SOUTH AFRICA, 2004

Strengthen the Brethren

CFM's continuing relationship with the churches and city of Graaff Reinet, South Africa, was strengthened and expanded as Brian and Deanna Guy and Roger Kepple went with the goal of "Strengthening the Brethren."  Over the past seven years, we have built mutual friendships and gathered together in prayer -- for both our cities.  The 2004 team left Kansas City on February 17 to fly to Cape Town, then continued on by car to Graaff Reinet in the Eastern Cape .  God gave us an early blessing by upgrading our car from a small compact to an 8 passenger Mercedes van -- which not only gave us more comfort and luggage space,  but room to transport people while in Graaff Reinet.

Brian's goal was to share the seven basic principles of life which have impacted his own life so much.  Pastors and leaders there arranged his schedule which included churches in all the areas of Graaff Reinet; the multi-cultural flavors were very encouraging as he shared the Word of Life with them.  Each of the churches meet a real need in the town and some understand the need to work together for the Kingdom.

Other ministries in Graaff Reinet were eager to show us their work.  One day we visited a school which began to help disabled children, but then expanded to also include normal pre-schoolers.  They work with very little resources, but a highlight of our visit was a song by one of the young men whose great baritone voice reverberated with "Since I met Jesus, my life has never been the same!"

Another ministry was far out in the country in a former motel and bar, but now a rehabilitation center for drug and alcohol addicts.  Lives are being turned around by the Word and love, combined with work and discipline.

Team members were very encouraged by the commitment to prayer that many people had in Graaff Reinet.  Two people said they felt that God was going to give a breakthrough there this year.  It is a highlight of nearly every trip to Graaff Reinet to go up on the mountain overlooking the town and pray for God to do a mighty work there.

Talking to school classes and assemblies

Preaching in various languages.

Building friendships with other Christians.

A circle of brotherhood that has room for all.

Steve and Belinda Grewar                                    Maart and Winnie Joseph

Roger's goal for his first trip to South Africa was to encourage and strengthen those involved in small businesses in Graaff Reinet, and thus strengthening the community and the church.  Through a number of speaking engagements, he met many people who were either currently in business or have a heart to do that.  He also spoke in a number of churches and formed many strong friendships.  Roger will continue to aid these businesses via the Internet and future trips.

Relationship building brought many rewards with pastors, business people, and many other Christians.  They were especially encouraged that CFM had been praying for Graaff Reinet for seven years, and promised to pray for Richmond as well.

Our hearts are knit with the people of Graff Reinet and we continue to pray that God will transform it in such a way that its motto, "the gem of the Karoo" will become "God's Gem of the Karoo" for all South Africa to see.

One of God's special blessings on this trip was the abundant rains He sent to the Karoo -- six or seven of the 10 days there were filled with heavy rains.  It was a joy to see puddles in the fields and the lake behind the dam begin to rise.  We felt it was God showing us the answer to our prayers -- and renewing his covenant with His people by giving a beautiful rainbow over the town.

We continue to pray for God to open doors and hearts and do something so magnificent that only He gets the glory!  In both Richmond, Missouri and Graaff Reinet, South Africa!