CBC, Boksburg and West Frankfort Outreach in Mashushu

 Village:  Mashushu, South Africa 

Dates:  June 29 to July 6

Team:  Christ Baptist Church, Boksburg and West Frankfort

Church: Back to Jesus Baptist Church

Pastor:  Lazarus (graduate of Christ Seminary)

A report from Mark on the outreach to Mashushu ...

Samaria Mission organized an outreach to the secluded village of Mashushu near Mafefe on the outskirts of the Wolkberg (Serala) Wilderness Area.

Samaria Mission organized a partnership with Back to Jesus Baptist Church.

This outreach comprised of a large team of 35 individuals;

3 members from West Frankfort Baptist from Illinois,USA, 

10 members from Boksburg Baptist Church,

9 members of Christ Baptist Church, and

12 Samaria Mission associates along with one translator

This outreach was a made up from a various cultures from United States of American, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. 

I was privileged to have been involved with the youth ministry. 

One of the youth had a disorder, which I would consider cerebral palsy.  When someone first looks at this young man, many would think that he is unable to truly understand what is being taught.  He was not able to speak and had disabling motor functions.  But I found myself watching him and seeing that he was able to find Scripture references quicker than some.  It is such a blessing to see God working in those that man have disregarded as unable.  This young man is such a powerful testimony to God’s sovereignty on He chooses to call.

Mark and France

Trevor Gobo introduced me to another young man, Desmond.  One of our ministry meetings, Desmond began asking questions about particulars like the trinity and Jesus being God.  I gave him some answers but he kept asking for more scripture reference.  Trevor explained to us later that night that Desmond family members were Jehovah Witnesses and he was raised in that religion.  Once finding out Desmond’s dilemma, scriptures were gathered to handle the errant beliefs of Jehovah Witnesses.  Later, we talked to Desmond about what he believes.  Desmond said that he does not believe in the Jehovah Witness teachings and wanted the scriptures to talk to his family about the Truth.

I contacted the Pastor, Lazarus Mashwene, and asked him how this outreach has impacted the community of Mashushu.  Pastor Lazarus reported that eight people (5 youth and 3 women) have come to know Jesus Christ as their savior.

Also on this report, Pastor Lazarus is looking forward to more outreaches in partnership with Back to Jesus Baptist Church.

Here are a few pictures from our week in Mashushu.  

  This was the first time all three church groups were together so they took some time Sunday afternoon to meet in groups and discuss how the different ministries would work during the week. 

the guys discussing men's ministry

the ladies discussing and planning women's ministry

this groups was making a plan for the children and youth ministries

Jesus Film

Pastor Lazarus

children's ministry

children's ministry

Brit and Lucia making dessert - well taste testers are important!

evening wrap-up

 

 

fetching water from the river

camp - it was a long walk from one side of camp to the other

 Riana, from Christ Baptist Church, shared about a visitation ... "On Tuesday morning, on house to house visitation, we visited with Mama Esther.  As we walked into her yard, I said a prayer, "Please give me words to speak."  She said that she was a Christian.  Years ago she had burnt her leg and still had a lot of pain in her legs due to that.  She did not go to church because of the distance to walk to church (+/- 1 km in a mountainous area) and she could not stand the pain.  I felt peace in my heart to share with her encouraging words, (and not like most other homes where we shared the Gospel).  We prayed with her and told her about our ministries but that we would understand if she could not come due to the pain in her legs.  She showed up everyday at the ladies ministry and for the evening services.  She listened very attentively with a smile on her face.  I nearly teared up as I sat and watched her face light up while she listens to the teachings."

Mama Esther

women's minstry

house to house visitation

house to house visitation

house to house visitation

Brit playing a game during youth ministry

Mark teaching the youth (Lucia was translating)

Pastor Lazarus wife, Rose

Luke was able to help Nicholas and Mervyn make a cross for the church. 

 

  The church was busy preparing for a youth conference that was to take place the weekend we left.   We spent some time on Friday helping transport things to the conference center. 

 

 

 

 Mashushu is a beautiful place.  Some of the youth on the team went for a hike on afternoon.  

our girl

Here are a few more testimonies from various team members ... 

"During one of our home visitations a lady asked if she would be welcomed at church since she had visited a witch doctor and another man asked the same because he belongs to a church that wears a specific clothing.  I am so glad to serve a God that doesn't care where you have been, or what you wear.  His Grace is SUFFICIENT for ALL!" - Tracey from West Frankfort

"Hearing the people's questions during home visitations helped me realize how important that ministry is because you get to know the people and their spiritual needs." - Katelyn from West Frankfort

"2013: Different

New village, new faces, new scenery, new experiences, new partners in ministry

The Same:

Children’s smiling faces, women eager to learn, joyful worship, door-to-door visitation, sharing the glorious news of salvation

My heart’s desire:

To continue to share the hope of Christ, to build up the body of Christ-his church and to celebrate together the glory of Christ

Thank you Samaria Mission for 10 years of outreach together!"  –Rathel from West Frankfort

"I think the missions trip was excellent. I felt closer this time to people that I never knew before like the Raleys and Doug and Debbie. Also to share in South Africa was amazing. The countryside was exquisite and it just proved to me how Almighty God actually is. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The morning devotions were meaningful and the people were hospitable and despite the illnesses experienced it was an amazing eye- opening trip." -Jenny from Boksburg

"This was my first mission trip ever!  I felt so excited to finally put my Christianity to practice (not to say I didn't back home.)  I have never shared the Gospel as much as I did during this week, day after day, individual after individual.  We are all encouraged to share our faith and love with one another and draw people nearer to God, whether we are on mission, at work or at home.  I have learned and experienced so much on this trip and I'm so grateful for this opportunity that the Lord has granted.  I am glad to say that this was my first but definitely not my last mission trip!" - Lucia from Christ Baptist Church