Synod reports – Nkayi, Zenka & ZVISHAVANE
Rev. S. Khumalo & Rev T. Mwedzi .
Nkayi
Nkayi is one of the oldest preaching stations in what used to be called the Shangani reserve. Well-known men like John Ntiyamabombo Mpofu and his son Alexander, and others, were at Nkayi. There are seven preaching stations under Nkayi, five of these located on one side of the Shangani river; Nkuba and Donsa are located across the river. There are six Elders in total, five residing in Nkayi and one in Donsa. The congregation has two Deacons.
Communions are held in Nkayi in January and June, and one in Donsa is now held in September after being temporarily moved from May, and these were held successfully. Supply to Nkuba and Mathetshaneni has been limited due to the fact that most of the Elders are now old and mobility is a challenge, hence supply is alternated. Mr J B Mpofu is now blind, but his memory is still good, and he is able to take services at Nkayi. We are thankful that they kept what was bequeathed to them. It is sad that the school, which was once run by the church, is no longer under our control. This is a painful reminder to the Elders who have a memory of how it all began.
The Nkayi congregation is thankful to the JMFC and its partners for the help granted in the renovation of the Nkuba and Nkayi churches, which were successfully completed, and the support is much appreciated. It is our prayer that the Lord would raise more who shall continue to defend and carry forward the work of the gospel in the area, work that has been going on for many years. “That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments” (Ps 78:6,7).
Zenka
It was in Zenka that the Lord, in His pleasure, raised up great men of faith, who shall stand against generations to come, to condemn them because of their rejection of the gospel of salvation. The preaching of the gospel continues year after year, and the doors to the house of the Lord are open on Sabbath and at weekday prayer meetings, with no one left uninvited. The school at Zenka has continued to be a means of bringing young ones to the gospel.
Zenka has two communions, held in February and August, and both were held successfully, with good attendance, especially on the Sabbath day, where even locals who do not usually attend services came. It is an encouragement that the Word of God is also preached to them; there are four Elders and one Deacon at Zenka. Mr W Nkomo, one of the Elders, is also a Home Missionary, and together with the Elders and other professing men, he is a great help in ensuring the doors to the house of the Lord are always open on the Lord’s Day and weekday prayer meetings.
Death has not spared the congregation, and we see more among the older generation taken by death to eternity. Our prayer is that the Lord would fill the vacant pews with their children. In conclusion, we say, “The Lord hath been mindful of us: He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron” (Ps 115:12).