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Notes
from Jerry Hogg - Africa Ministry Training Schools |
February 2010 IT’S ABOUT TIME “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (KJV) Eph 5:15-16. We think of redeeming as buying back that which is ours. Oh, one can buy another’s time (hire) to do a job to free up our own time. But, TIME cannot be bought or possessed, and life cannot be extended at will. If that were true, rich men would never die! Time takes its toll on all humanity. In this scriptural text, redeeming simply means to make good use of our time and be wise in choosing activities in our daily lives.
That’s what we all think of as we close out one year and look toward another. We ponder over all our failures and accomplishments, vowing to improve our lot within the coming New Year. It is good to stop occasionally and take stock of all the happenings in our lives, to renew vows to our mates, our families, and our God! Facing a New Year brings with it anticipation and, for some folks, resolutions on a grand scale.
Most of us have a view that we can make-up for last year by doing more in the new one, but often we make a mistake in our thinking. Starting a new year is just the beginning of another day, another space of time, not a new life (though it can be IF dedicated to God). I heard a preacher say recently, “It’s just TIME!” God is giving us more time, yet another day, a new chance to make things right in our lives, to do more for His cause and for others. We mark our lives by the calendar and the clock, but God views it as a whole - you have only ONE life to dedicate to Him, so “JUST DO IT!” as I often tell the students at the Southern Africa Bible College in Benoni.
Resolutions sometimes don’t last long and we resort to old habits, repeating the things we resolved NOT to do in the New Year. Some say if you do something for 30 days, it sticks. Holding out for the entire month of January by making those changes in your life might just become “new” habits. Try It, You’ll Like it! Life can be different if we honestly resolve to make it so.
HAPPY NEW YEAR Our wish for all who read this report is that God will grant you, our family and friends, as well as the many Christians we contact weekly in our travels as we tell the African story to many churches ... our prayer for you is an abundance of blessings within this New Year – that you and yours will look for ways to better serve our Lord and Savior. A life dedicated toward helping others will seek out and help those less fortunate. In so doing, enrich their own life. In this New Year, find somebody who needs the Gospel desperately!
RENEWING MY OWN COMMITMENT When I got to Africa as a young missionary in the late ‘60's, I soon came to realize, and accept the fact, that I could not right all the wrongs in Africa. I was NOT Superman or the Lone Ranger riding to the rescue. As I’ve often said, I could not “feed ALL of Africa”! Nevertheless, I have dedicated my life toward going again and again, and doing whatever I could to touch somebody’s life and make it better for the Kingdom’s sake. That’s my New Year’s Resolution (again) as I face this new beginning, as we make plans to “redeem the time” that God has granted us so far in 2010. As we pen these words, we are making out schedules and arranging plans for the next few months, and most of it has to do with more trips to Africa to teach and preach the Word of God. We request your prayers for our work in the Kingdom in all of Africa.
TAKING CARE OF MY HEALTH Age does peculiar things to us and for us.... it makes us realize that we are vulnerable. That we are getting OLD (there’s that concept of TIME again)! As I wrote recently in one of my reports, I have visited more doctors on this furlough than ever imaginable. When you begin hurting is usually the time you seek out a physician, but in my case, I try to do this on an annual basis now, during my time in the States. It’s not that I don’t have an excellent doctor in South Africa, I do. But, insurance doesn’t cover the costs there, so I try to plan for getting all the annual tests and updates of medications done while I’m here. One week in November, my schedule included 4 different doctor visits. These days, you don’t just see one doc, it’s a multitude of specialists. When I had the keyhole knee surgery last January, I saw one of the specialists at the Orthopedic clinic. Then, when my back started hurting (possibly from walking funny, due to knee pain), it was a different Ortho specialist that dealt with my back. Later, Ann saw yet another specialist at the same clinic when her hands began hurting from arthritis. As they say, “parts is parts...” every part in your body requires a specialist sometimes. Believe me, as I age, I’m seeing them all!
TRAVELS IN THE STATES I wouldn’t recommend the kind of travel Larry York and I do weekly as the best way to “See the USA!” It’s usually a late Saturday afternoon trip to another state (or city) in preparation for Bible Class and preaching on a Sunday morning. However, we do get to meet and greet a lot of new folks at the churches we visit, and that always enriches our lives. In November and December, we traveled to many other towns/cities in Tennessee, to Georgia and Alabama. I usually show a PowerPoint Presentation (PPP) during class time and then preach what I hope is an inspiring lesson with some examples of our work in Africa mixed in for the Worship hour. If you are interested in having us come to visit you, please contact Larry, who keeps up with WHERE I’m supposed to be WHEN, at 865-947-9478 or cell: 865-207-1757, or email him with your request for speaking and setup a suitable date at larryyork@comcast.net.
“MEANWHILE - BACK IN THE JUNGLE” Actually, there are NO jungles in most of the places I visit in Africa. But, I love that expression from the Tarzan movies of my childhood. In later years, we have adapted that term from the title of the book on Tanganyika (now Tanzania) written by our good friend, Donna Horne. She and Al really did live in or near the “jungles of Africa” during their five years of mission work in that East African nation. We could also recommend several other interesting books written by missionaries we met during our earlier years in Africa like Bessie Hardin Chenault’s book, “Give Me This Mountain” about hers and John’s years in South Africa; Joe Watson’s book about 3 of his mission stations entitled, “Three African Drums;” and Eldred Echols’ book called, “Wings of the Morning.” These are all very informative mission books and should be required reading for ANY potential future missionary.
NEWS FROM THE FIELD We get emails weekly from various workers in Africa that make us realize “life goes on...” even in our absence. At Benoni, local preachers trained at the Southern Africa Bible College (SABC), carry on teaching the daily classes and preaching on weekends at Benoni and other congregations in the area. Students teach one-on-one Bible studies and conduct campaigns whenever possible. Third year SABC students completed exams and graduated at the end of November. They will be replaced by new enrollees in January. I am anxious to meet them.
My buddy and mission partner, Bill Elliott, returned to his family in Knoxville and to the West End church in time for the December holidays, after completing another 3-month “tour of duty,” preaching for the Keam Road church. To properly finish up his work there, he performed the wedding ceremony for the daughter of mutual friends Konrad & Gill Brandstetter, and baptized 6 or 7 in his last few days in East London. They kept him busy. Bill is a hard worker and a good Bible teacher. He plans to return to Africa in February.
Emails from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Zambia reported progress and a successful year for these Sunset-related training programs. They also tell me of their “needs.” I am trying to raise extra funding to help them carry on their good work. If you are interested in helping us train workers, contact me. Also, money for 2 bicycles is needed.
********** For the next 3 months, Larry and I will continue to travel and speak in various places. Plans are underway for my return to Africa the end of March. Thanks for all the prayers and support that provide travel funds and supply our needs. Keep the faith! Not only KEEP it, but SHARE it! God bless you for caring and for sending. January 12, 2010 Dear Friends and Brethren: December was certainly a busy one with holiday preparations, family gatherings, and speaking appointments at several out-of-town churches. Larry York and I have clocked many miles since I got home the end of October. Brethren have been kind and generous toward us and the work in Africa. Of course, we appreciate that very much. Since I came home, it seems I’ve been to every kind of doctor imaginable: Ear/Nose/Throat specialist for a persistent sore throat, Gastroenterologist for an upper & lower GI due to severe irritation of my esophagus, Orthopedic Surgeon for my painful left knee (he outfitted me with a brace that helps and some additional meds), Urologist for renewing prescriptions to prevent further Prostatitis, General Practitioner for my annual physical and blood-work to check Cholesterol levels, etc., the dentist for cleaning and a gum infection that requires further treatment … everybody except my eye doctor, and I will probably visit him before I leave for Africa again in March to upgrade my glasses. As I get older, it seems more body parts need special attention to keep me going. The family is doing okay now after a round of viruses in November, except Ann is having pain in both her hands from severe arthritis. This hinders her somewhat in typing up and preparing my mission letters and reports for hand-outs and mailing, but somehow, she manages. For Christmas gifts, most everybody in the family got warm coats, sweaters, and boots in preparation for the coming COLD weather. Some say this will be the coldest winter in East Tennessee since World War II. Hope not. I’m used to milder weather in Africa, though we do have some very cold days in June-July there. Our dream for Africa is to help the church there to maintain its exciting and solid growth that it has experienced in the last few years in many places. Our dream for Africa is help the local churches plant more effective congregations in their areas. Our dream for Africa is to continue training local Christians to evangelize within their culture and to reach their own people. We have seen the church spread tremendously and expand beyond what one would expect in nations that are rocked with corruption, violence and poverty. We are seeing “progress out of poverty.” The answer lies in having an effective training program of local Christians in many African nations. We have seen this approach make a major difference. We are committed to provide the assistance, oversight, and some financial support for those training programs that we are presently working with under the Sunset International Bible Institute’s guidance. With God’s help and the continued involvement of American brethren, we hope to witness further amazing growth and spiritual development in many nations on the continent of Africa. As we state in the PowerPoint Presentation that we share with the churches where I speak, “Looking at Africa Through the Eyes of Faith and Hope,” we are looking for additional funding to assist our training programs. Here is a summation of those requests: Malawi International Bible Institute, Malawi...... $2,000 Nigerian Institute of Theological Studies.............. $2,000 School of Christ International, Liberia………..... $6,000 Southern Africa Bible College, South Africa….... $2,000 Swedru International Bible Institute, Ghana….... $2,000 $14,000
FYI -- We are seeking 14 congregations or individuals who can contribute $1000 each to help with these training programs’ expenses. If you know of a church that has some extra funds in their missions budget or an individual interested in missions that can help us, please let us know. If they are unable to give the full amount requested, any contribution would be welcomed. Also, we need congregations that are capable and willing to make a monthly commitment to our work. Hopefully, many of the congregations where we have been will be in a position to assist with either a one-time commitment or a monthly amount, or both. Mission work cannot survive without sufficient funding, and the Lord does provide when workers and supporters are dedicated to His Cause. We are willing to GO if others are willing to SEND! It is great knowing you as our friends in Christ. Our prayer is that you will have a Blessed New Year. Stay safe and remember us to the Father. Teaching the Lost in Africa, November 30, 2009 I was happy to be home for Thanksgiving this year, though the family had a virus problem during these holidays that lasted a day or two for each one. As they say, “it’s something going around!” We trust everyone in your fellowship had a healthy, pleasant time with family and friends. Home for the Holidays has a nice ring! God’s blessings are too numerous to count. We give Him all the credit for success in our African work, safe travels, generally good health – despite the occasional set-backs, and warm fellowship with churches and individuals who help us with the mission trips. Many churches and some individuals gave annual donations at the end of 2008 or the first of this year that were spaced out as monthly support. These most welcomed gifts carried us through the year and we are grateful for such generosity. One-time contributions that come from speaking appointments, or in response to reports and newsletters, are used for travel expenses. These were sufficient to cover trips to nine (9) different countries in the last year. This year, in particular, it was important that I become acquainted with the various branches and associated training programs under the Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI) oversight. It is a phenomenal work they have established under the Sunset Church of Christ leadership. Full results will only be known in Eternity, though I have seen much progress. In each place, I do some classroom teaching to those being training on the field to reach their own people, preach and fellowship with churches as much as possible, discuss particular needs and accomplishments with school personnel, advise better techniques when appropriate, speak for graduation services upon invitation, and encourage brethren to continue teaching sound doctrine from the Scriptures -- always. With year-end activities upon us, we realize it is budget-making time for congregations and individuals for next year. We are requesting those on our contact list (both email and snail-mail) to please include us in your Missions Budget for 2010 as they are being setup. Having seen first-hand how the church is strengthening in so many places because of well-trained teachers and preachers of the Word, I know we must continue making a difference in Africa. Only Christ can solve all the problems there, or anywhere. We thank everyone so much for donations given this month for our mission work in Africa. In these tough economic times, we recognize it is a double blessing to have such dedicated folks on our team. To God we give all the glory! Best wishes for the holidays. Keep in touch. Proud To Be A Soldier In God’s Army November 21, 2009 "Because of this my heart is glad, and my glory is full of joy: while my flesh takes its rest in hope." Psa. 16:9. In some translations the word HOPE appears 237 times in the Bible. The book of Job uses it 24 times in one version. Of all people ever mentioned in God’s Word, surely Job had enough misery for 10 people. How could he speak of "hope" in his condition? But, he did. As our Lord and Savior, Christ is our ONLY Hope in this life and the Hope of Africa! CORRUPTION, POVERTY AND VIOLENCE Three words come to my mind that truly describe the Dark Continent. The more I travel in Africa, the more I hear about and actually see the outcome of Corruption, Poverty and Violence. These are so real in every nation where I have been, in some places it is more evident than in others. Yet, I see smiling faces everywhere, people who are HAPPY. It has always been a question in my mind, "What do they have to be happy about?" That is all the more reason why I want them to know about what God has done for them – to give them True Hope. I wonder how folks can be content in such Poverty, thinking surely they must fear for their very lives to realize that Violence can be their destiny, and that Corruption exists in many forms, beginning at the top with their own governmental officials who have destroyed HOPE of a decent life for those below them. Foreign aid that is designed to help the very poor don’t always reach them. There is probably more unethical practices taking place daily on many levels than we’ll ever know. I once saw canned goods for sale on a shelf in a small grocery store in one African nation that read, "Donated by the Red Cross. Not for Sale!" But, there it was, and people bought it. They had no other choice. And, merchants took advantage of their need for food. Many top officials in most African countries (yes, even in South Africa) have been exposed and written-up for under-handed deeds including acts of violence against other tribes, a single enemy, or a political opponent, blackmail, embezzlement, election fraud, immoral acts (such as rape), and other such atrocities. The ONLY answer is Christ! He is the One who gives mankind a reason to exist; to live in Peace; to help our neighbors and not harm them; be faithful and moral; raise families in a safe environment; worship only the one true God and have the real HOPE of Eternal Life when our days on earth come to an end. That is our mission in Africa. I pray every day for health, strength and energy to fully accomplish my tasks–to train others to evangelize and hold fast to God’s Word in every country I visit in expansion of the Lord’s Kingdom! KIDNAPED! During my visit to Nigeria last Nov-Dec, I stayed in a guest house right next door to Dr. Robert Whitaker and his family. We visited several times while I was there, had meals together, and discussed topics of interest about the mission work each of us were involved in. I enjoyed being with the Whitakers and their teenaged son. On August 2nd of this year, late in the evening, gunmen invaded the Whitakers’ home and kidnaped Dr. Whitaker. In making the get-away and trying to prevent anyone from following them, a gun was fired and the bullet went through the back seat of the vehicle lodging in the doctor’s left arm. The kidnappers held him for several days while demanding ransom money. A complete write-up on this incident appeared in the September issue of The Christian Chronicle that included comments from Dr. Whitaker while he was being treated at the Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN. A friend of mine and I drove down from Knoxville to visit with Bob awhile. He was still in pain and says he doesn’t know if he’ll be able to use his left hand again to perform surgery, or when they will be able to resume their long-term medical missions in Nigeria. However, the good doctor was empathetic with the plight of those young men that took him captive. He knew they saw that awful deed, which badly injured him, and also his wife when a stray bullet scattered fragments into her thigh, as their only HOPE of getting some money for their own livelihood. He said the men even apologized for his injuries and gave him some antibiotics. They didn’t intend to harm him, they said. Such a devastating situation that developed because of Corruption, Poverty & Violence! Tragically, this has occurred many times in recent years in Nigeria (and other nations) and has become a way of life for some. BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN Once I returned to our home in Knoxville the end of July, it went without saying that I hit the trail again, reporting to churches that support our work in Africa. Larry York does an excellent job keeping me busy speaking at the various congregations who help us on a regular basis while finding new ones who don’t know of the work going on in so many African nations. He tries to pace ourselves so that we don’t become a "pest" to supporting churches, only visiting them about once a year, so it helps to meet new brethren in other places. I never hesitate to speak wherever or whenever the invitation comes. In Africa, I am never without an opportunity to preach and encourage churches. In the States, however, most congregations have one or more ministers, so the need is not so urgent to solicit an outsider’s help just to fill the pulpit. For this reason, we appreciate each church that offers us a chance to come and tell the story of all the mission work we encounter while traveling in Africa. When Ann and I became members of the Church back in the early ‘60's, missionaries were highly esteemed and welcomed in most churches in the brotherhood. We both became enthralled to learn of other places in the world, and how the Lord was opening doors for the Gospel to be taught. Today, that has become more commonplace and folks do a lot more traveling for short-term mission work themselves. That is good. Many hands can do more work. When we are in Benoni, SA, we always welcome medical mission teams and other Summer workers passing thru, often meeting them at the airport and keeping them for a night. In this way, we make lots of friends from many States and enjoy visiting. HERE I GO AGAIN It goes without saying that I definitely wanted to be present for the 43rd annual Lectureship at the Southern Africa Bible College the end of September. It was the first year in a long time that I didn’t fill the role of being the SABC Lectureship director. Nor were we responsible for soliciting manuscripts from all speakers for the Lectureship Booklet this year. With her arthritic hands at the time, I’m not sure Ann could have done that work of formatting and editing the lessons for the booklet. I was just glad sufficient funds came in that allowed me to make the trip and fulfill my assignment as a lectureship speaker this time and to oversee the setup of things for the Zimbabwe school. I had hoped to visit another school in Botswana, but the director was in the States at the time, so I delayed that visit. On September 15th, I arrived in Benoni just a few days after Al & Donna Horne got there the week before. Their youngest daughter (Stacy) also arrived that week before me with her husband (John Pitman), their five children, and John’s mother. These 8 were the Hornes’ guests for a month taking in Lectureship week. In addition, 4 guests came from the Memorial church in Houston and were accommodated in the small apartments on the SABC campus. This consisted of Memorial’s pulpit minister (David Duncan), the youth minister (Mike Avery), and elder Robbie Robinson with his wife, Pam. These were all speakers during the Lectureship, including Stacy and John. Another of the Hornes’ sons-in-law (Des Steyn, a Benoni boy) also came from TX & spoke at Lectureship. An additional guest this year was Christian Chronicle editor Bobby Ross. He interviewed several South Africans and did a nice write-up of the post-Apartheid effects on society and the church in their October issue. I hosted 4 guests for Lectureship, David Roland and his friend, Keith Pilcher, from Knoxville, Bill Elliott and Konrad Brandstetter from East London. David and Bill are members of the missions committee at West End church. Bill preaches for the Keam Road church in East London and Konrad is a member there, converted last year by Bill. There were 3 single beds in the flat beside me, and I put an extra bed in my flat for Konrad. We were a bit crowded, but enjoyed the talking and fellowship very much. I fixed breakfast for the guys every morning, but admit sometimes it was just cereal or toast, at least I provided tea and coffee. Had Ann been there, she would have made hot muffins or bacon and eggs, and had all our evening meals well prepared in advance. In addition, Dan Spann and Pam Doughty were visitors from the Hardin Valley church. Dan came early to conduct some meetings in various places in South Africa, and to visit the Conways in Kenya. He stayed with Louis & Linda Gerber during the Lectureship. Pam also came early and stayed for a month, helping out in the girls’ dorm and other areas prior to and after Lectureship. John Maples, Jr. from Dallas was the first speaker on Sunday morning. After the Lectureship, David and Keith went on to Kenya to visit Greg Clodfelter, that is partially supported by the West End church (as mentioned last month). David later told how impressed he was with Greg’s work, as I have reported after my visit there in July. While in Kenya returning by public transport, Keith lost his passport, 2 credit cards and some cash to a pickpocket thief. This delayed their departure a couple of days while he got a renewed passport at the American Embassy. That was unfortunate, but he was able to cancel the credit cards in time without further loss. Again, as I mentioned before, crime is everywhere. Such incidents can ruin a good trip! ABOUT THE LECTURESHIP As always, folks came from "everywhere" for this annual event at the Bible College. It is always good to see familiar faces and meet new people. Including the Hornes and myself, there were 23 that came from the USA for the lectureship. This year’s theme was "The Promises of God." This was developed differently by the 36+ speakers, using a variety of scriptural texts. Some very good lessons were presented, but the fellowship was simply outstanding, as usual. I could hardly take a step without being stopped and greeted by so many friends and brethren I have known for years. It was a most enjoyable time for me. A VISIT TO ZIMBABWE As previously planned, I traveled to Harare to visit with the Avondale and Caledonia churches, and was present on a Saturday during class time of the new Sunset Associate school. A SABC graduate, Leonard Magayo, serves as class administrator for this training program and the elders at Avondale church are part of the Board. I was pleased with the way the school is developing. WEEKEND IN CAPE TOWN After the Lectureship, I flew to Cape Town where I held a weekend seminar "Show Us the Father," using the Book of John, at the Central Church, where SABC graduate Benedict Little preaches. On Sunday evening I spoke at Somerset West. Paul Gerber (Louis’ uncle) preaches there. Both were great visits with faithful, growing churches. ****** Our work in Africa could not exist without faithful supporters who truly love the Lord and are concerned about foreign missions. We appreciate each donor that helps us fulfill responsibilities to oversee training programs and encourage churches in the many places I visit. Pray for safely and success in all our travels. – Jerry & Ann Hogg November 12, 2009 Some days you just want to stop the clock to get more things done. As I planned for yet another trip to Africa, the first 3 weeks of June flew by all too quickly. I was in communication by email almost every day with those I would visit in five African countries. In one of our reports I mentioned my scheduled departure for June 25th - returning July 28th, and that I COULD take needed items to folks doing mission work in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Liberia & Zimbabwe this time. Well, you just wouldn’t believe the relationship between our home
in Knoxville and UPS during those 3 weeks in June! We had packages arriving
almost daily with things that folks sent for me to deliver to others in
Africa: books, communion cups, a projector bulb, DVDs, study guides and
so on. It was a lesson in packing suitcases we had yet to learn as the
25th drew closer! Surprisingly, we got it all into 3 big cases, plus my
computer case and another carry-on. When I left Knoxville, I was heavily
loaded. I knew I wouldn’t have to see those big ones until I reached
South Africa. Lifting them would be brief. In Benoni, I could sort out
everything before making trips to other places. It all worked out just
fine. This gave me time to recover from jet lag and stretch my legs a bit. Being there in mid-winter reminded me again how very COLD it could be in the Southern Hemisphere at this time of year. My travel agent was unable to book my favorite seat #73D on the SAA flight – the Airbus Industrie A340-600, from Wash DC to Johannesburg. So, my long legs with painful knees (yes, the pain is back) were crammed into 73C across the aisle while a very short man occupied MY seat in 73D! I was not only envious, but almost angry about the sad situation. However, with deep breaths and sighs (and much prayer for my unholy attitude), I managed to get a little sleep on the flight over. It was refreshing to visit the church and the staff & students at the Southern Africa Bible College campus, speak in chapel, and have "tea" in the SABC kitchen with everybody. That is a very special time. I was also able to unload all my suitcases in the flat I have been privileged to occupy for many years at the end of the boys’ dorm, and to sort out some items that I had to mail on to Namibia (the projector bulb) and a large package of communion cups to Mike Jacobs in Cape Town as requested. Another box of 1000 cups was repacked to take to Greg Clodfelter in Kenya. I planned to visit him for 2 days on my return from Ghana and Liberia. My flight to West Africa was by Kenya Airlines, so I actually stopped in Niarobi twice, going and returning. SECOND STOP: Monrovia, Liberia Taking the 12:00 flight from Joburg to Kenya was what we’d call the "Red-Eye Flight"! I got a little sleep in the 5 hours to Niarobi where I changed planes and on to Liberia where George Tengbeh met me in a taxi. George is the minister and director of the Weala Church of Christ School that operates as a Branch School of the Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI). George has all the SIBI DVD lessons and teaches others to become workers in the Kingdom. He has also built a school for elementary children on the property. Rebuilding homes and businesses after Liberia’s 14-year war has been a slow process and will probably take a lifetime. The war ended in 2004, but burned-out buildings are still very much part of the landscape everywhere you go. George and his family fled to Ghana as refugees during that horrible conflict which destroyed the country. I taught classes at the preacher-training school, visited a rubber-tree plantation compound where we "knocked doors" and taught one-on-one, spoke at a graduation for 21 students who had completed a course provided by Roger Dickson, an American missionary in Cape Town. All the graduates enrolled in the Weala school for further courses that George will begin teaching in their compound. We learned that none of the 21 had been baptized. During our stay 7 obeyed the Lord, and with further teaching, we feel others will follow. As I was leaving, George’s father (Joseph who is over 80 years of age) asked me for a "suit to be buried in"! I had given them several of my own shirts and would have gladly given the suit I was wearing, except it was the only one I had with me. After returning home, a kind sister at West End gave me 3 nice suits, shirts, ties & socks that her late husband had barely worn. I have shipped those to George for him and his father THIRD STOP: Accra, Ghana From Liberia I flew to Ghana and was met by David Essuman who has worked there in his native land many years. The Westgate church in Alabama that supports David had sent 3 reference books to me for each of the 7 graduates from the Swedru International Bible Institute (21 books). I was asked to speak during their graduation. Three books had to be back-ordered and did not arrive at our home until AFTER my departure. I will need to take those on my next trip or mail them. Perhaps someone is going that way and can take these to David for me. Please let me know if you can do this. Those 3 books plus their Bibles are probably the only materials they will have to study for their lessons. The Bible Institute there occupies a fairly large building complex, but part of it still needs renovations to adequately house the students and classrooms. Other visitors from Sunset know of the needs to expand and improve those facilities. I taught some classes Thurs. & Fri. just before the graduation was to take place on Sat. That was an exciting time for the ones who had completed all requirements for their certificates. On Sunday, I preached at the Swedru church and 3 were baptized that afternoon. It was a good visit. FOURTH STOP: Niarobi, Kenya Greg Clodfelter met me at the Niarobi airport late on Wednesday night. We used public transportation, either busses or taxis, everywhere we went in Kenya. Greg actually lives about a hundred miles out of Niarobi in a town called Nyeri. He moved there some years ago and serves as the minister of a church about 100 in size. He teaches Bible and some values and character-building classes to students in the public schools. Greg has done a great work among the young and old alike and is well respected by everyone I met while with him. Though his training was not in ministry, he has adapted well to fit the needs in his chosen mission field for 17 or 18 years. Greg is partially supported by the West End Church in Knoxville. He seemed happy for me to visit his work. During my 2 days in Kenya, with Greg as my guide, we visited another family that West End supported for many years, Larry & Hollye Conway. They work with a program called, "Made in the Streets" along with the Coulson family. They are doing such a great job. Niarobi has thousands of street kids that have literally grown up on the streets, surviving as best they can. Many lost their parents at a very young age because of AIDS. "Made in the Streets" provides these kids with a hot meal each day and Bible classes. The Hardin Valley Church in Knoxville assumed sponsorship of the Conways about 3 years ago. Hollye’s sister, Heidi Whitaker, and her family are members at Hardin Valley and also visited the Conways this Summer. Greg also took me to see Berkeley Hackett who directs a technical school in Niarobi. I met him years ago when he came to the SABC Lectureship. He is looking at retirement and talked about needing someone to assume responsibility for the Bible Department at the technical college. As we rode in the taxi enroute to this college, it was through a horrible slum area where Somalians have settled. The streets were some of the worst I have seen in Africa with huge potholes in which you could lose a jeep! Then, at the gates of the technical college begins one of the cleanest, most beautiful campuses I have ever seen. It was like Paradise, especially after driving through the rubble of that suburb. I was amazed! FIFTH STOP: Back to South Africa During my few days at the Bible College in mid-July, I had a chance to re-pack my cases after offloading the items in Liberia and Niarobi. I had also brought several items for the school in Harare, Zimbabwe, so another case was loaded for that trip. You wouldn’t believe all the shifting and changing I had to do to make sure I didn’t forget WHAT went WHERE! Fortunately, there was time in-between for me to get all that done. As age is creeping up on me, some days I forget whether I’m coming or going, or whether I’m Arthur or Martha (as folks say in South Africa)! I miss having Ann with me at such times. She is one of the best "reminders" in my life, and a good organizer. LAST STOP: Harare, Zimbabwe I always look forward to being with such enthusiastic brethren that worship our God in Zimbabwe. Though the social and economic problems they face daily are so discouraging, their spirit of survival is so evident. My hosts were Washington & Alice Mhlanga. He is an elder at the Avondale church, and Alice works diligently with the World Bible School program, receiving, sorting, and recording thousands of Bible Correspondence lessons each week. She and another Christian lady use offices at Avondale for this work. Leonard Magayo, a SABC graduate, preaches at Avondale and will be the administrator of the Sunset Branch School set to begin in Sept. I have worked with Leonard and the Board to get all the needed DVDs, study guides and books to begin this new school. The TV and DVD player will be purchased in South Africa. Everyone is excited about the school, especially the new Christians at Caledonia, where I went that Sunday afternoon for a service. They now numbered around 85 and met in a new white tent that was also bought in South Africa recently. Money had been given through my work fund at Sunset for this purchase, as well as for DVD materials. Needless to say, the Caledonia church had outgrown the thatched-roof lean-to where we met the last time I was there in March. It is encouraging to see how much they love the Lord and strive to do His will in all the important things. After all the hardships and disappointments in their lives, it would be so easy to just give up, but they haven’t. Pray for continued growth and success as they study God’s Word together. ****** After Zimbabwe, I returned to South Africa to preach at Benoni and in time to catch my homeward flight. My body gets tired of the travels, but my spirit is renewed. As always, I couldn’t wait to get home to share the adventures of this trip with family and friends, and report to churches how God’s work is expanding in so many places in Africa. Support from many sources help me to accomplish my mission to aid churches and schools, and train Men for the Master in Africa. It couldn’t be done without financial assistance from others who share my passion for evangelizing the Dark Continent. Thank you so much. God bless. – Jerry & Ann Hogg
October 31, 2009 Dear Folks: July 1, 2009 CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS In the United States of America, we go straight from one public holiday to the next in a heartbeat! No sooner are the after-Christmas sales finished, when you can buy your cards and decorations at half-price for next year, than we are seeing hearts and pretty pink and red items for Valentine’s Day! After that special sweetheart’s day, on the same shelf, you will find specials on heart-shaped cards and boxes of candy beside yellow and white marshmallow Easter eggs, chicks and bunnies. Then we have, in May, all the floral wreaths and red-white-and-blue American flags displayed in the stores in preparation for Memorial Day. And, rightly so, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day cards and special gifts are on display about the same time. The flags continue until after July the Fourth for America’s most celebrated holiday of independence. Often, I think if it were not for visiting the card sections, we would not become aware of most holidays. Likely I would forget the dates if I didn’t see reminders so often.
At Easter time, not so much emphasis is placed on hiding (and finding) the Easter eggs as in America, but some families do give chocolate rabbits and other treats to the kids that are appreciated. In Southern Africa, at Easter Time, a special lectureship among African churches that started many years ago, is held from Friday through Sunday afternoon each year in a different location. This year’s event was in Malawi as mentioned in our last newsletter. I was one of many speakers on the program. A Teenage Camp is also held on Easter weekend at a different location, and is very popular with the Youth. SCATTERING SEED Farmers usually plow their fields into rows for most crops, carefully placing the seed in "hills" spaced apart just so, to ensure easier access in tending the crops, and for a better harvest. Except for wheat! It is scattered like grass seed. Jesus spoke often about wheat, seed and sowers. He likened these to spreading the Word about His life, His ministry, His purpose. In Acts, we read of persecution that caused the early Christians to scatter. Because of their faith, they scattered the seed of the Gospel as they went into many nations, as far away as Rome. God used the wrongful deeds of men determined to eliminate this new way of life by transporting His message to other lands, other peoples, all nations. The scattering is what hastened the fulfillment of prophecy that all would hear and learn of Him. Gen 18:18 – "Seeing that Abraham will certainly become a great and strong nation, and his name will be used by all the nations of the earth as a blessing?" Through the seed of Abraham and the nation of Israel, came Jesus of Nazareth, God’s most profound blessing to the Earth!
In our modern world, mass media dominates the airways, the news stands, and the postal service, bringing the world to our door! We don’t need to leave the comforts of our own living room to see and read of what is happening minute-by-minute on the other side of the globe. I think often that Hitler would have been stopped sooner if the television cameras were there in his face to record all the atrocities he committed in the 30's and 40's! Seeing the effects of natural disasters in remote places usually brings quicker relief.
Evangelism can be done in many ways. Individuals have taught and converted folks far removed via World Bible School and other good correspondence courses. Even in the days of the Cold War, we beamed gospel messages behind the Iron Curtain. Now, Bibles are freely distributed there and Bible classes taught in public schools. In SA and many other Southern African nations, Bible classes are part of the school curriculum. Wish that were true now in our own land. My, my, how things have changed! At the same time, the Gospel can be spread faster and easier through newsprint, books, radio and television broadcasts. However, persuading folks to change lifelong traditions and become part of some "new" religion is not always easy. There’s nothing like a one-on-one, face-to-face confrontation to ensure success in expanding His kingdom. Hearing it from a relative or village neighbor is usually more acceptable. MY MISSION TO SCATTER SEED Teaching and baptizing new concerts is such a personal experience and encouraging to one’s ministry. It is vital that more workers join the ranks to reach out and find those willing to listen. In my experience, a lot of the students who come to the Bible College in Benoni, SA are new converts. In all cases, they need further training in order to become a better worker in the Kingdom. This is true as well in all the schools I am now visiting that are under the Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI) umbrella in about 14 African nations.
With this in mind, once again I left Knoxville June 25th for a 6-week trip to 5 nations in Africa: South Africa, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya and Zimbabwe. I was invited to teach and speak for the graduation services for 7 students at the Swedru International Bible Institute (another SIBI?) in July in the country of Ghana. I have never visited Ghana, Liberia or Kenya before, so this tour of duty offers new sights and experiences for me. I am anxious to meet, and hopefully encourage brethren along the way. I had promised to be present in Zimbabwe when the new Sunset-related school opens in mid-July. Some kind folks and churches have sent some funding to help with startup expenses for material and equipment. Once again, the Lord has provided so that I do not go without financial assistance to help churches and people in need along the way.
****** Leaving home is always emotional for both Ann and me, but we feel blessed that, even at our age, the Lord is still using us in His Kingdom to reach others. Prayers are most definitely requested for my safety and success, and for the family back home in Tennessee. How could we do all this without so many friends and brethren in the USA who partner with us in the Gospel to scatter seed in Africa through His children in many nations? God’s blessings of the Kingdom to all who come to know and obey him in all things. – Jerry & Ann Hogg June 25, 2009 Jerry called me from his seat on the plane in Wash. DC yesterday around
4:30 pm, after leaving Knoxville at 6:05 a.m. for his trip to Africa this
time. They have so few flights each day now out of Knoxville to DC, one
must leave early and spend the entire day in the International lounge
awaiting the evening flights overseas -- a very tiring, frustrating day,
to say the least, but that's the schedule now. May 31, 2009 "Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land..." Deut. 5:33. I love the little things in life.... tiny tadpoles in the creek out back, the first greening of the fields, yellow daffodils and red tulips in the spring, blue birds chirping in the woods, blue skies, soft rain dripping off the roof, gentle winds that cool us, all the wonders of nature. God made them all for us to enjoy. "I will rejoice in the Lord always..." as Paul says in Phil. 4:4. I love life! Don't you? I thank God every day for allowing me to serve Him, for good health, special friends, dedicated churches that serve Him, too, and especially for safe travels to faraway places and home again. Isn't it great to be a Soldier in His army, at home and elsewhere? This Merry Month of May has come and gone all too quickly. After surviving jet-lag with some rest and reminiscing of all the news of the last two months and relaying greetings to Ann and the family from friends in so many places, once more, Larry York and I have been 'on the road again' to fulfill many speaking appointments. Having made a survey of the training schools I visited in 5 countries and learning of their many needs, it is now time to consider commitments made to begin or expand operations in those places. Two churches in North Carolina and one in the Knoxville area have shown
interest in helping us with the startup of the preacher-training school
in Zimbabwe. A number of items are needed to begin this project: electronic
equipment, DVDs and CDs to aid the teaching staff in presenting God's
word, schoolroom-type supplies for students (Bibles, hymn books, notebooks,
pens). Famine relief is always an URGENT need for Zimbabwe, especially
right now. Plus, I plan to raise money for a large tent that the new converts
at Caledonia can use as a meeting place. This church is growing daily
and has already outgrown the thatched roof shelter situated on 4 poles.
They are a dedicated group of Christians. Let's encourage them all we
can. Last year the Memorial church in Houston began a major fund-raising campaign
for the Southern Africa Bible College in Benoni, South Africa, and is
still soliciting tax-exempt donations that will continue to train workers
from many nations on the SABC campus and through their Distance Learning
program for years to come. I am still helping them all I can and will
continue to do so as opportunities arise. This is a bible-based school
that has proven worthy of our support and prayers, and has been in existence
for over 40 years. A Soldier Proud To Be In God's Army, Jerry V. Hogg,
April 2009 The "rains of Spring" began mid-month and brought forth greenery and color to our world. April will complete the job with dogwoods, tulips and other floral that thrill our very soul when we think of the One who created it all. Spring is one of my favorite seasons, if only the snows and storms abate in a timely fashion. However, this year Winter keeps rising its head just when we get too comfortable in the warm sunshine.We hope this report finds you overcoming the ailments cold weather generates in time to enjoy the warmth and wonder of Spring! Thank God for the seasons that tell of His love for us. My first trip to Africa this year began March 16th with the first stop in Benoni, South Africa to visit the staff and 48 students at the Southern Africa Bible College. I also visited the Benoni church that first Wednesday night, but had no time to get thru initial jet-lag until once again I boarded an aircraft headed for Harare, Zimbabwe (formerly Salisbury, Rhodesia). Having been invited by the Avondale church there to participate in their evangelistic campaign, I was warmly welcomed by folks I have come to know and love. Just a passing mention of Zimbabwe's plight in one of my reports brought funds from churches and individuals across the US for the Saints in Zimbabwe. It was such a pleasure to be a part in relieving hunger of so many. Also, funds given last September by a church in Knoxville (Asbury) were shared with one preacher that has been used by the Lord in establishing a congregation on a farm outside of Harare. I visited with the 60+ members my first Sunday afternoon in Africa and rejoice in their progress, physically and spiritually. Washington Mhlanga (Avondale elder) used his truck to haul 100 bags of mealie meal to these dear folks. A full report about the New Caledonia church will be included in the next newsletter. Money for famine has reached the people! Once back in Benoni, I drove south to East London, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, to participate with Bill Elliott (West End deacon, also part-time preacher at Keam Road church in EL) in a weekend seminar. What a treat to be with Christians from several congregations and study God's Word! Sad news that Sunday morning came that Bill's dad was very ill and he made plans to return home. The good news was that Bill, Sr. obeyed His Lord in baptism on Saturday evening. Bill was able to get home and visit his dad just awhile before he entered the Gates of Heaven early Wednesday morning. Conversion was the silver lining! After the weekend meeting at EL, I participated in a Missionaries' Retreat at George, SA. That was refreshing! We feel so blessed to have many partners in the Faith to support the African work. Donations for our work is keeping us going and doing what the Lord called us to accomplish this year. We appreciate your prayers, interest and fellowship in this mission. Benevolence is always needed wherever you go (esp. in Africa), but the ultimate goal is to teach lost souls about our Lord and train others to encourage, motivate, and educate the churches in every place. So much work requires our attention. We truly need each other to carry out the Great Commission! It is not only those who GO but also those who SEND that get the job done. God bless as you labor in His kingdom. Onward and Upward, Jerry V. Hogg |