SOUTH AFRICA
The two Zulu women were walking up a painfully steep hill, one of many in the KwaZulu Natal area of South Africa. Few residents of these hills have transportation other than their feet.
ITMI’s Nobuhle “Fifi” Smith had just asked her companion, “How are things at home? How can I be praying for you?”
Fifi glanced at her friend. She could tell Sandisiwe was fighting tears.
Sandisiwe’s explanation tumbled from her lips, “Fifi, my mom is trying to build a house that would not wash away during the rain. But now she can’t finish it off, because she has diabetes and we have to use that money for hospital bills.”
Being Zulu women who believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, makes both Fifi and Sandisiwe part of a small minority in their cluster of Zulu villages in KwaZulu Natal.
ITMI's Fifi Smith is part of a small minority in her cluster of Zulu villages.
Many Zulu are happy to listen to the Gospel. But when everyday challenges arise - like the financial hardship coupled with a medical issue in Sandisiwe’s family - they have a hard time believing it wasn’t their vengeful ancestors’ response to feeling slighted in some way.
“I know God will provide,” Sandisiwe finished. Encouraged by her friend’s faith, Fifi smiled, but her heart was heavy.
When she reached 7 Rivers Farm, where she lives and ministers with a team of missionaries that includes her parents, ITMI partners, Kelly and Cherise Smith, she shared Sandisiwe’s story.
The Smith Family at 7 Rivers Farm. (Left to right) Fifi, Wyatt, Zoey, Kelly, Cherise
ITMI's Fifi Smith at 7 Rivers Farm, helping Zulu women earn an income by making handcrafted jewelry.
The three Smiths began asking their heavenly Father to provide for Sandisiwe’s family, and for her mom to come to know the Lord as her Savior.
The Lord answered the Smith’s prayer through the service and sacrifice of a group of believers from Washington State. This group used their own resources to travel to South Africa to minister alongside the 7 Rivers team to reach the Zulu people with the Good News.
They had raised and set aside funds for a ministry project.
The team ended up helping construct a house for Sandisiwe’s family that would withstand the rain. They toiled to mix cement and lay bricks so that this family could have a home.
When they returned to Washington, the building project, well on its way, was left in the capable hands of a member of the local Zulu church to finish. They had provided more than a home.
They’d been the embodiment of hope and demonstrated the Lord’s power and ability to watch over his own.
“We hope Sandisiwe’s mom will see the hand of God in this. That she will be saved,” Fifi says, quoting, “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works,” (Psalm 145:9).
Because followers of Jesus partnered with the Smiths, they made a real impact in the lives of a Zulu family in need - both physically and spiritually.
If we’ve helped you connect with an ITMI partner so that you could make a lasting impact, we want you to know, your contribution matters. It matters a great deal.
Whether you were part of or sent a team that traveled and served - like the team from Washington that served in South Africa - told a friend or family member about the ministry of one of our partners, gave sacrificially, or helped connect our partners to training or resources - as Paul’s supporters enable his ministry to pastors, you play a crucial part.
You are to be congratulated on laying up treasures with the Lord and recognized as an example of leaving the kind of legacy every believer wants to leave, but only some do.
Right now, we need help from committed believers like you.
We need people who believe with a passion that everyone should have a chance to hear the Good News. Generous, mature believers who understand and put trust in the Biblical doctrine of generosity.
We need people to stand shoulder to shoulder with those on the field and say, “I want to be part of God’s work!"
The needs and challenges faced by ITMI and our partners are very real. We could really use some more “hands on deck.”
Do you know anyone looking to get involved with taking the Good News to every tongue, tribe and nation by equipping faithful godly workers who are already embedded in cultures and communities?
It would make a real difference if you would let them know that partnering with ITMI and our godly ITMI nationals is a great way to maximize your impact.
If you’ve never partnered with us, or perhaps it’s been awhile, the truth is, we need your help.
We need you to step out in faith, be extraordinary, get connected with an ITMI partner and experience the joy of giving and the satisfaction of making a true and lasting impact.
Ready to get connected? Head here, or contact us today.
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.
