Warm greetings in Christ,
Herewith receive our report and updates from the church here at Muizenberg.
Coastal Bible Church
We are well underway in our series on Christian Living. We started with, “The Walking and Filling of the Holy Spirit” from a biblical perspective, which raised a few eyebrows, and continued with, “Total Commitment: The Worldly Christian, The Life of Faith, The Life of Prayer, Bridling the Tongue.” It has been a revelation, in that I am seeing how and where folk are in their spiritual growth. On one hand, I am encouraged, but on the other, quite astounded at the lack of applicational growth. I find that those who have been through the membership process are way ahead of those that are attendees, some having attended for years. I have found that, despite meaty doctrine from our pulpit, some are still steeped in much bad theology. Please pray for changed perception and indeed changed lives.
The Lord has added to our number one more member, with one more in the process. Please pray for them.
My visits to the beach for outreach have been more regular as our springtime is underway. It was encouraging to be welcomed back by the locals. I’m not sure whether it is the Coca Cola or the spiritual input, but I trust in a sovereign God! I have had some deep conversations with some Rastas, which left them stroking their beards as they walked away pondering the truth I had shared. Please pray for their return and hunger for the gospel. The three men who were the core of the coffee group have continue to look out for me and we are continuing our conversations on the beach. Please pray with me that these seeds start to take root.
We are still seeing a steady influx of visitors. Most do not return, as we do not “have the Spirit,” meaning that we do not fall over or babble away and our hymns are boring. Please pray for hearts of clay.
The congregation continues to invite visitors. Please pray that the Lord will use this faithfulness.
Thank you all for the prayers regarding an attempted murder case that I am busy dealing with. There has been much progress, in a manner of speaking. Please pray for me and all parties involved, and above all that God will be glorified in this.
Our midweek Bible study is underway, with another one that will be starting soon. We have been reflecting on the sermon for the week in the study and expanding on it for the moment. The Bible study on a Sunday morning has, for the moment, continued. There has been interest that we start another study. Please pray for good attendance.
We have a boy that attends the church who has special needs. Due to his unique needs, he has been without a school for almost two years. We have been praying toward this end and finally he has been accepted into a school that is able to help him. To see the joy of a boy who, in his own way, has prayed with us for what would normally be a given in any child’s life, is very encouraging not only to me, but the entire congregation. It was really heartwarming to see all rally to provide him with the necessary uniform and equipment. A wonderful group effort all to God’s glory.
We were blessed with another anonymous gift of R35,000, toward the building fund. We are so grateful to the Lord. This is another answer to pray! To God be the glory!
There is much to be thankful for.
- We thank God for grace, love and mercy and continued faithfulness.
- We thank God for our Bible studies that have started or are starting.
- We thank God for the convictions that are experienced through our Christian Living series.
- We thank God for providing us with a meeting place for the moment.
- We thank God for new members.
- We thank God for Gabriel being accepted into school.
- We thank God for adding to our building fund.
Pray for Us
We covet your prayers.
- Please pray for hearts that struggle to apply biblical truth to daily life.
- Please pray for the church’s spiritual growth, unity in faith, and the continued expansion of its ministry.
- Please pray for those in our midst who may be facing health challenges and difficult circumstances within the community.
- Please continue to pray for a fervour in our gospel efforts, including the street ministry.
- Please continue to pray that those who visit will be convicted toward the truth.
- Please continue to pray that I will remain faithful and obedient to the Lord, particularly with regard to my counselling efforts.
- Please continue to pray, Lord willing, for our own building, for worship and activity in order that the church become the hub of the community, to God’s glory.
The Cramer Family
Michelle has struggled with her health lately. Please pray for her. She is also continually asking the Lord to guard her heart and tongue within the work environment. This, with regard to children being educated in terribly unbiblical principals, that will affect these children lifelong (sexual orientation, etc.). I would ask for prayer around this, but it is a global problem, so please pray with me that the Lord stay the tide—that these children will be protected from this wickedness. Please keep the small group of staff members that pray at break time in your prayers.
We are grateful to the Lord, that the family is otherwise doing well. Tristan is in the process of re-enlisting in the US Army. Please pray that this process will run smoothly and that God’s will be done, clearly. Please continue to pray for our family.
We are very aware that only grace and mercy has carried us thus far and are consistently reminded of God’s mercy and protection, in an environment that is becoming more and more perilous daily. Please continue to pray for our safety.
Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you in our support and ministry. We are extremely grateful for not only your physical support, but your pray support too. We are committed to pray for the mission and each ministry across the globe.
Thank you for taking time to read my report and for praying for us.
Yours in Christ,
Des Cramer
Pastor
Coastal Bible Church
Muizenberg, South Africa