August 2014 Update

From Ibrahim:

“This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes” Psalm 118:23

Brother,

Indeed, God is good all the time. We (Calvary Chapel Baraka) are very happy to testify what God has done and is doing for us. The way that the church building is going up which makes us to be happiful and people outside the church are marveling.

Some testimonies outside the church:
- Imigration Officer: we saw many american missionaries came up to plant church here but we did not see such thing of building a strong and nice church like this. It seems that yours (missionaries) are saved, indeed. And you (Asukulu) are a good steward.
- Hon. AMBATOBE (the MP of Fizi district): these guys are a good example to follow for preaching the word and the way of reaching people is widely open.
- LA BEAUTE (the unsaved business one of Matata): building such building in Baraka gives me hope of getting saved. Many are given money but are cheating and mismanaging. Your God be glorified.
- Our choir: we are so happy into the Lord to get a nice like this. The day which we’ll be afront of people singing for the glory of God we hope the glory’s cloud of God will fill His house.
- Local chief village: the donors of this church might be blessed. It is awesome, excellent. Glory to God.
- Matata women small market sellers: we were considering CCB’s members like jokers but are serious. God has done a valued thing. We’ll follow you. Nice job. The coming up of your missionaries is not in vain. May God bless them.

In general, there is a good reputation in Baraka and its surrounding villages on our church building which indeed gives glory to God.

My recommendation: pray for us that many people come to the knowledge of Christ Jesus through CCB’s ministries. And may God open doors of blessings that we may come to the completion for His glory in Jesus’ name.

The whole sanctuary finished for wood-nailing. I estimated to pave on top of the front part of the church but the limitation of money did not allow that why we did wood. The nailing iron sheet for the toilet is only left which can take eight (8) iron sheets and 3Kgs of nails.
Be blessed of all men and women who are involved to give for the CCB’s church building.

Glory be to God, amen.

Blessings,

Asukulu Ibrahim Celestin

June 2013 Update

NEVER SEEN, IS NOW SEEN IN BARAKA AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” Mark 10:45

African thought is that a man of different skin color from black is called a Muzungu which means white man without counting his home continent and being taken as an unique and very important person of a high rank, the one who cannot work by his hands even walk on his feet, so a special one indeed. Till now people remain and are settled with this analogy in longtime because they saw many Christian missionaries coming up they do not work by their own hands, neither walking on their feet, they can’t dare even pay home visitation to their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ remaining forever to their guest houses, not allowing to talk to any African. There were a strong veil separating 

AFRICANS AND MISSIONARIES

But, when Baraka’s people saw the first team coming up (Brother Brian and Arnold) paying home visitations to their brothers and sisters in Christ going together with their fellow Congolese, gathering stones and throwing them on truck, it was an amazing things to and changed lives of many in Baraka and testified that: “ these are men of God indeed. We never see such thing, a white man getting into African houses”. And then, when they saw the rest of the team coming up (men and women) joining unconditionally with the formers plus Congolese in working: pushing hardly barrels full of water from Lake to the right place of work at length of 305 meters by hands, mixing cement, carrying the bucket filled by mixed cement, moving up big stones and bricks from one place to another, cutting big tree using an axe, … going on feet to the far funeral service. Yes, hard work indeed. By this, there are many questions on Christianity comparing former missionaries and the team. Yes, they did give themselves to the work joining their brothers and sisters of Calvary Chapel Baraka (CCB) for the glory of our heavenly Father.

HOW THE WORK OF WALL ERECTION DID MINISTER TO THE COMMUNITY

Really, good company results to the strong success. Without words, the rumor of how the wall erection had been done went forth and did erect CCB’s banner because everyone who heard about it was coming unquestionably where we are working, pretending themselves that many buildings will be built for spiritual and fleshly growth. Comparatively to other denominations, CCB movement makes exception. The work itself gives hope of great thing to be done and people believe that. And I do believe too according to the Word of God testifies: “Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.” Psalm 60:12.

OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THE GOSPEL

Yes, through this wonderful work we need to give the opportunity of sharing the word of life to everyone who will believe in our community that they may “come and see” if though they do not believe Jesus by the words thy might come to believe through the works done that they may know and believe that the Father is in us.

OUR VISION

Is to set a place of spiritual blessings to everyone who comes from every nation, tongue, tribe to be welcomed and be made ONE in Christ, living for Him, giving glory to His sake.

OUR PRAYER REQUEST

- We need true unity and oneness in Christ from a pure heart
- We ask heavenly wisdom and spiritual resistance power against the devil
- Enough success to share the gospel broadcast through local radio stations, by the words and deeds too as our community is invaded by false teachings
- Our community lives in a great distress of medicine, potable water supplies lack and bad home condition (grass roof)
- May men get jobs for family provision

CONCLUSION

May love, oneness and godly encouragement remain with all of us for His glory in Jesus’ name.
Blessings,

Asukulu Ibrahim Celestin