St Johns Confirmation/Baptism Service
On Sunday evening 22 November Bishop Gary Bedderson joined us at St Johns Church, Bothasig as we celebrated the confirmation of Danielle Lomas (16) and saw Tashwill Josephs (15), Wendy Punt (15), Dion Eaby (17) and Maia D’ Almeida (16) baptised as followers of Christ. It was an incredibly exciting and emotional celebration as we heard the tale of Gods work in each of their lives in the weeks leading up to the celebration. We heard how God had brought each of them uniquely into his family through his Sovereign Grace. Many of the congregation members had been used as instruments in being part of their coming to faith and an understanding of the gospel. We are praying that each of them will become multipliers of the gospel in the generations ahead and be part of transforming our suburb for Jesus.
A tribute to Jeremiah Zondi – by Grant Retief
Jeremiah Zondi would have celebrated his 50th birthday this coming December. He is survived his wife Eunice and his three children. He was a faithful hard working selfless servant of Jesus who worked tirelessly for the salvation of those amongst whom he served. In addition to serving his lively and growing home church - Christ Church Kwa Mashu - he also served 7 branch congregations scattered throughout the surrounding rural areas.
When I had the privilege of preaching for him, the two things that impressed me about his church was how many men there were and how many young people there were. The church has a vibrant and faithful testimony in the area. Jeremiah trained up young men and sent some of them to college against great financial odds, he also hosted health clinics at the church for the community.
One day I preached for him and an interesting thing happened: a member of the congregation had bought a new car. After the service the whole congregation gathered around it and laid hands on it, and Jerry prayed for safety and gave thanks for it. He explained to me that the reason for the ceremony was to teach his people to see all good gifts as coming from God, and not from the ancestors. Apparently pagan ceremonies are held in honor of the ancestors on such occasions.
Rev. Jeremiah was a godly, hard working man of integrity who quite literally gave his life in service of his King, in response to his King having given his life for him. He will be missed.
Bishop Gary Nelson visit to South Africa
REACH-South Africa recently hosted the bishop of the Diocese of North West Australia. Bishop Gary Nelson oversees one of the largest (geographically) Anglican dioceses in the world. The population, however, is sparse and widespread but the region does have many opportunities for gospel outreach. The churches are geared up to reach out to large numbers of mining contract workers as well as many seafarers who visit their ports. This region of Australia is a large export point for wheat, iron ore and other minerals.
Bishop Nelson was able to visit South Africa after a time of ministry in Uganda. He spent some time at George Whitefield College visited some of our churches and ministers in the East and West Cape regions.
The bishop also conducted training days and preached in some of our Port Elizabeth churches. It was an encouraging time of fellowship and ministry for all who attended. We look forward to continued gospel partnership with this growing evangelical Anglican diocese.
A good time of fellowship with Bishops Gary Bedderson, Gary Nelson and Alan Noble
Training session on discipleship at E.C. Gospel Workers breakfast.
Bishop Gary being interviewed on the local Christian radio station
Sunday Night service at Word of Life Student Church – Port Elizabeth
Vacancy : Full-time Music Ministry Co-ordinator
Vacancy
Full-time Music Ministry Co-ordinator
A suitable candidate will have excellent administrative and
inter-personal skills, the ability to handle fees and student
intake for our Saturday Music School (The Music Factory) and
proficiency in MS Office and Mac. An ability to read music
and operate sound and audio visual equipment is an
advantage.
Responsibilities include billing, financial record-keeping and
timetabling of students at The Music Factory as well as
handling of queries and general correspondence. In addition,
the successful candidate will be responsible for the co-
ordination and rostering of volunteers in the music, sound
and audio visual teams, the collation and distribution of
rehearsal music on a weekly basis, filing, general office-
keeping, working with volunteers, suppliers and service
providers to the Music Ministry, overseeing the maintenance
of sound and audiovisual equipment and serving as a
personal assistant to the Music Director.
Hours are structured around church music activities and
apart from 8am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday, include Saturday
mornings (8am to 12pm) in term time, Sunday mornings
(7.15am to 11.15am) throughout the year and one week-night
rehearsal per week (7pm to 9.30pm). A suitable candidate will
be flexible, able to work on and off-site and be willing to drive
to purchase music books, collect sound equipment and do
what is necessary for the efficient and effective operation of
the Music Ministry.
Salary negotiable.
Applications should submit a comprehensive CV before 1
June 2015. All queries can be directed to Bronwen
Anderson (Music Director): (011) 318 2481.
Ascension Day: A Time to Pray
This Ascension Day (14th May 2015), REACH South Africa is once again calling our congregations to a day of prayer and fasting. Looking around our country it’s clear that this is a timely call. The ugly incidents of Xenophobia as well as distressing acts of violent crime are causing much anxiety. There is also a growing restlessness and dissatisfaction that is of great concern to many. Added to this we see our country struggling to cope with infrastructure breakdown (Eskom) and battling to make progress against many economic and political challenges.
Unlike others, God’s people need not stand helpless on the sidelines. Not only should we be doing and encouraging right but we can also call on the King of Heaven to intervene in our land. Biblical history teaches us that God opens great gospel opportunities in the most difficult of times. But we must watch and pray for it.
Within our REACH family we also need to be praying for God to guide us as we make decisions on leadership for our denomination. We are grateful for a new generation of bishops and ministers but also need to seek God’s guidance and wisdom as we call on Him for gospel growth in our communities. Many people are losing hope in earthly systems and solutions. This is not a time to shrink back but rather for us to proclaim Christ to our land.
Let us all commit to setting aside Ascension Day to come before the Lord as God’s people. Perhaps organize a sunrise to sunset fast in your local church, replacing meals with prayer. Alternatively, as a family or a small group of work colleagues or friends, take time to pray together for our country and Christ’s church.
May our God be pleased to hear our prayers and answer them according to His will and good purposes.
“God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to Your Kingdom in heaven; leave us not desolate, but send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen and exalt us to where our Saviour Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for evermore. Amen.”
- Sunday after Ascension Collect
Prayer Guide
Confession (Daniel 9:4-11; 1 John 1:9)
Failure to confess and repent of sin is the cause of much grief in our lives and in our land. Call on the Lord in repentant confession of sin today. Pray for revival to come to Christ’s church in South Africa.
Praise (Psalm 98; Colossians 1:15-20)
Give thanks to our God for His mercy to us in Jesus. Reflect on the majesty and supremacy of our Saviour Jesus. Marvel at God’s love for us sinners shown at the cross. Sing the praises of our Redeemer.
Petition (Philippians 4:4-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-6)
- Pray for our land and its rulers. Pray for our president and all in authority, that they may govern rightly and wisely. Ask God to give leaders boldness to lead and conviction to be just in all their dealings. Pray particularly for God to frustrate the plans of criminals and troublemakers in our land. May God protect and encourage all who work to bring peace, safety, health and order to our country.
- Pray for Christ’s church in Southern Africa. Call on God to give us courage and faithfulness in our Christian life and witness. May the Spirit of Holiness be at work in our lives enabling us to be examples of Godliness and attractive ambassadors for Christ. Pray for gospel centred growth in all our churches and for God to open doors for us to establish works in new communities. Pray for our Bible College (GWC) asking God to raise up even more workers to be trained there. Pray for God to give wisdom to our leadership as they seek to make Kingdom minded decisions for REACH-SA’s new presiding bishop and other strategic positions. Lift up our missionaries, ministers and their families as they serve the Lord. Ask God to equip, protect and strengthen them for their task. Pray for your local church and its ministers and workers. Pray that the Gospel of grace may be clearly proclaimed in our pulpits and shared through our people.
- Pray for God’s people. Pray for the sick, the poor, the lonely and the despairing. Lift up the families in our churches and pray God’s strength and protection on them as they live out their God given responsibilities. Pray for all believers to play their part in the place God has put them serving for His glory.
“We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but only because of Your great mercy.” (Daniel 9:18)
From Glenn Lyons