As you pray - 23 February 2007

These days I got a very encouraging report from Derrick King and CFT-Pietermaritzburg. Here is an excerpt:

"Three churches responded to our appeal to remember sanctity life Sunday with the 600 000 babies aborted. A special mention was made in one of the speeches not only about the aborted babies but that we also remember the 600 000 mothers who suffer the after effects (psychological and physical) and also the fathers who have been impacted negatively in this regard, many who have lost a child without their consent. A stirring meeting was held at St Martins Anglican Church where CFT was asked to address on the abortion issue. Over 1000 people attended this combined meeting and the minister afterwards was so stirred that he appealed to the congregation to observe silence as we felt the Holy Spirit moving over the meeting.

We are setting up a meeting with the Kismet Hotel manager with some ministers and CFT to challenge him in his close association with the Gay and Lesbian Network. Last week he again sponsored a gay Valentines Day. (We encouraged Christians to pray at that time – that God would make his presence known) in spite of all our actions there they continue to rebel and violently attack the Christians." 

Derrick had also mentioned that Pastor Mervin Bishop, a dear brother, a friend  of CFT and a member of the Concerned Ministers Forum in Durban, was critically ill. Today we got a message that he has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

On Wednesday afternoon Radio Khwezi listeners got to hear about DFL's campaign in Bizana, Eastern Cape, when Heinrich Botes interviewed one of the team members, Johan Claassen. We thank the Lord for the privilege of being torch-bearers in this dark world. As the team ministers, packs and travels back home today may the Lord be with them.

Juerg Laederach thanks the Lord for the opportunity they had last Sunday to sing for senior citizens in an old age home.

He has also shared that last weekend Christoph Morger held services for young people in Romania. Peter and Elisabeth Wenger were in Poland where they were invited to share from God's Word. 

Our God is marching on. Oh for grace to be found always in His procession.

The brethren in Europe are looking forward to having Onkel Friedel Stegen with them at the wedding on Saturday and in a special service on Sunday, 25 February. May the Lord glorify Himself.

We share in the gratitude and excitement of the families and friends of Jeremie Hege and Gabriele Kalisky who will be getting tomorrow (Saturday) in Riedseltz, near Wissembourg, Alsace. May the Lord bless Jerry and Gaby.

It was good to hear from Didier Schott in Paris again. He is busy with the logistics for most of the French group of 70-80 that will be attending the 2007 KwaSizabantu Ministers' Conference on 5-7 March.

Remember him and all the friends who will be travelling from different countries in Africa and abroad to join us for the 40-Year Celebration of Revival (2-4 March) and the Ministers' Conference.

There was a solemn ceremony at our house yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. Our 10-year youngest daughter, S'ne, was in tears when she lost a new-found little friend, a bird. Somehow, S'ne has the most tender heart for animals. She invited quite a few of her friends to the 'funeral'. After the tiny coffin had gone down and flowers placed on the tomb there were hugs of comfort for S'ne.

As much as I tried to hide a tinge of amusement, yesterday's events reminded me of a precious truth for God's children. Beyond the hugs, refreshments and the fact that her mother has bought two new little birds, I see no further comfort for S'ne in respect to her late friend. When we lay to rest a child of God we can already look beyond the grave and see - the resurrection.

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

Have a blessed weekend.
 
Pressing on!
 
In His love
 
Fano Sibisi