Letters From the Missionary - Johannesburg, South Africa

Family Radio Mission to Johannesburg, South Africa

August 11^th- 23^rd, 2010

LETTER #1

“And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” (Malachi 3:17)

Thursday, August 12, 2010. A Family Radio group of 16 “Ambassadors for Christ” (10 men and 6 women) from various parts of the US arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa on another tract distribution trip. This is our second visit to South Africa this year. We went to the southern city of Cape Town in April.

We plan to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and warn the people here of the impending Day of Judgment by distributing thousands of Family Radio tracts and hundreds of Bibles during the next ten days. The tracts were printed locally and contain the current Family Radio broadcasting schedules for this area and a reference to the multilingual website. The Bibles have been purchased here as well.

We currently have a total of 200,000 tracts in English and 500 hundred Bibles in our hotel, and we can order more as needed. We also have many booklets and CDs of Family Radio’s Bible teaching materials.

The Republic of South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa, with a 1,740 mile (2,800 km) coastline on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. To the north lie Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe; to the east are Mozambique and Swaziland; while Lesotho is an independent country wholly surrounded by South African territory.

South Africa is the fifth largest country in Africa with a population of about 49 million, and it is known for its diversity in cultures, languages, and religious beliefs. Eleven official languages are recognized in its Constitution, but there are many more tribal dialects. Despite having a large role in public and commercial life, English is only the fifth most spoken home language.

The religious makeup of the country is mostly Christian, which accounts for 68% of the population (with Bantu Churches accounting for 22%). Other religious minorities, which include Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and indigenous religions, make up the remainder.

Johannesburg (also known as “Jo’burg” and “Jozi”) is located in the northeastern part of the country at an elevation of 5,750 feet (1,750 meters). It is the country’s largest city with a population of nearly 4 million and over 10 million in the entire metropolitan area.

Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Ganteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, and has the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub Saharan Africa. It is the world’s largest city not situated on a river, lake, or coastline. The city is the source of a large scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral rich Witwatersrand (WIT WATERS RAND) range of hills. It has been in the news lately because it was the host city of this year’s World Cup Football (Soccer) tournament.

We are glad for the opportunity and privilege to bring this wonderful, and at the same time ominous message to these dear people and we are praying that God will perform a mighty work of grace in the hearts of many in this part of the world.

He must increase, but I must decrease”. (John 3:30)

In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LETTER #2

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)

Friday, August 13, 2010. Today was our first full day in Johannesburg. We began the day with an orientation meeting with the two-fold purpose of (1) welcoming our ten South African ambassadors who have joined us for the mission, and augmenting the group’s total to 26; and (2) to discuss the logistics of our activities during our stay here in Johannesburg. The ambassadors were divided up into seven teams and assigned to various locations in and around the city, including a visit to the Soweto township and the Witswatersrand University.

One team visited the Park Station, a large Bus Terminal. The site was very crowded, with many commuters, vendors and the like, making it a prime location for the team’s distribution efforts. After about an hour of placing the words of eternal life into many willing hands, a security guard asked if the team had permission to conduct its activities there. The team leader went to the administrative office and showed the officials the materials that they were offering to the people, explaining that the team’s purpose was to bring the Gospel message of Judgment Day. By God’s providence, the officials granted the team permission to distribute tracts inside the building for another hour and a half. At the end of the permitted time allotment, the team’s tract load was almost depleted and they finished up the remaining tracts at a little market area near the Bus Terminal, and along the way back to the hotel.

One of the assignments for today was to work at the mini-van rank at the entrance to the Soweto township. On arriving at the location, the team’s ambassadors were greeted with hordes of people who use this mode of transportation to get into and out of Soweto, the largest township in Johannesburg. The ambassadors worked the crowd there sharing with the people who were very eager to receive this absolutely important information about the impending judgment of God. While at the site, the team noted that there was a large hospital across the ramp from the mini-van park. And, in keeping with God’s providential timing, there was a huge crowd of people going to and from the hospital (apparently it was the lunch break that seemed to coincide with visiting hours). Thus, two ambassadors, strategically positioned at the end of the ramp, were able to intercept the employees and visitors, and present them with the True Gospel of grace as they went back and forth across the ramp to the hospital compound. By God’s mercy, the team had a very productive and delightful day at this location, with a few witnessing encounters.

Yet another team visited the Witswatersand University which is within walking distance from our hotel. This is a sprawling, three-campus facility catering to an approximate 70,000 student population of people’s of all nationalities and ethnicities. The team reports:

“We went to one of the entrances, but this allowed only security-card access for the students and staff personnel, to whom we shared the message, while waiting for directions from the security guard. He sent us to the main entrance where, after stating the purpose of our visit, the security official graciously granted permission to enter the complex."

“Just when we were contemplating how to get into the main wing of this vast university complex, again, with God’s perfect timing, we encountered the newspaper reporter who had interviewed our group leader earlier in the day. He is a lecture at the university and he led us to the courtyard where the students congregate. We were able to reach the students either coming or going to one of the lecture halls, in the various conversation nooks, the libraries and the student cafeteria. We were able to distribute the tracts and teaching materials to a very receptive audience, by university standards, as well as the grounds people and other staff personnel as they went about their business of the day at the complex."

"Many students questioned as to the veracity of this date and whether they should continue their education seeing that the time of the end is so close. Others, were practically in tears, enquiring as to what they should be doing, to which the ambassadors responded that they should read the material and pray for God’s guidance in their decision-making at this important juncture in their lives. Meanwhile, for about two hours of our stay at this location, the newspaper cameraman followed us around the campus, observing our activities and taking candid shots of our operation. The Lord provided us with a great day of witnessing His word to these dear people, for which we are very grateful.”

Four other teams conducted their distribution efforts at taxi-ranks, the Oriental Plaza, and the Germiston Train Station. The ambassadors would start working on the inside of the establishment and then the security personnel would inform them they could not continue; nevertheless, working on the outside still proved fruitful, and the hundreds of people at the site, coupled with the wonderful reception of the tracts and Family Radio teaching booklets enabled a wonderful first day of sharing in Johannesburg.

Many are awestruck by this seemingly incredulous message, which is declaring that the time is just around the corner and why is Judgment Day occurring so soon, and they enquire as to what they should be doing. The ambassadors would respond that the timing is God’s own and that it is incumbent upon everyone to humbly beseech the Lord for His mercy and read the Bible, since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. We pray that the Lord’s mercy would be realized in the lives of many of these warm, gracious and very receptive people.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LETTER #3

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29)

Saturday, August 14, 2010. This is our second full day of tract distribution in Johannesburg, and we are thankful that we are able to proclaim the message of hope to these dear people, giving them the privilege to come boldly to the throne of grace to seek meekness and righteousness, so that in the fullness of time, they may receive of God’s matchless grace, as He purposes.

Today two different teams returned to two of the taxi ranks that were visited yesterday with the same great results and there were many witnessing opportunities as the people continued to raise questions about the May 21, 2011 date. Despite the few scoffers and the repeated refrains of: “No man knows the day or the hour,” or “the Lord comes as a thief in the night”, the teams were able to deplete their tract loads, all because of the thousands of people traveling to and from the various stores and malls and other places of business, since it was Saturday and the busiest day of the weekend.

One team visited the China City market which the ambassadors were told was within walking distance from the hotel, but which turned out to be about forty-five minutes away. Nothing was lost, however, because they were able to share with many people whom they met on the way to the location. When they arrived, they sought but did not get permission to enter the grounds and there was very little traffic around the marketplace for four people. But, as we have become accustomed to, when one door closes, the Lord opens another, because about fifty yards away, there was a professional rugby match (English football) scheduled within the hour, and which was reported to attract a lot of fans. The team took a short lunch break and then the ambassadors positioned themselves at strategic entrance points, and sure enough there were hundreds of people pouring into the stadium. The team distributed the majority of their tracts and booklets there, and on the way back to the hotel they stopped at a park to finish out their tracts. At the park they met a Family Radio listener who said that he had marked his calendar with the date that the mission group would be in Jo-burg. In searching out the group he met a lady with the Judgment Day tract and asked where she got it. She pointed him to the park and, by God’s mercy, he met the team there and returned with the ambassadors to the hotel, all excited that he was able to make contact with, and see in the flesh, other like-minded people.

Another team went to the North Park train station and had a wonderful time of sharing the words of eternal life with the seemingly unending flow of traffic at this site, which was greatly increased being that it was Saturday. On the way back to the hotel the ambassadors met six students with whom they shared this very important declaration from God’s word, the Bible. This message so arrested the attention of these students, that they coveted more information. They walked with the team back to the hotel, uncaring about the distance, and asked questions all the way, as they searched for the truth. Even at the hotel they had to wait a while for the additional materials, but this did not disturb them, so keen were they to learn more about this true message of salvation. We pray that the Lord would be merciful to these students and grant them repentance unto salvation, in accordance with His perfect will.

Yet another team visited the Carlton Center where the ambassadors were greeted with thousands of people, and indeed a fertile ground for distribution. They charged full steam ahead, placing the tracts into willing hands. Then they were intercepted by security personnel who told them that they cannot continue their efforts at that site. The team then moved on to the nearby mall, an upscale establishment. There again they were greeted with throngs of people, some of whom they would have encountered at the Carlton Center. Though the team was not anticipating a long stay at the mall, they pressed on and no doubt God blinded the eyes of the security personnel, because the ambassadors seemed to have unfettered access to this mall, and they were able to share tracts and booklets with the shoppers, vendors and employees. There was a strong Muslim presence there because many of the stores are owned by Muslims and about 98% of these people graciously accepted the tracts, and were reading it also. This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.

With the desire to sound the warning far and wide in this province of South Africa, one team took a 75-minute train ride to the township of Tembesa and here is their report. “During our train ride to the assigned location, we shared with the other commuters as they entered at stops en route. On arriving at Tembesa, we worked on the platform for a little while as trains from other points between Jo-burg and Pretoria discharged their passengers. Then we worked the market area and plaza by the train station and around the main thoroughfare, leaving the penetration of this huge township for another day when we would go door-to-door and share Bibles and other materials with the poor.”

When we had saturated this site, we traveled to the Oakmoor train station/township which is a half-hour taxi-ride from the Tembesa train station. There again we worked the market area and train station where we shared with hundreds of people, because it was the 4.00pm rush hour when many were returning to their residences. So engrossed were we in our distribution efforts, we were oblivious of the time and missed the Oakmoor train back to Jo-burg. The next train from that station was one hour later, thus we took a taxi back to the Tembesa train station to get a train with an earlier departure, thinking that we would arrive back at the hotel before dark. However that was not God’s plan for us. He had appointments for us at the Germiston train station where we had to change trains. This is a very busy train station so we had opportunity to distribute tracts to hundreds of commuters who we would not have otherwise met, had we caught the earlier Oakmoor train back home. Though we arrived back at the hotel at a late hour, nevertheless, the Lord provided us with witnessing opportunities. Many of the people showed a keen interest and wanted to learn more about how they are to respond to this end time message. We praise the Lord for His marvelous providence.”

Tomorrow we plan to seek permission to proclaim the Gospel at two provincial prisons in Johannesburg and we covet the prayers of the listening audience that God’s will be done. Altogether, this was a very productive day of distribution, the Lord providing the outstretched hands so that many received the warning of Christ’s imminent return in judgment, together with the message of salvation. To God be the glory.

“Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.” (Judges 5:3)

In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LETTER #4

“Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.” (Ecclesiastes 8:5)

Saturday, August 15, 2010. Today is the Lord’s day and we are delighted to be able to serve Him on the mission field, proclaiming the message of hope and God’s soon return in judgment on the whole world. The teams visited several churches, as well as two provincial prisons and reports of the teams’ activities for the day are as follows.

At the Universal Church of God, a mega-church, the team arrived at about half-hour before the scheduled end of the service so that the parishioners could receive the tracts on their way home (as opposed to when they were arriving for the service). The ambassadors waited on the sidewalks at the four entrances/exits; then came the mass exodus with the parishioners receiving the tracts, but at a lower rate than which we have become accustomed. There was indeed great resistance to the message, and opposition from the parishioners, the elders and the pastor, including the pastor’s verbal assault on one of the ambassadors, as he accused the ambassadors of taking away his “sheep”. They were told to go “fishing” in other areas, and the team, not wanting to cause a commotion, moved across the street to a nearby mall. There they found the parishioners among the shoppers and eaters at the mall, and many of them, being curious about what the team was sharing, and seeing that they were now away from the watchful and critical eyes of the church prelates, they willing accepted the tracts and booklets. The ambassadors fielded several questions from the parishioners, together with many of the mall’s clientele. Many of the store owners and their personnel, were of the Muslim faith, and they willingly accepted the tracts and they too had many questions.

Three other teams visited churches, including the Mormon Church and the Grace Bible Church, another mega-church, whose property stretched out for about four blocks. The ambassadors of these teams encountered a more friendly audience, making for a much better acceptance rate. At one church the parishioners, as they exited in their cars, rolled down the windows to gladly receive the tracts and teaching materials. By and large the visits to the churches proved to be very productive. We pray that amongst these parishioners are many of God’s lost sheep whom He will cause to depart out and be separate, as they study the information they have received, and more importantly, read the Bible and pray for mercy.

Two teams revisited taxi/mini-van ranks and where they were greeted with large crowds, many of whom had either just left church or were on their way to a church service. At the end of the day a wide cross section of the church folks in particular, and the populace in general, received the True Gospel of salvation, and message of warning.

Another team visited Park Station which services long distance commuters within South Africa as well as the neighboring countries. Here again there were thousands of people who were making their way back home, or were coming into Johannesburg for a visit. The flurry of activity at this location enabled a very fruitful day of presenting the words of eternal life to a curious and spiritually needy people. Also, the fact that these people are traveling to distant locations, means that the Gospel is reaching people, who we might not be able to reach, because of temporal and spatial limitations.

At the Naturena prison complex in Sun City, which houses the maximum security, women’s, men’s and juvenile defender units, the ambassadors were greeted with throngs of people who came to see their loved ones, today being visiting day at the complex. Even though the ambassadors were not able to gain access to the complex, yet the message did, as they distributed tracts, teaching booklets and Bibles to the visitors, who took them in to the inmates. We pray that, by God’s mercy, many of these inmates will be set free from spiritual prison, as their lives are transformed through the washing of the word. The security guards and other prison personnel were also presented with the word of truth and the prison officials promised that the team could return on Tuesday and visit the women’s unit, which they plan to do.

The team that was assigned to the Leeuwkop prison facility, had a very busy day and this is their report. “We started out early to the prison, another four-unit complex, which also has a maximum security unit. When we arrived at the location, we first enquired of the security official at the entrance gate as to whether we could enter the facility. He gave us the name of the Assistant Director whose office was located in the ‘Medium A’ unit. While waiting for the bus to take us to the unit, we shared the tracts and Bibles with the visitors to the other units, telling them to give the materials to the inmates, to which they gladly agreed.”

“Our bus arrived and we also distributed on that bus as well, making the similar request as we did for the other buses. After the usual security checks, we were given directions to the office of the Assistant Director. We relayed to him our desire to put the tracts, Bibles and teaching materials in the hands of the inmates, informing him that Family Radio is an organization that proclaims the True Gospel worldwide and that our desire is to share with prison inmates, in every country we visit. The director examined the tract that he received and then told us that he was in a dilemma; because, on Saturday he had received a directive from his Commander indicating that there was a high alert at the prison complex, since they were expecting Muslim uprisings and the attendant prison escapes during the month of Ramadan, the highest holy period in the Muslim’s religious calendar. However, he, demonstrating a fear of Holy God, indicated that he would be in a worse predicament, because if he denies us access to bring the word of God to the inmates, he would have blood on his hands. Still wanting to discharge his official responsibilities relative to the high alert, he, personally escorted us to a barbed-wire-fenced soccer field where the inmates were engaged in a supervised soccer match. We were able to distribute the materials to the many hands that were stretched out through the razor-sharp, barbed-wire fence, and we gave them additional tracts to share with the cell mates. Tracts were also shared with the prison personnel so that the message of warning was spread throughout the complex. May the Lord’s perfect will be done in granting spiritual release to these prisoners. In keeping with what we read in Proverbs 21:1 – the king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD and He turns it whithersoever He will, we thank the Lord for turning the heart of this prison official, so that despite his professional obligations, he did not prevent the Gospel from going forth.”

“We returned to the hotel, had lunch, and just as we exited the restaurant the Lord provided us with a grand opportunity to present the Gospel to parishioners who had just been dismissed from a church service next door. By God’s mercy, many of them graciously accepted the tracts. We then went to the Killarny Mall about twenty minutes drive from the hotel. We encountered a security official by the parking lot and he told us that we could not get in, but two ambassadors went in via the main entrance, while the other two remained by the parking lot to get the shoppers as the entered or exited. Though a few of the stores were closed, we were still able to reach many shoppers, store vendors and employees, and the security guards also. Our last stop was the Witwatersrand University Hospital, a huge facility, where we had unfettered access to the wards, sharing with the patients and their visiting relatives and friends, in addition to the hospital personnel, the majority of whom accepted the information. We ended the day on a very spiritually gratifying note, to the praise of Almighty God.”

We thank the Lord for all that He has enabled us, undeserving people at the very least, to serve Him in such a wonderful fashion. And, we request continued prayers for the people of Johannesburg in particular and South Africa in general, that God’s mercy would be realized in the lives of many of them.

“Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” (Daniel 2:20-21)

In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LETTER #5

“He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” (Daniel 2:22)

Monday, August 16 2010. The Lord has afforded us yet another day to proclaim the Gospel of peace and reconciliation to the people of South Africa and we are indeed grateful for the opportunity and privilege of doing so.

The day started out on a very favorable note as we were again in the media spotlight. On Saturday one of our ambassadors had met a young man who is a talk show host at one of the popular radio stations (YFM). He had received a tract, read it and said that he found the message very interesting. He asked the ambassador if he could have a phone interview with a member of the group. The ambassador jumped at the opportunity and responded affirmatively, whereupon the talk show host said he would call on Monday. Lo and behold, the man kept his word. He called and was transferred to one of our South African ambassadors, he being more familiar with the language.

The talk show host conducted the “live” interview, asking questions about Family Radio, our purpose here in Johannesburg, and the content and veracity of the message that we are declaring. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the ambassador responded fully to the questions, including the fact the May 21, 2011 date was 100% true and that we all need to adopt the posture of the Ninivites as we humbly beseech God for mercy. The ambassador fielded questions from a few people who called in to the studio.

The interview went very well, and we are glad for the exposure, knowing that God could use this event for the Gospel to reach further afield. In fact, it has already made its penetration, given that a few people to whom the ambassadors distributed today indicated that they heard this morning’s interview with the YFM radio/talk show host.

Our distribution efforts continued today with teams revisiting the Bree taxi rank, the Witwatersrand University and the Germiston train station. There was a continuous flow of people at these locations so the tracts, Bibles and teaching booklets went out at a rapid pace, with a 90-plus reception rate.

At the Witwatersrand University, being that it was the start of the week, the ambassadors reached a wider cross section of the students as they worked the entrances to the east and west wing of this huge university complex. Here again we received media exposure, as the team leader participated in a cell-phone interview conducted by one of the students who is studying media at the university. The team leader answered the many questions and concerns of the student populace, to a crowd that had now gathered around, seizing the opportunity to inform the students not to cease praying for their salvation, and the salvation of their loved ones, being that May 21, 2011 is the day that the door of salvation will be completely shut. The main anxiety of these students is whether they should continue their university career, to which the ambassador responded that they should look to the Lord for guidance and direction in that regard, and to their many cares and concerns. When the team had serviced this whole complex, working in the courtyard, conversation nooks, the cafeteria, and the lecture halls, they left the campus and worked at a busy intersection near the hotel, reaching the many office workers during the 5.00pm rush hour.

Another team left early in the morning for the Municipal building to receive permission to hang Judgment Day posters on the city lamp-posts; however, the authorized official was not there to grant permission. The team continued to its assignment which was to work at the Park Street train station. They had a magnificent day of sharing the True Gospel of salvation with the thousands of commuters. And, in the midst of that crowd, they met a man, who introduced himself as a FR listener for five years, and who was very excited to hear of our visit to his city. He also indicated that he heard this morning’s interview that was broadcasted on the YFM radio station.

Teams visited the Ellis Park in Central Johannesburg, the Jubilani Mall and the Katle Hong Hospital and nearby market and by God’s mercy, they all had a great day of sharing with these warmly receptive people. During the course of the day some ambassadors met a young man who was searching for the team after he had picked up a tract that was discarded in the area where they were working. Another lady came running after them as they were leaving the restaurant. They both wanted to know more about this amazing message whereupon they were given the two additional end-time tracts and some booklets. It gives us great joy to see how many of these dear people are so eager to learn the truths of the Bible and who are diligently seeking a right relationship with God.

Another team went to the Central Johannesburg College. As soon as they arrived there, they sought and received permission to distribute. The ambassadors worked around the library area and in the courtyard and at 12.00 noon they went to the privately-owned cafeteria where the students congregated. Here again they received permission to share, as well as hang a Judgment Day poster. While they were leaving, a student came up to one ambassador and said: “I heard the message on the radio station and I want more information.” This was provided to the student who also led the team to another nearby college that had more students. This was God’s perfect timing, because the team was praying for another open door that would enable them to complete their distribution efforts for the day, and by God’s divine intervention, their prayers were answered. What a mighty God we serve.

We are indeed thankful for the many witnessing encounters that the Lord provided to us today, and we pray that there would be a great harvest of souls here in South Africa, as we continue to sound the warning of judgment and inform the people about salvation, the only means of escape. To God be the glory for a very productive day in this part of the Lord’s vineyard.

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LETTER #6

“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” (Romans 3:3-4)

Tuesday, August 16, 2010. Going in the strength of the Lord, and with the purpose of spreading the Gospel further afield, four teams traveled to Pretoria, the administrative capital of the province of Gauteng (of which Johannesburg is the largest city). The bus ride to Pretoria took forty-five minutes and each team made its way to the assigned locations, one the train station, another the Tshwane University (the Acadia Campus), another the University of South Africa, and last, the market.

The Tshwane University was within walking distance from the teams’ drop off point and the ambassadors made their way to the Church Street address of the establishment. Before they got there, however, they came upon “Church Square”, and apparently at prime time, because there were people everywhere including vendors and shoppers. There was heavy foot traffic, providing a fertile ground for sharing the True Gospel, so the ambassadors were busy placing the tracts and booklets into eager hands and responding, as time permitted, to the many questions from these dear people, including the ever present one: “Is this really true?” With such a large audience, there were several witnessing encounters, one with a lady who shared that lately she has been convicted of the sin in her life and no longer wanted to give in to the pressure from her friends. The team leader spent a few moments witnessing to her, gave her the supplemental Judgment Day tracts and the “To God Be The Glory” teaching booklet, for which she was indeed grateful.

The team could have finished their entire tract load at this “heaven sent” location, but they moved on to their assignment at the Tshwane University. With the small amount of tracts remaining, the ambassadors barely touched the surface of the distribution opportunities, warranting a revisit to this establishment on Friday. While on a lunch break the ambassadors met a lady who said that she has been a Family Radio listener since 1996, and left the church two years ago after God had opened her eyes to His judgment on the churches. She received our last tract (which incidentally was still a good one that an ambassador had just pulled out of the garbage). She indicates that she lives in a distant town (Soshanguve), but the 1197AM signal comes in very clearly in her location. We are thankful that by God’s mercy many here in South Africa are able to hear the word of truth, through the air waves and we pray for their spiritual transformation, as they come under the hearing of this truth.

At the University of South Africa, the ambassadors did not get permission to share inside the compound, but were told to stay at the two entrances to the facility and there they were able to reach several of the students, and administrative and professional staff as they entered and exited the complex. The team’s distribution efforts were enhanced by the flow of students from the elementary and high schools surrounding the university complex. Here again there were several meaningful encounters, including one at an elementary school nearby the university. Two ambassadors shared with the little ones who were in the school yard, and a few of them asked what it was about. When the team leader told them that the pamphlet was telling them that Jesus Christ was coming back soon, with hands in the air, they jumped up and excitedly shouted: “Yeah! Yeah!” Would that many of the adult folks, especially those in the churches, could demonstrate such excitement at the knowledge of the “blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God and Savior”.

The team with the train station assignment had a wonderful day there with no bother from the security personnel or the train officials. So great was the distribution at that location that the ambassadors finished their entire tract load in only two hours. It was a very blessed time as many hands were eagerly outstretched in all directions to receive the tracts and booklets.

At the market, which, surprisingly is privately-owned, the ambassadors had unfettered access to all the vendors and shoppers and even the owner of this establishment. We note that beyond the shadow of a doubt, this message is having a penetrating effect on these dear people. On the way back to the hotel, by train, an ambassador of this team met a young man who had just been released from prison. What a blessing that was for the young man in that his first encounter with the outside world was with someone presenting the message of hope to him. The ambassador had the opportunity to witness to this young man who could not stop proclaiming the name of Jesus, repeatedly saying: “God is good all the time”. We pray that he is one of the Lord’s lost sheep whom He is bringing into the fold.

One team’s assignment was to visit the Hilbrow Park and the Wits Business College and they gave this report. “On the way to the assignment, we gave tracts to people on the streets, many had a lot of questions, but since ours is not really a talking ministry, we told them to read the tracts and their Bibles and pray for God’s mercy and understanding. When we arrived in the Hilbrow community, we really had a blessed start to our distribution efforts, as everyone we came upon was eager to receive the tracts and we were shocked to discover that this was their first time of hearing of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the end of the world. After serving these dear folks with the words of eternal life, we made our way to the Hilbrow Park. It took us a while to get there because everyone we asked gave us the wrong directions; nevertheless, the delay was the Lord’s orchestration, since we were able to give tracts to many people we would not have otherwise met.”

“We finally reached the park, with God’s direction, and within a short time we distributed a sizeable portion of our tract load, to the many people we encountered at this location. Afterwards, we looked for the Wits Business College, but unfortunately, we were unable to get the proper directions to this site. Instead, while we were still wandering around, (but sharing with whomever we met), we came upon a hospital. We were thinking of distributing right away, but seeking to do everything decently and in order, the team leader decided to seek permission to work on the premises. Permission was denied, but we gave tracts to those we met as we were leaving the establishment. By this time, with all the circumlocution to find the park and university, our supply of tracts was reduced to about 200, so we shared them along the way back to the hotel. Despite our directional challenges, our day was a very productive one, by God’s grace and we thank the Lord for bringing us back safely to the hotel.”

Another team revisited the Carlton Mall, a sprawling complex stretching for three very long blocks; it was like a mall within a mall, and of the upscale variety. Though the ambassadors were not granted permission to share within the complex, nevertheless, with the throngs of people entering and exiting, the team’s distribution efforts were quite productive, enabling them to finish their day early, by God’s grace.

Yet another team, as planned, returned to the women’s unit of the Naturena prison. The first person they met was the prison warden, who was desirous of our placing the information concerning God’s impending judgment into the hands of every inmate, being that she had received a tract and seemed to have a strong conviction about the message. Following proper protocol, she took the team leader to the Assistant Chaplain, with whom he spoke for a while, but was told that a decision to gain entry had to be made by the Chaplain, who unfortunately was not on the premises at the time. In the meanwhile, the remaining ambassadors were distributing the tracts, Bibles and booklets to the visitors to take to their loved ones in the facility, so the Gospel of grace was still being proclaimed in this facility.

During the course of our work here in Johannesburg, we see that there are quite a few people who are strongly convinced of the certainty of the May 21, 2011 rapture, and the beginning day of judgment on those left behind. And there are those who display an expression of great fear, they are downright scared, and wanting to know what they should do, whereupon we tell them to pray for mercy and read the Bible. We thank the Lord for giving us the privilege and honor to declare His precious word, knowing that we are merely planters and waterers, but He gives the increase.

We ordered and received an additional 100,000 tracts and 300 Bibles. We plan to use the majority of these Bibles in the townships (shanty towns). When we see the delight, and the heartfelt gratitude and thanksgiving that these dear people express upon receipt of a Bible in their own language, we are indeed grateful to the FR listening audience for their financial support, that enables us to procure the Bibles. Brethren, we covet your prayers for God’s hand of mercy on the people of South Africa.

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,” (2 Thessalonians 2:1)

In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LETTER #7

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010. This is yet another day where the Lord has afforded us the privilege of proclaiming the Gospel of peace and reconciliation to a people, many of whom, during the past week, have demonstrated a keen interest in this message, and acknowledge that it is incumbent upon them to seek meekness and righteousness so that they may be hid from the Lord’s anger, as we read in Zephaniah 2:3.

Continuing to carry the message further afield from the city of Johannesburg, one team went to the town of Orange Farm, and another team travelled to the town of Roodeporte, both these locations being forty-five minutes away in opposite directions.

At both the train station and the taxi rank at Orange Farm, the ambassadors discovered that there were not a lot of people at the location, so they decided to distribute door-to-door in this community, presenting them with the word of truth by which they might be sanctified, as the Lord allows. During the distribution, one of the ambassadors came upon a small elementary school and here again the students showed great eagerness to receive the tracts. The ambassador continued his distribution around the area, retracing his steps to the train station and taxi rank, whereupon six of the elementary school children came up to him and asked, seemingly incredulously: “Are we all going to die on Judgment Day?” Recognizing that children today are very intelligent, and they, just as much as adults, need to know the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, the ambassador told them that not all would die, but that those whom God has saved will be taken up to heaven with Him, but those who are not saved will be destroyed. These dear little ones (ranging in ages from about 6-9 years) listened with rapt attention to the ambassador as he seized upon this witnessing opportunity, and he was moved by their facial expression of deep fear and sincere concern. May the Lord be merciful to them.

In their travel to Roodeporte, the ambassadors noted, on entering the town, that it was a very upscale neighborhood, with resplendent houses and well-manicured lawns, bespeaking its affluence. In spite of this observation, however, we found a very receptive people in this community as we worked at the market area by the train station and taxi rank, and walked the streets, meeting the people in the stores, offices and other business establishments, and sharing with them the words of eternal life. There were quite a few meaningful encounters, many being sincere in their quest for more information about Christ’s return and the impending judgment on mankind. The team distributed the majority of its tracts in this community, and the remainder to the many commuters on the crowded train back to Johannesburg, as well as at the Park Station, when the ambassadors arrived at their destination.

A team visited the Helen Joseph Hospital where the security guard was very helpful to them as they sought permission to distribute on the premises. The administrative official to whom God led the team leader turned out to be a FR listener for many years, and who knows very well, one of the South African ambassadors in our group. She gladly granted permission and the ambassadors had free rein of the complex, They then went to the Central Johannesburg University, but unfortunately, they did not receive permission to share in the compound (as did the team that previously visited this location). Nevertheless, by staying at the entrance/exit, they were able to place the tracts and booklets into many outstretched hands.

In the course of the day they met three students who indicated that they had heard Monday’s interview on the YFM Radio station which peaked their interest and they enquired some more about the message. The team leader also met a pastor who, though still in the church, was very receptive to the information. In the ambassador’s witness to this pastor, he pointed him to Revelation 18:4 after which the pastor was quiet and reflective. We pray that God would open this man’s eyes to the truth of His word and bring him out of bondage, as He purposes.

Another team went to the Lakeside Mall in Benoni and also worked the taxi rank there, sharing with the many shoppers, vendors, owners of the stores and their staff personnel. Here again the ambassadors noted a strong Muslim influence, and for the first time, a Chinese presence. One of the ambassadors had an encounter with a Muslim man who shared with her that he was very scared, and asked if he should go to church or to the mosque. She responded in the negative to both questions, telling this sincerely perturbed man, that the relationship is between him and God and that he should cry out to God for mercy, and the blessing of salvation which only He can supply. He was encouraged to write to the local contact for the Bible that he requested.

The Johannesburg Hospital was the assignment for one team. The ambassadors arrived there just before 11.00am. Immediately the team leader sought permission to work in the facility and such was granted, but only during visiting hours, which started at 11.00am. They were right on time, by God’s providence, and distributed to the patients, visitors, at the nurses stations, in the clinics. They were not able to work in the “nursing home section” because of the labor strike, but they had the opportunity to leave 200 tracts for the residents. The team had a great day of sharing with the physically sick and we pray that the Lord, the greatest Physician, will provide to many, the balm of Gilead to heal their sin-sick souls.

Another team went to Johannesburg Business College, and thankfully, received permission to work in the complex. With free rein of the facility, the ambassadors distributed at the library and the cafeteria and the other pulse centers/conversation nooks around the campus. One worked the entrance, where the distribution effort was enhanced by the secured access to the campus that caused lines of students to build up. The Lord blessed the team’s efforts at this location and they finished sharing their tracts with those they encountered on the way back to the hotel.

Yet another team’s assignment was to share the word of grace with the people of Palm Springs, and here is their report. “We arrived at our destination after a 45-minute taxi ride. At the mall in this town, where we were told that the people would be concentrated, two team members went into the mall while the remaining two worked the streets. After a few minutes of working in the mall, a security guard approached and informed us that we needed to seek permission to conduct our activities there. We went to the Central Manager who gladly granted access to the facility. With this unfettered access, all four of us were engaged in a massive distribution effort in this establishment.”

“We attempted to visit the Palm Springs Plaza, which was nearby, based on information we received. However, after a 10-minute walk, we asked a young lady if we were going in the right direction and she answered affirmatively, but told us that it was a far way and we needed a taxi for that distance. We decided to return to the Mall, worked there for another hour, since it was still busy at this location. Afterwards, with just about 700 tracts remaining, we finished our day’s distribution at the Bree taxi rank not too far from our hotel. By God’s grace we had a very delightful day of declaring the Gospel of salvation to these dear people.”

We continue to notice the riveting effect of this message on the populace, the constant questions being: What is going to happen? When is it going to happen? What must I do to be saved from this judgment? There is no doubt that there is “fear on every side,” as this proclamation arrests the attention of peoples of all walks of life, and strongly so within the Muslim community. We pray that the Lord would continue to put His fear into the hearts of these dear people, leading them to be diligent in their pursuit of reconciliation with Christ, through His saving grace. And, knowing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, may it be that the wisdom attendant to salvation will be realized in the lives of many, as we continue, by God’s grace, to declare the message of hope here in Johannesburg and its environs.

““But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LETTER #8

“Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:14)

Thursday, August 19, 2010. We are grateful for another day of serving the Lord in this part of His vineyard, sounding the warning of judgment, while at the same time declaring the true Gospel of salvation, to a very receptive audience who display a sincere hunger for truth, and a desire to be spared from the wrath to come.

Today again teams visited distant towns so that this very important message could reach the inhabitants. The towns that received the words of eternal life were Bosloorus. Brakpan and Springs, and the reports of the teams’ distribution efforts at these locations follow.

Bosloorus

Upon arrival at this small town, the ambassadors, for a little while, worked at the train station, the taxi rank and the market area. Then they went door-to-door in the poor neighborhood, and presented the message of hope to these dear folks who were glad to receive it. As usual, a few people had questions and concerns which the ambassadors delightedly addressed, praying that God would open many eyes to His truth. As planned, the team finished the day’s production at Johannesburg’s Park Station where they distributed to the 5.00pm rush hour traffic at this location.

Brakpan

Production was a little slow in this town because of very few people. The team went to a nearby mall, and, thankfully they received permission to work in this establishment and they utilized it to the fullest extent, as they distributed to the shoppers, stores owners and their staff personnel. The ambassadors’ sharing with these dear folks provided quite a few witnessing opportunities and we pray that the Lord will be merciful to many of them.

Springs

The team had an early start to this location which is about an hour’s taxi ride. The ambassadors arrived at what appeared to be a ghost town, with hardly any people out and about, but they sensed that volume and activity would pick up because of the hundreds of vehicles at the taxi rank. The team shared the True Gospel of grace with the people at the train station and its surrounding market area, then they walked the streets and shared in the stores and shops and other places of business. After a fifteen-minute walk from the train station, the team came upon a Shoprite Supermarket where there was a flurry of activity. Two ambassadors remained at this location, while the other two continued walking the streets sharing with anyone and everyone they met, including some students at a public high school. Though this school has a student population of over 1,000, because of the city-wide teachers’ strike, many had stayed home, so the ambassadors were able to distribute to only a few. One of these students indicated that his parents listen to Family Radio and the ambassadors told him to let his parents know that a mission group is in town, and they encouraged him to become a listener also.

As anticipated, and as the day progressed, the streets became crowded so that the ambassadors positioned themselves at different traffic intersections and shared with the pedestrian and vehicular traffic. They did this for about two hours, had a lunch break, and resumed at the traffic intersections for a little while then circled the town as they made their way back to the train station where activity had picked up considerably, as people, at the end of the work day, were taking the taxis and trains back to their residences. Eventually the ambassadors themselves made their way back to the hotel by train and serviced the commuters that embarked at stops along the route of this 75-minute long train ride. They finished their track load at the Johannesburg train station (where it seems that activity never ceases), grateful that the Lord provided a very productive day and several meaningful encounters.

One team’s assignment was the MTN Taxi Station and their report is as follows: “We arrived at the location at about 10.00am and there was a good number of people there, allowing for a great time of distribution and responding to the consistent questions of: “Is this really true?” “Are you 100% sure that the world is coming to an end on May 21, 2011?” During the course of the day an ambassador gave a tract to a security guard. He read the tract which perked his interest so he returned to the ambassador to request more information concerning this message that we are proclaiming. A witnessing opportunity arose during which time the ambassador inquired of the security guard as to whether he had a Bible. He responded that he did not have one, but felt the need to purchase it, so that he could better understand God’s salvation program and this end-time information that he had received. By God’s providence, the security guard’s desire was fulfilled, because the ambassador gladly gave him a Bible, and there was no mistaking of his delight at receiving the precious gift of God’s Holy Word. It was a very successful day of sharing the word of truth and we thank the Lord for His wonderful provision.

Yet another team visited the Rosebank mall. They started sharing in the mall and were soon told that they could not conduct that kind of activity at the location. They left the site, and on their way to search for another area of operation, they came upon a school and were excited to share with the school children there. This did not put a dent in their tract load, so they still continued to look for another place with lots of activity. By God’s mercy, they were led to Gandhi Square which seemed to attract a lot of people, providing the kind of situation that fueled the team’s distribution efforts. They report that they had a very blessed time of placing the Gospel of reconciliation and redemption in many outstretched hands, for which they are indeed grateful.

Teams revisited the China City market and the Bree taxi rank and the ambassadors at both these locations met Family Radio listeners, one being a listener since 1999. Both teams had a great day of proclaiming this end-time message with a very receptive people who also demonstrate a thirst for the knowledge of truth, and a desire to be spared from the judgment that is fast approaching. Both teams had a productive day, being able to deplete their tract loads.

Being under the hearing of the word of God is indeed the right environment in which to be, seeing that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, and God is saving a great multitude in this day. Therefore we are glad when we could offer Bibles to these dear people. Today, such an opportunity arose for an ambassador. He had one last Bible in the Soto language in his backpack and he was praying to the Lord to send someone for this Bible. Lo and behold, his prayer was answered because soon after, he met a lady who had previously received a tract and she indicated that she really needed a Bible. The ambassador asked her what language-Bible did she need. Sure enough, it was Soto. And so the Lord, the giver of every good and every perfect gift, and the supplier of every need, allowed this dear lady to receive the precious gift of a Bible in her own language. Let God be magnified.

We cannot help but notice the strong Muslim presence in practically every area visited in and around Johannesburg. This no doubt is God’s orchestration, wherein He is allowing us to see, unmistakeably the fulfillment of His promise of Isaiah 60:6-7, which talk about the fact that the “dromedaries of Midian and Ephah, all they shall come, they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD ... the flocks of Kedar and the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee, they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar.” Though there are many Muslim countries where we cannot visit with the Gospel, God has drawn the Muslims out to countries of the western world, South Africa being one such country, so that they can come into contact with the True Gospel of salvation, to the saving of their souls, as God purposes.

We continue to beseech the listening audience for their prayers for the people of South Africa, and for the strength of the ambassadors as they continue their labor of love to the people of this country. May it be that many of these dear folks would be included in the great multitude spoken of in Revelation 7:9.

“The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God.” (Jeremiah 51:10)

In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LETTER #9

“And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Mark 2:16-17)

Friday, August 20, 2010. “O that men may praise the LORD for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men! We cannot help but be thankful to the God for His providence thus far in this South Africa mission. Indeed we have had a marvelous time of proclaiming the life transforming message of salvation to these dear people, and today we continued to do so as we revisited the town of Pretoria.

Three teams left at 7.30am for Pretoria, primarily to get the early morning crowd of commuters at the train station, as well as the students arriving for early classes at the Tshwane University.

At the train station, the team’s production went at a rapid pace as the commuters willingly accepted the tracts, sometimes not waiting to be offered the information, but taking the tracts out of the stacks the ambassadors held in their hands. This is an indication of how curious these students were to read more of this message from the Bible. When the traffic died down at the station, the team’s ambassadors walked the streets, sharing to people in the stores, shops, eateries and other business establishments in this very busy town. Their pursuits allowed them to come into contact with a wide cross section of people (including a few foreigners), which produced some meaningful encounters, as the ambassadors fielded questions and responded, as best they could, to their concerns.

Another team worked at Church Square. Whereas it would appear that many of the people would have, by now, received this very important and attention-getting information, thereby slowing the pace and reducing the reception rate, that was not the case. Instead the ambassadors were engaged in a lively distribution, just as was the case on Tuesday’s visit to this town. They too worked the streets in another part of the town, and by God’s provision, they finished their tract loads in the early afternoon, and returned to the hotel in a very upbeat mood, thanking the Lord for His manifold mercies.

The last of the three teams to Pretoria worked at the Tshwane University and here is a report of the day’s activities. “Two members of our team worked at the entrance to the University, while the team leader worked at the corner before the university, since it was very busy. Some time went by and things were going well at this corner, when the Officer for the Department of Environmental Affairs stopped the ambassador from sharing, out of concern for the litter that would be created from discarded tracts. Though I advised that we customarily clean up after ourselves, the officer remained adamant about not allowing distribution to continue. However, he suggested that I go down the street to the mall and I heeded his advice.”

“It turns out that this was the same location that a lady whom I had engaged in conversation during the taxi-ride to Pretoria, had pointed out as a place to visit, since it attracts a lot of people. I had no idea that this mall was right between the street corner where I was working, and the Tshwane University, but our Lord did, as He led me to a walkway that the pedestrian traffic must use to get to and from the mall. This was a prime spot, conducive to a lively production. I was there for a little while, when the ever-present security at these mall complexes approached, and informed me that I could not share tracts there without a permit, stating that the permission that I had received from the environmental officer was not good enough for the mall. I went to management and by God’s grace, after speaking with the secretary, explaining our purpose there, and advising her of our Lord’s soon return, she said: “No problem” and phoned the security personnel, advising them that permission was granted and they should not interfere with our work at this location. I went away with rejoicing and thanksgiving at this great blessing from the Lord. Distribution continued at a steady pace enabling me to deplete my tract load just before noon.”

“I returned to my other team members at the University and they too were having a wonderful time of sharing the words of eternal life to a very receptive people. We met many that were very interested in, and greatly appreciative of our work here in Pretoria, and South Africa in general. Together we finished sharing all our tracts at the university, in the midst of still a steady flow of people. The tracts became priceless, as we were fishing them out of the garbage, or picking them up from the ground and recycling them. At one point, an ambassador was picking up a tract and just when he was straightening up, there came a lady with a British accent, saying: “Have you any more of those pamphlets?” The ambassador replied: “This is my last one and it is a bit dirty, but you can have it if you like.” The lady was glad, and thankfully took the tract. We praise and thank the Lord for the very blessed day we had in declaring the Gospel in the town of Pretoria.”

One team worked at Bree taxi rank and the surrounding area (including the Johannesburg Metro Mall complex), and the remaining teams conducted their distribution efforts at other locations in and around the city. Everyone reported a very delightful day of sharing, the Lord providing many witnessing opportunities, as we continue to respond to queries as to the veracity May 21, 2011 Day of Judgment and the certainty of its occurrence, especially in light of the scripture that teaches: “No man knows the day and the hour”. We constantly encourage these dear people, who are indeed seekers of truth and desirous of being caught up on that great day, to “read the Bible and, like the Ninevites, pray and humbly beseech God for mercy,”

By the Lord’s providence and direction, our Gospel presentation continues to produce the high reception rate (90-plus percent) that we have enjoyed in our missions to the countries of Africa. Though it amazes us that God would use unprofitable servants such as we to share His precious word, we are indeed thankful for the grand privilege and responsibility, recognizing, as the scripture declares, that “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” To God be the glory.

“Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.” (Amos 5:14)

In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Johannesburg, South Africa.

LETTER 10

“O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.” (Daniel 9:8)

Saturday-Sunday, August 21-22, 2010. This is the final report of our mission trip to South Africa, where the Lord provided us the wonderfully gratifying opportunity and privilege to declare His truth to these dear people, to the end that, as God purposes, there will be a great harvest of souls for the kingdom of Christ.

Over these two days we visited eight townships (called shanty towns) in and around Johannesburg, including Soweto, the largest township. At these locations, we noted that the houses were made of rusted corrugated zinc sheets, or old rubber tires, or any kind of scrap wood; the roofs were held down with large bricks to keep out the weather elements; the walls of some houses were so dilapidated that they seemed to be held together with one nail; the fences, if any existed, were of rusted and razor-sharp barbed-wire, the roads were winding and very dusty; there was no electricity, no water connection to the homes, but rather standpipes to service about 100 people in the vicinity; instead of sewer systems there were outhouses (called latrines).

The poverty in these neighborhoods is undeniably evident, but in the midst of all this squalor, one can still see the vestiges of “pride of ownership”, as the ambassadors walked into yards that were “broom clean” of debris, windows decorated with plastic curtains, and welcome mats of straw branches. The people display a sense of thanksgiving to the Lord for a place to call home, even if it is merely a broken-down shack.

The common denominator in these shanty towns is the sincere reverence for the word of God and there was a wonderful acceptance of the information that relays to them the imminence of Christ’s return; and the sacrifice of thanksgiving that they demonstrate when they receive a Bible, is beyond compare. Many of the inhabitants of these shanty towns have little of this world’s material goods, nevertheless, it gives us great joy to know that the Lord can use our efforts to grant eternal life, the riches of His grace, and an inheritance in the new heaven and the new earth, to a great number of them.

We see the hand of the Lord at work as He is gathering in His elect from wherever they have been scattered. While sharing the Gospel of grace in Johannesburg, an ambassador met a Hindu man (in his twenties), who told him that his parents had died in an accident, so he came to Pretoria to stay with an aunt. He received a tract from the ambassador and he stopped right there, sat down next to the ambassador and read the tract. He was captivated and convicted by the Gospel message and indicated that he would spend the rest of his time here on earth sharing it to his people. The scripture says: “my sheep hear my voice”. We pray that many of God’s lost sheep are in this man’s Hindu community, and that His peace and reconciliation will be afforded them.

In the group’s efforts here in Johannesburg, we see the Lord ordering our steps and pointing us in directions that we would not otherwise have taken, as He provided an effectual door of utterance to share this life-transforming message. We would miss trains, or they would be delayed and then we would meet someone who is a either a FR listener (we have perhaps met more FR listeners here than in any other place we have visited), or someone who is at the crossroads of life and is looking for spiritual encouragement, which can be found only in God’s truth. For example, on Saturday, a team’s assignment was to work at the Carlton Mall, a very upscale establishment. They started their distribution but, after a little while, the security personnel told the ambassadors to leave, and they complied.

Their back-up assignment was to present the True Gospel at a religious event that undoubtedly would attract many church folk, being that the guest speaker was a purportedly renown evangelist. The team traveled to Yeoville, the location of the event, hoping to reach the people before the event’s 5.00pm scheduled start. They were told that the people would not arrive until minutes before the event; nevertheless, nothing was lost because the ambassadors worked at the area’s marketplace sharing the Gospel with hundreds of people of that community and beyond. Indeed this was God’s providence and reminds us to never cease to “trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” Isaiah 26:4.

On other missions there have been FR listeners, or those who received, and became convicted of, the truth of the Bible, who assisted the group in their distribution efforts. But here, in Johannesburg, the assistance we have received is unparalleled. Over the past ten days there have been as much as fifteen men and women who have assisted us, on and off, in sounding the warning of God’s impending judgment, which today (August 21, 2010), is exactly nine months away. No doubt this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.

During the course of this mission we have placed in the hands of these dear people, 320,000 tracts, over 900 Bibles in multiple languages, and hundreds of Family Radio teaching booklets. Some of these materials would have traveled to neighboring countries, like Zimbabwe and the Cameroon, being that we encountered citizens of these countries during our sharing here in Johannesburg. We know that we have saturated the city with the warning, because two persons told the same ambassador that they saw him personally on Tuesday and on Friday at two different locations. No doubt this city will never be the same again. And, we pray that as these people eat the bread and drink of the wine of the True Gospel which they have received, that the Lord would grant repentance unto salvation to many.

Again we express our gratitude to the Family Radio listeners for their unceasing prayers, and their kindness and generosity towards this, and all missions. Such great joy we receive as we serve the Lord on the mission field, that we wholeheartedly recommend this endeavor to all. God be praised for His magnificent provision and protection during our time here in South Africa.

Tomorrow the ambassadors travel the long journey back to their respective homes, with hearts overflowing with joy and thanksgiving, and looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.

“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;” (Daniel 9:9)

In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Johannesburg, South Africa.