This article was originally published in the December 2016 edition of ITMI Monthly.
During this season of giving, we asked ITMI partners to give you their heartfelt answers to several questions. May their answers bless and encourage you!
Kelly and Cherise Smith
Zulu Natal, South Africa
What is it about the people you serve that God has laid on your heart?
There is definite evidence of previous missionary influence in the beautiful songs that the Zulu people sing at their different functions. Some are sung in Zulu, and then a chorus or two repeated in English.
It is easy to close my eyes and enjoy the precious words being sung; but then I am abruptly reminded of the fact that they have no idea about what they are singing.
“The blood of (God) Jesus, rolling like a river, washing my heart, wonderful God, Jesus is the King …” Their beautiful melodious voices echo the grace and beauty of the words.
Their eyes, however, are not smiling with the knowledge of this Jesus, who can wash their sins away, and I wonder: do they ever ask themselves, who is this Jesus?
Please pray with us that their eyes and ears would be open to know their creator, their God and Father, who they sing all these beautiful songs about.
What has God done in your ministry this year?
This year marks the ninth year of hosting Project Christmas Blessing (PCB). Over the years we have been so amazed at how God has provided through all of your partnership to bring a solid Gospel message to the children of this community and their caregivers, with the joy of a Christmas gift, and some delicious food.
On top of this we throw in lots of love and fun, and are rewarded with glorious smiles.
We hosted our Olwasini Junior Primary PCB last Thursday, and we are bubbling over with joy.
A young man, who we have watched grow up in this community, from the age of 9, who has shown a remarkable commitment to the Lord Jesus, and has been discipled over the last 2 years; was the one who shared the Gospel with the children and their caregivers!!
Mthoko gives his testimony at Project Christmas Blessing.
We are so excited to see this story come full circle, and Mthoko be able to share his faith in Christ with his fellow community members. All glory be to God on High!!!
Thank you so much for your partnership.
Steve Evers has advocated for and served the ITMI partners as ITMI Director since 2001. Approximately once a year, Steve visits with ITMI partners in their countries and brings stories back to encourage supporters. Steve enjoys photography and mechanics, (both hobbies that have greatly benefited ITMI partners!) Prior to becoming ITMI's Director, Steve served on the Board of Directors for 4 years. Steve lives in Arizona with his wife, Darlene.
