Apostolic Faith Church of Portland Oregon Southern Africa Camp-meeting Report. Page. The Gospel of the Kingdom of God

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1 Apostolic Faith Church of Portland Oregon Southern Africa Camp-meeting Report 0 The Gospel of the Kingdom of God 2015

2 Camp-meeting Overview The Southern Africa Annual Regional Camp-meeting was held at the Apostolic Faith Church: Corner Mangwende and Chitepo Drive, in Lusaka, Highfields, Harare, from 13 December to 27 December The theme for the camp was, THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. The camp meeting was attended by delegates from the various provinces in Zimbabwe and by delegates from other countries in the region, namely: Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia, Angola and Namibia. There were also some attendants from the United Kingdom. The total figure of extraterritorial delegates who attended the 2015 camp is 107. The highest number of those who attended was close to 1200 people while the average daily attendance was around 600 From the statistics of those who registered to have received blessings, 6 received salvation; 10 were healed; 1 was delivered from evil spirits. Forty nine (49) people were baptised in water. On this year s programme were devotional services, bible teachings, youth services, children s services (including a play, Stories about Jesus ), evangelical services, two concerts (the inspirational concert and the skills concert) and ordinances (water baptism and the Lord s supper). This Report is organised as follows: the DS Foreword; Bible teachings excerpts which include the opening service, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God ; Youth Services and lastly the Children s Services Section. Camp meeting dates for Southern African countries conclude the report. 1 Table of Contents DS Foreword... 1 The Gospel of The Kingdom Of God... 2 The Benefits of Salvation... 3 Hearing the word of God... 4 The plan of God about Tithes and Freewill offering... 5 Walking in the light... 6 Youth Services... 8 The Value Of Childhood Faith... 8 The journey of a young Christian... 9 Overcoming Challenges God will make a way Children s services Working for Jesus Southern Africa Region 2016 Camp Meeting Dates... 12

3 DS Foreword "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 The Camp meeting for 2015 had a burning opening message on 'The Gospel of the Kingdom of God." Our hearts are still bubbling with joy for victories won at the altar of prayer. Many testified to salvation, sanctification and divine healing. Much more of the blessings are still manifesting even after Camp Meeting in fulfilment of God's bountiful promises to his children. "Come, Lord Jesus!" remains the prayer of many who took advantage of the Camp meeting to update their spiritual life during the course of the Camp Meeting in preparation of the soon expected rapture of the bride of Christ. The inspirational music concert and instrumentation skills concert were a source of revival to many attendants whose hearts were touched and melted through the various renditions. May it be the heart's cry of every believer to follow the footsteps of our Lord, Jesus Christ, by doing everything God instructs us to do. Will you also be a partaker of God's divine promises? God is patiently waiting for you as you go through this publication of selected sermon excerpts. 1 O.Z Gumbo District Superintendent (Southern Africa)

4 The Gospel of The Kingdom Of God By: Rev. O Z Gumbo In Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Mark 1:1, 36; Galatians 1:8-9; Revelations 3:20; Romans 10:9; Revelations 14:6-7; Mark 1:14-15; 2 Corinthians 4:3; Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Colossians 1:20-27; 2 Timothy 1:7-10; 1 Corinthians 1:17-27; Hosea 4:6 The Gospel came from God directly and it is the only means by which all souls can be saved. The Gospel can be explained in two parts: the proposition and the personification. Proposition refers to the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord came to earth, suffered, died and resurrected from the dead so that we can be saved from our sins and have a part in this glorious Gospel. The Gospel Personified refers to the fact that the gospel came in the form of a person, and this person is Jesus Christ our Saviour who came and lived among men. We need to understand and appreciate the whole package of the Gospel. It is a plan of redemption by which all mankind can be reconciled to God. The gospel is the only means by which we can get to heaven. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me- " John 14:6. False teachers and prophets claim that they are responsible for man s salvation, healing or deliverance and as a result are leading many people astray. Real miracles and the salvation of our souls is in Jesus Christ our Lord. The gospel is available for free to all people who believe. If one preaches the Gospel of Kingdom of God one must make sure one follows the standard which was set by Jesus. If one preaches one's own gospel one will be accursed. Paul said to the Galatians, but though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8 The Gospel transforms a person s life from a sinful life to a righteous life. It is not only in word but it is also in power. It creates a healthy relationship between one and God. One can then claim all the promises which God has promised to his children. If we neglect the knowledge of the gospel, destruction is certain. The bible says, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee Hosiah 4:6. We need to have this Gospel in the heart, so that our lives can be well pleasing before God 2

5 The Benefits of Salvation By Rev. L Motshidisi In Texts: Acts 4:12; Psalms 68:19-20; Romans 5:21; 8:1; Hebrews 9:27; Psalms 22:1-2; Romans 4:7-8; 8:14; John 1:12-14; Galatians 5:5; 1 John 3:9-10; Romans 6:14, 24; James 1:12; 5:10-11; Psalms 37:25; Isaiah 53:5; 54:17; Revelations 21:7-8; Psalms 139:23. We thank God for the plan of redemption which he provided, through which we can enjoy the benefits of being his children. The psalmist wrote Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Psalms 68:19. Benefits of Being Saved include the following: Freedom from condemnation- The human race is on the death row and condemned to death. The bible says, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment -Hebrews 9:27. Jesus came to save us from our sins and to remove us from the death row. If we are redeemed we are free from condemnation, purchased by the blood of Jesus, living with a clear conscience before God and men. Becoming a child of God- When one is saved, it doesn t matter from what tribe one belongs to; one becomes a child of God, for the bible says, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God John 1:12. If we walk closer to God, no one and nothing can fight against us and prosper. We are also given grace to live above sin and patience to wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace over trials- If one is saved one is no longer under the law but one lives by Grace. Grace is unmerited favour from God. By this Grace one will enter into the kingdom of God but if one is not saved sin will drag one to hell. In times of trials God sends his Holy Spirit to comfort and give us patience to wait upon the Lord till the end. Provision for daily needs and granting of eternal life- God provides all we need if we are saved. The Psalmist wrote, I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalms 37:25. God provides divine healing for his children. His provision extends to eternal life. Those who overcome will inherit the kingdom of God; God will be their father and they shall be his children 3

6 Hearing the word of God By Rev. E Sadike In Texts: Deuteronomy 31:11-13; Proverbs 28:9; 15:31; 8:24; James 1:23-25; Jeremiah 6:10; Matthew 13:14-15; Isaiah 6:9-10; 2 Timothy 4:4; Proverbs 18:15; 25:12; Deuteronomy 11:22; Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 11:13-16; 32:29 Hearing is a sense which we are given by God and it is important in our lives. The Lord is the one who has appointed the time for us to gather at this camp meeting and hear the word, as he said in his word, When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Deuteronomy 31:11. The most important thing is that we listen to the word of God and do it so that our gathering will not be in vain. God knows that when people hear the word of God and listen to it with their hearts they will be saved. God is not much concerned about how many times one fasts, prays or gives sacrifices; he is concerned about the extent to which one obeys his word. The word says if one turns away one s ears from the word of God one s prayers are an abomination in the sight of God (Proverbs 15:31). God wants us not only to hear the word of God but also to be the doers of the word. The one who hears the word and does not do it is like a man who looks at himself in a mirror and after he leaves, forgets how he looks. Our ears can be likened to a cell phone handset: if one puts a wrong pin code it rejects; if one puts a wrong pin code for the second time it rejects again and if one puts the wrong pin code for the third time, one will be blocked or barred from using the phone. In like manner, if we continuously reject the word of God, our spiritual ears will be blocked. God promised us that if we listen and do his word he will bless us. The bible says If ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day,... That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full. Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them - Deuteronomy 11:

7 The plan of God about Tithes and Freewill offering By Rev. G Thibela In texts: 2 Kings 12:4-9; Genesis 28:10,20-22; Genesis 4:3; 1 Samuel 1:11,20-22; 1 Samuel 2:1; Genesis 22:1-2; Mark 12:41; Hosea 14:1-2; Psalm 116:16-19; Jonah 2:2-10; Deuteronomy 23:22-23; Ecclesiastes 5:1-6; Numbers 30:2-4; Psalm 76:11; Acts 5:1-6; Judges 11:30; Malachi 3:7; Leviticus 22:20 During the time of the Israelites, scripture reveals to us that finances were collected but there was no progress in the church until Jehoiada the priest initiated the tithes box that we still use in the service of our church. More money was collected from the boxes and artisans were contracted to repair the house of prayer. Some of us may have made vows before God in times of distress but never owned up to fulfil the vows. We cannot cheat God nor receive unjustly from Him; if we make vows, we must ensure we fulfil them. Even if we are faced with financial constraints, we should bear in mind that we came into this world with nothing, and we shall leave this world with nothing. Let us have the faith that the widow in the bible had when she gave all she had to the Lord. When one gives wholeheartedly to the Lord and has very little remaining, God will not hesitate to open doors and pour blessings for us. The bible tells us of Jonah s encounter, how he was swallowed by a fish because he had not obeyed God s instruction. We must not wait until we are in trouble to then pay our dues to God. On the contrary, we must give freely whilst we are able-bodied so that we can invest more in Heaven. Ananias and his wife are another example of people who did not give according to what they were obligated. Their end was death. Failure to pay our dues is described as robbery in the bible. If we desire to be blessed by God, we must cease to rob God in tithes and free will offerings. 5 We read, in 1 Samuel 1:11, of how Hannah made a vow before God that she would perform if God granted her a son.

8 Walking in the light By Rev. O.Z Gumbo In texts: 1 John 1:7; Psalms 16:8; John 3:3-6; Acts 17:26-27; 2 Corinthians 4:6-7; Galatians 1: 11-12; 15-16; John 1:2-6; John 3:19-21; 1st Peter 1:14; John 17:21-26; Ephesians 5:6-17; Acts 6:1-5; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 1 John 4:7-10; Revelations 3:8-11; Revelations 2:10-12; 25-26; Ephesians 4:1-5. light. One cannot walk in the light if one does not have the blood of Jesus in one s life. How one lives shows whether one has the light or not. How is this light obtained? It is obtained through salvation. One cannot enter into heaven without the password of SALVATION. The bible tells us, John 3:5 that except a man be born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. This Light of the World is available everywhere to those who earnestly seek for it. This light is a solution to any problem, be it desiring the gift of a child in one s marriage or whatever other desire. 6 As Christians, we do not want to lose spiritual sight that allows us to see the goodness of the Lord in our lives. The source of this sight is the eye, Jesus Christ. Without this eye one is exposed and vulnerable. Reading from 1st John 1:7, the bible says, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. There is a condition set out in this scripture: for one to be cleansed, one has to be walking in the Galatians 1:11-12, Paul asserts that he was not taught about this Gospel by any human being but that he received it directly from Christ. This Gospel is not obtained by attending bible school. One does not need to be a philosopher or a professor to be able to interpret the word of God; the Light in a person will explain and interpret the word to that person. This is why the bible says..they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord.. 1st Peter 1:14 says As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance.. When one receives this light, one cannot continue to live the life that one used to live before one was saved. One must allow the Light to develop one spiritually.

9 Youth Services things are tough turn to God to show them the way. In these difficult times we need God s guidance. When Joseph realized that Mary was pregnant, he didn t consult his friends, he turned to God. Our God is good, he answers at the right time. If Joseph had gone to his friends they would have given him the wrong advice but because he was saturated by the gospel, he knew he had to turn to God and God s will was fulfilled. 8 The Value Of Childhood Faith By Rev. L Chiloane In texts: Ecclesiastes 12:1, Lamentations 3:27, Daniel 3:12, 2 Timothy 1:2-5 We depend on our parents when we are young but as we grow up we need to be independent and if we don t have the gospel we will end up regretting in life. The bible says, remember your creator in the days of your youth. As we grow up, we will face crossroads. Accepting the gospel helps one make informed decisions. When Jesus was to be born, the Spirit of God soared upon the earth to search for the right candidates to conceive Jesus. God looked for young people who would nurture Jesus, young people who were deep rooted in the gospel. Mary and Joseph were waiting on God and waiting for his will to be done. We want young people who, when Shadreck, Misheck and Abednego faced a tough situation in Babylon. They stood up for God in a foreign land and because of their firm stance in the gospel, the King and the people of that land got to know about the living God. An old adage says When you are in Rome you must do what the Romans do. These young men did not adhere to these sentiments. They were willing to face the King s judgement than to let down their God. We should not be ashamed of the Gospel. We must explore it and walk in it where ever we may be. Timothy s Pastor was pleased with kind of person that Timothy was. What does your pastor say about you? Can your Pastor trust you as a young person to run a branch or lead anything in church?

10 The journey of a young Christian By Bro E Mashau In texts: Psalms 37:37; Genesis 45:7; Genesis 37: 2-20; 39:2-9 Joseph was a saved young man. This is our point of reference, everything we talk about revolves around this. How do we know he was saved? We know that he was saved because Genesis 45:7 tells us of how God sent him to save the lives of many. On His journey as a Christian Joseph needed to be released into the world. Sometimes it s a push at times it s a pull. For instance, one may lose one s parents or one may have to leave home to begin university education. It s dangerous for a young person to be released into the world without knowledge of God and having a personal relationship with him. In Gen 37:18-20 we read of the conspiracy of his brothers against him. Conspiracy is something that is part of a young Christian journey; others will plan and conspire against you but God promised that even through the fire and water, God is going to be with you. Like Joseph young Christians can also be thrown into pits. What just differs are the types of pits. Have you been thrown into the pit? If you are saved do not be discouraged; your God is with you. When Joseph got to Egypt he faced temptation. All young people face temptation. Gen 39:5-6 shows us that Joseph s life was anointed. The bible says because we belong to God, the world does not know us and therefore they will always wonder, what is it in this young man or woman s life. Because of the evident anointing, Potiphar s wife began a campaign to get Joseph. The lie with me campaign has its own dressing walking and talking style. Young people should never dress this way that says this about you. She was looking at Joseph with devilish, lustful demonic eyes. Even in the advertising industry this lie with me campaign is a big income generator, generating Billions. It is important for young people to know that this campaign should never come near the church as the devil wants to dilute the Gospel. But what we know from Joseph is that if you have the anointing of God in your life, the devil wants to take it from you. Joseph fled. As young people we must flee. Never play around the devil s mouth and think you ll survive. Even if you leave your jacket or whatever they do to you, still flee with your salvation. 9

11 Overcoming Challenges thousand yet on this particular case one enemy was frightening all of them. The word of God says that perfect love casteth out fear. Without salvation there is nothing to make one stand in the face of giants. The word of God says that the wicked flee when no one is chasing them. 10 By Bro L. Thoma In texts: 1 Samuel 17:4, 10-11, 26, 32-33, 37-40, 44-47, The lives of youths are full of challenges, more so if the young person is a Christian. Despite this, one is expected to overcome. We will analyse a biblical example of a youth who met challenges but overcame. The Israelites were at war with the Philistines. The philistines had one giant, Goliath and alone, he challenged the Israelites to present one man to fight him. Some bible scholars say that Goliath was about three meters tall. This battle stood still for forty days because there was no one who could challenge Goliath. This giant would say, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid -1 Samuel 17: There was something wrong with the Israelites. God had said one of you will chase a The king allowed David to go and fight Goliath but thought to amour him. David had never tried the armor before (1 Samuel 17:37 40). He wanted things he had tried before. He had tried the word of God before and that had worked for him in the past. He knew that victory did not lie in amours or experience, he knew the battle was the Lord's. Thank God, David did not go with doubt. He believed the same way he had fought and killed the lion, he would fight and kill Goliath. There is no other name greater than the name of Jesus! David told the giant he was going to fight him in the name of the Lord (1 Samuel 17:45). There is nobody who trusted God and walked away ashamed. Let it be known by all people that you trust in God. Tell the devil that as much as he may threaten you, he shall know today that there is the God of Israel, our God, who can never fail. He told Goliath that very day he was going to slay him because the battle is the Lord s. If you trust God do not stress yourself and get laden with hypertension. David told Goliath that his amour was irrelevant. Some trust in horses, some in chariots but we will trust in God! David had five stones but the first one found its place. There is no word of God that will not prove to be powerful.

12 God will make a way By Bro T. Tembo In texts: Gen 37:31-34; 29:30; 41:38; Esther 1:12, 19; 2:9 Reading from Genesis 37:31-34, the bible tells us about a young man called Joseph, whose brothers sold him, took his garment, dipped it in a lamb s blood and lied to their father that he had been devoured by wild animals. Despite his brothers efforts to destroy him, because Joseph was with God, Working for Jesus By Str S Mampiswana In texts: Revelations 20:12-13 Revelations 20:13 tells us that the small and the great will be judged according to their works. This means even children will receive a just reward for their works. Little children have to allow Jesus to clean their hearts so that they can work for him. As children, we must know that except we are born again we will not see the kingdom of God. When we are being born again, our sins are thrown away and a new book will be written where our good deeds will be Children s services they failed to hinder divine progress in his life. He still became a peculiar person amongst the multitudes. Similarly, people may try to obstruct you as a young Christian but if you remain true to God, he will make you an outstanding character, despite all their efforts. God will make a way for you in his time. It took ten plagues for Pharaoh to set the Israelites free but in God s time, he let them go. It took imprisonment for Joseph to be promoted in Egypt. The bible tells us of how Vashti refused to come before the king so that Esther would become queen and later be the vessel to intercede for the Israelites' redemption at the time Haman was plotting to exterminate them. God will surely devise a way, whatever the situation may be! recorded. After being born again, we must proceed to seek for the deeper spiritual experiences, sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, so that we can be able to work for Jesus and testify to other children about God. The bible tells us of that little girl who was able to testify to Namaan about a healing God that was in her country. Let us pray to God that he makes us sunbeams for him so that where ever we are, we will shine for him. 11

13 12 Southern Africa Region 2016 Camp Meeting Dates Namibia Botswana Swaziland Angola Mozambique South Africa Zimbabwe 30 April - 8 May July August August 4-11 September 2-9 October December Workers meeting for Zimbabwe Camp Meeting 9-10 December For more information, contact: