15 year Celebration Magazine of the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education

CHALETS - 2-5 People - Fully Furnished

CAMPING - Shaded campsites - Max 8 people per vehicle

- Self-catering communal kitchen - Communal bathrooms (warm showers, clean toilets) - Barbeque facilities

Contact details : Tel. Zambia +26 02 515 022 Tel. South Africa +27 23 231 0208 E-mail: fcemasaiti@zamtel.zm (Subject: Gert Basson)

60 km South of the Tanzanian border

· Can Accommodate 35 people · 4 Twin rooms - Communal bathrooms · 5 Bunker rooms - Communal bathrooms · 5 En-suite rooms · Restaurant

GUESTHOUSE & CONFERENCE CENTRE

Contact details : Tel. Zambia +26 02 515 022 Tel. South Africa +27 23 231 0208 E-mail: fcemasaiti@zamtel.zm (Subject: Gert Basson)

HE IS GOOD. HE IS THE KING. I looked in horror at those staring at me. "I do the newsletters - that's all! I do not have a clue about magazines, journalism and all the stuff needed to issue magazines!" Those were my famous last words! I now introduce to you: Riette Cilliers behind the computer; Anneke Price at the drawing board; Anita Grobler and Elma du Toit crossing the “t's” and dotting the “i's”; Marieta Scholtz advising us; Carel Nel the photographer and Gert Basson keeping us on track. Highway Chronicles is a team effort - every staff member has been involved: writing behind the scenes; brewing pots of tea; pre-paring healthy meals, and praying us through every page. By the grace of God and with the testimony that “We can do all things through Christ who equips us," we present to you: HIGHWAY CHRONICLES. We invite you to take a lei-surely stroll through its pages: read our testi-monies on how God provides, heals and pro-tects us, and be encouraged; dance with us on the mountaintops and lend us a shoulder to lean on when we go through the valleys; pay a visit to our Training Centres and have fellow-ship with the Body of Christ; meet the men and women of the Highway, and play with their children; join us at the table for exotic tastes from Africa and the East; go on an African adventure and enjoy the hospitality at our guesthouses and camping sites in Zambia; walk down memory lane at the bottom of each page and experience how, “His goodness and mercy have followed us all the days..."(Ps. 23:6) The heart of this issue of HIGHWAY CHRO-NICLES is : To bring honour and glory to the King of the King's Highway! On 24 September 2005 FCE celebrates its 15th anniversary. We can think of no better way to honour Him than to write about His goodness! In the Chronicles of Narnia (C.S.Lewis) Lucy asks Mrs Beaver about the Lion: "Then he is not safe," said Lucy. "Safe?" said Mr Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs Beaver tells you? Who said any-thing about safe? Course he is not safe, BUT HE IS GOOD. He is the King, I tell you!" This is also FCE’s story – HE IS GOOD! Anita de Jager

4 The King’s Highway—A Historical Overview 6 Face to Face—An openhearted interview with

Neels de Jager GENERAL

10 FCE Publications 54 Letters 38 FCE Staff Photo Page 48 MK’s Photo Page 52 Men of the Highway Photo Page 71 Fun on the Way Photo Page 49 Crossword 72 Art Festival 11 EDUCATION: Jesus the Master Teacher 13 Discipleship/Missionary Training & GAP Year 14 Teacher Training (History and Vision) 16 Teaching Diplomas: DEC & DIE

17&18 Community Training: COUPACS & ELLS 20 Au Pair Training PROJECTS

19 Building the New Campus & Sudan 21 Sponsor-a-student 34 Jubilee 35 Fruit Tree & Nursery 56 Kalungu Staff Housing 22 TRAINING CENTRES: So Send I You 24 South Africa & Namibia 25 Zimbabwe & Malawi 26 Zambia: Masaiti 28 Zambia: Koti Ni Eden 31 Zambia: Kalungu 32 New Sudan 36 India 40 WOMEN: Proverbs 31 46 FEED MY LAMBS 50 HEALTH 57 FOOD 60 BUSINESS 64 VALLEY OF THE SHADOW... 65 TRAVEL

The King’s Highway On his 51st birthday, the director of FCE, Neels de Jager, woke up in a guesthouse in Tanzania. While he was worshipping the Lord in the early morning hours he asked his Heavenly Father for a special word as a birthday present.

God blessed him with several verses all telling him the same thing: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a High-way for our God.”

“And a highway will be there, a roadway. And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it. But it will be for him who walks that way and fools will not wander on it.” (Isaiah 35: 8)

“A voice is calling, clear the way for the Lord in the wilder-ness” ( Isaiah 40 : 3)

Neels sat in awe. At breakfast he shared this revelation with Jannie Compion, his friend and colleague. Jannie could immediately identify with this. They were both excited by God’s initiative. At this stage they could only begin to grasp God’s mandate for FCE.

God’s Plan for Generations: A Few months later Jannie browsed through an old mission newspa-per dating back to 1917. The article on the front page caught his attention. It was about the Kafulafuta Mission, which is about 12 km away from FCE’s present mission station at

Masaiti. The heading of the article excited him: “ Prepare ye the way, make straight in the desert a Highway for our God!”

Kafulafuta Missions, in Zambia, celebrates its hundredth year of participating in clearing the Way this year. One of their newsletters, dated April 1905, gives us an important insight into what the Holy Spirit was saying to God’s people in this area over a hundred years ago, about His plans and purposes for Africa: “Nyasaland should be regarded as a gateway through which the messengers of Christ might pass, bearing the gospel of His love to the darker regions beyond.”

Our God is in control – He is on track: “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all genera-tions.” (Psalm 33: 11)

FCE and the Highway: FCE’s vision is to make disciples for Jesus Christ world-wide, by using the tools of training and education and to equip them to pre-pare the Way for the coming King. FCE is deeply committed to mak-ing God’s dream come true. God needs people to remove the stones, level the mountains and valleys and heal the land.

FCE is fully aware of the fact that we are not the only builders and that we will not be the last. We are privileged and humbled to be co-workers—and make it our aim to challenge others to join us.

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“Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a Highway for our God.”(Is.40:3)

Wolseley, South Africa

Gauteng, South Africa

Okahandja, Namibia Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe

Masaiti, Zambia Kalungu, Zambia

Yei, Sudan

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All glory and honour and praise be to our

Father,

Christ our Cross-bearer and Cornerstone,

Eternal encourager and educator, the Holy Spirit, who gave us the mandate to build.

Q. How did it all come about? Did you wake up one morning and decide, “Today I am going to establish a mission organisa-tion!” A. I wish it were that simple. For sixteen years I had been a dedi-cated teacher who loved every mo-ment of teaching. I came to know the Lord when I was a student and from then I knew that the Lord had called me. It was not possible to put it into words, it was not even possible for me to grasp it – it was just there! In 1987 I went back to Stellenbosch to do my Masters’ degree in Education. Anita and the children stayed in Clanwilliam and I was on my own – it was during that time that the Lord slowly started to reveal to me, that the time had come for Him to release me into full-time missions.

Q. Where and how did you start? A. All along, I shared as much as possible with Anita and we kept on seeking God’s face. I organised a reunion for my ex-students in the Biedouw Valley in the Cederberg Mountains for the Easter weekend of 1990. One night, at the camp, the Lord supernaturally confirmed His calling on my life. I came back from that camp and I knew that I knew, although I did not really un-derstand what it was about. I knew there was no turning back. The first step of obedience was to resign from my post as vice principal of Clanwilliam High School. Many people did not understand. One man said to me: “Are you mad? You are leaving the safest possible

occupation!” This was difficult.

Q. What do you mean by a su-pernatural calling and what was difficult for you? A. To me it was like a Damascus Road experience. While someone was praying for Anita, Jannie Com-pion and me at the camp one night, something supernatural happened. I was intensely aware of the pres-ence of the Holy Spirit, and the guy was praying exactly in line with what the Lord had revealed to me, through His Word, regarding my calling. All who were present, knew it was God speaking! The difficult part was to share this with people who did not understand what had happened. I did not even fully un-derstand, so how could I expect outsiders to understand? This led to a lot of uncertainty, gossip and distrust.

Q. Did you start immediately? A. Yes, but I started with research on Christian Education. At that point I only knew that I was to get involved in Christian Education. Anita and I attended an ACE con-ference on “What is Christian Edu-cation?” during our school holiday, and we also met Thinus Dreeck-meier. He was a professor in Di-dactics at UNISA at that time and had done a lot of research on Christian Education world-wide. Thinus had a big influence on my thinking. A group of parents from

the Southern Cape also contacted me for advice and they suggested the possibility of starting a Christian school in that region. I continued with my work at the Clanwilliam school until 31 December 1990. I will forever be grateful to the gov-erning body of the school, for allow-ing me to take leave during Sept/Oct of that year, to go on a five week fact-finding mission to Amer-ica and Canada. Anita and I, ac-companied by three other men, left on 24 September 1990.

Q. Why on this specific date 24 September? A. During that time I experienced, and still do, that my whole vision is built on the guidelines God gave Zerubabel of rebuilding the Temple. I made an in-depth study of the book of Haggai, and took the ad-vice literally to start the work on the “four and twentieth day of the ninth month” (Hag. 2:10). I know this sounds absurd, but I just felt in my spirit that this is what God expected from me. That is why I see Sep-tember 24th 1990 as the founding day of FCE. My family and I moved to Stellenbosch on 1 January 1991, to a house that a businessman had made available to us. From this point on we lived completely by faith.

Q. What do you mean by “living by faith”? A. I was not only responsible for my family, but also for the five teachers who joined us. We were in Stellenbosch and intended starting a Christian school. I came back >

AN OPENHEARTED INTERVIEW WITH NEELS DE JAGER, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF FCE

Historical Overview: Neels de Jager takes a year off to do his Master’s Degree in Education in Stellenbosch.He receives a specific calling for full-time ministry. 1987

from the USA, still not knowing ex-actly what the difference was be-tween Christian schools and our state schools. I did not know where to start, or how we were going to cope without a salary. We did not receive support from churches or other organisations. I was con-cerned about the influence that all these uncertainties would have on my children, our family life, and my marriage. Every morning I woke up realising that only God can di-rect me through the day, fulfil my needs and open opportunities for me. I had to learn to trust God from moment to moment in the midst of criticism and opposition. FCE was established during those first two years of hardship and uncertainty. Our prayer life bloomed; we learned what it was to wait on God, to hear His voice, and be obedient to Him. Our faith was stretched and strengthened. But at times it was very difficult for all of us. Q. What was difficult? A. The most difficult was to die to self. The fact that we had to share the house, and only one bathroom, with a group of others, helped a lot in this dying process! It was unset-tling to know there would be no income at the end of the month. My children battled to adapt in the ‘big’ school. As a family we had no privacy. Anita worked very hard; she was responsible for the upkeep of the house and prepared all the meals. My discussions with offi-cials from the department of educa-tion, at that time, usually ended in disaster and many spiritual and community leaders were unsympa-thetic to my cause. People, whose understanding I needed, doubted my calling. Our relatives were up in arms about what we were doing. There were many times of doubt when I felt I was on a wild goose chase – then I could only turn to the Lord and to Anita. BUT it was in times like these that I got to know the infallible character of God and learnt what total dependence and commitment was! Q. Did you get any support? A. O yes! I will always honour God for my wife and three children who continued to believe in me. I also had the trust of Jannie Compion, an ex-student of mine, and the vice-leader of FCE today. He kept on encouraging me. Piet and Elma du Toit, who had been our friends since we were students and who

later joined FCE, stayed by our side, although they openly con-fessed they did not understand! Johan and Annette Nieuwoudt from Clanwilliam also had a hard time

defending us! I remember Dawie and Marieta Scholtz, student friends, who at a very difficult time, came to take the children for a weekend! Supporters from Clanwil-liam brought heaps of fruit and vegetables and made phone calls to encourage us, etc. There were also a few spiritual leaders from Stellenbosch, who took an interest in what we were doing and encour-aged us. I made contact with edu-cational and spiri-tual leaders all over the world, attended many conferences, pre-sented workshops and got involved in God’s initiative in missions. As the years went by and we became known, we built up an extensive support network. Many people, from Africa and abroad, attended our Basic Discipleship Courses, and those who were called by God

joined FCE as staff. Yes, we had support– too much to mention. Q. How many staff members do you have after 15 years? A. At present we have 62 full-time staff members. In total, there are 36 staff children in the organisation. Our staff and students are interna-tional and interdenominational and come from countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zam-bia, Lesotho, Malawi, Uganda, Su-dan, America, England, Germany, Canada, Norway, India, Nepal and Australia. Q. Your training is based on the renewing of the mind. Who most influenced this emphasis? A. Apart from the life and teachings of Jesus, I had the privilege to walk in the footsteps of men like Loren Cunningham and Winky Pratney from YWAM, and part of my training as a missionary was under Mr Francis Grim from IHCF. The work and teachings of Andrew Murray, and especially Oswald Chambers, still continue to influence my think-ing. I honour these men as worthy role models and like to identify with them. Q. Do you only train people for FCE? A. Oh no! We train Christians to be sent out as full-time missiona-ries, either in FCE or to other mis-sion organisations, communities and churches or to secular employ-ment. We train them in teaching, community work, building, carpen-try, hospitality, primary health care, child stimulation etc. Q. How do you manage to give

such a variety of training to so many people? A. It is only possi-ble because of the dedication and devotion of my staff, who give everything without expecting anything in return.

Q. You are very enthusiastic when you talk about your staff! A. The FCE staff are very dear and special to me. I treasure and ap-preciate each one of them. They are ordinary people, who have been called by God to work in FCE. They believe in their calling, >

The world needs Chris-tians who understand the responsibilities of being church and not only go-ing to church.

1988/1989 Neels continues with his teaching career at Clanwilliam High School.

Parents approach him to establish a Christian school. He starts to do research on this issue.

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their desire is to please Him and not the organisation and to make disciples of Jesus Christ. They are the body that I trust and wherein Anita and I can freely fellowship. Q. What is the vision of FCE? A. John 3:16 “For God so loved this world, that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have eter-nal life.” FCE’s vision is in line with God’s vision for this world. Our passion for a lost world motivates us to make disciples of men through training and education. We are building a Highway on which the King of Glory can enter. Q. What do you mean by “Building a Highway?” A. On my birthday in 2000, while I was in Tanzania, the Lord gave me a vision of FCE working alongside many of His children all over the world, prepar-ing His Highway. This was confirmed in Num-bers (20:16–17) and Isaiah (35:8; 40:3-5; 62:10-12). I shared this with the staff and it was received with much enthusiasm. I do not think we un-derstand the full meaning of this, but we are building in obedience. Q. Is the vision not too broad? A. Yes and no! Our focus is to make disciples – this is part of the Great Commission and this is our aim. BUT, in the process we are exposed to the poverty, famine, hurt, need and suffering of others every day. The world needs Chris-tians who understand the responsi-bilities of being the church, and not only of needing to go to church. It is impossible to lead people to Christ and then ignore their needs. Jesus warned us against this in Matt. 25. This involvement makes our vision broad. But it IS possible; it asks commitment and endurance from our staff and our supporters. The width of the vision enables staff members to work in their area of interest – to live out their mission within the FCE vision. It is thrilling to see how God prepares and equips each one to fulfil their Mission in this world.

Q. Are you involved in every aspect of the work? Is it possi-ble? A. Once again the answer is: yes and no. For the first eight years in FCE, I initiated all the planning and co-ordinating and did most of the training. That was the pioneer phase. After that came the estab-lishing phase. Anita, Jannie and others who joined, helped me dur-ing this time. After 15 years, we are now in a phase where the vi-sion is expanding. I have a leader-ship, whom I trust, in place in the different departments. I do part of the planning, and I give guidance and direction. I now mainly focus on the marketing of FCE, the train-ing of and tending to my leaders

and staff. Q. You must be ex-tremely busy! A. Well, I must admit I do not have much spare time! Q. You travel a lot. Is it necessary and how does your family cope with it?

A. Yes, I travel a lot. Our Head Office is in the Western Cape and our Training Centres are in Africa and India. I need to visit my lead-ers and encourage my staff, to pro-mote the work of FCE and get peo-ple involved. There is a need to attend conferences and to be in-volved in worldwide missions as I conduct courses all over the world. Decide for yourself whether all my travelling is necessary or not! My family cope by the grace of God. When the children were still in our home, Anita stayed with them but now it is much easier. She tries to go with me as often as possible. I enjoy taking her along and it gives her a wider perspective on what we are doing. She needs fresh infor-mation all the time because she is responsible for our FCE newslet-ters. It is never easy to be away from your family – I do not choose it to be like this, but this is the way it is. I can humbly testify that I have the full support of all three my chil-dren – and I know it is because they were willing to pay the price. I do not dare to talk about FCE as though they are not part of it! >

There is no glory in making disci-

ples, it takes time, endurance

and all your energy.

He meets Prof. Thinus Dreeckmeier in Pretoria.

FCE TRAINING COLLEGE

Our passion for a lost world motivates us to make disci-ples through training and education. Courses offered: * Basic Discipleship Course (8 weeks) * Mission Training (1 year) * Au Pair Training at the centre in South Africa (3 months) * Community Upliftment and Child Stimulation (COUPACS) (2 years) * Gap Year (1 year) * English Languange Course for Literate Students (ELLS) (14 months) * Teacher Training at the Col lege in Zambia (4 years) - Diploma in Early Child- hood (Gr 0– Gr 3) - Diploma in Intermediate Education (Gr 4—Gr 7) CONTACT DETAILS: SOUTH AFRICA: P.O.Box 126, Wolseley, 6830 Tel&Fax: +27 23 231 0208 E-mail: info@fce.org.za ZAMBIA: P.O.Box 90790, Luanshya Tel: +260 2515021 E-mail: fcemasaiti@zamtel.zm

At an ACE conference on Christian Education in Pretoria they get the conviction to start a model Christian School.

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Father, when You called us to follow You, You didn’t leave us to our own devices. You equipped us for the task and we knew that you are faithful to continue the good work that You started. We acknowledge that You will continue until that glorious day when Jesus returns, as You have promised. We have come to know You as our El Shaddai, the All Sufficient One – the God who is more than we ever need. You are our refuge and safe place – the God on whom we can depend. Your Word is the lamp that guides our feet and shows the way. During the past fifteen years Your arm has never been too short. You have been our travelling com-panion as we have covered many kilometres, crossing our conti-nent and others. In difficult times and circumstances You were the only answer. You have been our unchanging, ever-present God in the midst of the storms and unanswered questions. Fa-ther, guard our hearts. We want to be a beautiful fragrance spreading Your knowledge and love. Take our lips so that we may share Your word with sincerity. Guide us as we submit our-selves to be used in Your service and keep us one with You. Amen Neels de Jager

Q. It must be very expensive to do what you are doing and to travel as you do? It looks as though FCE has ample re-sources! A. My God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). I could write volume upon volume on God’s faithfulness and ability to sustain His work. Every time we need fi-nances, He performs a miracle! When we started FCE we trusted God for a monthly salary – BUT it never happened! Instead, He trained us month after month to rely on Him – and up till now He has not failed us once! Every time I want to go somewhere or plan something, I need only to ask Him and trust Him. There are no savings accounts. There is no money lying around waiting to be spent. We have spent much time in prayer, hours before the Lord, regarding our financial policy. We have read many books on missions and finances, and have studied the lives of missionaries in the past. In the end we came up with a financial policy that suits our situation and we are convinced that it is from the Lord. Read more about our policy in this magazine. I know it is difficult for many people to understand, and they want to argue with me about it, trying to convince me otherwise, but this is

what the Lord has revealed to us – once again we do not have a choice. I am not saying our way is the only way, I am saying this is what the Lord has shown us. When God provides, He uses peo-ple – the finances I get from my ex-students and friends, I use mainly for my travel expenses. Many times when there is a need in the body, God convinces some-one in the body to provide. In a way it is liberating to ‘dare to live on the edge.’ It keeps you humble and dependent; it makes you responsible; and ac-countable; it protects you and makes you alert; you can cope with little and with plenty; you are aware of others’ needs and you learn to give sacrificially. Q. How do you cope? How do you find time to be alone with God? A. In Him I live, in Him I move, in Him I have my being. (Acts 17:28) In the Great I Am, I am. (Ex. 3:14) I am thankful, I am available, I am flexible, I am reachable and I am obedient. I try not to make ‘issues’. I spend many hours at airports, in

aeroplanes, behind the wheel of my Land Rover – I use all these oppor-tunities to seek His face; to get His advice; to argue with Him; to make my needs and desires known to Him. As I prepare for a workshop or

a paper I have to present at a con-ference, I enjoy dwelling in His Word, allowing Him to teach and guide me in wis-dom. When I am with my leaders at the different Train-ing Centres, I

cherish the times that we spend in prayer and in studying His Word. I believe HE IS with me at ALL times as I abide in Him! He is the vine, I am the branch, without Him I can do nothing. (John 15)

Q. You have trained many peo-ple. Is it worthwhile? A. A definite YES, because my staff is willing to ‘walk the talk!’ Training is not only about lecturing and giving information. We believe that “salvation belongs to our God” – we trust His Spirit to begin a new work in the lives of our students and we follow Jesus Christ, our role model and our example, in making disciples for Him. There is no glory in making disciples, it takes time, endurance and all >

We have learnt that not every need is a calling and if you are need- driven, things do not work according to His purpose and plan.

They start to pray with two other teachers about Christian Education. 1990 Neels organises an Easter camp for his ex-students in Clanwilliam.

At this camp, his calling for Christian Education is supernaturally confirmed.

9

your energy. This is also the reason why we work in groups not larger than twelve people and why we do not do distance training. If you want to make a disciple you have to be there, in person, all the time! If you have a family, the whole family is involved. Many people who have gone through our training courses have been sent back to their communities to make a difference. I have a saying: “it is not sufficient to teach someone to catch a fish, you need to teach him to process the fish, to market it and to train others to do the same.”

Q. Do you have a 100% success rate? A. No, neither did Jesus, remember? “And there were ten virgins, but only five had oil for their lamps.” (Matt. 25) I do not count the successes or the losses – it is not my responsibility. I trust God, “to perform the good work He has begun until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6).

Q. FCE is training teachers in the Sudan. When you started your work five years ago in the Sudan, how did you know that there was going to be peace? A. We do not know anything ahead of time. We do what we have to do, God takes care of the rest. For the last five years we have been involved in the Sudan, which for many years has paid the price to keep Islam out of the rest of Southern Africa, and now it is our turn to move in and make a contribution. What has hap-pened in the Sudan is sad and heartbreaking, but we are so glad that we are in the privileged position to help re-build this war-torn country. We pray for harvesters and people who are willing to work alongside us.

Q. You are involved in so many different places. Is the Sudan your last project? A. No, definitely not! It is difficult for us to be so widely involved with such a small staff. We have learnt that if we start to move on God’s initiative, He directs us, equips us, provides for us and sends the labourers who enable us to accomplish the task. Therefore, we need to listen very carefully to what God tells us to do – we have learnt that not every need is

a calling, and if you are need-driven, things do not work according to His purpose and plan.

Q. The road ahead? A. If I stay true to my calling, “moving ahead” will hap-pen spontaneously. We are, presently, looking at the possibility of expanding our work to the East. I expect that in future we will work in closer partnership with other mission organisations. Our heart is for the unreached and under-privileged – I foresee that we will be more closely involved in these areas.

Q. What was the highlight over the past 15 years? A. I was a teacher for sixteen years and enjoyed every moment of it, but every morning when I walked to school I knew there was, and must be, something more. Today I can testify that I experience the ultimate. For me to know God’s purpose for my life, and to be able to fulfil it, is the highlight of my life. FCE and its staff members in action, is a highlight. Every opportunity to lead someone to Christ, or help someone through the process of repen-tance, forgiveness and healing, is a highlight. You see, it is actually impossible to highlight only one thing we ex-perience in FCE.

Q. What advice can you give to young people? A. My experience of young Christians today is that they are scared to make a commitment and that they want to start at the top. My advice is: make sure of your call-ing, stay in that calling! Endure and move in God’s timing. Do not try to make your own plans if things do not work out as you think they should. At times you will experience that you might be at the wrong place, that others do not see or use your potential. Be very careful not to jump the gun. I can guarantee that if you “abide in Him”, believing that He is in full control, He will release and use you in ministry.

Q. One last question: What is your favourite food, colour and TV pro-gramme? A. Wait a minute. I’m sure some of my staff members are behind this question!

The Lord speaks through the book of Haggai. God challenges us to rebuild the walls of Education and He gives us the assurance that He will be with us.

A time of trial and testing follows. Some Christians questions Neels’ calling.

Should you want to order one of the above books, send us a cheque adding R10.00 for postage. Make sure you give your address. Order From: FCE, P.O. Box 126, WOLSELEY, 6830, SOUTH AFRICA , Tel. 023 23 10208

JOU OOMBLIK VAN GLORIE

by Jannie Compion (A book for the sport loving child or adult)

Die skrywer slaag daarin om die Skrifwaarhede op ‘n vars manier by die behoefes van die sport-man te integreer en dui ‘n “nuwe weg” aan waarop Christensportlui hulle sport kan beoefen. Price: R15 each

AN AFRICAN SAFARI by Hendrik Jansen &

MUSHI LEARNS A LESSON by Henry Lourens

Two charming children’s stories written for classroom use. A teacher’s manual with ideas, com-prehension tests, games and other fun activities is part of each pack-age. Aimed at Grade 5 or 6 levels. Price: R15 each

TOWARD CHRIST-CENTRED EDUCATION

by Thinus Dreeckmeier This book was written primarily with the aim of helping teachers and prospective teachers to move from man-centred education to Christ-centred education. Christian par-ents, however, are not excluded. This book challenges teachers to venture on the path towards Christ-centred Education, and encourages many Christian parents to take a stand and firmly support these teachers. Also available in Afri-kaans Price: R30 each

OP PAD deur Thinus Dreeckmeier

‘n Digbundel ge-baseer op sekere Skrifgedeeltes. Price: R20 each

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Neels resigns as Vice Principal of the school in December 1990.

On 24 September 1990, Neels and Anita step out in faith and go on an extensive tour to America to gather information on Christian Education.

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DISCIPLESHIP must be founda-tional to all our activities. Our lifestyle and perspective should be “out of this world”, pointing to ETERNITY.

...seek God’s face, sharpen the focus of course contents, refine curricula, pray in harvesters…

he FCE emblem was given by the Lord, through a dream, to one of our staff members.

It was wonderful how He confirmed His vision and strategy to us as a called body of believers, through this revelation:

* All we do must be founded on God’s inspired and infallible WORD alone. * We must be CHRIST-CENTRED in everything. This is depicted by His Cross over the world. * We have been called mainly for the UNREACHED people groups of the world, depicted by the cross-beam of the Cross covering the nations in the 10/40 Window. * DISCIPLESHIP must be foundational to all our ac-tivities. The ‘mature’ believer disciples the ‘less ma-ture’, and reaches the non-believer, pointing him/her to ETERNITY. Our lifestyle and perspective should be “out of this world!” FCE was established in 1990.

God’s purpose for FCE was established before the foundation of the earth! From the beginning, the Lord revealed that the strategy we would use for bringing glory to His name, and reaching the lost with his Truth, would have as one of its main pillars, TRAINING. Not just any training, not just good training, but Christ-Centred training which reflects God’s purposes, reveals his ordered relationships throughout Creation, and leads His followers to become responsible disciples, willing and eager to reach out and disciple others.

All aspects of subsequent training and education would have as main focus, the building of Christ’s Highway along with people from all communities, and especially disadvantaged and unreached com-munities, would be discipled and equipped so that Godly transformation could take place.

The journey along this Highway has not always been easy or smooth. At times we were forced to a halt in order to take stock of the situation, seek God’s face, sharpen the focus of course con-tents, refine curricula and pray in harvesters… BUT the journey has always been joyful, because our Lord has always gone be-fore!

1991 Neels leaves teaching, and he and Anita move to Stellenbosch to begin a Christian school.

Jannie Compion and four other teachers join them.

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MISSIONARY TRAINING What is a missionary? This seemingly complicated question has a very simple answer! According to Matthew 28:16 – 20 EVERY follower of Christ has been commissioned to GO, DISCIPLE, BAPTISE and TEACH. Wonderfully, He promises to be with us, and that we can walk in His authority. Whether for the local or foreign mission field, Christ has promised that He will be the Great Enabler. In order to function most effectively in a given community, city or nation, however, and to identify with the people being served with God’s truth, one needs to have specific knowledge, practical skills, language acumen and the like. This is where Missionary Training comes in. Initially FCE had a six-month “Tentmaker Course” which was aimed at preparing Christians to be sent out as full-time missionaries in cross-cultural situations. This was later extended to a twelve-month course. This now also forms an integral part of all training for missionary teachers and community workers.

Is this training easy? Is it effective?

Let’s read how one trainee experienced it:

The programme is a good balance between theory and practice, between learning and experiencing, and between ‘head’ knowledge and ‘hand’ knowledge. From the beginning we were confronted with the life of that great man Hudson Taylor, whose influence is still to be found in China – even after nearly 150 years. Throughout the course we did character studies of William Carey, C.T. Studd, Bruchko (Bruce Olsson), George Müller, Amy Carmichael and Reese Howells. Each of these missionaries was a human being just like you and me: we could identify with their sorrow over loved ones who died, their sicknesses and misery, but also with the joy of souls which were won for His kingdom. “What was the reason for their success?” we often asked. There is only one answer: an absolute unwavering faith, a total surren-der of all one’s rights, total obedience to God’s commands, a compassion for lost souls and

ENDURANCE!

BASIC DISCIPLESHIP COURSE

This seven-week course has, since the inception of FCE, always re-mained the main foundation for all other training. Every staff member has also gone through, then presented, this life-changing ‘honeymoon with the Lord” (as we enjoy calling it).

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Romans 12:2 remains the chief objective of this course, which is aimed at re-orientating, motivating and equipping Christians from a Biblical perspective in all they do. The purpose is to make a difference for the kingdom of God!

Presently this course is offered in South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, India and New Sudan.

Over the past few years the FCE office has received numerous enquiries from school-leavers and other young people.

Questions such as these, were asked:

“I want to study further, but don’t know in which direction to go. Can I come for an ‘interim’ training which will give me exposure to mis-sions, but also give me time to seek the Lord for his plan for my future? I want to help and serve in a cross-cultural setting for a while. Do you have short-term training that will enable me to do so? I want to ‘experience’ Africa and serve the Lord. Do you have a place for me? I intend studying at a secular, tertiary institution but am afraid that I won’t be able to cope with the humanistic approach to my field of study. Do you have training where I can learn how to deal with things from a Biblical perspective?”

After much consideration we introduced our twelve-month GAP YEAR programme in 2003. The training includes: the Basic Discipleship Course, presented in Wolseley SA; 3 month practical work at our Training Centre in Zam-bia; 3 months Mission Training in Zambia (Masaiti and Kalungu) and also Malawi, and 4 months volunteer work at any of our Training Centres. To date, we have trained Gap Year students from South Africa, Namibia, Germany, Holland, UK, Canada and the USA. It is an encouragement that He who started His good work in them, is faithful to complete it. (Fil. 1:6)

We first had to experience God’s plan through that excellent video series “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby. We also had to realise that God’s plan starts with each individual and with the small things He asks of us, like: washing yourself from a small bowl, sleeping on the ground, eating nshima (stiff porridge without salt) three times a day, struggling to communicate with the local people, relishing fried termites and mice and forgetting about restaurant dinners. I stood amazed at the little with which we could get by.

Apart from the close cross-cultural contact, our training also included the following: basic first aid, prayer, evangelism, community transfor-

mation, cross-cultural studies, God’s way of training, basic motor mechanics, basic main-tenance and Bible Study. Dur-ing an outreach near the Tan-zanian border (I won’t say anything more about our epic journey there on a dilapidated lorry which led to lots of char-acter building!), we could also, for the first time, test the LAMP course (Language Acquisition Made Practical) in the villages. It was wonderful to see how the people just open up once you want to learn their lan-

guage.

Just know this: no-one who does this course, can ever think or feel the same about missions. Be brave and risk it!

The Holy Spirit of God is the One who brings about this change as is borne out in the follow-ing testimonies of those who WILL NEVER BE THE SAME:

* This course was a direct answer to my prayer. As the head of a new pre-school this course has laid basic foundations, which are essential. My eyes were opened to so many important education principles based on God’s Word. I praise His name and give Him all the glory. (Vuldzani Bulala – Venda) * The shocking realities of humanism in our education system regarding the absence of Biblical instruction in education, necessitate now more than ever, that born-again teachers should work together to fulfil the Great Command of Jesus Christ. (Johan van Wijk) * Before the course I had reached a point where I did not know how to continue with my work and ministry. I am returning to Malawi much closer to the person God has created me to be. (Carien Hay)

We are known as ACSA – “Die Afrikaanse Christenskole Aksie”

During this time a course for the training of teachers is literally developed on our knees.

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* In 1998 a Junior Primary Diploma course was intro- duced.

* The two principal courses offered were renamed in order to keep in step with worldwide trends the Junior Primary Diploma was now called the Diploma in Early Childhood (DEC), and the Senior Primary Diploma, the Diploma in Intermediate Education (DIE)

* FCE’s SECOND TRAINING COLLEGE was opened in Zambia on 1 February 1999. Training could now be offered in a truly cross-cultural set- ting. Students could also experience firsthand how teachings in the class- room are applied practically and immediately in the nearby villages.

These were some of the exciting and profound revela-tions given when, on 27 January 1997, the Lord fulfilled our long awaited dream: The official opening of our FIRST TRAINING COLLEGE in the hall of the beautiful and stately old building of the former “Wellington Hoër Jongenskool.” What a day of rejoicing that was! The special occasion where we dedicated the College to the Lord was shared by seventy people, including staff members and friends of FCE, course participants and our new students – ALL THREE OF THEM. (By the end of the week the student intake had risen to four!) Many of our loyal friends attended the ceremony, in-cluding Francois and Inge van Tonder, pastoral couple from Ladismith, Dr Johan and Elna Snyman from Free to Serve, Pastor Kobus and Karen Theron of Interna-tional Kingdom Missions, two Americans from the An-drew Murray Foundation, David Bliss and Kevin Louw, and Mike and Helen Burnard from Open Doors. Many who were unable to attend sent us their greetings and blessings. We felt so small, and yet so privileged, to be part of God’s plan and to be able to build on what had been laid on the hearts of many before us: To have trained teachers sent out as missionaries! One such person was Andrew Murray. More than 100 years ago he wrote:

One of the words the Lord gave us to bring into effect Andrew Murray’s passion, and indeed His passion, was: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! … I am making a way in the desert … to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself, that they may proclaim my praise.” Isaiah 43:18 – 21

Jesus encouraged us from Haggai 2 by exhorting us to be strong and do the work, for He was with us.

“We feel the need of a special effort to secure the rising generation for Christ. And oh! How deeply I have felt the plight of children entrusted to uncon-verted teachers. Christ’s lambs given to the charge of the world. In visiting down country congrega-tions it’s clear to me how much ground we have already lost with the young people by the influence of a worldly teacher and we have not an hour to lose if we want by means of pious teachers to win the younger generations for the Lord.”

And so it was that the training of missionary teachers became a reality. These teachers would be equipped to serve in private, Christian or state schools, or to teach in formal and non-formal settings on the foreign mission field. With only 2 lecturers, 4 students and no curricu-lum fully in place yet, the Lord assured us in 1 Chroni-cles 28 that He would do for us as He had done for David when He commissioned him to build the Temple : He would provide a “heavenly blueprint” and give us His plan in writing! Initially two courses were offered, a 1½ year post gradu-ate Higher Education Diploma for senior school teach-ers, and a 2 year, Senior Primary Diploma. As the pio-neering phase of the College evolved, the H.E.D. was renamed FDE (Further Diploma in Christ-centred Edu-cation). All two-year training was extended to 3 years.

ISTORY AND VISION Do not despise the day of small beginnings … Be like grain offerings … Unless the Lord builds, we labour in vain … Multitudes are standing at the gates, waiting to be shown how to “go”.

First four students with lecturers

The four major pillars on which we believe Christian Education should rest, are identified, namely: TRAINING, PRAYER, OUTREACH and CURRICULUM.

Neels attends a conference in the USA.

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“If one day I see the world as

God sees it, and come to know Him, Whom to know is life eternal, and glorify God by

fulfilling His purpose for me… THEN I have been educated!”

(Quoted in an ACSI publication)

* Curricula were adapted to better equip students to teach midst the political and educational changes in South Africa. Outcomes-based Education’s hidden agenda to conform a new generation of learners to the state’s political ideology, had to be critically assessed f r o m a C h r i s t - c e n t r e d p e r s p e c t i v e .

* In 2004 FCE extended its training to 4 years. The Lord had called us to sharpen our focus for training so that the students (called Missionaries in Training) would be trained only for work within FCE’s CTC (Community Training Centre) schools, or to be sent out to a specific mission or sending organisation.

* In 2004 Teacher Training started in the New Su-dan. (In 2007, by God’s grace, the THIRD FCE TRAIN-ING COLLEGE will be opened.) “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut…” Revelation 3:8 One of the greatest challenges FCE had to face, was the enforced closing of the College in South Africa in November 2003. After months of negotiations, applications, denials for registration by the Depart-ment of Education, and rejected appeals, the sad decision was made for us: our South African stu-dents could no longer be trained in their own coun-try! The Minister of Education had deemed our Col-lege liable based on the assumption that we ‘would not be able to meet our financial obligations to the students’. All this, because we could not give proof that in the next three years we would still be a ‘going concern’! How does one explain the concept of ‘faith living’ to those in the world? Also, the new Education Law stipulated that all registered institu-tions had to offer courses up to at least a 4-year (B.Ed.) level. This meant that we would be forced to affiliate to another registered tertiary (secular) insti-tution. This, clearly, was unthinkable. One of the students who had to make the difficult decision whether to continue with her training in Zambia, or to move on to a secular institution in South Africa, explains: “After receiving the letter from the government we gathered and prayed in groups. The noise of prayers filled the room as we cried out to our Heav-enly Father to show us His heart. He assured us that the battle is His and that we should not fear but only trust Him. (Haggai 2:4-9). It was also very clear that He allowed this door to be shut but that He had already opened a new door. Our Father guided us through the fire of purification and He tested our hearts just like He did with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.” BUT GOD! HIS PROMISES ARE TRUE! Early this year Hebron Theological College, already registered in South Africa, was informed by the Depart-ment of Education that their application to offer a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) was ap-proved. Hebron is at this stage the only private Christian institution registered by the Department of Education in South Africa to train teachers. In this way

the Lord has, in a miraculous way, opened the door for the training of Christian teachers in South Africa. FCE and Hebron have agreed on mutual collaboration for presenting the PGCE course. This course will be presented by means of distance education and students may enrol during any time of the year. They work at their own pace and submit assignments that are as-sessed and returned. This will serve as continuous as-sessment of the performance of the student’s work and no formal examinations are required. Because of this, it is possible for FCE lecturers to be involved in the devel-opment of the course materials as well as the tuition of the different subjects, whilst fulfilling their normal func-tions at the FCE-Colleges. According to the agreement, FCE graduates may now enrol for the PGCE Intermediate Phase. In this way they can upgrade their qualifications to the B.Ed-level and at the same time acquire an acknowledged qualifi-cation within the South African system.

FCE and Hebron will remain two autonomous institu-tions, each fulfilling their God-given vision, but through this collaboration, the realisation of the vision of each is broadened. The Lord has opened a huge double door!

Piet and Elma du Toit join him on this trip, and are convinced to become involved.

Twelve qualified teachers join us and we are ready to start with the Christian school.

The name changes from ACSA to CEFSA – Christian Education for Southern Africa.

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Diploma in Early Childhood This course prepares students to teach from Pre-school to Grade 3. The course outline includes the following: Preparing young children to live a healthy lifestyle, and for formal school Training in didactics of all subject areas for Grade 0 – 3 Training in Teaching Skills, Perceptual Work, Creativity and Com- munication Study of Child Development from birth to 9 years Practical Teaching in a variety of school settings Basic School and Classroom Management Skills Community Ministry Training in establishing and managing pre-schools and primary schools Compensatory Education Adult Literacy Training Internship of 6 – 8 weeks

Diploma in Intermediate Education This course prepares students to teach from Grade 4 to Grade 7 The course outline includes, inter alia:

Training in Didactics of all subject areas for Grades 4 – 7 Training in Teaching Skills and Perceptual Work, Creativity and Communication Study of Child Development from ages 9 to 15 Practical Teaching in a variety of school settings Basic School and Classroom Management Skills Community Ministry Youth Ministry Youth Guidance and Counseling Aspects of Special and Remedial Education Training in establishing and managing primary schools Compensatory Education Adult Literacy Training Internship of 6 – 8 weeks

Paul Sinjani, who qualified in 2003, says: “Indeed, my three years in College were years of being thoroughly equipped. It was not easy but it was always a joy just to accom-plish what God was doing in me. Today I am a smiling teacher, fully equipped to teach under any circumstance. I am now teach-ing in the CTC. Here I can apply what I learnt in College.” >

Two Teaching Diplomas are of-fered by FCE

These courses aim at providing a full and comprehensive Christ-centred training for missionary teachers wishing to serve in any type of school, in a given international or cross-cultural setting. The courses are presently offered at the FCE Training College in Zambia only. Both are 4 year courses (1 year Discipleship and Missions Train-ing, 3 years skills training). Upon qualifying, students have two choices for placement: do a year of mentorship under an experienced teacher in a FCE school or Community Training Centre (CTC), in another approved school, or return to a sending organisation/group.

“After I finished my training at FCE, I taught at the CTC school for two years. Every morning I heard the footsteps of the children coming from the villages, eager to learn new things. Now I am teach-ing the FCE staff children at Masaiti School. The Lord is working out things for His purpose. To be able to teach is a gift from God. To Him be the glory. ” Ruth Kangwa

1992 The Basic Equipping Course, based on the renewal of the mind (Rom. 12:2) evolves from the course we devel-oped for the training of teachers. This course has become the basic requirement for all our training since.

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IS GOD SPEAKING TO YOU TO DO THE SAME?

In 2003 we introduced the Two-Year Certificate Course for those wishing to be trained as community workers. Upon completion, students are given two choices: do a year of mentorship under an experienced FCE member at a Training Centre, then continue working in one of the communities where FCE is involved (many are now working in the CTC’s in Masaiti and Kalungu, Zambia) or return to a sending organisation/group.

Certificate in Community Up-liftment and Child Stimulation

(COUPACS)

This certificate prepares students to: Work as facilitators in Community Training Centres in disadvantaged communities. Establish children’s activity centres. Serve as teachers’ aides in schools at FCE Training Centres. Evangelise and disciple people. Motivate and train people for the upliftment of their areas.

After completing the Equipping and Mission Training courses, stu-dents are exposed to a wide variety of skills and activities. Community Upliftment Training includes:

A Biblical philosophy for community development and transformation God’s Answer to Aids and an Aids prevention programme: Crossroads Agriculture and animal husbandry Building, brick-making and thatching Carpentry, needlecraft & cookery Primary health care Marriage and parenting Business and marketing Art and culture Leadership and law and government

Child Stimulation Training includes:

Childhood development Pre-school skills Drama, art, puppetry, music, dance, games Establishing a children’s activity centre Practical application in villages and disadvantaged communities LAMP course: Language Acquisition Made Practical

Did You Know? * Over the past 9 years FCE students have done teaching practicals and internships in village schools, private schools and state schools in India, Le-sotho, South Africa, England, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Australia!

* Qualified FCE teachers are presently reaching out to God’s children in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya, New Sudan, England, India, and Australia!

* Hendrik Jansen, one of our first pioneering students in 1997, is now a lec-turer for the DIE course in Zambia.

* This year, our first American student enrolled for the DIE course in Zambia.

Dr Paul A. Kienel (Philosophy of Christian School Education, ACSI, 1995) describes, in a nutshell, what Christian Education is all about: “… to show children and young people how to face God and then, with the vision of God in their hearts, to face the present world and the world to come.”

By means of Information Meetings and Weekend Seminars the vision of Christ-centred Education is shared and people are encouraged.

We mobilise prayer teams to visit schools in order to help teachers carry their burden.

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FCE TRAINING COLLEGES: STATISTICS

TRAINING IN THE NEW SUDAN

DEC DIE HDE FDE COUPACS TOTAL Wolseley, RSA (1997 – 2003)

28 25 5 1 59 Enrolled 16 23 5 1 45 Graduated

Masaiti, ZAMBIA (1999-2005)

30 43 20 93 Enrolled 25 37 13 75 Graduated

In 2004, 6 students moved over to the Zambian College, hence the discrepancy between enrolment and graduation numbers

Advanced 1 Advanced 2 Advanced 3 Total September 2004 8 8 January 2005 12 8 20 September 2005 12 12 8 32 Each “Advanced” course lasts 9 weeks. The 2-year certificate will cover a total of 5 “Advanced” courses.

Muli bwanji! Bonjour! Mulishani! Hello! “If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.” (1 Cor 14:11) As the work of FCE expanded to foreign nations, espe-cially into Africa, it became increasingly obvious that many who wanted to enroll for FCE courses were unable to do so, as their command of the English language (the medium of instruction) was not good enough. In March 2004 the first ELLS course (ENGLISH LAN-GUAGE for LITERATE STUDENTS) was presented to 4 French-speaking Congolese and 2 Kanada-speaking Indians. What a challenge! And what a miracle to hear

them speaking English within a few months! The course duration is 14 months, ending in the Basic Discipleship Course.

* With a strong emphasis on the Word the course covers the four aspects for social and academic literacy: Read-ing, Writing, Speaking and Comprehension. Methods used include Bible Study, experiential situations, reading, research, use of previous knowledge, grammar rules, spelling, dictation, etc. * Many opportunities are given for outreach in the local community.

After completion of the course, students may choose to remain with FCE or re-turn to the organisation/group who sent them for training.

Language Training (ELLS)

We have to lay down our idea of a model school so that the Lord can use us to help establish Christ-centred Education on a worldwide scale.

Many of the teachers who initially joined us resign and only Neels, Anita and Jannie remain.

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We are on the verge of giving up. We experience that the Lord is testing our faith and the vision has to die. 1993 With no permanent place to stay and no staff,

we trust God to lead us as we move out in faith.

FCE rents the current premises for the Training College at Masaiti. We have obtained a piece of land from the local chief on which we are currently building our new campus. Most of the building materials we use at Koti Ni Eden are found naturally in the area. Grass bundles for the thatch roofs are bought from the villagers and we make clay bricks on the premises. You can help us by: *praying for the building programme as we have limited time in which to complete it. *organising a team of volunteers to come to Zambia and help us *giving financially to make the programme possible

Do you want to be involved? Please contact us for more details:

P.O. Box 126, Wolseley, 6830, SOUTH AFRICA, Tel & Fax: +27(0) 23 2310208

E-Mail: info@fce.org.za

FCE has been actively involved in the NEW SUDAN since 2004. FCE designed an in-service training model whereby selected students are trained as teachers. Very soon we’ll have to start with full-time training. The good news is that the construction of a Training College has started. Due to a shortage of lecturers our College staff have to travel between South Africa, Zambia and the Sudan.

FCE NEEDS your help to: * furnish the College * supply for the daily expenses of our permanent team, who work without a salary,

* support our lecturers who frequently need to travel in and out of the Sudan * recruit teachers and lecturers

Do you want to be involved? Please contact us for more details:

P.O. Box 126, Wolseley, 6830, SOUTH AFRICA, Tel & Fax: +27 (0) 23 2310208

E-Mail: info@fce.org.za

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Dear Diary,

What a day! Mom settled me into my room and she left all teary-eyed. What am I doing here - do I really want to be trained as an Au Pair? For the next 3 months, Wolseley will be my home. Dear Lord,

how will I get through this? As from tomorrow I'm on cleaning duty! Ugh!

3 months later : Wow! It is three months later! I've made wonderful friends - the other four Au Pair girls are cool. What a close-knit, wannabe German nanny-bunch we have become! While we practised our washing and ironing skills, we were confronted with ourselves and we ironed through many prob-

lems. I did not realise how selfish I am!

2 April: Reality strikes. Europe, here I come! The farewell isn't easy and the butterflies in my stomach very real. It is my first flight, I do not want to miss anything. Will my surrogate family like

me? Will they be at the airport? I better try to get some sleep.

One week later: Germany! I am settled in my new "home", a small room without colour. Most of the time I'm in a muddle of unfamiliar sounds and smells. My family seems friendly. I do not under-stand a word when they speak to each other. Luckily they taught us some basic German during the

training - I can at least communicate with the children. Can you imagine - I have to take the dog for a walk twice a day!!

One month later: I have finally figured out what is expected of me. The school is close to our home and the kids need to attend their music lessons weekly. My "man" (the man of the house) likes hot milk in his coffee and my "lady" gets furious if the ironing is not done properly. The kids and I do fun things. I had the weekend off and friends and I explored Paris. There are so many things we would still like to

see! I can hardly wait!

Two months later: I've been here for 3 months. Housekeeping is boring and the kids are demanding. You know what? Today I heard the lady of the house and her neighbour gossip about me, like we used to gossip about our domestic workers back home! Something goes missing, and I'm the one they suspect. What a shock to realise what our domestic workers in South Africa so often went through. I've hit a

"depro". Everything has become too much for me. I phoned my mom and made a fool of myself. She lent a listening ear and kept her cool. I wrote long lamentations to Riette, who trained us. She told me to

“hang in there”. I do not want to follow the advice she gives me. I know I have two choices in this situa-tion. I can sit around and feel sorry for myself or start to apply the principles I have learnt during the Au Pair Training. Right now I want to feel sorry for myself. I go to my bed, put the pillow over my

head and sleep.

The next day: When the alarm clock went off this morning I started with my duties - the self-pity at-tack from yesterday completely forgotten. I had a special time with the children today. They must have

prayed really hard for me back home. I know I am here to serve the family. "Lord show me your heart for this family and help me to love them".

The last 8 months: Time flies! I've had my ups and downs. My first white Christmas has been a dream come true. I am so privileged - I've seen and experienced many wonderful things! It is the support and prayers of FCE and my family that carry me through. I am growing very fond of my host fam-

ily and I do not know how I'll be able to say good-bye to them.

My last day in Germany: My bags are packed. I made my bed for the last time this morning. I have a lump in my throat. I am returning home, one year older and wiser and much more experi-

enced. The prayer in my heart is that He who began the good work in this family, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil.1:6)

We receive a more specific definition to our calling and mandate, which is to promote and facilitate Christ-centred Education worldwide.

Our name changes once again, from CEFSA to FCE (Foundation for Christ-centred Education).

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In 1997 Neels and Anita de Jager visited colleagues' children who were Au Pairs in Germany. After the visit and after they had spo-ken to a number of parents whose children had gone to Au Pair, it became evident that these youngsters were expected to shoulder great responsibility, without having been trained or prepared for the task. This often had catastrophic results. In 1998 the first Au Pair Course was presented. Since then, FCE has trained groups of Au Pair girls for three months each year and then placed them in homes in Germany and Holland. Course Content Discipleship Training Theory and Practical in Cleaning Practices Safety Rules around the House Home and Money Management Child Focus - A Heart for Children - Child Development: Play and Toys - Practical Observation and Feedback - Baby Care and First Aid - Theory in Cooking and Child Nutrition Different Religions Influence of Music Cross-Cultural Training, Re-entry and General Orientation

Testimony of a German Father:

"Other Au Pairs come to see the country, FCE Au Pairs come to serve the families!!!“

We sponsor selected students from Africa and India to make it possible for them to take part in our train-ing programmes. These students are responsible for only 20% of their tuition fees while FCE sponsors the outstanding 80%. These students are sent out to serve as missionary teachers in various schools or to teach the children of missionaries in various parts of the world.

Please become our co-workers as we train these students!

Do you want to be involved? Please contact us for more details:

P.O. Box 126, Wolseley, 6830, SOUTH AFRICA, Tel & Fax: +27 (0) 23 2310208

E-Mail: info@fce.org.za

1994 South Africa goes through its first democratic elections – we experience a few radical changes and see the education system being shaken.

Jannie Compion attends the Love Southern Africa Conference in Durban.

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“My sons and my daughters, I came to earth to be about My Father’s business.

I walked beside the Sea of Galilee, proclaiming the Good News of God.

I’ve come upon you and invited you to follow me, and promised that, I will make you fishers of men.

Like me you’ll have nowhere to lay your head, Nor will you carry a purse or travel bag.

I need you to proclaim the Kingdom of God in trials, death and sickness. Once you have put your hand to the plough you are not to look back.

You will have to stay close to Me all the time. I need to teach you what My Father has taught me,

anoint you with the Power of the Holy Spirit and then SEND YOU, as My Father has sent Me, to

to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria,

and to the ends of the earth. Lead people to Me, equip them as disciples,

teach them to adapt in cross-cultural situations, train the families and serve the whole community.

Build Training Centres along the King’s Highway where you

serve in villages - concentrate on Child Stimulation and Community Upliftment.

I promise you that surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the Age.”

1995 Neels and Piet visit India and Nepal. We realise the need to get involved.

Jannie Compion goes to Pretoria to be involved in the organising of Love Southern Africa.

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At that time the Lord speaks to us through Acts 1:8 “to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”

Within months we are involved with outreaches and take prayer teams to Romania,Holland,Zimbabwe,Zambia,Malawi,North Africa and India.

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ape of Good Hope, South Africa, is the starting point of the Highway. FCE International Headquarters is situated at Wolseley. The staff and students stay in the hostel and the home of Neels and Anita de Jager serves as the office. It is from this office that all FCE’s work is initiated and administered. THE BASIC DISCIPLESHIP COURSE, THE AU PAIR COURSE, WEEKEND SEMINARS, MISSION WEEKS AND MISSION OUTREACHES are orchestrated from the Headquarters. 1 600 Kilometres northwards along the N1 you find the Academic Centre of our organization in Pretoria. Here Thinus and Elsa Dreeckmeier build up Christ-Centred Education through curriculum development, making it available to interested schools and individuals. Deirdré van Reen-en, who put all her creativity and experience into this work, assisted them up to 2004. The Dreeckmeier’s home is also an administrative base and Elsa Dreeckmeier often has to spend hours at em-bassies, waiting for visas. Their home is also used as a Guesthouse where many FCE members, supporters and overseas visitors are accommodated and shown hospital-ity. Through the years we have built up a firm network of en-thusiastic and committed supporters in South Africa and we thank the Lord for each one who is willing to work alongside us as co-workers.

ravel up the West Coast through semi-desert areas to Namibia. FCE has been involved with weekend seminars and in presenting the Basic Discipleship Course in Namibia since 1996. In 2003 Dirk and Lize Grobbelaar moved from Zambia to establish a Training Centre in Namibia. At first we operated from the Rock Lodge. In February 2005 FCE started work-ing with YFC and are using their facilities at Hodygos. FCE is in the process of building its own facilities on the premises.

FCE sends prayer groups to three of the 100 gateway cities in the 10/40 Window. 1996 FCE moves its training from

Stellenbosch to Wellington.

Dirk & Lize Grobbelaar

Carel & Rentia Nel

Thinus & Elsa Dreeckmeier

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Crossing borders and travelling through highways and byways brings us to Zimbabwe. A few years ago FCE started an outreach amongst the gold diggers. Boet Pretorius, a farmer from Chinhoyi, and his farm labourers did the follow-up and started discipling these people. We helped Celia Pretorius to establish a Christian school for the children of the farm labourers. Boet and Celia’s house on the farm also served as a Halfway House between South Africa and Masaiti and as a Training Centre. About two years ago the farm was taken from them, the school was taken over by ‘war veterans’ and Boet was put in jail for about three weeks. Boet and Celia sought the Lord’s face about the future of the work that He had started through them and us. They decided to remain in Zimbabwe and to “take care of the Remnant and start afresh.”

Letter from Boet and Celia in Chinoyi:

A scenic drive takes us to the Warm Heart of Africa: Malawi. FCE has been in-volved in Malawi since 1996. Eighty teachers and people from other professions have completed the Basic Discipleship Course. In the past we visited these people, held follow-up seminars and sent outreach teams regularly. Eight Malawians have been trained as teachers at the Masaiti Training Centre. A piece of land in the north-ern part of the country, near the Lake, has been bought with the intention of starting a Training Centre and a Guesthouse sometime in the future. Follow-up seminars and conferences are presently being held. We continue to make people aware of mis-sions, and focus on their involvement for building the Highway.

Dear Friends The big clean-up (called the ‘tsunami’) has swept over the country and left people homeless, places desolate and our economy crippled. We are travelling around town on bicycles, like most of the nation, due to a lack of fuel. The thought to packing up and going, crosses our minds quite often these days…. BUT GOD! Exciting! God’s plan is right on track. The ‘tsunami’ has brought great unity in the nation as people have come to see that the struggle is not against races, but between the Truth and the Lie. Acts 1:6-8 remains our motivation, not to worry about God’s work, but to be em-powered by the Holy Spirit and to be His witnesses in spite of a country falling apart.

Thank you for your prayers. God’s Highway runs through Zimbabwe – we are preparing the way for the King to enter. We know it does not look like that at present, but keep believ-ing, waiting and trusting. Greetings in Christ Boet and Celia

In Zimbabwe many of the gold diggers come to know the Lord and an active church is planted.

An FCE school is started at the farm of Boet and Celia Pretorius in Zimbabwe.

A Missionary Training course of six months is designed.

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Boet & Celia Pretorius

In 1996 our first trip to Zambia was in a sheep truck. We ‘spied out the land’ and were discouraged by the giant potholes! But the Lord our God brought us into a good land….a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills (Deut 8: 7-9) In 1997 we rented a dilapidated Agricultural College in the Copperbelt Province on a contract basis from the government .

1. Jannie and Elise Compion— Afri-can Field Director.

2. Outreach groups from South Africa renovated the buildings and facilities and FCE’s staff moved in and started to cultivate the land.

3. The traditional diet consists of Nshima (porridge) and vegetables. Meat is scarce (many long for the ‘fleshpots of Egypt’).

4. The vegetable garden supplies almost all the vegetables needed to feed the approximately 120 people every day.

5. Cows now provide sufficient milk for the Training Centre.

6. In the Maize Bank our maize har-vest is stored for our staple diet, ‘Nshima’, and poultry feed.

7. The poultry division provides suffi-cient eggs for the Training Centre and the surplus is sold.

The first team under the leadership of William and Colleen Doble is sent to Madras in India.

Neels and Anita attend two conferences regarding Christian Education in Australia.

Zhak & Yvette Maloney

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8. The King’s High-way Guesthouse and Conference Centre is our pride. Gert and Janine Basson have built it up to be a showpiece and they host many confer-ences, seminars and overnight visitors. 9. Every week, all the people on Masaiti are divided into teams for outreaches into the 12 nearby villages. The relationships built in these villages are extremely precious to us. Needlecraft, Cookery, Adult Literacy and Child Stimulation are taught. 10. All the furniture for the Training Cen-tre is made in the carpentry shop, from wood that is found in the vicinity. 11. A school was established in order to serve the staff’s children. The teach-ers are all trained by FCE. 12. The Teacher Training College was officially opened in 1999. 13. The children at the pre-school are stimulated through games, songs and stories. 14. Meals are pre-pared at the Training Centre Kitchen daily. 15. Support services. 16. Our “store” where you can buy basics like bread, milk, toilet-r ies , s tat i on er y, sweets and the latest treat, CHEESE - sometimes!!

1997 The ‘impossible’ becomes a reality when on Monday 27 January we start our FCE TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGE in Wellington with four students.

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A few potholes further down a gravel road winding through an indigenous forest, you are welcomed to KOTI NI EDEN, a piece of virgin land next to the Kafulafuta River. The fact that we are unable to buy the Masaiti Farm Institute prompts us to develop the land. A small area was deforested for agricultural use and to build the new college campus.

The building work creates an in-come for the labourers coming from the surrounding villages. Div du Plessis was the mastermind behind this project. He did an awe-some task – unfortunately we had to say goodbye to him and his fam-ily. Wynand Bezuidenhout is presently managing this project. Old termite heaps are used to make bricks on the premises. The grass for thatching the roofs comes from the surrounding vil-lages and the grass-cutting creates good jobs and an income for the village women. All the wood needed for the roofs, windows and doors is taken from the trees felled from the surround-ing land. We disciple the labourers.

We hold our first Southern Africa Conference for Christian Parents and Teachers at Aliwal North with the theme “Renewed Mind: Renewed Focus”, referring to Romans 12:1-2.

We rent Masaiti Farm Institute in the Cop-perbelt in Zambia as a Training Centre.

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Four years ago we started with a fruit project in order to have a larger variety of fruits available throughout the year, especially in the rainy season when it is too wet to plant vegetables. In our nurs-ery and orchard we established 33 different fruit tree varieties. At the moment there is no fruit tree nursery registered with the Department of Agriculture in Zambia. In our vegetable garden we produce a variety of vegetables for our kitchen at the Training Centre where we feed up to 150 people daily.

At the end of our contract we have to vacate the farm, but after many hours of negotiating, we move back and commence with our training.

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It is one thing to look at Africa through the eyes of television, but quite another to see the hunger in the eyes of a child!

In 2002 FCE was confronted with the famine in Africa. We especially felt a responsibility towards the hungry people in the areas surrounding our Training Centres. We cried out to God and He gave us the strategy to launch the Jubilee Harvest Project in Zambia. The aim is to help people to be self-sufficient and to combat famine by producing and stor-ing food throughout the year. FCE called in the help of our prayer supporters worldwide, and the response to our ap-peal made it possible for us to pioneer the project. With this generous financial support, we bought seed and fertilizer. This was distributed to the pastors and farmers involved in the project. Farmers stored the surplus of their maize in our maize bank after the harvest. Seed and fertilizer could then be bought from FCE and paid for with the surplus maize.

At present more that 10 000 people benefit from this project. FCE does not have to feed the children in our community schools on a daily basis any more. The churches that are involved in the project provide food for the widows and the orphans. From the income of the harvest, many FCE students are able to pay their College fees.

Due to the success of the Jubilee Project, more farmers want to be involved. Therefore, we have decided to extend the project to other crops like cotton, beans and groundnuts, vegetables and fruit farming.

The farmers in the villages have enough land to expand their farming, but they are not in a position to buy their own tractors to cultivate their farmlands; therefore we have decided to establish a herd of Angoni/Nguni cattle for the pur-pose of ploughing. Most of the villages are far from markets and shops, so we are praying about establishing a minor cooperation store where they can market their goods and buy equipment.

FCE plans to mobilise farmers from South Africa to help us with the training of the farmers during April and August every year. The training will include the following: how to apply God’s principles in farming, farm management and a diversity of farming methods.

These challenges are a major test of our faith. We need more people to be involved in the training, more finances to expand and manage the projects, and God’s wisdom to guide us in decision-making.

1998 We start with our Au Pair training. Under the effective guidance of Lizl de Jongh the curricu-lum is developed. The girls are placed in homes in Germany and Holland.

Kathrine Kapobe, Headmistress of the CTC school, wrote: One morning I walked into my class as usual. I knew something was very wrong; many children failed to participate, lacked energy and were completely passive. I shared this with the staff, only to find that many colleagues identified the same problem. We then realised the cause: many of them ate only one meal a day – some days, nothing at all! We started feeding them twice a week at school. Since the Jubilee Project started, there is now food in the villages again. We give thanks to God – may the vision of the Jubilee Harvest Project materialise for God’s glory.

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After a good night’s rest at the King’s Highway Guesthouse and Conference Centre at Masaiti, you are refreshed and ready for the 900km journey to the KALUNGU TRAINING CENTRE. It is strategically situated 60 km from the Tanzanian border and close to the Malawian border. It is on the main highway from Lusaka to Dar-es-Salaam and Nairobi. Many tourists from Southern Africa use this route on their way to Central Africa.

Work at this Training Centre started in September 2000. We aim to finish the building project within the next two years. The Conference Cen-tre, kitchen and dining hall have already been erected. There’s also a house for staff and two dormitories for stu-dents. The Basic Discipleship Course and the Missionary Training Course are presented here. There is a school for Staff children and in 2003 we started with a Village Training Centre. On 3 May 2004 the King’s Highway Chalets and Camp-ing Site was officially opened. Since then, many tourists have stayed at the overnight site.

FCE moves its office from Stellenbosch to Wellington.

Our second Conference for Christian Teachers and Parents is held in Aliwal North with the theme “Renewed Mind: Transformed to Serve”.

Brian & Barbara Singoi

DIE students do their in-ternship in India.

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In the Sudan, the biggest country in Africa, many people know nothing but suffering and the struggle for survival. In spite of this, the Sudanese people are friendly and jovial and many are committed Christians who have had to pay a high price for their faith.

FCE and the New Sudan In 1999 Neels started pioneering the work in Sudan. In faith and in obedience to the Lord he went to a small, wartorn town in the south. “By chance” he met two young Sudanese men among a group of women who wanted to be trained as pre-school teachers. During his conversation with them, the Lord put it on Neels’ heart to challenge these two men to come to Zambia and be trained as teachers. Four months later Simon and Daniel came walking to our College at Masaiti. Their testimonies of how they struggled to get legal documents, walked across borders, were often completely penniless and at last came into Zambia, is one of miracle upon miracle! For 3 years they were trained in Zambia as Christ-centred teachers. During 2003 they went to SA to be equipped with leadership skills. Five years later Neels and Carel took an excited Simon and Daniel home. It was an emotional homecoming after 5 years, during which they had had no contact with their loved ones. Simon only heard that his father had passed away months after it had happened. Their task:

To play a key role in the reconstruction of education in their country by means of training Christ-centred teachers.

“Woe to the land of whirring wings along the rivers of Cush (Sudan)… Go swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers. All you people of the world, you who live on the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it, and when a trumpet sounds, you will hear it. This is what the Lord says to me: ‘I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling-place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.’ For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives, and cut down and take away the spreading branches. They will all be left to the mountain birds of prey and to the wild animals; the birds will feed on them all summer, the wild animals all winter. At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty from a people smooth-skinned, from a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers – the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 18

“A tall and smooth-skinned people feared far and wide …” (Is. 18)

During the prayer outreach to North Africa we dis-cover an orphanage that had been closed for years.

An African committee approaches us to become in-volved in the reopening of this orphanage.

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The need for qualified teachers in the Sudan is so great, that the Churches and parents are pleading with FCE to come and help. 90% of the teachers in the New Sudan are unqualified. The first Basic Discipleship Course was presented from January – March 2004, at a ‘Guest House’ in Yei, the military headquarters of the Sudanese Peoples’ Liberation Movement. For 9 weeks fifteen eager teachers, none of them with any training, experienced how Christ set them free from the pain and hurt of years of hatred and war. They couldn’t wait to get back to their own people to give them the Good News of freedom in Christ, the Gospel of Peace and Love! In September 2004 the next group of teachers was flown in and the first group attended their first Advanced Course in Teacher Training. Piet and Elma du Toit, who are responsible for the compilation and presentation of the courses, of-ten had to ‘walk on water’! They continually have to make adjustments, re-design and re-plan. In collaboration with other Mission Organisations and the Churches in New Sudan, a College is now being built at Goli, where full-time Teacher Training programme will commence, Lord willing, in 2007. The permanent team in Sudan has been expanded with four FCE ex-students who joined in January 2005: Tichaona Kakumbo and Susan Kuyera from Zimbabwe, Beatrice Kausu from Zambia and Maryke Malan from SA. The first three are helping Daniel and Simon with the Basic Courses, while Maryke has been appointed as teacher for the children of the missionaries at the Training Centre. An English Course was also presented by Carien van Wyk to teachers whose English wasn’t up to standard for the Teacher Training. The challenge and opportunity to influence the education of a whole nation, has been put before us. We also have the unique opportunity to have an impact on the Muslim world of North Af-rica by mobilising and equipping the Christians in New Sudan. God has opened this door

wide to us and we do not know for how long.

An FCE team is sent to the site to adjust to the language and culture. 1999 We move our college, office and staff from

Wellington to Wolseley.

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WHERE IN THE WORLD …

* do you walk in shoulder high grass, on a slippery, muddy footpath to your classroom? * do your students ride up to three days by bicycle, or walk from six days to two weeks to reach the Training Cen tre? * is your only teaching aid to train teachers, a wall painted with black paint and white chalk? * do you stand in front of your class with dirty, muddy clothes and feet? * does your menu consist of dried buffalo meat from the Congo, smoked, dried fish from the Nile, fried bush rat and of course ‘ugali’ (stiff maize porridge)? * do you accept busy hornets, slithering geckoes, tiny mice and flat spiders as co-inhabitants of your hut? * do you take your daily bath under open skies behind a grass screen? * are most of your students teaching without any training or salary and have most of them, been soldiers in a devastating war?

BUT * do your students testify to life-changing experiences? * are they looking forward to the rest of their training with great expectation? * can they not wait to implement Christ-centred teachings in their classrooms and to their pupils ?

only in the NEW SUDAN!

FCE starts with the process of registering the College in South Africa as an independent tertiary institution.

Piet du Toit, Anita Grobler and Deirdre van Reenen visit differ-ent Christian Schools in England, Holland and North Africa.

In 2002 this project was pioneered to bring the food crisis in Arica to the attention of others and to ask for support. The aim is to help Africans to be self-sufficient and to combat famine by pro-ducing and storing food throughout the year. At present more than 10 000 people benefit from this project. With the generous financial support of people worldwide, we can buy seed and fertilizer. This is distributed to the pastors and farmers involved in the project. Farmers store the surplus of their maize in our maize bank after the harvest. Seed and fertilizer can be bought from FCE and paid for with the surplus maize. You can work with us! -Pray with us -Come and bless us with your agricultural skills and knowledge -Support this project by giving financially

Do you want to be involved? Please contact us for more details:

P.O. Box 126, Wolseley, 6830, SOUTH AFRICA, Tel & Fax: +27(0) 23 2310208

E-Mail: info@fce.org.za

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The official opening of the Teacher Training College at Masaiti, Zambia takes place.

On 13 September the school for staff ‘s children is officially opened at Masaiti.

In 2001 FCE saw the need for establishing an orchard and nursery in order to do

research on different fruit tree varieties. At the moment there is no fruit tree nursery registered with the Department of Agriculture in Zambia. We established 33 different fruit tree varieties, mainly from South Africa, India and Tanzania. After 4 years of research, the effective varieties were identified.

Aims of the Fruit Tree Project: To improve the nursery and orchard

To produce quality fruit trees to benefit the surrounding communities To establish a mother orchard and nursery in order to provide fruit trees for the

FCE Training Centres To produce fruit trees for commercial purposes in order to sponsor our agricultural training and

community programmes

Planning for the future: *Extending the nursery

*Development of a proper management and training programme

Do you want to be involved? Please contact us for more details:

P.O. Box 126, Wolseley, 6830, SOUTH AFRICA, Tel & Fax: +27 (0) 23 2310208

E-Mail: info@fce.org.za

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It all began in 1994. Neels de Jager and Piet du Toit, guided by the Holy Spirit, visited that land which changes the lives and perspectives of Christians forever: India! Although there were undoubtedly many of the Lord’s children already serving and reaching out in many areas of India, spreading His light, they surely must have been almost overwhelmed and broken by the reality, as were Neels and Piet: more than 1 billion people; 30 million gods; 660 000 unreached villages; 125 unreached people groups; 2% Christians…

What could FCE do?

And so began the first of many subsequent outreaches to In-dia led by FCE staff. A permanent team which was sent in focused on friendship evangelism; Bible study groups and discipleship courses. Attempts to start a Training College in collaboration with one of the local Bible Schools proved im-possible. We worked mainly through friendship evangelism, working and playing with those in the communities, also through relationships already built up with local pastors and established mission organisations.

Worship in the Slums—Shaunn I drive through the congested streets of an Indian city on a scooter. The accumulation of exhaust fumes makes me choke as I weave my way through traffic. Cars, buses, trucks, auto-rickshaws, carts, bicycles, pedestrians and cattle make manoeuvering through the streets a challenge. As I pull up to a traffic light, I get a fright when a hooter blasts behind me, reminding me to look out! The sound of the distant train, the hustle and bustle of the marketplace and the myriads of people going back and forth, all become background noise as I press on towards my destination.

As I enter the narrow street leading into the slum, I catch the smell of chilli, garlic and ginger cooking. Oh! The sights, sounds and smells of India are extraordinary! A Hindu temple with a colourful roof containing various gods catches my eye. Incense smoke filters through the air, and I see a young girl paying homage to a decorated idol. My heart aches at the sight. The narrow street winds its way past many small shelters with pretty patterns drawn on each doorstep. People with desperate faces peer out through the doorways. I hear the giggle of beautiful children with cheerful eyes as they play with each other in the dirty gut-ters. Women wearing saris, with flowers in their hair, wash their clothes, beating them against slabs of granite. They catch a glimpse of me, but show no emotion upon seeing me. Mangy street-dogs growl as I pass by, yapping at me to press on, out of their territory.

I reach the chapel where I hear the beating of an Indian drum and singing, in tones foreign to my ears. I do not understand the words, but I feel the unity of love. The min-ute building is filled with the singing of praise to the Lord; a place where all trouble is left outside and God’s love is shed abroad in each heart. Unashamedly the songs ring out into the slum – songs of hope, deliverance, and salvation. I pray that many will come to hear the Good News about the love of Jesus Christ, and worship Him in the slums.

We sign a contract that enables us to rent Ma-saiti for the next five years.

FCE becomes involved in the training of farmers in Zambia.

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FCE becomes the proud owner of virgin land next to the Kafulafuta River near Masaiti in Zambia.

We start to build a campus for a FCE Training College on this piece of land that is called KOTI NI EDEN (it means “Like Eden”.)

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Jannie & Elise Compion: Africa Field Director

Marriott Daka : COUPACS

Hendrik & Carien Jansen: College Lecturers

Carien van Wyk: College Lecturer

Ruth Kangwa: Ma-saiti School Teacher

Dirk & Lize Grobbelaar: Namibia Training Centre Leaders

Moses & Regina Sinyinza: Discipleship Training

Christopher & Jeanne Agen-bag: Discipleship Training

Brian & Barbara Singoi: Kalungu Training Centre

Leaders

Wynand & Madelein Bezui- denhout: Building

Luke & Mary Sichone: Head-master CTC

Carel & Reneé Els: COUPACS

Paul Sinjani: CTC Teacher

Teddy Kafwanka: CTC Teacher

Dalene Treptow: Discipleship Training

Neels & Anita de Jager: International Director

Reinette Holtz-hausen:

College Lecturer

Georg & Karen Paul: Carpentry Jaco van der

Westhuizen: Agriculture

Agnes Zietsman: Wolse-ley Office Administrator

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Melody Musosa: Masaiti Office Administrator

Jasper & Achui

Thinus & Elsa Dreeckmeier: Curriculum Development

Simon Lasuba: Su-dan Teacher

Gert & Janine Basson: Guesthouse Managers

Zelly Daka: Guest-house

Caroline Kabulo: COUPACS

Anita Grobler: Princi-pal of College Masaiti

Willie Swanepoel: Masaiti school

Teacher

Zachary & Anneke Price: King’s Highway Kalungu

Beatrice Kausu: Sudan Teacher

Daniel Ohide: Sudan Team Leader

Morné & Cathleen

Ameck & Lydia Phiri: Kalungu Teachers

Elma Britz: Discipleship Training

Zhak & Yvette Maloney: Masaiti Training Centre

Leaders

Carel & Rentia Nel: Wolseley Training Centre Leaders

Hennie & Joria Nel: Headmas-ter Masaiti School

Piet & Elma du Toit: Rector of Teacher Training Colleges

Riëtte Cilliers: Au Pair Training

Around the slow-burning fire we sit with few words between us. An occasional smile and spontaneous laughter as I struggle, tasting your unfamiliar sounds on my tongue.

Mother of many, I see the wisdom of years and the scars of many tears in your eyes. I hunger to know your thoughts and understand the language of your beating heart.

Do you know about the Helper as you carry that heavy water bucket - a silhouette in the last rays of a setting sun? Do you feel His loving arms around you, and see Him holding your fatherless chil-dren?

I come with Good News, the Truth is burn-ing inside with a gentle fierceness. But can His light shatter through these barriers between us, and reach into your heart?

It took a while, but it seems that you learnt to enjoy our nshima after all! Young girl with the unblemished eagerness of youth still shining from you. Or is it more than that?

I hear you speak about forgiveness - but do you know the pain and bitterness that follows an unfaithful husband? Can your God melt this rock grating my insides raw? Will He? My little Sindi - will she walk again, if He is the healer? Will He hear our cry for rain after the crops are planted?

Is He interested in helping us with our dilapi-dated huts, and providing enough maize for today? You say He is the Prince of Peace... Does He see the turmoil in my heart - and will He give me peace?

Will You, please? Louise Schoeman

We host our third conference at Pietersburg with the theme “Renewed Mind : Renewed Lifestyle.”

FCE is appointed by the Board of Directors to run the orphanage in North Africa.

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Anita de Jager When I grew up I knew nothing about calling, vision or mission. I remember we earnestly prayed for the people behind the iron and bam-boo curtains. I did not have a clue what they were doing behind those curtains! In Sunday school we had cent laying for mission projects. That was it.

In his final year at university Neels, my husband, was called to missions. I was so in love that I was willing to follow him to the ends of the earth, but deep down I knew that I did not know Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. After my conversion I sought the Lord about missions and, one night, out of desperation, I opened my Bible, trusting God to speak to me. And He did! My eyes caught Matt. 9:37 “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” It would have been impossible for me to be involved in mis-sions if it were not for this assurance that I had been called. I must repent that it took me years to begin to understand what the full meaning of this calling was. The more I submit to my calling, the more God can use me to be a representa-tive of Christ in this world.

Anita Grobler It was only after I had taught for many years, that Jesus truly be-came a reality for me. I suddenly understood why it was that, whilst still in high school, I had re-sponded to the principal’s an-nouncement over the intercom that those wishing to go to Teach-ers’ College should present them-

selves for an interview with the inspectors. I had never con-sidered teaching as a career before this! After receiving Christ as my Saviour, I realised that it had been Jesus Him-self who had prompted me to go to the office that morning. Teaching was not my vocation, it was my calling! Jesus had commissioned me to use teaching as His tool to teach the children His truth! What I still did not understand was that it was also a calling to missions. My concept of missions was very scanty! I had received no teaching on the topic before. To my mind it was for other people, special people, people like Paul, people who led crusades, lived under trying condi-tions and only spoke about the Bible. It was for people who were far-removed from the everyday ‘Christian-in-the-street’. Praise God, He led me to FCE. For the first time I comprehended that the Lord’s instruction to ‘go’ was for every believer. Missions was practical, it took place in a classroom, in your home, amongst unreached people groups,… wherever the Lord instructed you to go! So, yes, I did have a calling to missions… right from the beginning, from when the Lord ‘knit me together in my mother’s womb’. I had just never realized it before!

Fact or Fiction?

1. Missionaries have more children than arms. 2. Missionaries’ wives wear calf-length dresses which can also be utilised as sieves. 3. Missionaries can use second-hand teabags. 4. Missionary wives’ husbands cut their hair. 5. Missionaries are spiritually and emotionally sorted out. 6. Missionaries never take seconds at meals. 7. Missionaries hate everything that is ‘nice’ and ‘cool’. 8. Missionaries have camel knees from praying. 9. Missionaries can move mountains because of their enormous faith. 10. Missionary couples never fight with each other.

Neels, Dirk and Lize go on a fact-finding mission to the Sudan.

They meet two young men whom they invite to the college in Zam-bia to be trained as teachers.

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Lize Grobbelaar We have two children, Benjamin (9) and Jana (8). Since Benjamin was 2 weeks and Jana 5 weeks old, the only permanent home they have known is our pick-up. We have many homes (not our own) to stay in, but never longer than 2 months at a time. We have faced a lot of criticism from friends

and family who have been concerned that our children would be unsettled. We have to learn to trust God – and we have to teach our children that their security does not lie in a place or a familiar environment! We have seen it as an opportunity to teach our children that it is possible, with God’s help, to adapt to all circumstances. We have also used it as an opportunity to teach them to enjoy new adven-tures! We have created the following parameters whereby they could feel safe and secure: a routine, and the pres-ence of either myself or my husband (when possible). God uses these situations to prepare and equip our children to feel safe and secure in unfamiliar circumstances. Last year they had to change schools twice – we prayed with them and guided them to trust God that they would be fine. In both situations they came home the very first day, excited about the new friends they had made. I know – if we as parents are obedient to God’s call – He will use our obedi-ence to teach our children that He loves them and will pro-tect them.

Melody Musosa I am a single mother with two sons, Israel (16) and Joshua (14). When my husband passed away six years ago I really did not know how I would ever be able to care for them. I did not have an in-come, I did not have a family to take care of me. I really was at a

loss with my two sons. A friend of mine invited me to FCE and I did the Basic Equipping Course and in the end joined FCE. My two sons were able to attend the school for the missionaries’ kids. The principal of the school took my sons under his wing and he is like a father to them. I now work as an office administrator and am part of a wonderful family who cares for us. Like the rest of the FCE staff, I do not earn a salary and had to learn to trust God from moment to moment. There are times that I do not have the money to pay their school fees or to buy necessities, but I can testify that not once has He left me in the lurch. It is wonderful to have friends around you who support you, with whom you can pray, with whom you can be open and honest. I ex-perience daily how God uses the body to serve the body. The most wonderful thing that I have learnt is to give to someone else in need, in obedience to God, even when I know I do not have enough myself.

Bernice Norkee Like most things in life, being a single female missionary also has it advantages and disadvantages. Facing times of loneliness is the most difficult challenge of being an SFM. Especially when your married friends/colleagues are busy with their families. It is also

difficult when you need help from a man and there is not one around to whom you can freely go for help. Some men have the attitude "You're a missionary, so do it yourself." It would be much nicer to have a husband who can be your covering, who can help you make decisions and with whom you could share your burdens. There are advantages though, to being a SFM…it is much easier to get up and go if you are needed somewhere else. You don't have to worry about a husband and children who would have to be left behind for lengthy periods. There is a lot of empathy towards the SFM from the married female missionar-ies. Some of the married men have become more sensitive to the needs of the singles, and so have offered to stand in as a covering for them. The most important consideration is that the LORD is always with us, and He enables us to face the challenges and to overcome. He provides for us, pro-tects us and sustains us by His grace. We, “can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!”

Agnes Zietsman At the age of 18 the Lord spoke to me through Rev 3:15-16. I realised that I was lukewarm in my relationship with Him. I needed to ask Jesus to be the Lord of my life. I then understood that he also wanted me to have a heart for the lost. He only called me into full-time ministry a few years later. I was

driven by the desire to share Jesus with people. The ques-tion of getting married did cross my mind, but the Lord clearly told me to focus on my calling and He would look after me in all areas of my life. Yes, I do get lonely, and sometimes I wonder if I will ever have the privilege of hav-ing my own children. But in all of this, I experience the Lord’s goodness and I’m part of a wonderful body where there’s always somebody to talk to, children to play with, men who can protect me, and people with whom I can have fun. As a single woman, I do, at times, experience difficulty in being a leader. You are all on your own in a situation and for some or other reason, it’s sometimes more difficult for people to follow a single woman than a man. But, because of my singleness, I’m flexible and can be sent to different places. I see beautiful places and meet wonderful people and I do not have to worry about leaving a husband or chil-dren at home.

2000 Our involvement in countries where the Gospel is not always well received forces us to change our name from Foundation for Christ-Centred Education to FOUNDATION FOR CROSS-CULTURAL EDUCATION.

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I am a young girl and really want to be in the mission field. Will I be able to pay the price? Try this: (Give yourself a score from one to five.) 1 Definitely not 3 Maybe 5 Won’t bother me Will you be able to : Interpret your score: 0 – 20: Don’t even think about it 21 – 50: Pray about it 51 – 70: You are welcome to join (P.S. This survey was done at Masaiti and the average score was 16!)

Achui I am a girl, born in Nagaland (India) who got married to a young South African. My friend, a Korean lady married to an Indian man, told me the adjustment was not really because she had mar-ried cross-culturally, but that she had married a man! We do face a few challenges, but noth-ing that we cannot overcome. Indians think lunch and supper without rice and chillies and

spices is not a meal. My husband’s digestive system had to adjust to all the spicy flavours. Jasper, my husband, gets very upset if I try to force feed our guests – a Naga lady does not take no for an answer when she dishes up food. I feel very uncomfortable when Jasper jumps up to take a tray from a lady, because in my culture a lady serves her guests, otherwise they might think she is lazy if the husband does it. We are happily married and we learn so much from each other and our different cultures, it makes us very RICH. We are content to be in His will and where he wants us to be, serving together.

Anneke Price I was blessed to meet my husband on the mission field. I am a South African girl who is married to a real Texan American – without the boots or the cowboy hat! At times I do miss speaking Afrikaans. Some emotions can only prop-erly be expressed in your mother tongue. There are some sentiments that we do

not share. For example, celebrating a white Christmas or Thanksgiving with turkey and pumpkin pie. We live in Africa in the bush where I am more at home, therefore, at times, I make his favourite meal and buy starlights and crackers to celebrate the Fourth of July with him. We appreciate and respect each other’s uniqueness. I’ll never be an American and he will never be a South African, but as long as we build our house on Jesus, our Cornerstone, we’ll be able to create a home where we can bring up our children.

1. manage without your brand clothes? 2. go for weeks without properly styled hair ? 3. survive without a bi-weekly visit to the movies? 4. do without a shopping mall when you’re depressed? 5. manage without your gym classes and beauty routine? 6. survive without a hot shower twice a day? 7. remain standing when your vitamin supplements run out? 8. venture into the cold, dark night just to use the toilet? 9. cancel carefully laid-out holiday plans at the last minute when the leadership requires your presence ? 10.manage without a full-time char ? 11.share your single bed with a total stranger because of lack of boarding space? 12.fetch water from a hand pump when the taps run dry? 13. travel to the airport with 19 fellow travellers and live chickens in a 13-seater minibus, your suitcase strapped precariously to the roof ? 14. go a full year without a visit to a coffee shop?

FCE College curricula in South Africa are accredited with SAQA.

Lizl de Jongh marries and Riette Cilliers takes over the Au Pair Training from her.

We obtain land in Kalungu, Zambia, where we start establishing a camping ground and a conference centre.

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I love - You first loved me I give - You gave your life I serve - You washed my feet I comfort - You strengthen me I rejoice - You are my joy

Christ in me the hope of glory

Simon and Daniel from the Sudan arrive at Masaiti to be trained.

FCE students become involved in community service. Their visits to the vil-lages highlights the need for training of adults and children.

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Are you? * between 18 and 24 years old * A South African Passport holder * in a personal relationship with God * willing to serve families in Holland and Ger many * eager to be an ambassador for Christ in Europe * ready for three months’ training Consider becoming an FCE AU PAIR Between dishwashing, ironing, nappy changing and training in the various phases of child development, you also learn how to tell stories, teach nursery songs and to adjust to a new culture.

If you want to be part of this exciting ministry, contact our office!

P.O. Box 126, Wolseley, 6830, South Africa Tel: +27 23 231 0208 E-mail: info@fce.org.za

“My delight is in her” I was eight months pregnant with our firstborn, Karla Hephzibah – “My delight is in her”. While on holiday in South Africa I went for a routine sonar check-up. The doctor noticed a dark triangular shape on the baby’s upper lip and suspected a cleft palate and hair lip. The ge-neric risk was great as I had both. Our calling to Zambia was in jeopardy, as we knew our child would need multiple operations and treat-ments. These were not available at the small missions hospital near our Training Centre. We cried out to the Lord and He brought us to a place of stillness and acceptance. “The peace of God, which surpasses all under-standing, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” in Phil 4:6 became a reality. An assurance enveloped me that she would be healed, and my mother also had a dream confirming this. Then, the miracle hap-pened: During the next sonar scan we saw the dark patch disappear before our very eyes! On 5 November 2003 our healthy, perfect little girl was born. God alone is trustworthy. Praise Him! Georg and Karen Paul

“We prayed him from the Lord” Hendrik Jansen and Carien Hay were married in January 2000, after they had met during the Mission Training at Masaiti in 1999. They soon realized that they would not easily fall pregnant and shared it with the FCE body, who helped them carry this burden. They tried fertility treatment, special diets, prayer and fasting, but God remained silent. By the end of 2004 it came strongly on their hearts to consider adoption. Months later they received an sms to say that there was a baby boy available … were they interested? Hendrik kept his cool outwardly, but Carien jumped a metre high and started toi-toi-ing! God surely answered their pleas in abun-dance and gave them their Samuel. He is a bundle of joy and everybody at Masaiti adores him!

Three mothers start a pre-school for the staff’s children at Masaiti.

Jannie launches the Jubilee Agricultural Project, countering the destruc-tion of the famine in Africa.

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FCE'S OBEDIENCE I think they listened to us because they built a

school for us. Our parents are still helping

them to built new classrooms. Me, I helped

to carry the rocks away. In 1998 a playschool, a pre-school and a school were

started for the missionaries' children at Masaiti. There

are approximately 25 pupils in grade 1 to 10 now.

In 2002 the CTC school was officially opened near

presently Koti Ni Eden for the children in the villages.

Classes are from pre-school to grade 6.

In 1998 students started with weekly informal visits to play

with the children in the villages. Students presently work

with groups in 2 villages situated 16km from the Training

Centre.

GOD'S CALLING

My name is John Kampundu. I am coming from

Kampundu Village. We have no school. My fatha

is the hedman off our village and is verry verry

cleva. I also want to learn and become a cleva

hedmen like my fatha.

When the Mazungus first came to visit us I

wanted sweets. BUT they did not give us

any. They played with us and were friendly. It

was always sad when they had to go. Me and my

frends would sit and wait at the road to greet

them if they drive thru our village. We told them

we need a school.

FCE'S METHOD

We learned so many new games and

many other new things. Now I know

that God sent these strangers to

teach us about English and Maths and

about loving Jesus.

Before the school was here we were

sad and not happy. I thank Jesus for

our school and teachers who love us

verry verry much.

We sing /we play / we exercise / we learn/

we pray/ we have lots of fun /we read / we

write/ we act /we draw /we do arithmetic /

we learn about Jesus/ we serve each

other/we take care of one another/we wa-

ter the flowers/we pick up the trash

GOD'S STRATEGY Feed My Lambs - tell them that I love them - teach them to love themselves and their friends - show them how to serve others

- teach them to appreciate my creation

These commandments that I give you

today are to be upon your hearts. Impress

them on your children. Talk about them

when you lie down and when you get up.

(Deut 6:6-7)

FCE leaders investigate the possibility of register-ing FCE as an organisation in Tanzania.

We withdraw from the orphanage-project in North Africa. It seems that the Lord only wanted us to be involved with the pioneer phase work.

46

Grateful Moms and Dads

What makes the difference in FCE schools is the

quality of teachers. Pupils are taught stewardship,

how to trust God as their Provider, and many other

Godly values. James Mumbi

It is wonderful to see how our children are starting

to understand God's ways. Regina Sinyinza

It is a privilege to raise our children at Ma-

saiti. They climb trees, have races on their bicycles

and play as children must play! Elise Compion

Note from the Teacher:

Someone once said that working with children is like wetting

your pants, everybody sees the effect, but it is only you who

gets the warm feeling! Working with children drains you emo-

tionally, physically and spiritually.

You need to be filled with God's Spirit daily. In fact, you cannot

give something if you do not have it yourself.

Hennie Nel

Glory joined my class when his parents came here from the

Congo. He could only speak and understand French. My

French was limited to counting from 1 to 10, so communication

was very difficult. Glory was quite an aggressive boy, trying to

pick a fight with his classmates on every occasion. One year

later, after much prayer, Glory now speaks, understands and

writes English fluently. He passed the examinations in Eng-

lish, Maths and History without me having to explain the ques-

tions. Glory is beginning to understand God's love for him

through the acceptance and love he experienced at Masaiti. By

God's grace he begins to walk worthy of God's calling on his

life. Willie Swanepoel

Kid’s talk

I like this school because we speak Eng-

lish in and out of class and we learn

for a long time from 07h00 to 13h00.

I like Masaiti School, because I have

learnt lots of things and also about

God.

Before I came to FCE School, I didn't

know God as much as I know Him

now. I did not know that God planted

two trees in the garden of Eden!

The Lord opens a door for us to start a Biltong shop in Somerset West.

The name “Biltong for Africa” refers to the calling we have for Africa. We believe this is a strategy from the Lord enabling us to help to finance our work.

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Psalm of Benjamin O Lord you are so

exallent I just want to praise

you I will sing to the lord

all my life I will sing praise to my God as long as I

live

Psalm of Jessy O God hear my prayer and I’m crying for your

help And I need you to be with me al the time

Sometimes I feel angry Because my Father and

my mom past away But I know that you are

in control Forgive me please God.

Psalm of Shikundu

I give thanks to you God Because you take care of me

Because you protect me Because you forgive me

2001 God gives us a strategy to establish Training Centres on the “Highway”.

The 3rd year DEC students do their intern-ship at the King’s School, Whitney, England.

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The King’s Highway Guesthouse and Conference Centre is opened just outside Masaiti. The income is used to cover some of our running costs at the centre.

ACROSS 3. FCE land in Zambia: Koti ni …. 5. FCE benefit that is out of this world 7. Small dried fish used in African cooking 11. Kenyan Airlines code 13. Missionary in Training 15. Support Services could use a manual like this! 17. Capital of Malaysia (abbrev.) 18. A speed …. Could surprise you on quiet roads 19. A joyful noise unto the Lord 20. The world’s answer for peace in Africa 22. FCE want to teach the village women to …. & weave 25. RFA: FCE saying ‘to be prepared’ in any situation (5;3;8) 27. CTC (Community Training Centre) was first called this 30. Lovely holiday state on Indian west coast 31. Cobras in Zambia do this! 34. Believers need to … to self 35. Jesus said, “Therefore .. and make disciples” 36. Grain used for making health bread 37. Term of respect in Lamba (local Zambian language) 39. Tropical disease spread by mosquitoes 42. The serpent is like this 43. Bean rich in protein, used as meat substitute 44. FCE Headquarters 45. Jesus washed these away on the Cross

DOWN 1. Jesus sets the captives …. 2. Expected Time of Arrival 4. FCE was first called Foundation for ……-centred Educa tion 6. Singapore Airlines code 8. Also Known As 9. The best 4 x 4 x far! 10. FCE Guesthouse in Zambia 12. FCE Training Centre near Tanzanian border 14. FCE Training Centre in Copperbelt Province 16. Jesus was, .. and is to come 21. Neels’s beard-rub-in-the-neck feared by all FCE children 23. Letter in the Greek alphabet 24. Put your trust .. Christ alone 26. Town in New Sudan where FCE is based 28. Digital storage device for Gospel music 29. State in USA: Everything is bigger here! 32. Delicious tropical fruit grown in FCE orchard 33. Amount of anthill clay thus far used for FCE buildings 35. Press on toward the …. to win the prize 38. FCE English course for foreigners 40. At the Cross, the Roman soldiers cast …. for Jesus’ clothes 41. Rodents: delicacy in Zambian villages, idols in India

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Since FCE became involved in Zambia, we have faced overwhelming health problems:

Yet we know God has an answer to every problem. CE has established a Health Post where Yvette Maloney, a registered nurse, does the following: malaria tests and treatment, treatment of minor ailments, ante-natal care, mother and child care, and first aid, with referrals to the local hospital. We receive some of our medicine from the Director of Health and our supporters, and buy the rest from local pharmacies. Our students receive teachings on primary health care and first aid. This equips them to give health edu-

cation to the children in their classes as well as the people in the surrounding villages. The Jubilee Project and the Community Upliftment programme have brought great improvement in the area of malnutri-tion. Malaria is our most challenging health problem, with its peak season from November to March. Over the years we have had a few people experience complications of cerebral malaria and many have a testimony of how God proved Himself as their Healer! In the past we had to organise transport to the hospital almost every day, mostly for malaria tests and treatment. In 2002 we were blessed with a microscope from the University of Stellenbosch. This has made a substantial difference to our lives. We are privileged to have a Mission Hospital about 8 km from the centre. It is a very busy hospital and some-times you have to wait for hours before you are attended to. Now that we have our own microscope, we can test for malaria daily on the base, saving us time and money. We praise the Lord for His goodness. The reality of malaria has made itself known to FCE staff and students and has led to one death as a direct result. An-other death was indirectly related to malaria, and several miscarriages. Quite a few cerebral malaria cases also re-sulted in people having to leave Zambia.

“Malaria is by far the world’s most important tropical, parasitic disease, and kills more people than any other communicable disease, except tuberculosis. The Roll Back Malaria (RBM) pro-ject is a global initiative to reduce malaria. This illness is not a health issue anymore, but a

social one. An effort is needed from everyone to move together to roll back malaria!” (From a paper prepared by Jesper Musonda DHIO)

We have now been involved in Malawi for the past 4 years. Jannie obtains land in the north next to the lake and plans to start a Training Centre.

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In the past Africa was known as the graveyard of missionaries – especially because so many of them died as a result of malaria. When I decided to become a missionary I was warned by friends and family against the dangers of malaria. I joined FCE as a missionary and en-joyed working at the Training Cen-tres. I found much joy in relating to the women in the villages. In 2002 I had malaria once and started to be-lieve that I was immune to malaria. In 2003 it was, however, a totally different story. Within six months I got malaria eight times. I was sent to the Tropical Disease Institute at Ndola where I was advised, by a specialist, to leave the country and stay away from malaria areas for the rest of my life. I prayed about it and decided to stay. For the remaining of that year I had malaria once and felt relieved. In 2004 the malaria situation at Kalungu became epidemic. Many babies died and some adults be-came very ill. The problem at Kalungu is that the local clinic is not geared to do malaria tests because there is no electricity. Patients must go to Isoka, the nearest town, about 90 km away, to be tested and treated. In April 2004 I had my fourth attack of malaria and it turned out to be cerebral malaria. The Lord miraculously provided a vehicle to take me the 900 km from Kalungu to Masaiti. I was flown from Nodla with an emergency flight to a hospital in Pretoria. The medical insurance that was provided for me by the church that sent me out as their missionary, covered my medical expenses. The specialists at the hospital warned me against going back to work in a malaria area. This meant that I could not go back to Zambia again. I had many questions and could not understand God’s ways. But through all of this I could see that God was in control, He cared and provided in everything I needed. One of the lessons that I learnt dur-ing this time, was that God some-times uses you for a specific time at a specific place and that we have to make use of all the opportunities He gives us. The most important fact is to know and believe that God is always in control of everything – even in times when we cannot un-derstand and do not have answers.

Elma Britz

Visit endemic areas in dry

season

Remain in-doors between dusk and dawn when mosqui-

toes feed

Spray rooms with insecticide

before dusk

Buildings should be well

screened

Use electric fans or air-

conditioning if available

Appropriate clothing: long-sleeves, trou-

sers and clothing light in

colour after sunset

Use mosquito coils or pads

Sleep under

mosquito nets treated with insecticide (e.g. Pyre-

throid: Peripel)

Apply insect repellents or Citronella oil on exposed

skin

Prevention and proper treatment of Malaria is very important

NON-DRUG PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

It is also FCE’s task to get as many prayer supporters as possible to become involved with us on this “Highway.” Neels and Anita start to pre-sent the different projects in which FCE are involved. They encourage individuals and communities worldwide to get involved in missions.

51

FCE develops the Gap Year Programme, which gives young people the opportunity to be trained in and exposed to missions for one year.

52

2002 FCE opens the first Village Training Cen-tre with 95 children at Koti Ni Eden.

Deirdre van Reenen designs the COUPACS course. This course is aimed at raising the standard of living in the poor areas and is based on Biblical truths and principles.

53

travelled to South Africa back in 1993 and took the Basic Disciple-ship Course through FCE. God used FCE to totally redirect my mindset to-wards Him, my relationship with Him and also towards school-teaching. I actually learned how to teach from a “Christ-centered” perspec-tive—something that all my four years of college train-ing did not teach me. God took me back home to the USA and landed me in a Christian school where for the past 12 years, I have been teaching with the goal of discipling the children through my subject-PE. God has used FCE in At-lanta, Georgia, to mould many young children to-ward that same mindset. For that, I will always be so thankful and will always have the people of FCE deep in my heart. Also, throughout these past twelve years, several FCE staffers have visited with me and have had many opportunities to share the vision of FCE with my friends, schools, and my church. As a result, my church has adopted FCE as one of their very own mis-sion organisations.Many prayers and much financial support have flowed from my own little church to FCE. It makes me so proud and so excited to know that God has used me by just making contacts here to help further the work of FCE. FCE: Thank you so much for the great friendship we have had all these years. I

have watched you grow from just a small handful of faithful servants just in the Cape Area to a major group of passionate kingdom builders reaching out way up into Africa, India, and Europe. Wow!—Thanks for including me and I can’t wait to see what God is going to do next with you. Go, FCE, Go! Congratula-tions on 15 years of adven-ture! Love, Connie Brand Atlanta, Georgia USA It is with great sadness that I said goodbye to you the other day after 3 years. As you know, my family did not know God, and I do not know where I would have been if I did not have you as a role model. Your trust in God was practical. You, applying His principles showed that it is the Truth. Thank you for breaking the chain of darkness in my family, SHOWING me the light. I saw in you someone who loves God and even though I was not a believer when I joined your office, I started to enquire about your King and accepted Him after a year. Pray that I’ll be able to apply what I “saw” from you. Your brother in Christ Timothy India

Dear FCE With the support of Mackay Christian College, the P-12 Christian School of which I am Principal, my wife Can-dace and I travelled to Wol-seley in South Africa in March of 2003 to participate together in the Basic Disci-pleship Course. The staff of FCE accepted us, the two Aussies, with unconditional love. We will never be the same as we were before doing the Basic Course. As we worked through the study programme, we spent qual-ity time in God’s Word, in praise and worship and in prayer. Doing this together as a couple has greatly enriched our marriage. The Basic Course helped us to firmly establish a framework for checking the way we think about things, as a result of our culture, against the truths in God’s Word. Since the Course this has strengthened the College’s approach to the imbedding of Christian principles and values into our curriculum. The experiences we had with the people of the area, combined with the Basic Course, also served to help broaden our perspective on missions. Many of the things we learned are now being integrated into what we teach our over 950 stu-dents. We will forever have a strong connection with FCE and will do all we can to support their mission to transform Third World com-munities in Africa and

around the world. Ps Craig Murison Mackay Christian College Queensland Australia Dankie dat jul laat weet het ons moet bid. Ons ervaar dat julle in die proses gebrei en geskool word om abso-lute geloofwaardige getuies te wees onder die mense wat julle moet bedien. Want weet julle: julle het gewys dat toe die fondse min was, julle bereid was om saam honger te ly en net pap en boontjies te eet. Julle het gewys dat julle bereid is om in Zambië vas te byt ondanks fisiese on-gerief en schlep van die regering. Julle het aange-hou desondanks die feit dat daar van julle mense was wat by die dood omgedraai het a.g.v. malaria, deur Boet-hulle in Zimbabwe het julle gewys dat julle selfs aanhou al verloor julle menslik gesproke alles ma-terieel – dat julle belang siele is en mense, nie goed nie. Toe Pieter vanjaar sterf, het dit nie vir Piet en Elma gekeer om terug te gaan Soedan toe nie, en daai wat self weet wat dit is om ‘n geliefde te verloor, te gaan bedien. Julle staan weer voor ‘n nuwe toets – een waardeur julle “from victim to victory” gevoer sal word en jul getuienis net nog sterker en dringender sal word. Soos Paulus sê: “dit alles het ek verdra ter wille van die uitverkorenes”. Ons dra julle in ons gebede. Marelize van der Merwe

Neels and Anita go to Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand with the purpose of intro-ducing our projects and to involve communities with our work.

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My training as a teacher at FCE prepared me for many situations. I held on to the knowledge that I should stay focused on God’s vision and not my own, to give glory to Him and take nothing for my-self. In January 2002 I returned to my country of birth (Australia) and started to teach at Mackay Chris-tian College. It was a cul-ture shock to teach in total First World circumstances where there is an over-supply of all resources. I was confronted with teach-ing children who have everything and to whom Jesus has to “show up with a big show” otherwise they cannot follow Him. I hang onto what FCE taught us: to stay focused, to bring the Gospel wherever there is an opportunity and to live Christ so that others might know Him. Andrew Evetts: Australia I taught at Timour Hall Primary in Plumstead, Cape Town for 2 ½ years. Now I’m at Rift Valley Academy in Kijabe, Kenya. Studying at FCE has helped me really under-stand what it means to be a Christian teacher. My perspective regarding Christian schooling and the necessity of Christ-like teachers has been radi-cally altered by what I ex-perienced at FCE. My recent studies at ICTE (Australia) have confirmed many of the things I learnt at FCE. Sarah Ayrton: Kenya After I finished the teacher training at FCE in 2001 I taught in the Community Training Centre for two years. Every morning I heard the footsteps of the children coming from the villages eager to learn new

things. Now I am teaching the FCE staff children at Masaiti school. The Lord is working out things for His purpose. To be able to teach is a gift from God. To Him be the glory. Ruth Kangwa: Zambia The training at FCE was profound in equipping me to face the challenges of everyday life. I am teach-ing missionary children in the New Sudan and I love it. The situation is at times very unpredictable. Once we had to fly out of Sudan within hours to get my chil-dren to hospital because of malaria. I took the ‘school’ along and continued teaching after the children had recovered. I learnt to be flexible at FCE and to adapt quickly. This makes it so much easier for all the people around you. I also learnt to check my heart attitude, to have a servant heart at all times, to re-spect other cultures and to build relationships. Maryke Malan: New Sudan The place we stayed at last night was a serendip-ity-find! Just about 50km from Nakonde, on the left, we found it: KING’S HIGHWAY, in Zambia near the Tanzania border, ad-vertising chalets, shaded campsite, self-catering communal kitchen, com-munal bathrooms with hot showers and clean toilets and barbeque facilities. We were shocked to find what we found! There are exquisite little chalets that sleep 2 to 4 people; it is decorated in sparse Afri-can fashion, with a mos-quito net over each bed; lanterns on wooden beams; one icon framed in wood on the wall, etc. It is one of the most unique places I have ever seen,

and I do not think people know about it! I have to recommend the KING’S HIGWAY site to all travel-ers. It can be a stop be-fore you cross the border from the Zambian side. It is a true jewel. And it is very affordable too. Savannah Janes: 6 South African ladies who went to explore op-portunities for tourist destinations in Africa I am amazed at the growth in spiritual and emotional stature my daughter, and the other Au Pair girls, are blessed with through their Au Pair experiences. In the old days people used to send their girls to a “finishing school”, but this year provides a finishing school of a new kind, equipping them with grown-up experiences that mature them beyond their years and eventually help them to make faith-based choices in a world that more and more rejects the gospel and the Person of Jesus Christ. Thank you FCE for equipping my daughter both spiritually and practically to deal with the demands of Au Pair work. A letter from a mother who visited her daughter and her friends in Europe I look back over the 10 months of being an Au Pair here in Germany and I know: this has been the best year of my life! I am only beginning to under-stand what it means to have a purpose in life. During my twelve years at school I had many friends and everything that I could dream of, but Jesus was shifted somewhere to the background, patiently wait-ing. During the course of this year the securities that I built my life on were shat-

tered – now I only have Jesus. He is my joy and my strength. I will never be lonely again. I do not live for my wants and my-self anymore, but enjoy serving the family and the children. I praise God for teaching me to put Him first and to serve others. Alicia van der Westhuizen Au Pair in Germany 2004 Ons, ek en my man, Dawie en gesin, is al 15 jaar lank kennisse, ondersteuners en vriende van FCE. Gedurende 1990, met die aanvang van hierdie ge-dagte van God, was ons onsekere ondersteuners. Ná die verloop van 5 jaar, was ons jammer dat ons vroeër getwyfel het en nou is ons só trots daarop dat ons kon saamstap en saam kan stilstaan op die Grootpad en terugkyk na die wonderlike reis sover! Ons lewe in ‘n onsekere en relatiewe wêreld en raak besoedel hiermee. Eendag sien ons gehoor-same mense raak wat ge-lowig, doelgerig, en met visie ‘n pad begin oopkap die duisternis in. Ons er-vaar die manier waarop hulle voor struikelblokke volhard. Ons kuier by hulle en die gesindheid en liefde, vreugde en vryheid vee af aan ons en ver- ander ons manier van dink en doen. Ons is so bevoorreg om resultate van die sending langs die pad te ontmoet en hulle vrygemaakte vreugde te sien. En ons twee, ek en Dawie, sê vir mekaar: “Hier is dit….die Here is met hierdie mense….kom ons loop saam!” En watter seën is dit nie! Baie dankie Jesus, Neels, Anita en die hele FCE-personeel! Baie geluk! Ons vier die 15 jaar met dank-baarheid en vreugde saam met julle! Marieta Scholtz

2003 FCE starts negotiations with the Zambian Health Department to open a Health Post at Masaiti.

Our application for the registration of our Teacher Training College in SA is denied. We are obliged to close down.

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Many first-year students take a leap of faith and decide to finish their training with FCE in Zambia.

Simon and Daniel, the two Sudanese, complete their teacher training in Zambia and are trained in leadership in South Africa for a year.

We are currently developing a Training Cen-tre at Kalungu in the North of Zambia. Be-sides the dormitories and classrooms needed, we need to erect two staff houses to accommodate our lecturers and other staff members. We also want to put up a restau-rant. When these have been built, our building programme at Kalungu will be com-pleted. Ways to become involved include: -Prayer, as our aim is to disciple our workers while we build -Support this project financially

Do you want to be involved?

Please contact us for more details: P.O. Box 126, Wolseley, 6830, SOUTH AFRICA,

Tel & Fax: +27 (0) 23 2310208

E-Mail: info@fce.org.za

We offer the following: Multimedia services Transfer photos/slides to CD Transfer videos to DVD Film productions on DVD / video Photography Weddings & all occasions

For more details contact our office at:

Tel: +27 (0) 23 231 0208 E-mail: info@fce.org.za

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Is it possible that this prayer has become a ritual performed by Christians? Most likely if

you complain about food, after you have given thanks

you are grumpy because your taste needs are not met

you insist on certain diets when you are in areas where people have little to eat

you make remarks about the food others eat

The impact of our witness can be enhanced by receiv-ing hospitality graciously. Traditional Diet at our Training Centres in Africa Missionaries have to learn to appreciate and enjoy it

Nshima (Thick maize meal porridge) Prepare it without salt

Rape Leaves cooked with onions and tomatoes

Meat If and when available (goat/chicken/beef or fish)

“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you” (Luke 10:8)

Neels and Carel Nel take Daniel and Simon, now two fully qualified teachers, back to the New Sudan. Many teachers and children are saved and discipled through their ministry.

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Joseph from the USA: I can definitely say that Nshima, fried fishes and large amounts of leafy vegetables were not my meal of choice before coming to live in Zambia. But if tens of millions of people throughout Africa can make a living out of it, why can’t I manage to eat it as a meal once or twice a day? Andrew from India: I did not like the Nshima and Rape and decided not to eat much, but then I became very hungry. I have learnt to spice it with chillies and now I eat it.

2004 The King’s Highway Camping Site at Kalungu is officially opened.

The third-year students do their internship at the Mackay Christian College, Australia.

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SEAFOOD & AROMATIC RICE

One of those easy, delicious meals where the rice and

fish are cooked together in one pan. The whole spices

are not meant to be eaten: they are there to flavour

the dish during cooking and are removed before serv-

ing.

SERVES 4 2 50 g/1¼ cups basmati rice 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil 1 onion, peeled and chopped 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tsp cumin seeds ½ -1 tsp chilli powder 4 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 2 tsp curry paste 250 g peeled prawns (shrimp) 500g white fish fillets (monkfish, cod or haddock), skinned and boned and cut into bite-sized pieces salt and freshly ground black pepper 600 mI/2½ cups boiling water 60 g/ 2 cup frozen sweetcorn kernels 60 g/ 2 cup frozen peas 1- 2 tbsp lime juice 2 tbsp toasted desiccated coconut, coriander sprigs and lime slices, to garnish

1. Place the rice in a sieve and wash well under cold running water until the water runs clear, then drain well. Heat the ghee or oil in a saucepan, add the onion, garlic, spices and curry paste and fry very gently for 1 minute.

2. Stir in the rice and mix well until coated in the spiced oil. Add the prawns (shrimp) and white fish and season well with salt and pepper. Stir lightly, then pour in the boiling water.

3. Cover and cook gently for 10 minutes, without un-covering the pan. Add the peas and corn, cover and continue cooking for a further 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to stand for 10 minutes.

4. Uncover the pan, fluff up the rice with a fork and transfer to a warm serving platter. Sprinkle the dish with the lime juice and toasted coconut, and serve garnished with coriander sprigs and lime slices.

VARIATION For yellow rice, add ½ teaspoon ground turmeric to the pan together with the other spices in step 1.

CHICKEN & VEGETABLE RICE

Boneless chicken breasts may be used here instead of the

drumsticks, if preferred, in which case slash them diagonally

through the skin and into the

flesh to allow the flavours of the

sauce to penetrate.

SERVES 4 - 6 4 chicken drumsticks 3 tbsp mango chutney 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice 6 tbsp vegetable oil 1 ½ tbsp medium curry paste 1 ½ tsp paprika 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 125 g button mushrooms, wiped 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 2 celery sticks, trimmed and thinly sliced ½ aubergine, quar-tered and sliced ½ tsp ground cinnamon 250 g/ 1¼ cups long-grain rice 600 ml chicken stock or water 60 g frozen peas or sliced green beans 60 g/ 2 cup seedless raisins salt and freshly ground black pepper wedges of hard-boiled egg and lemon slices,to garnish (optional)

1. Slash the drumsticks twice on each side. Mix the chutney with the lemon juice, 1 tbsp oil, curry paste and paprika. Brush over the drumsticks and reserve the remainder for later.

2. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in the frying pan and fry the drum-sticks over a moderate heat for about 5 minutes until sealed and golden brown all over.`

3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a saucepan, add the onion, mushrooms, carrots, celery, aubergine, garlic and cinnamon and fry lightly for 1 minute. Stir in the rice and cook gently for 1 minute, stirring until the rice is well coated with the oil. Add the stock and the remaining mango chutney mixture, peas, raisins and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and bring to the boil.

4. Reduce the heat and add the drumsticks to the mix-ture, pushing them down into the liquid. Cover and cook gently for 25 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed, the drumsticks are tender and the rice is cooked.

5. Remove the drumsticks from the pan and keep warm.

Fluff up the rice mixture and transfer to a warm serv-

ing plate. Arrange the rice into a nicely shaped mound

and place the drumsticks around it. Garnish the dish

with wedges of hard-boiled egg and lemon slices, if

desired.

FCE is invited by the Alliance of Evangelical Churches and Open Doors to be involved in the training of teachers in the Sudan.

Piet and Elma du Toit are responsible for the com-pilation and presentation of the courses in Sudan.

Fifteen years ago the Lord gave FCE clear guidelines along which we determined our financial policy. There were days when we were tempted to deviate from it or tried to make our own plans, but by God’s grace we stood firm. We realise that the way we use and spend our money, and the donations we receive, must display our honesty and trustworthiness. We often come into contact with people who would like to know, “Who sponsors you?” “Who pays your salaries?” “Where does your money come from?” Because of this we thought it fitting to give an explanation of our financial policy: None of our staff receives any form of allowance or salary. We trust the Lord monthly for our rent, all running costs, transport, office and household expenses. To live in faith like this is an adventure, which brings us closer to the Lord. The Lord is faithful. In the past fifteen years we have been able to meet our obligations each month. The Lord uses people to support us financially and this makes it possible for us to function effectively. Because FCE is registered as a non-profit organisa-tion, our financial statements are audited annually. We write receipts for all money received and deposit it into our bank account. All payments are made by cheque. Those attending our courses pay a minimal amount for the course. The money is used to pay for course material, accommodation and food. Staff members are fully dependent on the Lord for their personal needs. Only when family or friends specify that money is for the personal use of a staff mem-ber, is that donation given to him/her personally.

We are dependent on our own vehicles for transport, and the maintenance of our vehicles is a big expense. Our policy is not to ask for any donations. The Lord convinces people to provide as He deems fit. When peo-ple give in this manner, it is a sacrifice they bring to the Lord. This is also the way in which we give to others. Our student fees are used exclusively for the benefit of the students. They cover accommodation and out-reach costs as well as tuition fees. College furniture and apparatus are also bought from this fund. This is only possible because our lecturers do not receive any salary.

Projects - Working in Africa doubles the burden on the organisation, as people in Africa are often not in the posi-tion to be financially independent. As one of the strategies for financing the many aspects of God’s work, He led us to travel extensively throughout the world. By His grace we were able to build up international contacts in Christian schools, mission organisations, communities and churches. They, together with ex-students, prayer support-ers and other interested individuals with whom we have a relationship, were interested to hear about the various FCE PROJECTS. We shared the details with them and some were touched by the Lord to respond to what they had heard. Projects include the following: Jubilee Harvest Project, Sponsor-a-Student Project, New College Building Project, Kalungu Building Project

Businesses - Another strategy which the Lord revealed, was that we should start businesses and so provide for some of the needs of the FCE Training Centres. Presently we have a Biltong Shop and overnight accommodation which generate an income. Our desire is that in the end all the Training Centres will be self-sufficient.

In 2000 the Lord opened the door for us to start a Biltong Shop in the picturesque town of Somerset West, South Africa. The name, “Biltong for Africa”, refers to the calling we have for Africa in particular. In future we hope to extend our business ventures in such a way that they would include many such shops. We are also looking forward to diversify.

FCE establishes a Training Centre at Hodygos, outside Okahandja, in Namibia, with the help of Dirk and Lize Grobbelaar.

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The second overnight facility, King’s Highway Chalets and Campsite, soon followed. This “oases” is situated at the FCE Training Centre near Isoka, northern Zambia, 60km from the Tanzanian border. There are 6 fully furnished chalets with communal bathroom and kitchen facilities, as well as a lovely campsite. BILTONG SHOP Over the past 15 years we have always been able to meet our financial obligations. ALL HONOUR TO THE LORD. To each and every one who has contributed faithfully to this work, we say: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. TO OUR PRAYER SUPPORTERS Missions is by no means one big adventure. Often success stories are related because supporters like to hear results. Missionaries daily need understanding, support and insight. What a joy it’s been for us as a staff at FCE to receive your timely words of wisdom, encouragement and support. A hedge of supporters who provide finance, prayers, visits, telephone calls etc surrounds us. Many have visited us or joined us on outreaches to various parts of the world. So many of you have taken co-responsibility of what we are doing and you refer to “our” work rather than “FCE’s work” and we appreciate that. THANK YOU to all our friends for: *Every prayer and request made on our behalf; *Support and encouragement, by means of visits, phone calls, cards and letters; *Financial support, which enables us to cover our monthly costs and other projects *Involvement in our work and projects. The Lord bless you and keep you. The lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The lord turn His face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:22-26)

It was with hearts full of gratitude that we were able to open the first FCE Guesthouse just 8km outside Masaiti, Zambia. The King’s Highway Guesthouse and Conference Centre has, since 2001 when opened, been a haven for many travel-weary tourists and missionaries. It has also proven an ideal facility for weddings, and quite a few FCE staff members have “tied the knot” here. Many local Government departments make use of the facilities for planning conferences and every year dur-ing September/October a Spring Arts Festival is held, where local and international artists and crafters can display their talents and wares.

The second overnight facility, King’s Highway Chalets and Campsite, soon followed. This oasis is situated at the FCE Training Centre near Isoka, northern Zambia, 60km from the Tanzanian border. There are 6 fully furnished chalets with communal bath-room and kitchen facilities, as well as a lovely campsite.

The ELLS Course (English Language course for Literate Students) is developed to enable students to become sufficiently literate in English so that they are able to participate in the FCE courses.

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2005 The permanent team in the Sudan ex-pands. Four ex-students of FCE join.

Carien van Wyk presents the ELLS-course in Sudan.

Living by faith and trusting God in every area, including finances, is not the prerogative of those called to ‘full-time’ mis-sions, but every believer can enter into trusting God in finances. We at FCE had to allow God to renew our minds on money matters and lead us into a lifestyle of living by Faith.

No one can serve two masters “Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matt. 6:24). It is impossible to serve money and still serve the Lord. Everything belongs to our God. He made us rulers over the works of His hands, and put everything under our feet (Ps. 8:6). We have to be faithful stewards who manage what He entrusts to us – this includes our money.

“My God will meet all your needs …” (Phil 4:19) Our needs, NOT our WANTS. I need clothes, shelter and food: I want designer clothes, a cell phone, a spectacular house.

The Church all too easily overlooks a key principle that is so obvious in its simplicity, yet so powerful in the truth that it brings. If we are not faithful with the small things, and in looking after someone else’s things, why should anyone (including God) entrust us with more, be it earthly or heavenly possessions or riches? All too often, people try to mas-ter the spiritual disciplines in order to become acknowledged spiritual “giants” but forget that it all starts with the small things in the natural. (Luke 16:13)

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Over the past 15 years we have always been able to meet our financial obligations. There were times when we experienced anxious moments. Sometimes our faith was tested to the utmost. BUT THE LORD NEVER FAILED US. He sometimes provided in the most creative ways and intervened so drastically that we stood in awe.

Living by faith increases your faith When FCE was founded 15 years ago we trusted the Lord for R1 000 a month. This was a giant leap of faith. By the end of that year we moved into a house where we had to pay rent – our expenses escalated to R4 000 a month. I remember coming home with the money for the first month’s rent – my wife was so relieved and then she burst into tears. I looked at her, puzzled, and through her sobs she said. “Where is the next month’s rent going to come from?” As the organisation grew we had to add noughts to the amount we needed for our monthly expenses! We now have to trust the Lord for R50 000 per month and this is only for the running costs of the Training Centres! Throughout the years our faith has increased – as it is used and tested. Living by faith proves that God is real “Dad”. My daughter cheerfully walked into my office. Ten minutes later she left without a care in the world. She had made her request (to go on a camp) known to her father, and it not once crossed her mind that perhaps I might not be able to give her the money on Friday. On Thursday evening I earnestly started to wrestle with the Lord. I had trusted Him all week to perform a miracle, but He remained silent. It crossed my mind several times that perhaps this time He was going to fail me. On Friday morning she came to kiss me good-bye. As she walked from the room I called her back and tried to find a way to tell her that I did not have the money for the camp. She interrupted me, as she hurriedly waved good-bye: “I’ve forgot to tell you, but Grandma sent me money, I used it for my camp fees!” Living by faith teaches you to listen to God and walk in His ways. A few years ago the Lord withheld resources from FCE. It took us some time to realise that the Lord needed our attention. We stopped all activities at the College. For three days we sought the Lord’s face – our mealtimes be-came our prayer time. On the third day the Lord revealed to us that by allowing our students to be in debt – not paying their College fees on time, we were violating a Biblical principle. We repented. One of the students had to leave the College for six months to earn money to pay her fees. BUT there came no release. We knew God was not finished with us yet. Soon it became clear that the Lord “does not find His delight in our programmes or our sacrifices, He was looking for pure hearts and broken spirits”. (Ps. 51). On the very next day, finances were released.

An ex-student of FCE joins the team in India to teach the children of the Kotze family.

Neels, Anita, Jannie and Morne go on a pioneer-ing visit to Thailand and China.

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FCE celebrates its Fifteenth Anniversary on 24 September 2005.

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FCE staff members Piet and Elma du Toit’s son, Pieter, completed his studies at Africa School of Missions in White River. During an outreach to India, God had given him a heart for the lost people of India and he was preparing himself to go there as a missionary. He worked with Filadelfia Church in Stellenbosch during 2004. On 18 January 2005, God decided that Pieter’s work on earth had been completed. He took Pieter while he was taking a bath after an epileptic seizure; so his race on earth ended sooner than his loved ones wanted, but still in God’s timing. Phil. 1:21 became a reality for his family and friends “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Pieter’s death caused many young (and older) people to recon-sider their relationship with God and their purpose in life. The Scripture used at his memorial service was true of Pieter’s life: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” (Zeph. 3:17) Piet and Elma had to leave for the Sudan shortly after their son’s death. They testify to God’s provision, comfort and pres-ence in their grief, and how the seed that fell in the ground to die, bore much fruit in their ministry to the Sudanese, who all know the pain of loss.

On 12 August 2004, the Visser family departed from Wolseley for Masaiti – leaving everything behind to go and serve the Lord in Zambia. Thinus, Hester, Mariette and Ria were all excited and full of zeal, ready for whatever was waiting for them in Zambia. Yet none of us was prepared for the terrible car accident that took Thinus in an instant to be with the Lord. The accident not only caused Thinus’s death, but also caused such severe injuries to Hester, that she is still, a year later, bed-ridden and recuperating from numerous operations. Hester’s testimony is one of God’s grace and comfort through the “valley of the shadow of death”.

During March 2004 a group of 2nd year student teachers went to Kalungu as part of the Mission Training. Amongst them was Stanley Masala from Malawi – a married man and father of a 3-year old son. His wife was pregnant with their second child. He became very ill and was taken to the nearest hospital at Isoka. Three days later the hospital asked some of the students to donate blood for Stanley. Five of them went there and they started the procedure. Even before they could complete it, Stanley died of a bleeding ulcer. Stanley was a leader in the class and led by example. His death was a great testimony to the people of Kalungu. His fellow students and other FCE staff members once again had to count the cost of being a missionary in Africa.

Kusemba (Rejoice) Wasema was born in October 2003, the daughter of Timothy and Bridget Wasema, two of our teachers at the CTC. She was a beautiful, healthy baby. Three days after her birth, Timothy came with the news that Kusemba was admitted to the hospital. She had a high fever and the doctor started treating her with antibiotics. Yvette went to visit them every day and could see the little face and body grow smaller due to weight loss. She recalls: “On her seventh day, I had a feeling that I must stay longer. We all sat at her bedside, looking at her face with no words to say. And then I saw Kusemba breathing her last breath. When Bridget realized that Kusemba had passed away, she stood up and put her hands on her child. Tears were running down my face. I had had a miscarriage two months earlier and the pain of my own loss was still fresh in my heart. Bridget said with a trembling voice, ‘Lord, thank you for seven days. Thank you for Kusemba-Rejoice. Lord, help us to rejoice again.’ And then she started to cry. I was reminded of Rev. 12:11 “They overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Timothy and Bridget were blessed this year with a healthy baby boy, Wankumbu – The Grace of God.

As missionaries, we have no guarantees against sickness, sorrow, pain, hurt, and even death. The only difference between us and those who do not know God as their Father, is the way in which we experi-ence His loving care during times of trial. We can fill a book with testimonies of God’s grace and good-ness in the lives of FCE members, their friends and families in the midst of suffering, loss and pain. It is during these trying times that God has shown Himself as the Faithful One to all of us. It is also during such times that the Body of Christ comes together to carry those who suffer and to weep with those

Since the foundation of FCE in 1990, we regarded the commandment in Acts “TO GO” very seriously. Mission comes from a Latin word that means ‘sending’. Travelling from America to Australia, Beijing to Bangkok, Cape to Cairo, Mackay to Madras, Stellenbosch to Sudan and Zimbabwe to Zambia has become the story of our lives. By God’s grace and His provision we are able to build up contacts in Christian schools, with mission organisations and prayer sup-porters. We attend international conferences, advertise the work of FCE, recruit young peo-ple for missions, move from Training Centre to Training Centre, spreading the Good News, and thus become part of the bigger body of Christ world-wide. These opportunities broaden our vision, enrich us spiritually and prepare us as the Bride of Christ. We soon learnt that Missions and travelling are synonymous!

Haggai 2:4 “Take courage all you people of the Land, declares the Lord, and WORK. For I am with you says the Lord of Hosts.”

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Groups of people were standing all around small open fires at the entrance to Central Bus Station in Katmandu. It was cold and misty at 05:00 in the morning. We (Neels and Piet) were standing on the side-walk, waiting for our bus to the Indian border and watching the world go by. Every now and then someone would audibly clear his throat and spit on the ground, noisily, and with total abandonment. A dirty, old, blue bus arrived with screeching brakes, in a cloud of diesel smoke. We pushed and fought our way inwards and upwards, trying to find available seats. As we moved out of the city, it was slowly starting to wake up. It was still rather dark and everywhere people were sleeping on pavements, in alleys and on porches. Some candles and oil lamps were flickering in the small houses as we passed. Cows were lying in the middle of the road, contentedly chewing their cud, and mangy dogs were walking around stiffly in the cold and dirt. Just outside Katmandu, we took a narrow, meandering mountain road and drove for four hours along the banks of the fast running Trishuli River. In front of us sat an elderly man with a wooden leg. He had boarded the bus with a very dusty bundle on his back, walked with the aid of a crooked, wooden staff and a metal crutch. He was clothed in the filthiest and most tat-tered rags imaginable, and had a shining red patch on his backside. As the first rays of the sun came out, he imme-diately turned towards it. With folded hands and closed eyes, bowing reverently, he started to worship the sun god and our hearts cried out to the Son of God for the soul of this man. After an hour, we got our first clear view of the snow-capped, majestic Himalayas, rising upwards into eter-nity. A continuous stream of huge trucks from the front tested our nerves, the abilities of our driver and the faith-fulness of all the available guardian angels on duty! Nepal is a world of deep-deep valleys covered with ever-green forests, with green terraced rice paddies and clusters of small, square mud-brick houses, their roofs like disheveled sparrow nests. Water buffaloes waited calmly around the houses for the work of the day. Our first stop, around 10:00, was just outside a small, dusty village. Men and women disappeared in opposite directions, into the bushes. We tried to figure out which way to go... unfortunately, Piet reached the wrong conclu-sion. When it was almost too late, a woman popped out, almost underneath him! In the village, the passengers indulged themselves with curried eggs, fruit, and a score of unmentionable and sus-picious-smelling food, all washed down with scalding hot

and very sweet milk-tea. We saw old Scare Crow glee-fully gobbling up a plateful of eggs.... We had scarcely left the village when a young man on our right hung out of the window, and got rid of his break-fast. Scare Crow on our left joined him minutes later. We sympathetically handed out water and tablets—to no avail!. At lunchtime, we stopped at Narayangadh and our smelly old friend was the first in line for some curried eggs! The world started to open up after we left the riverbank. We travelled through an enormous valley with the Himala-yas far on the outskirts. Everywhere people were working on their lands. At roadwork sites people functioned as beasts of burden, struggling under heavy loads of sand or rock in leather bags resting on their backs, fastened with broad straps over their foreheads. Butawal, quite a big town, was our next stop. Late that afternoon we crossed the Rapati River and followed its rocky bed up to Nepalganji. It became dark shortly after 17:30 and an hour later we steamed into Nepalganji, sad-dle-sore and stiff, but deeply thankful. Our old friend took his dusty bundle and hopped away into the night. The only English-speaking person in the vicinity informed us that the Indian border was still 40 minutes away and the only means of transport at that late hour - a bicycle rickshaw. We eventually managed to get a rickshaw and negotiated a fair price. We loaded our stuff in the back and hopped aboard. Before we left, our peddler ceremoniously lit a little candle in a glass jar fixed to the front of his bicycle. So, in the middle of the night, on a bicycle rickshaw, our path illuminated by the unsure flickering light of a candle and a half moon hanging over us,we crossed the border between Nepal and India.

Piet du Toit

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Ja, dis een van die “vreugdes” van die lewe in Indië: busry. Die meeste mense maak van busvervoer gebruik. Die alternatief is motorfietse, fietse of auto’s (so ‘n driewiel-dakkie-bromponie-vir-drie-ding) wat mens huur soos ‘n taxi. Daar is heelwat busse wat die stad deurkruis, die probleem is net daar is nie ‘n rooster wat jou vertel watter bus wanneer gaan vertrek nie, jy gaan “parkeer” maar net by die bushalte en hoop vir die beste. Gelukkig het ons ook al slimmer geraak met verloop van tyd en het ons ons gunstelinghaltes in die stad waar ons weet die kans goed is om ‘n leë en vinnige te kry: ‘n abso-lute rariteit. ‘n Indiese busbestuurder sal ook nie droom daarvan om ‘n “VOL”-bordjie in sy voorruit te sit nie, want sien, ‘n Indiese bus raak nooit vol nie – die mense staan

soos sardientjies ingeryg in die gangetjies en hang soos bondels vlermuise by die deure uit, maar daar’s altyd nog plek vir ses. Om ‘n kaartjie te bekom, is ‘n ander kuns: so stuur jy maar jou geldjie aan daar na agter toe, min of meer waar jy laas die kondukteur se kakiehemp gesien het en hoop jy kry ‘n kaartjie in ruil daarvoor, en ver-basend genoeg, werk dit gewoonlik. Soms is daar so ‘n samedromming op die bus, dat die bus maar kan ruk en stotter en om draaie jaag, jy hoef nêrens vas te hou nie, die menselywe rondom jou, hou jou regop. O ja, hier moet ek byvoeg dat mens meestal staan, ‘n sitplek is amper soos hoendertande : nét so skaars en baie meer gesog.

Carien van Wyk

PROGRAMME A Basic Discipleship Course (8 weeks in South Africa) Missionary Training (Zambia) Volunteer Work (Zambia)

SIGN UP * any time of the year * if you are between 18 and 80 years old * for a cross-cultural experience

Contact details:

Tel: +27 23 231 0208 E-mail: info@fce.org.za

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Whenever “Ou Bloues” took the road, staff and students cringed in expectation. Despite having proved itself rea-sonably faithful in transporting God’s harvesters all over Southern Africa, this old blue Combi had slightly marred its ‘record of good performance’ with an incident or two of engine rebelling, flat tyres and the like. September 2002, however, promised to be different… Overhauled, serviced, and fitted with a brand new spare petrol tank, snugly bedded beneath the back seat, it was ready for us. Jannie, Carel, Peter, Bernice and I set off from Wolseley, expecting our trip to Masaiti, Zambia to be long, but uneventful. How wrong we were! After travelling only 14km we were compelled to stop at the nearest town in order to seal the opening of the spare fuel tank, as the odour of fumes in the car threatened to overcome us. That done, we continued uneventfully until about 11p.m., trying all the time to ignore the fumes still lingering with us. Suddenly the dark night was split by a loud bang, and the Combi lurched. Looking back, we saw a trail of sparks lighting up the sky behind us. The trailer we were towing along the N1 had parted com-pany with a wheel, and the metal axle trailing on the tar road was systematically being reduced to a glowing, sharpened kebab stick. Well! After a chilly three-hour search for the wheel (in vain) and waiting for a farmer friend to bring us a replacement trailer, we were finally able to fetch Deirdre in Johannesburg, and continue on our journey north. Which would now be smooth. So we hoped… Travelling through Zimbabwe has always been a beautiful but challenging experience: fuel shortages, stray animals in the road, gorgeous sunsets. At 3 a.m.; with Jannie blearily driving and me trying to be keep-awake company for him, it happened: The final, straw that broke our journey’s back. This was our second night on the road.

Lumbering up a mountain pass somewhere between Shurugwe and nowhere, enveloped in total darkness and by now impervious to the fuel odours in our Combi, we suddenly smelled something strange, and saw an orange light behind the car. Thinking that a trailer wheel had caught alight, we were horrified to discover that smoke was pouring from the back of the car, where the engine was. It grew steadily worse, then “whoosh” flames started leaping from the air vents near the roof. The Combi was on fire! And there were a hundred and twenty litres of fuel in the tanks! Talk about a rude awakening! Everyone peeled from the car and started unpacking luggage. One of the bags contained ten small, portable gas canisters! Suddenly…. “Ffft!” The car hissed, and convinced that we were all about to be blown apart by this immense petrol bomb, we ran! Barefooted! At record-breaking speed! Ladies up the mountain! And men down! The mere fact that this story can be told, bears testimony to the grace and protection of our miracle-working God. The hissing sound, we discovered after the flames and smoking subsided, had been caused by a burst water pipe which had spewed water, at exactly the right angle, onto the source of the fire in the engine! Apparently an incor-rectly fitted petrol valve had systematically been forcing fuel into the spare tank, out through a breather pipe, and over the engine. And we had travelled two thou-sand km like that! Well, the final analysis of this epic journey can be summed up as follows: 1 burnt-out Combi engine

1 missing trailer wheel 1 roadside nap in a ‘dangerous’ area 3 days sojourn at a stranger’s home 5 days’ journey 6 awestruck and encouraged followers of Jesus ONE AWESOME GOD!

Anita Grobler

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As an established mission organisation FCE has numerous opportunities for prayer supporters to be actively involved in missions. Dare to join us on an adventurous outreach to take full re-sponsibility and ownership of that part of the Body where the Lord has called you to, “Go and make disciples…..!”

Border Blunders Do not, I repeat, DO NOT Say “Good Morning, Sir!” - if the official is a madam. Take pictures with your digital camera – if you don’t want them to “remove the film….” Take back your passport without checking the stamp on your visa – if you want to leave the country again. Lend your pen to an officer – if you do not intend to do-nate it. Insist on speaking to a po-lice officer – if you are talk-ing to the police! Argue with customs – if they ask for the engine number of your trailer! Stand behind a bush – if an elephant also wants to stand there.

Travel Tips: ZA Sticker: stick it on the back of your vehicle. White and red reflector strips: Keep extras in the cubby-hole. Beware of speed humps: when you enter each town in Zambia Beware of game at night time: Northern Namibia and Botswana Prayer coverage

Money Matters: Do not put your purse where everybody can see it! Divide big amounts of money between the passengers. $20 airport tax: you pay it at the airport if you fly out of Zambia Do not exchange money with local people on the street. Do not pay bribes. Use all your coins before leaving different countries You can pay with SA Rand in Namibia Buy Botswana Pulas in South Africa.

Document Details: Passport: should be valid for at least six months before leaving the country Original registration papers for your vehicles, including trailers. Make certified copies of all the required documents: keep them in a safe place Required vehicle papers: Put in a flip file and keep at hand.

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Do you want to do some-thing different? Join us for our annual Art Festival in April. * You will be intro- duced to the work of FCE in Zambia. * Experience a day in the life of a mission- ary. * Relax at the Guest house and enjoy the sunsets of Africa. * At the same time at tend the annual Art Festival hosted by the King’s Highway Guesthouse. This event offers many young artists an unique opportunity to display their works of art. All package details are available from our Wolse-ley office in South Africa. CONTACT us at:

Tel: +27 23 231 0208. E-mail: info@fce.org.za

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Hennie & Hettie Mellet

Hennie and Hettie Mellet joined FCE in 2000. They did pioneering work at Masaiti and Kalungu. Hennie worked from dawn till dusk and spent many hours discipling the young men. Hettie was a real gem in the kitchen. They were much loved and appreciated by everybody. Be-cause of Hennie’s health they had to retire and return to South Africa. We follow in their foot-steps and keep them in our hearts.

Deirdré van Reenen

Since 1997 Deirdre van Reenen has served FCE with her many talents and years of teach-ing experience. She was involved in writing curriculum, and a student that was trained by her, is a well-trained teacher. She was an ex-cellent mentor for the teachers in the Commu-nity Training Centres. Lately Deirdré experienced many problems with her health. She retired at the beginning of 2005. FCE salutes her and treasures the legacy she left.

(Association incorporated under section 21) Registration No. 2000/010415/08

Christ Centred Distance Education

* Certificate in Theology * Diploma in Theology * Bachelor of Theology

* Postgraduate Certificate in Education— Intermediate, Senior and FET * Master of Theology

P.O. Box 11118 Rynfield 1514. E-mail: hebron@global.co.za Telephone: 011 9651252, Fax: 011 9650232

Hebron Theological College is registered by the Department of Education as a private higher institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 Registration Certificate Number 01HS03

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Missions is by no means one big adventure. Often success stories are regaled because supporters like to hear results. Missionaries need understanding, support and insight daily. What a joy it’s been for us as a staff at FCE to receive your timely words of wisdom, encouragement and support. A hedge of supporters who provide finances, prayers, visits and telephone calls surrounds us. Many have visited us or joined us on outreaches to various parts of the world. So many of you have taken co-responsibility of what we are doing and you refer to “our” work rather than “FCE’s work.” We appreciate that. THANK YOU to all our friends for: *Every prayer and request made on our behalf; *Support and encouragement, by means of visits, phone calls, cards and letters; *Financial support, which enables us to cover our monthly costs and other projects; *Involvement in our work and projects; *Visiting us at our Training Centres, showering us with love and practical gifts.

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SOUTH AFRICA FCE HEAD OFFICE: P.O. Box 126 , Wolseley, 6830, SOUTH AFRICA

Tel/Fax (0027-23) 2310208 Email: info@fce.org.za Website: www.fce.org.za

Sponsor-a-student Project Fruit Tree Project Koti Ni Eden Building Project New Sudan Jubilee Project Kalungu Building Project

Request that the newsletter be sent to you. Join the international prayer network and intercede on behalf of education, educa-tional institutions, our mis-sion teams and the work of FCE.

People with a clear calling from God and who want to prepare themselves for the mission field can apply to enrol as a stu-dent. Organise an FCE information meeting for your community. Invite FCE to present a two-day seminar to inform and support board members, teach-ers and parents in your community regard-ing Christ-Centred education. Attend the FCE regional, national and inter-national conferences.

Basic Discipleship Training Missionary Training Course Diploma in Early Childhood Education Diploma in Intermediate Education COUPACS ELLS GAP Year Au Pair Training Course

Assist in any work of FCE. Support FCE finan-cially.

Join the annual mission, prayer and evangelistic outreaches organised by FCE. Support individuals and/or groups going on outreaches, through prayer and/or finances.