Update on Gospel Labors in Africa - Sept. 25, 2010

By Elder Vernon Johnson

In the past three months, four different preachers from the Kisii, Kenya area visited Primitive Baptist websites in America . These men did not know one another, nor were they aware of the presence of Primitive Baptist churches and elders in the Kisii area. The three websites visited were Paradise Primitive Baptist Church website, Denton Primitive Baptist Church website, and Salem Primitive Baptist church website. These four men ultimately contacted elders of these three churches and the emails were forwarded to me and after inquiring as to the location in Kenya I realized they were all located in the Kisii, Kenya area. I furnished this information to Elder Martin who has contacted all four of the men. In addition, I furnished each with materials detailing Primitive Baptist beliefs and practices. Each of the men has at least one group of people that they are meeting with and attempting to lead in teaching the scriptures. I expect to meet all four men when Elder Michael Gowens and I go to Kenya in October. At last count I believe there are now eight fellowships in Kenya along with the five churches that have been constituted there.

The number of men who have contacted me in Zambia , Botswana , and South Africa continues to grow and I continue to furnish materials to the approximately forty men who have contacted me in those countries.

In Tanzania , the brother in law of Bro. Thadeus of the church in Dar Es Salaam has made inquiries as to the beliefs of Primitive Baptists and I have furnished him with materials to help him better understand what we believe. He lives in Mwanza, which adjoins Lake Victoria . This is very far from Dar Es Salaam . I am hoping that this will be the beginnings of a new fellowship in that location.

On October 11, 2010, Elder Mike Gowens and I will begin the journey to Nairobi where we will meet Elder Martin Onyoni. We will visit fellowships in Nairobi , Navaisha, Kisumu, and newly established fellowships near Kisii , Kenya . In addition, we will have a joint meeting with the churches in the Kisii, Kenya area. From there, we will travel to Mbale , Uganda where there are six men who believe they have a call to preach and three existing fellowships. I began communicating with these men and sending them materials more than a year ago. Elders Martin Onyoni and Richard Onounga visited with these brethren back in the spring and found them to be quite interested in the doctrines and practices of the Primitive Baptists. In addition, Elder Charles Kenyanjui and two other brethren will accompany us on the trip to Uganda . We will spend about 10 days in Mbale and preach to the three congregations and study with the six men who believe they have a call to preach. We request your prayers for our labors in Kenya and Uganda that God will be glorified and his people edified.

As is my custom, I plan on sending out a journal detailing our activities and labors during the time that Elder Gowens and I spend in Kenya and Uganda .

Elder Vernon Johnson