We all made it home with no significant problems and all remained healthy. Some had minor health problems, nothing serious, but were ok by the time we started home. All in all, I think it was a very successful trip although there were only 2 baptisms, the gospel was taught to 28 persons and 2 studies were left ongoing with possibilities for future conversions. Effectively, we only had 2 full days to reach the neighborhood due to the rain (wish we had had it here). In those two days, 18 separate studies were conducted. Children’s classes of singing and Bible stories were held each day. There were as many of 75 children present, expertly controlled and taught by Holly, Sarah and Anton (young minister from Windhoek). Most of these children are orphans and if appropriately nurtured can be the Church of the future in Tsumeb. We left in-place a trained nucleus of young men, if used appropriately, can continue the work there. The church has a small orphan’s home with about 8 children. Holly & Sarah took up a collection and took them shopping on the last day. They were thrilled to death to receive a few new clothes.
On Friday and Saturday, representatives of the other churches in Namibia, including Rundu, Windhoek, Walrus Bay, Mulwi and Tsumeb, assembled and had 2 days of exhortations and encouragement. There were speakers from all the congregations as well as George Funk and myself. I spoke the 1st day more directly to the ladies (young & older) about the importance of maintaining a good repetition and always being ready do the Lord’s will wherever or in whatever circumstances they found themselves (based on text from Ruth & Esther). On Saturday, I spoke on Leadership within the Church, dwelling on Biblical examples and characteristics of good leadership. I encouraged them to develop a “Vision for Namibia” and plans for implementing it beginning with their own congregations. There was lots of good gospel singing as well. Hopefully, this is kind of exhortation will continue in the future.