ccm Cross 0128
March 6, 2017
Columba Congregation
Columba, South Africa
ccm Cross #0128
Additional photos after Testimony
4345 cdd Beyond The Horizon
Cyber Daily Devotion
Volume 18 Number 115
Today’s Author: Pastor Bill
Scripture: Mark 10:52 “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road” NJV
Hello, my name is Pastor Similo Malindi from The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Columba, South Africa. I was born near Butterworth in the Transkei region (near the Indian Ocean) of South Africa. My dad worked as a waiter in a hotel and mom stayed at home watching over six kids. I was the fourth born.
We were a church family with dad and mom as elders. During childhood, I was in church but it never really registered with me. That is until I was eighteen years old and my teacher began preaching on the blind man who wanted to see. He said, “Jesus son of David have mercy on me.” Not only did he want his sight back but he wanted to see what Jesus saw. That’s when I understood what I needed to see — I needed to see what Jesus saw.
That day I was born again and followed Jesus just as Blind Bartimaeus did in the scriptures, after he saw. My life was transformed forever. I desired more of Jesus. I enrolled in Bible school. My theological training began. I graduated in 1988 and set out to be a Pastor. Two years here, then nine years in another place, then two more years in another place working for Jesus. In 1992 I married my wife Naum and we now have three children.
In 2001, I was called to the Columba Mission where we have been for the past 17 years. During this time our rural church, which is spread over a vast area of the Transkei, has been blessed with 1,400 members — all beyond the horizon.
We are so far apart we have established many church plants. As a complete congregation, we meet once a month, otherwise we are meeting weekly in each local area.
The Lord has blessed me with the ability to preach salvation through Jesus, with altar calls bringing multitudes to Him. Those that come are so many that we start new churches. It has been a humbling experience to be used of Him in this way. And when each new person is baptized — To Jesus alone is the Glory!
The Cross has always been a reminder to me of what Jesus did when He died for me on Calvary. He not only changed me but he changes everyone who believes in Him. In the twinkling of an eye we are changed because He loves us so much. He gave His life for us. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow so He alone can be trusted with our lives both here on earth and for all eternity.
Prayer: Father thank you that beyond the horizon there are souls that desperately need Jesus. Show me the way over the horizon and I’ll do my best to show them the love Jesus exhibited in His life, death and resurrection. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Driving on our way to plant the Cross we traversed gravel roads and washed out gullies. Work gloves and sun hat protect the windshield from push beams
Cross beams were stored inside the church awaiting our arrival
Connecting the Cross beams
Everyone pitches in to help
Pastor Malindi joins in and leads the lifting team
Up
“FIRE IN THE HOLE”
Ladies stabilize the Cross by holding the ropes tightly
Mixing sand, gravel, stones and cement to make concrete
Pastor Malindi with Pastor Bill preparing for Testimony interview
The women prepared a delicious luncheon as their part of Giving Glory to God
Church sign welcoming all
The ladies celebrate the Cross
Pastor Malindi attaches the plaque “Giving God Glory” over Colombo, South Africa and entire ministry area
