From the Superintendent's DESK

Upon leaving Angola, Darrel Lee and John Musgrave traveled to Bapsfontein for the South Africa camp meeting, which had begun a few days earlier on Sunday, September 22. They arrived on Tuesday to a warm reception and joined the services the next morning. The camp meeting concluded on Sunday, September 29, and Brother John sent the following report.

The Wednesday teaching began with a graceful piano prelude of “All that Thrills My Soul.” Then there were two choir songs in the Venda language, including “Mudzimu Wa Litadulu” which translates to “A Mighty Fortress.” Frans Kekana led the congregational singing, beginning with a victorious “When We All Get to Heaven.” Then, following prayer, Kwaziso Bhosha, the Director of South Africa for the Southern and Eastern Africa Region (SEAR) gave the announcements. He welcomed first-time visitors and our team representing Portland as well as Onias Gumbo, the SEAR District Superintendent, and others.

The testimony service opened with an appropriate song in Venda: “Jesu O Tla Re Na Hohle” or “Jesus Gives Us Everything,” and several gave thanks for God’s provisions. After the last special, Brother Darrel greeted everyone on behalf of the Portland headquarters before delivering a message on “Unity” from 1 Corinthians 1:10-11. He said Paul addressed several issues in this epistle that threatened to divide the congregation, including pride, insubordination, and moral failures. He said these things should not be present among Apostolic Faith people and urged everyone to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. In agreement, the congregation responded with hearty “Amens” and a time of earnest prayer.

In the evening, an orchestra prelude of “The Promises of the Lord” began the service. Then the choir sang in Sotho “Ke Nang Bohle” or “Enter Ye All.” Caleb Chidakwa led the congregation in singing joyful songs such as “Lord, Bring Back Those Happy Days.” The testimonies encouraged and inspired. One man said he is always happy since receiving salvation. Following a vocal duet, I preached from Revelation 14:13 on “Responding to the Call of God.” The testimony of Paul Patkotak was used to illustrate the immediate, long-term, and eternal benefits of living a life for Christ. There was a wonderful altar service following the meeting.

Several languages were featured during the Thursday morning teaching. Though not every song was understood by every listener, the same Spirit of God was felt throughout. The choir sang “Jerusalem, a Beautiful City” in Zulu. The congregation sang a portion of “There’s No Friend Like Jesus” in Venda, and the choir sang in Xhosa “If I had Known.” This song spoke of regretting time spent in sin and determining to live for God, and this same sentiment was expressed by several who testified.

Before the message, a beautiful vocal solo of “I Believe in Miracles” was sung in English. Then Brother Gumbo gave the teaching on “The Value of Your Soul,” taking his initial text from Matthew 16:24-27. Referencing several other Scripture passages such as Luke 16:19-31, he illustrated that gaining the riches of this world are not worth losing one’s soul. The altars quickly filled at the close.

The evening evangelistic service began with “At the Cross” played by the orchestra. During the testimonies, one woman said she was raised in a Christian home but turned to a life of sin. God drew her back and now she is saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit. For the message, Boniface Banda, the Zambia District Superintendent, read John 20:30-31 and focused on “The Unlimited Power of Jesus Christ.” He asked, “Why would we limit God?” and encouraged all to pray until complete victory is won. Afterward, there was a good response around the altars of prayer.

The Friday morning teaching began with the orchestra playing “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning.” During the testimonies, it was thrilling to hear how many had received definite experiences during this camp meeting. The message was on “Tithes and Offerings,” beginning with text from Malachi 3:8-12. It brought out that these Biblical principles were established in the Old Testament, continued in the New Testament, and still apply today. Jesus sanctioned tithing in Matthew 23:23, and Paul gave instructions for collections in 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 and commended generosity in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. The service closed with a vocal solo by Tendani Mashigwana as many went to the altars seeking God’s will.

The evening service began with a flute and clarinet duet of “Showers of Blessings.” Then the choir sang a Southern Africa composition in Zulu titled “On the Far Away Mountains, I Will See Calvary.” Many were eager to testify, and one sister thanked God through tears for baptizing her with the Holy Spirit earlier in the day. For the message, Patrick Maposa, a provincial overseer from Zimbabwe, preached from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 on “Ye Are Bought with a Price.” He reminded the listeners that the price for their redemption, healing, and challenges have already been paid. He advised against being like a prisoner whose bail has been paid but refuses to leave the jail. There was a great response at the altars afterwards.

On Saturday, the ordinances of The Lord’s Supper and Foot Washing were observed and well attended. Those who participated were clearly joyful as the Lord promised they would be. A water baptismal service was also held, and fifty-six candidates were baptized.

In the evening, a concert began with a powerful “Peace, Be Still” sung by the choir. Then, after an opening prayer, Confidence Nemaungani, the South Africa District Superintendent, welcomed everyone. He spoke briefly of the ministry of music, saying it provides an opportunity for witnessing and fellowship. He also introduced forty-three musicians who had taken lessons and passed exams at different levels. Each came forward and was awarded a certificate.

The concert continued with two orchestra numbers, and then the music director, Lucas Nemalamangwa, introduced the evening’s theme of “Peace.” He advised every listener to heed the messages of the songs and surrender every concern to God. Throughout the evening, the choir performed songs in various languages, including a very moving “How Firm a Foundation” in Zulu, and a reassuring “Blessed Quietness” in Venda. The youth also participated with “Like a River in My Soul” and a young soloist was featured in “Wonderful Peace” sung in English.

At the intermission, I was given the opportunity to make a few remarks on behalf of the Portland headquarters. I commended the musicians for continuing a more than one-hundred-year tradition of musical excellence in the Apostolic Faith. Also, I expressed that worldwide our musicians are talented, but more importantly, each has a testimony of salvation. The concert, which appeared to bring joy to all, closed with a time of prayer.

On Sunday morning, nearly one hundred children filed into the sanctuary singing, “I am happy today, because Jesus has taken my sins away!” They also sang a goodbye song to mark the end of the camp meeting. Then the orchestra continued the service with “The Great Repairer Is Coming.” The choir also sang in Zulu “Ilanga Lokulunga” or “The Sun of Righteousness,” which tells of Jesus being risen with salvation. For the Scripture reading, Christ Nkhata, the Malawi District Superintendent, read Acts 8:3-8, and before the message, a quartet sang “Help Me, Lord, to Stand.” The sermon encouraged believers from Matthew 5:13 that “Ye are the salt of the earth,” and the service closed in prayer.

Brother Darrel has returned home, and Brother John is scheduled to arrive home tomorrow evening. He commented that the camp meeting was a great success with fervent prayers going up following every service. In addition, he said that over 150 had reported receiving a blessing from the Lord.

As we thank God for this time of refreshing experienced in South Africa, let’s remember the new converts in our prayers, that He will strengthen and sustain them.