Report on the 2009 Sola 5 Conference held at Brackenhurst Baptist Church, Alberton – South Africa Taken from Joachim Rieck's latest blog posting or, read the report below. --oOo-- Six Attributes of God Centred Churches (based on Acts 2:42-47). Download mp3 audio files of the sermons ('right-click' on the title and 'save as'):

Photo report of the Conference Fraser Butterworth invites you to view the album he has put together – if you attended the Conference, it is more than likely that your photo is there!

1. Peter Sammons – Energised Fellowship  [7 MB]

2. Jeff Gage – Elevated Worship  [7.9 MB]

3. Isaac Makashinyi – Empowered Prayers  [7.8 MB]

4. Grave Singogo – Enriched Service  [7 MB]

5. Doug Van Meter – Expanded Joy  [6.7 MB]

6. Nico van der Walt – Enflamed Evangelism  [5.4 MB]

The annual and fifth SOLA 5 conference was expertly hosted this year by the Brackenhurst Baptist Church in Alberton, South Africa. Brackenhurst indeed needs to be commended by us all, for their hospitality and fellowship were exemplary!

Having said that, I must stress that this fact has characterized all our conferences thus far. Local churches may be stretched on such an occasion (Brackenhurst Baptist Church catered for 450 hungry stomachs on Sunday, 6th September) but such an exercise always brings a rich blessing for the hosting church.

Thank you for your interest in the work of Sovereign Grace theological Seminary.  Herewith our latest newsletter.  A pdf version of this newsletter (with photos) can be downloaded from here.

Moving to Zambia!

Sovereign Grace Theological Seminary's move to Zambia is progressing well, and is at an advanced stage!  The Sola 5 churches in Lusaka have taken full responsibility for the running of the Seminary, and in March appointed a Board of Directors (see next article in this newsletter).

I have travelled to Lusaka three times so far this year to meet with the Board, to prepare for the move to Lusaka, and to make plans for the ongoing ministry of the Seminary.

The Board—and especially the Secretary, Mr Nchima Nchito—has been hard at work laying the legal foundations for SGTS to operate in Lusaka. We were especially blessed to hear that SGTS was registered as a “Company Limited by Guarantee” (i.e. a non-profit company) in Zambia on 22 July. This registration makes it possible to apply for a work permit for me, and for us to operate as a formal educational institution in Zambia.

Theme: The whole of life under the whole of Scripture
Date: Monday 24th to Friday 28 August 2009
Venue: University of Zambia (UNZA) Chapel, Lusaka
Preachers: Ronald Kalifungwa. Conrad Mbewe, Choolwe Mwetwa, Alfred Nyirenda

We expect brethren from Australia, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, USA, Zimbabwe, and from across Zambia. Come and be a part of the largest gathering of Reformed Christians on African soil!

Download a 2-page brochure... (380 kB PDF)

Further details

The Zambian Annual Reformed Conference comprises of two conferences that run simultaneously: the Reformed Family Conference and the Reformed School of Theology. The former is for everyone – young and old – while the latter is especially tailored towards church leaders and their wives. Those aspiring to become pastors are also encouraged to attend the latter. Whereas the teaching in the family conference uses a preaching format, that in the school of theology uses a lecturing format. In the evening, both streams come together for combined services. This is the daily climax and you will not want to miss it for anything!

Dear friends,

Thanks be to God for his tender mercies in the second quarter of 2009. We have seen the hand of God at work in many ways and we are grateful to you all for upholding us in prayer. Click 'Full Story' below to read the complete update; paragaph headings are
- A few Spot Lights on the Spiritual Environment in Zomba
- The Power of the Gospel
- Church Attendance
- Leadership Training
- Couples Ministry
- Church Plot

Hi Everyone,

Here is the report on the recent pastors' training week in Harare.  Conditions there have not changed much since the March report.  Therefore, I've focussed more on the trip itself as well as the ministry.

Thank you for your praying and giving!

Jeffrey Gage
www.freegrace.co.za

6 June 2009

Hi Everyone,

We have been planning another ministry trip to Harare to work with Joseph Soko, et al (10 pastors and pastors in training). After hitting some snags the trip is on for next week. Unfortunately, one of the snags is that the other lecturer, Patrick Paine, was unable to secure a passport in time due to "systems" problems at Home Affairs. This means I will be flying up myself Saturday 13 June and returning Friday 19 June. The Sunday School/Teaching of Children that Patrick was to do will be re-scheduled for another time. I will be speaking to the men and their wives in the evenings on what a biblically ordered family is and working with the men during the day on their preaching and ministry issues.

The venue we have been using, the YWCA, is increasing in price while decreasing in value. One objective of this trip is find alternative ways in which this training can be done cost effectively. It would also be wonderful to hold the Sola 5 Annual Conference in Harare one of these years so I'll be scouting some options for that. In addition, many of you donated financial assistance to Joseph Soko for his medical expenses following his recent stroke. R3000 was paid for a brain scan. R5000 was sent up via a travelling business man. I will be able to deliver the final R10 000 to him on this trip and get you first-hand information on his condition and progress.

In trips like this it is always a concern to be scratching where these men actually itch. Please pray for ministry effectiveness. Pray for their absorption and use of the material as well. Finally, please pray for my health to remain.

Only by Grace,

Jeffrey Gage
www.freegrace.co.za

Winter, Friends and Blessings!

Winter has started to become more noticeable here in Kavuzi, especially early in the mornings and in the evenings. During the day, the temperatures are still short-sleeve warm, unless the cool breeze convinces you of the need for warmer clothing...

Since our last newsletter, we have had a couple of opportunities to visit with new friends.

Leaving Windhoek – the Capital City of the Republic of Namibia – early in the morning as he normally does when he departs for mission journey. Roundabout 10h00 am he arrived in Swakopmund, after spending most of his time in Okahandja. Before entering Swakopmund, a sign written “Martin Luther Steam Engine” appeared...

(also see Laban's BLOGSPOT)