GRACE REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH UPDATE- AUGUST 2010

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psa 126:1-6 ESV)

Havana Preaching Point

I have loved the message of Psalm 126 ever since I first came across it early in my Christian life, but the impact of its truth has never been so felt as in the last one month. This Lord’s Day, once again, came the news that a couple, a man and his wife, at the Havana preaching point professed faith. My first reaction (I am ashamed to confess) was doubt as to whether or not this was real. But then came another thought that - this is the fruit of six months of what appeared to be fruitless labour. God truly is blessing the labours of our men who Sunday by Sunday have faithfully gone to preach there.

Next Lord’s Day we will have the Havana group ferried to GRBC. The four that have professed faith will come with three of the most regular unsaved attendees to be feted at the manse. We are very excited about what is happening in Havana. Now we have the challenge of dealing with their complex problems as some of them have relationships that may cost them dearly and they do not know how to handle them. We need God’s wisdom to help them. Pray for us.

The Herero Mall Second Visit on 24th July

We had our planned a braai there and we reached out to many more souls than the first attempt. The good thing was that we had more church members participating this time round and they were more bold. Those of our members who were not confident to speak gave support to their colleagues. In some cases, we had people patiently waiting for their turn to be spoken to. We were encouraged to see that even after the braai was finished, and everything packed, people kept coming to listen. We may have reached between 50 to 70 in the two hours we were there. But there were incidents also (as would be expected in place like that). Our teenage girls were robbed of their soft drinks by some young men who had just visited our stand, mocking that God had provided those drinks through the girls. Others called our outreach as "FOOD FOR BIBLE". We plan to visit again perhaps with cameras this time round hoping they will not be grabbed from us.

The Greenwell Matongo (GM) and Ubabalo Ministries

I reported on the two outreach programs in my last update. The ministries are expanding and we are looking for ways of managing them well. The children’s ministry has more than doubled because of input from GM. Now mothers of the kids and young men we reach also want a bible study for them. No request from fathers!

GRBC Attendance

Large attentance continues to result in the shortage of sitting space. Pray with us for the salvation of many who come and for God to sustain the large attendances.

Nsenduluka