INTRODUCTION

It has not been easy to run the local church for the whole 2009. We are entirely dependent on the grace that has been revealed to us as a church. Furthermore, we are dependent on the prayers from different supporting churches and a sending church, not to mention individuals out there praying for us in Sinda.

I would say the year was divided into three divisions: (1) A time of sickness, which caused some church activities to fail. (2) A time of spiritual challenges, which was a time of discouragement, persecutions, sorrows; yet there were many answers to prayer during this time. (3) A time of joy, which was a time where we as a local church rejoiced when we experienced new converts through the preaching of the gospel. Church meetings have been exciting to all because a good number (I would rather say three quarters of the members) were serious with church activities and meetings. We really thank God for the fruits. I have noticed that since 2007 to 2009, we have seen fruit as a result of some who are working extremely hard to extend the church of God by preaching the gospel and encouraging the weak. Continue praying for us that we should expect more fruits in the year 2010.

1. MEMBERSHIP

From 2008 the membership has been 24. Early 2009 the membership rose to 30 after baptizing six more people. Early October 2009 we lost one member who was called by the Lord to rest (died). This was Mrs. Tambuzai Z. This brought the membership to 29. Graciously before the year ends in 2009, five more people were baptized. This brought the membership to 34. Pray for spiritual growth.

2. MEETINGS

Attendance on Sunday has slightly reduced to between 45 and 50 as the average attendance every Sunday. This has been so because many regular visitors have gone to different congregations. We have talked to some concerning why they have left us. They gave us reasons such as they wanted choirs and choruses, and they didn’t enjoy singing hymns. I have been going through a series on the book of Galatians (preaching) from January to December 2009. Wednesday prayer meetings, alternates with bible study. On average, the attendance was between 15 and 20 people for the prayer meetings. The Provincial conference was only attended by 15 people. It was held in Nyimba district about 100km from Sinda.

3. MINISTRIES

The ministries in 2009 were very much active in door-to-door evangelism. This ministry resulted in some new converts. Five of them, whom I mentioned earlier on, were baptized. In the sports ministry we have faithfully preached to them, but we didn’t experience any fruit.

4. INTERIM LEADERSHIP: I have continued developing them, and I have noticed the growth in knowledge and spirit, to handle spiritual matters.

5. OVERSIGHT: There is no change to a problem that was raised in 2008 as I visited the members in their homes. The same problem exists until now, which is unfaithfulness to family devotional and prayers. Others problems relate to the giving of tithes and offerings. Only about one third give their tithes. Others have complained that they don’t earn money monthly but yearly, because they are peasant farmers.

6 BUILDING PROJECT

Regarding the church building - we have not yet started erecting the walls because we are still looking forward for funds. We already have 25,000 bricks and the foundation has been dug. Andrew A. in UK had promised us some money to start building up the building. Please pray for us.

PASTOR’S FAMILY

We have every reason to thank the Lord for spiritual and financial support. Not only that, we have received good second hand clothes for the people here in Sinda (in particular, from the members of our church). Praise be to God for the brethren there at Kabwata Baptist Church for supporting missions work in Sinda. Our family has grown in number. Our last born, Wezzy B., was born on 14th February 2009. This brings us to three sons and a daughter, and two dependants, Abel and Alice B. All together we are a family of eight. Pray for salvation to our first born Zingani B.

2010 PLAINS (PRAYER CONCERNED)

1. Church building project
2. To improve on the evangelism ministry.
3. To experience spiritual growth among the members.
4. Leadership developments.
5. Pray for Greenford K. He has heard a pastoral call.
6. God bless our supporters.

Missionary Pastor German B.