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

下載 PDF 格式 （中文）

Download PDF Version （English）

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

下載 PDF 格式 （中文）

Download PDF Version （English）

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

親愛的代禱夥伴：

        南非在七月發生嚴重的騷亂襲擊事件，最主要發生在夸祖魯-納塔爾省和豪登省。騷亂緣起於7月8日南非前總統雅各布．祖馬被控腐敗，且藐視法庭被判入獄。他被捕和拘留後，引發群眾抗議。7月9日晚上，夸祖魯-納塔爾省率先出現雅各布．祖馬支持者發起的示威活動，隨後示威活動升級為搶劫和暴力，更迅速蔓延到其他的城市。成千上萬的人洗劫商場、封堵高速公路，企業、工廠、診所和學校都成為襲擊的目標。7月11日晚上，騷亂蔓延更多地方，引發哄搶事件，直到軍隊的介入才平靜下來。

        騷亂之時神仍然在掌權！

        教會的王弟兄在伊士台比開成衣廠，他的工廠被暴徒襲劫和燒燬，他女兒的腳也因此受了傷。主保守他們安全離開工廠，他女兒現在也順利完成了手術。手術曾延後，因為無法購買手術所需要的配件。請為王弟兄和他女兒代禱，求主使他女兒的腳傷早日康復，安慰他們的傷痛，並且引領他們前面的道路，求主賜他們信心及恩典。

        與王弟兄同一個工廠區，陳牧師的雨鞋廠也遭到打劫和破壞，暴民將廠房牆上消防的銅管都拆走了。陳牧師和其他工人翻牆安全離開工廠。原來以為工廠的工具，配件全部丟失，後來發現主機完整沒被破壞，尋索整理後找回了工具和配件，所以機器仍然可以生產，所剩的原物料也夠生產今年的訂單。他滿心數算主的恩典，雖然受損，仍看見神在看顧，仍然為所發生的事感恩。他在教會群組中分享，使大家都得到鼓勵。正如一位弟兄分享說：「通過一場的劫難，讓我們不但看到恩主的大能和神奇，更讓我們看到真正屬靈生命的魅力」。

        在伊士台比還有五家成衣工廠是教會弟兄姐妹經營的，感謝主這次他們都沒有被騷擾。在那裡開廠的李弟兄夫婦，前兩個星期感染新冠病毒，教會弟兄姐妹為他們禱告，求主幫助他們復元；感謝主，經過兩週的服藥及療養，現今他們已經恢復。

        上次遇劫蒙神保守的陳弟兄夫婦，再次經歷到神奇妙的眷顧。當暴亂事件蔓延到豪登省時，陳弟兄請弟兄姐妹們為他們兩間店鋪的安全代禱，求主看顧。他們見證說：「昨晚我們一號店的商場被攻破，我們沒有其它辦法，只能不斷祈禱，求恩主保守。禱告之後，神給我們有平安。早上去看才發現我們周邊的店舖全被洗劫一空，唯獨我們的店毫髮無損，如詩篇91篇所應許的，一切榮耀歸於恩主！我們二號店對面的整個商場被洗劫一空，而我們所在的商場毫髮無傷。」神行了奇妙的事，保存了他們兩個商店！

請您為這些事情代禱：

1. 請為騷亂之後南非政府的恢復工作代禱，求主幫助他們能早日回歸正常。
2. 南非施打疫苗速度緩慢，求主幫助政府官員安排更快速的流程施打疫苗。
3. 南非新冠肺炎疫情最近是第三波的高峯期，求主賜智慧給南非政府官員做好抗疫的工作。
4. 請為王弟兄女兒腳傷恢復代禱，求主使她早日康復。求主也引領王弟兄前面的道路。
5. 感謝主，每週在網上的敬拜和查經都正常運作，不受攪擾，弟兄姐妹都能認真的學習。

您的同工                     
克達、雅麗                
二零二一年七月

下載 PDF 格式 （中文）

Download PDF Version （English）

Dear Prayer Partners,

        South Africa just experienced a severe insurrection in July, especially in the cities of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.  It started on July 8th when former President Jacob Zuma was imprisoned for contempt of court in his bribery trial.  On the next day, his supporters rallied protests in different cities that turned into violence and lootings.  Tens of thousands of people joined in to block highways, to rob and destroy shops and malls, even schools and clinics.  This continued for two more days and to other cities.  It was finally controlled after the army was called in.

        God still reigns in times of turmoil!

        Brother Wang’s factory in Isithebe was totally burned down, and his daughter suffered injuries in her legs.  The Lord helped them make it out of danger, and his daughter’s surgery was completed successfully this past Monday.  She had to wait for a whole week due to a break in the supply chain of special nails for her bones.  Please pray for her speedy recovery and Brother Wang’s plans ahead.  May the Lord grant them faith and grace!

        Rev. Chen’s factory in Isithebe was also broken in.  He and his workers were able to escape by climbing over the backyard fence at the last minute.  When he went back to survey the damages, he discovered that all machines were intact, and all production tools and parts were left behind.  The remaining raw materials were enough to finish the orders for the rest of the year.  He rejoices in the Lord’s protection and provision!  He shared his testimony at the church’s WeChat group.  One brother responded that, “through this catastrophe, we not only saw God’s amazing power but also the charm of a real spiritual life.”

        We thank God that five other church members’ factories in Isithebe were spared.  In addition, we have been praying for a couple who were infected with COVID-19 two weeks ago.  We thank God for His mercy.  They are now totally recovered.

        Brother Chen (the one we mentioned in our last prayer letter) has two shops in two different malls in the Gauteng province.  When the violence started to spread to his city, he asked for intercessions.  This is his testimony on the day after:  “Last night, my first shop’s mall was attacked, and no one could intervene.  We could only pray for God’s protection.  We felt immense peace after praying.  The next morning, we went in and found that the shops on our right, on our left and across from us were all damaged.  Ours was the only one that was completely untouched – as He had promised in Psalm 91.  Praise be to the Lord!  There is another mall across from the mall that our second shop is located.  That other mall was totally ransacked, but our mall was skipped!”  The Lord saved his shops in marvelous ways!

Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests:

1. Please pray for recovery of law and order in South Africa.
2. Please continue to pray for smooth administration of vaccines and at a quicker pace.
3. Please continue to pray for wisdom for the South Africa officials to set up effective measures against the spread of the virus.
4. Please continue to pray for Sister Wang’s recovery from her surgery; also pray for Brother Wang to know God’s will in his future plans.
5. 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