Rev N M Ross
Zimbabwe. The Jewish and Foreign Mission Committee is still in the process of reviewing our Zimbabwe Mission, especially its work in medical care, education, child care and administration. While our chief objective is the glory of God in the salvation of sinners, through the preaching of the Word, we have a duty to exercise a wise stewardship of the material resources entrusted to us in the kind providence of the Most High.
Last November, the Convener of the Committee, Rev John MacLeod, and Mr Roderick Campbell, a Committee member, did an extensive tour of the Mission as deputies of the Committee. They were present at the official opening of the new Sixth Form science laboratories at John Tallach High School (as it is now known) at Ingwenya Mission, when about 1000 people
gathered in the quadrangle for the happy event. As Miss Norma MacLean, Deputy Head, said last year, “We trust . . . that this new development will be for the furtherance of [the Lord’s] Cause among the young people He brings into our care and under our instruction”. The annual school prize-giving took place at the same time.
The launch of the new Ndebele Bible, at which Trinitarian Bible Society (TBS) representatives were present as well as the deputies, took place in the assembly hall of Thembiso School before about 380 people, including pupils. The new Bible is a thorough revision of the previous one, done over ten years by our translation team, the final proofreading being supervised by the TBS. The great need for the revision was underlined by Mr Rowland, General Secretary of the TBS, when he gave some examples of improved renderings in the new Bible.
The Presbytery Translation Committee meantime continues overseeing the new translation of the Shona Bible. The first draft of the New Testament awaits assessment and refining. May these projects be blessed, so that many will be made believers in and “doers of the Word”.
At Mbuma Mission Hospital the new x-ray unit was officially opened, Mr MacLeod taking part in the ceremony. This valuable health-care facility will, no doubt, also be instrumental in bringing more people in contact with our gospel witness.
With regard to staff, Miss Norma MacLean is in Scotland for a well-earned rest from her responsibilities. Sister Margaret MacAskill is to visit Thembiso Children’s Home for several weeks from the end of January, DV, to give further training to the House Mothers.
Kenya: Due to the resignation of Rev K M Watkins as Superintendent of our Sengera Mission, and as no one has come forward to take his place, the Foreign Mission Committee regretfully decided to close the Mission from last October. Mr Watkins is now settled in his Barnoldswick pastorate but the Committee has authorised him to continue the complex process of closing down. It is hoped that this will include some kind of spiritual provision for the people there, to the number of about 200, who continue to meet for services, maintain the Catechism Class and run the Sabbath School under the leadership of the interpreters.
Israel: Rev John Goldby visited Israel in November to prepare for the launch of the TBS revision of the Delitzsch Hebrew Gospel according to John. Mr Goldby says that, when it is published and distributed freely, it should, “with the Lord’s blessing, kindle interest among the Jews in Israel in their Jewish Messiah”.
His visit included seeking an Israeli editor for The Westminster Confession
of Faith in Hebrew. It is already translated, the proof texts have been added, and the final editing will make it ready for printing. The completion of this project necessitates his visiting Israel again, DV.
Although biblical Christianity is being increasingly opposed by its enemies, the Lord of the harvest is still keeping doors open for us. But labourers are needed! “Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest” (Lk 10:2).