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Good News from PEAtlanta reaches out a generous hand of help to the Zim disciples On a recent trip to America, Rod got to share some news from South Africa with the Cornerstone Church of Christ in Atlanta. He had it on his heart to tell them about the disciples in Zimbabwe and the desperate need they are in. The response from the brothers and sisters was amazing! His brother Randy and his wife Sherri Fick immediately wrote a cheque for $500 to the church in Zimbabwe. The disciples started asking them how they could also donate money and soon Rod received checks in the mail from the following families: Steve and Celeste Keckley We are truly grateful for their sacrifice in giving to their brothers and sisters who are in need. How awesome it is to be part of our international family! I need God in my life By Kidwell Matshotyana
In 2006, most of the disciples moved away from East London and I was left alone. My work got more demanding; I was managing the HIV programme in the province and the job was paying well. It had all the “perks” that anyone can dream of. I got involved in many things that were against my convictions. I ended up straying from the Word in pursuit of the world and its promises. I soon began to realize that the more I got involved in worldly pleasures, the more unhappy I was because I knew who I was and who I should be. I got to a stage where I just wanted to get out of it all. I came across Psalm 84:1-6 and I was deeply impacted by David when he said, “…rather a day at your courts than a life time elsewhere, I would rather be a doorkeeper…” I had everything that people in the world care to dream of and yet I was not fulfilled as I knew something was amiss. And that something was my relationship with God. I felt the emptiness and the longing until I decided to resign and move back to PE. When I arrived in PE, I had no job and for a whole month I was unemployed. This was very challenging especially considering that I just left my job in East London and the position had not been filled at the time so I could just move back. I faced a lot of challenges and on many occasions I was discouraged. What motivated me was the scripture that says, “ …blessed is the man who trusts in you” (Psalm 84:12). I had to learn to trust and depend on God in the month of May. The other good thing was that during that month I managed to spend great time with God in prayer and bible study. I also spent time with my spiritual brothers and sisters which encouraged me all the more. I am now truly blessed with a consultant job where I work flexi-time and the earnings are much better than before. I am also able to help out in the campus ministry during my free time. All these blessings started with a single desire to serve God in humility and out of surrender (rather be a door keeper in the house of the lord than dwell in the house of the wicked). He is my source of strength, my light and my confidence. I had to see my spiritual poverty and realize that I needed God and that God is enough for me. I continuously encourage my brothers and sisters that God is enough for us; nothing in this world that we need will He withhold if we just seek Him with all our hearts, minds and souls. I am constantly grateful and full of praise to God for seeing me through the dark into His light and blessing me. Amen.
The Streng Family Jeff was asked by the company he worked at, General Motors, to move to Port Elizabeth in 2005 and stay there for a few years.
That seemed to be the start of a great adventure for them all. Jeff and Lisa looked for a church in the phone book, since they were very involved in their church back home, the Mainline Church of Christ in Flint Michigan. After Jeff visited one of the churches in Port Elizabeth, he shared with Lisa that he didn't think that it was the church for them. Lisa remembered that she saw a sign somewhere for the PE Church of Christ, but could not exactly remember where.On their way to a church one Sunday morning, they were very exited to see the sign again! They pulled in and some of the disciples brought them inside to meet Rod and the other church members. They were so encouraged to meet another American who also did not waste any time in telling Jeff about the basketball games he could join in with. They loved seeing the many children in the church since they have two children of their own, Jeffrey and Sydney. The Strengs felt that they had found the church they were looking for - thanks to the sign! We fear the day they have to leave again... We can't imagine not having them around. Philippians 7 reflects the great encouragement they have been to the church since they have become part of our family. "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." Lisa started a Clothing Ministry similar to "His Ministry" back in their previous church in Michigan called "Helping Individuals Succeed". She gave out a note at school asking parents to donate clothes to people in need. Very soon her neighbours, the church and HOPE got involved. Lisa took it upon herself to wash and sort all the clothes, giving out a form to the people in need which asked for preferred sizes, colours of clothing and prayer requests. More than 200 people have been helped since this ministry was started. When I read the words in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, I can't help but think of them. "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you...hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work." |
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