Rev Hendrik Du Plessis
D’kar
Last month, we spent another two weeks immersed in reviewing a book of the Bible—this time, the book of Leviticus. With 27 chapters to cover, it required immense concentration. Our biggest challenge remains “teaching Moses to speak Naro.” For those unfamiliar, Naro is the Khoisan (Bushman) clicking language spoken in the Ghanzi area. It is distantly related to the Nama language of Namibia, much like English is related to German. However, much like that comparison, Nama is the more accessible of the two, while Naro is significantly more complex.
We are still wrestling with the Naro translation for the word “holy.” The team unanimously agrees that our current term doesn’t quite capture the true meaning, but fortunately, we are exploring some promising alternatives. We look forward to the day when the entire Bible—both the Old and New Testaments—is finally in print. What a blessing that will be! We would truly value your prayers and intercession for this work.
Church Services in D’kar
By the grace of the Lord, attendance at the services here in D’kar has exceeded all expectations. The church council is convinced that this growth is rooted entirely in the preaching of the Word. It is through His Word that the Father draws to the Son those whom He has given to Him.
As John 6:44 reminds us, no one can come to the Son unless the Father draws him; yet, as verse 37 promises, the Son will never cast out or turn away anyone who comes to Him. We are overjoyed to see so many non-members attending our Sunday services; week after week, they return to listen to the Word, and our numbers continue to grow. It is heartening to see many of them eventually join our confession classes and, after making their profession of faith, become members of the church. One woman recently shared with a council member that she can truly sense the presence of the Lord during the preaching of the Word.
Our Outreach in Bere
Our time in Bere highlighted the intense spiritual struggle many face within cultic churches. There is a pervasive fear of evil forces here, and these churches capitalize on that by promising protection. This creates a cycle of fear: members are afraid to leave because they are told that turning their back on the church will invite spiritual harm. Many stay simply because it feels safer to remain quiet than to risk the “consequences” of leaving. On a brighter note, the photo to the right shows some of the youth who were gifted Bibles. You’ll notice some are missing or shy, as they were a bit hesitant to be on camera.
During our visit, we witnessed a joint “Apostolic” service that lasted from late night until long after dawn. These services are characterized by rhythmic chanting and drumming intended to induce a trance, leaving no room for the actual preaching of the Word. Because these leaders claim the same direct inspiration as the Apostle Paul, their personal “revelations” often supersede Scripture.
The power they hold over their followers is absolute. In one tragic instance, a man lost his wife and home because an “Apostle” claimed the Lord had told him the woman belonged to him. In this environment, truth is seen as subjective; many believe that every church has the right to follow its own path regardless of what the Bible says. This lack of a Scriptural standard is heartbreaking, particularly when we consider the reverence and awe commanded in Hebrews 12:28–29: “[28] Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, [29] for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Please note: these groups are unaffiliated with the Apostolic Faith Mission and often use names like “Saint Hebere.”)
Finally, we ask for your fervent intercession for the people we serve here in D’kar, Bere, Motopi and Mababe. We deal with these spiritual challenges daily, and our prayer is that the Lord will open their eyes to the reality of this cultic religion—a system that holds nothing in common with true, biblical worship. May they instead find the freedom and truth found in Christ alone.
Your brother in Christ,
Hendrik du Plessis