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The General Conference Committee met in Ellecom, Holland, April 13-May 1, 1999. Seated, left to right, are Brothers Pablo Rodriguez, Manuel Bances, Siegmund Gutknecht, Antonino Di Franca, Branko Cholich, and Manny Dasappa. Standing, left to right, are Sister Raquel Orce Petkov, Brothers Gerhard Hunger, José Vicente Giner, Joel Barnedo, Rudi Guldemeester, Prudent Katide, Gabriel Cabrera, and Larry Watts, and Sister Barbara Watts. Not shown are Brother Hugo López and Sister Santina Màscera. |
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In 1997, this group gathered for a baptism in Uganda.
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News from Uganda
May the peace of our soon-coming Saviour be with all God’s people all over the world. In Matthew 10:16, we find wonderful words of caution to all who respond to the call to serve the Lord–both believers and workers: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16.
Here in Uganda, we have many difficulties, opposition, and changes of weather and territory, which sometimes weaken our faith as well as our health. When God’s servants leave their homes, they make many experiences in His work.
In Uganda, there is a small group of believers who were baptized by Brother Nathan Mogunde. When we visited this place, we saw much more than I can write here. Jesus told His followers in Matthew 6:33 to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, but now the world is doing exactly the opposite.
The small group was established under much struggle and great opposition; in fact, we thought it would completely collapse. But the Lord knows who are His. As it was in the apostle Paul’s time, we experienced miracles. The opposers of the truth rose up against the Lord’s servants, but the believers worked under prayer to save the life of His servants. Two times, I was driven away from this place by the authorities, who threatened to put me in the armed forces barracks; but the Lord protected me.
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The above sister and brothers from the Bushenyi group in western Uganda suffered imprisonment for their faith.
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One time, the elders of the mother church were the ones who went to the police to accuse us, and they brought an officer back with them. But we remembered the words of the Lord in
The Great Controversy, p. 45: “Satan exulted that he had succeeded in deceiving so large a number of the followers of Christ. He then brought his power to bear more fully upon these, and inspired them to persecute those who remained true to God. None understood so well how to oppose the true Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders; and these apostate Christians, uniting with their half-pagan companions, directed their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of Christ.”
This group had already tasted the cup of the Saviour when they were imprisoned and were threatened that they must return to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. But they stood firmly and defended the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. They were in police custody for seven days, but they remained strong and joyful. Since that day, the little group has been a witness in the Bushenyi district, where the message of Adventism was first preached in western Uganda.
Please remember the Ugandan Field in your daily prayers, for the Lord is still inviting more people to the wedding supper of the Lamb and wants His house to be full.
Another Sabbath school has been opened under the leadership of Brother Mogunde. It was not easy to perform the baptism. I remember the candidates’ climbing on a tree to reach the rivers. Brother Mogunde and I shed tears for the people of God who were struggling to make their covenant with Him.
–Alfred Mukhooli, Uganda
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These brothers and sisters participated in the Missionary Training Seminar held in January 1999 in Quito, Ecuador.
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Ecuador
“The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 29:19.
From December 23, 1998, to January 3, 1999, we held different activities in the union, beginning with the visit of Brothers Antonino Di Franca and Manuel Bances, who came to our country to conduct a five-day seminar for the workers and gospel ministers, which was a great blessing for all who participated.
On December 28-31, the two fields composing the union held elections, and after that elections were conducted for the Ecuadorian Union itself.
The last four days of these wonderful meetings were dedicated to the Union Conference, which was attended by approximately 600 people, who participated with great enthusiasm in all the activities. On some evenings, the congregation had the opportunity to listen to some very interesting explanations concerning the book of Revelation, given by Brother Bances, which made a positive impression on the hearers. The motto for our conference was “Free by His Love,” and Brother Di Franca spoke about this subject in the Sabbath morning service. In the afternoon, the youth program included a lot of music; because we didn’t have enough time for everything, the program was continued in the evening at a well-attended bonfire.
In addition to these wonderful days of Christian fellowship, we enjoyed the blessings of an interesting Missionary Training Seminar, held January 21-24, 1999, presented by Brother Carlos López, who works with the General Conference Evangelism Department. It is important to mention that his teaching was a great blessing to the work in our country, because it motivated us to do more extensive missionary work, which may help us to enlarge the place of our tent (Isaiah 54:2); therefore, we pray for the unction of the Holy Spirit, that He may descend upon us and help us carry out this important work.
May the Lord be with each of the dear brothers and sisters who attended these meetings, as well as with all our brethren in the entire world.
–Teófilo Palacias V., Ecuador
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These workers in Zimbabwe participated in the public outreach.
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Outreach in Zimbabwe
The work must go forward. People need to hear about Jesus Christ and prepare for the glorious day when He returns. Every single one of us is called to be involved in preaching. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14.
Our believers in the Zimbabwe Field continue to take up this challenge. Following a systematic evangelistic plan, the town of Kadoma was chosen for their public evangelistic program from April 1 to 5, 1999. Prior to this, house-to-house visits were made, and some Bible studies were conducted. A hall was rented, sleeping quarters and food were arranged, and the public was invited to come to the meetings.
Brother Donovan Dasappa, a youth from the Natal Field in South Africa, was invited to be the main speaker. This was part of the effort to enhance our image as an international missionary society. Brother Alfred Ngwenya, leader of the Zimbabwe Field, and his team of workers all cooperated in the planning, visits, Bible studies and follow-up activities. It was a very exciting time with much activity.
The main public meetings were held in the evening. The mornings and afternoons were reserved for visiting interested souls and those attending the meetings. Between 2 and 4 in the afternoon, workers’ meetings were held and planning was done, and there were special seasons of prayer.
These meetings also served to motivate and strengthen our believers who came from different parts of the country to support the effort. They were included in the activities and contributed to the success of the meetings. There was enthusiasm and revival among our believers as they were refreshed by the Holy Spirit and the word.
Now here is the exciting news. The blessings of the Lord were wonderful. God worked among the people, and the response to the gospel was tremendous. Ten families have requested follow-up Bible studies. We need to pray very earnestly for the Holy Spirit to continue to work with them. We all look forward to that day with great anticipation. All praise and glory to the Lord for His blessings upon these meetings!
In the meantime, groundwork and preparations have already begun for the next public efforts, scheduled to be held in August this year. The next target area in the Zimbabwe Field is Victoria Falls, where we have a few believers. Please pray for this effort.
Let us pray and work together to hasten the coming of the Lord. The opportunities for preaching the gospel in Zimbabwe are great. May the Lord continue to bless His work there!
–Manny Dasappa, South Africa
