親愛的代禱夥伴：

感謝主，一回到南非就回到繁忙的事工之中。我們走訪各地了解到各地事工都運作如常，沒有倒退或變化。回到南非第一個星期就為梅霜姊妹施洗。三年前我們為她的母親秀花姊妹施洗，她受洗後第一個分享就是要帶領她的全家族信主。她不僅是她全家族第一個信主的人，也是她整個村莊唯一的基督徒，秀花姊妹是教會中最年長的信徒，也是笑容最多的信徒。我們去探訪她時，總是聽到她許多感恩的話語或見證。秀花姊妹是閩南人，所以聽道需要有人翻譯，有時沒人翻譯就得半猜半聽的聽道。我們曾經特地為她搜索及製作一些閩南語的光碟幫助她學習和成長。梅霜姊妹也幫助她母親在網路上尋找講道信息，並為她翻譯。感謝主，許多聖經的真道和福音的種子就這樣撒在她的心中。幾乎每個主日我們都會為秀花姊妹家人信主代禱。真是太奇妙了！感謝主！我們不足的地方神補足，還用這個缺失成為梅霜姊妹得救的機會。

四月中，梅霜姊妹的一個遠房阿姨來南非探望她，並向她傳福音，她就決定信主了。她說她的母親多次勸她信主，她有想信，但是不知道為什麼又猶豫想再等一等。秀花姊妹在女兒和家人面前有美好的見證亦是她女兒信主的原因，因為秀花姊妹是個勤勞的媽媽，常在女兒的工廠打點大小事，有時還在工廠裡幹活，這印證了基督徒美善言行的見證會引領人信主的。看見神奇妙的引領梅霜姊妹信主，給我們很大的鼓勵。我們要繼續為秀花姊妹其它的家人信主禱告。也特別要為梅霜姊妹和她的丈夫禱告，她的丈夫是一個猶太人，他會守猶太人的節日。求主施恩，使他能從猶太傳統中釋放出來，進入基督的國度。求主為我們開路，可以向他傳福音。

感謝主，上次代禱信中提到的那一位慕道的朋友，現在已經是我們很熟悉的朋友了，克達和他談道發現他對福音不拒絕，但不喜歡宗教的束縛。給了他一些聖經真實性的書幫助他，希望能改變他的態度，更進一步幫助他認識主。他的妻子已信主半年。她信主後認真學習並且身體力行，願意尊主為大改變自己。本來緊張的夫妻關係經過輔導和她的努力而有改進。妻子的改變，也改變了這位慕道友，現在她的丈夫已經會主動帶兩個孩子，讓她來參加聚會。感謝主，福音不僅拯救了她，也改變了他們的婚姻和家庭。相信主也要拯救這位慕道友。請為這對姚姓夫妻禱告，為丈夫得救禱告，也求主使用姊妹親身的經歷去幫助別的夫妻－作妻子願意順服、願意成為丈夫好幫手的美好見證。

每個星期二我們和一對夫婦一起查聖經講福音。丈夫信主多年、妻子正在慕道。妻子在真道上的了解不少，但是，放不下過往許多人生的創傷，使她跨不出信心的一步，看不見神恩典的手在過去年月對她的引領和幫助，也看不見自己的需要，無法謙卑下來接受主的引領和安排。我們一邊上聖經課講信仰，一邊改變她對人生的心態，改變她的價值觀。感謝神，她可以被我們挑戰，我們也可以接受她拒絕現在就改變。請為這對鍾姓夫妻禱告，求主軟化她驕傲的心，能謙卑順服主。求主幫助她的丈夫能多關愛她。也求主賜給我們智慧的話語去開導他們。

代禱事項：

1. 請為秀花姊妹和梅霜姊妹靈命成長代禱，也為她們的配偶及全家族信主代禱。
2. 請為姚氏夫婦及鐘氏夫婦屬靈真道的認知代禱，也求主賜我們智慧去牧養他們。
3. 求主差派工人到非洲來宣教。有更多華人來到非洲發展，但沒有人向他們傳福音。
4. 請為我們申請納米比亞簽證的準備工作代禱。
5. 請為我們在南非出外往各地事工的安全及行車的安全代禱。

你的同工，
克達、雅麗
二零一六年六月

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South Africa Prayer letter ( 6/2016 )

Dear Prayer Partners,

We thank the Lord as we visited our ministries in various places after our furlough and found that all is well and running smoothly.

We held a baptism service for sister Mei-Shuang on the first Sunday after we returned to South Africa. Her mother, sister Xiu-Hua, was baptized three years ago; her first sharing was her wishes for her whole family to be saved. Sister Xiu-Hua not only was the first Christian in her family but also her whole village. She is the oldest member in our church and also has the greatest smile. Whenever we visit her, she always shares her testimonies of God’s grace and expresses her gratefulness to God. She is from southern Fujian and does not speak a lot of Mandarin. Therefore, she needs a translator during church meetings; if none is available, she will miss part of the sermon. To help her grow in her faith, we searched for and copied some DVD’s in Fujianese for her. Her daughter also tried to help her mom by searching and downloading some Mandarin sermons from the internet. For that she would need to be the translator for her mom; and as a result, the Biblical truth and the seed of the gospel were planted in her heart. We have been praying for sister Xiu-Hua family’s salvation almost every week. How wonderful is the Lord! He knew our inadequacy but turned it around as a way to save sister Mei-Shuang!

In the middle of April, one of their good friends came to visit them from China. She shared the gospel with sister Mei-Shuang who accepted Christ at her invitation. Sister Mei-Shuang shared that her mom had repeatedly ask her to accept Christ. She did want to at some point, but somehow decided to wait. Sister Xiu-Hua’s personal testimony also played a role in her daughter’s accepting Christ. She is a very hardworking mother, always willing to help out in her daughter’s factories, and even gets on her hands and knees to get the work done. It really proves that having a good testimony in the family does make a difference. Seeing how God led sister Mei-Shuang did encourage us greatly. We will continue to pray for the salvation of sister Xiu-Hua’s family, especially for sister Mei-Shuang and her husband. Her husband is Jewish, and he vigilantly holds to all Jewish traditions. May the Lord lead him out of his bondage and come into Christ’s kingdom. Please pray for us for opportunities to share the gospel with him.

We thank the Lord for the progress in our relationship with the seeker we mentioned in our last prayer letter. In our visits with him, we found that he is willing to hear the gospel but is resistant to his presumed “restrictions” in religion. We gave him some literature about the authenticity of the Bible to help him correct his misconceptions on Christianity. His wife is a new Christian who was baptized about six months ago. She is serious about following Christ and is willing to change herself to be more like Christ. Their marriage was on the rocks before, but because of her noticeable changes, her husband begins to change, too. He even volunteers to look after their kids so she can attend church. The Lord not only saved her but also saved her marriage. We believe the Lord will not give up on her husband. Please pray for Mr. Yao’s salvation. May this personal experience also become our sister’s testimony for other couples—a beautiful testimony of a wife’s willingness to submit and be a true helper to her husband.

Each Tuesday, we have Bible study with a couple. The husband has been a Christian for many years, and the wife has become more receptive to the gospel in the recent year. Even though she has learned quite a bit in the truth, she was not willing to let go of her bitterness toward people who caused her pain and sufferings in her life. As a result, she was blinded from seeing the grace and protection God had showered on her in all these years and humbling herself to submit to God’s sovereignty in her life. When we study the Bible, we try to direct her to change her world view and value system. We are grateful to see that she is not offended by our challenges, and she feels comfortable that we are not forcing her to change. Please pray for Mr. and Mrs. Chung. May God change the wife’s heart to be willing to humble herself before the Almighty God and to help the husband to be more sensitive to his wife’s needs. May the Lords also give us wisdom to help both of them.

Prayer Requests:

1. Please pray for the spiritual growth of sister Xiu-Hua and her daughter Mei-Shuang. Please also pray for the salvation of their family.
2. Please pray for words of wisdom for us to help the Yao’s and the Chung’s.
3. Please pray for more missionaries for the southern African countries.
4. Please pray for our work permit applications for Namibia.
5. Please continue to pray for our safety as we travel to different cities and towns.

In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina

親愛的代禱夥伴：

今年元月一日至三日我們在靠近德班的恩德堡（Underberg）舉辦家庭營會。有美國加州南谷基督徒會堂的許學舜長老來領會。今年的主題是「跟隨我」，大家都有很好的學習。今年有五十多人來參加，有從開普敦來的弟兄姊妹，亦有一些慕道友，他們也感受到神的愛在我們當中。一位慕道友分享：基督徒都較有愛心也少煩惱；他的寶馬車胎壞了，那款車又沒有備胎，一位弟兄借車給他，大家為他禱告。在放假的日子竟然有一家車胎店營業，他也說感謝上帝幫助了他。求主繼續在他心中動工使他早日得救。他的分享也提醒我們，信徒要彼此相顧、以愛心相待、並且行善（希10：24）。

一月份我們去紐卡索聚會，也為四位弟兄姊妹施浸。楊弟兄是前一封代禱信所提到的慕道友。感謝主，他的率直和認真讓他在真道上成長，他的信心和執著也給他的妻子許多正面的影響。請為楊太太早日信主禱告。廖弟兄來南非工作後就一直參加教會的聚會，他是一個品行良好的青年人，從聚會中真道學習裡知道自己是罪人，所以悔改信主，接受救贖。辛姊妹是受高等教育的人。聖經曾是她讀書學習時的一個科目，她以前是以文學作品的角度去讀。我們初接觸她時，她對屬靈的事物沒有興趣。後來，在她人生困難的時候，她來到教會，每週日她都來聚會，神的話語給她力量去面對她的困難！因此她決定信主。請為辛姊妹的丈夫及家人信主禱告。卜姊妹初來南非時很不順利，後來得到基督徒的幫助，開始來教會；以前在塞班島打工時也有去過教會，現在才對真道有完整的認識也願意受洗歸主。神在他們每一位的人生中都有奇妙的引領。神將得救的人加給教會。

一月下旬我們開始新一個任期的工作匯報，我們往香港、台灣及美國支持我們的教會作事工匯報，分享過去三年在南非的事工及我們未來事工的展望。工作匯報期間，有時常搬遷，有時飛行，網路時有時斷，加上時差，通訊常遲延。每個主日在不同教會證道，週五和週六去不同教會的團契或小組分享事工或宣教見證。有時週間亦有個人探訪或服事或會議要參與。我們見到許多老朋友亦結識不少新朋友。感謝主，各地都有弟兄姊妺願意對南非的事工更多了解。也有弟兄姊妹要來短宣或訪宣探勘如何參與事工。三年的分別沒有減低弟兄姊妹對我們及南非宣教的關切。我們亦有機會在教會不同宣教活動中見證神在南非奇妙的作為，鼓勵弟兄姊妹回應上帝的呼召踏上宣教之路。

感謝主，在工作匯報期間我們亦有機會作工。克達摯友的妻子是主內的姊妹，一直希望她的父親信主。她邀請克達去向她父親傳福音。知道之後，我們就為她父親得救禱告亦求主賜下話語。今天去與他談道，他的心已打開，聽完後，立刻就決志信主。請為這位田弟兄靈命的成長代禱。前兩個星期到一間教會分享宣教中的學習，雅麗分享到自己如何饒恕傷害她的人，一位姊妹特別向雅麗訴說自己二十多年來要饒恕家人的掙扎。雅麗輔導她，幫助她願意放下自己的執著來順服神，這位姊妹也願意禱告求主給她力量饒恕傷害她的人。感謝神，在祂的時候成就美好的事。

代禱事項：

1. 請為我們工作匯報期間的分享代禱，求主賜我們話語見證主奇妙的作為並鼓勵人回應主的呼召。
2. 請為一月份新受浸的弟兄姊妹靈命成長代禱。也為他們的配偶及家人信主代禱。
3. 求主差派工人到南部非洲來宣教。
4. 請為我們申請納米比亞簽證的準備工作代禱。
5. 請繼續為我們在南非出外往各地事工的安全及行車的安全代禱。

您的同工
克達、雅麗
二零一六年三月

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South Africa Prayer letter ( 3/2016 )

Dear Prayer Partners,

Our church family retreat was held from January 1st to 3rd in Underberg. Elder Rupert Hsu from Chinese Church in Christ, South Valley, was our speaker, and our theme was “Come, Follow Me.” There were more than 50 people in attendance; a couple even came as far as Cape Town. There were also some non-believers; they not only heard but also experienced the love of God among us. One of them was very amazed at how gracious and worry-free Christians are. He got a flat tire at camp, but the particular model of his BMW did not have any spare tire. One of our brothers let him borrow his car to go into town to look for a tire shop, and all of us prayed for him at camp. He was able to find a tire shop that opened during this long weekend. He even shared that he was grateful that God had helped him! May the Lord continue to work in his heart to accept Him as his personal Savior! This reminds us to continue to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Heb. 10:24)

Four brothers and sisters were baptized at our January meeting in Newcastle. Brother Yang is the seeker we mentioned in our last prayer letter. His earnest commitment to know the Lord enabled him to grow in the truth; his genuine faith also has a positive influence on his wife. Please pray for Mrs. Yang’s salvation. Brother Liu is a mature, good-mannered young man. He started attending church meetings after he came to work in Newcastle. He began to recognize that he is a sinner and he accepted Jesus’ gift of redemption and forgiveness of his sins. Sister Xin is well-educated. The Bible was one of her courses in college, but she studied it as literature. When we first came in contact with her, she had no interest in spiritual things. Soon she faced great difficulties in life, and she began to come to church. God’s Word gave her strength to walk through her struggles, and she decided to follow Jesus. Please also pray for her husband and her family that they will also receive the Lord. Sister Bo encountered huge obstacles when she first arrived in South Africa. She received help from some Chinese Christians, and she started to come to church. Back when she was working in Saipan, she had attended church a few times. Now she really has a thorough understanding of the truth and wishes to be baptized. God leads each one of them in His unique and amazing ways, and He adds the saved to the church.

We left South Africa for our furlough in mid-January. We visited different churches in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the States to share our ministry in the past three years as well as our future plans. During this period, we moved a lot, flew a lot, due to limitation of internet access and time differences, we were not able to communicate on a timely basis. In addition to Sunday preaching and evening sharing, we also met with different people during the day. We not only got re-acquainted with old friends but also made new friends. We thank the Lord that fellow Christians in all these places were eager to learn more about the ministry in South Africa. Some of them also showed a keen interest to form short-term mission teams to South Africa. Our absence for the last three years did not lighten their support for us or the mission in South Africa. Moreover, we were invited to give testimonies of God’s wonderful work in South Africa at different mission conferences. May the Lord stir up Christians’ hearts to obey God’s calling to the mission field!

Thank God! He never takes “leaves.” The wife of one of Ko-Ta’s good friends is a Christian. She has been praying for her father’s salvation for many years. As we are in the States, she requested to arrange a time for us to meet her father and share the gospel with him. Ever since we knew about the meeting, we have been praying for the readiness of his heart and words of wisdom from the Lord. We met with him this morning, and was he ready! He accepted Christ after Ko-Ta explained the gospel to him. Please pray for Brother Tian’s growth in the faith. Two weeks ago, Christina had the opportunity to share about her experience as a missionary. One of the things she learned was true forgiveness. After the meeting, one sister approached her and told her about her own struggle in forgiving her family for the last twenty years. Christina was able to counsel her and help her realize that it was actually a matter of her submitting to God. The sister was willing to let go and ask God for help in forgiving those who had hurt her. Praise the Lord! His timing is everything.

Prayer Requests:

1. Please pray for our sharing during our furlough. May the Lord grant us the words to testify His wonderful deeds and encourage others to answer God’s call for mission.
2. Please pray for the new Christians who were baptized in January that their faith will be strengthened. Also pray for the salvation of their spouses and family members.
3. Please pray for more missionaries for the southern African countries.
4. Please pray for our work permit applications for Namibia.
5. Please continue to pray for our safety as we travel to different cities and towns.

In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina

弟兄姊妹平安！3月21日是南非的民主日，紀念1960年3月21日為反對種族隔離而犧牲的69位黑人。他們本來在南非的Sharpeville小鎮進行和平示威，卻受到警察無情的鎗殺。後來白人政府下台，種族隔離政策被取消，南非民主政府訂定每年的3月21日為民主日，紀念那些曾為南非人民的自由和人權付出貢獻的人。今天，不論皮膚的顏色，南非每一個公民都是平等和自由，可以享受同等法律的保護。同樣，在大概2000年前，主耶穌為人類被釘死在十字架上，第三天從死裡復活，使信祂的人可以得到自由，成為天國的公民。羅馬書說因主耶穌的一次義行，我們就被稱義得生命，可以從罪裡得到釋放，享受真正的自由。聖經說每個信徒都有聖靈作為印記，證明是天國的子民，並且可以享受上帝藉著基督賜給的各樣屬靈福氣。這是上帝賜給世人的福音，基督徒有責任要向那些受罪惡捆綁的人傳福音，使他們得到真自由。報福音傳喜信的人，他們的腳蹤是何等佳美。

教會得到上帝的恩惠，最近有幾個新的家庭來參加聚會，崇拜人數增加至近30人；去年聖誕節有7人接受洗禮；今年復活節教會舉辦第一次的培靈會；信徒都願意參與教會推行的每天讀經計劃。一時之間，教會好像在經歷屬靈的復興。現在教會設置了一個「聊群」，信徒可以在裡面分享和討論聖經。祈求上帝保守信徒的心，使他們的靈命不斷成長。

秀雲的姊姊在2月3日做了髖骨手術，一切順利，現在在家休養，祈求上帝使她早日康復。教會的梁麗君姊妹患上末期癌症，祈求聖靈安慰她，賜她力量和信心。為4月1日至4月3日教會舉辦的培靈會祈禱，講員是來自美國的李強生長老，題目是『你愛我比這些更深嗎?』。願上帝賜福，讓講員能夠藉著上帝的話語激勵信徒，使他們更愛主耶穌。

主僕
張家齊、潘秀雲、張以信

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「爸爸，我今天可以受洗嗎？」今天是12月20日，是以信的12歲生日，也是教會的洗禮崇拜。家齊立時問以信：「孩子，你願意接受耶穌為救主嗎？你願意跟從祂嗎？」以信想了一陣子，然後回答：「我相信耶穌是我的救主，但我怕做錯事情，不能達到祂的標準。」 以信的困惑也是很多信徒的困惑，我們都願意跟從主耶穌，只是擔心做得不夠好。家齊慢慢跟以信解釋：「正因為我們做得不夠好，所以需要上帝的憐憫、主耶穌的愛、和聖靈給我們的幫助。只要對耶穌有堅定的信心，祂會愛我們到底。」以信的疑惑被解開之後，他決定要跟從主耶穌，並且願意在洗禮中公開為耶穌作見證。兒子願意跟從耶穌，家齊和秀雲都十分高興，心裡只有感恩。在為以信施洗之後，家齊分享說：「這是我的愛子，我所喜悅的。」

當天除了以信之外，還有6位姊妹接受洗禮。其中一位梁麗君姊妹，患上末期癌症。兒子一直隱瞞她的病情，因為怕她一個人留在北京，沒有親人照顧。所以在半年前，兒子把她接來南非，後來有一位信徒介紹她來我們的教會。開始的時候，她聽不明白家齊的講道。經過幾個月時間，她開始明白一些講道的內容，然後她也參加真理班。在11月底，她的病情開始惡化，手腳麻痺，右眼失去視力，右耳失去聽覺，兒子騙她是因為「身體裡面上火」。 我們常常為她祈禱，希望上帝的恩典和憐憫臨到她，使她得到救恩。當家齊邀請真理班的信徒參加洗禮時，梁姊妹並沒有回應，直到教會公佈受洗信徒名單的時候，她才向家齊詢問可否接受洗禮。這是上帝憐憫她，家齊立時向她傳福音：「妳相信耶穌嗎？只有承認耶穌基督為救主和願意跟從祂的信徒，才能夠接受洗禮。」沒想到她以堅定的口吻回答：「我願意相信和跟從耶穌！」家齊和秀雲即時將福音向她詳細講解，並且帶領她做決志禱告。我們為她的得救感恩，她在生命的盡頭得到永生，她的外體雖然毀壞，內心卻一天新似一天。

7位受洗的信徒分享得救見證，使參加當日聚會的親友得到鼓勵，上帝得到榮耀。家齊用歌羅西書2：6–7證道，勸勉他們要遵從耶穌，在祂裡面生根建造。我們要感恩，是上帝的恩典，拯救了他們。願一切頌讚和榮耀，歸給愛我們的三位一體真神！

各位禱告的弟兄姊妹，你們可以在 Facebook “CEMAfrica” 看到開普頓福音教會的聚會圖片。

以馬內利！

主僕 ， 張家齊、潘秀雲、張以信

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親愛的代禱夥伴：

上月初往自由省布魯芳登講道，順便探望沿途城鎮的信徒，發現最近南非經濟的下滑及南非幣值貶低，引致一些華人撤離南非。這個撤離現象是三十年來，從華人開始移民南非以來的第一次。去年小城伯利恆 (Bethlehem) 華人店舖有三十多間各種生意的店家，現在只剩下七、八家店。小鎮彼得勒斯斯坦 (Petrus Steyn) 原本八家華人超市只剩下一家。這些離開的店家，不是回中國，就是轉往別的非洲國家。探訪這些店家時發現，不信主的店家抱怨多、態度負面，對前景也沒信心。信主的店家能接受現況，雖然擔心，但總有一份信心，知道信實的主會看顧他們的需要。正如使徒保羅在哥林多後書講到他自己不會被困住、不至失望，是因為有寶貝在他的裡面 (林後4:7-8)。這些弟兄姊妹也有寶貝在他們裡面，他們見證了基督徒的信心。求主看顧保守他們。

經一位朋友介紹認識了開超市的楊先生。他在一個艱苦無助的挫敗境況中，有機會讀到＜中信＞月刊，被其中的文章所吸引。現在，每一期的＜中信＞他都閱讀。感謝主，這幾次去探望時，都在他不繁忙的時候。他也有興趣談道。他從我們留給他的福音光碟的講道中，漸漸了解基督教是什麼。他對教會的歷史發展很有興趣，證明福音觸動了他。求主繼續在他心中動工，改變他、使他悔改。也求主賜給我們智慧的話語去開導他。

感謝主引領我們再次到納米比亞，會見在溫得和克 (Windhoek) 一間關心華人福音事工的Emmanuel教會裡宣教部的Ron Gardiner 牧師及 Daniel Steyn 傳道。這間教會非常注重宣教，他們對華人福音事工也有很大的負擔。他們一直都在支持溫得和克的華人團契，也一直向神禱告祈求有華人傳道人到納米比亞向散居在那裡的華人傳福音。我們介紹了中福團的歷史、發展及事工現況,並我們在南非及萊索托十五年的事工，也瞭解了Emmanuel教會宣教事工的內涵及方向。我們雙方對宣教前景也有共同視野。所以，我們彼此同意做福音事工的夥伴。感謝主，Emmanuel教會願意向為他們負責申請工作簽證的顧問咨詢，並且會為我們辦理申請。所以，我們需要等候他們進一步的消息。

我們這次有機會安排去暸解西岸鯨灣 (Walvis Bay) 華人事工的現況。感謝主的奇妙引領，我們見到在納米比亞生活和經營二十年的陳弟兄夫婦。我們在主裡有美好的交通。他們在納米比亞信主，神引領他們在鯨灣發展，他們的分享充滿著對神的感恩。感謝主，他們心中的負擔就是能將福音傳給他們的華人朋友。感謝神，他們亦願意服事主。在鯨灣我們也探訪了從臺灣來的八十歲的吳老弟兄，他的店名叫恩典臺灣店。吳老弟兄亦是一個感恩連連的人，二十多年來在納米比亞從來沒生過病，他的分享充滿平安喜樂。我們亦遇到一位從中國來的劉姐妹，她告訴我們鯨灣還有別的華人基督徒。因為沒有華人傳道人，他們都沒有正常的聚會。求主興起納米比亞華人的事工。

我們將於明年初述職：一月十九日至廿五日會在香港；一月廿六日至二月九日會在臺灣；二月十日至四月十七日會在美國。希望到時能與大家相聚，數算主恩！

代禱事項：

1. 感謝主的帶領，我們在納米比亞能與Emmanuel教會建立了福音夥伴的關係。請為我們事工所需要的簽證代禱。
2. 求主差派工人到南部非洲來宣教。
3. 請為元月一日至三日的聯合家庭營會各項準備工作、講員、天氣、參加者行車往返安全代禱。
4. 請為在新華商城參加晚堂聚會的弟兄姐妹靈命成長代禱，也求主興起參與領詩服事的弟兄姊妹。
5. 請為中國超市楊先生的信主代禱。
6. 請繼續為我們出外往各地事工的行車安全代禱。

您的同工
克達、雅麗
二零一五年十一月

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South Africa Prayer letter ( 11/2015 )

Dear Prayer Partners,

Early last month, we traveled to the city of Bloemfontein in the Free State province, and Ko-Ta preached in their Sunday worship service.  We also visited Christians in various cities and towns on the way.  Due to the shrinking economy and devaluation of the currency, many Chinese had already left South Africa.  This had never happened before since the first group of Chinese arrived here 30 years ago.  Last year, there were more than 30 shops in Bethlehem, but there are now only seven or eight of them left.  Out of the eight shops in the small town of Petrus Steyn, only one remains.  Those that moved away either returned to China or migrated to other African countries.  In talking to those who are still operating, we found that the non-believers are all very pessimistic with lots of complaints, at a loss as to what to do next.  However, the believers are realistic in assessing their situations; though they have their worries, yet they have this assurance in knowing that the Lord is faithful and will provide for their needs.  Just as the apostle Paul proclaimed that because he had this treasure in him that he would not be crushed nor in despair (II Cor. 4:7-8).  Our brothers and sisters also have this treasure in them, and they are living out their faith.  May the Lord carry them through!

Recently, we were introduced to Mr. Yang who is the owner of a Chinese supermarket.  While he was in an extremely difficult period of time, he was given some copies of the Chinese Today magazine.  The articles really caught his attention, and he has been reading every single issue since then.  Praise the Lord!  We paid him several visits, and he was able to talk to us without much interruptions.  He is very eager to know who is this God that we believe in.  We also gave him some DVD’s on basic Christianity.  He could not stop talking about them when we visited him the next time.  He is especially interested in church history, and we know that he is truly open to the gospel.  May the Lord speak to his heart and lead him to repentance.  May the Lord also give us wisdom in guiding him on the way to righteousness.

We thank God for the opportunity to visit Namibia again last week.  We met with the Mission Pastor (Rev. Ron Gardiner) and Mission Minister (Daniel Steyn) of Emmanuel Church in Windhoek.  This church is very mission-minded, and they have a burden to evangelize to the Chinese diaspora in Namibia.  They have been supporting the Chinese fellowship in Windhoek and have been praying for a Chinese minister to reach out to the vast number of Chinese in their country.  We explained to them the work of CEM over the last 40 years as well as our ministry in South Africa and Lesotho in the last 15 years.  Pastor Ron shared with us their mission philosophy and their various mission ministries.  We were glad to find that we have a compatible vision and passion for mission, and we decided to join forces for mission in Namibia.  We are so grateful that Emmanuel Church not only agreed to be our sponsor for our work permit application but also initiated to contact the church’s own immigration consultant to handle the whole application for us.  We just need to wait for their instruction to proceed.

This trip also allowed us to visit Walvis Bay on Namibia’s west coast.  Thank God for His amazing leading, we were able to meet Brother Chen and his wife who have been living and working in Namibia for over 20 years.  We had a great time sharing in the Lord.  They told us they accepted Christ in Namibia, and they also shared with us how the Lord led them to start their own business in Walvis Bay.  They are full of gratefulness to the Lord!  They have a burden to share the gospel with the Chinese there, and they are willing to serve.  In visiting different shops around town, we met an 80-year-old Christian from Taiwan.  He is also full of gratefulness.  He told us that he has been in Namibia for over 20 years, and he never felt sick.  His testimonies were all of joy and peace.  We also came to a shop owned by a sister from China.  She mentioned that there are a few other Chinese Christians in the area.  Since there is no Chinese minister, they do not have any regular meetings.  May the Lord send His servants!

We will be back for furlough early next year:  in Hong Kong from January 19^th to the 25^th, in Taiwan from January 26^th to February 9^th, and in the States from February 10^th to April 17^th.  We look forward to meeting with you and sharing with you God’s marvelous blessings for the past three years!

Prayer Requests:

1. Please give thanks for God’s continued leading in Namibia. We were able to form a partnership with Emmanuel Church.  Please pray for the issuance of our work permits.
2. Please pray for more workers for southern Africa.
3. Please pray for the preparation, speaker, weather and safety of our annual family retreat on January 1 – 3.
4. Please pray for the spiritual growth of the brothers and sisters in the Chinese wholesale center. May the Lord also raise up co-workers to serve in leading worship in our Saturday night service.
5. Please pray for the salvation of Mr. Yang of the Chinese supermarket.
6. Please continue to pray for our safety as we travel to different cities and towns.

In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina