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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>South African Bible Believers<BR>P.O.Box
1354<BR>Meyerton 1960<BR>October 6, 2004<BR>News Letter<BR>A lot has happened
over the last few weeks, the Brethren Forum is now up and running. Within the
Forum, there are sections for Missionary updates, Prayer Requests, Bible Study,
General Discussion and Activities (i.e. Conferences etc.) The address of the
Forum is: <A
href="http://www.biblebeliever.co.za/meeting">www.biblebeliever.co.za/meeting</A>
.<BR>The E Mail list is now running successfully on our servers. This list
compliments the list run from Kent, which has been running for a few years.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>To subscribe to the Mail list send a E Mail to <A
href="mailto:meeting-request@biblebeliever.co.za">meeting-request@biblebeliever.co.za</A>
<BR>with the words " subscribe " in the subject line. <BR>On this list, we have
fellowship with members from Assemblies around the world<BR> <BR>The
Website (<A href="http://www.biblebeliever.co.za">www.biblebeliever.co.za</A>)
is being updated, most of the cape Assembly address and contact details having
being added. <BR> <BR>New will be web pages for our Assemblies to add their
own web presence, i.e. meeting times, photos of the assembly, activities etc.
<BR>To make use of this facility, please E Mail me at <A
href="mailto:rob.jones@biblebeliever.co.za">rob.jones@biblebeliever.co.za</A>
<BR>Your address will be <A
href="http://www.biblebeliever.co.za/your_assembly_name">www.biblebeliever.co.za/your_assembly_name</A>
<BR>(your_assembly_name)<BR>Try the above link for an example of an Assembly in
Canada.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><BR> <BR> <BR>Missionary
News</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Howard Watson (Central Assembly
Johannesburg)<BR>During the last week of September, Howard Watson, Bryan Watson
and Rodney Brown went on a missionary tour of Gazenkulu, and Venda. In
Gazenkulu, some 90 people attended the services, which was held daily, and
Venda, some 50-60 people. These areas are very remote, the nearest town some
50km away, and hardly any Christian activity there. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Philip Barnes (Hatfield Harare
Zimbabwe)<BR>The stress in this country is such that we are seeing many
marriages really struggling. An emotionally distressed friend [came to talk to
us]. She was the third married woman in just over a week that expressed how much
her relationship with her husband was in serious trouble. Our hearts ache for
people born in a country like this where every little thing is a struggle and
their future here on earth seems very bleak.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Margret Gauld (Loloma Mission<BR>P O Box 150
Manyinga Kabompo Zambia)<BR>I will be accompanying 9 Zambian believers to
Angola, (October) and we hope to stay for a month. The purpose of the trip is
gospel outreach in at least three different locations. We also wish to visit
some of the assemblies to help the Christians. Prayer is greatly valued. The
obstacles are many, but our God is able. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Mike Adkins (Africa Inland Mission)<BR>Hello from
Kenya once again! It has been a very busy last few months, but we have seen the
Lord working in so many ways. As we look out our bedroom at the girls bedroom
door, we can see a poster with an ostrich on it, and the saying on the poster
is…."Wake up and Shout for Joy". That is how we have felt so many times, as we
have watched the Lord work in our children's lives and the lives of our dear
friends around us. This past six weeks we have had the privilege to see all of
our children. Each visited us during this summer. At one point, we were all
together for a couple of days. We praise the Lord for his goodness to us. Aaron
has headed back to Houghton College as a junior and plans on finishing up his
Intercultural Studies and Inter-national Studies degree. He was excited to
return to university. Michelle is working as an Administrative Assistant for
Children's Ministries at a large church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bryan has
just finished a contract in Tanzania with Houghton College and has now accepted
a position with World Relief and will be living in Nairobi. Heather has joined
the RVA staff as an eleventh grade teacher of English and also is teaching a
couple of courses in computers. She is really enjoying her time. Mike has
recently taken on a new job of staff services and also is teaching a videography
course until the teacher is able to take over. He is also pro-ducing videos for
Bethany Rehabi-litation and Relief dealing with medical issues and sharing the
gospel with these needy people. Janet is still in charge of the cafeteria. At
the end of last term, we had the privilege of sharing with 16 students who chose
to go forward in baptism. It was a wonderful service to watch. The students each
gave their testimonies and then proceeded with baptism. The whole student body
was able to participate in the joy of their profession of Jesus Christ. <BR>Our
new year has opened and we have an abundance of new and returning stu-dents. It
is so nice to see each one back to continue on with their education, but to
realize that each one represents parents who are out in the field reaching the
nations with the gospel. Currently we have 23 nationalities from over 75
different mission organi-zations. In one of Heather's classes alone, the
students were able to speak 16 languages amongst their peers in that class. So
you can see we have a diverse group of kids. <BR>We thank the Lord for the
ability to serve here at Rift Valley Academy and we thank each of you for being
a part of this ministry. Thank you for your prayers and the financial gifts.
<BR>oPlease pray for unity amongst the staff and students as we begin a new year
<BR>oPlease pray for Ben's adoption still in the process <BR>oPlease pray for
one our African brothers and his wife who are stepping out in faith with
adoption and beginning a home for needy children. <BR>oPlease pray for us as a
family that we will be faithful in showing God's love to people around us
everyday. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hurricane Ivan.<BR>JAMAICA - We have received the
following detailed report from Dr Winston & Mrs Nurkle Litchmore in Jamaica.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>"Please pray for reconstruction work, which is
taking place due to the devastating work of Hurricane Ivan. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hurricane Ivan attacked Jamaica on Friday 10
September 2004, and wreaked havoc throughout the island. 17 persons lost their
lives and hundreds were made homeless. There were extensive damages to farms,
businesses, schools and churches, and utilities were temporarily put out of
action. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Among the 84 Christian Brethren Assemblies no loss
of life, or major physical injuries, has been reported. However the roofs of
several buildings were damaged to varying degrees by the fierce and boisterous
winds. The surging waters also entered some buildings via doors and windows
damaging furniture, floors and furnishings. Many believers had the roofs of
their homes blown off and hundreds of them lost their crops. Although the saints
have acted remarkably quickly on reconstruction, many of these are temporary
arrangements. For some assemblies services are being held in homes, neighbouring
assemblies, or in tents. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Christian Missions has the role of co-ordinating
disaster aid. It has the responsibility for receiving funds, food, and building
materials, and disbursing them. Whatever assistance received will be
acknowledged. In his role as CEO, Dr Winston Litchmore has been touring damaged
assembly buildings, assessing individual needs, and determining priorities for
aid. The Christian Brethren radio programme 'Look at Life' is being utilized in
communicating with the assemblies. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>MIDLAND BIBLE INSTITUTE - About 75% of the roof of
Midland Bible Institute has been damaged causing severe flooding inside the
building. No one can be housed on campus. Upstairs the dormitories are
particularly affected, with beds and furniture all damaged. The newly extended
and refurbished library has been affected including some books. The roof is
temporarily covered with tarpaulins but the continuing rains constantly bring
more water inside the building. The clearing of materials and debris is a huge
job. However classes are in session being held both in the foyer and in the
classrooms, which are not affected. Praise the Lord! The school had a visit from
the looters but nothing was taken. This building was not insured. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>SHILOH GOSPEL HALL - The main church building was
intact except for the main door, which was wrenched off b y the 'crow-bar'
effect of the wind. The manse, which was recently refurbished, sustained leakage
due to some sheets of zinc being raised by the wind, and the annexe building
lost two sheets of zinc. Several believers had roof damage and flood-damage, but
two lost their roofs and two elderly believers living in poor conditions need to
be re-housed. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>MIDLAND PREPARATORY SCHOOL - This school sustained
30% roof damage. There was inside flooding. One of our assemblies, the Midland
Bible Chapel, is housed by this building and has made alternative arrangements
for church services. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>BEREA GOSPEL HALL - This small assembly, which has
insurance on the building, experienced minor damages to its roof and to a small
building on site. Action is being taken to address the damage. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>FAITH GOSPEL CHAPEL - The main building sustained
roof damage as well as damage to windows and doors causing flooding. The manse
has been destroyed. The home of a local missionary couple sustained roof and
furniture damages. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>BETHEL GOSPEL CHAPEL, SOUTHFIELD, ST ELIZABETH -
This assembly is located in the southern part of the island and has a membership
of over 200 believers. The building was constructed in 1969 and opened in 1970.
The building lost its roof and there was damage to some furniture. About six
believers lost the roofs to their homes. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>WESTERN BIBLE CAMP SITE - Bethel Gospel Chapel has
responsibility for this 7½ acre camp site. The facilities are extensively
damaged and in chaos. The roof of the male building, and also the back veranda
of the oldest building are destroyed. The roof of the auditorium, kitchen and
dining room is blown off. This is a very large building. Over the years several
efforts have been made to improve this facility and this can be seen in that a
newly constructed area is in place and this has remained intact during the
hurricane. It is in this building that equipment and other materials were stored
and kept safe. Well organized, and fruitful camp work goes on here every year.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>GALILEE GOSPEL HALL - Galilee is among the larger
assemblies and is located east of the capital of Kingston. It experienced
flooding inside the sanctuary and damage to the office of the local missionary
through flooding. Several books were damaged. This was due to the water coming
through loose capping on the roof. There is minor damage to the building which
houses the medical clinic. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>CARMEL GOSPEL HALL - Carmel is located east of
capital Kingston. There was minor damage to the ceiling of the main building and
outside the kitchen area. There was also minor damage to the resource centre,
which caused a worsening of the condition of the ceiling. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>LONGWOOD GOSPEL HALL - There was extensive roof and
structural damage to the left side of the main building. The back of the
building, which houses the basic school, is almost completely destroyed.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>GOSHEN GOSPEL HALL - Very minor damage detected.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>QUICKSTEP GOSPEL HALL - A report that the roof was
completely destroyed proved false. However, three sheets of zinc were dislodged
and the saints acted quickly to replace them. The building, which was flooded
inside including wet bedding, was being dried out. The ceiling, which is in a
deplorable condition, now needs to be replaced. It is interesting to note that
this small assembly opened its door to the public for shelter during the
hurricane. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>ROSES VALLEY GOSPEL HALL - This assembly is in the
process of rebuilding and withstood the hurricane, except for ground water
overflow into a low back section which is still under construction.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>EMMAUS GOSPEL CHAPEL - The building was unscathed
from the hurricane and in good condition. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>ABERDEEN GOSPEL HALL - Construction work is being
carried on at this assembly where a new building is being built around an older
building. It is reported that no damage was sustained. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>CHRISTIANA GOSPEL CHAPEL - There was no damage to
this building except for a slight roof damage causing a leakage inside. The
saints speedily carried out the repair work. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>MANDEVILLE BIBLE CHAPEL - There was slight damage
to the rear of the building where a few sheets of zinc were blown off. Repair
work is in hand. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>BETHEL GOSPEL HALL, MOCHO, CLARENDON - There was
slight damage to the roof of the building near to the front porch causing water
damage to some furnishings. The roof of an outside toilet was completely blown
off and needs replacement. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The tour continues and the next visit is schedule
for Berkshire Gospel Hall where the roof has been damaged. Assemblies have been
asked to contact the offices of Christian Missions with their individual
estimates for damage to property. We have been impressed with the way that the
government / agencies / organisations have been handling things both in the
pre-Ivan and post-Ivan period. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>We are grateful for the interest and concern shown
by everyone and will ask you to continue to pray with us that the Lord will
bring glory to His name out of this hurricane experience." </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>We confirm that Echoes of Service has sent monies
from its Disaster Fund to assist with the relief operation and rebuilding costs.
We are continuing to monitor this situation and further monies will be sent if
appropriate. Please continue to remember this situation in your
prayers.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>For further details contact <BR>Rob Jones<BR>Mail:
<A
href="mailto:robjones@biblebeliever.co.za">robjones@biblebeliever.co.za</A><BR>Tel:
016 5901486 Cell: 0824105633<BR></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>