Wilhites - Missionaries to South Africa

Jerry ('81), Debbie (Backlund, '82), Deanna, Julianna, Dyanna, Jonathan, Derek, Jeremiah, Drew Judson, Joel, Debrianna and Joshua Wilhite

Contact Information

Pastor and Mrs. Jerry Wilhite
4702 Colebrook Avenue
Emmaus, PA 18049
Email:jwilhite@lvbaptist.org
Website

Mission Agency

Lehigh Valley Baptist Church

November 18, 2009-- Baby Blessing

Deanna, our second born, gave birth to our fourth grandchild/second grandaughter yesterday afternoon. Meredith Leanne (I think) weighed 7 lb 13 oz and was 21 inches long. Debbie accompanied me Sunday evening down to MD after our service here in PA because Dea was in labor and we wanted to be there finally for the birth of a grandchild. Obligations up here meant leaving there and sure enough, seven hours after our leaving the little one was born.

Other recent blessings involve…

*For the first time, getting to bring a grandchild home with us, and getting to see all of the grandchildren several times.

*Opportunities to preach/teach in church and school chapel.

*The opportunity to have the Lord’s supper with our church family for the first time in nine years.

*Seeing our dear friend, Bro Barry Woodring who first started fighting cancer over seven years ago.

*Procuring insurance for a van our church is giving to us for a very, very good price

*Receiving monetary gifts.

*Having a “breakdown” that cost less than $5 to rectify.

*Being given a Christmas tree with all the trimmings.

*Getting the bus out of “storage”. Actually, the man who has been keeping it in his truck yard power-washed the engine, replaced both fuel filters, gave us two brand new large bus batteries AND wouldn’t take a dime for it. Thanks J & E Trucking!

*Getting to see Bro Byerly. He was the man who did the lion’s share of the bus in renovating it for us to live in during deputation back in 00/01. He has since moved to AZ but is back here for work and will be working on the bus interior some while here.

*Benefitting from a “welcome home” gift from our church totally around $2000.

*Hearing some preaching that is right on target in these days!

*Living in a house fully furnished by our church family.

*Getting to meet many, many new folks who have joined our home church since we left four years ago.

Tomorrow we will be leaving bright and early for a run to the midwest where we plan to have four meetings, pick up Jonathan who is flying in from Africa, and share Thanksgiving with my parents which has not been done since 1976.

Thanks for continuing to pray,
Bro Wilhite

October 29, 2009

Talk about humbling! Maybe ‘humiliating’ is a better word.

David was here today learning the last of the procedures for our correspondence school. We were showing him a lesson booklet that had just come in from an 18-year-old girl who attends the Zion Christian Church faithfully with her parents. She filled out the questionnaire, and from her information I told him that it wouldn’t be worth making a follow-up on her.

Only after I told him this did I open the separate letter which reads in unedited fashion…

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am so glad to receive your free study booklet as I have enjoyed working and study with them. The reason of this letter is to notify you that after receiving and studies your free Bible correspondence course, I have just now receive Jesus Christ as my Savior from sin.

Yours faithfully,

Kgabo Letsoalo

“…uh, David, I think we need to make a follow-up.” Was he ever thrilled to see immediate results of what he will be overseeing this next calendar year.

Also, we had an excellent turnout last night at the University. There were 10 African men representing 5 languages along with 8 ladies representing 2 languages. Two children plus Debbie and me made for a full room with two having to sit on the floor. Kenny wrote an email which says in part…

Dear Sir.

You might not remember me but I will never forget…the way…the WORD of God with simplicity. My name is Kenny I attended one of your meetings…yesterday. I enjoyed myself as i received the deeper knowlegde of the WORD. I read the Bible without any understanding in the past because i never receive any Bible formal training. The notes…has helped me to study and understand the WORD.

I'm asking your help. I really need to specialise in the WORD of God and be an expertise of the WORD.

Can you please send me a program that can help me to go through the WHOLE BIBLE if there is any?

This is all I ask from you.

God bless you

Your brother in Christ
Kenny

Tomorrow morning, Lord willing, I will be having two Bible studies with two men from the University. Keep this situation in prayer.

Everybody here is wondering why we are going back to America especially for so long…and I’m beginning to wonder too. While we anticipate fellowship with you in the gospel, you’ve got to believe me when I tell you that I will be leaving some of my heart behind.

Souls credited to your account,

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

October 28, 2009

Busy, busy days have been ours in winding down ministry here in Africa and in gearing up for ministry there in America. Thanks to the many of you who remembered my birthday two weeks ago in some way.

On the 15th Nathan Heinz and Andrew Castner flew in from Chile to spend some time with us. In the midst of ministry we were able to do some sightseeing and even an 18-hole round of golf.

Two adult ladies were baptized in Dikgale a couple of Sundays ago, but I failed to find a picture of Rejoice and Ruth. Sorry. This last Sunday the nucleus of believers made some good, good decisions about the ongoing work there.

Our home pastor and wife, Dr. and Mrs. Doug Hammett, arrived to spend a night with us prior to moving into the harvest fields of Botswana where they will be the next two-three months with Jonathan and several other young men for some intensive discipleship and ministry training.

Our studies at the University are going great, but sadly, tonight will be the last one for some time. They are entering exams, school break is just around the corner, and we, of course, are going on furlough. We leave on Monday planning to arrive on Tuesday in JFK.

Please continue to pray for us,
Bro Wilhite

October 12, 2009

October 4, 2009
   
The village where we meet on Sunday mornings is atop a hill, so it is often
windy and cold. Today was no exception and made for a chilly baptism. Samuel
(23), Sarah (35), and Joel (10) each braved the icy waters and followed the
Lord in believer's baptism after giving some stirring testimonies.
Interestingly enough Sarah was saved 24 May 2008 and Samuel on 24 May 2009.

Sarah is Albert's older sister. This now makes four of the ten children of a
witchdoctor who are saved, baptized and faithful in two IFB churches. We
pray for their mom and the other syblings to yield to Christ.

Samuel told me that he plans to go to the local high school tomorrow and
give his testimony in the English class. Can't you see this happening in an
American public high school? Our Joel was saved nearly a year ago, and asked
for baptism, so we immersed him as well.
          
After Albert's preaching, the testimonies, and the baptisms we had a
delicious meal and tea, then headed home in time for a quick nap before our
evening service in town.

Thanks for your prayers!

Brother Wilhite

September 27, 2009-- Praise!

Thank you for your many prayers! All went well today. This evening we had a really good turnout with two visiting men with us in the Polokwane service. One man is named “Trouble”. He hails from Malawi, was on his way through to Jo-burg with his uncle when his uncle became sick a week ago, and has been sleeping on the street while his uncle is being cared for in the hospital. He is currently staying with us until we know more about his uncle and what his prognosis is.

As for the radio program, we were told that the listenership is 70,000, and that the program on which we were the guests is the most listened to show of the week. They allowed some folks to call in with questions, so we know that at least three were listening to us (smile). First Peter 3:15 is a good verse to apply to your life, “Be ready always with an answer…” because between the host and the listeners we had to address some pretty difficult questions, especially questions relating to the societal issues that abound.

The family did a good job singing around a couple of mics mixing some Sotho and English songs for about 12 minutes.

After the program I stopped at KFC for a bucket of chicken, and while there I encountered some ZCC devotees who were returning from their mecca to Zion City, the headquarters of the Zion Christian Church. One lady pushed past me crowding in front of me as I stood in line—real Christianity, right (smile)? I did take the opportunity to ask her if she indeed was a Christian, if she really knew Jesus Christ, and if He would have done that. After I ordered I stepped back to wait for the order to be fulfilled, and while doing so I got to talking to a group of four young men who were also ZCC so identified by the badges pinned to their lapels. I said, “So I’m walking across the road, a car hits me, and I’ve got five minutes to live. I want to go to heaven when I die, so what must I do?” Here were their replies…

“Where do you want to go?”

“You must pray.”

“Are you a church member?”

“Keep the 10 commandments.”

On through the fog of religion without a relationship! I have no idea how many ZCC folks I’ve talked to, but in eight years I still haven’t found one that can tell me the road to heaven.

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

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September 27, 2009-- Prayer

We need your prayers especially today…

Morning--In Dikgale we plan to teach on Separation. This could affect those who want to be baptized next Sunday. This past Sunday when I was in Zimbabwe the service was adversely affected by an unusual set of funerals. One funeral was scheduled for Saturday, but two other people IN THE SAME FAMILY died, so they decided to bury all three of them Sunday a.m. The village where this happened is small, so there were few men to dig three 6-foot-deep holes. By the time the holes were dug and the bodies were buried, it was past church time. Sad, sad, sad.

Early evening--In Polokwane we plan to begin a new yet final series on Salvation, and we have invited many to come.

Late evening--In Mangweng we will be on the radio for one hour (2-3 EDT) telling about our correspondence Studies, The radio host has asked the entire family to come and sing. Africans love music, so we are slated to sing several Sotho and English songs.

Thanks ahead of time for your intercession. We cannot be here and cannot do what we do without your fervent prayers.

Bro Wilhite

South Africa

September 22, 2009

Early Friday morning Debbie, Debrianna, and Joshua accompanied Jonathan and I on another whirlwind of a trip into Botswana. We left Jon in Francistown where he later met and oriented Dave Dennis from Fargo Baptist, ND, to the area.

A longer-than-usual border crossing into Botswana and a typical border crossing into Zimbabwe delayed us causing us to find lodging in Bulawayo before moving out to Mchede Village the next morning.

The funeral of a 27-year-old female in the village hindered our teaching efforts, however. In a Zimbabwean village the deceased is usually buried the same day of death. This girl died in the hospital of a nearby town, and the actual burial was delayed till Sunday due to several factors. Hopefully on furlough I can better describe a sobering African funeral for you.

On Sunday I went with Never to the fellowship in Sgoveni. Enroute he shared with me his heart, and what I heard did not make me particularly happy. Several have left and gone to follow a false prophet, and I think that is what had him particularly upset. We simply taught on the Lord’s Supper, but did not serve it as orginally planned.

After that service we hurried back to Mchede Village where the brethren meet in Reuben’s house. He had prepared the membership there for the Lord’s Supper, so we were able to teach a bit and observe it for the first time in Zimbabwe.

Thereafter we hurried down to the house where the burial was already in process, stayed through the meal which followed, then took the children down to the creek where I have previously baptized some.

On the more humorous side, Joshua (4) and Debrianna (7) had quite an experience using a Zimbabwean outhouse. There the toilet is a simple hole in the cement floor over a pit. I’ll just let you imagine them trying to use it, my wife being afraid Josh might slip in, and me getting up in the middle of a dark night without my glasses to take them outside.

We did decide to close the post box in Zimbabwe for various reasons, but mostly for economic purposes. While we paid for the box rental for the entire year, the post master kept insisting we pay more money every quarter. Stamp prices have continued to rise, and it will be virtually impossible to get funds into the country to keep the school going there. We will have to do what we can from this side.

Monday morning we left to return. The lines weren’t as long or confusing on our return, but it was still a 12 hour journey from point A to point B. Before collecting Jon we stopped at a house in Bulawayo where lay a precious 9-year-old girl who has been sick the past month. She needed hospitalization, but the family was awaiting funds. Yes, funds for transport. What did it cost? $1. Now you really have to have a hard heart never to help a national African like this in distress. This kind of situation is multiplied many, many times over in Zim and probably in many other parts of Africa too.

We collected Jon in Francistown and made our way back into South Africa arriving home around 8 PM. I’m grateful his Learner’s License permitted him to help drive. Warthogs, kudu, impala, blesbok, guinea fowl, and a rhinocerus “waved” to us as we passed them along the road.

Thanks to those of you who knew and prayed,

Bro Wilhite

South Africa

September 21, 2009

First it was Violet’s Voice, then Violet’s Value, and now Violet’s Victory.

Violet has been trying to get us on the air with Thobela FM with a listenership of 3 million people. The fact that it is not a religious radio station has not kept her from pursuing other avenues for us to reach out.

Just now, Hosea called from Radio Turf, a station just east of here but right in the heart of the area where the University of Limpopo is situated. He has a slot open from 8-9 pm this coming Sunday evening that he needs filled, and so he has asked us to fill it.

I’m not sure all that we will do during the 60 minutes, but I’m hoping to have an outline for him tomorrow when we call back.

Thank you for your prayers, and please continue to pray about this open door,

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

September 11, 2009

Corrections. Derek’s and Joshua’s corrected Permanent Visas have been issued, so Dyanna ordered our plane tickets. We leave here Monday, November 2, and arrive in JFK the next day mid-morning, November 3.

Correspondence school. This week was primarily one of setting up the office with materials to keep the correspondence school going which David has agreed to do. We will be down-sizing the school for the time we are gone to just three courses (John, Romans, Foundations), but in so doing we have simplified the system enabling those with less computer/office skills to keep up with the contacts.

Car travels. The bordering countries of Zimbabwe, Botswana and Lesotho are on the schedule too.

Computer. We also have to finish up some discipleship and training materials here with the folks, so many hours still need to be invested in computer work.

Converts. Bible studies and a baptismal service (or two) still need to transpire.

Contacts. I would still like to put out 2000 gospel booklets in another area too prayerfully resulting in additional students and men.

Challenges and Changes. Then matters such as deputation scheduling, housing, household contents, vehicles, banking, insurance, phone, security, transportation to the airport, luggage, pets, music lessons/tests, etc. need to take place. We have a shade over seven weeks, but this time will fly by quickly.

Walking on our knees,

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

September 8, 2009

You may recall that last week Violet (Mmagosechabe = Mother of the nations) came to our Bible study out by the University. She had just gotten home from her job at the Thobela FM Radio station when I called to see if she was coming. She then brought up the subject that I had broached with her last week about doing an interview regarding our free Bible correspondence offer. Apparently she sees some value in it, so she gave me the website for Thobela FM, and told me to write out my proposal so that she could present it to her superior for consideration.

Imagine if you will, 3,000,000 listeners. Let’s say that only 300,000 understand English and only 10% of them are listening when the interview is done on the air. That brings the number down to 30,000, but let’s assume that half of them are men. Now we’re down to 15,000. If 1 % responded, that would still be 150 men enrolling in our correspondence school. BTW, we have found that letting them enroll by sending a text message using their cell phone has generated several responses. If just 1/10 of 1% responded that would still be 15 new enrollees in our school.

Now folks, this would be a tremendous blessing, but it is going to have to be scheduled soon if they decide to do this since we are planning a furlough commencing sometime in November.

Always something about which to pray! Amen? Thanks ahead of time for your intercession.

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

September 2, 2009

I don’t know how she found out where we meet, but Violet (37) walked into our Bible study last evening with her daughter who is 16. At first I thought they were both University students and perhaps even sisters.

After the study we gave Violet a lift home due to the risk of her walking after dark. She insisted on giving us her phone number, so when I was plugging it into my cell phone, she gave me her English name, surname, and finally her Sotho name. When she said her Sotho name Elizabeth sort of cried out, “I know that name!”

As it turns out Violet has been a voice heard across this province for her work as a radio host for the most popular station, Thobela FM. She is now into production for the same station and said she can get me on the radio whenever I’d like. Of course, most of the programming is broadcast in Sotho, but Violet’s forte’ has been in interviewing folks regarding health and education.

Education? Do you think she would let me tell a little bit about why the Bible has answers for society and how our correspondence courses may just be what some folks need? Do you think that among 4,000,000 listeners there might just be some tuning in who can understand English? Perhaps even some men? Men who might be/get saved and surrender to the Lord for ministry?

Please pray for wisdom and we consider this possibility for outreach,

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

August 30, 2009

For over a year now we have been praying for Roy (18) to come to Christ. A few weeks ago he acknowledged to Jonathan that he was lost, but today after the service in Dikgale he came and asked if he could talk to me about salvation. Praise the Lord, after showing him some verses he kneeled and asked Christ to be his personal Savior. It was good to see Samuel and Olga take him under their wings as we drove away.

Maggie has been faithful, has changed her attire, and sits up front in the studies. She is always one of the first to answer the questions that we ask.

We are planning a baptismal service for the first Sunday in October. As many as nine could enter the waters of baptism. Two have committed themselves to this step. Can we pray for the others to do so?

What a joy to see the Lord working in individual lives in this Satanic stronghold!

Bro Wilhite

South Africa

August 29, 2009

Today six of us men went to a preachers meeting 3+ hours away which began at 9:00 a.m. In an effort to get there on time, Brothers Matete and Samuel came back to our place with us last evening after our Bible study in Dikgale to enable us to leave by 5:30 a.m.

Unfortunately, Brother Matete’s neighbor boys (he thinks) saw him leave last night after dark, and during the night his solar panel on his roof was stolen. Now, I know this isn’t “resisting unto blood,” but it is a price paid for being involved in the work of the Lord.

I trust the Lord will replace this solar panel for this dear brother.

On a positive note, Samuel (22) informed us that he wants to be Scripturally baptized.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

August 2009

FIELD NEWS. The work goes on with some ups and downs keeping the ministry interesting and us on our knees. Dikgale: Maggie saved; Sarah decided to be baptized; Roy needs salvation. Mothiba: baptistry finished; three teen boys need baptism; other members need to be faithful; new outdoor brick toilet was constructed; irresponsible neighbors broke the water line so now we do not have water on the property for baptisms; Albert needs a good wife. Polokwane: new homes being built; new contacts being made; attendance needs to grow; souls need to be saved; language, religion and racism are big factors. University studies: recent study had seven men, three ladies; folks need to be saved. Zimbabwe: recent trip meant discipling two men in training and breaking fellowship with a third. Botswana: still sending many courses that way; folks being saved; church there may be established. Literature: three new correspondence courses about ready; new gospel booklet recently finished and being distributed; 4000 new students since our return four years ago. Language: two language course recently purchased; Debbie nearly finished reading OT in Afrikaans; Jerry nearly finished reading NT in Afrikaans. Souls: many, many souls in the balance.

FANTASTIC NEWS. After waiting less than 11 months our permanent residency permits were issued. One must be in the country for at least five years before application can be made. Due to both cost and a lack of information we waited seven years before applying, but did receive ours in record time. Normally it takes 22-24 months from the day of applying until the residency is granted. Having our own I.D. booklets is the next step. No, we are not citizens and we cannot vote, but this should enable us to move around a bit more freely, even coming and going from the states. Everybody on this side is excited that we have received it. You see, the only other folks seeking permanent residency here in SA are those coming from poorer countries. Missionaries from the states raise eyebrows here because people think, “why would someone leave there (America) to come stay here (Africa) when the conditions are worse?”

FURLOUGH NEWS. We are planning to take a furlough the end of November. Pray for the many details here and there. Call me if you want us to come by for a meeting. My internet number is (610) 871-0814, and keep in mind we are six hours ahead of EDT. Send an email if you want. I will get to as many churches as we can, but we don’t want to be gone as long as we were last time. We played catch-up for two years upon our return.

FAMILY NEWS. Sickness; new school year begun with five under grade 12, two above grade 12; 13 new puppies; furlough plans; Jeremiah’s recent birthday (THANKS to those who sent something to him!!); the lost cat came back; gifts from near and far are a blessing; food prices have doubled since coming; petrol prices came down recently, 5 day vacation to Okavango Delta; dear friends moved to Namibia; missionary friends have visited; Joshua (4) now helps with the collating.

How we thank the Lord for your faithful support and prayers especially in these days of economic difficulty on your side. May the Lord richly bless you.

Brother Wilhite

August 22, 2009

Last night at the Bible study in Dikgale, Maggie (18) told us that she had accepted Christ the night before at 5 p.m. in her mother’s bedroom. In her second language (English) she said, “I just had this heavy burden…I couldn’t not understand it…I knew you were praying for me…I wanted to call you but wanted the whole group here to know.” This friend of Olga’s has been coming for 2-3 months now and has spoken before to Albert about her soul’s need. Coming from a ZCC family this has been difficult for her. We trust she was humble before the Lord and trusted Christ fully for the forgiveness of her sin. Time often tells, but for now we are rejoicing.

Also, after receiving a card in the mail advertising language learning, we arranged a meeting with a representative of a company which offers conversational language learning using CD’s. Pray for us as we listen to Afrikaans and Sepedi (Sotho) in an effort to better our communication skills.

This morning we began to distribute a new bi-lingual (English/Sotho) gospel booklet written by our friend, E.L. Bynum. He had given us permission to translate Sorrow, Suffering, Sickness—Why?, so David and Dyanna have been working on it over the last several months. Alfred and I went to one of the hospitals here this morning and were warmly received by the male patients in the ward. Praise our Lord for another avenue of touching lives in this needy locale.

On the home front, Joshua was sick yet now better. Drew and Debrianna picked up the virus though and are out flat. Jonathan may be on his way down too. Dy is babysitting for the weekend. The Wyatts added to our baseball equipment earlier this week, so Joel, Jeremiah and Derek are out laying out a baseball diamond in the grassy area of our plot. As normal Julianna is in the kitchen slaving away. We can get away with it with her because of her hair color (smile).

Bro Wilhite

South Africa

August 15, 2009

It seems like blessings come in spurts around here.

After we received word of our visa application approvel we hurried to the nursing home where we found Kobus Kriel, an 80+ year old man who has no pastor and to whom we have witnessed over the past several months. He told me, “Those booklets you left have all been properly distributed.” Earlier in the week I found him in his room with his earphones plugged into his CD player. “Now that young man I can really understand” he said referring to Pastor Ron as he preached on the gospel.

Then getting after our study in Dikgale last evening, Samuel spoke up and said how last Sunday he was walking through a nearby village, and found some Apostolics at his brother’s house. They invited him in, but he said he would only come in if they would let him say something. He said some were praying, some were singing, and some were fallen on the floor. He asked some pointed questions and by the time he was finished they all agreed that they not only did not have Bible salvation but that they had been lied to over the years.

Enroute home Albert’s sister, Sarah, called and said she was ready for baptism. She was saved about 15 months ago, lives in Dikgale and attends church faithfully. Sadly, every Friday her husband, France, comes home drunk as a skunk having spent most of the money he earned during the week on booze. He needs your prayers and I’m sure Sarah would appreciate your prayers for her too.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

August 14, 2009

I just received a text message on my phone from the Immigration Department stating that our Permanent Residency permit has been issued! Thanks to all of you who have prayed for us since we submitted our paperwork.

Other missionaries we know waited for years to get theirs. In fact, one missionary we know had his application rejected. The Lord graciously gave us ours in less than 11 months. Must have been the hefty bribe I slipped them (smile).

This does not mean we are no longer citizens of the U.S.; we are simply residents with a permanent status here. We will not have to re-apply every three years for a temporary visa, and it will save us a lot of money for just such an application.

We can now move ahead with plans for a much needed furlough (probably commencing the end of November).

Thank you immensely for your intercession for us,

Bro Wilhite

South Africa

August 11, 2009

Every Tuesday evening we have a Bible study with some university students just off the campus of the University of Limpopo.

Last week the student council called for a strike and little by little the mayhem began. This evening as we approached the campus we saw smoke, fire, young people running, broken glass bottles, and many bystanders outside the campus fence watching. Police had been called in and were trying to calm the matter using rubber bullets, but apparently to little avail.

It did affect our attendance, but we still had a good Bible study anyway with 11 of us present.

Two weeks ago there was a strike by the commercial union here in South Africa, so rioting and carnage broke out in the downtown area of our town. Trash was spewed in the streets, windows in the municipality building were broken, and the interior of the building damaged. Police again used rubber bullets seriously injuring one (who may have died, but I’m not sure).

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem…and in our area.

Even so come, Lord Jesus,

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

August 9, 2009

Dear ones,

God kept us busy this week, so let me give you some highlights

* We were able to distribute 700 gospel booklets at the bus rink in town.Time prevented us from giving out more.

* The family visited the concentration camp cemetary from the Anglo-Boer War (early 1900's). Now I better understand why the white people here in town are as they are toward those of us who speak English.

* 200 new songbooks printed, many collated, 70 covers laminated, 35 books bound.

* A missionary leaving the country had some new children's Sunday School material for sale, so we bought it and they dropped it off Saturday morning.

* Arriving in Dikgale I heard some talking and recitation as I approached the school room. On her own, Olga had gathered some children and had started her own Sunday School prior to my arrival. Funny how we just got SS material the day before which she can start using.

* The pictures are of a work day we had at the Mothiba church grounds. The bapistry has been long in coming. Sadly, the water sources we had available are now not available. It's a long story.

* Mr. Matete preached a humdinger this morning in Dikgale.

* Joe came with me to Dikgale despite the fact that he was very ill. This was very, very unusual for him.

* Albert had 14 family members in church today in two different village churches.

* During the work day two adult ladies in two different villages saw the signs on my bakkie and inquired about the Bible studies.

* Also, an older gentleman (Alfred) came over during work day to talk about having his cows on the church property, and promptly got preached to by David and Albert. This leading man of the village walked away under conviction after these two young men preached sound doctrine to him.

* As I mentioned early we have had several requests for the correspondence studies. The post office is getting tired of seeing me buy out their supply of stamps. Keep those offerings coming!

* Juli finally has organized the SS material in such a way that we can now leave some in the hands of the nationals.

* We continue to teach Jon, Albert, and Piet Matete several sessions each week.

* Richard, saved two months ago, left for college in Cape Town. The interesthing thing is that he told me he had to go via Botswana. Why? To sort out a matter that occurred prior to his salvation. Clearly God at work in his life.

* Our financial report for July revealed the highest amount of contributions to the ministry in the history of our missionary labors here. Praise the Lord; thanks to many of you!

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

July 22, 2009

Brethren,       

Jeremiah (14) accompanied me into Zimbabwe this past weekend on our 28th trip. We left at 8 a.m. Saturday and got to bed early this morning (Wed) at 2 a.m.

Sunday we preached at a wedding in the Zvishavane area. Unfortunately, though, we have now had to cease working with this man due to several factors which clearly surfaced on Sunday, chiefly compromise.

Sunday evening through Tuesday evening we were with Reuben and Never in Mchede Village seeking to teach and encourage them. They were extremely happy to receive the MP3 players each with 133 of Pastor Hammett's messages. Sadly, a "Baptist" Union church has begun in Mchede Village taking the young members of the church there. Never also had a young man with whom he was working who has defected to that "church". Sadly, these folks are confused.

Please pray for the brethren who are up there. Zim is full of false religions and compromising churches. Sound like America? Consider two cultish examples...

(1) Thulani is Reuben's nephew. He is part of a church that will baptize you three (3) times when you join their church. If you sin, then you have to be baptized seven (7) times, and if you sin again, then you have to be baptized 21 times. He is of the persuasion that if he confesses ALL of his sin then he can be saved, and he believes that God will help him remember every sin of his past 31 years. When I asked him if he could swim from here to Australia he said, "No." But when I asked him, "Thulani, if you confessed all of your sins could you then swim to Australia?" To this he answered, "Yes". Neither Reuben, Never, Jeremiah, nor me could keep from laughing, but he said that God would "magically help him to do it." He is really, really, trying his best to clean himself up to be acceptable before God.

(2) Reuben's sister is also involved in a cult called the City of God religion. One of their holidays is December 25 called the Day of God's Departure. Actually, it is the day when their founder died, so they celebrate it not as God's coming (Jesus), but as their god's departing. The follow-up leader died on June 6, 2003, and he is referred to as the Holy Host of God who was "God in the flesh". Georgina refuses to read a Bible because her "prophet" will tell her what God says. This of course is a burden to Reuben.

We were encouraged by the stand that Reuben and Never are taking, but very saddened again by the spiritual blindness of the African people AND the great, great need in Bulawayo.

Tuesday we did some evangelistic working among the teeming multitudes in Bulawayo before heading home around 6 p.m. Coming home the border crossing into South Africa was another nightmare with a line the length of a football field. Thousands are still leaving Zimbabwe due to the economy up there. This adds up to continued concern.

Thank you for your continued prayers. It would be easy to get discouraged without a Bible and your prayers,

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

July 12, 2009

Leaving Monday afternoon and returning late Friday evening the Lord gave us a great family time in the world's largest inland delta, the Okavanga in northern Botswana. Pray for the many folks who received gospel tracts and the 12-15 folks who registered for Bible correspondence courses. I wish we'd had 1000 bi-lingual booklets. The river banks were full of folks who may have never heard the glorious gospel.

Saturday I am scheduled to go to Zimbabwe returning home the middle of the following week. Pray for me as I plan our journey there and for the next steps we need to take with the churches up there.

Bro Wilhite

June 18, 2009

Two-three years ago the church building in Mothiba suffered a break-in. Some lights and wiring were stolen along with a Bible Danny had “inadvertantly” left behind. Taking a different approach to it, we had one of our men stand and lead in prayer asking God to do something special through it all.

Fast forward two years later which brings us to last Thursday Danny was sitting in church next to Karabo. Now for some reason Africans like to write their names on the edge of their Bible, so Danny noticed that HIS name was on the edge of the Bible Karabo was holding!

What happened? Unbeknown to us, Karabo’s brother was the one who broke into our church, stole the Bible, ended up in prison for other thefts. Six months ago, God answered our two year old prayer, by saving Karabo and it JUST SO HAPPENED that he had a Bible (a stolen Bible) which he could read thereby growing in the Lord.

Karabo’s brother meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.

Ain’t God good?

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

June 16, 2009

Today was a holiday here in South Africa called Youth Day, so it has become our custom to have special activities for the youth with which we are working. Sixty folks were there from five various works representing 15 villages and four different countries. Several lost folks were there along with some new believers. The four African preachers did a good job; the cooks served up some terrific African cuisine; the gals sang some good special music; and all of them enjoyed some fun following the preaching and eating.

Thanks for your continual prayers,

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

June 12, 2009

…so we are standing in the Johannesburg airport last night to pick up a couple of young ladies from Michigan, and while I was evangelizing in the bathroom, my wife and daughters got into a conversation with a family out in the large airport rotunda. Among the hundreds of others waiting there for planes to arrive and depart they had caught an American accent. Making introductions my wife discovered that these folks were from Iowa…

“My husband is from Iowa,” said my youthful looking wife.

“From where?” inquired the gentleman.

“Oh, you wouldn’t know. It’s just a small town,” replied Debbie.

“Well, I might,” said he.

“Okay, Russell.”

“Oh, I know where that is. The sending pastor of our home church used to pastor in Russell, Iowa,” replied Louis O’Tool, a young missionary who is working among the orphans several hours south of us. Probably 20 years ago Don Michaelson pastored in my hometown of Russell, Iowa, and here we were talking to a missionary out of his current church in Slater, Iowa.

Hey when a couple of families can stand in Johannesburg, South Africa (pop 4,000,000), and talk about Russell, Iowa (pop 400), I would say that town is now internationally famous. Someone call Rand McNally and tell them to put a star on that town the next time they make a world atlas!

“For who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zec 4:6)

Bro Wilhite

South Africa

May 29, 2009

This evening Jon taught the final two diagrams of the series Drawing Men to Christ. As you may know, the last diagram uses the timeline to indicate when and where one has accepted Christ. After the study, Samuel (22) from Dikgale leaned over and told Albert that this past Sunday after the morning service he went home to his bedroom and personally accepted Christ as his own Savior!

We had a time of rejoicing. This is another wonderful blessing from the Lord, and He is to be praised for what is going on in Dikgale.

Ntodi, Karabo, Elvis, John, Marcus, Olga, Richard, and Samuel all need our prayers. These, plus Alfred, Ruth, Sarah and Kutso we hope will soon be baptized. Not all are in Dikgale; some are from Mothiba and some are from town.

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

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The Lord has opened the windows of heaven recently in the midst of some busyness!

Sunday night, Missionary George Wyatt accompanied me as we left at 8 p.m. and drove straight through to Zvishavane, Zimbabwe, where we dropped off 3000 gospel booklets and provided some funds for Shona hymnbooks for a couple of churches there. When he heard we had arrived Comfort Ndlovu walked nearly five miles to get there in time to give us an invitation to his upcoming wedding. The one rural church there has recently baptized 15-20 with another 10-15 waiting.

After three hours there, we headed to the Bulawayo area where we dropped 2000 gospel booklets and several correspondence courses. Enroute the side walls of our front left tire ruptured, but the Lord helped us get to a stop without any harm done. The spare worked sufficiently to get us home the next day. Pray for the men in Zimbabwe as they are really in need of the Lord’s provision. It is very difficult for us to know where to begin and stop by helping them.

Monday evening found us in Francistown, Botswana, where we met Jonathan and some men from Fargo Baptist, ND, who are doing some follow-up on several correspondence students there. We sure were tired having slept 2 of the previous 38 hours.

Tuesday we arrive back here in time to do a discipleship study with Elvis and then to run to our study at the University where we had 11 participants.

Wednesday afternoon Richard accepted Christ! He is from Botswana who was on his way to Capetown to finish some schooling there, but had stopped by (and this is really out of the way if you know your African geography) to visit his sister here in town. By coming to several Bible studies his heart was open enabling him to come to Christ by faith.

After that, I hurried downtown to have four new tires put on my bakkie. The last set gave me 40,000 miles and on these roads that is a significant distance. In the evening Richard, Albert, Dickson and I enjoyed some fellowship and teaching time at McDonald’s. It was good to hear Richard give his testimony of having personally accepted Christ. I did not realize how many folks God had put in his path prior to his salvation. It’s just like the Lord to do this!

Yesterday (Thursday) we were gone from 7 to 2 attending the graduation of the University. This was a first for me and a good learning experience. A follow-up with Richard thereafter was good for me as we saw his hunger for the Lord and His Word. Then our study at church last night was well attended with a special prayer time.

Later today our new Risograph is to arrive. Our Gestetner is pushing 3,000,000 copies, but through our generouse supporters, God has enabled us to purchase this new machine for the ongoing printing ministry. This evening we plan to go back to Dikgale for two studies, and then tomorrow we have, among other things, a graduation at which we will preach.

Keep my wife in prayer. She has been battling a cold for several days, and she may have the nasty virus that is keeping some folks in bed for up to 10 days. The children have pretty much finished their school work for the year, and this is always an accomplishment. My wife has been good about teaching so many children these several years on the field and still keeping them on schedule. Still she finds time to write letter, witness wherever, host ladies studies/meetings, be a great wife and mother. We hurt when she hurts.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

May 22, 2009

Office – The faithful giving of our many supporters has enabled us to upgrade our high speed duplicator from a 2002 Gestetner to a 2009 Risograph. The price, timing, and service contract was excellent, thanks to the Lord leading nearby missionary George Hammett to a dealer in his area. Please pray now that we can sell our Gestetner.

Outreach – Let me mention booklets, Botswana, boxes and a Bible study. We are planning to leave Sunday night after church to take 5000 bi-lingual gospel booklets and several correspondence courses into Zimbabwe. On our way home we plan to go through Botswana and pick up Jonathan, our son, who has been there this week helping with some follow-up on the correspondence students. As for boxes, we have 20,000 glossy ½ page fliers being printed to put in poxt boxes in our area. Richard Kgatla (44) is one of our correspondence students near here who is not saved, but is permitting us to come tomorrow morning (Sat) to do a Bible study with him. If you read this in time, please ask God to give him conviction and conversion in the near future.

Olga (17) – She has been coming pretty faithfully to the Friday evening studies and to the Sunday morning services in Dikgale. At the study tonight she approached Albert and told him she had accepted Christ as her very own personal Savior this last Saturday. This has been probably a year in coming. Praise the Lord!

Thanks for your prayers,

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

May 16, 2009

In an effort to emphasize and encourage the family unit here in our corner of the world, our family hosted their first ever Mother/Daughter Banquet. Not counting the boys who set up and served, there were 23 in attendance.

Julianna did most of the food while Dyanna did most of the decorating and photography. Kristen Hammett came over from Tzaneen to give the challenge, and my dear wife was the MC. The five smaller girls who were there learned a song during their special time and later came back in to sing some special music. Several lost ladies were challenged by, and attentive to, the Word.

Thanks, Bruce Carr (Missionary to Australia), for planting this seed thought into our minds to try such an outreach.

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

 

 

May 1, 2009

Ga-Dikgale is a large area with many villages, but these few in which we are working have experienced some strange deaths all too often.

Perhaps a year ago a man to whom we had just given a Bible, got inebriated, walked up to the main road and was struck by a passing car.

Then, four to six men in their 20s have hung themselves within recent months.

Today we were alerted to the fact that a tragedy of tragedies happened when three young triplets (3-4 yrs) followed their mother into the bush. Sadly, an oncoming train injured two, but severed one in half.

Tomorrow I will have the funeral of a woman there who was diagnosed with cancer just two months ago. Her boys (late teen/early 20s) used to come to some of our studies.

Add to this the behavior of Abram, the strange responses by some at the services and the fact that many of the Bibles we gave away were sold for money, and one almost concludes that we have stumbled upon an area with serious demonic activity. I’m not one to believe a demon is behind every bush, but there are some oddities here which I have never encountered in 23 years of ministry.

Your extra prayers for this area will be greatly appreciated.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

April 21, 2009

Some of you may recall that we have asked prayer for Elvis (23) over the last few months.

Mama, his sister-in-law came to visit our Sunday evening Bible studies many months ago, but when Debbie and I made a follow-up visit, she was not home. Elvis, however, was. He subsequently came to a study and agreed to do a personal Bible study.

After 11 studies stretching over several weeks and additional college breaks, he told me today that “yes” he was saved. After our previous study, he had gone into his room, knelt by his bed, prayed and received Christ as his own personal Savior.

Elvis is from an area two hours south of here, but is here going to technical college. We may only have a few months for discipleship before he heads on down the road, but time will tell.

Thanks for your consistent prayers.

Praising the Lord in Polokwane/Pietersburg,

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

April 19, 2009

African missionaries will tell you that African ministry is one of ups and downs, many ups and downs.

This morning eight men were missing in the Mothiba church.

This evening seven men were present in the Pietersburg study (not counting my older boys). Two men were first time visitors. And just as we suspected, the stolen sign prevented another man with his wife and three children from finding us for the study. Another man who regularly attends was not there.

One man was late getting there because he was in hot pursuit of some crooks who stabbed another young man (14?) in another part of town just before the Bible study

Also, we met two other men this week who are students out at the University, so we are hopeful that they will come to our studies out there this Tuesday.

This past Friday we began a new study up in Dikgale where four men were present.

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

April 17, 2009

A few weeks ago while awaiting my arrival at the mall Debbie noticed a lady sit down next to her on the same bench. Frieda (50ish white lady) was weeping over several issues, one being a sore leg with pulled tendons.

Being the tender and soul conscious person that she is my wife handed her tissues, and after an introduction and small talk, a gospel tract. They parted ways, and Deb thought she would never see her again.

Low and behold, one week later, my wife saw none other than Frieda in a quaint little shop, slipped up behind her, and after tapping her on the shoulder said, “Hi, Frieda, how’s the leg?”

Then yesterday, Debbie and I were making a visit in town. Due to the security village where we were, we called Lindy who lives in this particular complex. We had never been to Lindy’s house, but Debbie had had many conversations with her at Lindy’s place of employment, so she had invited us to stop over sometime and see her. As I was on the phone with her telling her we were at the gate, a little car pulled up at another gate about 20 yards away, and out hopped a woman I had never seen before. There were a few trees obstructing our view, but we could both clearly hear a voice hollering, “Lindy, Lindy!” The fellow in the car was honking and this lady was continuing to call out to a lady, who strangely enough, had the same name as the woman whom we were calling.

Are you following all of my details? Anyway, Debbie thought, “That sure sounds like Frieda’s voice.” Sure enough, as we walked up to the other gate, Debbie came up behind Frieda (again), and said, “Hi, Frieda, how’s the leg.” Frieda turned around right as Lindy got to the gate, and when she saw Deb and Frieda talking like old friends, she was puzzled.

Minutes later in the house, Deb asked Lindy, “How do you know Frieda?” to which she replied, “Oh, she’s my aunt, my mom’s sister. How do you know Frieda?” And so Deb recounted the story to Lindy, “Well, one day in the mall…”

Isn’t that neat how God pursues and pursues the sinner? The Bible is not a book about man looking for God, but rather a book about God seeking man. “Come unto me…”

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

April 14, 2009

We had one whirlwind of a weekend.

Thursday -- Took Deanna and Madelyn down to the airport in Johannesburg.

Friday -- Jon, Brother Wyatt, and I preached at a combined meeting of three churches down in the Northwest Province. The children were privileged to minister in song, and we were treated to some delicious African cuisine.

Thursday and Friday nights the Wyatt's housed the children at their place and provided a lovely B&B for Debbie and me. It was good to see Brother Harry Madisa and his wife, Boitumelo. She has been fighting and overcoming cancer for around a year. This dear couple is under fire also from two charismatic "churches" which border their own Bible Baptist Church. The mass confusion and noise from them really disturb the preaching of the gospel.

Your prayers for this work would be greatly appreciated.

Saturday -- We left to drive back the four hours, but stopped via Pretoria and loaded up 21 cases of paper for some upcoming printing projects.

Sunday -- Attendance wasn't as good as we had hoped, but we were able to set up a Bible study with a couple of interested men in Ga-Dikgale. Also, Ryan (22), who hasn't been to church since his sophomore year in high school came both Sunday morning and evening.

Monday -- Our high speed Gestetner duplicator broke down again in the midst of a project, and this being a South African holiday means waiting until tomorrow to book a service technician.

Bro Wilhite

March 14, 2009

Every Friday I take Jon and Albert with me to Ga-Dikgale to teach them and Piet some ministry related courses.

This evening we planned to show a gospel film after our studies so Karabo and Ntodi from Ga-Mothiba went along with us. These are the two youths (17) who accepted the Lord a couple of weeks ago. They had never been to Ga-Dikgale with me, so they had no idea where I was taking them.

When we got to Piet’s house we started our Bible study and near the end of it Piet’s wife, Ruth, came into the room. Shock of shocks, Ruth RECOGNIZED Karabo. Piet and Ruth live on the “back edge of nowhere,” but just a stone’s throw away is another small house…a house owned by none other than Karabo’s father! Karabo’s father built the house for some shepherds who care for some cattle that roam near Piet’s house. Karabo has gone to this house, and in the process had met Ruth. Of course he then indicated that when we were driving to Piet’s house, he found it uncanny that we were going down the same little lanes that his father’s house was on. Ga-Mothiba and Ga-Dikgale are 30-40 minutes apart with oodles of villages inbetween. Of course, each village has hundreds or even thousands of residents. The odds of this happening are simply impossible if God is removed from the probability factor. Kind of nice to see God linking new believers from two different works together in an unusual fashion such as this.

Blessed…again,

Bro Wilhite

South Africa

March 14, 2009

This afternoon I noticed that John (12), Johanna’s brother, had written a note on the marker board at the Mothiba church. He is learning English, and as you will see, misspelled a word, but my heart was really touched to read…

“I now that Moruti loves me. John”

Please continue to pray for his sister, Johanna (13), the one who was molested this past Sunday night around midnight at her own home. It is still a mystery as to how this could have happened in her own home that she shares with her parents and several other siblings. The tragedy is that the bum who did this is now out of prison and back at his house just a few doors down from where Johanna lives. John, Johanna, and Gloria were back at the church building today helping clean. Johanna seems like all is well, but she did mention to Dy some of the pain she is experiencing. These kids are really sweet. It would be a joy to see them saved as well as their folks.

March 10, 2009

Late afternoon yesterday Sister Audri was taken to the hospital via an ambulance. Falling on Friday her leg/hip was re-injured and the doctor’s injection that same day did not yield any favorable results. We helped wheel her out of the house and can testify that she was in extreme pain.

Also, this morning Albert called to say that a precious little 13-year-old girl, Johanna, who attends church faithfully in Ga-Mothiba was raped by a 50 year old man. We don’t know anymore details than this--just that it happened since Sunday. I hope the man is imprisoned…to protect him from the likes of some righteously indignant people. Her brother, John (14), worked with us all day on Saturday building a cement block baptistery and then he came with me to Ga-Dikgale on Sunday which we allow once a month. The four children come regularly on Sundays and Thursdays, so this really hits us in the heart.

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

March 8, 2009

The police came last night and took a report. As they were leaving they informed us that an investigator would come by this morning to lift some fingerprints. Jon then stayed home this morning only to never see the promised investigator.

This afternoon, though, two additional police officers came again to make a follow-up visit. Jon gave them both gospel booklets, and the male officer immediately signed up to receive a correspondence course for which we praise the Lord.

Then as we were leaving for church this evening an investigator came, so this time Derek stayed behind. The official quickly took my details, and as I was signing it he looked around at all the children and asked, “Is this some sort of a mission?” J All of mine were here plus three neighbor children. This investigator already knew of us since it “just so happens” that his daughter attends the very same preschool where we have Sunday evening services.

Derek reported that the investigator was able to get several fingerprints which means the thief was probably someone from outside the country. South African crooks are careful about leaving fingerprints since they are on the system, but Zimbabweans or Mozambiqueans are not afraid to leave fingerprints, since they probably won’t get caught. I certainly hope it wasn’t the men we have been trying to help, although it isn’t past these guys to scope out a place before actually coming back to get what they want.

The officer also asked Derek why they as children follow their parents in ministry and the things of the Lord. From his perspective the children of many pastors in this country live profligate lives, so Derek, as is normal, was able to personally witness to him about the reality of the new birth and how it changes a heart and desires (plus I carry a BIG stick! J ). The officer also works only one weekend a month, and this “just so happened” to be his weekend. Though he professes salvation it is very similary to many others here. They get under “conviction” at some revival, go forward, and have someone else pray the sinner’s prayer for them. Then they live the rest of their lives as before, but sadly are innoculated against the real truth of the gospel.

Anyway, thanks for those who have responded and your prayers. God is bigger than any problem and has His reasons for letting them come our direction for His glory. Maybe someone will get saved out of this ordeal.

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

March 7, 2009

We just now noticed.

Last night some thieves forced a window, reached in, and stole my older laptop which my wife was using along with a nice digital camera that belonged to my wife.

Let’s hope that she did not have valuable information on there which someone might use for Identity purposes.

And for those of you who normally email her, don’t expect any immediate reply.

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

March 4, 2009

You may recall that a few weeks ago I wrote to tell you about a young man from Penn State University who is working in Ga-Mothiba as part of an international study project. Well, tonight we were finally able to connect and have a bite of KFC together.

He actually opened the conversation asking how long I had been a missionary. One thing led to another and for the better part of an hour we were talking about spiritual matters. One of the things that he said was “Yeah, my dad believes in God and Jesus and he even preaches the Bible in the prisons.” Do you think his folks might be praying for their son over here???

Another thing that he asked was, “So how does a person get to heaven when he dies?” When was the last time someone asked YOU that question?

I was also very, very glad to be a Baptist in the sense that I told him Baptists have never forced their beliefs on anyone. He is free to believe what he wants to even though we may not agree. He had never known that distinctive of Baptists prior to tonight, but believes this to be the right way to handle spiritual matters. He thought all churches had come from the Romans Catholics, but was surprised to learn differently.

What an encouraging night of sharing the gospel! The Lord willing, Ryan will be coming by sometime to use our internet phone to call his parents back in Honesdale, PA, giving us another opportunity to share and show Christ.

Brother Wilhite

March 2, 2009

This past weekend they (Zion Christian Church) held a conference near our house. The main meeting area was probably a mile or two from our house. Despite the rain and the distance they drove or walked the devotees are dedicated to their prophet. Every year at Christmas time they put out a periodical including printed sermons from their prophet, Lekanyane, whom they refer to as "His Grace". This man's grandfather began this church in 1910 followed by his son who is the father of the man now in charge. In one article of their most recent magazine these three were referred to as the "holy trinity". Is this blasphemous or not?

As we were passing out gospel booklets to these folks on Saturday I noticed no one anywhere carrying any Bibles. They believe that the word of their prophet is equivalent to the Bible. Yesterday, as we were waiting at the intersection in an effort to get to our evening surface, I saw this group of men in a circle singing. Seeing some folks standing near, I opened my window and called out, "Where are the Bibles? Where are the Bibles? Does anyone have a Bible?" Pointing to his head one man replied, "In my head." This breaks my heart. First Peter tells us a man is born again "not of corruptible seed" (which is Lekanyane), but of "incorruptible seed" (which is the Word of God). In over seven years of ministry here, I have yet to have even one ZCC member tell me God's simple plan of salvation. They will spend lots of money to buy a uniform or to travel from Botswana, Zimbabwe, or anywhere in South Africa to come to a conference with their bishop, but they won't spend $5 to get a Bible.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

March 1, 2009

The pediatrician’s schedule was full, but the told us to call back in 30 minutes. We did, and they told us to come right away which we did. When we got there, though, the doctor’s receptionist handed us a slip of paper on which was the name and number of another doctor in town (strike #1). Calling him, we discovered that he wouldn’t be back from a conference for 10 days (strike #2), so I went back into the pediatrician’s office only to get the name of a third doctor, a voice mail, and an eventual call back which informed me that I had the wrong number (strike #3).

Dejectedly walking away from “home plate” we decided to swing by our g.p. This lady squeezed the kids into her schedule, determined the cause, issued a prescription and now the children are back to their naughty selves, so everyone is on the mend. Now Deb and I need your prayers (smile).

Seems like it was a bacterial strep infection with a myriad of symptoms.

BTW, while the children were waiting in the doctor’s office I slipped away to begin a brand new study with Derek (22) who is here from Zambia. He is a friend of Alfred’s (not be be confused with Albert) whom I have known for the past year.

Thanks for you prayers,

Bro Wilhite

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Please remember some of our children in prayer.

My wife came home from a blessed journey to Australia to several sick children.

Joel­- rash, fever, vomiting, sore throat

Debrianna­- what appears to be a fungus that began on her ten fingertips and has spread across both hands

Joshua- ­rash, fever

Doc, here we come,

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

February 28, 2009

Africa is full of many, many young people as most missionaries would probably tell you, and it is our job and joy to reach them while they are still in their tender teens years.

Bro Albert has been working with some in Bible studies and we rejoice to report that Ntodi (17?), Karabo (17?), and Marcus (15?) are all tend to the Lord right now. When concluding a Bible study the other day with Marcus, his nephew, Albert was about to walk out the door and Marcus said, “Wait, you can’t go yet. I need to get saved.” Albert left him with some verses and is expecting Marcus to soon make a decision for Christ.

Then last night at church both Ntodi and Karabo came up to Albert at different moments reporting that they had taken Christ as their own personal Savior the previous day independently of each other. Praise the Lord!

On Tuesday evening the Bible studies with the University students were resumed. Five students joined us, among whom was Elizabeth’s roommate, Rosina. Now, you’ve got to picture this. When Elizabeth moved in with her roommate a few weeks ago she said, “I just want you to know up front that I am a Christian; I read my Bible every night before bed; I wear skirts; and I go to church every Sunday.” Well, on Wednesday night this week Elizabeth opened her Bible and so did Rosina. In fact, Rosina was FULL of questions for Elizabeth. Is this a seeking soul or not?

In His glad service (to steal a phrase from a friend of mine, but true none-the-less),

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

February 15, 2009

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

A few weeks ago the Ethiopians in town ask us to come preach in their church. As you may remember two months ago we preached in another one of their churches in another area. So, we went and this time taught through the Ten Commandments showing how their mirror a man’s sinful condition before a just and holy God.

There are two primary types of churches in Ethiopia­orthodox and evangelical. These fellows are comprised of the evangelical type. Some of them may genuinely be saved, especially Asha and Ben.

After church they wanted to take me out for lunch, so I asked if we could eat their Ethiopian style food. This surprised them, but they took me to an “Ethiopian” restaurant here in town and eat we did.

Afterwards, Asha asked if I had any advice for their church leaders (by this time there were eight of them gathered around our table). So for about a half an hour we did our best to share some Scriptural principles with them. Ben, especially, needs your prayers. He goes to a charismatic Bible college here in town, but from his conversation, he is seeing right through some of their flaws. I certainly hope we will be able to nudge and nurture him in the weeks to come. He would like to not only have our courses, but to translate them for his people in Ethiopia. What a genuine zeal he seems to have.

Thanks for letting us be your representatives of the gospel on this side of the world,

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

February 8, 2009

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

After reading 2 Corinthians this morning I realized that Paul’s thorn in the flesh thrust him to the Lord.

A thorn in my flesh thrust me to my knees, and we did indeed see the Lord bless in several ways. Let me just share one special, special blessing from today.

Back during Christmas one of our faithful members in Ga-Mothiba did something really foolish. While giving out hotdogs at a function, she was prompted by the man next to her to help hand out his liquor. Some unsaved folks saw it, ran to their Christian relative, and said to the effect, “Ha, you Christians say you’re against liquor drinking, but then look at this!”

The member at fault was lovingly confronted by some of our other faithful members, but she pulled away and did not come back to church. We didn’t think she would ever return to church. However, today she came, and at a meeting after church she broke down in tears admitting her folly asking the church to forgive her.

Hey, I’ll take that kind of sensitivity to the Lord and spirit anyday, anytime, against anything! What a wonderful victory in this sweet girl’s life!

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

February 5, 2009

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Please be in prayer for our studies in Dikgale. We have been meeting at Abram’s house, but now there is a problem.

Both he and his wife were “promised” teaching jobs, but when school rolled around they were denied positions. Sadly, he had already taken what money he had and bought a new piece of furniture on credit making a sizeable down payment leaving him with nothing in the bank or his wallet. He came to me for a job, but I had none, so I created a one day job. He wasn’t satisfied with what I paid him even though I have never given anyone more money than I did him for the work he did. He then went to a Lutheran pastor in town who handed him a month’s worth of cash and told him that I wasn’t good for Abram since I didn’t simply hand him money (It matters not all the studies I have taught, souls who have been saved, Bibles and correspondence students we have freely given, counsel, rides to the clinic for his family). Abram believes this man and now wants nothing to do with us.

It is sad, really sad. I guess we can all see where his heart really is.

Anyway, if we are to continue to meet up there we will need a meeting place. We have been going for 21 months, so I hate to simply throw the work out the window.

Maybe there’s a tree we can meet under,
Brother Wilhite

February 2, 2009

Are you ready for eternity? I think I was about one second from eternity tonight, of course all of us are but one heart beat away, aren’t we?

In returning home from a Bible study with Pepsi (22 year old gal), Debbie and I were about to make a right turn off of one bumpy road onto another bumpy road when an erratic driver came roaring passed us on the right (remember we drive on the left hand side of the road, so when people pass they pass on the right). Had I turned he would have hit me broadside (our steering colume is on the right hand side), and I probably would have entered eternity. As we saw him go speeding on by we saw him swerving all over the place indicating what was probably an inebriated condition. Sad.

Anyway, when you pray you might say, “Pepsi, please.” She received a flier in her mailbox and came to church as a result the past few weeks. Apparently she went forward at a Benny Hinn crusade and was knocked to the floor by “some power” so she feels she has the Holy Spirit, not a rarity in South Africa. The first study went well, and the next one is set for this Wednesday evening. Your prayers are appreciated.

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

February 1, 2009

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa


Seeing folks progress spiritually is something for which to praise the Lord.

Both on Thursday and today some children in Mothiba stood before the congregation and recited Scripture verses in their mother tongue. What is really a blessing is that it was not our idea, but theirs and Albert’s.

In Dikgale, several adults turned in Bible Reading Reports for this past month, many of them having read their Bible’s everyday for weeks on end.

In Polokwane, a new man (Ben, 25) came for the first time. He is a student in a charismatic college here in town, is housed there, and has responsibilities there, so we may not see him back, but he wanted some tapes or CD’s of the services at our place, but of course we were not able to comply, but he is interested in doing some correspondence courses. He is another Ethiopian.

In Mankweng (Turfloop), university students are arriving back from their summer break to begin classes shortly. Pray as we plan for midweek Bible studies out there.

Appreciative of your intercession,

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

January 25, 2009

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

David preached in the Sunday school hour out in Mothiba and the message outline was so good I just had to pass it along. We are still working on his alliteration (smile).

War Against Temptation (I Corinthians 10:13)

I. Decisiveness Genesis 39:8-9
II. Honesty Genesis 39:8
III. Discerning Genesis 39:9
IV. Steadfastness Genesis 39:10, Matthew 4:3

He said that he has about 5 more points which he will bring next week. It is great to see God teaching him through the Holy Spirit. David is very discerning so I’ll call him Discerning David.

Jonathan Wilhite

South Africa

January 20, 2009

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

In the services on Sunday there were basically two groups of people present - those who led the service and those who simply listened.

Leaders – Although I led the singing during Sunday school the Africans handled the rest of the service. David Ramesti did a great job laying out the Scriptures concerning having peace about God’s will. Captain Mashimbi led the song service just before his brother Albert brought the morning message. While the services were taking place in Mothiba Pete Matete preached the village of Dikgale. In the evening service in Polokwane, Derek led the singing and I preached half of my message on God’s call to service.

Listeners – There were quite a number of men in the services today. Please remember to pray for Ditiro, Asha, Chinereth, and Alpheus. There were three young men who returned after visiting last week out in Mothiba, but I failed to catch their names.

Jonathan Wilhite

January 10, 2009

Though I had never met him Norman called this morning and asked to meet me in town. We hooked up with him around 10:30 and began to talk. Another unemployed Zimbabwean whose father and mother have both died, Norman found himself fleeing to Johanesburg last October. A white man hired him and then wanted him for sordid practices so he came back to Polokwane. Walking down the street he saw our sign board, Ambassador Baptist Ministries, and called. The word Ambassador Baptist Ministries sounded strangely familiar to him.

After finding out a bit more about him, I asked him what his spiritual condition was. His home, Kudoma, is two hours from Bulawayo, but a few years back he found himself in Bulawayo and attending a church, Ambassador Baptist Church pastored by a Mr. Phiri. Yes, the one and only Mandla Phiri who’s funeral we conducted in August ’07. I could not believe my ears. Bulawayo is a town of 1 million residents 350 miles away with hundreds of churches. How did he find Mandla? How did he find us years later? You tell me! When I told him Mandla had died, he was shocked. The last he saw Mandla was some years back.

God is definitely at work in this man’s life. His greatest need is the Lord, but trying to help him see that takes time, especially since he has so many other needs right now in his life.

God give us wisdom to know how best to help,

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

January 9, 2009

Brethren,

We covet your continued prayers as the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe and our Limpopo Province is spreading to a greater degree. Water, fish, and vegetables are all affected by this. We still need rain, but too much at one time can cause flooding with the infected waters spilling over and contaminating other water reservoirs.

This week a Zimbabwean man was here translating the tracts “Are You a Good Person” and “Which Road” into the major Zim language of Shona. Privelage is not saved yet, but could be a key man in a new area of Zim. We are hopeful that we will be able to go back up there with these books when the disease gets under control. With all of the infections and deaths, it does stir one’s heart to get up there NOW before it is eternally too late for folks.

GENEVA - Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic is picking up speed, with a total of 1,732 deaths out of 34,306 cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. A cholera update dated January 5 showed a further 59 deaths and 731 new cases, up from 32 deaths and 379 fresh cases reported the previous day, it said.

Some forty-seven new cases of cholera have been reported in Limpopo, the SABC said. Thirty three infections were reported in Ga-Matlala, outside Polokwane and 14 were reported in Musina. In an interview with the broadcaster, the health department spokesperson, Phuti Seloba said over 1400 cases have been reported in the province since the outbreak was first recorded. Limpopo's confirmed cholera death toll stands at nine, the SABC said.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

January 4, 2009

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
After some confusion and the dust settled we were able to minister in four works today. The family ministered in Ga-Mothiba with Jon and Jeremiah playing their trumpets, Derek leading the song service in church and Debbie playing her bells.

Meanwhile I took Drew with me to Ga-Dikgale where we sang a duet and I preached.

We then hurried back to collect the family and attend a meeting of Ethiopians in Turfloop where we had been invited to preach. The family sang a couple of songs and Asha interpreted for me.

Later in the evening we had our service in Polokwane/Pietersburg with the boys singing a four-part song, Jon leading the singing, Jeremiah ushering, Debbie playing the bells, Dyanna teaching the children, and Julianna serving dessert for fellowship. While we were preaching IN WALKED TWO ETHIOPIANS who had been at the meeting in the early afternoon, one of whom was Asha. He is a unique man as he freely ministers among seven Ethiopian churches here in this part of South Africa. He does some discipleship with Ethiopians and wants me to sit down and talk with him. He has asked for an English Bible, and why? So he can attend the Sunday Bible studies here in town. I'm beginning to think that our studies in town are maybe more for the purpose of teaching men than in actually getting a church started.

Three of our four church members who just finished high school are making application to go to the university over the hill from the church. We are excited about the possibilities over at the University, especially now that some of our own folks will be there and potentially bringing their friends.

One of our church members in Mothiba did a really stupid thing Christmas eve, and seems to be continuing to make some foolish decisions. Why, oh why, oh why do they do the same old same old that others around them do? It's like they walk right into situations with their eyes open and still go ahead and do it.

Privilege is here with us tonight. He brought a list of 50 neighbors that want correspondence Bible studies. He also is here to help us with some translation work tomorrow.

Keep praying for us.

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January 1, 2009

For Christmas one of our children bought us a gift certificate to Pebbles, a fine dining establishment. However, when we arrived Pebbles was closed and would be for the remainder of the year. We were disappointed, but God's angel must have been leading as you read what happened next.

The girls had my wife all dolled up better than Barbie, so I just had to take her some place to eat. Driving across town to the Café Pavilion we got out of our van and found ourselves following Ingrid into the restaurant. As soon as Ingrid got to the door she turned around, and said, "Table for two? Smoking or non?" Here she was a waitress in the place and just coming on duty.

We had a gospel tract ready to leave with her when we paid our bill, but decided to give that to the manager when speaking with him during the meal. Now that's another story, and a good one, but my wife shoved the kitchen sink aside and pulled another one from her purse.

Ingrid asked where we had church, so I began to describe where we meet for Sunday evening Bible studies. She got this surprised look on her face and said, "Yesterday my domestic brought in the post, and in it was your little brochure telling all about it...This must be a sign that I'm supposed to visit your church." Well, sign or not, you tell me, "Is God at work in her life?"

There were many waiters/waitresses in that restaurant, and there were other places we could have gone to eat. Why did we go to that place at just the right time? I have to conclude that God was leading. Believe me, I don't sit around and make up these stories. I just think God is working even when we don't see it AND even when we do see it. Amen?!? Pray for Ingrid.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

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December 29, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
After church the entire family went to the gathering for President Mahlante. As we walked up to the tent a cousin of the president and father of a teen boy who attends the Mothiba church approached me welcoming us royally. In fact, he took us to his sister and told her to give us seats up front in a crowd with probably 4-500 folks present. I really dislike this, but sometimes it is offensive to them not to accept their offer. So as all 11 of us walked in the sister started telling folks to get up and give up their seats for us. Many in the entire tent started to cheer when we walked in, as they considered it special to have an entire white family visiting their African function.

After waiting about an hour and sitting through most of a program, it was announced that the president had business to attend to in another province 10 hours away and would not be coming. They started to fill in the time with other speeches and songs, so we decided to leave.

As we were leaving the cousin approached me and told us they were organizing some food for us, and they probably were, but the younger children were especially tired so we excused ourselves, but gave a special Bible to the cousin who promised to give it to the president.

Disappointed, but thought I’d give you an update.

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December 26, 2008

The day after Christmas in South Africa is referred to as the Day of Goodwill. Wikipedia quotes, “The Day of Goodwill is a South African public holiday celebrated annually on the 26th of December. Prior to 1980, the day was celebrated as the more British Boxing Day.”

“Boxing Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong and countries in the Commonwealth of Nations with a mainly Christian population. In South Africa, this public holiday is now known as the Day of Goodwill. It is based on the tradition of giving gifts to the less fortunate members of society. Contemporary Boxing Day in many countries is now a "shopping holiday" associated with after-Christmas sales. This day is historically England's name for St. Stephen's Day. Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr, being stoned to death in Jerusalem around A.D. 34-35...”

So, today we took a gander and the entire family road to Musina on the border of South Africa and Zimbabwe where we thought we might find some cholera victims to whom we could give a bit of cheer. Arriving at the hospital we checked in with Security and were escorted through the wards to a white lady who was just on her way out. She had come in only because the mayor of the town comes on this day to give some gifts to the children from the municipality. Due to stringent donation controls she stuck her neck out and permitted us to leave nearly 50 personal bottles of purified water in the kitchen for the staff to find on Monday.

She also allowed us to go from ward to ward to sing and distribute some booklets entitled “Sorrow, Suffering, Sickness…Why?” written by our good friend, E.L.Bynum who gladly gave us his consent to copy and distribute this Bible message. Interestingly enough she had told us we could leave any or as much literature as we wanted and she would distribute it, since she used to do this for the Gideons with Bibles.

As per her advice we avoided the cholera victims--we think. The security guard took us into some wards which were marked as contagious, but there was a part of the hospital where we did not go which matched her description of the location of what few cholera patients were still there. Many of the patients had gone back to Zim for the holidays and the empty white tents located in front of the hospital indicated; however, this “gal in the know” did tell us that in the next couple of weeks they expect to be inundated again.

The Musina Showgrounds were a different story. Located on the south edge of this small town, the showgrounds were host to several Zimbabwean citizens seeking asylum in South Africa. Here we found a group of maybe 2-300 Zim folks, mostly men who were resting, playing soccer, milling around, and cooking food. Due to the nature of the situation with the family we simply drove in, turned around, passed out booklets from the van windows and sang a Christmas carol from our perch in the van.

We rounded out the day with a nice sit down meal at the Elephant Inn outside of which we met the infamous Worry Warthog.


Brother Wilhite

December 14, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

I absolutely detest interruptions in church. This morning Albert was preaching for me in Ga-Dikgale while I sat and listened, but two interruptions are worth mentioning.

1) Abram started a spaza which is a little shop that sells sweets, Coke, etc. It also in his house where we meet for a service. This morning two children came to the door during the service, handed him the equivalent of five cents, and asked for something like ice pops. Abram went over to his wife, handed her the money, told her what the children wanted, and returned to his seat. Now, I was watching this ordeal to see what would happen (meanwhile Albert is waxing eloquent). Rahab (recently saved) just sat there holding the money listening to the preaching. Abram (not saved) finally got frustrated, went over, took the money from his wife, got the children their ice pops, and returned to his seat. She looked at me, I winked, and later commended her for doing what was right. It also opened up the door for me to tell him how to him, the Word of God isn’t even worth five cents.

2) Then toward the end of the service the girl (12?) sitting next to me began to shift away from me in an uncomfortable manner (I thought my deodorant had worn off due to the heat). She poked the girl next to her, who then looked at me like I was turning into Mr. Hyde, and then they both turned to Piet Matete, and scooted off to another seat. He slipped over next to me, and flicked something off my shirt. By this time all of the 20 people were riveted not on Albert (who was still waxing eloquent), but on what was going on over by me. I still did not know why everyone was concerned and scattering, until the girls screamed, and Piet came to the rescue by squashing…a scorpion. I don’t think a scorpion can kill an adult, but they sure do sting.

Interesting what the devil uses to distract people from the incorruptible word which is able to save souls.

Bro Wilhite

South Africa

December 13, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

David and Audri joined the rest of our family today as we went to one of the hospitals to sing some Christmas carols and pass out tracts.

While visiting with the Norbergs over Thanksgiving down in Bloemfontein he suggested we do it at their hospital. As a result down there we met a family with a little boy (I think 2 months old) who had just had heart surgery, and whose family were preparing for the worst. Bro and Sis Norberg continued to go back to visit the little lad, and praise the Lord, the 20 year old mother professed Christ, the little lad is to be discharged this Monday, and another contact was made who is to be in Bro Norberg's church tomorrow morning.

This is a good time of the year to go care-oling. People are open and really appreciative of the extra effort and love demonstrated at this time of the year. Why not try it? Go with a small group of singers (6-10) to the nurse's station in each ward, ask permission, and after getting it, stick your head in a room and ask if you might sing them a carol. In some cases you may even have an opportunity to pray with/for the patients. Take some appropriate tracts, and go have a blast serving others.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

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Albert’s mom is a noted witchdoctor who has given birth to ten children, four of whom are saved.

On Wednesday Albert went home to his village to spend some time during the holidays, so we had agreed to pick him up there enroute to our Friday evening studies in Ga-Dikgale.

As he went to leave the house, his mother asked where he was going. When he told her where, she replied that she was headed there too (20 miles distance). Albert quickly called me as I was on the road running on African time and asked if I had room to take her with us.

Coming upon Dikgale I asked Albert to ask his mother in Sotho if she wanted to come to the first study with us. He said he didn’t think she would because in asking her before she has always refused, but he asked her, and was he ever shocked when she said, “Yes…”

During the study Albert interpreted for me as we taught using a Scripture diagram of how every person is born into this world spiritually dead and separated from God.

An hour later we got back into our bakkie to go drop off Mom Mashimbi at her daughter’s house in another part of the village. “Mma, Ke na le potsitso,” I said (Mom, I have a question). “Are you dead or alive?”

Albert and I were shocked at her response, but we just about turned my bakkie into a convertible by jumping through the roof when we heard her reply. She said, “All this time I thought I was alive, but now I see that I am dead, that I do not know God.” I just about had a Bapticostal fit when I heard that. We talked a bit longer to her on the way, and after we dropped her off at Sarah’s house, we just couldn’t contain ourselves. Albert said, “I know this is going to bother her (convict her)”. All four of the children have been praying for Mom since they got saved, and what a joy to see the Lord at work.

I know, I know, some of you are saying, “You haven’t caught this big fish yet; don’t get so excited.” No, but what a joy to see God at work in her life! The timing, location, people involved­only God could have put all that together.

Jumping Jerry
South Africa

December 12, 2008
Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

After our village church service last evening, it was my turn to make supper. Due to some generous hearts this year at Christmas time I decided to take the entire family out for a $32 meal at KFC.

The KFC we chose was in a 100% black African area, so while we were awaiting our order a man came in who did not look black or white or colored. Later as Derek was passing out gospel booklets in the dining area, this man asked for one which led to an interesting conversation.

Mohammed is a personal trainer in a gym and has a clientel in both London and Johannesburg, though he grew up in Egypt. It “just so happened” that he was up in our area visiting his ex-wife and daughter. Apparently, his wife claims to be a real Christian which has stirred him to ask some serious questions, questions he wants me to answer. He has my phone number. I trust he will call and that I will be able to give him the answers he needs for his soul. He absolutely hates South Africa and wants to return to London soon due to what he perceives to be racial discrimination from all fronts. I trust he will call, even before you wake up and get this email.

Also, while there, Abebo and I met each other in the bathroom. Abebo is an Ethiopian man who has visited our Bible studies in Turfloop which we were having with the University students the last several months. We sat together during our meal and discovered a little more about each other. Many Ethiopians claim to be saved, but only the Lord knows how real is their claim. The Ethiopians do have a Sunday a.m. service out in Turfloop, but they do not have a pastor. He asked me to visit their church, and when I asked if I could say some things, he replied in the affirmative. They probably would let me preach, but I’m not sure if they would be able to understand my accent.

One KFC, but people there from four countries­London, Ethiopia, South Africa, USA.

What opportunities!

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
December 9, 2008

Several years ago fellow missionary, Gary Norberg, put us on to some short stories written by the “Jungle Doctor” who worked in Tanzania 50-60 years ago. We had these stories translated and at the suggestion of another fellow missionary, George Hammett, we printed these and began to distribute them as gospel tracts.

One that we find helpful at this season is a brief story entitled, “Why God Sent Jesus.” It went like hotcakes today. Honestly, it takes far longer to print, fold, and stuff with a response card than it does to hand them out, much longer. In less than a half an hour this afternoon Jon, Dy, Miah, Mom and I handed out 1500 of these little epistles.

Your labor in prayer helps our labor in printing. Thanks.

Brother Wilhite

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Our little red-haired man, Joshua (3), was recently given a little green army man about 1 inch tall. He loves this little toy and carries it with him all over, but as you can imagine, the little thing is easily misplaced. Well, he has noticed that we like to pray often, so this is what we overheard the other evening in his conversation with Debrianna (6).

“Debrianna, look I found my little green man. I asked God to help me find it, but He didn’t, so I asked Joel (10) and HE helped me find it!

He wasn’t upset at God, he was just stating what he believed was a fact.

Now, how many of us “ask God to help us,” but when He doesn’t respond right away, we run to get help from another source to get our wish granted?

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

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Sunday after our a.m. service I stopped in at the market in the village to get some “fat cooks” for my children. Fat cooks are like donuts dipped in cooking oil and cost a whopping 5 cents a piece.

As I was standing in the queue (line) at the till (cash register), the proprietor saw me and said, “MAN OF GOD, you don’t have to stand in the queue; come, let me help you so you can go out preaching the Word.”

“No, no, I’m no different than anyone else. I can wait,” I replied.

He went back up by the till and came back to assist a lady who was just ahead of me in the queue, and loud enough so everyone in the market could hear, he said TO ME in fluent English, “Senior Citizens don’t have to stand in the queue.”

I was nigh unto rolling on the floor in a fit of laughter. NEVER in my life have I been called a “senior citizen.” I didn’t even know that he knew what that term meant.

Actually, recently we were in a security complex with about 70 duplexes for older people. Now, it was a new, beautiful, quiet place. Each brick house had it’s own small yard, two car garage, flowers blooming, deck, etc. all within the confines of a high security fence with polite and helpful guards at the gate. The only down side was that the whole complex smelled like…well, you know…kinda like…”depends”.

Can you guess what the age requirement is for living in this particular place? You guessed it, at least one of the spouses must be 50 YEARS OLD! To my wife I said, “Honey, can you believe we’re old enough to qualify for this place?” Believe me, I had a hard time looking at those old ladies hunkered over their flower beds and white haired men waxing their cars and thinking, “Hey, I’m one of you.”

A young fifty,

Brother Wilhite

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Sunday evening Audry called to say that her sister-in-law had died. Audry (67) was saved two years ago, and it is at her preschool where we meet for our Sunday evening service. Believe me, Audry’s husband, Johan (78), is a piece of work, and were it not that we serve the God of the impossible I would have given up on him long back. Johan’s sister was five years younger than him, so we are hoping that the death will awaken him to his need.

Speaking of deaths, this evening Debbie and I had three Bible studies, one each with Marie (39), Michael (40), and Attie (51). Marie is a white lady, Michael a black man, and Attie a white man. The common denominator? All three have lost their spouses to death­head on collision, longterm sickness, and a stroke.

As for Audry’s sister-in-law, we may accompany her to the funeral which may possibly be in Pretoria within the next few days.

Your prayers are always valued and necessary.

Brother Wilhite

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
December 4, 2008

Last week we wrote to say God had collared the cholera in Zimbabwe. Now we are asking you to pray that God will do that again, especially here in our province here in South Africa. The headlines of today’s paper says that the Limpopo River which is the border between Zimbabwe and South Africa is contaminated with cholera, and that the farmers up there utilize this water source to irrigate the vegetables which we eat.

We are taking the precautionary measures that we can such as washing the vegetables prior to eating. Our water source is a borehole (well), so unless the water table beneath the surface of the ground becomes contaminated (and I have no idea if it can be) we should be safe. We do have a water filtering system, but it is an elementary system and probably doesn’t filter out something like the cholera germ.

Hey, isn’t it good to be saved? When you’re saved, you have an assurance of heaven. When you’re saved, you have a settled peace that the lost around you don’t have (and believe me, folks up here are scared). When you’re saved, you can pray to the Lord for us.

Brother Wilhite

November 15, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Thursday Jon and I left at 4 a.m. for Zimbabwe. By 9 p.m. I was in Francistown, Botswana, having covered a distance of 1000 km (600 miles). We had to make several deliveries of John/Romans, correspondence courses, maize meal, literature, and portable baptistry parts. I bunked out in Francistown after checking four places before finally finding a room. Friday morning I finished up some work in Francistown and managed to get out of there three minutes after my target of 9 a.m. arriving back here by 3 p.m. only to turn around and leave for Dikgale at 3:30. After doing studies there I got back here at 10:30.

Thursday evening I was encouraged that a power sharing deal had been signed by the two primary political parties in Zim. Time will tell if it will work, but at least there is some optimism there currently, which is essential for some info in the next paragraph. The economy in Zim has continued to deteriorate. One month ago a loaf of bread cost 25,000 ZimDollars; now it costs 500,000 ZD (bear in mind they have dropped 13 zeros already from their denomination). That is the only amount a person is allowed to draw from the bank in one day. The pastor I was with in Zvishavane stood in the bank queue from 6 a.m. unto 10 a.m. When they can get maize meal it is four times the cost that it is here, and the shop owners are demanding payment in forex. Say what you will, but I can’t go to Zim without taking the brethren some food.

That same day I left Jon in Zim to help Brother Reuben with a couple of projects and to give him more of a feel for that country, to learn their ways, and to experience a bit of independence in ministry away from Dad and Mom. He is slated to return early on the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving. As I pillowed my head that night I was praying for my family who at that precise moment was spread across four different countries serving the Lord. With somewhere around 160 countries in the world it would only take 40 families to cover the globe (about ½ the size of our sending church). Maybe one church CAN indeed “go into all the world and preach the gospel.”

Yes, I’m tired, but hey, it was the only two days I worked in the past 30 calendar days. J Now I can take a break through January 2.


Brother Wilhite
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Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

While in Francistown I stopped by Tabitha Training Center. This is a secondary school with an enrollment of around 240 students. About six weeks ago some men from Fargo Baptist Church came in contact with a Mrs. Ncube who saw the courses and requested enough for the entire student body for this next year.

TTC is a unique school specializing in training business management for the coming generation. It was sharp looking, orderly, and seems promising to young people who want to be leaders in the business sector. May God be glorified to save some of these potential leaders in the country of Botswana.

Humorously enough, Mrs. Ncube introduced me to another lady who appeared to be the vice-principal of the school. The VP said, “Wilhite” (the first in seven years to pronounce it correctly, “Wilhite, but you don’t have much height; you’re shorter than me!”

Talk about a quick turn around. My impression of her went from delight to disgust in the one sentence she said.

November 9, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to africa

About a month ago when I was in Zimbabwe, my family was unable to be in church as normal. Gratefully, they were able to download a message from our church website recently preached by Brother Gary Williams.

It was hard for Joel (9 ¾) to kick against the pricks, so he got alone with the Lord and asked Christ to save him. He shared more of this today with Debbie and me (no, he wasn’t in trouble with us), and insists that the Lord did indeed save him. We think it may be possible since it seems we have seen some changes in him.

Debrianna is a bit young and Joshua is definitely too young, but our prayer has been for all of our children to meet us in heaven. Many of you know that we don’t push our children into early decisions. We trust this is a genuine, Holy Spirit wrought, second birth which all must have if they plan to enter the kingdom of God.

Mr 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

I’m sure he would appreciate your prayers,

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

November 6, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Last night while preaching I used an illustration of how Jesus was God’s greatest gift yet was wrapped in swaddling clothes (death wrappings) and unwanted of men.

I held up an old, used, torn yellow padded envelope that was good for nothing except the trash, but inside I had secretly placed a 100 rand note (about $10). I asked if anyone wanted the envelope, and from the back a lady arose from her seat and came forward. Neither she nor any of the others expected what was in the envelope.

Today, a registered letter came in the post which reads, “I give out the ten percent of my income to God with my whole heart, to the church so that the work of God should reach others as it has reached my heart. May God bless you. Amen. Yours faithfully in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

What was enclosed? Would you believe 100 rands? Timely and touching.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

November 1, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

You almost have to live in Africa to understand how much death has such a hold on people and how it defies an outreach with the gospel.

Last night, three scheduled Bible studies in Dikgale were influenced by three funerals in the village, one the result of a man found hanging in a tree earlier this week, apparently a suicide.

On the way home last night we finally managed to pass an 18-wheeler who was swerving all over the road as if he were inebriated. Dialing 10111 (like 911) yielded no answer, but as we approached town we met three emergency vehicles headed in the direction from where we came. I hope that the driver didn’t die or cause the death of any others.

This morning we took part in a “tombstone unveiling” but had to wait on two other funerals being held in the same graveyard.

Of the five funerals mentioned above at least three were young men ages 24,24 and 28. The tombstone openings also revealed the names and ages of a young lady (26), a middle aged man (36), and an elderly lady (66). You can only imagine what we are up against in trying to reach men for the ministry. HIV/AIDS is wreaking havoc over here.

By the way, you might learn from the MC at our gathering­he kept calling me Mr. Height (smile).

Brother Wilhite
South Africa
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November 1, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

A missionary friend of mine once said of another mutual missionary friend, “He lives on the edge.” That was before I became a missionary, but I thought, “If I am ever a missionary, I want that compliment said of me.”

Well, perhaps we are about to do something that will make us appear to be “living on the edge.” Let me explain.

During our first term here when we sent out the first correspondence course on John, we only left room at the back of the booklet for the student’s name. Thanks to a comment that another missionary made, about 2 years ago we totally revamped the course enabling the student to include ONE friend whom they thought might appreciate the course. This has more than doubled our impact through the correspondence courses.

Well, we have just revised the course again and have now made provision for each new student to give us the names of THREE friends.

Exponentially this could “push us over the edge” in our budget. My thinking? Jesus is coming, so let’s step out by faith, publish the Word, let God work, and trust Him for the need! Amen?

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

10/28
Tomorrow morning Debbie is scheduled to have minor surgery in the doctor’s office to rmove a lump referred to as a lipoma. It is not suspected to be cancerous, but has been growing in recent weeks.

She’s beginning to look like the hunchback of Notre Dame J . Well, she does look a bit hunchbacked, and she is a dame.

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10/29
The baseball-size lipoma on my wife’s back was successfully removed. Thanks for your prayers. You probably couldn’t have walked in the door of the doctor’s office in America for the cost ($92).

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

October 19, 2008

Roy is 18 and has been coming to Ga-Dikgale for several weeks. It would be a real joy to see Roy the boy saved. Pray toward that end. Today, he:
1) Brought a visitor
2) Jumped up immediately to interpret
3) Has been keeping track of the offerings in a notebook on his own in excellent handwriting.

Four other men joined us in the Bible study there, and one (Tinos--35) asked prayer for himself to be saved. It is at his place where we are doing Tuesday Bible studies. This past Tuesday I think there were 7-8 men at the Bible study. In addition to the men today, there were several ladies plus some children.

The attendance was good in Ga-Mothiba despite some recent issues there. Albert's family is in a mess (to say it lightly), and I'm sure he would appreciate your prayers for him as he grows in his walk with the Lord and preparation for ministry. I may have him preach in Ga-Dikgale this coming Sunday. We are busy installing a water line and building a baptistry for the church there.

Tonight in town the Lord gave us seven first time visitors, but several regulars were missing. Had they been there we would have had all the chairs full. A couple visited us, Chris and Sue, whom we met last December. They have been out to our house several times, so the children call them Uncle Chris and Auntie Sue. Finally, they came. Also a lady named Mama came with two of her children. Audry, Michelle, Mikala, Alvin, and Alfred were all absent, but are usually in their places.

The mailbox outreach continues to net precious souls requesting correspondence courses. We sent out over 50 courses this week, many of them being first lessons. We have also received word that several more response cards are on the way from curious students in Botswana. I finally broke down and started to "pay" Dyanna for all her computer work. I think she's making about $2/hour. I told her to be glad she is a girl, if she were a man she could be a preacher and make $1/hour (smile).

As for other news, my birthday welcomed many e-mails, cards, or phone calls. Hard to believe I am entering my sixth decade. Jon had a music test on Friday through UNISA; Derek and Jeremiah have theirs tomorrow. We enjoyed our first rain of the season Friday evening. In town they actually had some hail. The exchange rate is unusually good, as it topped 10 rands to the dollar late this week; however, it is not expected to stay there. It has not been this high for five years.

Thanks for your continued prayers,

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

October 14, 2008

Dear Pastors,

Get your resignation letter written and get over here and enjoy the blessings!

Jon, Juli, and I arrived home last evening after a full five day journey to Zimbabwe and back. In all we ministered to folks from seven villages baptizing 20 or more.

The zeal of the Zim folks amazes me.

Grinwell (38) pastors two smaller churches but walks 5 miles one way to hold services. While there are issues he needs to deal with his dedication to the Lord is apparent. He quit a mining job several years ago and gave up a 7 bedroom house to live in a small four room house that is in dire need of care and repair. This was Jon’s first opportunity to preach in Zimbabwe, and Grinwell gave him two opportunities. On Saturday Jon walked back to Zvishavane with some other young men, a distance of 6-7 miles.

Never (37) walks to Embogeni, Sgoveni, and Wilsgrove. Each are 6 miles from his home. After a longer service where we gathered for the baptisms, we were going back to Mshede Village, but our bakkie was full, so Never and Jon walked the distance. That was Sunday. Do you think Jon got his exercise there?

Reuben (67) walks 8 miles one way to Esigodini on Wednesdays, puts up there, and walks home on Thursdays. He lost a son two years back due to HIV, and his brother just died due to the same. His son called me a couple of weeks ago from a different location here in South Africa and reported that he has the same disease. Life is not easy for Reuben who still plows with a yoke of oxen in a hot climate and suffers from kidney problems. His wife walks quite a distance just to get water in some pretty intense heat.

Prior to my leaving his place, Reuben jotted a brief note to Debbie, and he closed with this request, “Pray for me as I try to plant a new church in Esigodini.” I wonder how many pastors get an e-mail that goes something like this, “Pastor, I won’t be in church tonight because little Johnny has a sniffle, and I have to help my wife wipe his nose. Please pray for us.” I don’t think too many folks know what it is to really sacrifice for the Lord like Reuben. Remember, he has only been saved for four years. When I arrived at his house Sunday afternoon he said, “I want to be born-again.” Now, he wasn’t talking spiritually, it’s just that he wishes he had another life to give to the Lord. He has been teaching on baptism in his house church for the past two Sunday and four adults surrendered to be baptized. He is excited to see what the Lord is doing.

We would have had more folks baptized, but there are some family issues we want to address first, so we are making tentative plans to have our first Bible conference in Zimbabwe in April.

Humbled…again,

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

October 7, 2008

Eighteen months ago we began some Bible studies in Dikgale, specifically at Abram’s house whose wife is Rahab.

Initially she was very resistant to the Word, but over time she began doing some correspondence studies, and of course, has been at all the Sunday services still being held at her house.

This afternoon, Abram came to our afternoon Bible study near his house where 7 men, 2 ladies, 6 children, Albert, Jon, and I met for an outdoor study. Afterwards, Abram said, “My wife got saved and she wants to tell you,” so off we went to her house. Upon entering she told us in Sotho, “I’m not saved, but my sins of adultery, anger, etc., etc., are really bothering me…I want Jesus to save me.”

So Albert proceeded to share some verses and then have her pray. I thought it was interesting what he did too. He had her tell the Lord her sins, so she prayed and did just that naming them one by one. After that he shared some more truth and then led her in a prayer of committing her life to Jesus Christ, so she prayed twice.

The whole time Abram (who is still lost) was serious and quiet as a mouse.

God is at work up there. There have been four adult ladies saved, and as you can see above, several men are showing an interest in the things of God. Pete (70) was so glad to hear of Rahab’s salvation too. He would come to the studies, but it is quite a distance for him to walk. I suppose that each Sunday he walks nearly a mile to come to church. We go over to his house and do some pastoral type studies each Tuesday evening too.

Rejoicing in the Lord,
Brother Wilhite

October 6, 2008

activity of the Ambassadors to africa

Folks,

God gave us a good day yesterday in all three locations with visitors with better than average attendances. Of course, our goal is MEN, and faithful men at that, but these are not always easily found. Aside from my older boys I believe there were about five adult men in each location, though the attendances were around 40, 40, and 25

On Saturday we went to Turfloop and tried to visit some men from our Wednesday evening Bible study there with university students. We had stopped for a couple of weeks, but it seems there is still interest there. In fact, a new male correspondence student from that area has contacted us and wants a Bible study too, so we’re trying to round him up for this week’s study.

If you would, please pray the next couple of days for Johannes. I visited him on Saturday, and was he ever full of questions. I suppose we sat there for two hours answering his questions from the Bible. It is at his house where we have the Wednesday studies. He is not a university student, but is in his mid-late 20’s. Pray that Lord would soundly convert him. He could be a really good prospect for ministry material I think (we’ll know in 5-7 years­seriously smiling).

Last Tuesday evening we went back up to Dikgale and had an outdoors Bible study with 9 men/3 ladies. After that we went to Pete Matete’s house (70) to begin a series on Why We Do What We Do (Baptist Polity). I took Albert, Jon, and two other guys from town­one of whom is not saved, one of whom has made a profession.

Lord willing, Thursday Julianna and Jonathan will accompany me to Zvishavane, Zimbabwe, where we are slated to hold a Th-Sun a.m. meeting. Jon has been asked to preach to the young people there, so keep him in prayer as this will be his first opportunity to preach in that country, and I think the Lord might be pulling his heart there in the future. Sunday afternoon we will be heading over to Esigodini where I believe there are some baptisms scheduled. We can only stay there through Monday noon, since we have to get back here.

Please pray that Caleb and Ethan would hurry up and grow, so they can come over here and help Grandpa preach.

Brother Wilhite

October 5, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
FouR yeaRs ago we Received our absentee ballots a day or two befoRe the geneRal elections; well, two of the fouR eligible voteRs did. My wife and a daughteR aRe still waiting for theiRs (smile).

Today we Received ouR ballots in the post. I have completed mine, sealed it in the envelope and plan to post it tomoRRow to speed its way back to PA. I ceRtainly hope you will fulfill youR God-given Responsibility to do whateveR it takes to vote. While we love South Africa, we still love our homeland and plan to do what we can, wheRe we aRe, with what we have. God help you if you don’t get out and vote. It Really didn’t take much to go online, apply foR ouR absentee ballots, get them, fill in one little oval (smile) and send it back.

I’m not going to tell you how to vote; I just want to know, “R you going to get out theRe and go to the polls? R you going to fulfill your civic Responsibility? R you going to vote?” Just RemembeR, the way you vote has a diRect beaRing on youR missionaRies. Voting the wRong way; voting contRaRy to Biblical pRinciples ought to gRieve youR heaRt; it pRobably does God’s.

PRaying foR the Right folks to win!
BRotheR Wilhite

October 2, 2008

Thank you for praying for our newest little grandchild, now named Ethan Chambers Spangenberg. As we understand it, all antibiotics have been removed. He is on 40% oxygen, down from 70%, but is still on some pain medications. An IV is feeding him through his navel.

Your continued prayers are appreciated,

Brother, Dad, Grandpa, Hubby, Father-in-law Wilhite

October 1, 2008

Friends, Family, and Fellow-laborers,

Last week Wednesday, our oldest daughter, Johanna, along with her husband and 16 month old son land on terra firma back in the U.S. after being here nine weeks.

Little did they know that a few days later, Monday to be exact, Johanna would deliver another little boy, 10 weeks prematurely!

The little guy so surprised every one that he has not been given a name, but the Lord knows who you’re praying for. Anyway, the little guy was 2 lbs 14 oz, and a bit over 15 inches long. He is in the NIC unit in perhaps the best hospital near our home church, so he is receiving the best of care. Of course, there are issues, especially with his lungs. While the doctors are optimistic about his future, there is the likelihood that he will be in the hospital up to two months.

Any prayers you send heavenward are gladly appreciated on this side.

Grandpa and Grandma Wilhite

September 23, 2008

Debbie and I had our interview with the office of immigration this morning.

Promptness, organized paperwork, Sunday dress, and a South African lapel pin all helped to impress the official we think. The officer was a little shocked about homeschooling and the fact that we don’t have a TV, but she went around the office afterward showing some of her peers and what appeared to be her boss the file we had amassed and assembled decently and in order.

Of course, it is not in her hands to make a decision; she sends it on to Pretoria for their stamp of approval.

There is one glitch we must pray through. Two to three months ago they gave us a medical form to complete which we did. Recently they received an application BACK from Pretoria rejecting the same medical form. A phone call to Pretoria did not go through, so we don’t know why they in essence said, “Fill out this form that we are going to reject,” but hey, TIA!

Now we sit and pray and wait and pray and work and pray and wait and pray and sit and pray and…

Thanks for holding the ropes for us,

Brother Wilhite

September 3, 2008
Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

We have not gotten a positive or negative response from the University regarding a venue for a creation/evolution expose', but tonight at our Bible study out there, we had 10 adults, not counting Derek and yours truly. Jamhal, Desmond, Sambo, Sello, Amanda, Emily, Maumee, Rejoice, Aunt Johanna and her sister. The folks were busy following along in their Bibles. Jamhal had spent some time in Philadelphia, so hearing his American accent sure was interesting.

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough study sheets OR Bibles. They rounded up a hodge-podge of various ones which made teaching quite interesting.

Meanwhile, back in Mothiba, my wife was teaching Samuel's wife and Gloria (remember the sick one?) in English, while Albert and Jon taught five teenage boys in Sotho. Julianna was here holding down the fort.

BTW, over 5000 postal box offers went out in the mail yesterday.

Also, I think I have everything in order to submit our application for permanent residency. Keep this in your prayers. We needed an important document, and today the envelope arrived, but it was opened. I was sure glad that the contents were still on the inside.

Thanks for your prayers,

Brother Wilhite

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
August 25, 2008

I just returned from the University of Limpopo where we issued a written request for a venue in which to show a special power point presentation.

My son-in-law, Jared Spangenberg, has designed a one-hour lecture with approximately 200 pictures/charts refuting even the remotest possibility of evolution. Earlier this year he showed it on the campus where his own brother attends in Penna.

Upon reading our request and having his questions answered the man in charge said, "I think you will have a very good response to this." As is typical in Africa, he had to get authorization from his superior. Honestly, I don't have much faith, but I do try to walk through what I believe to be open doors.

I'm sure your plate is full of prayer needs, but as you think of us, could you please usher this to the throne of grace? There are 5000 students on this campus, the same campus where we had two dozen students enroll in our correspondence school on Saturday. In seven years we have never been able to make much of a dent among the university population, but perhaps the time is now.

While there two men in two different locations saw the magnetic sticker on my bakkie and asked how they could be part of a Bible study.

BTW, we had six more cards in the post requesting a cor. course. Last week alone we had around 45 requests for a course. God is stirring some hearts here obviously due to your intercessory involvement.

Oh, yes, Grinwell Mugoni from Zimbabwe called this morning. He is also in need of more courses for the people in his area. This is an entirely different area from where I usually go in Zim. He also requested that we come preach for him 2-3 days. Anybody over there got some extra time they can lend us (smile)?

Brother Wilhite

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
August 20, 2008

Thank you for your prayers. The Derek, Jared and Jon put out tracts on ten busses that came through town last night. A real blessing is that they came back with ten response cards too. Nine of the busses had 69 passengers each; one was about half that size.

Jon reports that he got on one bus and found a lady who said, "You don't care about us Zimbabweans; you just hand us this stuff and leave; you don't have a church up in Zim, etc. etc."

Thankfully Jon could reply, "Lady, I've been to Zim ten times--Masvingo three times, Bulawayo seven to eight times, Esigodini several times. I personally know Reuben Moyo and Never Mlilo. I helped bury a preacher in Bulawayo and threw dirt on his grave. We have two churches up there and..."

A few minutes later, from 100 feet away, the lady stuck her hand out the bus window hollaring for Jon to come over and get a correspondence response card on which was her address requesting a Bible study.

Doesn't that just stir your heart? It does mine. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

August 16, 2008

Despite the economic tailspin, the situation in Zimbabwe is currently at an impasse. The sides were talking, and now the opposition is "reflection/consideration" mode.

Due to that I really sensed that the Lord was leading me to go and make a quick visit of the brethren, take up some supplies, and see for myself what was happening.

So, Wednesday a.m. we awoke and left with Jared by 2:30 a.m. Our bakkie was full of Bibles, J/R's, and food for the hungry believers.

Arriving at Mchete Village at 10:30 we found Deliwe (Never's wife) walking along the road who told us where we could find her husband, Reuben and Agatha (Reuben's wife). Very bumpy roads having been washed out by earlier rains and years of neglect led us to Reuben in one village and Never in another. Actually Never was in a village where I have never been ministering to a man who walks 2-3 hours one way to get to the church in Sgoveni.

We finally left the villages around 3:30 p.m. and arrived back at the Zim border at 6:30 p.m. Getting out of Zimbabwe was a snap; getting into South Africa was not. The line was long, in fact, five hours long. Yes, five hours! When we finally departed the immigration office, we noticed that the line had probably doubled and widened. It seems that NO ONE wants to stay in Zimbabwe.

We cleared the border at midnight arriving back home at 2:30 a.m.--exactly 24 hours from our departure.

I would ask you to pray for Never. The place where the church in Sgoveni is meeting is temporary; they have been given land; and they are really going to have to trust the Lord for a building. Pray that they will learn to pray. Beg God that they will learn to beg God, not man. Distressful times often reveal who a man's god really is. Never really needs to grow in this area; it is difficult for both of us, and the parting of the ways is never easy.

Brother Wilhite

South Africa

August 8, 2008

Every morning Albert puts a sandwich sign board out in front of the pre-school where we meet for Sunday services here in town.

A few days ago Temba saw the sign, talked with Albert, called me, and we met yesterday. He had come from an area past Tzaneen (1+ hr distance) to meet us...and...to take care of details regarding his own mother's funeral. We talked, gave him some gospel booklets, prayed and parted offering to help preach the funeral tomorrow if needed.

This evening Temba called. "Moruti, we had to postpone the funeral...can you come and preach for us next Saturday?...also, I passed out those booklets and several people are interested in doing the correspondence courses..." Now that's a BLESSING!

But here's a BIGGER BLESSING. Brother George Hammett (home on furlough) left behind a good man named David. David lives in Tzaneen. Well, not really Tzaneen, actually a little past Tzaneen in a place called Nkowankowa, the EXACT village where the funeral is to be held. Now, I've never been to Nkowankowa, and believe me, if you don't know where you're going in these townships you can look around all day for a specific location.

Now, here's an EVEN BIGGER BLESSING, David speaks the local language down there and is more than willing to interpret for me. He even said he would make contact with Temba and go find the house this next week.

But an EVEN BIGGER THAN BIG BLESSING would be if David can set up to do some studies with these who are interested.

God can do so much with a simple sandwich sign.

Brother Wilhite

 

August 5, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Perhaps five years ago I was driving through Zvishavane, Zimbabwe, and a man flagged me down. "Are you the one giving out these booklets?" he asked. Replying in the affirmative he proceeded to tell me that his brother had received a booklet some months before, and since then he had wanted to meet me. His name? Grinwell Mugoni.

Grinwell does just that; he "grins well," and since that time we have kept in contact, preached for him, and supplied him with gospel literature. He was schooled in a Baptist school in Zim which is affiliated with the
Southern Baptists in the states, if I am not mistaken. While he has some differences still he is a good man and is seeking to serve the Lord in the midst of the mess in a land where it would be difficult for us to serve.

The picture is his wife. She is a school teacher who walks six miles one way to teach each day. On Sundays Grinwell and the family preach in Zvishavane and then walk nearly five miles one way to hold services in another village.

As you know, food is scarce where they live, so when Grinwell called me a couple of weeks ago to see if I could sponsor him into South Africa, I responded this way, "No, I can't sponsor you in, but if your wife (who holds a legitimate passport) can get to Messina I will load her down and send her back."

Last night, Mrs. Mugoni walked six miles home, found transport, was stuck at the border for seven hours, but managed to arrive here in Polokwane a little past 9 o'clock this morning. As promised we loaded her down with NT's, gospel tracts, 200 correspondence courses, 25 What Standard DVD's, and food for her family and for some church families. We then took her to the bus stop where the Zim bus had yet to leave. With your prayers she should arrive back in time to walk six miles back to school Monday morning.

I told her to tell the believers in Zim, "Christians in America make this possible."

Thanks for making this possible,

Brother Wilhite

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
July 27, 2008

Albert works in town as the caretaker for Audri's pre-school. He has fixed up a room out back of the school and playground and stays there during the week to provide additional security to the place.

This morning, as usual, he left and caught public transport to the village for church, had a meal with his family, and then rode public transport back into town for our late afternoon service in town. When he arrived he found that during broad daylight, someone had broken the door lock forcing their way into his room. Having just been paid on Friday they rooted around until they found his monthly income, bank card, and I.D. booklet with which they absconded.

The money can be replaced, but it will take some time to get a new bank card and I.D. booklet. Some would say, "See, if you serve God and go to church people will rob you blind in Africa." My answer? "Had he stayed home from church they probably would have killed him and then robbed him."

I asked him what he learned through this. He replied, "I need to preach more now than ever. People are really lost; they really need Christ."

Oh, did I mention, my grandson Caleb (14 mo) flew in from the states this past Wednesday giving me the first chance to see him in person. He dragged his daddy and mommy along too. We get to enjoy him and put up with them for the next 8 weeks (smile). Tonight in church I introduced Jared as the second best man in the world, the best man being my other son-in-law.

Would you pray for Alvin (14) this week. Jonathan finished a Bible study with him a couple of weeks ago, and it seems like the Lord is dealing with him. It would be great to see the Lord save him in answer to your prayers this week.

I have been praying for God to give me a Muslim man, and the door may be opening. I visited a couple yesterday in town who in turn introduced me to their daughter's boyfriend. I didn't catch his name, but they said, "It's a Muslim name." So maybe this is the fellow.

As for the funeral on Thursday, it was cold and raining, but I did get a chance to preach to about 50 adults at the graveside. Herman, the father sporting dreadlocks, came to church this morning and stayed around asking questions.

Rejoice is now back at her house regularly, her job having ended. We are praying this week about starting a group Bible study at her house in Unit G.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

July 21: Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

A seven-month-old child died this morning around 5 a.m. The mother attended our services there, so I have been asked to preach at the funeral this coming Thursday a.m.

The evening prior to the funeral I will be going to the airport in Johannesburg and arriving back around 1 a.m. Then we will have to rise and shine to leave for the funeral around 6 a.m.

Funerals are wonderful opportunities to preach the good news in the midst of bad news. Your prayers this week are greatly anticipated and appreciated.
_________________________________________________________________

Moron Moruti...means "stupid teacher!" and that's what I am.

In Ga-Dikgale this morning Piet Matete (70) preached. He was the former witchdoctor who was saved 14 years ago. Of course, I could not understand his message, but he quoted more verses with their references than we American preachers do, so I knew the Word was getting out...but I didn't realize how much it was getting in.

After he sat down his wife stood up, lifted her hands a bit and started singing a song. I thought, "Oh no, now we've got a charismatic issue to deal with!" Others joined in the singing and as soon as it was finished I stood up, gently pushed her arm down, and began to pray. Little did I know what I was saying when I pushed her arm down.

After I finished praying, Ruth just insisted on saying something, and she went on for about five minutes. I found out later that her husband had been preaching, "Moruti and I lead you to the river every Sunday, but you never take a drink." Well, this morning, his wife, Ruth, decided she was thirsty and she took a drink from the River of Life. In her testimony, she said she had gone to several churches but was never saved, that her sin bothered her, and that this morning she decided in her heart to personally accept Jesus Christ as her own Savior, and here I am shoving her arm down and saying, "Shut up, woman, I don't want to hear how you just got saved!"

I am an idiot...and I don't need any e-mail replies supporting that statement (smile).

___________________________________________________________________________________

While I was in Ga-Dikgale this morning, Albert was in Ga-Mothiba leading the service as usual.

After the service there, we had another "first." Albert led a church meeting dealing with several matters.
I had hoped to get back and deal with the last issue on the agenda, but my plans gave way to God's.

The last issue concerned giving Albert some of the church offerings. We have never done this before and we were recommending R150/month, but the church voted to give him R200/month. One man even wanted to give him R300. I was pleased that they wanted to do more than we had even planned. That just blessed my heart. A liveable wage is much more than this, but at least it is a start, and I believe the church will be blessed as a result.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

July 18, 2008

Some of you have asked about the recent letter I sent out from John Winter, so here are some answers to your questions.

1) I do not personally know him. The letter was sent to me from a trustworthy source here in SA. If it is bogus, please accept my sincerest apologies. There was enough truth in that letter that causes me to believe it is full of facts. We run into Zim folks here all the time. They come for supplies and turn around and go back. Why? It's home to them. Why are you where you are?

2) Yes, it can get down to 0 degrees C in Zimbabwe. I was there back in January during the rainy season when it's supposed to be hot, and we were chilled to the bone. Rainy summers here can mean cold winters. Last week it was nearly down to 0 here and we live in one of the best climates of the world.

3) What can you do? If you're on praying ground then pray. I have been asking the Lord for months, "What can I do?" Forwarding the letter, I believe, was the Lord's direct answer to my prayer. For my family's sake, I cannot go at this time to Zim. Last week Never finally got through to me, and I told him I would like to come up in August to which he replied, "If you do, we will have to meet in town as it's too dangerous here in the rural areas."

Bro Wilhite

July 17, 2008

Letter from Zimbabwe sent in by John Winter

Beyond tragic.

I reckon that these are the last days of TKM and ZPF. The darkest hour is always before dawn.

We are all terrified at what they are going to destroy next........I mean they are actually ploughing down brick and mortar houses and one white family with twin boys of 10 had no chance of salvaging anything when100 riot police came in with AK47's and bulldozers and demolished their beautiful house - 5 bedrooms and pine ceilings - because it was 'too close to the airport', so we are feeling extremely insecure right now.

You know - I am aware that this does not help you sleep at night, but if you do not know - how can you help? Even if you put us in your own mental ring of light and send your guardian angels to be with us - that is a help - but I feel so cut off from you all knowing I cannot tell you what's going on here simply because you will feel uncomfortable. There is no ways we can leave here so that is not an option.

I ask that you all pray for us in the way that you know how, and let me know that you are thinking of us and sending out positive vibes... that's all. You can't just be in denial and pretend/believe it's not going on.

To be frank with you, it's genocide in the making and if you do not believe me, read the Genocide Report by Amnesty International which says we are - IN level 7 - (level 8 is after it's happened and everyone is in denial).

If you don't want me to tell you these things-how bad it is-then it means you have not dealt with your own fear, but it does not help me to think you are turning your back on our situation. We need you, please, to get the news OUT that we are all in a fearfully dangerous situation here. Too many people turn their backs and say - oh well, that's what happens in Africa .

This Government has GONE MAD and you need to help us publicize our plight---or how can we be rescued? It's a reality! The petrol queues are a reality, the pall of smoke all around our city is a reality, the thousands of homeless people sleeping outside in 0 Celsius with no food, water, shelter and bedding are a reality. Today a family approached me, brother of the gardener's wife with two small children. Their home was trashed and they will have to sleep outside. We already support 8 adult people and a child on this property, and electricity is going up next month by 250% as is water.

How can I take on another family of 4 -----and yet how can I turn them away to sleep out in the open?

I am not asking you for money or a ticket out of here - I am asking you to FACE the fact that we are in deep and terrible danger and want you please to pass on our news and pictures. So PLEASE don't just press the delete button! Help best in the way that you know how.

Do face the reality of what is going on here and help us SEND OUT THE WORD. The more people who know about it, the more chance we have of the United Nations coming to our aid. Please don't ignore or deny what's happening. Some would like to be protected from the truth BUT then, if we are eliminated, how would you feel? 'If only we knew how bad it really was we could have helped in some way'.

[I know we chose to stay here and that some feel we deserve what's coming to us]

For now,--- we ourselves have food, shelter, a little fuel and a bit of money for the next meal - but what is going to happen next? Will they start on our houses? All property is going to belong to the State now. I want to send out my Title Deeds to one of you because if they get a hold of those, I can't fight for my rights.

Censorship!----We no longer have SW radio [which told us everything that was happening] because the Government jammed it out of existence - we don't have any reporters, and no one is allowed to photograph. If we had reporters here, they would have an absolute field day. Even the pro-Government Herald has written that people are shocked, stunned, bewildered and blown mindless by the wanton destruction of many folks homes, which are supposed to be 'illegal' but for which a huge percentage actually do have licenses.

Please! - do have some compassion and HELP by sending out the articles and personal reports so that something can/may be done.

'I am one. I cannot do everything, ---but I can do something.. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.'

Edward Everett Hale

July 14, 2008

Last Sunday we invited Alfred to come to our place for Friday supper.

Friday evening Alfred came along with three friends--Tagalane, France, and Lillian (2 men, 1 women).

France was very outgoing and friendly, but when I enquired about his job, he was a little evasive and simply told me he worked in Bendor (a Pietersburg suburb). I figured he must be a policeman or detective of sorts, so I didn't press the issue.

Tonight at church I asked Alfred what France did for work to which he replied, "He's a DJ for a new radio station in town that covers the entire province and even reaches up into the border of Zimbabwe."

Wow! According to Alfred the station is owned or managed by a Zimbabwean and produces many programs in English. I am excited about the possibilities here, but I really need your prayers in this endeavor. Maybe the door to Zimbabwe is NOT closed, and maybe getting on the radio will give us a great opportunity to exalt the Lord, evangelize sinners, edify believers, encourage preachers, expose false teachers, and explain truth.

BTW, for my mom and other blondes, DJ 4 JD = Disc Jockey for Jerry Dean (smile),

Jerry Dean Wilhite
South Africa

July 6, 2008
Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Four weeks ago I wrote to tell you about a "puncture" (nail) on our way to church. That tire ended up costing me two new tires due to the odd size of the one that went flat, but it nearly cost me more, much more than two tires. Read on...

This morning on the way out of the drive I heard an odd sound, sort of like another flat tire, but not quite. In 35 years of driving I have never heard a sound quite like it. A personal investigation yielded nothing, and Jon's inspection while I drove down the road resulted in a "thumbs up" response too.

"We'd better go back and take the bakkie," I said. Now on a cold and windy day, taking the bakkie to church was not the idea of "fun" for the boys who would have to ride in the back.

We backed up the road, turned into our long drive way, parked the van, and looked under it again. Nothing.

Then Kevin (he is a recovering ??? having compounded his past problems with a motorcycle accident in '06 going 180 mph) said, "Uncle Jerry, look at these lug nuts, there loose" and were they ever! It is amazing the wheel didn't fall off, especially this past Friday when we were sailing home from a July 4 outing traveling at highway speed (70 mph). I suppose that after four weeks on some pretty rough roads that even one partially loose lug nut could have eventually loosened all six. The only other possibility is sabotage.

How grateful I am that the faulty tire was discovered. I don't even want to imagine the possibilities of a front wheel coming off on the driver's side with oncoming busses and trucks.

That was about 3:30 A.M. EDT. Perhaps you were pacing the floor unable to sleep and for some reason thought of us and prayed for us. A hearty thanks goes out to a nameless intercessor who probably spared my family from potential tragedy.

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

June 27, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Folks, take a seat and put down your cup of coffee so you don't spill it. I know I've said it before, but this time you're going to think I'm concocting a story. Read it slowly because the following story is either ODD or GOD.

Tonight during prayer request time in the village, David asked prayer for a 21 year old man who is staying in the village for the next two months who is from France. A lady in the village knew David was used to being around white people so she told David about him. David went, met the man, and invited him to church this Sunday. The fellow said he wanted to experience an African church, so promised to come.

Did you get that? A 21 year old man from France in Mothiba village, one of 1000 villages in the Limpopo Province.

Now, it JUST SO HAPPENS that Rhonda Montgomery from Pittsburg is visiting us and was with us tonight in the village. And it JUST SO HAPPENS that she speaks some French having served the Lord in Canada and having attended a French speaking church there. And it JUST SO HAPPENS that she brought her French Bible with her to Africa and had it with her in church tonight.

Did you get that? A 21 year old gal from America in Mothiba village with a French Bible tonight in the service.

So, she loaned David her Bible who plans to go see the guy tomorrow and ask him if he can read it!! Can you imagine the look on that guy's face when he sees a Bible in his own French language...here...in Africa...in one of a 1000 villages?????

Now, is that ODD? or GOD?

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

June 24, 2008

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Grace from Malawi is residing in Johannesburg. Somehow via the internet she e-mailed Bill, a member of a supporting church of ours in Pittsburg (Mark Montgomery, pastor).

From Grace to Bill to Pastor Montgomery to his daughter (the one who JUST HAPPENS to be here) to me we were able to contact Grace telephonically and chat with her. Are you ready for the scoop? Can I try to word her testimony for you? In brief...

 "I am from Malawi...and recently got serious with God. He has been convicting me about my status here in South Africa...I have a passport but it says I'm out of the country when I'm not...I want to make this right...I feel like those four lepers in Kings who said, 'If we stay here we die; if we go out to the Syrians we die; but let's not just sit here'...I've been to the Malawi embassy, but they tell me I need to go to the office of Home Affairs...so, I'm going to go...and if they let me stay, fine, and if they send me home, fine...but I've got to make this right."

She is gainfully employed and was NOT asking for money or a bus ticket or sponsorship into the country.
For awhile I thought I was in dream land. Now I ask you, "Is Christ the answer for illegal aliens or not?!?" This is a rare response indeed and made my day.

Would you pray for her? She is 21 and both of her parents are deceased. If she goes back to Malawi she goes back to nothing.

Just had to share this blessing. I am not in the picture at all, but I sure got a big, beautiful blessing from this. Thanks for helping put us here on the field to enjoy the goodness of God.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

June 15, 2008

5500 more fliers were sent through the post to post boxes this past Friday.

Forty eight folks jammed into the room in Ga-Dikgale this morning. Somehow, Rejoice got a contract for sewing, so some ladies came to see her at church about a job. She in turn said, "First, church; then talk," so about 10-12 ladies joined us in the room for a gospel message. We were a bit disappointed that only two men were there, but praise the Lord for those who were.

The longer weekend affected attendance in town and Mothiba, but we plod.

Tomorrow is a holiday here in South Africa called "Youth Day" which commemorates some youth who were slain in Soweto (SouthWestTownship) under the apartheid era. We are seeking to have a joint meeting of youth from Ga-Dikgale and Ga-Mothiba running from 10 AM - 5 PM. Three young men are slated to preach (David--Purity of Joseph; Albert--Purpose of Daniel; Jonathan--Pattern of Timothy). The ladies will then provide a meal, followed by soccer for the young men and volleyball for the young ladies. Your prayers are appreciated and essential.

Tuesday through Friday we plan to go camping in the Kruger National Park. It is a bit cold, but the children have been anticipating it since we went last year. I can probably be reached on my cell phone if necessary. From the states the number would be 011-27-766-122-806.

June 13, 2008-- Prayer Request

I just got off the phone with my wife in Maryland. Dyanna (19) has been having increasing pain since her arrival over in the states 10 days ago, but it has gotten more intense the last couple of days. She has the symptoms of either a urinary track infection or kidney stones making her very uncomfortable.

Jared and Johanna are there too, and as the Lord would have it, Jared's aunt in North Carolina is a doctor who was able to phone in a prescription for Dy to take if it is a urinary track infection. As you probably know, it will take 24 hours to notice any effect from the drug, so we would appreciate your prayers throughout the evening and tomorrow morning.

The potential for personally seeing a doctor is also a possibility, so the right one at the right time in the right place is essential. Being up against the weekend poses some difficulty from a human standpoint, but not from a divine perspective. God is able.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated,

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

June 8- Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Afrikaans, Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, Nyanja, Shona, English -- all represented in our service tonight in town. Can you believe it? Praise the Lord for the common ground of English, and that I at least try to speak it.

Four new visitors which included Gershwin and Rose, folks we met back in mid-March. Praise the Lord they came after their promise three months ago. They are in their 50's with grown children in the area who are married. If you think about it, pray for them this week.
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Except for Derek, I dropped the family at Ga-Mothiba, picked up Danny, and headed to Ga-Dikgale for church. About five miles up the road, shortly after collecting Joyce I hit something resulting in a puncture in a rear tire.

"Where's your jack?"

"Danny, I loaned it to Samuel a couple of weeks ago."

"Okay, let me stop this guy and see if he has one" as he flagged down an oncoming car with darkened windows.

After the "unknown" driver rolled down his window, Danny and this guy suddenly recognized each other. They have seen each other several times in town, and since the guy was in a hurry, and since he knew Danny, he loaned us his jack and took off after he said we could bring back the jack tomorrow.

Now folks that kind of thing may happen in rural Iowa, but that just doesn't happen in Africa without divine intervention. Why did we have a flat on THAT road at THAT time just before THAT guy passed by who KNEW my interpreter? For those of you who don't believe in God, call it "luck." For those of us who do believe in the Lord, we will call it God's way of taking care of His own. Amen?

Add to that the fact, that I have been praying for God to give us an Indian man here who could reach some more Indians...and this guy...the unknown driver...who knew my interpreter...from previous meetings in town...just happens to be...an Indian. Perhaps this guy is the guy.

Brother Wilhite

June 1, 2008- Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Now, unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think..."

God far exceeded my expectations with the DVD distribution at Savannah Mall this morning. In five hours Juli and Jon helped distribute and untold number of tracts AND 2500 of the What Standard? DVDs. That's 500 per hour, and probably only 1/10 folks took something. There's a pile of folks that go through that mall on a Saturday. Of course, it was the last Saturday of the month, so more folks were there due to having been paid recently.

Jon told of a man who walked past, took the material, then CAME back for another DVD. He JUST SO HAPPENED to be here from Germany, and was on his way to the travel agent down the corridor. When the travel agent saw the material she immediately recognized it as from us. Why? Because it was the very same travel agent who helped Juli get her recent ticket. He then came back to get HER the DVD and gospel tract too.

Furthermore, we saw many folks we have come to know over the years, and we were able to personally give the Good Person Test to some folks individually.

One man called me a month ago to inquire about the service in town, as he had seen our ad in the paper. Today HE was at the mall, and we were able to talk with him, get his phone number and address, and receive an invitation to visit him at his house.

The Spur Restaurant was sponsoring a 5 km and 10 km race, so many more folks were at the mall due to this. An older lady came up to the table with her granddaughter, both of whom had run in the race. Grandma told me, "I was saved back in 1964, but my children..." As a result she gave me the address of one of her four sons whom I would like to go see this next week.

Overwhelmed and thankful for your prayers,

Brother Wilhite
South Africa


May 29, 2008- Grandparents Again!

Last evening our time my wife's hair got a little thinner, her stoop a little more defined, and her hearing a bit worse as she became a grandmother for the second time...

Madelyn Rennay Davies was born to our son-in-law and daughter, Aron and Deanna, south of the Mason/Dixon line making her a Southern Belle. The specs are 19 1/2 inches long, 6lb 14oz, and dark hair as you can see.

She was born around 11:30 A.M. EDT, one day before her due date. One year ago our first grandbaby was born May 27, this one May 28. "Let all things be done decently and in order," Amen?

Thanks for your faithful prayer and concern,

Roholo (Grandpa) Wilhite
South Africa

P.S. Some of you know my penchant for chocolate, but did you know that the word for "grandma" over here is "koko"?


Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
May 26, 2008

Last evening, Albert's sister, Sarah (37) received Christ as her personal Savior. This morning she said, "Moruti, I am free!" The other saved family members are thrilled as are we. Sometimes it takes awhile for folks to really, truly see their need and be willing to turn from their idols to serve the living and true God.

Albert preached in Ga-Dikgale where 25 Sotho folks gathered. Maria (16) still wants to be baptized, and hopefully Albert's sister will too. Joyce's baptism would make another.

This morning, David preached in Ga-Mothiba where 27 Sotho folks attended, and afterwards Ditiro and Khutso stayed to talk with him. Two hours later David called to say that both 15-year-old boys made professions. Khutso seemed the most stirred. He is the son of Michael Mothiba, the tribal authority secretary. Michael's uncle is the king of the village. Is God doing something here?

Tonight we had a pretty good group in town with another visitor. I think there were 10 plus our family. Michelle asked for 50 "What Standard" DVD's--10 for her family, 40 for her co-workers.

On Tuesday Rhonda Montgomery will be flying in to spend the next six weeks with us. Her father, Mark Montgomery, pastors one of our supporting churches, which church was among the first to begin supporting us as early as October 2000. We really appreciate these folks as they have a good family and have been some of the most sacrificial supporters we have. Rhonda will be a real asset I'm sure.

As do most missionaries, I've thrown out alot of names. Just print this off and spread it out before the Lord as did Hezekiah asking God to do something.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
May 23, 2008

Perhaps you have read of the attacks of South Africans upon Zimbabweans and others. It started on May 11 in Jo-burg, and has spread to our area.

On Tuesday I picked up Mary and her husband, Jerry, from town and took them to their "house" in the midst of a squatter settlement in what is called Greenside, just outside Pietersburg. They are Zimbabweans and have visited our service in town twice, so we set up to do a Bible study with them.

That very day, Jerry, received word from Zimbabwe that his 109-year-old grandmother had died, so he was going to head back to Zimbabwe the next morning. She was under conviction from having chosen and read one of our tracts entitled, "Are You a Good Person?" Due to these two situations, I dealt hard and fast with them, challenging them about the possibility of impending death.

After leaving, they had a "knock-down, drag-out" fight. She wanted to believe the Bible; he wanted to believe his mother, a witchdoctor.

Wednesday morning, he caught a ride out of town bound for Zimbabwe and the funeral. Wednesday the fighting near his house began. When he arrived at the border he called Mary, and she told him of the violence. She was at work, so she wasn't affected, but he was very shaken. He could have died.

Yesterday we went into the squatter camp and gathered some of her clothes taking her to a place of safety for a time.

Droves are fleeing South Africa, 1000's back to Zimbabwe. Jerry was at the border for at least six hours due to the long lines. They aren't safe here; they aren't safe there.

They covet your prayers,

Brother Wilhite

May 13, 2008 Update

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

A missionary once told me, "It's good to have a few works going, so that you are encouraged by at least one of them." Good advice, and we were encouraged by the service in Dikgale Sunday a.m.

Over a week ago I gave Captain (19) the notes for the lesson I was going to teach, so he would have some idea of what to interpret. When he got in the van this Sunday to accompany me he said, "I studied these notes, so I can preach if you want." Rats! Africans taking over my job again! I may have to go on unemployment.

When we got to the meeting place, the 12'x12' room was full. I don't know how 8 eight other adults came and fit in. Not counting Captain, Derek, and me there were 42 others (22 adults, 20 children). We are praising the Lord to have six adult men in that count.

After the service, Maria (mid-teens?) approached me asking for baptism. She says that she accepted Christ around a month ago during one of the services. Since then she has been a "house afire" bringing friends and submitting at least a dozen requests for Bible studies for her friends.

Upon getting back to Mothiba, we had to have a church meeting and remove three names from our role, one (lady) due to inattendance and two (men) due to immorality...again. One of these men we dealt with in February, but he could not maintain the stipulations the church put upon him, and in fact, went deeper into sin. Sad.

The other man is a man I worked with for nearly two years in ministry training, and who accompanied me to Zimbabwe and Botswana on several occasions. He began to spiral down when he took a job that kept him out of church affecting his walk with the Lord. He has since impregnated a lost girl and covered his sin for six months. Again, his profession dates back almost six years. Sad, sad, sad. I hope he will repent.

Sickness depleted our ranks in town on Sunday evening, but we did have a new couple visit. I suspect they walked two miles to get to the service.

Delivered to our house this past week were 5000 DVDs entitled "What Standard?" This was produced by our home church, but we were able to have it replicated here in PAL format which includes our ministry details on the cardboard sleeve and on the trailer at the end of the presentation. We are slated to have a display table in one of the malls here the end of this month, and hope to have another table in another mall in June to distribute these DVDs free of charge. A banner and shirts are being printed with lettering which reads "Are You a Good Person? Take the Test." Your gifts and prayers make these efforts possible. BTW, the cost of producing these came to slightly over $1/DVD, money which we already have in hand, thanks to you!

Bro Wilhite

May 9 Update

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Over two years ago, we were celebrating Drew's birthday at McDonald's. After bowing our heads in prayer, a lady looked over and asked if we were Christians. Since then, we have gotten to know this religious, but lost, couple.

This couple moved down from Bulawayo and the man, Jan (Yawn), owns a trucking firm. On a couple of occasions he has taken boxes of literature for me to Zimbabwe, but the last time I asked about it, he wasn't going to the Bulawayo side. Last night, though, I called him and enquired about where his trucks were going, IF they were even going.

He replied that they were going to Zim, that it was to the Bulawayo side, and that he would be happy to take some boxes up for me. Just now we returned from dropping the shipment at his house.

We did our job (getting the literature to Jan),
On Monday Jan will do his job (get the literature on the truck),
So that the driver can do his job (take the boxes to Bulawayo),
So that Never Mlilo can do his job (get the literature out in Zim),
So God can do His job (convict and convert),
So please do your job (pray that this shipment will indeed go through).

Thanks a bunch,

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

May 8, 2008 Update

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

In December I was asked to preach a funeral for a man I did not know.

Since January, Albert and I have been doing studies at the house with the man's widow (actually, I do not think they were married legally), and his nephew, Brian (24).

Both Brian and Joyce have listened attentively and have accompanied us to the studies in Dikgale for the past few months since they live right on the way to these Sunday morning studies. Brian comes from a 7th Day Adventist background, so he has seen himself as a successful law keeper and not in need of salvation.

Two-three weeks ago Joyce told my wife, though, that she wanted to be saved, but that she had a "boyfriend" (Brian) who needed to move out. Ten days ago, when we went for the studies, Brian had moved out. As we went through our study that night it seemed apparent that Joyce was ready to receive Christ...and she did.

This past Sunday in Dikgale Danny was fielding some prayer requests, and I thought about mentioning prayer for Joyce (whom I now call "Rejoice," since she has been "re-born," Amen?), but instead her hand shot up and she said something in Sotho (SUtu) which I could little understand. Later Danny told me that she said, "I was saved this last Tuesday night, and I'm asking prayer for you to pray for me to be strong in the Lord and faithful to church."

Now, if the story stopped there it would be good, but who likes just a "good" story? How about a "great" story? She has avidly read her Bible in the last week (1John, Gospel of John, Ephesians). She has hit it off with Albert's lost sister, Sarah, who also attends the studies in Dikgale, and has really opened up to her. Then today she came to our house, and here's some icing on the cake.

As I was telling her about our neighbor's lost domestic worker, Dora, I told Rejoice that Dora's mother tongue is Venda. Venda is a difficult language and the Venda people live over an hour north of us. Now, folks no one in these parts speaks Venda...except...well, except...you guessed it...Rejoice. We had given Dora a Venda Bible a couple of months back, and now God is putting a Venda speaking Christian right on Dora's doorstep.

Oh, and BTW, I have no idea where this might lead. You see, Joyce's home is on the west side of Pietersburg, an area where we have never,ever had a Bible study. Wouldn't it be great if her mother opened up her home for a study out on that side?

Pray for Rejoice...and if you are reading this and your name is Joyce, perhaps you would like to jot a quick note to our new sister in Christ and encourage her.

"Rejoicing" in the Lord

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

May 3, 2008

activity of the Ambassadors to africa

If any of you are interested, we have completed the second booklet of our Character Series (Being Available, Being Forgiving, Being Thankful, Being Kind, Being Neat & Orderly, Being Committed, Being Compassionate).

I can send you an e-mail version for you to print off an use if you want. It has been set up for an A-5 size sheet of paper which is about 5 1/2 x 8 1/2. Just let me know.

Please pray for us as we continue to disciple nationals in both spiritual and practical matters.

Brother Wilhite

May 2, 2008

activity of the Ambassadors to africa

Please continue to pray for the believers north of our border. Earlier this morning I was able to speak with one of the brethren telephonically regarding our correspondence school up there. A few days ago we received a text message that their supplies were exhausted, and they had suggested convening at the border to transfer a small shipment of materials.

Today, that appears impossible. Now, according to this brother, armed officials are being dispatched throughout the country with road blocks everywhere in anticipation of the announcement regarding the election results. People are not only being threatened, but are actually being beaten in their area. One of the men up there used to be a corral head, and at one time years ago, his life hung in the balance. His life may still be in serious jeopardy. Understandably, there is great fear of being physically beaten.

I know we hear about these things on CNN, NBC, BBC, etc., but it hits a bit closer to home when our family in Christ face impending danger, now so more than ever.

Bro Wilhite
Suid Africa

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
April 25, 2008

Tomorrow there will be a tombstone unveiling in the Mothiba village. Michael Mothiba's wife, Lucy, passed away 4-5 years ago, and since then they have set the stone and are now literally unveiling/uncovering it at a special ceremony on Saturday. The church choir has been asked to sing as well as our family, and yours truly has been asked to preach. Michael's son, Khutso (15), has been coming to church for a couple of months and we just finished a Bible study with him.

Please pray, as there will probably be a couple hundred folks there. Also, Michael's uncle is the king in this village and has promised to come. I hope to have an opportunity to sit down with this 74 year old man and give him the gospel. Though I denied Michael's offer, he is insisting on putting the two of us together in a special room all by ourselves during the meal time.

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

April 21, 2008
Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Hey, I'm not dying over here...or even in the hospital...or even sick...or even getting old (smile). Thank you for your kind remarks and words of encouragement, even though I didn't mean to lead so many of you to think I was ready to quit and throw in the towel. Perhaps disappointed is a better word.

The window on the passenger side of my bakkie ruptured last Thursday while we were driving down the road. We don't know the cause, and even though it is a type of safety glass we were glad that one of the younger kids wasn't sitting there. The crooks do have a hammer-like tool with a sharp point that causes the same result, but at 50 mph I didn't see any running beside me. I did discover that the chassis, engine, and gear box are coveted by taxi (van) drivers, so that my 1999 pick-up is indeed a coveted item.

Chris' mom came to the service, but he stayed home with friends. This past week he accepted a job three hours south in Pretoria and is leaving the end of the month. I think he got the point two weeks ago in our lesson on repentance that coming to Christ means a change of mind about some things, and I don't think he is ready for the changes. I'm amazed at this crazed world.

Yesterday morning was another "first" for me in my ministry...I think. Piet Matete (70) was baptized, and I don't think I have ever baptized a man of this age. He was a former witchdoctor, but accepted Jesus Christ several years ago, and his Bible shows signs of his devotion to the Lord. Three Mothiba men came with me to Dikgale, plus six others from Unit G giving us a total of 40 for the service there.

Last night there were five African men in the service in town. Three white ladies, an African gal, and a little girl along with our family gave us 20 in the service. Jabu saw our sign on Friday and spoke with Albert. He claims to be saved and yet wanting to know more about the Scriptures. He enrolled for our correspondence studies. Alice (25) was visiting her mother in town. At age 21 her parents divorced and she decided to run...to Russia. While there she went to a Baptist church, heard the gospel, and says she was saved. She then came back to South Africa settling in the Jo-burg area. Her mother is now moving out of town, but she does have an uncle here who is English. Perhaps there is an open door there.

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

April 20, 2008
Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

As for OPPORTUNITIES...

You heard about the film showing last Saturday night up past Giyani, but here are a few more opportunities we had this past week...

Tuesday--another outdoor film showing in Turfloop, Unit G. It was cold so we didn't have as good of an attendance as when we showed one there three weeks ago. Brian and Joyce still need to repent and receive the Lord.

Wednesday--a final Bible study with Ditiro and Khutso. They need to likewise believe on Christ.

Thursday--a good study and attendance in Mothiba.

Friday--about 50 folks attended an outdoor film showing. After many, many film showings I have to admit that this was the best behaved crowd we have ever had.

Today--we put out several packets of info here in town targeting an Indian section and another section where black Africans predominately live. Probably the prank phone call I got later was from one of these areas.

As for OPPOSITION...

1. Yesterday the Lord answered a prayer regarding Country Z to the north. The arms from China (multiple 40' containers full of AK47's, mortar launchers, etc) are still at sea the last I heard. The labor unions at the docks in Durban refused to touch them. If you never thanked the Lord for a labor union, this will give you a reason to do so (smile). It is my belief that these arms were headed for Z against the people there, especially the opposition, the center of which is in the area where we have many friends. PRAY THOSE WEAPONS STAY OUT OF Z.

2. Our landlords who live right next to us with no fence separating our house and theirs was broken into last night about 10 o'clock. We heard our dog, Peanut, barking, so Jon went out to investigate. He circled their house, but didn't notice that the burglar bars on the front windows were damaged. He did find the back garage door open, therefore, he closed it. The burglars had taken a wrench from the garage and pried the burglar bars off and were probably in the house at the time. The thieves made off with all of our landlords clothes, some valuables and his laptop with all of his financial info on it. Hopefully, they will find the thieves, but probably they won't. I are trying to help where we can. PRAY THIS WILL BE USED OF THE LORD TO BRING THEM TO HIM.

3. Sometimes we read books about those who have more success in their missions endeavors, and seem to word it so that it looks like we are doing everything wrong. Shamgar had an oxgoad, and he did what he could, where he was, with what he had. We are simply trying to do what we can, where we are, with what we have. PRAY WE DON"T BECOME DISCOURAGED IN THE WORK.

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

April 12, 2008
activity of the Ambassadors to africa

Ten months ago the Davies family made a trek this direction to marry off one of their fine sons to one of my fine daughters.

While here Brother Davies and his family utilized our van and went into Kruger Park through the Orpen Gate. Ronald Nkuna was/is a guard at that gate who took notice of the magnetic signs on our van offering a correspondence Bible study.

He called and enrolled, but of course we had no idea how he heard about our school.

Since then, he has done exceptionally well, so we decided it was time to meet him. Earlier this week I called, but had no idea it was his month off from his security position. We scheduled to go tonight and meet him taking with us our film equipment just in case we could get together a crowd. Well, I don't know how many folks showed up, but out of 500 books that we took with us we came home with around 100. I assume several got lost in the darkness and shuffle, but it would be safe to say that we had 200 folks come out, watch the film, hear a brief message, and had 25 register for the Bible course.

This location is approximately 120 miles NE of us; a bit far, but who knows what the Lord might do. I gave Ronald several lessons to complete, and some material to read. Should he desire, we would like to make a plan to further work with this fine fellow. Wisdom is needed.

On a side note, gasoline prices have jumped again here. Diesel is now running $5-6/gallon and petrol isn't far behind with another scheduled increase at the end of this month.

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

April 11, 2008
activity of the Ambassadors to africa

Today, celebrating 8 years since my surrender to Africa, I took the kids to "The Farmyard". A combination of greenhouse, tea-garden, play-place, and animal farm we really had a delightful time.

While the kids were playing I struck up a conversation with Gerswin and later his wife, Rose, who were there with their granddaughter. Well, it "just so happens" that Rose works for the same company that Michelle does. Michelle attends our Sunday evening Bible study in Pietersburg. They inquired about the whereabouts of our Sunday study which went something like this...

Me: Do you know Jorissen Street? It's right around the corner from where you work.

Them: Yes

Me: We meet a few blocks up Jorissen at the Pietersburg Pre-school.

Them: That's the place where we were going to enroll our granddaughter. (Then all of sudden she got excited and said to her husband). That's the sign I saw offering a free Bible study! I've been wanting to study the Bible.

They are going on vacation but plan to come once they return.

What a blessing! Thanks again for your prayers.

Bro Wilhite

April 6, 2008
Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Some of you have requested a picture of Chris, so here is one we took last night when he, his mom, and his sister came over for the evening. I don't know why, but none of them were in church this evening. I will try to get hold of him tomorrow and see if I can do a study with him tomorrow evening.

There was a good attendance in Mothiba even with four members absent. I think there were around 35 Sotho folks. One lady came from a neighboring village where we had knocked on doors when Brother Luiken was here.

In Ga-Dikgale there was standing room only at Abram's house with 40 Sotho folks.

Tonight in town we had 19 present. We now have in hand a list of all the post boxes in the entire Limpopo region and may soon be doing some outreach via this means.

Dyanna stayed home with a sick Joel all day. Julianna is in Australia.

Tuesday evening we plan to show another film in Turfloop, Unit G, and possibly we will be showing one in Seshego this next weekend.

As for Zimbabwe, we met a white man yesterday from there who gave me a $10,000,000(000) note that was worth 40 cents (U.S.) on Thursday and 25 cents (U.S.) by Saturday. The inflation rate is now being reported by some sources at 165,000%. The president and his party up there are now demanding a recount of the votes even though the electoral commission up there has not yet announced the results of the March 29 election. One of our men up there tried to call this morning, but I was out to church when Dy answered. I suspect that they have not been having church since the police would probably suspect the services of being politically motivated. Especially since our two churches are in the heart of MDC (the opposition party) territory.

Thanks for your prayers,
Bro Wilhite

April 5, 2008-- Blessings

"Bobedi" (bo BAY dee) is the Sotho word for "two." Here are two recent blessings.

1) A week ago Joe took a stand at work on an issue that he personally felt was unwise. As a result he has been given better hours on his security job (M-F days) and he has been moved to town which is much closer than before saving him a bundle on transport costs.

2) Abram called this morning from GaDikgale and said he, his wife, and his brother had chosen to "leave the ancestors and follow the ways of God in Jesus' name." He thanked me profusely for coming and "bringing Jesus to his house."

I could give you more blessings but I don't know the Sotho word for "one hundred" (smile)

Bro Wilhite

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa
March 29, 2008

We have kept Bro Luiken busy over the past week, and I wanted to highlight some of the blessings we have had:

Monday: In the morning men were going door to door in three different villages. I think we came home with around 20 valid response cards for Bible studies. Then, after a good African meal we convened back at the church for Brother Luiken to teach a couple of hours. Later that evening we went to another area to help Brother Albert with a Bible study.

Tuesday evening we held a film showing in Turfloop where an estimated 200 folks came. Mantwa (25) came to talk with me after the film, but was not ready to give her heart to Christ (BTW, are you?). We may show another film out there in a couple of weeks.

Wednesday Brother Luiken, Jonathan, and I went to a brand new area about 100 miles away to distribute literature and put up posters offering the correspondence studies. In all I think we had 67 cards filled out and around 750 gospel books distributed. Later in the evening we had another Bible study with three young African men in Mothiba village. Sadly, someone had broken into the church building and stolen two simple steel folding tables but worth a month's offerings. The Lord did enable us to rescue four bags of unused cement because the thieves probably were planning on coming back the next evening.

Rejoicing in God's goodness,
Bro Wilhite

activity of the Ambassadors to africa
March 17, 2008

It is always good to try and see what the Lord might do on Sunday in one of the services. Well, not much happened visibly in one of OUR services, but something interesting did happen in ANOTHER service...

Yesterday, mid-afternoon, Albert showed up at our place and was he ever fired up. In an effort to visit a nephew, he discovered that the nephew was not home. Since a brother, Johannes, lived a short distance away he decided he would go see him.

Upon arriving at Johannes' house it just so happened that the "apostolics" were having a service there. Albert's sister-in-law professes to be one of these "apostolics," so 30 of these women were meeting at her house. As their custom is, they invite a relative of the house to have some closing words, so they asked Albert's brother to say something. He simply pointed to Albert who had just come in. Albert stood up, went up front, and preached to the whole house full about the many religious people are lost in their sins and need Christ.

What an opportunity! He was just so thrilled about how the Lord directed his steps and gave him a wide open opportunity to preach to a house of lost religious people.
It's good to see God light a fire underneath a Sotho preacher boy.

BTW, could I ask you to pray for Albert to get a good wife? He has saved his money for labola, is maturing in the Lord, is taking the leadership in the Mothiba church, has purchased his own stand (piece of ground) and fencing materials for a house and is gainfully employed. We may come back for furlough sometime in 2009, and by then I would like to see him married...if the Lord wills.

Bro Wilhite

activity of the Ambassadors to africa
March 12, 2008

Some heavenly highlights:

1) Maria, the former witchdoctor, has been teaching SS on her own for the past four weeks in Mothiba. This past Sunday she had a high of 21 or 22 Sotho kids in her class. Throw in a bunch of Wilhite kids and 10-12 other adults and you have a crowd for church.

2) If you pray and I work and the Lord wills and the creek doesn't rise, I will read through the NT in Sotho this year. We have finished 31 chapters so far, and the Lord is teaching this old man some new things.

3) Four of the 21 lessons on Character are nearly finished. Please keep praying.

4) It seems several are close to being saved. Please pray. We had an attentive group in Turfloop last night, and plan to show a gospel DVD out there in two weeks.

5) Chris Swanepoel (WWF) and his mom were back in the study Sunday evening. They are on schedule to be here for supper tonight. Please pray for them as they will be here at 12:30 pm EDT.
They are to go to Pretoria this weekend for a second opinion on his kidney tumors.

6) Never before have I ever had this done, but a Sotho man walked up to me, shook my hand, and put money into it. After leaving I noted it was a gift of R1000, about the equivalent of $140.

7) We have been invited to another area 90 minutes NE of us and 90 minutes NW of Tzaneen. Probably won't get there until April.

Thanks for your prayers,

Bro Wilhite

activity of the Ambassadors to africa
March 10, 2008

Beloved,

I ask your prayers for a new correspondence course we are writing on Character. I realize that character is not developed in the "head" but in the "heart" and "home," but maybe this course will get some to begin to change their course of direction. The advice a South African missionary gave me years ago has been proven true again and again, "There is no character." Yes, hearts are hard and the home is horrible, but heaven is our hope. Maybe...just maybe the course will do one person some good.

Your intercession is sooooo very needed. This course will probably take me months to complete, but I really feel compelled to write this. The introductory lesson is finished--now to complete the next 20 lessons.

Thanks ahead of time for your prayers,

Bro Wilhite
South Africa

activity of the Ambassadors to africa
March 3, 2008

Folks, I'm sorry to call you all unbelievers again, but you won't believe this.

Audri has been sick all week and almost was not physically able to come to church tonight. Still, someone gave her a lift, and miserable though she was, she came, and was she ever glad she did!

Tonight, Chris (WWF) came to the study with his mom, the woman who lost her husband a month or so ago. This woman walked in and Audri looked at her, and the next thing you know they were hugging like old friends, and why? Because they are old friends! Chris' mom was Audri's secretary for 8 YEARS at the preschool!!!

Now, do you think God is at work in Chris' life or not? Doesn't this send some chills up your spine?

I think I'm going to have another Bapticostal fit. Anybody got anything to slow down my heart palpitations?

Bro Wilhite

February 22, 2008

Today we received a card in the post from our good friends in Alaska, Pastor Charles England and family, addressed to Chris WWF. Going to his place of employment to deliver the card I inquired of his whereabouts.

"He's been off for two weeks with kidney problems," I was told. After getting his phone number I came home and called him.

Now, folks, hang on to your seats. This fellow who lost his father a month ago, is now battling degenerative kidneys (plural) due to cancer and has been for two years. He isn't bad enough yet for a kidney transplant, so the doctors are medicating him with pain medicine. Sadly the meds make him dizzy, so he can't work. Hopefully, he will be going back to work on Monday, but your prayers are still vital and maybe the only thing that is holding him together.

Bro Wilhite

__________________________________________________________________________________

Yesterday, I went to the KIA dealership to purchase an air filter for my van. Among the three main men in the office, a young man with a name tag reading Jacque Nieman (an Afrikaner) offered to help me.

After ordering my filter, going next door to pay for it, and going back to get my filter I proceeded to my car. "Someone" prompted me to go back and hand him a gospel tract, which from my experience with Chris I thought I had best obey. So we did. (I know, I know, you spiritual people over there always carry tracts in your pockets. Well, this shirt had no pockets.)

Anyway, an hour later as I was studying with Albert, my cell phone rang. On the other end? Jacque. "It says here that I can get a free Bible study. How do I get it?" Taking his details we signed him up. Thanks for your help in spreading the good news over here.

By the way, Sunday evening we had five new visitors in Pietersburg with a record attendance of 24. Sunday morning Freddy accompanied me to Dikgale, and when we got back to Mothiba the church was full with about 50 folks. Sadly, we had to put a man on discipline for immorality, but he was in his place on Monday evening when we had a men's Bible study at the church with 13 of us men present.

Bro Wilhite

February 9, 2008

activity of the Ambassadors to africa

Last night we had another good study up in Dikgale (30-45 min. away) with eight adults (4 men/4 women) and six children.

Today was a full day beginning at 5:15 with a work day plastering the exterior walls of the building in Ga-Mothiba. Ditiro (15) visited the church 5 years ago, but finally came back last Sunday, showed up for work day, and is planning to bring his best friend to church tomorrow. We were also asked to speak for a special occasion in April when Michael Mothiba will have the stone set on his wife's grave (she died about four years ago). Due to the fact that he is the secretary of the tribal authority I expect hundreds to come, and oh how we will need a divine message for the occasion!

Arriving home we found our faithful friends, Gary and Stephanie Norberg, who had driven 4 hours to bring Sabrina Atkinson, a young gal from one of our supporting churches. She will be with us for a week, and we have plans to keep her busy.

TOMORROW we will drop some of the family off in Mothiba for S.S. and A.M., then Joe and I will head up to Dikgale for a Sunday service. Depending on whether or not I can get a faithful interpreter, we may begin meeting on Sundays with this group. We expect a houseful.

Then I will rush back to Mothiba where we plan to baptize Elizabeth (18) who was saved in November and has shown a sweet, teachable spirit and faithfulness to the services. She is being discipled by Merriam (16) who was saved last May and baptized in September.

In the late afternoon, Lord willing, we will have our service in Polokwane. A lady named Clara called today to inquire about the service, plus Chris and his mom have promised to come. Michelle and her daughter are also to be there along with a man named Pete, his wife and daughter. I also expect Audri and her two grandchildren (age 12,10), and we are hoping Alfred will come too. Throw in our 11 and you've got a full house. Not sure what to do if more come. Good problem to have.

Then, on Monday Debbie and I plan to head to the west side of the province where there are a slate of villages I have never been too. We have literature and signage prepared to post on electrical poles in these several villages.

The correspondence school is keeping Dy busy too.

Busy days, and just as we expected, the devil is fighting within and without.

We MUST continue to have your faithful intercession!

Brother Wilhite

February 7, 2008

Several of you responded and sent words of care and concern to Chris.

Dyanna put together three more notes which I took today and gave to Chris. He and his mother have been so touched by your concern and prayers. One of the first things out of his mouth was, "Tell me again, where is your church. My mom and I are coming this Sunday."

Please continue to pray for him through the weekend.

______________________________________________________________________________

We have placed a Christian advertisement that will be running twice a month in our local paper through the end of the year. We can and will be making changes each month.

Your giving enables us to do this; your praying enables it to be effective.

BTW, we had four more first-time visitors in our evening service this past Sunday. Today, I will be trying to get some more chairs for our study as we are close to maximizing our existing seating and space.

Bro Wilhite

February 3, 2008

activity of the Ambassadors to africa

Last night after our Bible study in Dikgale (where nine adults, six children, plus Albert, Jon, and I squeezed into a room) I swung by McDonald's to grab a $.35 ice cream cone for each of us.

I sent Jon in with the money while I awaited in the bakkie. Within 30 seconds a man named Calvin walked up to my window and introduced himself as one of our correspondence students. He has finished several of our courses, so we were talking about that and a missing booklet/certificate of his.

He then said, "I saw your sign down on Jorissen St that you are meeting in town on Sunday evenings; I can get there, but if it is after dark I can't get home." We assured him of a ride, and we hope to see him tomorrow evening. He then hurried off as a taxi was waiting on the street just on the other side of my bakkie.

Jon came out and we drove off.

I was amazed and grateful again that the Lord steered that bakkie into McDonald's at just the right time to meet one of our men students.

Lesson: Wife, don't get upset at your husband's hankering for ice cream; it may just be the Lord leading him to meet a soul in need (smile).

January 30, 2008

activity of the Ambassadors to africa

I don't know if this person in Botswana is saved, but he/she has just finished our course on Romans and writes (unedited),

"Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you for your time and love that you showed me. Romans really blesses me a lot I now know how to get victory over temptations of the flesh, it was a big blow unto my life. All the things that are listed on page 14 no 2 were my wickness. Now with God all things are possible. God bless you all. Thank you. Yours in Christ, Wame Toi Khiwa"

From the name it sounds like we may be dealing with an Oriental person in Botswana. There are several people of various backgrounds in Southern Africa many of whom were probably born here and intend to stay. They too must be reached!

By the way, I have requests from three men in Botswana all living in different locations wanting Bible studies in their homes.

Thanks for your intercessory prayers!

Bro Wilhite

January 27, 2008

activity of the Ambassadors to africa

Friends, Family and Fellow-laborers,

1) Last Saturday Derek helped me pass out 1000+ packets of info at the mall here in town.

2) Last Sunday we had a good attendance in Mothiba. The service was really too long as we had SS, AM, Meal, Lord's Supper, and a Business Mtg.

3) Monday some of the children and Brother Joe went to Tzaneen to render some assistance to Brother George Hammett who was packing up things to head back to the states for furlough. He called and said he needed a "little help" and figured we were about as "little" as he could get (smile).

4) Tuesday we taught two preacher boys, then went to Mankweng for a Bible study.

5) Wednesday we were able to serve the Hammett's again by giving them a ride down to the Jo-burg airport. We will certainly miss their presence while they are back in the states.

6) We continued teaching on the Commands of Christ in the Epistles in Mothiba on Thursday evening. This time from 1Cor 15:33.

7) Friday found us in Dikgale for a Bible study with seven adults and three children. More have promised to come this next Friday.

8) After the Bible study in Dikgale we went to see some folks whose 40-year-old relative had hung himself. They asked us to come back and preach on Saturday AM.

9) By 6 AM, Saturday, we were back at the house for the funeral where we were able to preach to probably 200 folks in a neighboring village, distribute gospel booklets, with six signing up for the correspondence course.

10) After getting home, Dy and Drew helped collate 100 more packets of info for Pietersburg where we went and distributed them.

11) We also stopped at a bookstore and inquired about another 100 Bibles to take to Zim for free distribution up there.

12) Both Johanna and Deanna called at separate times thanks to Vonage. They are doing well and serving the Lord where God has planted them. In between those calls Brother Kilmer in Durban called and we sharpened each other's minds for awhile (at least he sharpened mine!).

13) Today, Sunday AM, in Mothiba we had four adult visitors (three first timers). Jon taught SS, Albert did a good job preaching, Maria taught SS for the children, Elizabeth (17) asked to be baptized.

14) This evening we had four first time visitors in Pietersburg--two adults, a teen boy, and a little blonde girl Debrianna's age. Juli's homemade cookies were a delicious treat following the Bible study. We're still praying for a family AND returning visitors. With my family, the three regulars, and the visitors we had 18 for the service.

15) Right now my wife is talking to Sister Norberg on the phone. They are a sweet couple of kindred spirit working in the Rustenburg area, but moving down to Bloemfontein around April 1. This is about eight hours south of us here. Also the Wyatt family, another dear couple, are home on furlough, so we will really miss our missionary friends over the next several months.

Thanks for your continued prayers!

Brother Wilhite

January 12, 2008

activity of the Ambassadors to africa

In the book of Acts, the Lord opened several gates for Peter, John, Paul and Silas.

In the land of Africa, the Lord opened several gates for us yesterday. Now, we are nowhere near the caliber of the men mentioned above, but the Lord is still in the business of opening gates.

Due to the nature of our society here many security villages have been built in recent years. In fact, many security villages with walls, gates, and security guards have been constructed here in our area during the past couple of years. Over the past few months we have been praying and putting together packets of information for "new move-ins". The problem has been getting behind the walls and gates to give these packets to the residents behind them.

Yesterday I took about 250 packets with me and prayed as I approached those intimidating barriers. Here's some of what the Lord did...

In some cases, I was able to walk right past the guards without them saying a thing.

In other cases, I simply had to sign in and go about my work.

In one case, the guards took the material and said they would give them to the residents for me as they came through the gates.

In a couple of cases, there were mail boxes at the gate where the guards let me put the literature.

In only one case, I was denied access, but the guard gave me the phone number of the lady who owns the village.

In one special case, I was given permission by the manager of Savannah Mall (who used to be a minister herself :-) ) to stand at the entrance/exit of the parking lot and distribute the packets to folks coming/going. We are hoping to get out 1000 or more of these next Saturday.

Now, would you pray for the Lord to open the gates of the Aorta (hearts--hey, it had to be alliterated!) of the people here in our town to the gospel of Christ?

Could you remember three specific requests over this weekend:

1) Sick--Drew and Joel accompanied me to Zim last week and have been in and out of bed with some sort of a stomach bug since Monday. Drew, especially, hasn't eaten much and looks a little gaunt. Probably something in the water that they drank up there, though most of the time they had purified water which we took with us.

2) Sunday service in town--On Friday we put a sign out in front of the pre-school announcing our Bible study. Audrie said people walked in off the street to inquire about it. It would be a blessing to have some visitors.

3) Sorrowing--About a month ago I preached at a funeral in a new location. I just received a phone call from a man who was there asking if I could come and bring several of them to church tomorrow. Instead I have asked if I could come and meet them for a study this Tuesday evening.

BTW, anyone over there in the states bored and want to come help with all of these opportunities???

Bro Wilhite

January 9, 2008

activity of the Ambassadors to africa

You won't believe this. Well...............maybe you will.

Over a month ago I took my lawnmower into a shop in Pietersburg for a tune-up. Last week I stopped by to see if it was fixed yet, and a man named Chris helped me.

Now, you've got to picture me talking to this guy. I'm a mouse; he's an elephant. Probably 6'4", 250 lbs, bald, with a goatee, the WWF wrestler type. The kind of guy who doesn't look like he could be saved, or the kind of guy that looks like he never could get saved, or the kind of guy that some other bigger Christian should witness to.

Well, after going back to the bakkie, I felt this little nagging inside me that seemed to say, "Go back in and give that guy a gospel tract." I thought it had to be the devil telling me to commit suicide, but when I couldn't shake it and thought it might just be the Holy Spirit I decided I'd better risk it. Getting back out of my bakkie, I ran back into the shop, threw a Good Person tract at him, apologized, and raced back outside panting all the while with my heart racing like an engine at 5000 rpms. I sped off looking over my shoulder to make sure the guy wasn't following me!

Here we are several days later, and I'm enroute home from Zim bringing Reuben's son, John, with me. We got to talking...

"So, John, what kind of a job did you first work when you came from Zim six years ago?"

"Tree-felling."

Well, it just so happens, that we have over a dozen 50 ft high pine trees that our landlord wants taken down here on our property, and John has a few days left before going on back to his work at a B&B in Durban. Soooooooooo, John accompanied me into town to rent a chainsaw this morning, and where do we go? To the lawnmower dealership that just so happens to rent chainsaws. And who do we see? Yeah, the big "WWF wrestler," Chris.

Entering the store I noticed that the WWF guy was working the counter. I squinted my eyes and put an accent in my voice so he would think I was a little Vietnamese and not the same guy who gave him the gospel tract last week.

"I just wanted to thank you for that paper you gave me last week," he said. "I've done all that...and I'm going through a lot right now...and I need something...Where does your church meet?...Are you the pastor?...When do you meet?...I'm going to come."

Right now, write down his name...but when you respond, be sure to ask about "Chris, the WWF guy" because there's another guy named Chris whose also lost, and he wants to take me golfing soon, but that's another story...and I'm sure I would probably lose some support if I told you a story about witnessing to a guy out on the golf course.

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

activity of the Ambassadors to africa
January 8, 2008

Dear Friends,

After five days Dy, Drew, Joel and I returned home last night from another trip north across the border. Economically, I don't know that the country can get any worse. The average working man is earning about $10 U.S./month. I didn't stutter. In July 2004, $1 was the equivalent to $10,000 in their currency. Now $1 will buy you $1,340,000,000.

We did get to work with Never Mlilo and Rueben as well as with two newer converts--Nelson (21) and Mandla (23). Friday we spent three hours teaching and three to four hours in another neighboring village. One of the men Reuben as been working with is the head of the village, and he has asked us to come back and preach the Word to his village. Pointing to Reuben he said, "When I first heard this man preaching I thought he was just one of those who come and go, but when he continued to preach, I said, no, this man is for real." Hopefully, we will go up in late March, show some films, preach the good news and have yet another village in which to work. In all we distributed somewhere around 1500 gospel books and had somewhere around 40 respondents for correspondence courses on the spot.

For those of you born in the Promised Land, you will note that there is now some Iowa barbed wire there. We took up a roll for one of the churches to fence off some land to grow their own crops in this impoverished land.

Khethiwe (13) is now an orphan but a bright girl who lives with Anna (80), a lady I baptized last year. She doesn't know her daddy and her mother died in mid-November. Due to caring for her mother she was not able to finish school this past year. She writes, "Dear Pastor, I thank you for paying school fees and buying uniforms for school. I was no longer going to go to school because my mother deid and none was to pay me the fees. But God have seen me and loved. I'm non going to learn, continue with my education like others. I'm now staying with my Grandmother. She is not working. I thank you very much. Yours faithfully, Khethiwe." Her situation could probably be multiplied thousands of times over. She lives next to Never Mlilo and spends a lot of time at Reuben's with his grandchildren. Maybe there is some hope for her. I just weep when I see the needs on this continent.

Never has been working in another village called Sgoveni. Twelve adults (5 men, 7 ladies) were baptized on Sunday morning during a three hour service. Reuben's unsaved son, John, walked one hour one way to join us. Counting the folks from Mshete village there were probably 60-70 folks there in total.

It has been raining virtually non-stop the past couple of months and the road conditions reveal it. Praise the Lord for a strong pick-up with a differential lock to get me through some deep waters. This was just one of many places I thought I was going to get stuck. Having 20 people in my pick-up at this point probably added enough weight to give the traction necessary. To get 20 folks in the pick-up we had to strap the portable baptistery on top. Unfortunately at one of the "water holes" the baptistery fell off in the rain and needs some repair before we can utilize it again. Sadly, the rain has been too much for the crops. Please pray that God will hold off the rain so the crops aren't ruined this year.

As many of you know, Mandla Phiri passed away last August. During our trip we were able to find some of those to whom he had ministered. We had two meetings with them in Bulawayo with plans to "revive the stones out of the rubble" in March when we go back. Never Nyoni is a key man in this endeavor. He makes 14,000,000,000 dollars per month and has six children and a wife living in a house smaller than some of you keep your lawnmower in. That's enough money to buy 2/3 of a frozen chicken. When we found him he was way back off the beaten path with hoe and seed in hand tilling a plot of ground about 15 yards square.

Due to all of our running, we ran short of petrol. I knew we probably couldn't get to the border with what I had left in the tank, so after checking out five dead end leads we were able to finally find a station supervisor willing to take U.S. currency...for $5/gallon.

As my dad used to say (and probably still does)..."Oh, stop your belly aching!"

Brother Wilhite
South Africa

December 15, 2007

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

Isaiah 55:8--For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

The phone rang at 11:10 PM rousing me out of sleep. "Pastor, we need you to help us with transport tomorrow for a funeral..." So this morning I got up at 4:45, grabbed my Bible and some gospel booklets and dashed out the door by 5:45 Once I picked up Danny and Joseph (two Zambians) and got to the funeral it was 7 AM. "Pastor, we will need you to pray at the graveside." At 7:25 the M.C. said, "Pastor, we will need you to preach a message at the service (to start in 5 min)."

Let me back up--last night we showed half of a gospel DVD in Seshego before getting rained out, so my "unpreached" message was still in my Bible. Guess when it got preached???

After preaching (in English) we went to the cemetery, a large one where I had never been. And as is usual, there were three others going on IN THE SAME LOCATION--one right next to us, one directly behind us, and one two graves away to the left. The one adjacent to us was the largest, and their M.C. had a microphone. After putting our casket over the hole, every thing stopped, all was silent, no one spoke (mind you there were at least 500 folks there). "Pastor, will you pray?" I began to pray, and pretty soon I could tell someone had stuck a microphone right up to my mouth. Remembering old Dr. Weeks in special services class who said, "When you're at a funeral and you're asked to pray, then preach the gospel in your prayer", I began to pray. So, I prayed/preached the gospel into a microphone at a cemetery where I'd never been, in front of 500 people I had never met, over the grave of a man I had never known, to a God I know and love and thank that His "thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways."

We leave in a little bit to try and get to the University to pass out some tracts. Security and road blocks are the norm this weekend. We may not get through, but we will try. We'll see if our ways are God's ways.

Bro Wilhite

December 1, 2007

Activity of the Ambassadors to Africa

After being offline for the better part of a week, we are finally able to report several blessings:

1) Audri Buxman was finally admitted into the membership by way of baptism. November 16, 11:30 a.m., 2006 she gave her heart to Christ. She was baptized today at a neighbor's swimming pool. We now have her testimony in print and will begin to distribute it. It may stir some ire, as she relates her search through the churches in Pietersburg over the years to find Bible salvation. Her husband, Johann, was there as was Mariet and Nicole, her grand-daughter.

We are currently having 5000 business cards and 5000 brochures printed, and will begin to print Audri's testimony. Monday I plan to go to Jo-burg to pick up 20,000 Chick tracts some of which we will use for distribution here in town. This Sunday night we begin studies in Polokwane, 10 a.m. EDT. Dyanna has put together a new English songbook with 70 songs/hymns for use. We also have some visitors cards and NT to give to the visitors. I hope to preach a message entitled "A Bird's Eye View of the Bible."

Interestingly enough a woman named Shirley called me on Thursday while I was enroute to a village on the other side of town. The day before she had seen the sign on my bakkie advertising a free Bible study. We arranged to meet at her place of employment an hour or so later. After finding her in her office she sat there and told me, "I don't know anything about the Bible." We offered her either a correspondence course, a personal study with my wife, or an in-home Bible study with her husband in her home. I didn't think she would be interested in coming into town from her village for the Sunday study, but she was more interested in that than any of the other three, so pulling out a piece of paper she asked for a map to get to the study here in town. I really didn't have to draw a map--the school were we are meeting is right around the corner from her office!

2) Elizabeth, after several Bible studies with Julianna, received Christ last Sunday afternoon in Mothiba. Amen? She will be in 12th grade next year.

3) Jack, after several months of studies with Albert, gave his heart to Christ on Wednesday in Seshego. I think Albert said he is 14. His brother, Michael, made a profession some months ago. Maybe we will have some baptisms there in a few weeks.

We have several services and studies slated for the week, so we would appreciate your prayers. Thanks for your prayers and financial gifts. This past month we spent nearly $1000 just in vehicle costs (gas, tolls, oil, etc.) We couldn't be here doing any of this without your faithful support.

Just one wrinkle in the matter of blessings--I caved in and let the kids get a little puppy. Getting old and soft I guess. Oh, and Joshua won the water fight against Big Jon (see pic).

God bless,
Bro Wilhite

November 11, 2007

Africa's Ambassador

This past week was a flurry of activity. Thanks much for your prayers.

Monday--Bro Montgomery and I went into Zimbabwe. He got a real border-crossing experience which took 2 1/2 hours, plus a 1 hour detour due to an accident in a tunnel on this side of the border.

Tuesday--A dear lady dying of TB way, way, way back in the bush needed transport out, so that took an extra 3 hours of time, but we were glad we could help with our bakkie. In the afternoon, Pastor M. took time to teach the men up there, then in the late afternoon we visited Janet, a young woman dying of AIDS. Later that evening 7 children of the village sang songs, recited Scripture, and did pretty well in a Bible quiz I gave them. About 9:00 we made a quick trip into Bulawayo, but we didn't see much due to electrical shortages and street lights being out. There were very few people on the streets, and we were concerned that they might be of the baser ilk so we may a U-turn and left.

Wednesday--We returned in time to participate in a Christmas program at Audri's pre-school. In our hurry, I forgot to bring along Christmas tracts to give to the 100+ adults who were there. Mary and Joseph and 11 of the 14 shepherds never did show (TIA). Bro M. played the piano, and his daughter joined our family in matching shirts as we sang one song and then read the script for the rest of the program. It was a late night getting home (10:30). Still one 14 year old white boy later gave us a card desiring a correspondence Bible study. Gerhard is his name, and may be a boy with whom Derek could do a Bible study.

Thursday--We got left a little late, but took the entire family and the Montgomery's to do some quick site-seeing amidst the many other villages. That was another late night arriving home around 9:30.

Friday--Bro M. had to fly to Kenya, so that meant leaving our house at 4:00 a.m. Thankfully, Dyanna went along to keep me awake. Later that evening some of joined Piet, his wife, and Abram in Dikgale where we sought to teach Piet a method of soul-winning. Joe went along to interpret for me. Jon, Derek, Dy, and Michelle M accompanied us giving us a full room. This was my first time to use a PowerPoint presentation as well as handouts. How we thank the Lord for the equipment provided for us to do this.

Also, during that day we received an e-mail from a supporting church in Ohio that indicated they were sending $1000 to help out with outreach into the villages. Ironically (?) I have had laying on my desk several newspapers in which I have been wanting to place ads for our Bible study, but I knew it would cost extra. Praise the Lord for His timing and gift through this church.

Saturday--Early on Jon, Miah, Juli, and Michelle M. accompanied me to a funeral in Mothiba. A drunken driver carrying a plow and some boys in the back of his bakkie had an accident last weekend. The boys fell out as did the plow landing on a 25-year-old killing him. Probably 400-500 folks were at the funeral where we were asked to say a few things at the grave and later we able to pass out many Chick tracts in the Sotho language. Then last night, Jon and Albert went with me to a Freddy's village, Phumulong, to have a Bible study with him, his mother, and four of his friends.

I know this e-mail has been longer than most, and I know that I used a lot of names. I don't expect you to remember them all or pray for them all. We just thank the Lord for keeping us busy as a family here in the fields gleaning.

This next Tuesday, we are to begin a group Bible study in Extension 71. Now, if you can remember this study we would be much appreciative.

Also, a container including some of our literature is supposed to be in Durban and arriving in Jo-burg next weekend. Since we have to take the Montgomery's to the airport this coming weekend, it would be a real blessing if the literature would be waiting for us. Could you pray about this? It would save us a trip down there at a later date.

Good thing I married a dizzy blonde and have several in the family. I've joined the ranks (smile).


November 5, 2007

Africa's Ambassador

Last night, Pastor Montgomery, Albert, Derek, Jon, and I went to Extension 71 (a development on the other side of town) and showed a gospel DVD. We weren't going to go due to the fact that we had a steady rain for an hour just prior to leaving, but Jon suggested that maybe on the other side of town there had been no rain. He was right. It was as dry as a bone 15 minutes away.

The one mistake we made, was that it was the "end of the month," so folks had gotten paid, and were sitting around drinking it up. Still we had well over 100 folks there and many, many adults. In fact, we were able to set up a group Bible study which was our goal and real intention for going. We may even take a tent and go over there. Albert met three ladies who said they were going to find the fellows in charge and ask them if that might be possible.

The DVD I like to show is entitled "No Greater Love" which is based on a true story about Ricardo Garcia who lived a life of debauchery prior to accepting Christ, but was marvelously changed by the power of both the inspired word and the incarnated Word.

Following the presentation and under the cover of darkness I stuck my hand through a pre-cut hole in the bottom-side-edge of a medium size box. Inside the box was my Bible, but it could not be seen with the cover flaps closed. I told the folks that I had my "pet" inside the box. Then I shook my Bible which rattled the box and made it appear as if indeed there was an animal in the box. Well...as soon as I did that, the entire first row (and some of the second) comprising 25-30 folks took off running! Everybody else back up a bit (including Pastor Montgomery--smile). Then I rattled the box a bit more telling them that what I had inside was "alive". Finally, I asked them if they wanted to see my pet in the box. Cautiously, the fearing crowd stepped up toward the box. Boy, did they ever laugh when they saw my Bible in my hand inside the box. ...A little trick for you SS and Junior Church workers to use this morning (smile).

Monday through Wednesday Bro Montgomery and I are planning to make a trip into Zim. We are taking our baptismal tank for some reported baptismal candidates.
Wednesday evening we will have part as a family in a Christmas program at Audri's pre-school
Friday morning Bro M flies to Kenya so we will leave at 4-5 a.m. to get him to the airport, then in the evening is a study in Dikgale
Saturday is a work day in Mothiba and a Bible study in Phumulang (sp?) in the evening
Lord willing, sometime the next week we will begin the studies in Extension 71.

It was a real blessing to be able to watch Chris and Jackie Gable's wedding via the internet. The wedding was in Washington state at 1 p.m. so it made for late viewing over here, but we all crowded around the computer screen and watched it live. BTW, when Pastor Sargeant asked if anyone was opposed to the wedding, we were all over here jumping up and down, raising our hands and hollering "yes, yes". Several years ago (as I recall) he promised me 30-40 cows as labola for Debrianna (5). So, I'm not really sure if the wedding is legitimate due to our objections over here (smile).

Keep us in your prayers,
Bro Wilhite

October 15, 2007

Africa's Ambassador

Sad, sad, sad.

Tonight David and I went to Dikgale, but no one showed at Abram's place (TIA), so we went looking for Piet. A couple of leads took us to a home where a funeral was being held (there were three funerals in that area this weekend, but sometimes they have 8-9). After enquiring who died, Piet said, "An old man, the one you gave the Sotho Bible too."

There is a cluster of villages in that area, and as far as I know I have only given a Sotho Bible to one person, a person with whom Piet worked at a government project close to the main highway. In an effort to protect the premises of the project one man usually stays down there in a room. Last Monday night, this man, who is not considered a drunk, decided to take one drink, but it was one too many. After imbibing he managed to get to the highway where he was hit by a passing car and instantly killed! Sad, sad, sad. Why did he turn to the bottle instead of the Bible?!?

At least Piet was asked to lead the service and said he was going to preach the gospel. This is a good thing in the midst of a bad thing.

Also, please keep Albert's family in prayer. You will recall that his brother-in-law died earlier this week. The father of that brother-in-law started the ZCC church in Mothiba, but so far the ZCC has done nothing to help the grieving widow. Well, well, well, maybe the truth of that man-made religion is coming out. Their false prophets killed the man, but now they won't help to bury him. Maybe the widow, Dina, will open her ears to the truth Albert tries to share with her.

Finally, keep us in prayer. Today I have been attacked by the old devil on several fronts--phone call, letter, personal contact, and then these happenings in the evening.

At least SOMETHING is happening (smile),

Brother Wilhite
Ambassador to Africa

_________________________________________________________________

October 8, 2007

Africa's Ambassador

Yesterday afternoon, Julianna began a Bible study with Elizabeth, Merriam's friend. Deanna had led Merriam to Christ and now Merriam is reaching out to her friends. In fact, Merriam asked me on Thursday, "Moruti, how do we go about giving our monthly contribution to the church?" How many pastors have a 15 year old girl ask THAT question? BTW, Merriam is the one in the front row in the choir picture we sent out earlier.

Then last Sunday we tried something different for our Bible study in town. During the apartheid years the whites and blacks never really mixed, so we were experiencing some difficulty with the mixture on Sunday evenings. Not knowing what to do, we sat on it a couple of weeks and prayed about it.

Last Sunday I had a "vision from the Lord" (smile) and decided to try and "divide and conquer." So, Debbie and I took some of the children and went to Audri and Johan's house while Jon, Derek and Albert went to Alfred's place. Last night we did the same, but listen to what happened! Get the picture--Alfred lives in a square security complex of 20-25 rooms surrounding a courtyard where the cars are parked. Alfred was sharing a room with Clive, due to the fact that three visiting girls from Zambia were occupying Alfred's room on the other side of the courtyard. Directly outside Clive's room in the courtyard were three white guys listening to their music. One of our boys went to shut the door, but the other one said, "No, leave it open." And guess what happened? The three white guys turned down their music and looked and listened to a couple of young white guys study the Bible with a couple of young black guys!

Praise the Lord for the privilege of raising and using kids for Christ on the mission field!

__________________________________________________________________________________

October 2, 2007 Update

 

Africa's Ambassador

No...I didn't mean the Pony Express.

"Sir, where are you from? ...Are you a missionary? ...I am a writer for the Polokwane Express. ...Could I ask you some questions about the way people are dressing today? ...What does the Bible say about dress? ...Can you e-mail me your article today? ...It is due today for the paper? ...Can I take your picture?"

All of this came about this morning while I was downtown passing out gospel booklets this morning. I hadn't been out of my bakkie but a few minutes when I gave Thoko a gospel booklet prompting the above conversation. No, she did not have a mic and recorder and badge. Funny, how we just happened upon each other. Why were we both on the same street in the same block. I wonder if she will print the article riddled with Scripture. I'll probably get thrown out of the country (smile). Believe me, my wife and girls dress differently. In six years here I have yet to see any woman and her girls dress modestly consistently. Glad she asked me and not one of the many false prophets running around our town.

Thanks for your prayers,

Brother Wilhite

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September 18, 2007 Update

This past weekend was wonderful and weary...


r Eight men worked from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. plastering an outside wall of the church building in Mothiba. One of the men sacrificed and paid for lunch for all of us.


r Near the end of the day I received a call from Edward a man from Malawi. Apparently I met his wife sometime back who told him about us. He said, "I want to study with you and go back to Malawi someday and start a church." Interesting--we'll see where this leads.


r After that Debbie and I went with Albert to meet Reshokestoe (Mercy), a 19-year-old correspondence student who is seeking for truth. We had a blessed time. It is the first time in the past six years I have had a girl tell me, "I want to be saved the Bible way, marry a godly man, and raise a godly family." She is finishing high-school this December. Pray for her soon salvation.


r Samuel was baptized on Sunday. He made a profession in July '06 and just this week completed the ABC's of Christian Growth. English is his third language following Sotho and Afrikaans. Newly baptized Maria interpreted for my wife in SS. Recently baptized Mirriam brought a friend, Elizabeth, to church. We had a good attendance despite the absence of five church members.


r Johan Buxman (78) may be close to salvation. Last night I sat with him for 1 1/2 hours and the conversation was strictly Biblical. He said, "I know if I stood before the Lord Jesus He would not let me in." Those of you who are saved know that a person cannot get saved until he sees that he is lost. Twice he was close to tears, and if you knew him you'd realize the Lord is at work! Please pray for him this week!


r Thursday-Monday Debbie and I will be preaching and showing gospel DVDs in Zimbabwe and Botswana. Speaking of Botswana, we got nine more new requests in the post today from there.


Brother Wilhite

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Prison Letter- 8/31/2007

 

At times we wonder if the materials we send into the prisons really do any good.  Here is a letter we received in the post yesterday...
 
Greetings of Christian love to you all in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, "For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Ac 4:12).  I rejoice in my confession that I have made Jesus Christ Lord and Savior of my life...Thank you all for epistle of encouragement and tracts you have sent to me.  These tracts motivate me to read on.  This will also help me to grow spiritually...I am coming to you all not in my name but Christ...
 
Thanks for YOUR support in the literature ministry here.  By the way, I took a chance today in trying to find Abram home in Dikgale.  Well, he was just about to walk out the door, so we did catch him, AND he handed me 20 cards from neighbors and friends wanting a correspondence course.  Also, we got to pass out John/Romans at two of three schools where we stopped. 
 
THANKS for your support in the literature outreach.  While some feel it is unwarranted, God took time to give us literature in the form of a Bible, and how happy we are that we can pass those same words along to a lost and dying world.  Abram told me, "Moruti, last week there were six funerals in our village."
 
With the living Word to a dying world,
 
Bro Wilhite

___________________________________________________________________________________ 

Prayer Letter

August 26, 2007

Friends and Family,

My wife was handed the following letter from Maria (30+), Albert's sister, after church this morning.  This is the lady who made a profession of salvation over four years ago, was a former witchdoctor, and easily walks a mile or more to come to church.  Believe me, it is NOT easy in this culture to take this kind of a step, but her decision could blow the village of Mothiba wide open to the gospel.  Her unedited words are...
 
Thobela Mmamoruti, Le Kae! Nna ke gona. Mmamoruti don't mind my writting and spelling of words, just read and puts the words together they will mean something. Moruti's preach on Sunday the 12th touched my heart. I am afraid or water. Since I take Jesus Christ as my Saviour I am dealing with the baptism. I started to attend Apostolic Church when I was 8-years. I was 14-years when they baptized me. My mother told me that I took 2 hours to wake-up. They tell me that I have ancestors. They don't want me in water. Still now it is so difficult for me when it is rainy to jump flowing water. I want to be baptized. Please help me. I always read my bible and pray everyday. I told my husband that I want to be baptized. He just give me blessings. I don't want to tell my parent. I know they are going to disagree with me. I know Jesus Christ died for me on the cross. I want to be baptized as soon as possible. I don't want to wait anymore. Mmamoruti you know me. I am too shy to talk thats why I write this. Pray for me in Jesus name. With Love Maria. I choose Jesus as my Saviour.
 
We used the testimony of Sister Stengele in our home church who for some time had feared baptism due to a similar childhood experience with water. The devil used the Apostolic cult's false baptism and the many African fears to keep Maria from this step, BUT God overcame.
 
Now Maria, Merriam, and Mavis all want to be baptized.  How about that--I not only preach with alliteration, but I baptize in alliteration too (smile).
 
BTW, Albert's message this morning was clear and powerful.  I thought, "How can Maria sit here without any convition?"  Obviously, I didn't know of the letter she had in her hand ready to hand to my wife.
 
Praising in Polokwane,
 
Brother Wilhite