Ministry News: Nelspruit Bible Church (Nelspruit, South Africa) (May 2026)

This year, two friends died, Richard’s mom was moved into a UK care home for dementia patients, and we put down our beloved dog. But God has blessed us with mercy, faithfulness, and abundantly sufficient grace to deal with the normal trials of life. There is always more for which to give thanks than for the events that bring sadness. This is because Christ carries us in our sorrows and, because of him, the future is always full of hope. He is unchanging and our eyes are set on him. Below are the many reasons for which we are thankful.

The elders normally spend a weekend in January praying and planning. This year, the planning took a back seat as they delighted in time together praying and praying and praying! We continue to be thankful for a genuine brotherly love between Charles, Richard, and Daniel. When they are not spending time discussing Nelspruit Bible Church (NBC), they enjoy spending time together as great friends. What a joy.

Another training opportunity has presented itself. Praise God! The hope is that South Africans will be able to study under the tutelage of eight The Master’s Seminary (TMS) grads to obtain a BA in Bible. This degree will be accredited through Central Africa Baptist University (CABU). There are already three people interested in obtaining a degree.

Only one more session to go and these faithful men have completed a two-year course on how to understand and read the Bible. Jabu (behind Richard) is our key man. He is faithful and he knows of no other pastor in the townships who believe the Bible is authoritative and that it is all that we need for life and godliness.

About thirty ladies enjoyed luxury accommodation, rest, amazing food, and unhurried fellowship as Lisa from NBC gifted us again with a weekend at her gorgeous lodge. Telda spoke on “Melancholy” as well as “Overcoming Anxiety.” We were encouraged once again by the love, unity and honesty of the ladies.

We’re still looking at a blank drawing board! It could be depressing if we didn’t believe in a sovereign God who does all things well. We’ve been looking for over a year in a city where growth is booming, yet everything we touch appears to get blocked. Therefore, the elders have put the search on hold.

We have R1.6 million gaining high interest. There are a couple of people still searching, but the elders have spent an extraordinary amount of time pursuing places that have come to naught. This has been at the expense of time that should be spent on pastoring, praying and preaching, which they are commanded to do.

The place where we meet is being very patient despite the inconveniences, so we are waiting on the Lord. It is always scary and exciting to see what he does when we depend upon him alone to make things happen. We are confident that when he does it, he’ll do it well. Please continue to pray with us.

Eleven men from NBC (and one young cook!) were packed into two cars for the beautiful drive to Limpopo. Nearly 70% of black families in South Africa grow up in fatherless homes. The boys are used to female authority, and they don’t know basic skills like how to swim, change a tyre, take a lady on a date, use a hammer, or drive a motor bike. This camp is packed with BAMs (Be A Man) teaching practical skill, Bible lessons teaching spiritual truths, and physical challenges. Men returned tired in body but exhilarated in mind and soul.

Our first NBC Men’s Breakfast was well attended. Richard exhorted the saints to “become more of a man by becoming more like Christ.”