親愛的代禱夥伴：

        兩個星期前，南非東岸破紀錄降下暴雨（48小時降下45公分的雨），引發六十年來最嚴重的洪災。夸祖魯那濤爾省港口城市德班受害程度最嚴重，連道路、橋樑都被洪水沖走，超過六千棟建築物被摧毀，有四百多人罹難。省內多個地區被淹沒，交通全面中斷，德班市多處斷水斷電。真是天有不測風雲，人有旦夕禍福。聖經也提醒我們人生變化無常，「也不要倚賴靠不住的錢財；要倚靠那厚賜萬物給我們享受的上帝」（提前六17b）。

        最近兩星期，南非新冠Omicron的疫情又再次上升，每天幾千人感染，數十人死亡。南非因為愛滋病的人口多，造成防疫的漏洞。新的變種不斷出現，現在南非傳播已是新的Omicron B.A.4的變種，南非國民接種疫苗意願不高，完成接種疫苗者一直停在總人口的四成五，使疫情不能根除，每四個月左右就會有疫情高峰期出現。求主幫助南非人民認真的對抗第五輪的疫情。

        南非繼續不斷的發生針對外籍人士的抗議事件，暴民將外國人從市場中趕走，不准他們開店。南非當地人將這一行動稱之為Operation Dudula（Dudula——祖魯語，是強力趕走的意思）。他們抗議政府容許非法移民滯留南非。警察只是調查暴力事件，但無法實際解決雙方的暴力衝突。主要原因是政府官員尋私圖利。箴言提醒我們「王藉公平，使國堅定；索要賄賂，使國傾敗。」（箴二十九4）。這句箴言道破了南非政府治理上最基本的問題。求主改變人心，歸向正道。

        上星期我們參加了一間教會的宣教年會，講員提醒大家，教會要從愛鄰舍的行動開始推動普世的宣教。那間教會立即組織會眾參與不同的事工小組，去服事他們所在城市的需要。雖然疫情尚未結束，也已經組織了短宣隊，準備疫症平息後就可以出發。在這個時刻差派短宣隊，似乎有點不合宜，因為世界正充滿著不平安的消息，有俄烏戰爭、中國及台灣的疫情、世界各國面臨通澎的問題。這些問題都是使人焦慮，使人沮喪的事。戰爭沒有結束的徵兆、疫情短期不會解封、通澎正方興未艾。我們應該行動嗎？我想我們應該付諸行動，不要遲延，因為這個世界永遠都會有新的問題出現，傳福音的事是永遠不應該被擱置的。願我們齊心努力，積極地去宣揚福音！

請您為這些事情代禱：

1. 感謝主，南非德班教會在四月份重開實體崇拜。因為疫情還不穩定，求主保守。
2. 南非東岸那濤爾省受暴雨襲擊，引發大規模洪災，求主安慰災民，並幫助政府作好救災的工作。
3. 南非新冠Omicron的疫情又再次上升。求主幫助政府官員認真的執行防疫措施，並加強接種疫苗的工作。
4. 南非繼續不斷發生針對外籍人士的抗議事件，求主改變人心歸正，使南非政府官員能不尋私利、公正執法，杜絕非法移民。
5. 南非最近電力不足，大小城市經常停電，對生活造成不便，更打擊工業生產及已經脆弱的經濟。求主賜智慧給南非政府官員更好的治理國家。
6. 感謝主使我們能在網路上和南非兩個教會的弟兄姐妹一起敬拜和查考聖經，求主保守我們能繼續正常的運作，不被攪擾。

您的同工                     
克達、雅麗                
二零二二年四月

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        Two weeks ago, a severe thunderstorm landed on the east coast of South Africa and dropped more than 45 cm of rain in 48 hours.  This caused the greatest flooding in the last 60 years.  Durban, being the harbor city of the Natal province, suffered the hardest hit with damaged roads, collapsed bridges, thousands of destroyed buildings and more than 400 fatalities.  A lot of communities were under water, traffic as well as electricity and water supplies were disrupted.  Life indeed is uncontrollable!  The Bible has already warned us that we do not know what tomorrow will bring and reminded us to “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (I Tim. 6:17)

        These last couple of weeks we are also seeing the number of COVID cases in South Africa climbing to new highs, with daily averages over 5,000 and dozens of deaths.  Due to the large population of HIV-positive patients, new variants are rapidly emerging.  South Africa is now battling with the new Omicron B.A. 4 variant.  Because of the low inoculation rate (only 45%), a new wave comes about every four months.  May the Lord help the people realize the importance of taking this pandemic seriously.

        At the same time, xenophobic violence incidents are worsening.  Protestors take matters into their own hands, threatening foreign merchants and carrying out raids on their stores.  They call it Operation Dudula (Dudula is Zulu meaning “to push out”).  They claim that the government is not doing anything to address the illegal immigrant issue.  Law enforcement is also helpless in stopping the violence, they can only place these cases of public disorder and intimidation in investigation.  Unfortunately, this is mainly caused by corrupted officials who ignore their sworn responsibilities.  As Proverbs said, “By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.” (Prov. 29:4)  May the Lord work in their hearts to return to the right way.

        Last week, we attended the mission conference of a local church.  The speaker reminded us that global mission starts from loving your neighbors.  At the conclusion of the conference, the church distributed response cards for all attendees to get involved in local community caring activities.  The church has also started forming short-term mission teams and prepares to go as soon as the pandemic eases up.  It seems depressing enough to see the world in the midst of the war in Ukraine, new COVID cases in China and Taiwan, plus high inflation rates everywhere.  With all these unsolved problems dangling above us, is it the appropriate time to be in action?  I believe we should not be deterred as this world will always have challenges.  Do not delay but continue to forge ahead in spreading the good news!

Please pray for the following:

1. We thank God that the church in Durban has started in-person Sunday worship in April. Please pray for health and safety for the church members during the pandemic.
2. Please pray for the Lord’s mercy on those who suffered losses during the flood. May the Lord give wisdom to the government in its disaster relief operations.
3. South Africa is currently facing a new Omicron variant. May the Lord continue to help the government in coming up with effective ways to increase the country’s inoculation rate.
4. May the Lord turn the hearts of the government officials to be willing to set aside personal gains, to uphold justice and resolve the country’s illegal immigrant problem.
5. South Africa is experiencing frequent electricity outages which greatly affect factory production and its weak economy. Please pray for wisdom from the Lord for the government in tackling all its issues.
6. May the Lord continue to bless our online worship services and Bible studies for the two churches in South Africa.

In His service,        
Ko-Ta & Christina

親愛的代禱夥伴：

        感謝主，我們能夠仍然在網路上服事在南非的弟兄姐妹，而且果效很好。例如我們在南非時間晚上七點半的週四查經聚會，與一群散居在南非不同省份小鎮上的姐妹們查經。我們最初只認識林姐妹，是早前在自由省服侍時經白人牧師介紹認識的。之後，我們有機會就會繞道去探訪她，跟她分享福音和造就性的影音光碟、聖經、詩歌本等。其他的組員都是林姐妹在網路上聯絡的。本來不可能一起聚會和不相識的人，就因為在網路上查經而聯接在一起，現今這羣姐妹已成為彼此奔走天路的同路人、代禱的夥伴。神的安排真是奇妙！姐妹們每週都準時上線，認真學習。雖然有時會因停電和訊號接收不良而掛線，但是她們都能設法再聯接上繼續學習。由於流量的限制，我們只能用語音通訊，漸漸地大家也習慣了。若不是疫情的限制，透過網路語音查考聖經和崇拜聚會，恐怕很難被接受，也很難持久，但現在已成為新常態的選項。將近兩年以來，我們沒有被疫情孤立，卻因為疫情而擴展！我們已經查考了保羅的監獄書信，剛才開始查考福音書。請您為這羣姐妹們學習聖經代禱，也請為聚會時網路能通暢無阻代禱。

        一月中，南非東岸德班城，市中心一棟華商七層批發大樓失火燒毁。因為起火在上午時份，人員得以即時逃離，僅有人受傷，無人死亡。這座大樓除商店外，還有倉庫和兩層公寓。我們從2012年5月起就住在大樓的公寓內，直到去年2021年11月遷出。在新冠疫症前有八年半的時間，我們每週在那公寓的客廳有敬拜聚會，大樓中有十幾户是教會的弟兄姐妹。一棟大樓突然就被燒毁，提醒我們世事無常，事工的機會不是永遠存在的，我們要把握機會，努力多作主工，不要拖延。

        當火災發生時，有人將裝著現金的皮包丟下，落地後現金散落地上被人搶走，也聽說公寓住户不少聖誕節買賣的現金尚存在家中，起火後已經無法去取，一場火災燒去他們多年的心血和努力。求主安慰這些受災的華商，也提醒我們每一個人「不要為那必壞的食物勞力，要為那存到永生的食物勞力。」（約六27）。人應該努力追求，為著永生勞力。商人為著帶不走的金錢孜孜不倦，我們天國之子豈不更應該勤力宣揚福音。

        感謝主，南非新冠Omicron引來第四波的疫情已經下降，但是每天仍有上千人被感染，百多人死亡。最主要的原因是南非目前只有百分之三十的人口是完全接種了疫苗。面對新變種的威脅，南非必需提高接種疫苗的人數，繼續做好防疫的工作。疫情使南非經濟下滑，也引發排外事件，2月14日南非約翰尼斯堡的亞歷山大區發生排外事件，南非人驅趕外籍的攤販離開，從流動攤販擴大到商店。原本的遊行抗議活動演變成暴力驅趕。暴力行為遭到外籍店主的猛烈反擊，有12人受傷，有人揚言要把所有的外國人都趕走，一時排外情緒高漲。請為南非政府維穏經濟的政策禱告。

請您為這些事情代禱：

1. 感謝主，南非新冠Omicron的疫情已經下降，求主幫助政府官員釐定並執行防疫政策。
2. 求主幫助南非國民遵守政府規定，做好防疫並且加速接種疫苗對抗新冠病毒。
3. 南非德班批發城新華商城毁於大火，其中有一些商人是教會的弟兄姐妹，求主安慰他們的傷痛，幫助他們重新安置，引領他們前面的道路。
4. 感謝主使我們能在網路上和南非兩個教會的弟兄姐妹一起敬拜和查考聖經，求主保守我們能繼續正常的運作，不被攪擾。

您的同工                     
克達、雅麗                
二零二二年二月

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        We praise the Lord for the smooth running and fruitfulness of all our Bible studies and worship services online. For example, the participants of our Thursday Bible study are from different cities of South Africa. We originally only knew one of them, Sister Lin. When we were serving at Bloemfontein, one South African minister introduced us to her. On our way to Newcastle, we would make a side trip to visit her and studied the Bible together with her. We also supplied her with Bibles, hymn books and various kinds of CD’s for herself and her evangelistic outreach. She invited some of her fellow Christians to join this meeting, and now we have bonded together as fellow soldiers of the Lord and faithful prayer partners! What a wonderful Lord! Due to the unstable power supply and internet services as well as the expensive mobile data charges, we can only meet via audio connection. Even though they will get disconnected from time to time, they remain upbeat and persistent. The pandemic did actually help us with our transition. Since meeting online has become the “norm” over these two years, there were no resistance to our remote ministering to our churches in South Africa. It has even expanded our ministry to those outside of our usual area of contact. We just finished Paul’s letters from jail and started to study one of the gospels. Please pray for our sisters in this group, especially for their internet connections.

        In mid-January, a 7-story Chinese wholesale building in Durban was severely damaged by fire. Fortunately, it happened in the morning, and everyone was able to evacuate with no casualty. In addition to storefronts and storage facilities, there are apartments on the sixth and seventh floors. This is the place we called home since 2012 until we moved out at the end of 2021. We had been holding worship services in our place for 8-1/2 years before the pandemic. There were about 15 Christian families in the building. This sudden disaster reminds us that nothing is forever. There is no time to wait for another opportunity to proclaim the good news; we need to seize every moment as if it is the last chance.

        We heard that some people packed their cash in bags and threw them out the window, but the bags broke open as they hit the ground, and they were quickly swept up by people on the street. A lot of Chinese merchants would keep cash in their homes, and the amount they had was a lot larger than usual after Christmas. This fire did not allow them to go back to their apartments, and their money was burned to ashes. This calls to mind what John said, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life,…” (John 6:27) Indeed, men should seek eternal life earnestly. These business people work so hard for money that cannot last, how much more should God’s people proclaim the gospel with all we have.

        Even though the fourth wave of the pandemic in South Africa has been slowly subsiding, there are still over 1,000 cases each day with over 100 deaths. The main reason is its low inoculation rate, which is around 30%. To be ready to tackle a new variant, more people in South Africa need to be vaccinated. Due to the adverse economic impact, xenophobic incidents have been on the rise. On February 14 th , protests and subsequent violence broke out against shops of foreign nationals in the Alexandra area of Johannesburg. Some shop owners fought back, and 12 persons suffered injuries. People were calling for the expulsion of all foreigners, no matter if they are legal or illegal immigrants. Please pray that the government can come up with the right policy to stabilize its economy.

Please pray for the following:

1. We thank God that South Africa is approaching the end of its fourth wave of the pandemic. May the Lord continue to help the government in carrying out effective measures.
2. May the Lord help the people to understand the importance of vaccines and be willing to get vaccinated.
3. Please pray for our brothers and sisters that suffered lost in the fire of the Chinese wholesale building in Durban. May the Lord comfort them, help them in their recovery and guide them in their new endeavors.
4. May the Lord continue to bless our online worship services and Bible studies for the two churches in South Africa.

In His service,        
Ko-Ta & Christina

親愛的代禱夥伴：

        新冠變種毒株奧密克戎（Omicron）使南非的疫情為全世界所關注。一架從南非飛往荷蘭的航機上驗出十多人染上這個變種，英國立即宣佈禁止包括南非等的非洲南部數國國民入境，接著許多國家包括美國也宣佈禁飛。Omicron毒株引來驚恐是由於它携帶病毒突變點有32個，病毒可能更易傳播或可能使病情更加嚴重，或者突破疫苗的防治。南非從十月初疫情已經緩和，之後有一個半月感染人數偏少。大家都期盼苦盡甘來，十二月份可以吸引國際觀光客，幫助一下低迷已久的經濟。所以，禁飛一事，使不少南非人感到失望，但從防疫角度來說，也是件好事，因為南非目前已經接種疫苗的人數仍只有25％。這個星期確診人數已經從幾百人倍增到一萬多人。請繼續為南非政府防疫和抗疫的工作代禱。

        我們的工作從明年起將有調整，南非的事工將僅在網路上運作，目前在網路上每週三次的查經和週日兩次的崇拜仍會繼續。所以，我們在開普敦和德班兩個教會的事工沒有改變，繼續日夜癲倒。感謝神，這種跨國網路上的運作方式，因為新冠疫情的關係而能夠被弟兄姐妹接受！另一方面，除繼續南非事工外，我們將負責美國辦公室的事務，包括行政、文宣、推動宣教、招募宣教士，並在適當的時候，帶領短宣隊到工場。估計新的事工對我們來說將有一段學習和適應，求神賜給我們聰明智慧學習，也幫助我們能快快適應新工作的作息和步調。請為我們代禱，也請在經濟上繼續支持我們。

        因著事工的調整，我們十月上旬回到南非處理交接有關的事務，十一月二十七日已平安回到美國。感謝神，許多繁瑣事情都能如期辦好。在美國用電話或上網幾分鐘可辦好的事，在南非可以很複雜。例如取消信用卡，我們得去銀行花上二、三個小時，跟不同部門溝通，才能辦好。感謝主！我們辦理差會帳户交接事務，正在一籌莫展時，服務臺的職員竟然主動幫助我們聯絡承辨人，還請分行經理協助我們，將事情在最後的幾分鐘辦好，否則我們就要在約翰尼斯堡滯留數日了。

        在離開一年半之後，我們再次見到南非兩個城市的弟兄姐妹。過去這段時間，大家只能在網路上溝通，到了見面時，感覺和往日見面一般的親切，感恩神在這段疫情的日子看顧和保守屬祂的兒女，面對未來大家都很平安，深知神必繼續看顧。弟兄姐妹分享到疫症沒有影響他們對主的信心。面對未來和南非前景，深信神一直與他們同在，神會繼續保守，他們會好好的生活，堅持他們的信仰。不論我們在哪裡生活，或是將來去到哪裡，網路將我們連接在一起，彼此鼓勵，繼續長進！

        回顧這二十年來在南非的服侍，真是主恩滿滿。不是我們做了什麽，而是親眼目睹神作為的奇妙！「深哉，神豐富的智慧和知識！他的判斷何其難測！他的蹤跡何其難尋！誰知道主的心？誰作過他的謀士呢？誰是先給了他，使他後來償還呢？因為萬有都是本於他，倚靠他，歸於他。願榮耀歸給他，直到永遠。阿們！」（羅馬書11:33-36）

請您為這些事情代禱：

1. 為我們能平安回到美國感恩。
2. 請為南非抗疫工作不會受奧密克戎（Omicron）變種毒株影響而失控代禱。
3. 求主幫助南非政府官員設法加速接種疫苗的工作。
4. 求主賜智慧使我們能勝任差會辦公室的工作及事工的運作。
5. 請為我們每週在網上的敬拜和查經都能正常運作，而且網路能暢通無阻代禱。

您的同工                     
克達、雅麗                
二零二一年十二月

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        The newest variant Omicron has been the headline news these past few days, and South Africa once again becomes the center of attention.  It all started when it was discovered that a flight from South Africa to Netherland carried 13 COVID-positive passengers.  The UK immediately suspended all flights from southern Africa countries, and many countries, including the States, soon followed suit.  As this new variant has 32 mutations, it has been creating fear in people’s minds as no one is certain about its spreading speed, health impact or ability to evade existing vaccines.  South Africa had just come out of its third wave in early October, and its infection rate had been kept in the low hundreds.  Everyone was relieved and hopeful that the December holiday would bring about much needed economic revival through incoming tourists.  Therefore, this new ban dashed their hope and brought about much disappointment.  However, from a health standpoint, it may not be such a bad thing.  Since the inoculation rate in South Africa only stands around 25%, there will be less chances of bringing in viruses from travelers.  South Africa is now officially in its fourth wave.  Its infection rate has been doubling each day, from a few hundreds to over 10,000 in less than a week.  Please continue to pray for the government for efficient and effective methods to combat the pandemic.

        Beginning next year, our ministry will have a different component.  We will continue to hold online Bible studies and worship services for the two churches in Cape Town and Durban (They are 10 hours ahead of San Jose).  After almost two years in the pandemic, brothers and sisters have gotten used to this method of fellowship.   At the same time, we will be stationed in California by heading up CEM’s US office.  Our duties will include the mission organization’s daily administration as well as mission promotion, mobilization and recruitment.  And we will lead Short Term Missions Teams when time is favorable. There will be a period of learning and adjustment for us.  May the Lord grant us wisdom and quick adapting into our new role.  Please pray for us, and please also consider your continued financial support in our new ministry.

        Due to this new direction in our ministry, we returned to South Africa in early October to settle all the transition matters.  We thank the Lord that we were able to leave South Africa on time and arrived safely back home on November 27th.  Praise the Lord!  Many tedious tasks were able to be taken care of in a timely manner.  Things that only take a few minutes online in the States can become very complicated in South Africa.  For example, we had to spend two, three hours in the bank talking to different people in different departments just to cancel our credit card.  Once we spent all day in the bank to change signers of our mission office’s account.  When we were ready to give up, the lady at reception just came up to us to offer help to trace down our business consultant.  She even talked to her branch manager who went out of her ways to help us resolve our problem just in the nick of time!  If not for them, we might need to waste a few more days in Johannesburg.

        After being away for 1-1/2 years, we met with our brothers and sisters in Cape Town and Durban.  This re-acquaintance renewed our love for each other, praising our Lord in one heart and mind, feeling privileged to be God’s children.  We do not know what the future holds, but we are sure who holds the future!  They shared with us how they experienced God’s presence and protection during the pandemic.  They vowed to stand firm in their faith and committed themselves to serve the Lord.  Wherever we are, wherever we will go, the internet tool will connect us for fellowship and encouragement in our spiritual growth!

        Looking back on our past 20 years of service in South Africa, we were filled with awe!  Not that we had accomplished anything, but we were able to see God and His marvelous deeds with our own eyes!  “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!  Who has known the mind of the Lord?  Who has been his counselor?  Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?  For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be the glory forever!  Amen!”  (Romans 11:33-36)

Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests:

1. We thank God for our safe return to the States.
2. Please pray for South Africa in its facing this rapid spreading variant Omicron.
3. Please pray for wisdom for government officials in implementing effective inoculation measures.
4. Please pray for our new role that the Lord will grant us wisdom and ability to adjust.
5. Please continue to pray for the smooth running of the various online Bible studies and worship services.

In His service,        
Ko-Ta & Christina

親愛的代禱夥伴：

        感謝神，南非第三波新冠肺炎疫情已經減緩，從每天一萬幾千人感染，降至過去七天每天感染人數在三千上下。第三波疫情的患者大部份是染了Delta病毒，情況比第二波嚴峻，從感染及死亡數字來看，病毒的傳播及感染率極强。疫症開始最先前的一年三個月裡，有1,637,000人受感染，而最近的三個月就有1,255,000人感染，也就是有43％的人是在這三個月被感染的。在第三波中染病死亡的有30,374人，佔35％。Delta病毒的可怕可見一斑！

        在南非，已注射疫苗人口比率不及百分之二十，雖然現時疫症開始減緩，但面臨的挑戰還有不少。首先是十一月一日的南非普選，普選之前有許多競選活動，增加人與人的接觸，如拉票、造勢活動和投票等。其次是南非有八百萬的愛滋病患，他們對新冠病毒扺抗能力弱，使新冠病毒持久寄生在病患身上，這種寄生的關係給新冠病毒更多機會產生新的變種。所以，南非愛滋人口成為了變種的溫床。減低愛滋病人不產生變種的唯一方法就是給愛滋病患者注射疫苗。

        南非民眾對接種疫苗並不熱衷，有的因為被誤導，對打疫苗和戴口罩採敵對態度。最近南非政府展開宣傳，鼓勵國民接種疫苗，如果接種率能達到50％到75％，國家的經濟活動就可以得到較大幅度的開放。若要今年底之前人口中50％接種疫苗為目標，那尚有一千八百萬人要打疫苗。政府希望每天能為廿五萬人注射疫苗，然而每天接種疫苗的人數與此相差甚遠。

        我們仍然保持每週在網路上有三處崇拜聚會和三個查經聚會。感謝主使用網路語音的聚會，並沒有影響到參加人數，大家準時出現。崇拜可以重複聽，不受地區地點限制。有的人在南非以外，有的人在南非中部大城，也有的在南非北部小鎮；大家可以聚在一起。感謝主。

        由於疫情減緩，南非政府八月中下調戒嚴到第二級，使一些商業能恢復，紓解經濟壓力。美國已宣佈十一月開放，允許多個國家（包括南非）完成疫苗接種的人進入，估計各地方將會開放。我們計劃十月上旬返回南非，請為我們旅途平安禱告。

請您為這些事情代禱：

1. 請為南非疫情不會因為選舉而失控。
2. 求主賜智慧給政府官員，幫助愛滋病患者對抗新冠病毒。
3. 求主賜智慧給南非政府官員設法加速接種疫苗的工作。
4. 感謝主保守我們每週在網上的敬拜和查經都正常運作。

您的同工                     
克達、雅麗                
二零二一年九月

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        We thank the Lord that South Africa is finally coming out of its COVID-19 third wave.  Daily cases have been coming down to an average around 3,000 from daily highs of over 10,000.  In these three months, the Delta variant has been the main virus which is more contagious and widespread.  Its impact is obvious.  The total cases in South Africa for the first 15 months of the pandemic was about 1,637,000, but these last three months had pushed the number to 2,892,000 (an increase of 1,255,000 cases, or 43%).  For the same periods, South Africa recorded another 30,374 (or a 35% increase) COVID-related deaths.  The Delta variant is indeed devastating!

        Due to the low vaccination rate of less than 20%, the end of the third wave does not give South Africa any relief from its challenges.  First of all is the upcoming general election on November 1st.  All different campaign activities can become super-spreader events.  In addition, there are about 8 million HIV-positive patients in South Africa.  They not only have a weaker immune system but also are hotbeds for new COVID variants.  The only way out is full vaccination.

        However, misinformation on face masks and vaccines have been causing hesitation among South Africans.  The government has been trying different ways to encourage people to get inoculated.  If it can reach 50% to 75% of the total population, the country’s economy can be greatly improved.  Nevertheless, to be able to achieve 50% by the end of the year (18,000,000 more people), South Africa needs to vaccinate about 250,000 persons each day; that is quite a long way from the current rate.

        Through WeChat audio communications, we continue to hold three worship services and three weekday Bible studies every week.  We thank the Lord that attendance has been very steady, and brothers and sisters in different cities of South Africa as well as those in China are able to both participate in real time and review later as they wish.

        With the temporary easing of the pandemic and the lockdown downgrading in South Africa, the economy is slowing picking up pace.  Beginning November 1st, the United States will also accept foreign travelers (including South Africa) who are fully vaccinated.  We are planning to return to South Africa on early October.  Please pray for our safe travel.

Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests:

1. Please pray for effective measures during South Africa’s election period.
2. Please pray for wisdom for government officials in implementing extra measures for HIV-positive patients.
3. Please continue to pray for smooth administration of vaccines and at a quicker pace.
4. We thank the Lord for the smooth running of the various Bible studies and worship services as brothers and sisters are encouraging one another with one heart and in love.

In His service,        
Ko-Ta & Christina