The name

Nyenyezi Ministry

Last Saturday, 23rd May 2015, our multi-functional ministry building was officially opened with a special ceremony. We were gathered with about 800 kids, 100 women, 30 traditional leaders (chiefs) and 50 visitors. Even though we have been using our building from November (as soon as the roof was done) the community wished to celebrate together what the Lord has done and will do in their midst. It was especially special to have two Mission Board members of the HRC (our sending church) and their wives with us.

Opening by Cees

One of the (many) speaches by the senior chief. Words of gratitude and a request for the addition of a clinic. A real need in the community. We will certainly pray over this request, will you join us?.

Mrs. and Mrs. Klein, pastor Immanual, Mrs. and Mrs. Bleeker

Here are some reasons why we named the ministry NYENYEZI. Nyenyezi is the Chichewa word for Stars. Grace and I have chosen the name Nyenyezi Ministry for various reasons.

·        First of all, it reminds us of Jesus, the Son of God, Who came to the world to save people from sin. Jesus, the Saviour, was born in Bethlehem. When wise, heathen men from the east were looking for Him, God showed them they was by using a special star. Jesus is called the bright Morning Star, like the biggest star that always shines, even when all other stars have faded. (Matthew 2:9-10 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.)

·        Secondly, Stars in the Bible are often listed to show Gods power, being the Creator of heaven and earth, and all that is in it. The amazing, bright and beautiful stars shown in the dark African sky, remind us of the Creator we serve. We want the people of the community to know Him as well. (Psalm 148:3 “Praise Him, sun and moon, Praise Him, all stars of light!” Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing.)

·        Thirdly, in the story of Abraham (Genesis) God uses the sight of the stars to encourage His friend Abraham to keep faith and trust God. God promised Abraham a son and all nations would be blessed through him. Every believer is by faith a descendant of Abraham, not by flesh but by faith. It is our hope that many children of the community will be among the stars that God promised to Abraham. (Genesis 15:5 And He took him outside and said, "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them " And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." Genesis 22:17 Indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies.)

·        Fourthly, Daniel speaks about stars as leaders.  We as Ministry leaders hope and pray that our work may lead many people of the community to righteousness which is found in the Righteous One; Jesus! And as a result of that may they become leaders, sharing the Good News with their fellow people. (Daniel 12:3 "Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.)

·        Fifthly, we as Christians are called to live a Christian life. Blameless, innocent and above reproach, in the midst of a needy, perverse community. We are to shine like stars, giving light. May the Light of the World, Jesus, be our source and shed light upon the need for Him. (Revelation 22:16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." Philippians 2:15 So that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights (stars) in the world.)

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