Loloma Mission, Zambia/Namibia
We have seen many encouraging aspects of the work in Namibia, which we praise the Lord for, but we have also been discouraged at times.
The growth of our dear brother Erickson and his wife Selma in the Word and in the testimony that the community around them sees thrills our hearts. One of her contacts, Selma (a seventeen-year-old girl who came out to bible studies we had in November), is still interested in the gospel. Although with her school load, she is unable to visit Erickson and family, they still reach out, wanting to see her saved. This young lady, Selma, has a mother who is opposed to the gospel and has still forbidden her to come to bible studies. On our most recent visit, she was able to see us for a few hours, during which I once again conveyed the gospel to her.
As we spend the month of March in Namibia, we were able to check in on those who have shown interest in the gospel. Moses is one of those who was so willing to receive the gospel, but it seems that as his personal life circumstances have improved, he has fallen by the wayside. It is all too common when a job comes, and family life is going well, God is forgotten. Many use the gospel (or God himself) as a lucky charm to get what they want in life, and when they receive what they were pursuing, they become selfish and unthankful. Moses has been avoiding us, and we feel there is a lot of guilt associated with it.
Elias has been the neighbour of Erickson for many years. We have gotten to know Elias and his family over these four years. He still refuses to become a Christian for the sake of peace in his marriage, but makes sure his daughter, Ann Marie, and his son, Pineas, attend all the meetings. Ann Marie is a smart young lady and came with some friends to bible study. They showed great interest.
Erickson has a sister named Paulina, who, when we first met her, was opposed to us and would not be part of anything we were doing. Just in the past year or so, everything has changed. She wants to come to the meetings, and she is also bringing her workmates to hear the gospel.
One lady who was new to us during this visit is a neighbor of Selma and Erickson. Her name is Renzia. She came to every single Bible study held throughout the month of March and was very disappointed when they came to an end. We do not know what she believes, as she doesn’t say much, but along with her diligent attendance, she was also seen to be making notes continually.
A man that we met towards the end of our time in Swakopmund was Luciano. This young man has some biblical knowledge and enjoys the bible studies. When I was able to have a deeper conversation with him, it sounded as if he is greatly steeped in mysticism and witchcraft, but in a way that is cloaked in spiritualism (which makes it more palatable). Most (if not all) Pentecost-style churches in the areas of Namibia we have visited are this way, hiding under the umbrella of religion is demonic culturalism.
At the beginning of March, we were joined by a group of believers from West Richmond, as well as a few from Scotland. Those who joined us in Swakopmund distributed nearly all the 10,000 calendars printed for this outreach. These calendars have been a great way to get the scriptures into the homes of Namibians. The calendars were well received, and good conversations were had. This was done in the morning and early afternoon.
In the late afternoon, we had the immense pleasure of holding children's meetings once again in the shanty town called DRC. We taught these young ones the "I am's" of John's gospel. The children are learning, and they know all the songs we sing. It is a joy to the heart when, from a distance, you can hear the children sing these Sunday school songs on their own in their homes. We had a gift for those who came on the last day;
over 140 children were present.
In the evenings, we were able to have Bible studies with a gospel focus for those who came. It is an encouragement to see many each night come with questions and a willingness to hear the gospel. It was a pleasure for us to give Bibles to those who didn't have them, either in English or in a vernacular. In Swakopmund, Erickson and Selma are so driven to share the gospel with those whom they know. Whenever we study the scriptures, we need to be very clear about the context of what we are teaching, whether it is directed to believers, unbelievers, the local assembly, the universal church, the nation of Israel, etc.
After leaving Otjiwarango, we headed north for Loloma. We consider all the ongoing hardships we face in both Namibia and Zambia. As of yet, we don't have a visa for Namibia. We must say as the friends of the deaf and dumb man did in Mark chapter 8, "He hath done all things well". It's amazing the different statements made about our Lord by those who really did not believe in Him, yet what was said is true. An example is, ”Friend of publicans and sinners" (Matt 11.9) or, what Pilate said about Him: "I find no fault in him." We truly serve a remarkable Savior—one who fights on our behalf and from whom all blessings flow. We continually look to Him for help as we press forward with the gospel in Namibia and Zambia.
Written by Steven & Stephanie Anderson
