MACEDONIAN MINIISTRIES THANKSGIVING REPORT

JANUARY 2017-01-09

The Macedonian Ministries Team in SA, wish all our friends, partners, donors and fellow workers God’s richest blessings during 2017.  We have started the year with appreciation for the many blessings experienced over the past six months, and by way of report share some of these with you.

Eastern Cape

The ten day evangelistic tour which focussed on high school learners and young adults in the Kentani/Cebe region revealed an open mind to the Gospel. Three thousand Gospels of John where warmly received in schools which allowed us brief periods of ministry to share in song, testimony and from God’s Word. We used these opportunities to advertise youth outreaches at which the Jesus Film was screened. Hundreds attended, approximately eighty publicly chose to seek the Lord Jesus Christ in Salvation.   

Our wish, is for God to raise up a Youth Director who would be willing to focus his entire ministry on reaching out to the young people of this region


MINISTRY TEAM



SCHOOL MINISTRY



Zululand

This region is still in the grip of a severe drought, which has serious implications for life and ministry. However, it must be said that the cluster of ten churches planted in recent years, are living in the victory found only in Jesus Christ. His wonderful providence has brought about a unity, fortitude and fellowship which, constantly enables these Christians to live triumphantly. They are truly “shining lights” of God’s goodness and Grace to their communities. Two visits over the past six months afforded many opportunities to for multiple ministries to take place. These times of evangelism, Theological training, encouragement and edification in the Word will long be remembered for the enriching benefits which they brought to these churches.

Please join us in prayer for copious rains to fall on Zululand.

 

Trevor, Mark and Troyden bringing Christmas cheer to Pastor Peterson in Pongola



Troyden enjoying being “Father Christmas” with the children in Zululand

 

Mozambique

 The Southern Province of this country still struggles to break out of the grip of poverty. Few natural resources, poor infrastructure together with inherent social evils, make life a constant struggle to survive. Our compassionate ministries which endeavour to compliment the Gospel Initiative in Church Planting and development is gratefully received. We wish that we could do more! Thank you to those donors who make provision of Food, clothing, seed and medicine available for the needy people.

The significant development over the past six months has been the emergence of a younger generation of leaders, who are passionate about working together as team, in an effort; by God’s grace, to impact this region better through the Ministry of the Gospel.    

RECEIVING GIFTS

 

SINGING PRAISES!!!

General

Our hearts abound with great joy, found in presenting the whole Gospel to all the many different ethnicities to whom God has called us to minister. It is most blessed to see Him constantly transforming lives through the power of the unchanging Gospel. Our Lord Jesus Christ is still on the throne and building His church. Praise God. AND thank you for the privilege of representing you, and our King, on the Mission Field which is still “White unto harvest”.

May God keep us Faithful, until the harvest is complete.

Prayer Requests

Health, strength and protection for the task ahead.

Faithfulness to the Great Commission of Christ....we do not wish to be side tracked!

Pastors and Church planters who struggle financially

Resources

 

 

 

 

GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN MINISTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA.

 

  

 

 

 

CHURCH MISSIONARY TOUR:  APRIL  2016-04-24

Mally and myself have just returned from a tour of three regions in which Macedonian Ministries is currently ministering. It was immensely gratifying to see the progress which is being made by different Churches in different regions, some of them struggling under some very trying circumstances.

Obambo (Northern Zululand)

This region is in the grip of a severe drought, which has seen many of the cattle die and most households are now facing the winter without any summer crops to harvest. A difficult time lies ahead. Please pray.

In partnership with the KZNBA we have just completed the fourth borehole, each of which has been sunk on church property for the free harvesting of potable water by the local community. Praise God for this provision.

Last year saw the commencement of the tenth church planting initiative in this region, near Mseleni Mission Hospital. By God’s Grace so many people came to salvation in a short space of time, that the home in which they were meeting was too small to accommodate the congregation. We all felt it was time to build a sanctuary. Work began immediately. This week will see the roof added and soon the Building will be completed. PG.

 

 

MOZAMBIQUE

After a few days we moved across the border into neighbouring Mozambique.

They too, are in the grip of the drought, only difference for them is that  the severity is exacerbated by a harsher climate and soil which is much less arable.  

Here, the cattle have also died, but saddest of all was to hear of famine related deaths among the people living in surrounding villages.......and the winter season has hardly begun. Please pray.

Happily we have donors who regularly provide for disaster relief aid, so we were prepared for the inevitable. After lengthy deliberations around the most pressing needs in the various communities, we were able to distribute funding to pastors for the alleviation of poverty through those churches in the worst affected areas. THANK YOU, DONORS FOR YOUR “CUP OF COLD WATER GIVEN IN JESUS NAME” 

Despite the nagging hardships, we were grateful to God for pastors and congregations who are displaying the most indomitable spirit imaginable. They are committed to the cause of the Gospel; shown in active evangelization, discipleship of their congregations and church planting.

At Bella Vista, Pastor Theresa is leading a congregation which has outgrown their little straw church, and is only a few days away from finishing the few remaining cement blocks which are needed for their new Church Building. The site, obtained from local government, has already been cleared and they are “ready to build”. PG.   

 

While we were there, Mally and I had the joy of teaching the Mozambique team the fundamentals of Christian leadership;  highlighting the differences between Pastoring a congregation as opposed to “managing the church”

 

After the distribution of clothing, linen, seed, tools and machinery (Most Pastors are bio-vocational), it was once again time to bid farewell and start heading for our next destination in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Safely across the border, and without incident, we set out for Pongola, about one hundred and sixty kilometres away.

NORTHERN   KWA-ZULU NATAL

Pastor Peterson Shozi, met us on the gravel road, near his  new church site. Only fifteen months ago he and his wife Dudu (Both graduates with degrees in agriculture), commenced planting a church among this very needy community. Originally they worshipped in a small marquee tent provided by his tent hiring business. This soon proved to be too small and the prevailing winds which destroyed two tents were the last straw to break their enthusiasm. They began to seek God’s intervention in favour of a substantial building. The Lord, THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH, proved again that He is the God of PROVIDENCE.

Pastor Shozi, came across a “half finished hall”. On investigation, he discovered that the owners had aborted their plans due to financial constraints.  Conclusion.....this most suitable incomplete building perfectly situated and easy to adapt into a sanctuary, was purchased for pittance. PG.

With some deep digging into their personal resources and a little help from outside, the congregation was able to sufficiently complete the building to the point where they are able to use it for ministry. PG.

Please pray/contribute to the funds needed for the finishing touches of this project.

 

 

All good things, they say, come to an end. This is how we were feeling as continued on toward our last assignment on this trip. Vryheid, a small cosmopolitan town in the middle of nowhere.

Here we met briefly with Jan Engelbracke, recently inducted pastor of the reconstituted Vryheid Baptist Church.

The drought has also affected this community, but it was pleasing to hear of how determined they are to work around the hardships. Many new, very exciting ministry opportunities have come their way and they have grasped them with open arms.PG. The fellowship and prayer was most encouraging.

The remainder of our journey home was without incident. After 1200 ks. in the safe arms of our Dear Lord and so much blessing, it’s time to pause, and reflect on THE ALL SURPASSING GREATNESS OF OUR GOD.....AND HOW INCEDIBLY PRIVILEDGED WE ARE TO BE HIS SERVANTS. Together with Mally, I want to confess our inexpressible joy, found in serving the one who called us follow Him with the promise that He would make us fishes of men. By His Grace we are striving to obey.....and as the journey proceeds, together with us, please give thanks for all that has been achieved for the Eternal Kingdom as a result of our partnership in Ministry. Thank you for all that you do and mean to us. Please continue to remember us in prayer.

With sincere love and appreciation from both of us.

Trevor and Marilyn. 

KENYAN MISSION TRIP   SEPTEMBER 2015-09-29

MALLY AND MYSELF HAVE ONCE AGAIN had the joy joining a team from Bayleaf Baptist Church on a mission trip to Kenya. Our assignment was to train Pastors and Pastors wives in Biblical Theology. This is always a special privilege which we grasp enthusiastically. Over the years we have developed very meaningful relationships with Pastoral couples in Kenya. The reunion with many of them was delightful. We were most encouraged to see how these couples are growing in the Lord and showing great perseverance in the ministry, which at times is exceedingly difficult for most of them.  In these difficult times the bio-vocational option has been embraced, for most, as the only way forward.

Alongside of teaching and training, there are always opportunities to Minister generally in churches and at other special gatherings. We praise God that He came up for us. Using His Word to bring Souls to Salvation and some Christian young people to hear and respond to His call upon their lives to follow Him all the days of their lives; maybe into Full-time Christian Service. Please pray for these young people.

Significant time was spent in consultation with the South Rift Baptist Regional Leaders, over the possibility of establishing a regional Bible School for the majority of Maasai pastors who have little or no Theological Education. Please pray with us.

If you would like to be a part of this initiative, at ANY level, please feel free to contact us. It’s a huge undertaking which will need the resources and enthusiastic involvement of a large committed team to make it happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plenary session at Conference in Matuu 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mally teaching women. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trevor teaching pastors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriage seminar from Book of Ruth for pastors and their wives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gifts: Shirts and ties for pastors.

  

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

Carpentry tools for Pastor Benson who is a bio-vocational furniture manufacturer

 Maasai friends have found a special place in our hearts.

10 Church Tour

Dear Macedonian ministries family,

Thank you for your prayers 

Mally and I have just returned safely from a 10 Church Tour of  Obambo(Northern Kwa Zulu Natal) and Mozambique.

Please give thanks to God and rejoice with us :-

 

1.  Mnqobokazi….This church was only planted a year ago, New Church building with adjoining  rooms completed in January 2015.…..87 gathered (Friday evening) for training and discipleship. PG.

 

2.  Mbuswana…….On Saturday 41…..pastors, pastors wives, deacons, youth leaders, woman in leadership from the Mbuswana Region met for Leadership Seminar and Ministry from the Word. We were encouraged by their  enthusiasm and unity of purpose.

              Pastor Genius and Kosi

3.      Manzibomvu….The Mother church of the region….Over 200 in the early morning worship service. ……The large number of young people/young adults was gratifying…....Mnqobokazi…..Late morning service….. well attended and enthusiastic for worship and ministry from the Word.

 

 

4.      Sodwana…..About 60 attended in their newly built  sanctuary. The regional Zulu Induna (chief) is a member of this congregation.

       Mbuswana……Mally preached at this morning service and  was very encouraged by their hunger and appreciation for the Word of God.

       Mnqobokazi……PM….. Vernon reported on good attendance and enthusiasm for the growth of  this newly planted church.

5.      Msileni……Monday pm….This church plant met in a house…..wall to wall people in the lounge, overflow in the bedrooms. We were able to give them about 400 items of new clothing (factory defects) for their ministry to the large number of sibling families in this area……also Bibles, 300  Gospel’s of John and 200 Booklets for discipleship of new converts. This congregation  has just received permission to build a church on land allocated by the tribal authorities. PG.

 

 

6.      Emangusi…….Tuesday pm……About 40 gathered for worship and leadership training. We were encouraged by the faithful leadership in this church and their vision for ongoing growth.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

 Mozambique

7.      Ponta Do Oura…..Wednesday pm……Very well attended prayer meeting (40 plus) followed by Discipleship and Leadership Training. Could not miss that this congregation is made up of mostly young adults and middle age parents with young children. Their English is improving rapidly and it is easier to communicate than a few years ago. There is a growing number of very capable men in leadership..

8.      Padreira…..Pastor rejoicing after recovery from TB, daughter still struggling with epilepsy, ministry challenging is this very harsh environment where poverty abounds. Were able to deliver food grant, clothing, some hardware, Bibles and seed.

 

9.      Bella Vista……Congregation meets in a grass hut which is able to accommodate about 12 adults…….Larger attendance means they have to gather under a local mango tree…..Pastor Theresa rejoicing in ministry which is growing steadily. Congregation has just received church building site from Mozy Government. Delivered food grant, clothing, Bibles, seed.

10.   Salamunga……Pastor Arturi….also enjoying slow growth in a very difficult ministry region…..The community he ministers to, live alongside the Maputo Elephant Park, which is infested with mosquitoes and is inhabited by very aggressive elephants with bad attitude.  Able to deliver Clothing, food grant, Bibles and seed.

 

 Had very enthusiastic forward planning meetings with the leadership of both regions. Some very innovative projects are receiving attention for care of pastors, development of leaders, Bible training, and evangelism ( especially among youth)

With thanksgiving to God  for  His abundant blessing on our efforts in Mission.

Thank you for your encouragement and  support for the extension of the Kingdom of God.

Trevor and Marilyn.
Macedonian Ministries

 

 

 

Ministry to Vulnerable Children

We at Macedonian Ministries have been privileged to be able to share with several vulnerable children over the last year - see below how we have been able to bless each one of them.

 

 

 

NIVUYO  PLAATJIE         15 YEARS……

Pastor Aleko met this lad through his Evangelistic sporting program at Wittlesea. He was rudderless, ignored by parents and home and heading for delinquency. The family agreed that he move into the pastors home, for care and discipleship by the church.

The past three years have see a phenomenal change in his life, leading to his conversion and development in Christ.

He attended a youth leadership seminar, at which Mally and I taught. We found him hungry for truth and growth and a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The next few years are going to be crucial……Your prayers please.

 

 

 

 

SIYABULELA  PETER        17 YEARS.

Another hopeless young man heading in the wrong direction. Invited into a pastors home for care and ministry, where he now lives.

As far as we know his parents are alive but do not care in the least for his wellbeing. He has spent a few years in our vulnerable children's program. Praise God for his salvation and hunger to follow and serve Christ.

He attended a youth discipleship weekend. “Devoured” the Word of God and immediately on invitation requested to be Baptized. This took place in the local stream. Siyabulela’s testimony  on this occasion was clear, biblical and heart warming as he shared his passion to discover and follow the will of God.

I had the joy of Baptizing Him. Unlike many of the guys his age, he is quiet, humble (nothing is to much trouble for him to do for anyone), cerebral in thought processes and cautious in the decisions which he makes.

We have high hopes for his future and do not want him to be taken from our care….Please pray.

 

 

 

MUSITEMBE NXAXHEBA      13 YEARS OLD

We met this young boy four years ago when asked by the community to visit his home, in an effort to see if we could help with the adverse poverty.

On investigation we found a single parent family of six. Father had died. The heathen, middle-aged mother was particularly rude. Did know who the fathers of her children were. Did not care. Informed us that Musitemba ‘s father was dead.

Also, that she was unable to feed the children, as she had no income. Worst of all she told us that we could have Musitemba as he was ill disciplined and insolent. We took him, and one of our pastors agreed to  care for him. He has since lived under the care of Pastor Aleko Mnele in Wittlesea, about 150miles form his home, to which he returns during school vacations.

Musitemba has been converted, is walking with the Lord, loves everything about Church life, is most enthusiastic in worship and serving the Lord , and is at all times teachable and loveable. He is doing very well at school…..his English is outstanding.

We do not want to lose him from this care……..PLEASE PRAY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAKKIE

We met Sakkie six years ago. He lives in close proximity to a seaside cottage we use as a base for ministry in the Cebe area of Transkei (Home of the Xhosa people).  A friendship developed and he was initially employed to wash cars, care for the garden and collect bait. Over the years he has been trained in many basic life skills, and simultaneously we took every opportunity to share the Gospel with him by way of example and especially though Biblical education. He started attending worship services and youth meetings. It soon became apparent that God was working in his life. We had the joy of leading him to the Lord in salvation.

Years of discipleship followed, with personal training in servant leadership, leading worship and lay preaching. Sakkie has grown into a young man of God.

He is 19years of age, an orphan, and most vulnerable.

Last year he attended a youth leadership training weekend, which I had the joy of leading. On the Sunday he together with five others followed the Lord though the Waters of baptism…..took place at a stream near the church.

This year he passed through the traditional initiation into manhood according to tribal custom…..he was circumcised by the traditional surgeon, in obedience to the elders of the clan. In order to guard his testimony he negotiated with the elders to miss the graduating ceremony, which is en evil event, and rather have his graduation take place on the Lords Day as part of the worship service. The elders agreed……Hallelujah. Incredible breakthrough. He asked me to preach at his graduation, which I was delighted to do. It was a wonderful Christ exalting, God Glorifying occasion. After the service the congregation provided a celebratory meal for the church members and Sakkies family and friends.

He is presently writing hid final school exams and considering his future. Please pray for him.

 

 

 

 

 

NOSIKHONA MQPOYA - Stone      17 YEARS

Mally and I met Nosikhona, nicknamed “stone”; by all and sundry in the community, about six years ago.
We loved his warm affection for people and most enthusiastic love of life and the seaside where he lives with his family, who show very little interest in his upbringing. His age, at the time, brought about a father a son relationship between him and myself. He became my “fishing gillie’ (Young boy who collects bait and cleans fish).  He is most responsive to my care, leadership, fathering and instruction in the Gospel. We are good friends. He always  tries to please,  and nothing is is to much trouble for him to do.

HOWEVER, THIS DISPOSITION COUPLED WITH HIS GREGARIOUS HAPPY OUTGOING PERSONALITY, results in him having many friends from the community. Tourists to the area soon get to know him and unfortunately many sinful habits are revealed and even encouraged. 

In addition, Stone, like many of us is not going not going to graduate ‘cum laude’. It could be said that he struggles academically. His decision making is not always the most commendable and he is somewhat easily influenced, especially by the crowd/peer group pressure.

His spiritual walk is somewhat “roller coaster”. HOWEVER, we see tremendous potential and love him to “bits”…..He is like a son to me and I do not want him to be lost from the Eternal kingdom.

Strong prayers please for his faith in Christ to be cemented, resulting in an uncompromising consecration to follow Christ faithfully and all the days of his life.  

Ministry in Kenya February 2014

We had the great privilege of ministering to the Maasai and Kamba people as team members with our friends from Bayleaf Baptist Church [NC].

Each day the people prepared delicious Kenyan food from their rural kitchens

 Trevor had the honour of teaching a group of Masaai [19] and Kamba Pastors [44]

 Mally taught the women.

The drought in the Great Rift Valley is causing terrible hardship for man and beast. People have to travel for hours to fetch water.

BUT, there was another drought….causing a thirst for the Living water which is only satisfied through the Gospel of Lord Jesus Christ. These men were willing to spend most of the day “drinking in the truth of God’s word.

Driving through the busy streets of Nairobi one cannot miss the variety of stalls on the sidewalk. Some appear chaotic while others are neat and structured, like the nursery garden in this picture.

 

A unique opportunity was afforded Trevor, when he was asked to minister to the young people at “I can Fly School”

This is a school which provides for the many needs of abused and disadvantaged young girls and guys from the surrounding area.  Both Trevor and Mally taught classes in the school. We used the time to help the young folk focus on Life, in terms of Eternity. Our visit culminated with a general assembly at which Trevor was invited to preach the Gospel. God blessed this occasion and a number of young folk sought the Lord as their Saviour.

A visit to a factory where pottery beads and other articles are fashioned was a “fun” thing for us as a team.  While watching the potter we were reminded of Jeremiah who so clearly reminds us that God is the Great Potter of our lives.  While talking with the workers it became evident that many were interested in spiritual things. When they found out that Trevor was a pastor,  the workers downed tools, sang a hymn and then asked Trevor to pray for the factory, it’s staff and a profitable future in business.

Our prayer is that vessels of honour would be fashioned by the Master Potter as a result of our visit to Kenya. Pray with us that “He will make everything beautiful in His time”