Rattling Roads

“Don’t come here. I will shake your vehicle apart if you try. Have you forgotten the last bill? The Roman roads allowed the gospel to spread more quickly, but this isn’t Rome. We and the rains have an agreement together. Look at some of our work. That one hole is appropriately shaped, and nearly big enough to represent a coffin.”

Thus speak the roads after a uniquely heavy raining season, to which I reply: “Why, roads, do you carry such hatred toward these people? You are blocking them from development, from large trucks carrying goods and creating jobs.” 

The Roads: “We rule the people now as one of several guards to keep them in poverty. But be warned, don’t you read history? We are a technology—we fancy ourselves as the technology. And when we improve, the traffic is mostly Money-love with his many vehicles, or perhaps his brother, Present-age.” 

Myself: “This world is not my home, but it is hard even to pass through it to certain places to bring the gospel. The rains, however, could not come unless they were sent. Therefore, we will endure all potholes for the elect’s sakes.” 

Pay to Preach

Father Ndimandi and his brother (pictured above) listen intently each Thursday though they are 80 and 70 respectively. The elder is a witch doctor and the younger still limps from the stroke of several years ago. But under the shade of a tree on a road in the village of Ntshuxi, 3 of us from the Makhasa churchplant gather with about 6 others for preaching each week. 

Two days ago, the chief called us who is a prominent member at a church in the area. Introducing ourselves, Jomo Kubayi who was baptized in 2022, explained to him our mission and its aims. The chief rebuked Tatana Ndimandi for his mistake in allowing me to preach to him without first bringing me to meet the chief. Jomo promised that I would give the chief a free Bible ($12), and the chief agreed. 

Then I contradicted which is of course rude. Doesn’t the chief go to a church? Didn’t this old man admit that he was lost? Won’t every good leader be horrified to see the people he is leading thrown into fire? Isn’t it very kind of God to give this man amazing grace that very few Tsongas have been given? Shouldn’t we all be helping men like this to hear and understand? 

The scene grew tense, and I now have a new ethical dilemma. Should I give the Bible to the chief who is in a false church so that I can go on preaching? Or should I show the chief (and by extension the members of the church plant) that he is a false Christian who knows nothing about saving grace and cares nothing for the eternal welfare of his people? Which path is the right way to make a disciple of Jesus Christ? 

Pray for this little group in Ntshuxi and another with about 8 listeners and many children in Pfala-nomu (“Close your mouth”). 

Permit, Perhaps? 

Once when applying for a visa, a government employee told me “Maybe we don’t want your kind here anymore.” Usually, though, I think our visa problems have been simple incompetence rather than enmity. Our current visas expired in 2024, and we are only legal on the technicality that our applications have not yet been processed. 

Lord-willing, we can change our visa category on 18 May, and then move toward permanent residence. Please ask the Lord to open this door for us. 

Maturity, Maybe? 

In August 2015, I walked through Mambedi, the eastern most section of Valdezia and began door-to-door evangelism. The membership has currently reached 20: 8 women, 4 young women, and 8 young men. There are no couples, families, but they do have several who are very committed. 

Thabiso has been preaching every other Lord’s Day for nearly two years. He told me today that God has answered his prayers by helping him to escape the love of money. Nhlavutelo and Phuluso have been leading youth meetings each week for over a year. Lindiwe is leading one prayer meeting. Wisdom is playing the guitar. 

Currently, 8-10 unsaved youth and women are consistently attending with the members. There are now 6 members with jobs. Is this church reaching maturity whereby its faith stands not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God? 

Please pray for the members to persevere. Pray that the Son would reveal the Father to the visitors. Pray that Thabiso would be clothed with power from on high. 

Furlough, Fortunately

As the African heat ends, our family will be transplanted in May to balmy Florida. We will visit a dozen churches from May to August, and any families that would like to hear what God has been doing among these particular Gentiles. If anyone knows of a mini-van for sale, please let me know. 

Bringing large petitions to the King, 

Seth and Amy 

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