Someone asked me once, “You just never know how your day will go when you live as a missionary, do you?” Today was no exception to that thought…I wasn’t exactly sure what the first day of a church plant should look like, but I am pretty sure it looks kind of like today! After years of labor, both by us and the previous missionaries here in the Thaba Tseka region of Lesotho (Alan and Babs Dial), but even more importantly, the grace of God, today was the first day the church of Ha Tselabeli met together as a church. We have taught Bible studies, and trained Moruti (Pastor) Kantine, but today, we turned him loose and handed over leadership to the church. The day went even better than expected. There were well over 80 in attendance that were old enough to listen and comprehend the message, and if we counted the ones not old enough to understand, there were well over 100. There were people in attendance today that have never attended our Bible study, which in itself is pretty exciting, and all of the people were super excited that a church was being started. We were joined by one of the local pastors (local meaning about 45 minutes away by car, several hours on foot), and several from his congregation came with him to help with the service. He was overjoyed to be a part of celebrating this new church! We sang and heard testimonies. We prayed and encouraged the new believers. We read scripture, and Moruti Kantine brought the Word of God. He was so nervous that he came to me just before time for him to preach, and told me he had forgotten his scripture passage for the message…he said, I am so afraid!” I told him,”That is a good thing. We should be a little afraid when we speak the Word of God to His church!” He did a great job, and I encouraged him that he would get even better. One of the ladies that gave a testimony said she had been praying for years for a church in her village where the Word of God would be taught…she said, “And now, God has answered my prayer!”
Moruti Kantine...bringing it!
Please continue to pray for this brand new church. Pray that the new believers grow in their faith, and that Moruti Kantine preaches the Word with boldness. Pray that God uses this church to reach the surrounding villages.
- The church meets in front of Moruti Kantine’s house
In the past week or so, we have received word that people all around the world were praying for the church at Ha Tselabeli. Isn’t it great that God joins together believers from countries across the globe to pray for one another? What an ecouragement for this new pastor and his congregation! Thanks for your prayers…this new church is off to a great start! We know, however, that the enemy will raise his ugly head, so please continue to intercede on behalf of these new followers of Jesus.
Until ALL have heard, Jim
