We are busy developing the Phase 2 Bible Lessons to teach in the group of Mwinika believers that already heard the 1st Phase material. However, most Mwinika have NOT heard the Gospel yet!
How does it all fit together?
It is a question of logistics! Our community consists of various neighbourhoods – 8 in total – that covers an area of about 20 km long and 2km to 15km wide. Rivers define the borders to the East and the West and the ocean to the South. The last census showed that about 15 000 Mwinika live in this area. We and our partners live in different “neighbourhoods” in order to have more effective input into as wide a community as possible.
The puzzle explained:
· The first teaching was done in the Henderson’s neighbourhood and therefore the greater number of believers are there. They are about 7 km from our house.
· Most people in the neighbourhood where we (Hattinghs) live have not heard the Gospel yet – and it shows!
· A handful of people from this neighbourhood have consistently gone to the 1st Phase Lessons every day. They include MayeApete and another old woman as well as a number of men.
· A neighbourhood on the far side of the Henderson’s also started to come to the teaching after hearing some of the lessons on the Voice Players. This group of people did not mind the long walk and are now the most dedicated group of believers under all the Mwinika people! (They walked hours for example, to visit Nadia when she was sick).
In practice this means that we still have to present the Gospel to our closest neighbours and friends!
First: We want to start with another round of Literacy classes, as we (including the new believers) are more convinced than ever that it is a key part if the whole church plant. People MUST be able to read the Scriptures we teach about themselves.
As soon as Nadia (responsible for the Literacy) is strong enough after her bad bout of malaria, we want to start with the Literacy classes. When it is done (after about 5-6 months) the 1st Phase Chronological Bible Teaching can be taught here. Most of our neighbours can’t wait!
Pray for prepared hearts…