Jabulani! Rejoice!
Greetings Friends,
Jabulani is a Zulu word meaning rejoice! We have much to be thankful for. It's been a really productive and busy few months. We cannot believe it has been nearly two months since our last newsletter. We have been on the road some more, had our fact finding trip to South Africa, and have started getting quotes for moving some of our furniture to South Africa.
GDPR - Eeeek!
In May a new law in the EU comes into force around how an individual's personal data is shared, stored and used. This affects us too. It simply means you will now have to 'opt-in' to receive our newsletter and for us to keep a record of your name, address, email and phone number. Whilst Elim Missions keeps a record of bank details for those who support us financially, we do not. To opt-in is simple, just copy and paste the below text and send it to us via email or on our Contact Us page. Thank you to the many of you who have already responded to our email request sent out recently. However, if you haven't opted in yet, then please do so. If we don't hear from you on or before 25th May we will have to remove you from our mail out list even if you're supporting us, including deleting your details from our system, which we don't want to do! We love you all, please opt-in.
Here's the text to send us: “I consent to Keith and Barbie Jackson, Elim Missionaries to Southern Africa, holding my personal information (email, address and phone number) for the express purpose of staying in touch with me with news of Kandbinsa Ministries. Should I choose to no longer receive your news I will inform you in writing, by post or electronically.”
Church Visits:
We visited Dave and Ann Langton, Elim Leytonstone, at the end of February. This amazing church meets in their newly renovated building in East London and is an example of what can be achieved under visionary leadership. We had a wonderful morning and were blessed as the church took a spontaneous offering towards our set up costs.
At the beginning of March we were privileged to visit the Elim Christian Centre, Westcliff-on-Sea, led by Mike and Jenny Wright. We received such a warm welcome from this church that has a desire to reach out into their community but also the nations. We thank the Lord for the prayer support and generosity of this church; one of our smaller Elim churches but with one of the biggest hearts we have come across.
Dinner Dance:
In March we were honoured to attend a dinner dance fundraiser to help with the purchase of a decent 4x4 vehicle when we arrive in South Africa. Sue Crace, a member of Life Church, Chelmsford, organised this amazing evening at a local hotel which included a three course meal, cabaret, fun photographer and games. Over 100 people came, many of whom had no church connection, so it provided and opportunity to share not just what we will be doing, but the why? Sue has been a real star with organising this and the Quiz Night previously and has raised just over £3000 towards our vehicle purchase.
Stepping Aside:
On Saturday 10th March, Phil Hannam who has been Keith's Associate Pastor, was inducted as the Senior Pastor of Life Church Chelmsford. It was a splendid evening and a recognition of the call of God on his and his wife Liz's lives. Keith then became the Associate Pastor until we leave. We believe this has been a powerful illustration to those in the church, and throughout our movement, on the importance of successional servant leadership. We have always believed that titles are secondary to towels! Jesus, who flung stars into space, by whom all creation holds together, and has the Name above every other name, stooped low, wrapped a towel around His waist and washed the disciples feet (Colossians 1:15-20; John 13:1-13). As we launch into this new chapter we hope to demonstrate towel-led leadership, not title-led positions!
Fact Finding Trip:
From 19th March to 3rd April we travelled to South Africa with the aim of building relationships with the Executive of Emmanuel Assemblies (an Elim Global Partner whom we will be working a alongside) and to find the area where were are to base ourselves. What an amazing time this was for us and we really want to thank you for your prayers! At every corner we just knew that you were praying for us as we would find God's provision at every turn.
We visited Polokwane, Tzaneen and Phalaborwa, all in Limpopo region with the hope of finding a base to live. The plan was simple: contact estate agents to see how much a rented house (or even one to purchase) costs and how far our money would go.
Polokwane was bustling and vibrant, but too expensive. We looked at several house whilst there, but all were too expensive. Whilst there we had a phone call from Tony and Beryl Leavesley, retired Elim Missionaries who live hundreds of miles away, asking if we'd mind if their friends contact us. Five minutes later we had arranged to meet them and ended up enjoying an evening of laughter and conversation. They readily shared their knowledge and contacts list with us for the places we were going to visit. Before leaving Polokwane an estate agent held and impromptu prayer meeting in her office for us - heaven came down that day!
We then travelled to Tzaneen. We had built up high expectations that this could be the place for us. Again this proved very expensive but whilst were were having lunch we were interrupted by a lady on the next table who happened to be a Christian and had overheard us talking about where to live. She spent time with us and then shared her list of contacts with us too for when were back in the area.
That night we decided to venture to Phalaborwa the next day. We were going to just spend a morning there but did not see this as a place for us as it is notoriously hot there, but as we had not seen much success in the other places we figured we should go and look a bit more. We made contact with a couple of estate agents and off we went. On the way into the town there was a sense of growing excitement, both of us sensing this could be a very significant time. It became clear that this is where were are to base ourselves. It is near the Kruger Park and provides easy access to Mozambique and Zimbabwe too. In short not only did we find the town to live in but we also were shown a house that we felt we should purchase! They agreed to completing at the end of September and only asked for a 1% deposit! We want to make it clear that we are purchasing this house our of our own reserves as Barbie is due a lump sum soon; no supporters donations will go towards this but will be used towards the ministry.
Preaching and Easter Convention:
Whilst in South Africa we met up with the Fenner's, Elim Missionaries in Barberton (about 5 hours south of where we will be) and we able to preach at Matsulu Emmanuel Assemblies, the church of Jeremiah Vilhakhazie. Keith had preached there last year and the people were very welcoming. It's a great church and we particularly loved the singing fo the children's choirs.
We also attended the Emmanuel Assemblies Easter Convention at their national base in Bushbuckridge. Keith preached on Good Friday and this was well received. We met with Andries Mogoboya, General Superintendent, and the National Executive on the afternoon of Good Friday to discuss vision and build friendships. What an amazing meeting this was! Not only are they excited about us going over there as missionaries but were also expanding on what we are to do, including help plant churches into Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia,
as well as throughout South Africa; help develop a national leaders' training programme; develop our new ante and post natal clinics into something more, for which we will need help in the future; and encourage community engagement with through their churches.
We will also continue to look at how to establish homes for vulnerable children too. Certainly there's a lot to do and we are overwhelmed at their welcome and response to us. They have expressed that they feel this is an historic moment and the photo shows us after this meeting.
Kruger and Rest:
We took the opportunity to spend 36 hours in the Kruger Park whilst in South Africa. We celebrate 30 years of marriage in May and so this was an early treat. Any friends and supporters who want to visit us and help with the missionary work in our day clinics and in the churches have to visit this national park! It's stunning and the conservation work being done is brilliant.
Itinerary:
13th May: Elim Church, Romford.
20th May: Elim Church, Worthing.
29th May - 2nd June: Elim Missions Academy Residential Week and Commissioning Service.
10th June: Elim Church, Selly Oak.
17th June: Vale Elim Church, Wantage (morning), Estuary Elim, Ashingdon (evening).
1st July: New Life Community Church, Crewe Elim.
15th July: Elim Church, Ingatestone.
21st July: Farewell Service, 7pm Life Church, Chelmsford (you're all invited).
12th August: Riverside Elim Church, Bewdley.
12th September: Fly to South Africa as Elim Missionaries!
Prayer Points:
Please pray for us as we continue to work towards fulfilling the requirements of the Elim Missions Academy.
Please pray for our Elim Missions Academy Commissioning Service, held alongside Regents Theological Colleges Commissioning, on Saturday 2nd June.
Please pray for us as we make decisions and evaluate quotes from removal firms. We are taking about half of our furniture and electrical goods as this is cheaper than buying it there.
Thank you all for all your continued prayers, love and support.
Love and Blessings
Keith and Barbie
All gifts towards our ministry should be marked 'Jacksons South Africa' and sent to Elim International Missions, Elim International Centre, De Walden Road, West Malvern, WR14 4DF (cheques payable to Elim International Missions).
If you would like to make regular gifts towards our support please visit our giving page or our contact page.
Thank you so much.
Charity No. 251549 (England & Wales) SC037754 (Scotland)
