We are at day 16 of the 40 day fast of the main religion under the Mwinika people and although some believers are also fasting – but this time for totally different reasons – some believers are not doing it at all.
One such a man is Anthony*. Answering our question if he is fasting, he answered: “Whatever for? It wouldn’t accomplish anything… I know my Redeemer and I don’t have to do anything to own my salvation!”
He is the leader of the group of believers that are functioning already very much like a church should. This group – as we have reported before – learned about the teaching through the Voice Players and decided to come and check it out. Although it was quite a distance to walk each day, a delegated group came daily to the teaching and are now openly confessing their believe. Because Anthony is also a local leader, he is influencing many people in his neighborhood and the people there are very open to hear the Gospel.
This group of believers have been very anxious for Francois to start with the Phase 2 Bible teaching! Francois told them that his language ability must first reach the right level again before starting to teach. This week they declared: “You speak well enough now! We want to hear more!”
This group of believers have also – again totally on their own initiative! – started to collect money among themselves in order to help not only other believers in need, but also those of unbelieving neighbors in need! This is quite amazing, as they don’t have any Scripture portions that teaches about “deacon funds”. They simply saw the need and decided to do something about it… Amazing.
Please pray for this group of Mwinika believers. More about the Mwinika People Group
*Name changes to reduce the risk of persecution.