A Christian Home Church, based in the Moot area of
Northern Pretoria has started worshiping on Sabbath.
The group is led by part-time Pastor (Mrs) Carinda
Alberts and between 30 – 40 Afrikaans people attend the
little chapel which is part of her house.
"As a church, we have been
watching the Revelation Series by Ds. Roedolf Basson
every week," they told us. The DVDs were obtained from
the Hatfield flea market, where a number of Pretoria
youth work every Sunday. Through the DVDs, the group
was introduced to the Sabbath, the state of the dead,
and other Bible teachings.
Neil Hibbert, one of the
young adults helping at the flea market made friends
with a member of the group who invited him to attend
their meetings. Neil asked his father to go with him and
that first night they arrived armed with more DVDs and
books. They were well received and this led to me being
invited to attend their prayer meeting last night (8 May
2008), where about 30 people were present. Pastor
Hibbert also invited Roedolf Basson, so that the group
could meet him in person. Roedolf gave a powerful
message from Genesis, and then the floor was opened for
questions. Some people asked whether the Sabbath was
not exclusively for the Jews, and others requested him
to explain what happens when you die. The atmosphere
was one of openness, appreciation and eagerness to
learn. After the meeting, most of the folk stayed
behind to ask more questions.
Pastor Carinda said in her
testimony, "I was first made aware of the Sabbath before
Ds Basson's DVDs, about 2 years ago when a man met me at
my work and said, "If you don't keep the correct Sabbath
(Saturday), then you are not a Christian and I want
nothing to do with you."" This started her thinking,
and she determined to find the truth about the Sabbath
day. Now she is introducing this truth gently to her
members.
Adventist DVDs had also
found their way to the group via another Adventist young
person, Henk Viljoen, who has been sharing DVDs with
Kobus (one of the group). Although Henk has never met
Kobus, they have regular contact with each other over
the internet.
Pastor Julian offered
Pastor Carinda and the group the hand of fellowship, and
promised that we as the Adventist Church would give
support wherever we can. He suggested that other
pastors come and visit, as well as Adventist members, so
that we can build relationships. At least 200 DVDs were
handed out, and we hope to obtain SS Bible Study Guides
for the group members, including the children.
As I sat there and
absorbed what God is doing, I was overwhelmed with the
thought: We are in the end-times, and the Lord is
bringing people to His truths in remarkable ways! Even
though many Adventists are doing no outreach, there are
many who are active! God is using those who are
willing, and He is doing great things to finish His
work!
DC
Spencer
President - Transvaal Conference
