Some weeks ago, we visited a small assembly, which we had not visited since our return in January. We learned that an older brother in that assembly was unwell, so after the meetings we passed by his village in order to greet him and see how he was. We found him quite weak and unwell and Elva was able to help him with some medicines. This dear brother is quite deaf and you would suspect, often misses things because of that. He was so delighted to see us both, and the first thing he asked Elva was, (note that he hadn’t seen her for 5 months), “How is your father? I have been praying for you and wondering how you were and how the father is. Just yesterday I learned that you were in Kabompo, but no one could tell me his condition.” What an encouragement and how humbling, that a brother who is so unwell himself, and so frail, could take the time to pray for us, even although he hadn’t seen or heard anything for all that time. In addition he proceeded to say how happy he was that we were both back together, as he had been feeling sorry for Don and praying for him, during the time that we had been separated. It was a challenge to us as we asked ourselves about our own consistency to pray for others in their troubles, especially when difficulties seem to mount up in our own lives. Don proceeded to try and tell him, what he had shared with the believers that morning but his deafness made this almost impossible. Then this brother told us of what he had been rejoicing in that day, the intercessory work of our Lord – which had also been part of Don’s message to the believers. How wonderful that the Holy Spirit was bringing to his mind, the messages that his brothers were receiving, and even although physically unable to hear, he was being fed and led, by the Holy Spirit!
We have just returned from the Senior Girls’ camp where we had 99 girls from grade 11& 12. We had a 4-day weekend where they were presented with many “Choices” and given examples from the Bible of good and bad choices and their consequences. We do thank the Lord that they listened well, did very well in their memory work and there was a good atmosphere amongst both the campers and the Counsellors. We thank the Lord for those who came for one on one counselling and for those who expressed a desire to give their lives to the Lord. Thank you to all who have prayed – please continue to support them and us in your prayers.
We have been going through a trying time of late and so much appreciate the prayers of the Lords people.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Thursday, February 8, 2007
David Boyd Long - called home Feb 4, 2007
David Boyd Long SaKambamba
Coming from “down under”, my first introduction to David Boyd Long was when, as a young nurse at Chitokoloki, I came down with Hepatitis and in order to recuperate, went thru to Loloma Mission to spend some time with Charlie and Ann Geddis. While there, in order to pass the resting time and gain some refreshment, Agnes MacDonald gave me audio tapes of teaching on Revelation, by David Long. What a joy and indeed a refreshment, to listen to such wonderful clear teaching on the book of Revelation – thought by many to be a “difficult” book, but explained so beautifully and simply by such an able teacher. There followed other tapes, equally clear and uplifting. So, it was a joy, at a later time, to have the pleasure of beginning to know this dear brother personally, when he paid a visit to Zambia. Later, in 1975, when my future mother in law was dying, and it was decided that, rather than a wedding in Zambia, Don and I should go to Canada so I would have the pleasure of meeting Don’s mother, we did just that. In August 1975, while a stranger in a strange land but knowing Mr Long, he acted on behalf of my father and gave me away at our wedding. I was honoured to spend my last night, as an unmarried woman, in the home of David and Eleanor Long and enjoyed Mrs Longs sweet hospitality. Subsequently I always affectionately referred to Mr Long as Dad and enjoyed letters from him. When in later years, he revisited Zambia with his new wife Barbara, we were happy to be able to entertain them in our own home in Kabompo.
However, it should be noted that his tape ministry was not only in English but many teaching tapes were also produced in Chokwe. These tapes, together with the hand wound cassette players produced by Gospel Recordings, were left at small assemblies in this district here. Sometimes, when visiting these assemblies, they would tell us that “Sakambamba is sick, he is not talking to us – we ask him how he is but he doesn’t answer us” – of course, they were meaning that the tape player was not working and we would have to take it back for repair. They were and continue to be delighted when Sakambamba is well enough to continue his ministry to them. During his visit to Zambia with Barbara, mentioned above, it was a thrill, for some of the Chokwe brethren, to be able to meet, in person, the one whose translation work and spoken ministry, they had appreciated and benefited from for many years.
We have both been honoured to have known and benefited from the ministry and fellowship of Bro Long –( Don’s association with him and the family is much longer than mine), and we do extend our sympathy to Barbara and the family. However, with them, we rejoice that he is now free from the limitations of a failing body and mind and face to face with the One whom he served and testified about, for so many years. While he is no longer physically present here, yet be assured that his clear ministry will continue to be appreciated and will benefit the assemblies here for years to come, if the Lord leaves us here.
Elva Brooks
Coming from “down under”, my first introduction to David Boyd Long was when, as a young nurse at Chitokoloki, I came down with Hepatitis and in order to recuperate, went thru to Loloma Mission to spend some time with Charlie and Ann Geddis. While there, in order to pass the resting time and gain some refreshment, Agnes MacDonald gave me audio tapes of teaching on Revelation, by David Long. What a joy and indeed a refreshment, to listen to such wonderful clear teaching on the book of Revelation – thought by many to be a “difficult” book, but explained so beautifully and simply by such an able teacher. There followed other tapes, equally clear and uplifting. So, it was a joy, at a later time, to have the pleasure of beginning to know this dear brother personally, when he paid a visit to Zambia. Later, in 1975, when my future mother in law was dying, and it was decided that, rather than a wedding in Zambia, Don and I should go to Canada so I would have the pleasure of meeting Don’s mother, we did just that. In August 1975, while a stranger in a strange land but knowing Mr Long, he acted on behalf of my father and gave me away at our wedding. I was honoured to spend my last night, as an unmarried woman, in the home of David and Eleanor Long and enjoyed Mrs Longs sweet hospitality. Subsequently I always affectionately referred to Mr Long as Dad and enjoyed letters from him. When in later years, he revisited Zambia with his new wife Barbara, we were happy to be able to entertain them in our own home in Kabompo.
However, it should be noted that his tape ministry was not only in English but many teaching tapes were also produced in Chokwe. These tapes, together with the hand wound cassette players produced by Gospel Recordings, were left at small assemblies in this district here. Sometimes, when visiting these assemblies, they would tell us that “Sakambamba is sick, he is not talking to us – we ask him how he is but he doesn’t answer us” – of course, they were meaning that the tape player was not working and we would have to take it back for repair. They were and continue to be delighted when Sakambamba is well enough to continue his ministry to them. During his visit to Zambia with Barbara, mentioned above, it was a thrill, for some of the Chokwe brethren, to be able to meet, in person, the one whose translation work and spoken ministry, they had appreciated and benefited from for many years.
We have both been honoured to have known and benefited from the ministry and fellowship of Bro Long –( Don’s association with him and the family is much longer than mine), and we do extend our sympathy to Barbara and the family. However, with them, we rejoice that he is now free from the limitations of a failing body and mind and face to face with the One whom he served and testified about, for so many years. While he is no longer physically present here, yet be assured that his clear ministry will continue to be appreciated and will benefit the assemblies here for years to come, if the Lord leaves us here.
Elva Brooks
Monday, January 22, 2007
At last
By this time most people have probably given up expecting to see anything appear on this page. I was a little unsure of this newer blog and without much time - just feared to get going. However, now that I have learned how to post on the blog - I will try to do better in keeping this up to date.
After travelling around the world (Elva) we are now back in Kabompo and today Don has been back to school. The Lord has heard my cry and we have received a new teacher for C.R.E which does mean that my classes have been reduced and that is such a blessing!
My dad does OK if they keep his monthly blood transfusions up although, due to pain, he is no longer able to play his organ. The pain is a sign that the Myeloma is advancing and he has just recently been given another treatment to lower the Calcium levels again.
Our family enjoyed having New Zealand relatives in Canada, when my sister Marilyn and her husband John Lindsay, came just before Christmas and left two days after Richard and Katherine's wedding which was held on Jan 6th.
Due to the fact that I did not need to have my cataracts operated on (although I did receive Laser treatment for potential glaucoma /opticc nerve problem) we were able to make a trip to Lincoln and see Matt and Sarah and family in their "new" home which is in Lincoln. It was good to see the grandchildren in their own environment. Sarah does a great job of keeping us in the minds of the children even although they don't see us often.
Don was thankful for the Lord's provision, which enabled him to have a lot of dental work done while we were in North Bay.
We were able to spend time together, as a family, in Port Colborne thanks to friends who allowed us use of their homes and also a place in Gilead Manor. Matt and Sarah travelled up and thus began the coughs and colds which are still troubling them. They are currently suspecting RSV and possible Whooping cough - Lily is improving with the Nebulizer treatments but Linia is still very chesty. We thank the Lord that Caleb kept well until after the wedding, since he had such an important role to play! He was the ring bearer and did a wonderful job - even if grampa noticed the rings lying on the floor during the singing of the first hymn but grandma was able to sit down and tie them back on again. Thankfully they were there and seen rather than somewhere else where they might not have been missed until they were needed!!
The wedding was a wonderful day and honouring to the Lord. Sunday morning we were together with Richard and Katherine again at Hopedale before they set off. That was special too in more ways than one!
If you want photos - check out Rachel's blog! (theafricanqueen.blogspot.com)
It was good to enjoy the fellowship of the believers at both Lilanda and Great East Road Lusaka, after we returned. Our time in the capital was profitable, not just in adjusting our time clocks but in making some progress in the application for an extension to the lease for the bookshop. This has been going on for at least 3 years - with absolutely no progress, so we are thankful that we decided to just take the time and keep on going back. It appears now that we have met someone who is helpful and things are going ahead.We do thank the Lord for that.
Well - I think I will make this do for now and hope that briefly summarieses where we have been.
I should mention it was great to meet up with various of our Zambian friends while in Canada and we did appreciate their help and fellowship.
After travelling around the world (Elva) we are now back in Kabompo and today Don has been back to school. The Lord has heard my cry and we have received a new teacher for C.R.E which does mean that my classes have been reduced and that is such a blessing!
My dad does OK if they keep his monthly blood transfusions up although, due to pain, he is no longer able to play his organ. The pain is a sign that the Myeloma is advancing and he has just recently been given another treatment to lower the Calcium levels again.
Our family enjoyed having New Zealand relatives in Canada, when my sister Marilyn and her husband John Lindsay, came just before Christmas and left two days after Richard and Katherine's wedding which was held on Jan 6th.
Due to the fact that I did not need to have my cataracts operated on (although I did receive Laser treatment for potential glaucoma /opticc nerve problem) we were able to make a trip to Lincoln and see Matt and Sarah and family in their "new" home which is in Lincoln. It was good to see the grandchildren in their own environment. Sarah does a great job of keeping us in the minds of the children even although they don't see us often.
Don was thankful for the Lord's provision, which enabled him to have a lot of dental work done while we were in North Bay.
We were able to spend time together, as a family, in Port Colborne thanks to friends who allowed us use of their homes and also a place in Gilead Manor. Matt and Sarah travelled up and thus began the coughs and colds which are still troubling them. They are currently suspecting RSV and possible Whooping cough - Lily is improving with the Nebulizer treatments but Linia is still very chesty. We thank the Lord that Caleb kept well until after the wedding, since he had such an important role to play! He was the ring bearer and did a wonderful job - even if grampa noticed the rings lying on the floor during the singing of the first hymn but grandma was able to sit down and tie them back on again. Thankfully they were there and seen rather than somewhere else where they might not have been missed until they were needed!!
The wedding was a wonderful day and honouring to the Lord. Sunday morning we were together with Richard and Katherine again at Hopedale before they set off. That was special too in more ways than one!
If you want photos - check out Rachel's blog! (theafricanqueen.blogspot.com)
It was good to enjoy the fellowship of the believers at both Lilanda and Great East Road Lusaka, after we returned. Our time in the capital was profitable, not just in adjusting our time clocks but in making some progress in the application for an extension to the lease for the bookshop. This has been going on for at least 3 years - with absolutely no progress, so we are thankful that we decided to just take the time and keep on going back. It appears now that we have met someone who is helpful and things are going ahead.We do thank the Lord for that.
Well - I think I will make this do for now and hope that briefly summarieses where we have been.
I should mention it was great to meet up with various of our Zambian friends while in Canada and we did appreciate their help and fellowship.
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