African Field Update

Dear Team,

Last month’s Teen Camp at Moreson Children’s Haven was blessed of the Lord in many ways. We started with 111 pagan kids from some of the roughest urban ghettos and preached an uncompromising Gospel to them. Within 3 days the number was cut in half as some 50 renegades left in a rage. We were sorry to see them go, but it was a blessed subtraction. Those who remained were serious about doing business with God and He did a work of grace in their hearts. Changed lives will change neighborhoods when they return home.

Recently I had lunch with Kelly and Cherise Smith, ITMI missionaries in southern Natal, near Durban. They were in Cape Town visiting relatives. I’d planed to see them when Harriett and I were in Natal in early December, but Harriett’s fractured leg prevented that pleasure.

They are settling in to their new surroundings on the farm and busy building relationships. Kelly uses his tractor to plow for his neighbor and along with Cherise they teach adult literacy classes. I asked about their needs; there are two major ones. They need a multi-purpose building in order to provide the service to HIV/AIDS patients that God has put on their hearts, plus to meet the requirements of South African Red Cross Air Mercy Service they need to construct a grass landing strip on the farm. Both are attainable goals. They have the man-power for construction; they could just do with some designated financial gifts for the projects. When I asked them how they felt about the mission, both replied, “ITMI feels like family!” We’re glad!

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Excellence Christian Academy in Kabwe, Zambia. This is one of our most successful projects. Under the leadership of Rev. Eugene Kalunga the school has grown from 50 children being taught in his own home (when we first met him) to over 200 in the present facilities provided by ITMI. Steve Evers is working with Tim Keller to get some computers ready for their class rooms when Tim goes up there this month.

The 1st of this month marks the 10th anniversary of the legalization of abortion on demand in South Africa. Since this kind of slaughter became legal in 1997 over 600,000 babies have been killed. Each year we join with other concerned Christians, local churches and mission groups to mark the occasion with an organized funeral procession and march to the Houses of Parliament for a prayer service. Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa.

As I write this page it’s been over 6-weeks since Harriett fractured her leg. The surgeon here in Cape Town is not pleased with the plate that was put on her ankle. Some of the screws are displaced. The incision has not healed properly. He is concerned about infection and has put her on a hi-powered antibiotic. She has an appointment later this week (after we go to press) and we’ll discover whether or not she faces further surgery. Please pray!

Yours in His grip,





Bill Bathman