Dear Friends,

In my prayer request two weeks ago I asked you to pray about a men's conference I would be attending in Kwa-Zulu Natal. At that time the number of men expected to attend was 30,000. The registrations were coming in so fast, at one per second the week before the conference, that the server crashed at 50,000. The actual count on the Saturday , estimated by the amount of meals served, was 65,000 men. It is hard to describe what God was doing during this historic event at the largest Christian gathering of men in all of African history, meeting in the largest tent in the world. Let me just put it this way:

Sixty five thousand men called apart by God, to listen, take in, and respond to His powerful Word,

Came together from every walk of life, some for the first time the true Gospel clearly heard.

People from every South African race group, camping, eating, singing and praising God as one,

A miracle of grace, for a people with a history of separation, where atrocious things were done.

Men with cultural and language barriers, admitting resentments yet uninhibited in crossing the floor.

Yes, truly a miracle of grace, the beginning of a renewal like this country has never seen before.

A victory won but a battle front opened, an onslaught for the hearts of men, to close this open door.

Angus Buchan spoke at all the sessions and one of the first things he said to us was “Men, the tent is paid for so is all the food, I don’t know how it happened but our God has done it again, so relax” The amazing thing about the whole weekend was that it was free except for the registration fee of a R100 which went to pay the farmers who didn't plant crops in their fields but put down grass so we could camp. No appeal for money was made, we were told that there were boxes if anyone wanted to give a donation so it was faith building to see God putting the whole conference together. Getting to the actual conference site at Angus’ farm was the biggest challenge for most people. It took us almost four hours to go the last 10 kilometers. The interesting thing about the whole traffic jam experience was that no one on the road got mad, people were walking together talking, sharing food and drinks, and generally getting to know one another while waiting for the vehicles to move. The police, who I am sure have never had such a potential logistical nightmare were very relaxed and enjoying the experience.

The conference theme was “Dying to live”. The challenge was given for the men to deal with the issue of pride. To be willing to put things right in their families, businesses and live as Christian men should. Angus’ messages are so down to earth and as a farmer turned preacher he is able to relate so well to the realities of the struggles that men face. So his messages:

Exhorted to take God at His Word, be obedient forgiving and take back ground that had been lost.

Being willing to model godly principles at home, in the workplace, no matter what the personal cost.

To allow God to speak into their lives, learning to listen to Him through the Word and no other voice.

Claiming back their wives and families, being faithful and fair, starting anew by making godly choices

To live the life God intended them to live, and in the process bless this country and change it ‘s course.

One of the thrilling things for me was meeting men from a number of other African countries. There were people from Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique Botswana and Namibia.

Thank you for praying for us it is going to be very interesting to see what God does in the future in South Africa through the impact that this gathering had on key people’s lives.

Roy Tibbit

Yesterday it was airline tickets, an extended wait at the bank to pay some doctor’s bill,

Rose stripping beds, washing sheets for an influx of guests, then getting a prescription of pills.

That was followed by bookkeeping to keep a track of all the money spent to date,

Threw in a fast market trip for visitors wanting souvenirs, so arrived home a bit late.

All part of being a service to missionaries without putting too much on our plate.

Lets see today I need to buy sinks, long bolts, some glue to stick down a floor,

Camping gear, medicine, dress material, fabric paint, and I guess a whole lot more.

A computer drive, cassette tapes, cheese, a tyre, bulbar and racks for a Hilux van,

Then there is a list of unmentionable things I’ve given to Rose because I’m a man.

But hey, this is just another very full day in Africa doing the best job that we can.

Tomorrow, who knows, but it could be a wonderful surprise or maybe an added glitch,

There may be a call for car parts; an evacuation for someone sick, or another hitch.

I know there will be people coming to the door for food, money or with items to sell

A friend may pop in for prayer, share a blessing or someone has a sad story to tell.

All part of the Tibbit’s day, doing what we can, while sharing that with God, it can be well.

So our role is a balance between accurate records, while buying the right brand,

Taxi-ing and housing colleagues, and others, and learning how to patiently stand.

Listening to stories about God’s provisions while also hearing about the many tests,

In short; a mixture of the urgent and not so, but enjoying what we both do best.

The supporting of others, so that they can get on, keep well, be content, and get rest.

Roy Tibbit