Greetings,
This week we include a report from Cliff Veal on his recent trip to visit the congregations in Madagascar and Rwanda:
From my hotel balcony in Kigali (pronounced “Chigali” by the locals) I look out over an orderly appearing, quite green, urban landscape. It seems to be so lush and prosperous, but when you hop on a Moto-Taxi, leaving the manicured, floral bestrewn boulevards of the new “showcase” Kigali behind, a different picture begins to emerge — a picture of poverty and distress. Having just recently returned from the Feast of Tabernacles, which vividly portrays a new, re-done world, based on God’s principles of life, the contrast is profoundly impacting. Don’t misunderstand; I applaud whatever progress has been made in this beautiful yet historically strife-torn land. In principle, Rwanda is no different than any of its compatriot-lands on this or any other continent. The results of mankind’s inability to rule himself properly are plain to see.
In Madagascar we find a similar situation – beautiful landscapes, rare species of flora and fauna… and grinding poverty — no picture of which appears in the professionally filmed and very inviting travelogues.
Please forgive me for this rather dark portrayal of these two lands I have recently visited. They are beautiful countries with some shining points of light and hope in both. God is working with our group of 20 in Madagascar and the “little flock” of four in Rwanda. There well may be others with whom He is working, but these are the ones He has placed in our care. It continues to astound me when I recognize that in these distant lands some of God’s people are coming to understand the same things we are coming to understand. It is quite exciting. (Let me hasten to add that what we are understanding does not fill me with pride over our “special” status with God the Father — rather it humbles me that we are just now coming to a deeper and more personal understanding of some basic truths we have known for many years. Better late than never!) God is infinitely patient and merciful.
While in Madagascar we enjoyed Sabbath services together, my English language sermon being ably translated by our deaconess, Evelyne, into the Malagasy tongue. We then got together for an outing on the Sunday following. It is very gratifying as a minister to see God’s people growing in grace and knowledge.
I found the little Rwandan group in basic good health and exceptionally good spirits. All were present for our Sabbath services and during my two days in Rushyikana’s home (a long time African member) we had many hours of interesting conversations. Again, imagine my delight at finding how close they feel to us and how much they understand about what God is doing with us and teaching us.
The brethren of Madagascar and Rwanda told me multiple times to convey their deep gratitude to all other church members and the ministry for the pastoral visits they are able to have. They truly appreciate the fact that they are thought about and prayed for.
Cliff Veal reporting from Africa.
Over and out.
[Cliff Veal has since returned safely to the UK.]
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One small update to the website is that the member login link is now located at the bottom of the page above Copyright. The login routine remains the same – username/password.
Also we have created a new page on thefatherscall.org website for viewing the entire Sabbath service. Members in other areas of the world where the streamed services are not an option due to time differences can now view a full service at their convenience. The page contains both video and audio messages, as well as a download section if you prefer to download the media files. Please visit the same page every Sabbath since we’ll be updating it on a weekly basis. The page is under Members > Full Services which means you will need to login – or use the direct link below which will take you straight to the service. (Last week we were unable to record video so for this week it is audio only).
Direct link: https://thefatherscall.org/full-services/
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
