As you pray - 2 February 2007

My dear friends

These days I received very encouraging reports on True Love Waits in the Netherlands from Peter and Esther van Kleef and Frederik and Joyce Mout. They request prayers for the rapidly-growing work of TLW. There are many opportunities for presentations in churches and schools. This evening they will be meeting with a few hundred youth in Amsterdam under the theme "The Power of Purity." Michael Mueller from Germany will be the main speaker. The media is expected to cover the event. As TLW says, "When one thinks of it, it's a wonderful thing to be able to raise the flag of purity in this wicked city - the European capital of drugs and homosexuality."

Another part of the report that we should to heart is the following one:

"After that evening there is still a whole series of TLW-presentations in churches and schools for the coming months. More and more doors are opening for this message. As the Lord said, the harvest is great, but labourers are few."

The TAK Radio team in Berlin requests prayers for their broadcast tomorrow They will be following up on last week's theme, marking 20 years after the death of Dr Kurt Koch. Parts of his book "Christus oder Satan" (Between Christ and Satan) will be discussed, a recording of him from 1986 will be played and there will be an interview with Juergen Schlicksupp, a friend who visited him and had fellowship with him in his last days.

A media release by the African Christian Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) on 31 January 2007 highlighted the ongoing battle for the hearts and souls of South Africans. In fact, a similar battle rages on all over the world.

"OUTrageous’plans to further facilitate Homosexual agenda in schools.

Education authorities are reported to be working with the Gay and Lesbian Archive and OUT, an organization representing the gay and lesbian, bi- sexual and transgender community on a project aimed at facilitating acceptance of homosexuality through schools.

"This has been on government’s agenda for sometime now but the impetus is gaining momentum. Recent legislation allowing for gay and lesbian marriages has bolstered this agenda, and attempts to condone and promote acceptance of homosexual lifestyles through education in schools are now, it seems being prioritized.

"The ACDP calls on Provinces to take a stand and refuse to participate in this unacceptable plan to mislead and confuse young South Africans.

"While the best counseling and help should be available in schools for young people finding their way through a minefield of emotions and issues, destructive and harmful lifestyles must not be glamorized, or encouraged.

"South African voters must take responsibility for this and radically rectify the situation. When you vote for parties with humanist policies you are selling out future generations." Cheryllyn Dudley said.

It is time to re- evaluate and ensure time honored principles and values replace the present chaos and confusion."

Today is a milestone birthday for someone who is dear to many of us. Mrs Hildah Dube turns 80 today. She has been a co-worker with KwaSizabantu (and beyond) for over 40 years. I have the privilege of being her son-in-law and in the 27 years of my marriage to her daughter I have enjoyed the best of relationships with her.

Indeed, may the Lord bless and keep her today and always.

We join the families and friends of the young couple, Gert Delport and Jennifer McNiel, who will be getting married at KwaSizabantu tomorrow afternoon, in wishing them God's blessing.

Some pro-life groups have chosen to observe 4 February as Sanctity Life Sunday. CFT-Gauteng has made contact with churches and supplied them with information on the message of life that must go out from pulpits on Sunday. May the Lord use us in awakening many to His truth.

Some of you are aware that Oom Danie and Tannie Elsa Bosman are coming to settle in KwaZulu-Natal. Oom Danie's leadership of CFT-Gauteng was exemplary to the whole of CFT. We wish the Bosmans God's further blessing and guidance.

Our prayers are with the rest of the CFT leadership in Gauteng, especially the new young chairman, Dieter Claassen.

The coming weeks will be exceptionally busy at KwaSizabantu. Preparations are on for the 40th Anniversary celebrations of the revival and the 2007 KwaSizabantu Ministers' Conference at the beginning of March. With so many international and local guests expected there are many aspects to be seen to. Above everything else, we pray for God's presence and glorification.

As you can imagine, waking up to a paralysed body is a daily challenge for me. In order to get my bearings every morning and during the day I have to meditate on God's Word and seek His face.

This morning, as I listened to the CD of the Alsace couple, Michel and Helene Hege, one song in particular seemed to be just the message that I needed for the day.

"Sei still mein Herz."

Over 30 years ago we sang that song in English with the Dlangezwa High School Boys' Choir. Now, more than ever, I need the quiet confidence in the Lord.

"Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end."

"Be still, and know that I am God;" (Psalm 46:10)

Have a blessed weekend.

Pressing on!

In His love

Fano Sibisi