Antioch Church Of Christ
Located Ten Miles East of Tampa Florida at Interstate Four / Exit Fourteen
Report For March - April 2010
Dear Brethren
There is a saying, in a book by Terry Pratchett, which is "May you live in interesting times". Well that is what it we are doing at the moment. At the moment it feels like life is moving rapidly around us and we are swept along its path. When I was a child, like other children, I did not understand what adults meant when they said time moves faster as you get older. Well, I can say with certainty it does. It is unbelievable how quickly this year has progressed so far.
I am in the middle of writing my mid-year exams, but it feels like I only started the subjects a few days ago. As I progress along my second year I see more and more benefit of my studies towards making me a better preacher. The psychology subjects while covering things I already know, just help me understand my fellow man better and can only but aid in counselling and encouragement. What I found it especially intriguing was the thought process behind logotherapy -- basically, Viktor Frankl proposes that man's life is ultimately faced with a search for meaning, and that studying human psychology at accepting the spiritual side of mankind is ultimately doomed to failure. He claims that most of mankind neuroses comes about because we are neglecting the spiritual side life, focusing instead on fulfilling our fleshly pleasures, or chasing after the physical wealth of this world.
The work here at the Horizon Park Church of Christ is progressing along. Another couple are visiting with us on a regular basis and often stay a short while after service to discuss queries they have. The Wednesday morning bible study is continuing and I am seeing spiritual growth in the attendants. Here is a picture of some of the members here at Horizon Park - as usual Wendy is hiding behind the camera - I am the fat "short" guy in the front.
In other work related news - Wendy and I are due for a "huge" change and challenge. Wendy has been informed that her work plans to re-locate her to their Durban office. Basically to the South Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal (about 380 miles away). This means a new change and challenge for us - and a wonderful opportunity to spread the gospel. I have been in contact with Paul Williams and Scott Tope - both who work on the North Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Scott told me that at present, the church has no presence on the south coast. It means starting a new congregation again - with just us as members at first - while this is frightening it will be a wonderful challenge and opportunity for us to spread the message of salvation. Before we begin the work down on the South Coast, we will probably meet with one or two of the congregations on the North Coast.
Details of this re-location are highly confidential and we have finally received confirmation from Wendy's employers to tell people - this confidentiality has been the reason for me delaying my report as long as I did. The move is scary in terms of that we will initially have no support structure (plumbers, electricians and such) in the area and will have to start all over again, building up a database of local competent tradesmen.
Obviously the move also places tremendous pressure on my work the with the Horizon Park congregation. I am in the process of training and encouraging the men to take over the work from me. I am fortunate in that we have a man, who has been a faithful Christian since even before I came to the Lord, who has expressed desire to continue working with the congregation. We are both putting our trust in the Lord over this move - knowing - All things work to good for those who love the Lord.
Otherwise on the health front, I spent two days in hospital mid-April with a severe urinary tract infection - a common complication and risk factor for people in my condition. The urologist has given me a number of options going forward, two of which are surgical interventions. At this stage we are trying option 3 - a change in my daily routine and practice. So far we have had a small measure of success but it will take a couple of months to see if it works.
Please keep us in your prayers - especially that our move goes smoothly and that we take hold of new opportunities to spread the Good news. Going into a new area to spread the word on God's love for us is always a challenge and yet so rewarding to see people finding God for the first time. Please pray for our work here in Horizon Park - that we can prepare the brethren to stand alone and grow from strength to strength as they continue to strive to be pleasing in God's sight.
In Christ's service,
Steve Buys
Report For January - February 2010
Dear Brethren,
In Psalm 8 David writes:
3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
4 What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
Our God has given mankind stewardship over His universe, and David marvels at this wondrous responsibility. In Psalm 8:9, David makes the logical deduction: "O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!"
Today, unfortunately the majority of mankind has lost this sense of awe at the honor that God has given us. We take on the attitude that we are the most important being in the Universe. We expect everyone around us to pander to our desires and our wants - We have this arrogance especially when it comes to God and obeying His word. Look at society today - those even add knowledge that there is a God belief that God will accept what worship we want to offer - how we want to offer it. And if His Word does not agree with our wishes - then we just change it or ignore it to suit us.
It scares me just how self absorbed mankind is and the disrespectful manner that we have to God. During the last 10 years especially the world has become politically correct, so concerned about what other people think of them and their actions, that they are prepared to deny God and remove all traces of Christianity in public. The focus of my lessons that the congregation in Horizon Park Is "the Narrow Way". I'm teaching practical Christian values that Christians may learn to do with good works that God has prepared for his children to do (Ephesians 2:10). I expect these lessons to take up the majority of the year's class time.
I have some good news - we have had another new member added to the Church. The wife of one of our existing members decided to obey the Gospel during February. She has been attending as a visitor the last few months. It is wonderful to see another person obeying the gospel out of a desire to please God and not themselves. I had the opportunity to preach one Sunday in Nylstroom - unfortunately the next time we were due to go I had to cancel due to Wendy being very ill with gastroenteritis. My work with the hospital has been very slow so far this year, but Lord willing, things will improve.
Health wise - I have been as well as can be expected, just the normal problems surrounding spinal cord injuries, for which I am truly grateful. Wendy, unfortunately, has not had a good year so far. She has had to have some major dental work done ($400 already) and still needs to have more done; unfortunately her teeth have a tendency to shatter into pieces. This has placed some strain on us financially, as her bridge work is going to cost approximately $2500, for which the health insurance does not pay and this is the urgent work. We are going to wait a while longer before the dentist does work on the back teeth.
During the month of April my caregiver is going to be away on paid leave for most of the month - she is getting married. This is an area of concern for us as it means I am going to have to be left alone at home during the day. As you can imagine this is quite stressful for both of us as I am fairly helpless by myself. We are thinking about using an agency for the month, however that is an additional cost but more most importantly; trying to find someone that is trust worthy is the biggest problem. We have such a high crime rate that it is difficult to consider letting a stranger into your home - as details of your helplessness goes to everyone they know. Chances are, however, that Wendy and I will just keep in regular contact via telephone.
Please keep us and the Church here in your prayers.
In Christ's service,
Steve Buys.
Report For November - December 2009
Dear Brethren,
Once again we come to the start of a new year with all its hopes and aspirations. Looking back over the last 18 months I believe they have been a time of trial and stress for many Christians around the world. A time of worldly stress - as so many have been adversely affected by the financial crisis and slowdown around the globe. We live in a world dominated by the 'God' of money, a world where our physical possessions dominate peoples thoughts rather than where our souls are going.
It is my hope and prayers for 2010 that we once again focus our lives on the spiritual blessings and spiritual richness that our Lord offers. We need to center our focus on our Spiritual blessing and center our lives on Christ - we need to re-new our focus on doing His will and spreading the Good News of Salvation to all. While we have this drive and zeal for the New Year let us focus our efforts and climbing spiritual mountains and reaching greater spiritual growth.
The last two months have gone well here at the Church in Horison Park. I have been teaching a series on the life of Christ and we have had a few visitors. The congregation is showing steady spiritual growth and it is our plan to push for numerical growth this year as well - although looking back we had tremendous growth last year.
My visits to the hospital are continuing well and I have had the opportunity to speak and teach a number of new patients - mainly young men in their early twenties. December saw most of the patients going home for home visits over the festive season so my work there did slow - but it is showing signs of picking up in January as there has been a significant influx of new patients.
I had the opportunity to preach in Nylstroom one final time for 2009 in November, unfortunately I had to decline another opportunity due to my exams.
I am extremely please to say I have passed all my courses for 2009 - even the English I was convinced I had failed. I have registered for 2010 and am expecting to be much more challenged this year. Of my 10 subjects 8 are mandatory and focus on psychology and counseling - I have taken Social work for my remaining two courses. I am doing two courses on Marriage Guidance and counseling which I believe will be greatly beneficial in my work especially with the high divorce rates of today.
Just to let you know my computer with all my mail addresses 'died' horribly and suddenly - so please let me know if you don't want to receive this mail and please check with others that you know, that should have received my report that they have. I have had to recreate all my mail groups so I know I have duplicates and incorrect addresses and missing addresses - please let me know that I can do some sort of clean up and not bother you again if you do not want my report. Thank you for your understanding and assistance in this matter
Where we stay we are subject to tremendous thunder and lightning storms with their attached power surges and I know that is what gives me all the problems with a desktop thus I have had to purchase a laptop for my work.
Please note I now also have an alternate email address of stevebuys@afrihost.co.za
Please continue to keep us and the Christian here in Southern Africa in your prayers.
In Christ's service
Steve Buys
Report For August - September 2009
Dear
Brethren,
The last
two months things have been going quite well on a work front.
I am very
pleased to report that one of the patients (Jito Monjane) I have been teaching
at the rehabilitation hospital was baptized at the end of July. I must say that logistically this was the
most difficult baptism I have ever been involved in. Normally my situation of being in a
wheelchair prohibits me from physically performing the baptism myself - but
baptizing someone who has even less movement than myself was quite an experience.
It has
always been fairly easy to find someone with a pool or a baptistery to perform
the baptism - in the bush cattle troughs are often used - but with someone
still in hospital with limited movement things become complicated. It is the first time I have had to get
permission from someone else to perform the baptism - basically I needed to get
the medical team looking after Jito to agree that he was physically able to be
baptized (he had an open bed sore that they did not want to get wet). Then arranging for them to provide "hands" to
assist with the baptism was also required - it needed to be male nursing
staff. Unfortunately we could not use
the hospital pool due to infection risks - so we used one of the baths. Fortunately Jito is a small man and the baths
were old fashioned steel baths (meaning large).
Two of the members of the
The whole
situation brought to mind that if we truly want to follow God and obey His
commandments we will find a way - excuses such as, "Not now, later" or "It is
to cold, I will wait until the weather warms up" are just an excuse we use not
to commit our lives to Christ.
God's ways
are not our own, and what we perceive as a personal tragedy in this world could
open the door to our spiritual salvation.
Under normal circumstances I would not have had the opportunity to teach
Jito about God as it is extremely unlikely our paths would have crossed - but
now he is a babe in Christ anxious to grow and serve our Lord.
I am
continuing my visits to the hospital and the work there is going well, it is an
opportunity to speak to people from such varied backgrounds and beliefs, many
of whom are now contemplating their spiritual well being in light of the
physical change in their lives.
In other
good news today one of the regular visitors to the Church in
I continued
preaching at the Church in Nylstroom while Les & Linda Maydell were away in
the
On a
personal front I had delayed my report due to Wendy having to go for a biopsy -
the good news is the results came back clear.
Unfortunately Wendy's health has not been the best this year, nothing
major, but constant medical tests to determine if there is anything serious
wrong. Not only that but my monthly
medicines are not all covered by the medical insurance. We have exhausted our
medical insurance for doctors, medicines and tests; although fortunately in
hospital expenses are still covered.
I will be
sending out my financial report next time, my support has been adversely
affected by the global financial crises and the weakening of the
We thank
you for your fellowship and we ask that you continue to keep us in your
thoughts and prayers
In Christ's
service
Steve & Wendy Buys
Report For May - June 2009
Dear
Brethren,
In writing
my report this month I thought I would not have much to say. Until I started reflecting upon what has been
happening the last few weeks and realized just how busy we have been.
Sometimes we forget
just how blessed we are with our own motor vehicles. Our public transport
system here in
I am
teaching first principles currently on Sunday mornings. While it is not the
most challenging of topics for the teacher, the firm foundation of Christ and
the apostles teaching is of vital importance to new converts. What I find
very motivating, however, is that I get feedback about discussions that the
members have friends and family, how they are able identify and argue against
unscriptural worship practices that their friends and family are engaged in.
My weekly bible studies on Revelation are
continuing and I believe is bearing fruit and helping Marie to grow in
knowledge and understanding. My weekly
evening visits to the Rehabilitation hospital are continuing. There are a few new patients in and things
seem to be encouraging so far, but only time will tell. I am making
arrangements to visit the hospital in the day, which should give me more time
to spend with patients.
I am booked
to preach in Nylstroom every weekend while Les & Linda Maydell are away but
unfortunately I had to cancel my trip for the 28th of June. Wendy had hurt her back on the Friday and I
did not her to transfer my heavy weight any more than was absolutely necessary.
I was also
asked to perform a marriage ceremony for one of my brother's friends, although
he is not a Christian, he wanted his marriage recognized as a religious ceremony. I took the opportunity to teach God's will
regarding marriage.
On a
personal front, I've been busy with my secular studies. I wrote my first set of
exams in May, June for the Counseling Psychology degree. I am very
please to say I passed all five subjects.
In fact I did better than I had expected. My studies are continuing well and I fully
believe they can only aid me in doing the Lord's work.
This is
Wendy's busy time of the year and she has been working extremely long hours.
The international financial crisis has made the budget forecast period
extremely stressful. Considering
the financial crisis in the world is undergoing the stage, I would like to once
again thank the various congregations and individuals for the financial
assistance at your giving me and the Fellowship that we have in spreading the
gospel here in
Please keep
praying for me and the Lord's work here in
In Christ's
service,
Steve Buys
Report For March - April 2009
This year so far has really been going well and it is my prayer to God that things will continue to do so. The congregation in Horizon Park is finally growing in numbers -- we have had two baptisms this last month, from two different families that have been regular visitors here. It is always encouraging to see people accepting God's word at face value and acting upon their belief. Time will tell if the other visitors will accept God's teaching. Another positive is that Corno is able to bring his younger brother with him on a regular basis - and, when her parents allow it, his girlfriend attends. (Her family belongs to an Afrikaans denominational church)
I have started a weekly bible study with the lady that was baptized on the book of Revelation. Although this wouldn't be my usual starting point in helping a person grow spiritually, I believe that it is the correct decision in this case. She used to worship with a well known charismatic religious group here and has a number of misconceptions - the millennial kingdom, the rapture and the signs of the end of times etc. With out getting these doctrines sorted out now, they will constantly be clouding the waters when trying to teach other doctrinal subjects. The good news, however, is that she is eager to learn the truth - and willing to accept God's word as authority.
We are continuing with our bi-weekly Bible study advertisement in local fliers.
Concerning my visits to the rehabilitation hospital - these have gone slower than I would have liked during April. My caregiver was on leave and getting me to the hospital in the evenings was a problem. My health also suffered slightly as I was less active for fear of falling out my wheel chair and this greatly increased my spasms and left me exhausted at the end of the day.
My visits with the patients there are still productive. I have a man with whom I have a lesson with every time I visit. One of my other "students" has left the clinic and returned back to his home in Zimbabwe. I have given him contact details for the church in the town where he lives, and I will remain in e-mail contact with him. Not only that but I have had the opportunity to teach one of the nursing staff members there and have dropped off a number of lessons for her - specifically on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and talking in tongues.
It seems to me as if the only people who are willing to listen to God's word, are those people who are looking for physical proof of God's existence -- the Pentecostal gifts. South Africa has a "celebrity evangelical preacher" by the name of Angus Buchan http://www.joymag.co.za/mag/3-2006/3-2006-angus.php. One of his doctrines is that God reveals special messages to individuals, God told him to plant potatoes.
In other news - I was asked to "say a few" words at a fellow Christians wedding recently. The service was to take place in a denominational church as this is where his in-laws wanted it held. Based on our conversation on the Wednesday before the wedding I assumed I was to speak at the reception. When we got there on the Saturday to my surprise I discovered I was to speak for about 20 minutes during the service. Well nothing like pressure. I basically gave a lesson on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of marriage vows made before God. Fortunately I was prepared and I believe everything went very smoothly. It reminds me of "be ready in season and out". I have tried to get accredited by the government in order to perform marriage ceremonies, but without a National head office, to apply on my behalf, it seems like I can not get accredited.
In my last report I mentioned that my vehicle was in for repairs ($ 3,500). These were completed ahead of schedule and I was able to make a preaching engagement with the Nylstroom congregation on the 15th of March, after having to cancel my journey on the 8th while the vehicle was in for repairs. I had preached there on the 1st of March, just before the vehicle went in.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers,
In Christ's service,
Steve Buys
Report For January - February 2009
Dear
Brethren,
The first
two months of 2009 have flown by!
Concerning
my work at the rehabilitation hospital -
it is progressing well. I have had
a bit of teething trouble in finding the right time to visit the patients so
that I do not interrupt the rehabilitation centre's staff timetable or eating
times. (I believe the quickest way to have the welcome mat removed is to become
a pest to the doctors and nurses). I've settled on visiting between 6 pm and 8
pm during weekdays and in the afternoons on weekends. From a care point of view the hospital seems
very concerned about their patients and welcome any positive input in their
well being. The staff have been most
supportive of the work I am doing as long as it does not harm the patients'
treatment regimen.
During
these visits, I have met and had discussions with one avowed atheist, a few
Jews and a Muslim man. These patients had no interest in a religious discussion
so I have confined my discussions to physical encouragement and practical
advice. However, I
have had some success in teaching a few patients regarding the
The Church
here in
is starting to bear fruit. Corno has
settled in to his new home and is now worshiping with us regularly once
again. We have undertaken to pick him up
and drop him off for services. The other good news is that there are now three
families that are visiting with us most Sundays.
Unfortunately the bad news is that my motor
vehicle (Jeep) has some serious drive train problems and will be in the shop
for until the 19th of March.
The replacement drive train is going to cost about $3,500. I seriously debated whether I should sell the
vehicle and buy another, but unfortunately I would still end up in paying about
the same amount out of my pocket, so the decision was made to rather keep the
vehicle that I know what problems exist.
Vehicle prices are extremely high here in
On the
personal front -
my studies are continuing well - although I do want to disagree
with the anthropology lecture on a number of issues - Wendy keeps saying - "Give the answer the lecturer wants to hear" - this is very difficult. But if
I want to pass I will have to follow the advice.
In Christ's
service,
Steve Buys
Special Update from Wendy Buys:
Dear Brethren,
Thank you all for your prayers and
concern. This is just a short note to say my tests went well
yesterday and all results come back as normal - while this means the cause of
the anemia has not been found at least everything is fine so far.
In Christian love
Wendy Buys
Report For November - December 2008
Dear Brethren,
Another year has come and gone, and to be honest I do not look back on 2008 with fond memories, but hopefully the worst is over. As you know it has been a very tough year for us emotionally and spiritually. I must admit at the beginning of December things did not seen to be getting better but just worse. As you all know I have been trying for the last two (nearly three) months to get permission to teach and encourage patients at the rehabilitation hospital where I was treated. They finally came back to me stating my request had been declined - I would not be allowed to visit their patients.
Well, thinking it was a lost cause I contacted another rehabilitation hospital (closer to home). I was shocked - they immediately arranged a meeting between myself and their therapy team and three days later I had permission to visit and encourage their patients. The difference in outlook is remarkable. The therapy team there are truly concerned about their patients physical and emotional well being - spiritual encouragement is seen as an advantage not as detrimental to the patients.
Nothing like striking while the iron is hot. I have been making two to three trips a week to visit the patients there in the spinal unit. Many of their patients have been there two or three months already and some are expected to stay longer. I have been able to set up a number of study sessions and have held a number of discussions with the patients. It is often difficult to fit in with the patients hospital care and routine, and during the festive season many were allowed home for home visits, but God's word is reaching people sorely in need.
The hospital work is taking up a fair amount of my time and I expect it to get busier as new patients come in. Otherwise my work has been continuing slowly. I have had renewed interest in the bible correspondence course and even a few face to face studies - however these were with a member of Jehovah's witness and contact has been abruptly halted from their side - God's truth is difficult to accept if you do not want to listen. During my studies surrounding the Godhead or Deity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I realized that the New King James Version and the King James Version sometimes causes trouble with the "additional verses" that they contain.
Revelation 1:10-11 (NKJV)
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."
While it is possible to prove the Deity of Christ without this verse, it is better to use a version of the scriptures that does not contain "additional verses" when pointing out to the Jehovah's Witness that they have got additions in the Scriptures that are not in the ancient manuscripts. I have been looking at both the "New American Standard Bible" And "the New Revised Standard Version", trying to decide which version most closely resembles the new King James version with regards to words and phrases so that I can continue to get the right Scriptures from the concordance. I would appreciate any advice on which would be the best version to choose.
Regarding my work with the Church in Horison Park, both Corno and John have moved to different towns. John has been returned to stay with his father about 50 miles away, there is a congregation close by and we are encouraging him to worship there. Corno's parents are divorced and he has been moved from staying with his father to stay with his mother - about 10 miles away. I have been trying to set up a bible study with his family there but no success yet. While we have lost some members, we have had some visitors coming to hear the gospel. A young man from Malawi (a country north of Zimbabwe) visited us twice before leaving to go home for the festive season. We had a discussion on baptism, where he indicated that he was baptized for the remission of sins by immersion. He raised an issue which I have encountered before -- some people contend that a new testament baptism is done in the name of Jesus only -- they exclude the father and the Holy Spirit. He was of the understanding that the scriptures teach the authority of all three, which I was very pleased to hear. Hopefully, when he return to South Africa, he will return to worship with us. We have also been having a couple and their small grandson visiting with us weekly since the start of November. We pray they will obey the gospel soon. During November I had the opportunity to preach in Nylstroom a few times and at the congregation that meets at Mabala Bala - about 350 miles away.
On the personal front I have registered to study counseling psychology this year at Unisa. (Correspondence University). I believe that this will help serve the Lord better. It will help me have more insight to the workings of the patients' minds, other than just my personal experience. Regarding my finances, as of December 2008, I have lost US$525 in support. Before I can finalize my financial forecasts for 2009, I would appreciate it if the congregations and individual Brethren who have fellowship with me in my work could give me a letter of intent regarding their support for the coming year.
Once again, I thank you all for your spiritual, emotional and financial support during this past year and I pray that 2009 will bring God's blessings upon us all.
In Christ's service,
Steve and Wendy Buys
Report For September - October 2008
Dear Brethren,
I was holding this report back until I had confirmation on a teaching opportunity that I am pursuing. I had hoped to report back on a meeting held between myself and the therapy management team of the spinal injury unit at the rehabilitation clinic where I was a patient. I approached them with a proposal, asking them for permission to speak to their patients, teaching them through example, that there is life after spinal cord injury. The main thrust of my teaching will be a focus on spiritual health, offering bible studies as a means to stimulate and productively occupy a person's mind. We scheduled a meeting wherein I was interviewed by the entire team (nursing, physio therapy, occupational therapy and psychology), the most exciting part of the meeting was they themselves admitted that many patients expressed a need for spiritual guidance. They said they would let me know in due course and on last Thursday they sent an email saying that they had sent my proposal forward to the hospital management committee. Basically I have been waiting for a final reply from them for the last 5 weeks. They have far more bureaucracy than I would have thought.
Things have been going slowly here with the congregation in Horizon Park. Attendance to the worship service has been erratic by some, but attendance to mid-week bible study is more encouraging. Our advertizing seems to be bearing little fruit - I have had a number of queries and have sent out numerous copies of a correspondence course, but after one or two replies, interest wanes. It is frightening just how worldly and self absorbed mankind is becoming - I suppose every generation has the same thought but I firmly believe that the constant media we are indoctrinated with on a daily basis is aggravating the lack of spiritual conscience.
One of the ladies in the congregation is going through tremendous emotional turmoil at present, please pray for her to find spiritual peace. One positive aspect of the last few weeks is that a younger man who works for a friend of mine has visited our congregation and has expressed a desire to continue to visit. I have had the opportunity to preach a number of times at the Nylstroom congregation while Les & Linda Maydell were away.
On a more personal note, I had a mishap in my workshop where I overbalanced and tipped over backwards. Not wanting experience a concussion again, I cushioned my head with my hand and cracked the bone in my thumb. While looking at the x-rays of my hand the doctor was unhappy with the perceived bone density and sent me for a bone density scan. The scan has revealed while my back has maintained normal density, my hips have started to show signs of bone loss. This, unfortunately, is a complication that may people with limited movement develop. The doctor has decided not to treat as yet but has instructed me to have annual scans.
I ask for your continued prayers for our work here in South Africa and I ask that you would also remember those Christians in Zimbabwe that the Lord may grant them sufficient for each day while political turmoil there continues.
In Christ's service,
Steve & Wendy Buys
Report For July - August 2008
Dear Brethren,
As I was about to sit down and write this report I received two emails that indicated my May/June report had not been received. This has been a concern of mine for the previous two reports that I've sent out. My sincerest apologies but I have no idea what went wrong. My only thought is perhaps some Spam filters deleted my report (I have had that problem in the past). Can you please check with anyone else you know that they did receive this report? Unfortunately, I can not just send out a "if you did not receive this please let me know".
Regarding my work.
Things are going slowly here at the
I am being kept busy preparing classes and sermons for the congregation. On Sunday mornings we are studying the Consolidated Gospels, a series I did a few years ago but am now editing and revising where necessary. For mid-week bible study we have just finished the letters to the Thessalonians and have moved on to a study on the letters to the Corinthians.
I am attempting to set up a study with the Church in Krugersdorp again and will keep you informed of the progress there.
I am the contact person for
Now on the personal front.
With John no longer staying under our roof, a lots of stress is gone out after our relationship and this should allow a Christian relationship to flourish. John is still faithful in attendance and we can only pray that this will continue.
Please continue to pray for us and the spreading of the Gospel.
In Christ's Service,
Steve Buys
Report For May - June 2008
There is an old saying, that a thousand mile journey starts with the first step. The first steps have been taken – but the road ahead is long and daunting. As you know we have started a congregation that meets in our home.
Things are going slowly – not that I am not busy preparing lessons but trying to grow the congregation from the three families is so difficult. I have been continuing with advertising in a local flyer and have had a few responses with queries. I have sent out hard copies of a correspondence course, as well as using the e-mail system.
It seems as though people do not want to accept baptism into Christ as the only method by which they can rekindle their relationship with God. The one response that showed the most promise ceased all communication after I explained to her that a deathbed conversion without baptism for the remission of sins will not ensure salvation and that person will be lost.
I can sympathize with people who have lost loved ones before hearing the gospel, and the only comfort I can give them is recorded in the book of Revelation:
Revelation 21:3-4 (NKJV)
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying,
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them,
and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their
God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall
be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the
former things have passed away.”
One of our sisters had an operation and was off their feet for six weeks, but she is back at worship. I am placing an advert in the community newspaper, as well as continuing with the flyers. The new wording for the advert is:
Jesus died for
you
Learn To Live For
Him
The
and worship God in spirit and
truth.
We are
nondenominational, using only the Bible as our creed.
Steve 082 413
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On a personal note, we have been having some serious behavioral problems with John – again. Wendy and I are at wits end and do not know what to do any longer. We are having sessions with Child Welfare and the psychologist John saw before. Both the psychologist and the child welfare social worker have determined that there is no familial relationship developed in the last two years that John has been staying in our care. The law regarding foster care here in South Africa, is that the foster care placements must be reviewed every two years. We will let you know what happens from here. Please pray for us at this time, John is also a young Christian and we are very worried about his continued spiritual health.
I’ll ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.
In Christ’s service
Steve and Wendy Buys
Report For April 2008
They say the only constant in life is change. Looking at these words I can't but help think about the world that we live in and the constant changes that happen every day. However no matter how this crazy mixed up world changes around us, we at least have the knowledge that God's love and His word never changes. Yes, sometime we need to re-evaluate our understanding and application of His word - we must be constantly striving to change ourselves to conform to His perfect pattern - but God never changes.
Since my last update our lives have been in a state of change and re-evaluation. Firstly the positives. In my February report I stated I had cancelled the opportunity to speak at a gospel meeting - well God had plans, and I was given the opportunity to speak at a meeting in Kroonstad instead. Unfortunately it was too late to book accommodation, so we only went for the day. Traveling to Kroonstad (about 125 miles away) the weather was miserable, but the warmth and love we were received with, more than made up. There were about 200 people there on the Saturday, eager to learn more about God's word. The first lesson that we heard, felt as though it was written just for me - it was on God's authority and the Church. It was so encouraging to hear words that just strengthened our resolve to hold to the truth. I delivered two lessons, one on angels for the entire assembly and then a session for the young men, on how to find a good wife. Wendy had the opportunity to speak to the young ladies on how to remain pure. It was very encouraging and uplifting to be with Christians who are striving to do the will of God - and even more important to learn and study the scriptures.
Now the bad news - my disagreement with Little Falls has had a negative impact on my work at other congregations in the immediate surrounds. I never realized just how ingrained the doctrine is on how only a Christian (male) can baptize. But what has really saddened me is the unwillingness to study the subject. My monthly visits to Pretoria have been canceled.
I had a meeting with the men from the Krugersdorp congregation - who stated I can place membership with them, but until I apologize to Little Falls for saying they are teaching error they will not allow me to preach or teach there. I have tried to set up a study with Krugersdorp on the subject but to date they have not accepted.
I must commend Brother Alan Fox from the Brixton Church of Christ, who came had two sessions with me concerning the issue. I asked Brother Fox if he could try and chair a meeting between myself and the men of Little Falls that we can discuss and study the issue. Brother Fox approached them but this study was rejected outright by Little Falls.
We have been worshiping with the Church of Christ in Nylstroom for this period of transition. I preached there for 4 weeks while Les Maydell was away on other preaching trips. We always enjoy meeting with them and sharing our love for the Lord. However this was not a long term solution, (Nylstroom is 125 miles away).
After much thought and prayers we have decided to start a new congregation that meets in our home - the Church of Christ in Horison Park. So we held our first worship service on Sunday 26 April. Currently the congregation consists of three families, myself, Wendy, John and Corno and, out of the blue, one of the members of Little Falls phoned this week about placing membership with us - Wendy took the call. I have known her for many years and know she is going through a particularly rough time at the moment that has affected her spiritually. Linda and her daughter will be attending with us from Sunday.
We are holding mid-week bible studies and are currently busy with the book of Colossians. I know Wendy misses not giving a class, but Lord willing this will be for a short time.
Another positive, my next door neighbor and his family have finally agreed to hold a bible study with us on a Thursday evening. They attend a denominational church. We have had two sessions so far and they have indicated they wish to continue the study, as soon as he gets back from leave.
I have sent out 10,000 fliers advertising bible correspondence courses in the community surrounding our home, unfortunately I have had very poor response so far. I will continue to do this for the next few months. It is my prayer that the Lord will allow these seeds to take root.
We are keeping Little Falls in our prayers and we need to trust in God that He will prick their consciences. Regarding my health, everything seems to be back to normal. I have even had one or two spells of low blood pressure - which is good. Please continue to keep us and the church in your prayers.
In Christian Love,
Steve & Wendy Buys
Report For February 2008
Dear Brethren,
Sorry for the delay in this months report but once you read the contents I am sure you will understand why I did not want to send out my report until certain issues had been resolved. February 2008 has been the most stressful month in my life since my shooting in 2003. Writing my report is made more difficult by the fact that I do not want to distort any of the facts or cause damage to anyone concerned. All I want to do is stand for the Word of Truth and follow the commands of my Lord and savior as best I can. God wants all come to salvation in the Kingdom of the Son of His Love. I have been having a strong disagreement with the Little Falls Congregation regarding the elements of a scriptural baptism.
1. I understand that the Scriptures teach that the person administering baptism to a penitent sinner is of no consequence to the person's salvation.
2. That the religious conviction of the person administering baptism has no effect on the sinner's salvation.
3. It is the penitent person who approaches God by faith and obedience to the gospel call that is justified by God.
4. My understanding of the scriptures is that the focus of a baptism is the change from a penitent sinner to a Christian as he is immersed for the remission of sins.
I had to confront the men of the Little Falls Congregation (in a men's meeting) that, having bound in practice, they were going to proceed to teach error from the pulpit - the men had bound that the only proper action for baptism is for a baptized male to perform the baptism. Any other baptism is invalid, even though it was for the remission of sin. In this meeting, I was told that I was totally out of line for making this statement as it was offensive for insinuating that the men of Little Falls were promoting an erroneous doctrine and that I needed to give a public apology.
We had two study sessions and three men's meetings regarding this doctrine. At our first study session, the men urged me to approach other preachers on this topic, which I promptly did, contacting preachers I knew the congregation knew and respected. These six preachers all agree that you can not bind who assists in immersing the penitent sinner.
At our meeting this morning, 2 March 2008, there was still no agreement - I maintained my position and they retained theirs. They still demanded an apology from me, which I could not give as I still believe they are teaching error. A motion was tabled that, while this was under discussion, I be removed from the teaching plan and they withhold my support ($270 per month). I indicated that since there was a conflict in doctrine, they would be unwise stewards of the Lord's money if they continued to support me. I indicated that they should stop my support until this is resolved. I also indicated that I would withdraw my membership from the congregation with immediate effect. This was not an act of pride, but rather that I do not antagonize my brethren while they study and so I chose remove myself from the equation while they study.
The situation at present:
1. As of 2 March 2008 the men of Little Falls have determined that only a Christian may baptize. They made it clear that they had separated the question of gender from their decision.
2. They have indicated that they will continue to study this subject.
If you have any queries concerning whether we can bind who the baptizer is, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me. I have gathered / compiled a number of documents, scriptures and word studies on this topic and would be happy to share this information with you. Obviously these events have significantly affected my work for the month of February and March. It was with great regret that I canceled an engagement to speak at a Gospel meeting in March, with the controversy surrounding my teaching I feared I would not edify but rather cause contention until the matter had been resolved. I canceled my speaking engagement with the Krugersdorp congregation for the 24th of February to attend a men's meeting at Little Falls.
Concerning my health:
With the stress from this problem, my blood pressure rose dramatically. At one stage I could not even see clearly my blood pressure was so high (this from a person who suffers from low blood pressure). Wendy rapidly changed my diet and started monitoring my blood pressure two to three times a day. This coupled with the emotional tension resulted in me changing one of my mid-week bible study sessions with Little Falls to a song practice rather than a bible study. I would like to thank those brethren and preachers that assisted me and stood by me during this trying period. Your efforts, prayers, emotional and spiritual support can never be under-estimated. You know who you are - Thank you.
In other news for the month, I preached at the Krugersdorp congregation on the 3rd of February. I preached and taught at the congregation in Pretoria. I also had the opportunity to preach in Nylstroom. I preached in Little Falls on 17 Feb and today 2 March 2008. A young brother was given his opportunity to present his first lesson to the Little Falls congregation and he approached me to help him set up his lesson plan and to give him pointers on how to deliver a lesson that would edify the congregation. For his first attempt I believe he did admirably and it is a credit to the Little Falls congregation to produce young men willing to put in effort for the Lord. We had two study sessions.
Some sad news, one of the members of the Little Falls congregation finally lost his fight against cancer. While this is a sad time for the family we are comforted by the fact not only did he make his life right with God but his daughter was baptized a few months ago. Please remember his family, especially his daughter in this time of emotional loss.
Not everything was doom and gloom, a young lady at Little Falls decided to obey the gospel and be baptized on the 24th of February. Wendy and I have watched her grow from a child into the young woman she is today. Unfortunately due to the immense upheaval and tension that was around and the insistence that only a "Christian male" was qualified to perform the baptism we chose not to attend. It was her time of acceptance into the Kingdom of the Lord and not a time for politics and dissension.
I will continue to preach and teach at any congregation that extends an invitation to hear the Word of God. Tomorrow I will be in contact with members from other congregations to set up a meeting to explain my situation before I place membership with them. I do not want to take a problem from one congregation and plant it in another. I pray that God will assist in sorting this problem out. In my study of this subject I came across an interesting website which helped me understand the restoration movement http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/subs/texts.html.
I love my brethren at Little Falls and wish them all the best and am earnestly praying that they will study this subject fully. I really do not know what to say and what not to say, it is such a sensitive issue and we are talking about people trying to do the will of our Lord to the best of their understanding.
Thank you for your spiritual and emotional support. Please keep us in your prayers.
In Christ's service,
Steve & Wendy Buys
Report For November 2007
Dear Brethren,
We have reached that time of the year where most of the world talks about the “Festive Season”, According to the world - Christmas the time of the year to remember God, to remember His Son’s birth. A time of year where people spend ludicrous amounts of money to buy expensive gifts, to prove their “love”. This false sense of religious piety which only comes around twice a year (Christmas & Easter) is exactly what Satan wants people to believe religion is. Acknowledge the existence of God and you will be saved. While it is sometimes awkward to explain to people the truth of God’s memorial – the Lord’s Supper as a proclamation of His death, we must understand that this is to be seen as an opportunity to teach the truth, a time to stand up and show what true Christianity is, by word and example.
During the month of November I had the opportunity to preach twice at the Krugersdorp congregation, the first and last Sunday of the month. The first Sunday being my session for October.
This congregation is in the process of studying withdrawal and just how it affects you as a Christian, especially if the withdrawal is directed at a member of your family. This is such a sensitive subject, not because God’s word is difficult to understand, but rather because we as human beings find it so very difficult to separate emotion from the Truth. Unfortunately no matter how much we try to paint fluffy pink clouds, God’s word is Law, whether we want to obey it or not. I was asked to give an overview of the subject and to state the facts in no uncertain terms, an “outsiders” presentation of the scriptures. It is easier for a congregation to accept the teachings from a visiting preacher, rather than a member of their own congregation – even if the same scriptures and the same words are used. Jesus even mentions this in a prophet has no honor in his home town.
I continued my lesson series in Pretoria during the Sunday morning study session. I normally enjoy this session as there is usually a reasonable amount of class participation in terms of questions.
I preached at Little Falls the third Sunday of the month and things are continuing well there. I have concluded my lesson series on Ecclesiastes and as stated in my last report will be doing a filler series until the end of the year. Thank you to all those Christians who sent me information on angels it was greatly appreciated.
On the personal front John passed his year and will be moving to Grade 9 next year. His marks – well lets just say there are two tiers - subjects he enjoys verse the ones he does not enjoy and has to study for. Otherwise Wendy and I are well.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy festive season and a prosperous New Year.
In Christ’s service,
Steve Buys
