Debbie and Ernie Calder, two of CAST’s devoted volunteers, had a story and message for everyone this week.

We feel moved to respond to the message Pastor John brought to the church under the heading “God in our Country”. John referred to Nehemiah returning to Jerusalem to build the city wall. This wall was important to the people. We also have walls to build in this country …and bridges.

Pastor John’s message also said “start representing and displaying God by being salt which preserves and light which shows His Kingdom in this world -by doing good.

John mentioned the issues of the day: poverty, hunger, disease etc and said “Ask God what He wants you to do. What has God laid on your heart? What is in your hand? Not doing it on our own but as a community and as THE Church.”

Noodsberg Baptist was built 30 years ago by WBC in the 1980’s. Pastor Ephraim is the original pastor, who still leads the church. Two other churches in the area have been planted by him, one in Applesbosch and one in Chibini. The lack of water in Noodsberg was a huge problem for this community. Even though the government had laid pipes, there was no pressure to push the water up to the church. A borehole was therefore considered and with the financial support of a visiting missionary, was finally installed. The ground was drilled, the pump and water tank were installed. The ground was ploughed and soil testing in the process of being done.

All was well.

Then came the news that the water had stopped and possibly dried up. We questioned God’s purpose when this happened but it wasn’t long before His plan was revealed.

Aqua Earth, the borehole company, was able to send a consultant to go and investigate. He discovered the pump had a problem and adjusted it so that the water could flow again. While there, he offered to provide a system to irrigate the land which he will install at his own cost.

So, what HAVE we got in our hands?

We, The Church, have land, water and fencing and we need to take it further. We need those who are willing and able to offer to help prepare and plant this land. As a church, we can pull together. It’s up to us to go forward.

What resources do you have? What has God given you? Get in touch with CAST and help us carry an eternal message of hope to others.

THE LOCAL CHURCH IS THE HOPE OF THE WORLD