| My dear friends We are thankful for the blessings of last weekend's Christmas Concert
performances in Germany by the Eurochor. Juerg Laederach requests that we pray for the
Eurochor's appearances in Switzerland this weekend; in Kaltbrunn tomorrow and in Biel on
Sunday.
The Bielstein brethren are thankful for last Saturday's
Sunny-Way Christmas celebration. The function attracted children, parents and
grandparents.
Klaus Alius is invited to share from the Word at the meeting
of the 'Evangelischen Aufbruch Deutschland' tomorrow and he will appreciate your prayer
support.
Another prayer request comes from Ismael Klein. On 18
December, he together with his wife, Kerstin, and some Bielstein friends will celebrate
Christmas with punks and other marginal groups amongst whom they minister.
Ismael will also sing at an open-air stage on 22 December, during a Christmas fair,
especially for the punks.
The Limburg brethren will appreciate your prayers for their
outreach tomorrow where they will be distributing Jesus videos as presented in the gospel
according to Luke.
It was good to hear from Jan de Bruin again. He asks that we
pray for the 'Walk of Life' in Amsterdam tomorrow. Ds Bert Dorenbos's 'Cry for Life', CFT
and other pro-life organisations are part of this important event. This year marks the
20th anniversary since the passing of pro-abortion in the Netherlands.
On Monday the 18th they have a `Nachtwaak' (night watch) in
Groningen where they will light a torch and walk from the abortion clinic right to the
heart of Groningen. The mayor is pro-life and will possibly walk with them.
Lionel Roosemont from Belgium thanks for prayers for their
pro-life action at the European Parliament yesterday. Their action coincided with a
conference of about 100 Christian European Politicians. A delegation from the pro-lifers
was invited to share their concerns with the top leadership of the Christian politicians.
Lionel and some of the Belgian friends intend joining the 'Walk of Life' in Amsterdam
tomorrow.
The Doctors for Life team that was in Mozambique last week
to negotiate with government officials for formal recognition of their clinic in Zavora
are thankful for all the doors that were opened to them. Dr Paul Zuidema from the
Netherlands was part of the DFL delegation and I was very encouraged as he shared with me
about the trip. We pray on.
Femke Steenstra came around today with some Belgian and
Dutch friends. How time files. Her one year of voluntary service at Doctors for Life is
already up and she will soon be returning to the Netherlands. May the Lord lead her on.
My Swiss nurse, Susanna Schneider, landed in South Africa
again yesterday. Her return is a big boost for my support team. Her brother, Joel, will
stay on for some time. May the Lord bless the Schneider family for their sacrificial
support.
We rejoice and thank God with George Ochse and the
Malmesbury brethren in the Western Cape for the latest developments at the mission. Last
Sunday, they dedicated their new meeting-hall for the Lord's work. Onkel Friedel and a
team flew down for the occasion.
The KwaSizabantu Youth Conference begins today under the
theme 'Ikhona indawo yakho.' (There is a place for you).
It is such a joy to see that Pastor Joseph Chauke has
arrived for the conference. Despite the physical handicap after that horrible car accident
God's fire within him burns on.
Two young people, Gert Delport and Jennifer McNeil will be
getting engaged at KwaSizabantu on Sunday. We wish them God's blessing.
We are also looking forward to the performance of Handel's
'Messiah' by the Natal Bach Choir and the PAMS Choir under the direction of Lutz Kohrs on
Sunday afternoon.
Keep praying that many a young heart will have a personal
meeting with the Saviour.
Talking about the Youth Conference, I have pleasant memories
of the first one in 1974. God knows how my young heart yearned for Him.
The song that became like our theme in 1974 was 'Woz'
ubelisosha likaJesu.'
'Woz' ubelisosha likaJesu
Bhal' igama lakho encwadini
UJes' uyakubiza, ungesabi.'
(Come and be a soldier of Jesus
Enlist your name in the book
Jesus is calling you; do not fear)
As we sang, I rededicated my life to the Lord. It is one of
those decisions one never lives to regret.
'"You do not want to leave too, do
you?" Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to
whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."' (John 6:67-68)
Have a blessed weekend.
Pressing on!
In His love
Fano Sibisi |
