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<\/a> Vrydag<\/strong>. Years ago, when we just arrived he said: \u201cI can\u2019t wait for you to translate the Scriptures! I want to know God. Even though I am a [religious leader], I don\u2019t understand the religious language and don\u2019t know what God says.\u201d<\/p>\nHe was the one who first understood: \u201cIf John says: \u2018Look, that is the Lam of God\u2019, then this Man must be the Son of God, God Himself, since God will only accept a prefect sacrifice and no man born of Adam is perfect. Jesus must be God.\u201d<\/p>\n
He is also the one who is taking the initiative each morning in praying together. His prayers are beautiful! He admits that we need God, our Maker for everything we are and have. He thanks God for Jesus, our Redeemer. And he never fails to pray for the other Mwinika:<\/p>\n
Lord, that our families and all the others in the community may know you and our Redeemer Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pray then for Vrydag, who is taking a stand as a religious leader in this community. His wife and children are not believers\u2026 Pray that his testimony will bring many to Christ!<\/p>\n
Last year, he and his first wife, Jami, was diagnosed as HIV +. We have been praying for their healing. During this week, he learned that his last blood tests has come back: and he is HIV negative! The hospital is not sure what is going on, and although his tests shows he is HIV-, they are keeping him on the treatment. (Not many who know they are HIV + go for treatment or even with Aids symptoms go to be tested. It was a breakthrough when he and his wife agreed to go for testing and are continuing to go back for treatment each month).<\/p>\n Of all the guys in this group praying together each morning, he is the one that we have seen the least witness of any life change. He knows\u2026 but we are not sure if he believes.<\/p>\n Pray for Amer, his wife Jami and their children that they truly will have a personal relationship with Christ! Pray for their healing and protection.<\/p>\n Even with all this \u201ccounting\u201d for him, Salim had to give in to his family\u2019s pressure when his mom got sick. His mom \u2013 who came to visit him \u2013 got sick and after a few weeks, insisted on a traditional ceremony of healing. Even though Salim knows this is not going to help her, he gave in to the pressure and let her do it.<\/p>\n Pray of Salim and his family, but also for all the Mwinika believers, that they will stand strong in the Lord and become totally free of the things in their culture that binds them to the kingdom of darkness.<\/p>\n His wife is not a believer, and recently, when he wanted to host a fellow believer for the duration of the Literacy course, she refused and manifested bad spirits. I caught their second son, when he was born before the midwife could arrive! Swart Hand has bought the piece of land just behind our house, and is committed to learn more about God and walk in his ways.<\/p>\n Pray for Swart Hand, who, like most believers are still living with unbelievers firmly in the grip of the prince of darkness. Pray that his faith and witness will grow and that his wife and family (who have not had the opportunity yet to come to the Bible teaching) will come to Christ.<\/p>\n<\/a> Amer<\/strong>. Amer is our neighbour and has taken responsibility for us in the community. He and his family are our closest friends and his children are our kids best buddies. Our chickens and ducks walk in his yard and his chickens in ours! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<\/a> Salim<\/strong>. Of all the believers, he is probably the one who lives his faith out the most. He is living his life free from most of the religious forms that are still binding so many Mwinika and openly witness about his personal relationship with God. He shares his belief with his family and friends and because of that, his wife (who was not able to come the teaching yet) is also now a believer. He is a great dad and husband! He is quick in learning new things and is taking the lead in some of the local religious activities.<\/p>\n<\/a> Swart Hand<\/strong>. Swart Hand\u2019s wife is the one who witnessed: \u201cHis heart is turned around! He is a changed man!\u201d. He had more than 22 wives by the time we arrived in the village and was always restless, seeking and leaving his responsibilities behind. After he came to know Christ, he has changed completely!<\/p>\n