The last three days of our journey were spent at The Mpumalanga Lectureship of the Churches of Christ in Southern Africa.  This the 27^th annual gathering to build a stronger community of believers and expand the kingdom of God in Southern Africa.  The lectureship began on Friday Morning, and continued through Sunday. More than 3,000 participants in the conference hailed from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and Malawi.  We were very proud to represent the USA among these faithful saints.  The theme of the lectureship in 2008 was Building and restoring true and uncompromised faith. 

   

We were welcomed to Mpumalanga by the honorable Linah Malatji, Executive Mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality, which includes the City of Witbank where the lectureship was held.  Among the guest speakers was Brother Ernest Cato and Roger Madison.  Those attending the lectureship from the USA were filled with three days of workshops, sermons, presentations, and wonderful fellowship with our Southern African brothers and sisters in Christ.

                    

There are few words to describe the emersion into the culture of Africa that we experienced during this time of mssionary outreach.  We were welcomed warmly, but also reminded of the great need that still remains for those struggling to uplift a nation.  I am reminded of the passage from 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, where Paul speaks about the Macedonian churches --

"Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.  Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints."

This is the blessing that we were greeted with, and which shall remain with us as a memory of fellowship with these saints.

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