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Update On Our Brethren In East Africa
Re-Gathering
12/24//2009
Greetings to all,
Glory be to God our maker who has
kept us in good health and unity, the whole of this Roman year. The
work of preaching the gospel did spread with a speed we've never
seen before, and this time, with great demonstration of love, yes,
selflessness in the part of most of us brethren.
Though a very tough year here in
Africa due to extended drought, and occasional political violence,
we of the church of God saw the great hand of our creator who sent
his angels, in the being of you our international brethren and has
delivered us from most of the problems.
We cant fail to acknowledge you all
for your willingness to be used by God in that way. May His grace
abide in all of you who have missed their sleep and at times their
normal joy to come to our rescue.
The year is now ending. But it never
went without achievements. As the gospel region enlarged, we were
able to build a network ,especially on the communication side of
it. Through your tithes and offerings, we were able to purchase
mobile phones for each new group in the various regions, thus
enabling us to be in touch throughout.
We also did purchase a motorbike for
one of our coordinators whose area has four groups which are
scattered over a large area. This enables him to visit easily and
get to encourage them. We were able to aid a slums school with
books and some funds to help pay the teachers.
NEWS 12/3/2009
Greetings comes to you from Nairobi
Kenya. We thank God very much for what he is doing, both in our
lives and the lives of as many as are relating with us. The whole
of last week and a portion of this week saw us furthering the gospel
message to parts of western Kenya and Tanzania.
We went encouraging the brethren, and
reminding them of the need to continue burying the self as we let
Christ do His finals in completing his spiritual building which is
us, His church.
On arriving at Oyugis, we did take
our brother Crispin who joined us in the journey to South Nyanza,
Rakwaro where we where met by our brethren and some other people who
waited to here our message. Among them was a Pentecostal pastor,
who listened keenly after which he had some questions, which we
answered from the bible. At the end of the talk, he did admit that
our bible knowledge is advanced and we need to have more time to
teach people. Two of those who were present requested to be part of
us and we gave them our literatures which they are busy reading now.
We also did buy some Luo bibles for them.
From there we continued on our trip
and joined the brethren at Migori where we spend a lovely Sabbath.
There also, a new member from the united church of God joined us and
after listening to our teachings, he decided to be with us.
Brethren, this is a show of what work God is doing through us as a
church.
.
Brethren, isn’t this a sign of Christ re-gathering his church in the truth, the original foundation which makes us one? It really is encouraging and we are very thankful for it. Lets continue in this selfless behavior and grow till we at last become the one church which Christ is building and is about to complete. God bless all of us and thanks once again for the good work. May his grace abide with everyone of us and may we continue the fellowship till Christ returns.
AWAKENING
11/18/2009
From the ways things look, the thirst for the word of God is brewing in the hearts of many in the today's world. Recently, we did visit a brother who had migrated to a new region where Sabbath keeping is least known. When he arrived there, the residents began to wonder what kind of life he leads. So he invited them in his place with the intention of giving them the details of their desire.
We found this to be a God-given opportunity to take the gospel there which we did. On arriving there, we found some 10 families gathered at his home and we were able to socialize with them for a whole Sabbath and half of the Sunday. Those gathered there where Catholics, Protestants and Pentecostals. But unlike other times when we meet such people, who come straight defending their faiths, these people were very good listeners and received the gospel attentively. We showed them how the gospel of Jesus Christ is not just anything one can imagine and believe but rather a message from our creator which reveals to as many as do accept it, the purpose of our lives and how we can achieve it. We abolished from their minds, the thoughts of denominations and challenged them to think of the life of God which is meant to be our lives and which, if one accepts, makes him/her a Christian.
After a detailed explanation of the same, all saw the need of researching to prove what we said and borrowed our literatures for more studies. This is what made us feel that God is stirring the today's people into thrusting for the truth and allowing the gospel to spread as a witness before the soon coming End. After that, we did as Jesus during that time of the 5,000 multitude which gathered around him. We did treat them to a lunch meal which we had prepared. The area is among the most dry areas in the country and there is quite some famine. So, this meal was quite a flavor to the message which we gave. They really recommended our brother as one of the most loving man they ever met. We also were able to give those who were heavily pressed some little assistance as we were able. So, as we spread the gospel, we are also demonstrating physically, through theses assistances, what the life of outgoing concern is all about. Unlike many others who preach the gospel and ask the people to contribute funds, we do give freely, asking nothing from them, proving the saying of Christ; “its more blessed to give than to receive". God truly is enabling to leave those we come across with something to think about.
After this we did make our trip back to Nairobi safely, feeling highly encouraged by the way God is holding the whirlwind and paving way for the gospel to move smoothly. Thus was the experience of this trip and we believe it was as a result of your continued support both in prayer and financial support. Lets keep moving that direction brethren and fulfill our mission of reaching the four corners of the earth. We thank God for enabling us this far and also giving us this united front in doing it. Grace be with all of you.
Mutulu, the overseer in Africa, reporting from Nairobi, Kenya
GOSPEL SPREADS 11/7/2009 Hello, and greetings from us here in Africa, E. Africa, Kenya. Our Lord did give us one of the signs of his coming and the end of the age as the preaching of the gospel to all the world. This is evident with us here in Africa.
Even though, heavy criticism abides, especially from the Seven Day Adventists “SDA’s” who live there, we were able to have some few who received the gospel and are now seriously reading our materials to prove all things. We were also able to witness the hardships of doing the work of God as Paul did. The place is a wilderness kind of an area, with no means of transport. It is also bordered by a national park and so packed with Elephants, Lions, and Buffaloes which are very dangerous. Since the only means of going around the region is walking, and long distances,
In our third day there,
as we walked back to where we were staying, at around quarter to
seven in the evening, we confronted a herd of Elephants which chased
us and blocked the way until we could not get home. We were forced
to stay awake all night in a small shopping area of one of the
Villages because there were no guest houses. This is on top of
walking long distances and staying long times without meals. The
place is so dry that the only means of anyone earning his daily
bread, is to make burning charcoal to sell. The trucks which come to
buy the charcoal are the same that bring food to the people which is
normally very expensive.
Thanks to God for those
of you who have been sending relief to this region.
With all these
difficulties, we did reach the people with the good news of a coming
kingdom and a very good life in which peace abides. From the way
thinks look, God is now doing his final recruitment, choosing to add
up to the number of his cabinet in his soon coming kingdom. The
gospel is thus gaining ground in brand new areas and I believe, very
soon, it will reach the four corners.
Thanks allot to all of you brethren
who have supported this work to this far. Were it not for your
contribution, we wouldn’t have the books, the transport, and the
supplies to keep us going. We were, by the same assistance, able to
supply Bibles and reading materials. This is how much you brethren,
though very far, are seriously working out here through us and we
thank God very much for you.
We are now going round
tirelessly, to see to it that we fulfill the mission which God has
put in our hands. We hope you will also continue to do what you are
doing now until we together as the church of Christ finish the work
which he sent us to do.
We are now back in
Nairobi for a few days, readying ourselves for the next trip which
will see us going the Eastern region before we proceed to the
western then on to Tanzania, the neighboring country. We request
the prayers of every one of you, that God may enable us with the
wisdom and the will to do so. May God bless you very much for
accepting to assist us in serving him. This is Your brother in Christ, James Mutulu, reporting from Nairobi, Kenya
Brethren in E. Africa ready to keep 2009 Feast of Tabernacles 8/8/2009
Greetings Brethren,
I hope this letter finds all of you in good spiritual health, as the end of this age nears and the “Day” approaches. I wanted to update you concerning the work that our Creator has us involved in over there in E. Africa and also here at home in our daily lives.
Currently our brother in Christ James Mutulu has been making the rounds to visit all of our scattered brethren around Kenya and in Tanzania. James is making the final arrangements for the brethren to meet together in Mombassa for this year’s feast of Tabernacles. As many of you know, we were able to contract an establishment for all of us to gather for the feast. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to be together and focus our minds on the soon coming Kingdom of God that is approaching. Thanks to the donations and love that has come in from you brethren, the brethren in that 3rd world country will be able to assemble together for the feast of Tabernacles, and have plenty of food (both spiritual and physical) to consume at the feast.
Here are some of the recent E-mail that have come in from James Mutulu as he makes the rounds. You can seen that life there in E. Africa continues to be a struggle for our brethren, especially as the drought intensifies.
We were able to assist those brethren in need with some relief from the donations that many of you have been sending, and the brethren over there are very appreciative. Mutulu is taking pictures as he travels, and I hope to send them to all of you soon as we receive them.
This lady watches, as her cow dies from the drought. I’m told that some areas in this part of Kenya haven’t had rain in five years.
Now concerning the upcoming fall feasts, Mark Rusinko from Trenton New Jersey will be giving the message on the feast of Trumpets, Friday Sept 18. The new moon for the seventh month is on that Friday Sept 18th (Although most in the different churches of God are following the Hebrew calendar and will be keeping Trumpets a day after the actual new moon, on Sabbath Sept 19.) The Hebrew calendar is off by one day this fall, but not due to their “Postponement rules” this time, but because when Hillel II drew up that calendar approximately 400 years after the death and resurrection of Christ, he used the same new moon dates that were on the Babylonian calendar that was in existence at that time, and those new moon dates are not accurate, and are called “fictitious” by one of the leading Astronomical Universities in the world “Utrecht University” in the Netherlands.
Many misguided ministers will tell you that the Bible contains no calendar within its pages for the keeping of God’s Holy Days, but to believe that lie would be total foolishness. God’s calendar is in the pages of His Bible, and quite simple to comprehend, if one approaches the subject with obedience and an open mind to His Word. The new month begins in the same manner that the new day begins. When the sun falls below the horizon and its light disappears, it is the beginning of a new day. The same holds true for the new month. When the light shining on the moon goes out, it is called “New Moon” which is the same exact Hebrew word for “Month.” “New Moon” – “Month” same Hebrew word. So when it is new moon, it is also a new month.
Doyle Carlisle from Brackettville Texas will be giving the message on the “Day of Atonement” Sunday Sept. 27th. (The 10th day from the new moon) On both of those Holy Days, we plan to have a telephone hookup. If you would like to join us, please see the attached paper for details. There is no cost to you for the call to connect with us, but you may want to call in on a “Speaker Phone” so you will be able to easily hear the messages.
Now aside from the work that God has us involved in over in E. Africa, and aside from the commission that the church of God has to preach the Good News of the coming Kingdom of God, let us also remember the big work that our Creator is performing in all of those that are His. He has called us to glory and virtue, to holiness and perfection. But accomplishing those goals includes much participation on our part. It includes the utilization of His Holy Spirit. Yes, that Holy Spirit of His that He gave us at our baptism has to be used, it has to be exercised, and it has to be flowing because it is alive. It flows from the Father Himself into His children and then back out again in the form of good fruits like: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith.
Are these fruits flowing out of each and every one of us brethren? If they are not, then let us remember His instruction in Mt.12:33 “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.”
Our Creator is looking for our fruits, and fruits can only be produced on branches that are connected directly to the vine. That vine is Christ Brethren; let no man or organization come between the One and only vine and His branches. Let us move on to perfection, let us continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our soon coming Lord of Lord and King of Kings Jesus the Christ. Let us prepare to keep the upcoming fall feasts not only physically, but also in spirit and in truth.
Update On Our Brethren In East Africa Brethren in E. Africa ready to keep of the Passover 4/4/09 By bill GoffGreetings,
Thanks to the love and concern from you who have been contributing your prayers and financial support to assist the brethren there in Kenya and Tanzania, they are now physically prepared to keep the Passover on the upcoming 14 of this first Month.
James Mutulu and George Ortara have just completed making the rounds visiting nine of the COG groups that we are associated with over there in that part of the world. Along with bringing them much needed food assistance due to the continued drought, they were also able to bring the Passover supplies. Most of our brethren there have no way of purchasing the wine needed for Passover service, so Mutulu and Ortara made a special delivery to all nine of the groups there. The brethren also had no flour to make their unleavened bread, but they do now, thanks to the continued concern from a number of you.
Now it is just a matter of the brethren there (like each of the brethren here) to be spiritually prepared to take the Passover, and that’s a matter of self-examination. A resent message given here in the States was also shared with our brethren there, concerning the self focus that each and every one of us in the COG need to be doing at this time as we approach the Passover. Self-examination is to thoroughly search ourselves. It’s time to take a good look at our behavior, our conduct and to thoroughly examine the areas where we are still falling short, and then, condemn and set right whatever we find wrong.
Over there in Mombassa, Kenya there are also a few who have been counseling recently for baptism. James Mutulu has now traveled there to conclude that counseling and to perform those baptisms. So there will be a few more members of the Body of Christ, the church keeping this years Passover with the other brethren in that area.
We do hope that all the members of the church of God from around the world have a good and prosperous Passover and feast of Unleavened Bread. We will also report again on the fate of our brethren there in E. Africa soon after the spring Holy Days.
1/21/09
By bill Goff
Greetings,
Our brethren in E. Africa continue to suffer in their everyday life, as some of them are now going a day or two per week without food. It is hard for some of us to comprehend this, but it is reality for our brethren living there where famine is steadily increasing due to a lack of rain.
Kenya said on Friday (January 9) it would declare a national emergency over a drought that has left 10 million people needing food aid in East Africa's richest nation. The arid, northern areas are the worst hit in Kenya by a drought that is causing hardship around the East and Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia and Ethiopia. "The Government is to declare a National Emergency in regard to the prevailing drought and famine situation in the country that has rendered nearly ten million Kenyans food insecure," said a statement from President Mwai Kibaki's office. 09 Jan 2009 15:18:02 GMT Source: Reuters NAIROBI, Jan 9 (Reuters.)
More than three million Kenyans are threatened with starvation after a series of droughts, according to the World Food Program. Kenya is suffering one of its worst droughts in decades. Seasonal long rains failed this year and in the northern and eastern regions of the country 80% of the livestock has already died. The WFP's deputy country director for Kenya, David Fletcher, says people are selling their camels, cattle and goats for knockdown prices. "In some parts some people are down to their last goat," he said. Many of those affected are pastoralists who graze cattle and goats in the semi-desert scrub.
Kenyan TV reported that more than half of Kenya's population are facing the famine
We have a good network set up in E, Africa for a few years now where we stay in constant contact with approximately 12 Church of God groups there. James Mutulu, the overseer based in Nairobi also travels to visit each group from time to time. Most of our brethren living in Kenya and Tanzania are hard working peasant farmers, but have no control over the current whether conditions.
If you can possible help our brethren there, please send that help to:
Kenya Hands Of Hope 120 Stage Road Tuckerton, N.J. 08087
We started “KHOH” a few years ago to try and raise funds to help our brethren who are living in that 3rd world Country. We are 501c3 Tax-Exempt and will immediately send you a receipt for any and all donations.
Please don’t hesitate to call us at the phone number below if you have questions.
Thank You
bill Goff
Phone: 609-489-1565 E-Mail Goffb50@aol.com |
