July 2005 Report

Anathoth is the headquarters of Africa Upper Room Ministries. On five acres of land near Johannesburg, South Africa, it takes its name from the Jeremiah passage in which land at Anathoth is purchased as a sign of hope for the future. Anathoth is, for Upper Room Ministries, a sign of hope for the future of Africa. This newsletter from staff-person Roland Rink brings news from this important ministry.

"SERVANTHOOD AND CONTRIBUTION"

July has been a very busy month for us at Anathoth. In the midst of all the frenetic activity, we were blessed to have hosted a number of servants of Christ -- people of faith. People who have visibly demonstrated that there definitely is no "I" in servanthood! These servants included local people, people from other parts of South Africa, and international visitors.

My companion for the month of July has been the word contribution. (Note here that financial contribution is deliberately excluded.) As visitors depart, I was left in awe of the immense personal contribution each of them, in their own, special, unique, God-given way, is making towards growing the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Saints

Let me introduce you to some of the saints whose contribution, by their presence, demeanor and witness (both silent and spoken), has inspired us at Anathoth:

Bettina Sibiya has fully epitomized servanthood. You might remember Bettina from last month's newsletter. She is the daughter of Margaret, who passed away last year. Bettina stays on the Anathoth property. She is currently formally listed as "unemployed" but she has been so very helpful cutting down our tall, dry grass and bundling it up neatly for the thatching we will need if/when building commences in the months to come. Besides the daily work and chores around the property, Bettina also cares for Mabuntle, her own 18-month-old child, as well as Zanele, her late sister's daughter. We have been able to assist Bettina in a modest fashion with necessary groceries and a small stipend as compensation for her labors. Bettina regularly attends the morning prayers at Anathoth.

Editor's Note: Shortly after this newsletter was sent, Johannes Mpingi suddenly passed away. Please see his obituary. Johannes Mpingi has been with us since 2002. Johannes is the most uncluttered, uncomplicated person I know. Nothing seems to trouble him unduly. Johannes is content to be left alone to get on with the task at hand. He works steadily at his own pace, in his own special way. He is always the one whose bright smile welcomes us each day to the Anathoth property. He does not seem to ever get ill. He reminds me so much of a placid river that just keeps quietly flowing on and on. His quiet, diligent, dignified ways are a real contribution to us all. One senses that he cares deeply about the work of Anathoth and the property. Johannes, in recent times, has also become a regular attendee at the morning prayers that Nancy Herron has instituted at the offices.

We were hosts to a meeting of all the District Superintendents of the United Methodist Church in South Africa. Rev. Vumile Tobie and his associates spent time exploring the possibilities of working in partnership with Africa Upper Room Ministries on a new Xhosa edition of The Upper Room daily devotional guide. We are grateful that they were able to find time to break away from their hectic business meetings and spend such meaningful time with us. We look forward to the proposal that they will be bringing regarding the Xhosa edition. These ordained servants are contributing mightily, on a daily basis, toward ensuring that their flocks receive good quality Christian resources, so that they, in turn, can make their own contribution.

Anathoth was one of the many sites which Elliott and Catherine Stotler and their children, Emily, Ryan and Cason visited during July whilst on their Southern African trip. The Stotler clan hails from Peachtree City, Georgia, USA. They spent time in Mozambique assisting in the building and refurbishment of neglected church facilities. The family also spent time in Kwa Zulu Natal and Gauteng helping in various mission settings. Each member of the family, aged from 4 to 44 years old, was making their own special contribution towards the work of building the Kingdom. (Elliott had previously visited us during the Upper Room Pilgrimage last year in April, and it was good to meet the whole family and show them around our five acres.)

Finally, there is little Zanele. Firstly, thank you for all the messages of concern and prayers that were offered on her behalf. It is wonderful to report that Zanele is making slow, but steady, progress. Zanele is growing stronger and stronger each day. She has left her sickbed and is now seen accompanying her cousin Mabuntle and Aunt Bettina on grass cutting expeditions around the property. It is absolutely amazing that just a month ago this little girl was seemingly close to death. With proper attention being given to her diet, family care and attention, the warmth of love and human touch, we are becoming much more confident that Zanele will one day grow to be a strong and vibrant woman. In a profound way, Zanele's contribution is that she really does represent Anathoth. With love, care, attention to our own spiritual and physical nutrition, and prayer, we too as Africa Upper Room Ministries will become equipped to fully make the contribution of furthering the Kingdom by affording each person in Africa the opportunity to spend time with God each and every day.

I do still retain the wish that Zanele will one day soon give us just one smile. We continue to live in hope that a smile as big and bright as a fat round sun will, one day, dawn on her very serious little face.

Thanks, too, to all those who responded to the request for textbooks for the John Wesley Seminary. You have made an invaluable contribution towards the spiritual nurturing of many clergy in training.

Here's a final thought: During August, can we, by our own contribution, make God smile?

Peace is my Sister.

We go forward --
Roland Rink