Chronicles from Africa

Robert & Esther Marsh – February 2010

South Africa & Democratic Republic of Congo - Church planting and radio ministry & Bible School

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Dear family and Friends,

I must mention, someone brought to our notice that we inadvertently forgot to put Jordan’s name on our last letter, he is still very much a part of us. Sorry Jordan…. We still love you! 

South Africa ministry

This month was busy with our annual general meeting of the church, taking place on the 10^th the month.  We were able to asses our ministries and encouraged to do better in many areas. 

On the 13^th of the month we were also blessed to have Pastor Mark Booth, from Calvary Baptist, Charlotte Michigan come and visited us. Calvary Baptist is also one of our supporting churches. Pastor Booth and his wife were a great encouragement to us as a family and our church and conducted a marriage seminar.  Every one that attended was really blessed and enjoyed it, as well as his preaching on Sunday.

Esther and I have stepped back into leading the Friday children’s programs (grads.  5-7). This is something we grew up doing together in this church, and it brings back lots of old memories.  We have had a wonderful beginning with between 30 and 40 children each week.  We have had 7 salvation decisions in the last few weeks and are looking forward to helping these children grow in the Lord and the memorizing of His word.  Pray with us that we will be able to harvest a new generation of children to go on to youth group.  Pray also for our helpers Cindy, Mark, Winnie, Lyndelwa and Stacey.  Our son Joshua also plays an important role, as he is 14 yrs. now and has moved on up to senior youth,  so he takes this time to care for grandma Wyla while the rest of the family are busy at club.   On a lighter note, these kids are very active and busy, and it has shown us how we have aged, since doing this in our younger days.  Our children have enjoyed having us in this ministry with them, as this was not often so in the DRC. 

How you can pray:

·         For the young men in Bible training:

o   Wisani, one of our faithful young adults who is leading the “Young Adults” group on a Sat. eve.

o   Musa, looking to preach.  (Once a week I meet with Wisani and Musa, and hopeful Geoffrey and Mark will join us soon) At the moment we are studying the parts of a sermon.

o   Geoffrey Bull – our deacon. (Geoffrey and Monica Bull, have moved into the leadership role of the youth ministry).

·         For a church vehicle for transport.  Also for someone that will take it as a ministry, i.e. visitation and follow-up.

·         For our spiritual fortitude as we work into these ministries. Our adversary has been working hard to discourage us. We praise the Lord for two people we were able to take into membership, and were hoping to take in a third but she has decided to go back to an old church that she had been attending. Pray that the Lord would help her.  She says she knows the truth of God’s word now from being at our church, but just can’t seem to commit.

·         Children ministries - Esther and I are leading the “Royal Challengers”, junior youth, Grade 5-7.  Also for more helpers to commit themselves to this ministry.

·         For strong marriages: We need strong marriages in our church, we need to see couples and families coming and growing together. Many still are testifying about the weekend we had with Pastor Mark Booth and his wife Sharon and there challenge on marriage. One our faithful ladies husband left the church he was attending and has now started to attended together with the rest of his family and wants to be a member of the church. Do pray for Mr. Mbingeleli that he would continue to take these steps of growth.

Radio ministry

We are still in the process of researching the possibility of moving the program from Short Wave to FM. We have two possible stations that we will be able to broadcast our program from.

In Christ,

Robert, Esther, Joshua, Cherith, Jordan, Jeremy, Chelsea, Chaylee, Winnie and Wyla (Grandma Grings)