our weekly Monday evening study class for younger local members continues. Last week there were 19 of us, including 9 P2P members. Support from the team helps our efforts to gradually integrate local members into outreach preaching activities.
Lamontville Bible Class continues with a small but devoted group involving two sisters and two teenage friends. Bro. Cam will resume responsibility for this class on his return from the USA.
Good progress is being made by our Congolese and Zulu brethren and sisters at our weekly Friday evening class. Most attendees are now undertaking duties at the Durban ecclesia.
Sunday afternoon seminars continue fortnightly, with 14 brethren, sisters and friends attending last Sunday. Less experienced brethren now give short talks based on scriptures provided for them, followed by discussion and questions. Bro. Barry and I attend regularly to lend experience to the group, also Bro. Cam when he is free from other duties.
We held a special musical concert evening at Happy’s school for children who are physically challenged. Naomi and the team work with the pupils on a regular basis, giving Bible lessons and doing practical project. This special event, attended by 150 pupils was a great success.
A GREAT TIME WAS ENJOYED BY ALL
In February, I was invited to Yeoville and Soweto ecclesias for six days to run classes there. They have a limited number of experienced brethren, and they welcomed my help in developing younger members and giving talks to friends.
We are very conscious that new converts need ongoing spiritual development. I have been asked to lead a new project involving members baptised in the last three years. Details of the project, involving meetings and support, will shortly be circulated to Recording Brethren and members who can benefit from the programme.
A potentially mind–blowing opportunity has just been presented to us! Lungelo, a young university student, came to the BEC to buy a Bible. He saw that we also offer Bible courses and lessons. He is organizing an upliftment programme in his township, which is to be strongly Bible based,. Young people are being encouraged to study the Bible, work for an academic qualification and help with community projects. He would like our help with the Bible study aspect. We have been invited to talk about the BEC and Bible courses in his township on Saturday, 6th March. He anticipates that 500 to 700 young people, aged 16 to18, will attend this meeting!
We were very impressed when we read the manifesto of Lungelo’s Youth Foundation, drawn up by the young leaders. They are entirely self-motivated, and not attached to any church. I will close this report with three quotations from their manifesto:
1.”It is the youth initiative built and centred upon God’s Word as the only guide, pillar and foundation of real strength, true hope and genuine success”.
2. “Sex before and outside marriage is an abomination to God”.
3.”Pray every day, every hour and every minute. PRAY and have a PURPOSE for every day!”
Amen to those statements! May God richly bless this great opportunity to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
With love in Jesus,
David
