Myles really enjoys the opportunity to get out to preach in different parts of the country and last Sunday (14 June) he had the chance to travel to Chisinkha ZEC, south-west of the tarred road to Thyolo. (See it on Google Earth here.)
As a Sunday morning drive to church it was rather special, traveling through the green tea plantations of the region that turn the rolling hills as bright green as the grassy Perthshire countryside.
Travelling that route, eventually you get to the edge of the escarpment that plunges deep down to the Shire river that snakes and twinkles in the sun as it flows into Elephant Marsh. However, behind the picture-postcard beauty the story for the people of this area is one of life on the edge: families live constantly on the edge of hunger, as they eek out a life on the edge of the escarpment, on the poor land left at the edge of the plantation.
Isolated along miles of rough dirt track made impassable by rains for much of the year, we saw the church emerge over the brow of a hill on the platform hacked out of the hillside by the villagers using their multi-purpose hoe (khasu).
This vibrant, united, thriving Christian community was planted by Limbe ZEC (our home church) some years ago after the body of a member was returned for burial (as custom dictates) from her city residence to the village she had been born in. The villagers were so moved by the Gospel message they heard proclaimed by the Limbe ZEC pastor that they immediately asked that a church be formed that they could continue to have God’s Word opened and explained.
Myles had been asked to speak on Acts 3:11-26 and had a wonderful time unpacking Peter’s second sermon. What a wonderful example Peter gives us with his ‘gospel in a nutshell’ in Acts 3:19-20 – an example of how faithful disciples everywhere can ‘witness the truth to the crowd’ in word and deed.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. (Acts 3:19&20)
Stepping Out With God 
what a wonderful opportunity to teach and share … safe travel…
Wonderful. Great stuff Myles.
My best.
Bern.
Great stuff Myles. Wonderful. Every blessing bro.
Best.
Bern
Great report, thank you. As you say, a great challenge and promise – “repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…” A great reminder to us of the saving, redeeming, justifying and transforming grace of our Saviour Jesus. Praise Him!
Hi Myles, Good to hear your preaching gift is being widely used! I “followed” you down the road to Thyolo and remember turning off part way there to the left of the road to Msumuti (is that how you spell it!) to one of the rural churches linked with BCC where there is a Church Centre used to support teaching of Pastors of all denominations. I wonder if any ZEC or ex-EBCOM trained folk attend. I know Charles Tembo of EBCOM and BCC has some leadership capacity there. You might enquire about these connections at BCC if you are interested. Pastor Amos at Msumuti is a delightful character. Do send our greetings to the Thursday group at BCC, Mike and Katy
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2015 12:03:33 +0000 To: m.i.berry@hotmail.co.uk