From the Superintendent's DESK

After leaving the Democratic Republic of the Congo, John Musgrave, Director of Africa Work, traveled to the countries of Angola and then Lesotho. He was accompanied by Onias Gumbo and Isaac Adigun, District Superintendents for Southern and Eastern Africa (SEAR) and Western and Central Africa (WECA) respectively.

In Angola, they joined with Country Leader, Antonio Castilho, and met with the Director General of Religious Affairs to facilitate the registration of our work in this country. This was a crucial step in an ongoing and arduous process. Pray for the Lord’s guidance in this matter.

They also attended a church service at one of our seventeen Luanda locations, Talatona. Pastored by Alexandre Tchitekulu, this branch is affectionately called “Bethlehem” for having the smallest church. Despite the name, there are ninety adults and forty children who worship at this location. Our team arrived at the church to an enthusiastic welcome led by Provincial Overseer Emilia Piedosa Constantino, and the Zonal Pastor, Brother Avelino. A large group of saints were lined up outside the church smiling and waving. Inside, they enjoyed a heartfelt and inspired service with beautiful music in Portuguese.

The Lesotho portion of the trip is outlined in the following report sent by Brother John.

Brother Onias, Brother Isaac, and I arrived in Maseru on Saturday, February 1. We were greeted in a special way by a children’s choir singing “Welcome! We are happy to see you.” The Lesotho Country Leader, Edmond Makwiramiti, also greeted us. He pioneered this work with his wife, Memory, in 2017, when they moved here with their children as missionaries. Today, there are three Apostolic Faith groups in this country: two in Maseru and one in a nearby village. Sadly, Sister Memory went home to be with the Lord this past June.

Lesotho is a mountainous, landlocked country within South Africa, with a population of 2.1 million. Maseru, the capital and largest city, has a population of approximately 470,000. We learned that the country’s primary export is water, which is transported to South Africa from large mountain reservoirs. Lesotho is also known for its cattle, goats, and sheep, as well as having the coolest weather in Africa.

Our visit took place during a weekend of revival services held at Cenez High School, a private institution. We arrived in time to join approximately one hundred others for the early afternoon service. One of those in attendance was Sister Mampolokeng who is ninety-two. She was among the first converts in Lesotho.

The service began with two vocal duets in Sotho, including “It Was a Great Day When I Was Born Again.” A South African group then sang two specials in Zulu. Brother Edmond energetically welcomed everyone and emphasized that this was a time for revival. Three congregational songs followed in Sotho and had such moving lyrics as, “Come, Holy Spirit, set cold hearts on fire with Your love.” The opening prayer was offered by Confidence Nemaungani, the South Africa Country Leader.

Following the announcements, a group from South Africa, along with two sisters from Lesotho, sang “Only Trust Him” in Venda. During the testimonies, an older brother thanked God for the strength to attend three camp meetings last year. He had been at the point of death, but God healed him.

Before the message, an ensemble sang “You Will Be Happy All the Way” and then I had the opportunity to extend greetings on behalf of Brother Sola, the world headquarters, and the Portland congregation. The sermon was based on John 2:1-5, the marriage in Cana, and focused on “The Presence of the Lord.” It brought out the importance of bringing problems to Jesus and doing “whatsoever he saith unto you.” It also included a reminder that miracles are still available today. The meeting closed with a good time of prayer around the altars.

In the evening, the choir set the tone for the service by singing “Why Not You?” Among the testimonies, Nicolus Moholwa, who is the pastor at Diepsloot, South Africa, praised God for deliverance from alcohol and drugs. He said that he repented of his sins and God saved him, sanctified him, and filled him with the Holy Spirit. Since then, God has also blessed him with a godly wife, Shumani, and four children.

Brother Onias delivered the message from Acts 4:10-12, highlighting “The Power in Jesus’ Name.” He referenced John 3:14-16, Mark 16:16-18, and Acts 19:11-16, to illustrate the difference between those who know Jesus and those who do not. A powerful altar service followed.

On Sunday, our services began in a delightful way with the Sunday school children marching in while singing “Keep Your Eyes on God.” Later, a combined choir uplifted with several songs, including “Praise God, Alleluia.” The Scripture reading was taken from John 15:1-11, which begins, “I am the true vine.”

The focus of the sermon was John 15:5 and being “Connected to the True Vine.” An illustration was shared about a hotel wi-fi connection that appeared to be working but wasn’t. This was used to symbolize the difference between appearing connected to Christ and truly being in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). At the close, another great altar service followed.

The afternoon service was attended by about seventy, and opened with a vocal duet of “When the Lord Stands by Me.” One of the testimonies was given by a sister who said sin had bewitched her, but when she sought the Lord, she found salvation, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Before the message, the choir sang “Just a Little Talk with Jesus.” Then Brother Isaac took his text from Matthew 5:6 and emphasized having “A Spiritual Hunger.” He shared his testimony of becoming so desperate for salvation at school that he prayed through to that experience. He pointed to Isaiah 55:1-2 to reinforce God’s invitation to those who thirst. He closed with John 7:37-38, inviting anyone spiritually hungry to come forward—and they did.

Following the service, the saints presented us with traditional wool blankets and hats. Despite the 93-degree temperature, the thoughtful gifts were appreciated, and we took several photos wearing them.

Then we had the opportunity to visit the rented space currently being used as the headquarters church. It is small, only able to accommodate about forty-five people. A larger unit nearby was used for Lesotho’s first camp meeting in 2023.

Brother John closed his report saying, “Lesotho is a beautiful country known for its excellent water. Now the Lord is blessing it with ‘living water.’ We trust that ‘He who began a good work’ in Lesotho will continue it until His return.”