PETAUKE GRACE REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH

Dear Brethren,

RE: FORTNIGHTLY PRAYER REQUEST

I greet you in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and trust that the almighty God has been precious to you. I thank God that though I had malaria he gave me grace to continue with his work.

The last fortnight was a busy one, and the most anxious period for the life of the Church in Petauke. Imagine: Five members, amongst them, with two leaders announcing their transfers to other district. The first reaction was that the Lord is closing the Church. God is sovereign. Ever since the announcements and others already relocated, we have seen an increase in the attendance on Sundays.

During this period I was involved in the following activities:

On 26th June 2009, I counselled a grade 8 pupil, Ariel B., a Catholic, who wanted to commit suicide because of recent deaths in his father's family. I first of all told him the story of Job and asked him to compare the story with what had happened in his family. He confessed that Job went through a more difficult situation than his. I also told him that committing suicide is killing and that God shall punish those who kill. In the end I preached the Gospel to him. Thank God on Sunday 28th he was in Church with us.

On 27th June 2009, I conducted a couple's fellowship where eight couples attended. These included two couples in the neighbourhood. The topics discussed were parent's relationship with children and how to use resources in the family, especially money. We looked at the areas of budgeting, saving, spending and debt. Our neighbours wished the fellowship would be held regularly.

On Sunday 28th June 2009, I preached from John 4:29 on the theme, "The effect of God's saving grace". "Come; see a man, which told me all things that I ever did: is not this the Christ?' The service was well attended. Attendance was over 50. We give glory and honour to the most high God.

On 29th June 2009, my wife and I invited some members of the Church and our neighbours for dinner to bid farewell to Mr. & Mrs. D.G., who was one of our leaders. They are relocating to Lusaka for a new appointment. The fellowship was edifying and I was reminded of Psalm 133:1-2, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity" etc.

On 30th June 2009, I went to Covenant College to teach the certificate class systematic theology on the subjects; The Names and Natures of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have been requested to do this in order to cover for Rev Cees M. who took his sick wife to Holland. The first day was good.

In between the above activities I did a lot of evangelism. As a result, we have started receiving people almost every day waiting to have a talk with the Pastor over spiritual or marital problems.

Prayer requests:

• Thank God for the harvest that he is bringing in Church.
• Pray that we continue to grow spiritually as the Church.
• Pray for Brother Biseck M. to have strength. He lost his father on Sunday and buried him on Monday.
• Pray for D.G. and family, Mark B. and family that the Lord will guide them in their new appointments in Lusaka and Nyimba respectively.
• Pray for me that the Lord will continue to give me more strength through his Holy Spirit that I may continue being useful for the Kingdom.

Yours in the service of the Lord,

 

Lovemore B.
Missionary Pastor.