Dear Honeyridge Family,

This time of extended lockdown and online services has forced us to think carefully about the identity of “The Church”. The Greek word ekklesia occurs 114 times in the New Testament and is translated about 110 times as “Church”… most of which (~85x) is referring to a local body of believers in a city or town who identify themselves together as a local church.

So none of us would doubt that we belong to the Universal Church of Jesus Christ across the world during our time of Lockdown, but has the local church at Honeyridge ceased to exist because we cannot gather?

Our Statement of Baptist Principles says “The Church [is] the whole company of those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The local church, being a manifestation of the universal Church, is a community of believers in a particular place where the Word of God is preached and the ordinances of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper are observed.”

So what we are confronted with is that while we have not lost our identity as the local community of believers at Honeyridge, the restrictions of Lockdown mean that we are unable to fully express that identity in terms of the Biblical mandate of community & fellowship (gathering), and the communal practice of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.

Nevertheless, during this season, we have sought to continue as far as possible to continue to preach the Word of God, to enable the Worship of God in Song as individuals and families, to encourage community and fellowship via online small groups, to administer the Lord’s supper, and to continue the process of discipleship through Bible study and the daily devotions.

So while we often refer to the practice of gathering on a Sunday as “Church”… the Church is so much more than 2 hours on a Sunday. It is our identity as the people of God in Christ, and more specifically our identity as the local body of Christ at Honeyridge, which continues 24/7 and affects every aspect of our lives. So are our online services less than the Biblical ideal? Absolutely! No one can doubt that we are hungering for our gatherings and the corporate worship of God to resume. But likewise… are the current Level 2 restrictions on gathering less than the Biblical ideal? Absolutely!

I want to leave you with three take away points to reflect on… Firstly let us be patient with those who may see things differently to us as we navigate our way through this time of seeking to be faithful to God’s commands in scripture to gather as His people on the Lord’s Day while at the same time to honour the Government and to care for the safety and wellbeing of our members and the community. Secondly, let us recognize that both “Online Services” and “Level 2 Gatherings” are a far cry from God’s ideal pattern for us as His people to fully live out our identity and purpose as a local church… and so Finally then we should all be crying out to God to lift this season of Trial from our land so that we might return to the fullness of what it means to be the Church of Jesus Christ at Honeyridge.

Your brother in Christ,
Clinton.

A consignment of food supplies for the Tonga Bible translators as well as much needed medicines for the Binga Clinic and supplies for the Isaiah's Baby Home in Bulawayo was sent up to Zimbabwe this week. Sadly on Wednesday, the truck transporting the goods had a tyre blow out overturned and caught fire just outside of Bulawayo. Thankfully the driver was not injured but most of the goods in transit were destroyed.

Dear Honeyridge Family, 

I was recently asked to share a short lockdown testimony. 

Recently, I have been asked to join the “young dads” Bible study at 7AM on a Saturday morning. Don’t ask who came up with the meeting time. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go. Trust me, I did think of some excuses to avoid having to get out of bed at this time. 

 My encouragement to you is brief: There exists something special in meeting with people who are in a similar stage of life as you (give or take a few grey hairs here and there). These meetings have been a source of great encouragement to me during this lockdown period. I want to encourage you that if you find yourself in a place of comfort (in your mind, not needing fellowship over zoom, etc.) or if you find yourself thinking that you tick the box of streaming your church service once a week, please push yourself to seek time with the Lord through the meditation of his word with fellow believers. My fear is that Lockdown pushes people to live enclosed lives; not needing fellowship and not needing interactions with one another. Please don’t let that be you.  If I’m saying anything, it’s this: Don’t let comfort steer you away from seeking meaningful fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  

I’ll leave you with a short extract from the book of Titus which we studied last week: 

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled lives, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2: 11 – 15

My closing comment: Be eager to do good, join a group, and find nourishment for your soul in a group environment. 

Nathan Theron

The past months have been for us a focus on relationships - mending, bringing healing. Neighbours connecting - little tokens of kindness to one another. Gratefulness to our Church family for their support and love when we were grieving.

Finally the stillness - spending quality time in the presence of our Lord Jesus. Being more aware of the Precious Holy Spirit, and a deeper love for people.

What a wonderful God, who brings joy out of sorrow. Isaiah 61:2-3

Lionel & Barbs Johnson

Greetings from Pretoria.

Like so many we’ve become more accustomed to working from home and having limited face-to-face contact. We are grateful for a comfortable home and a good internet connection.

Colson waits for his next court appearance on 3rd Sept. He’s trying to find another job. Overall he is mostly doing well, but the faith journey of trusting God in his circumstances is difficult.

Caroline finds herself frustrated at the isolation and with a future that remains unclear. She had a lead on a possible childcare position, but that seems to have fallen through. She is learning different skills and keeping herself busy.

Grietjie does her bookkeeping work and giving online support and training to fellow bookkeepers in places like Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi.

Colin’s WhatsApp training is developing and he has just finished recording and editing a series of 4 videos on aspects the Biblical Basis of Missions, called Signposts. There are plenty of other video training opportunities and responsibilities for crisis and security, as well as national board development continue.

For the past decade you have prayed for us as we’ve travelled to Zambia each year for the annual Love Africa conference. Well, this year you can join us. Love Africa was online. And all the videos, including my four Signpost episodes, are available on YouTube. Simply search for "Love Africa Online" (look out for the red & white OM logo).

We look forward to a time when we can get travelling again and training people on the ground but are grateful that we can still contribute to the vision of reaching the least-reached while our movements are restricted.

Thank you for praying and supporting us during these times.

From the Phelps Family