2016 Edition 2
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“Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised…” 1 Chronicles 16:24-25
NEWS
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ISSN-1018-151x
MISSION to KENYA
The Greatest Century of Missions
When Walter contacted me for permission to re-print 10,000 copies of The Greatest Century of Missions book, I knew that I had to do a complete revision, expansion and update. SIM wanted these books for distribution to pastors, teachers and youth leaders throughout East Africa. They also wanted me to be their guest speaker at a series of conferences to introduce this Youth Workers Toolkit, as they described the selection of books that they were seeking to provide. The original 2002 edition of The Greatest Century of Missions had sold out of the print run of 6,000 copies. I had been seriously considering the need for an improved, updated and expanded edition and this request from our Missionary friends in East Africa provided the catalyst needed. Now expanded to 224 pages with over 200 pictures, photographs, maps and charts, The Greatest Century of Missions is a treasure trove of incredible adventures, inspiring exploits and unbelievable achievements of some of the most extraordinary people in the most momentous era of Christian advance.
East Africa Christian Teachers Conference
One of the highlights of this Mission to Kenya was the East Africa Christian Teachers Conference (EACTC) at Kabarak University. Over 250 delegates from all over Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan gathered at this premiere Christian university. It was a dynamic group and they responded enthusiastically to The Challenge of Dr. David Livingstone Today. I liked one of their banners on the wall: “It is bad manners to have more clothes than books!”
Driving in Kenya
Kenya is the most powerful economy of East Africa, but it is still a developing country and much of the infrastructure is inadequate and insufficiently maintained. One of the Kenyans I travelled with said to me: “In some parts of the world, they drive on the left and others drive on the right. In Kenya, we drive on what is left of the roads!” Then referring to the huge potholes dominating many of the roads, he declared: “In Kenya, only a drunk person drives straight!”
Kenya at a Glance
Independent from Great Britain since 1963, tribal politics have often subverted the opposition and marginalised major
Kabarak University
ethnic groups. Rampant corruption and high levels of crime have seriously undermined development of the economy. Power failures are common. Plumbing services frequently fail. If you drink the water out of the tap, you will probably become violently ill. It is wise to use boiled, or purified, bottled water for brushing your teeth. Over 43% of the population is under the age of 15. Life expectancy in Kenya is estimated at 53 years. Public debt is 60% of the GDP. Income per person, per year, averages at US$838. Kenya has a population of over 40 million, comprising 108 ethnolinguistic groups. English and Swahili are the official languages. Surprisingly, there are still unreached people groups in Kenya. Only 16 of the languages of
Eastleigh – Little Mogadishu
Kenya have full Bibles and 13 tribes have New Testaments only. 20 other languages have portions of the Scripture translated and there are 13 works in progress. Literacy is calculated at 73%.
Congestion and Corruption
The congestion in the capital city of Nairobi is staggering. Traffic jams are so bad that it can take an hour or more to drive across the city during “rush hour”. Over 3.5 million people are crammed into this city. It is a shock to see how most of the people on motorbikes do not wear helmets, or any other kind of protective gear. Overloading of motorbikes is common. I saw three, four and up to five people on a single motorbike! I even saw mothers with a baby strapped to their back, precariously bouncing on the back of fast-weaving motorbikes, and on the wrong side of the road, in the face of oncoming trucks. It was hair-raising! Not only is Kenya a regional hub for Christian Missions, Theological education and Church ministry, but corruption is so rampant and systemic that terrorists and international drug traffickers also use Kenya as a major hub. Kenya is a country of contrasts with many Kenyans living in great affluence and others in shocking squalor.
The Spiritual State of Kenya
I was informed that the East Africa Revival of 1948 to 1960 made a deep and lasting impression on the Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodist churches, but this was later quenched by legalism,
divisions, materialism and personality clashes. One of the largest churches in Kenya is the Africa Inland Church, which was established by Africa Inland Mission (AIM). With over 4,200 congregations and more than 2 million members and affiliates, AIM has a major impact in the country. There has been a tremendous explosive growth of charismatic, independent churches, but many have adopted syncretistic practices, or unbiblical beliefs and traditions. With over 80,000 congregations in the country, the need for Bible College Training is tremendous. Most pastors have little training and inadequate libraries. Over 8% of the population is Muslim. This translates to over 3 million of the population. This does not include the large number of Muslim Somalian refugees who have poured into the country.
The Curse of Crime
One Kenyan told me: “A third of Kenya works and they employ the other third of Kenya as security guards to protect them from the other third of Kenya who steal!” Many refer to Nairobi as Nairobbery! Homes are surrounded by spectacularly high walls, gates, fences, electric wiring, razor wire and spikes. Homes are encased in burglar bars and security gates. Despite all this, they still often have a fulltime security guard on duty! Daylight muggings on crowded streets are not uncommon. Car-jackings and home-invasions can occur at any time. Even the mission guest house where I stayed had warning signs, not to go out walking after dark because of frequent muggings in the area.
Nairobi – Capital City of Kenya
Bandit Territory
The North of the country has a longstanding reputation for lawlessness. The closer to the South Sudanese, Ethiopian and Somali borders, the more armed robberies and abductions by shiftas (bandits) on the roads, are expected. Armed convoys are normal in the North and East of the country.
Inspiring Fellowship & Fascinating Research
I had the joy of meeting a tremendous cross-section of Missionaries and Christian workers. I enjoyed good fellowship with Missionaries from Britain, Canada, America and South Korea, Missionaries to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo and Chad, Bible translators, Child Evangelism Missionaries, teachers, Theological lecturers and technicians. Amongst the Kenyans, I enjoyed fellowship with military chaplains, pastors, teachers, Scripture Union Evangelists and principals. All the people I offered Gospel literature to received it gladly. Even Muslims seemed quite open to the sharing of the Gospel.
Ordeal in the Congo
One Missionary told me of his experience as a hostage of the Simba terrorists in Stanleyville, Congo, for four traumatic months in 1964. His Missionary Father was murdered in front of him, yet he returned as a Missionary to the same community.
Al-Shabaab Terror Attack
Little Mogadishu
Some people pointed out to me Eastleigh, also known as Little Mogadishu. Eastleigh was described to me as “a country within a county”, with its own culture and economy. Predominantly inhabited by Somali immigrants and refugees, Eastleigh was founded in 1921 as an Asian suburb. In recent years, Muslim Somalians have effectively colonised Eastleigh and turned it into an area almost entirely inhabited by Somalis, selling everything from designer clothing and jewellery, to illegal firearms. Several of the terrorist attacks linked to Al-Shabaab were launched from Eastleigh. I was advised that Eastleigh is effectively a no-go area for nonMuslims, any time day or night. How the Kenyan government tolerates this effective base for Al-Shabaab terrorists in a suburb of the capital city, is inexplicable. Local residents informed me that there are billions of dollars invested in Eastleigh and they can easily bribe police and government officials!
Training Youth Workers
My first conference was at Buruburu, where I gave presentations on You Can Change your World, Making Disciples of All Nations, The Greatest Century of Missions, What Would David Livingstone Say to Us Today? and The Greatness of the Great Commission.
Traffic Jams
After that I was battling traffic in downtown Nairobi to catch a minibus through to Nakuru, which several people had confidently assured me would not be more than two hours’ drive. However, what with traffic jams, road blocks and other delays, I was on the road for more than five hours. Even here the security arrangements for boarding a bus seemed quite intense.
Kabarak University
In Nakuru I met my hosts, Walter and Christel and was immediately driven through to Kabarak University (KABU) a Christian university on a 240 hectare farm, 20km outside of Nakuru. The Chancellor, Daniel Arap Moi, the retired second president of Kenya, has plainly made Kabarak his pet project. Kabarak is a premiere institution for higher education in Kenya. Its tree-shaded lawns and facilities were the best I have seen in East Africa.
Military Chaplains
After my presentation to the Teachers Conference I was handed over to my next hosts, Military chaplain, Simon Mbae, (whom I had last met at the Association of Military Christian Fellowships Global Interaction in 2014, in Cape Town. There were 600 military leaders from 100 countries worldwide, participating in this Global Conference. As these events are only held every ten years and this was the first time AMCF gathered for their international convention in Africa, it was the shortest distance I ever had to travel for any conference. I had participated in the AMCF, 20 years before in Virginia, USA. Frontline Fellowship supplied hundreds of Bibles, New Testaments, Gospel booklets, audio visual materials, digital libraries and other resources to empower Chaplains and Christian soldiers to Evangelise and disciple their units effectively. We had a tremendous time of fellowship with Christians from Russia, Ukraine, China, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Brazil, Britain, America and Kenya.)
Great Commission Seminar
organise a Great Commission in the Twenty-First Century and Beyond Seminar in Nakuru. My presentations, which were translated into Swahili, dealt with: The Greatness of the Great Commission, Turning the World Upside Down, Biblical Faith and Modern Counterfeits, The Challenges Before Us, Can Jesus Trust You?, Jesus Christ is Building His Church and The Gates of Hell Cannot Prevail Against It. This Saturday seminar lasted over 12 hours. We also had tremendous responses from the screening of War Room, Terrorism and Persecution and The Atheist Delusion films.
Church Services & Film Evangelism One of the participants travelled from Eldoret and informed me that he had hosted our Africa Overland Mission team in 2011, which included my son-in-law, Hunter Combs. On Sunday I was busy at two separate services, the ministry lasted from 9am to 6pm. There were hours of questions and answers after the services.
Nakuru Youth Workers Conference
On Monday morning, we began a new Youth Workers Conference in Nakuru. I gave presentations on William Wilberforce and the War Against Slavery, Samuel Ajayi Crowther, A Tale of Two Islands, Evangelism Explosion, Way of the Master, Faith Under Fire in Sudan and The Statue and the Stone. In less than two weeks, I ministered at 4 conferences, 4 churches and one university, 22 meetings in all. In the last 3 months, I have completed 4 Missions. Dr. Peter Hammond
Simon had stayed in touch with us since then and some who heard of my conference tour to Kenya offered to
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CIVIL WAR in SOUTH SUDAN
The enemy tactics of confuse, divide and conquer have created havoc in newly independent South Sudan. 9 July, marked the 5th anniversary of the Independence of South Sudan, yet there was little to celebrate as intertribal violence has continued to rage between the Nuer followers of Riek Machar and the government of South Sudan under President Salva Kiir. During the long war, Riek Machar and his forces served as surrogates for the Arab government of Sudan, who armed and aided them while they waged scorched earth campaigns against the neighbouring Dinka tribe, destroying vast amounts of cattle and looting livestock.
Corruption Leads to Conflict
After the first year of Independence, President Salva Kiir reported that over US $5 Billion was missing from the public
treasury - looted through corruption! Suspicion immediately fell upon his vice president, Riek Machar and barely two years after Independence, the vice president and most of the cabinet, were fired. This immediately led to violence between the Dinka and Nuer elements of the Presidential Guard. The violence soon spilled over into ethnic cleansing and full-scale tribal war between the Nuer and Dinka.
Sudan. Ministers in South Sudan express their frustration to us. At independence, ex-US president Jimmy Carter persuaded President Salva Kiir to appoint Riek Machar vice president. The new South Sudan government was also persuaded by Carter to declare themselves a secular state, to not have any prayer at parliament and to adopt the secular textbooks provided by UNICEF for their schools.
Attempts at Peace Settlements Undermined
The churches of South Sudan have tried to bring about negotiations, reconciliation and numerous cease-fires have been declared. Unfortunately, these have invariably been violated and fighting continues.
Disastrous Consequences of Secularism During this disastrous descent into civil war, the Arab government of Sudan have seized control of many of the oil fields close to the Northern border of South
Riek Machar with Dictator Omar Al-Bashir
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.� Psalm 127:1 Freedom Betrayed
Ex-US President Jimmy Carter advising Riek Machar and South Sudan President Salva Kiir
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After all the sacrifices of so many Christians to achieve the freedom and Independence of South Sudan, many feel betrayed by the secular humanism of the new nation and the devious and destructive counsel given by Jimmy Carter.
FRONTLINE FELLOWSHIP NEWS 2016 EDITION 2
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have Faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
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UNDER FIRE in the NUBA MOUNTAINS
Christians in the Nuba Mountains of South Kordofan have been targeted by deadly air strikes and ground attacks.
Muslim militia shouting “Allah Akbar� have opened fire at congregations gathered for worship. Nubans have fled to the Mountains & are hiding in caves. Although geographically linked to the North, Abyei, South Kordofan and Blue Nile are culturally and politically aligned with the South. These areas are predominantly non-Arab and non-Muslim. However, the Islamic regime in Khartoum wants the oil reserves in Abyei and South Kordofan and the water of the Blue Nile. Therefore it has done everything in its power to prevent their exercising the right to self-determination. Please visit www.idop-africa.org for resources, information and prayer requests to Mobilise Prayer for the Persecuted.
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FRONTLINE FELLOWSHIP NEWS 2016 EDITION 2
ARRESTED in SUDAN In Islamic Sudan, Rev. Hassan Abdelrahim Kodi and Rev. Kuwa Shemaal, activist Abdelmoneim Abdelmoula, and a Czech pastor named Petr Jasek, have been charged with conspiring against the state, espionage & spreading false information. These charges are punishable by death or life imprisonment. These people are persecuted for the Faith. Their trial started Sunday 21 August 2016. Please mobilize prayer for their protection & release. On 5 September, armed police and officials from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) arrested the headmaster, Rev. Samuel Suliman,
and 12 teachers of a Christian school in Madani, capital of Al Jazirah state, in south-eastern Sudan and took over its property. Police presented a letter from the National Ministry of Guidance and Endowments, addressed to the State Ministry of Social Welfare, ordering the handover of Evangelical Basic School to the government.
“Remember the prisoners as if chained with them - those who are mistreated - since you yourselves are in the body also.� Hebrews 13:3
The school serves more than 1,000 students. Established by the American Mission in 1901, it belongs to the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church. Harassment, arrests and persecution of Christians have intensified since 2011. The Sudanese Minister of Guidance and Endowments announced in April 2013 that no new licenses would be granted for building new churches in Sudan. Since 2012 Sudan has expelled foreign Christians and bulldozed church buildings.
CONGO CHRISTIANS TARGETED Christians have been killed by a jihadist group in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The ADF-NALU have targeted Christians in the north-east of the DRC for several years.
The victims were reportedly tied up and hacked to death by the Islamist Allied Democratic Forces-National Association for the Liberation of Uganda.
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SOUTH AFRICA for CHRIST During our month-long Mission throughout South Africa, we were tremendously blessed and challenged by numerous testimonies of God’s gracious answers to prayer.
Christian Education
One of our hosts told us how she was challenged at the Biblical Worldview Seminar we ran in the Transvaal in 1996, to start a Christian school. Next year they will celebrate 20 years of Ichthus Christian School. Our team members remarked that that they had not experienced such incisive questions from school students on field reports and insightful interaction with students over the Ten Commandments and Gospel presentations before.
Making History Come Alive
saying and he remembered the intense discussions provoked as a result of my presentations. Now, two decades later, I was receiving the first positive feedback from that difficult time of ministry. “God really spoke to us through you,” he said.
One Bible college student came to me during the week of Church History lectures I was presenting at Back to the Bible Mission, and told me that she had never liked history and had been dreading the subject, but that the stories and portraits of individual Missionaries were challenging and inspiring. “You have changed my mind about History. Now I see that it is important and interesting!” she declared.
SWA / NAMIBIA
God’s Word Never Returns Void
Numerous men came to me after different services and seminars, saying that they had last heard me on Chaplains’ parades in the Army, or at outreaches we conducted back in the early days of Frontline Fellowship at military bases throughout the country and across the border.
A young man came to me after a Sunday morning service and asked if I remembered a camp I had spoken at, at Skogheim, about 20 years before. I remembered it well, remarking at the time the lack of responsiveness from most of the people at the camp. Yes, he confirmed to me that there was quite a lot of opposition to what I was Advance For Life Christian Academy
At an evening service where I was invited to minister, the pastor asked me if I remembered him. Over 28 years ago, he reminded me, I spoke regularly at the South West African Military Academy (SWAMIL) at Okahandja, the Infantry officers training school for South West Africa. He had been a chaplain there when I was a guest speaker and lecturer.
Soldiers for Christ
Ministry to the Military
The leader of a Mission who invited us to conduct a seminar, reminded me that he had invited me to conduct Chaplain services at 1st Reconnaissance Commando when he was the Chaplain at their base on the Bluff, Durban.
feel like I am worshipping satan when I listen to it.” He said he had been convicted to repent and delete all the music off his phone after the presentation.
Discernment & Determination After his presentation on A Call for Discernment John had a woman come to him and confess her sinful involvement in these highly questionable practices and her determination to renounce them.
From Canada to Malawi
A person came up to me at one of our meetings and asked if I remembered ministering at their Church in Canada. I did. She gave some feedback over the responses to my presentations on Missions in Canada and reported that she and her husband are now Missionaries in Malawi.
Home Education
At one of our mid-week services, a group of home schoolers had driven quite some distance in order to hear us. They were grateful for the home schooling textbook resources we are providing.
Conviction and Conversion
After giving presentations on The Message in the Music, John was approached by a young man who confessed: “My music is wrong and I
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FRONTLINE FELLOWSHIP NEWS 2016 EDITION 2
The Team at Rorke’s Drift Grahamstown Evangelistic Mission A lady identified herself to me as the widow of a church leader in Grahamstown. She remembered when I was a soldier in training at 6th South African Infantry in Grahamstown and my ministry at their church youth group and in the local schools. That was over 36 years ago!
Master, Evangelism Explosion, The Bible and Animals, Stewardship of Creation, The Greatness of the Great Commission, Biblical Worldview lectures, Discipleship Training, Ministry to the Persecuted Church, Church History, South African History, Missions History and Discipleship presentations.
Covenant College
A pastor identified himself to me as one of our first graduates from Covenant College, which we established at the Frontline Mission base in Zambia, over 26 years ago. He is still serving his congregation in Eastern Zambia and is grateful for the training and resources he received. “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6
South Africa Mission
At least once a year, I lead a team of Missionaries and interns on a South Africa Overland Mission. During the month of June, we drove over 5,000 km across 6 provinces. In one month we visited and ministered at 42 venues: schools, churches, Mission stations, colleges, youth ministries and old age homes. Our team, which included John, Joseph and Francis, gave over 140 presentations, of which I presented 79. These presentations included: Evangelism Workshops, Creation Evangelism, Way of the
Alexandria Christian Academy Devotions for Radio Khwezi in Kwazulu Natal, to speak at the Cedar College of Education chapels for Teachers in Training and to participate in a Bible College Consultation where 80 representatives of 25 Bible colleges and teaching institutions, from over 10 countries, gathered together. At this Consultation, I conducted workshops
Mechanical Challenges
Literature4Africa
We distributed, or delivered, over two tonnes of Bibles, books, Gospels and audio visual discipleship materials. Because of the generosity of Dr. R.C. Sproul and St. Andrews, we were able to donate hundreds of Reformation Study Bibles to Missionaries, Bible college libraries and lecturers. We were also able to equip Missionaries with boxes of Bibles, books, Gospel booklets, tracts and audio visual materials.
The Great Commission is Our Supreme Ambition
It was a joy to see so many dynamic, independent Christian schools, Bible colleges, churches and Mission stations. John and I had the opportunity of recording numerous
Ichthus Christian School
Back to the Bible Mission
on How We Should Teach to Increase Bible Knowledge. Adullum Mission hosted a Firm Foundations for your Faith Seminar where John and I ministered with Zulu translation. Joseph and Francis conducted a parallel children’s programme covering Creation, the Law of God, Pilgrim’s Progress, Way of the Master and Evangelism Explosion presentations.
Ministry to Museums
We also visited 10 museums, monuments and battle sites. There was much interest in our new History resources, particularly our new Sketches from South Africa History book and the South African History Audio and Data MP3 Boxset. Three of the museums immediately requested consignments of these resources. At
Bible College Consultation
others, we donated copies for their library. Some good discussions and interesting conversations developed with directors and managers of several of these museums. With so many attacks on monuments and attempts to distort history, it is more important than ever that Christians are engaged in public debates and contribute to Understanding of the Times (1 Chronicles 12:32).
Ministry in Retirement Centres
We also had the opportunity of ministering in some retirement communities and learning from some of the fascinating experiences of older generations who have seen and experienced things that most of us are not even aware of. Young people would do themselves a favour by seeking the insights and testimonies of their grandparents and great grandparents. One should actually take a recorder and capture some of the life stories of many of these fascinating people, both for our education and edification.
Back to the Bible Mission
Among the over 100 students and
staff at Back to the Bible Mission (BBM) there are 20 countries and 60 languages represented. I was invited to lecture for a week on Church History, particularly focusing on the history of the 19th Century Missionary movement. As we had recently updated and expanded our Greatest Century of Missions book, we were able to give each student and faculty member a copy. The students also thoroughly enjoyed a screening of War Room and P.T. with the Frontline team. While I was conducting lectures and chapel services at BBM, the rest of the Frontline team were speaking at assemblies and classes at local schools. Francis also ministered to the women at the college and John spoke with the Student Council. As always John’s presentation on The Message in the Music and A Call for Discernment engendered much discussion!
Overcoming Obstacles
Despite serious vehicle breakdowns and long delays caused by mechanical problems, in remote areas, our team only missed one engagement and we made every other appointment on time. The schedule was often gruelling and generally starting very early, seldom ending much before midnight. There were many stop/go roadworks on the roads we needed to travel and these delays had to be factored in, so that we could still reach our appointments on time. Our team drove over 5,000 km and
Pilgrim’s Progress
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Adullam Mission
Bible College Consultation
had many opportunities for literature evangelism, one-on-one personal evangelism and counselling en-route. Open-air preaching opportunities were also organised and child evangelism in townships were a challenge, often with incessant noise being boomed from PA systems close by! Doctors for Life invited me to conduct a workshop on Effective Media Interviews. KwaSizabantu Mission invited me to speak at 4 evening services in a row.
Truths That Transform
We praise God for every life touched, every mind renewed, every soul brought under conviction and to conversion as a result of the power of the Word of God - both printed and proclaimed. The Word of God never returns void. It is the power of God for the Salvation of everyone who believes. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Some of the titles and presentations we delivered during this Mission, include: The Statue and the Stone, The Greatness of the Great Commission, How Can A Loving God Allow Suffering?, The Challenge of David Livingstone,
Cedar College of Education
William Carey - The Father of Modern Missions, Hudson Taylor Missionary to China, William Wilberforce and the War Against Slavery, Mobilising Missions Through Hymns, Body Piercing - A Return to Paganism, Making Disciples of All Nations, Spiritual Stamina, The Hard Words of Jesus, Christian Vocation, The Holiness of God, Biblical Faith and Modern Counterfeits, Sin and Repentance, Recognising the Voice of God, Reclaiming Surrendered Ground, Lies We Have All Believed, The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail! and The Challenge of Missions.
KwaSizabantu Youth Conference
No sooner had we returned to Cape Town, than I needed to repack and fly out back to Kwazulu/Natal, as Rev. Erlo Stegen invited me to minister at the Youth Conference. KwaSizabantu Mission has been hosting Youth Conferences every year since 1974. This year there were over 7,000 young people gathered for the week-long conference. The logistics involved in hosting so many people at one Mission station is quite overwhelming. Transportation to both collect and return the young people takes days. Catering for such a large group is also quite overwhelming. Yet, as with all of its events, KwaSizabantu Mission hosts these conferences without any charge. As a Faith Mission, not even offerings are taken up. The theme of the conference was: I Will Return to My Father - Luke 15:18.
Return to the Father
Rev. Erlo Stegen spoke on the pitfalls and pigsties of sin, which so many fall into. He called on all to return to our Heavenly Father in Repentance and Faith. I was asked to deal with what Africa was like before the Missionaries arrived with the Gospel and what changes were brought about by their endeavours, as well as the rising persecution of Christians at the hands of radical Islam in North Africa.
to sin, to do evil and to go to hell. “Theft will prevent you from going to Heaven. What you have hidden must be returned. Sin is very costly - for all eternity! Sin separates family, friends and Heaven from hell. Write your sins down. Confess each sin. Repent. If you backslide then there is no limit to the filth and degradation you can sink to. Beware of a wasted life. Take this opportunity to get right with God.” A large choir made up of young people who have come from criminal backgrounds ministered to the Youth Conference. I spoke with a man who
confessed to having murdered his father when he was 17 years old. There were people who participated in the Youth Conference who confessed to lives of crime, gangsterism, drug dealing and multiple murders. There were many trophies of Grace and testimonies of transformation by the Grace of God. As Rev. Erlo Stegan challenged the young people to turn from degradation and disgrace: “Come to your senses and return to your Father in Heaven!”
Thank You
We are most grateful for your prayers, encouragement and support, without which, none of our ministries would be possible. Dr. Peter Hammond
K WASIZABANTU M ISSION
K WASIZABANTU Y OUTH C ONFERENCE
Testimonies of Transformation Rev. Erlo Stegen challenged the youth not to abuse their freedom
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M ISSION to A MERICA
The extraordinary long lines at the British Airways check-in counters in Cape Town alerted me to a serious problem. Soon it was announced that British Airways was suffering a complete computer failure shut-down as they had rolled out their new improved software! My experience at check-in at Cape Town was minor compared to the chaos at London’s Heathrow Airport. There I was informed that my flight to the States had been cancelled and there was now an extremely tight connection that gave me barely twenty minutes, after clearing customs and immigration in the US, to run for the next flight, at another terminal. I was not surprised when my luggage failed to arrive at the final destination.
Church Planting
However, it was good to meet up with Al Baker and begin the tremendous times of worship and ministry which he had lined up for me in Alabama and Georgia. The next morning my first meeting was with the Alabama Church Planting Network, a dedicated group of Evangelists who regularly meet together to strategise and pray for their various church planting initiatives. I was asked to deal with World Missions and successful examples of church planning in Angola, Mozambique, Zambia, Sudan and Eastern Europe. That time of discussion and prayer went for over four hours. The Power of Prayer to Change History We were then off to Huntsville, Montgomery to meet with a dedicated pastor and then conduct a home meeting. There I was able to deal with Bringing Down of the Iron Curtain in the 1980’s through the Seven Year Jericho Prayer Focus, Revival Prayer and Changing World History Through Prayer. At another
home fellowship I dealt with Jesus Christ is Building His Church and the Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against It.
Radio Interviews and Services
During the days I had a number of radio interviews focusing on the persecution of Christians in North Africa and the Middle East by Islamic Jihad and how Christians can intelligently pray and practically help our beleaguered brethren under fire. Al Baker arranged for a number of interviews with other missionary-minded pastors and Evangelists who share our vision. On Sunday I was ministering at two separate congregations in Birmingham and Huntsville, dealing with The Church Under Fire and The Greatness of the Great Commission.
To Covenant College
Then we drove across scenic Alabama into Georgia to Covenant College on Lookout Mountain. There the Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship (PEF) Family Conference was welcoming
their guests from as far afield as Great Britain, India, Brazil and Mexico.
Paintball Battles
Some of the youth were wanting to know if I would be willing to join them for their paintball battles. I immediately told them that they could count me in and accumulated an impressive array of bruises during these war games in the forest. I was more than double the age of the other participants, but perhaps had the unfair advantage of having combat experience in the field. It is quite nice when the worst that can happen to you, as a result of one’s recklessness, is a few cuts and bruises!
Mobilising Missionaries
Each day of the conference began at 6:30am with Revival Prayer. I gave presentations on Making Disciples of All Nations, The St. James Massacre, The Challenge of Dr. David Livingstone Today and Spiritual Stamina. To the youth, I gave presentations on Biblical Principles, Scenarios and Drills for Self-Defense and Evangelism Explosion.
Plans Can Change
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FRONTLINE FELLOWSHIP NEWS 2016 EDITION 2
Tuesday afternoon was an interesting example of how one needs to be ready for anything. The PEF Conference delegates were informed that each afternoon was set aside for open-air preaching and Evangelism in downtown Chattanooga. I was looking forward to that when I received a request to give a presentation to the Youth at the same time. No problem, I could re-orientate. Next thing Al Baker informed me that I had a meeting at 2pm. I confirmed that I knew about it. When later he told me who my driver would be, I realised that there was
some misunderstanding and asked why I would need a driver to reach another part of the Covenant College campus? He told me that I was meeting with a pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Chattanooga. Alright, I just needed to re-schedule the Youth meeting. When I walked into the Presbyterian Church in downtown Chattanooga and saw a whole group of people assembled before a lectern, with advertisements of the Missionary speaker from Africa in front of them, I realised that I was expected to give a presentation!
Ready for Anything
As Francis Grim of Hospital Christian Fellowship, under whom I was mentored, often told me: a Missionary must be BA and RFA: Born Again and Ready For Anything. Evidently, Al Baker liked to keep me on my toes. I gave a presentation on how I was converted and called and some of what I had witnessed of the persecuted Church in the field, what we can learn from them and how we can best serve the suffering. The question time was dynamic and fast-moving. Before I knew it two hours had passed of productive ministry at this unexpected event.
Mobilise to Evangelise
Covenant College was an inspiring venue for this tremendous conference. The times of fellowship with colourful characters from all over the world and learning of their intriguing testimonies and vibrant ministries was most uplifting. The Commissioning Service on the final night was very moving and one could only praise God for the Theological depth and wide Missionary vision of the PEF. We concluded with the Hymn: So Send I You.
Battle Site in Tennessee
No sooner had the PEF Conference concluded then Trey and Lindsay Schultz, who I had last seen at our Great Commission Course in Cape Town, arrived and informed me that they were my transport to Tennessee. As we sought to catch up on some of what had happened in the preceding six months, they thoughtfully stopped off at the battle
site and museum overlooking Chattanooga. My father-in-law, the Chairman of the Board of Frontline Fellowship, Rev. Bill Bathman, was brought up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This was once a strategic battleground during the War Between the States.
Summit
In Tennessee, Geoffrey Botkin organised and hosted a Summit throughout Friday and Saturday, with participants driving in and flying in from far and wide. At the Summit I was asked to give presentations on Revival in the Bible and in History, How Civilisations Commit Suicide, Steps to Reformation Today, God and Government, The Threat of Global Islam and To Change the World. For the Sunday sermon I expounded on Jeremiah 3: Just How Did we get into this Situation? Each day was full, with discussion times lasting from 8 in the morning until midnight and frequently to 1am or 2am.
Transforming Culture
The five culture carrying institutions of civilisation are: education, entertainment, news media, religious institutions and political institutions. Of these education is by far the most influential. The philosophy of education in this generation will be the philosophy of government in the next generation.
The Greatest Threat
The single greatest threat to Christian civilisation has proved to be secular humanist, state-controlled, education. What is often called education today is more accurately indoctrination. Instead of teaching children how to think -
critically - all too many schools today are teaching children what to think. Politically correct brain-washing in state schools is at the root of much of the wickedness prevalent throughout our societies today. People vote as they do because of how they have been educated, entertained and informed (or misinformed) by the news media.
Our Priority
Therefore, our greatest focus needs to be on making disciples of all nations, teaching obedience to all things that the Lord has commanded, comprehensively fulfilling the Great Commission in education, the entertainment industry and through the news media.
Strategic Focus
Home Education is the single most strategic step any family can take. Just protecting our family from the vile Hollywood poison by throwing out the TV and keeping our children from being indoctrinated by secular humanist state schools is already a tremendous step forward. Providing Bible-based, Christ-centred school textbooks for home educators is most strategic. Supporting and producing alternative God-honouring films, music, books and magazines is vital. Providing alternative sources of information through Desk Top Publishing, the Internet, social media and community Christian radio stations is critical.
Iron Sharpens Iron
During the Summit, we were engaged in ongoing, in-depth discussions from breakfast through supper, late into the night and into the early hours of each morning. Some days lasted sixteen hours of intense discussion on these vital matters. All in all I gave over thirty presentations at twelve venues and three radio programmes in two weeks during this Mission to America. Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement and support. Dr. Peter Hammond www.frontline.org.za
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The Gospel is the Power of God for Salvation to All Who Believe “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 Literature4Africa has been receiving shipments of Bibles, books, Sunday school materials and Gospel booklets and tracts and is distributing an average of 180 tonnes of Bibles and books each year, completely free, to churches, Missions, schools and ministries, throughout Southern Africa.
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“So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11