December 1, 2021 

ZEMA in MPUMALANGA and MOCAMBIQUE

Summer is now in full swing in South Africa and we are enjoying a lot of rain and lots of greenery!

SOMETHING ABOUT THE AMAZIONI:

Many people think that the amaZioni movement in Southern Africa is one big united movement but the reality is that there are literally THOUSANDS of Church groups who might share the common name ‘ZION’ but are very separate from each other. Some of the differences between amaZioni might be as superficial as having different colors in the robes they wear, while some of the differences are deeply fundamental for example where their view of Scripture is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT to others who call themselves AmaZioni. Way back in 1987 Prof G C Oosthuizen already noted that there were at least 3270 different Zion denominations.
This means we need to depend on the Holy Spirit as we meet new groups, that God would show us how to have an impact IN THAT GROUP.

SOMETHING ABOUT AMAZIONI BELIEFS

Previously we said that many amaZioni mix African Traditional beliefs with the Gospel. One of the main traditional beliefs is that God is so great, so holy, so powerful that He in fact becomes completely unapproachable. Because of this ZENA missionaries emphasise that while God is Holy, Powerful and Great, yet HE HAS CHOSEN TO REVEAL HIMSELF TO MANKIND THROUGH HIS SON JESUS. What an amazing transformation when people begin to know that this GREAT GOD cares for me.

SOMETHING ABOUT THE ZEBS PROGRAM

The COVID protocols made it difficult to have our normal ‘GRADUATION’ ceremony in the last two years so it was with great rejoicing that the Graduation was held again this year. The ZEBS program lasts 4 years and certificates were handed out to those who had completed 1,2,3 or 4 years.

 

SOMETHING ABOUT OURSELVES

When we first joined this mission we were based in Umtata in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, but for the last 14 years we have been in Nelspruit in the Mpumalanga provice to give us better access into Mocambique, a country just to the NE of South Africa.

SOMETHING TO PRAY ABOUT

1. We are extremely hopeful that we will be able to have a full year of the ZEBS program for 2022. Please pray with us that no matter what is happening with the Pandemic, that we will not need to cancel any part of the program.

2. We are still hopeful that the Lord would raise up new workers in Southern Africa and we especially need a couple to join us in Mpumalanga.

EVERY BLESSING,

Richard and Geraldine