David Smethurst writes: 30 years ago while living in South Africa we were conducting outreach and follow up missions across this politically and racially torn country. It wasn't easy but we, as many others did, knew that the 'Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation" - the power to change people's lives and destinies. Over a period of time we saw thousands of young people come into a relationship with Jesus and then become part of the change for good in South Africa.
There was one prestigious high school, Grey College, that I visited twice to conduct missions, where many young men came to a positive faith in Jesus. In one of those missions a young man named Gary (now living in the USA) came to salvation. He wrote to me out of the blue two weeks ago saying,
"I had been in church my whole life and at 16 had never heard of salvation. Then Dave Smethurst came to my school in Bloemfontein, South Africa and gave me the Gospel. That was over 30 years ago. For some reason, I remembered his name tonight, so I Googled him and would like to express my appreciation to him and my thanks to God.
I wrote back to Gary, I am so honoured and very encouraged to hear from you, Gary, and very blessed to see you are still following Jesus. By the way do you remember the "Following Jesus" booklet I distributed at that time? I am so honored that that little booklet was printed in 7 languages – recently in Russian and Latvian.
Gary wrote back to me, I clearly remember going home after school, praying for salvation that night just like you showed me and receiving the peace that passes all understanding. I still have the very booklet you gave me and also a really broad grin on my face right now. Great to see it has been translated into other languages.
It is odd that for the longest time I simply didn't recall your name but tonight when I was telling a lady of my salvation, your name simply popped into my head and I Googled you. What a crazy blessing.
When God called us into this ministry in 1972, He gave us a valid word to stand on from John 15:16, "You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you to go and bring forth fruit, and that fruit shall remain." Over 39 years we have seen unexpected results decades after some very hard and intense ministry.
Winter in Eastern Europe and Israel
The orphans of Eastern Europe whom we support are facing very cold weather and deep snows at present. We have been able to give them gifts over Christmas, warm meals, and gospel concerts where many have come to the Lord.
Our ministry has included -
1) In the military, navy, air force and military police in Latvia who go to fight alongside the Australian, USA and UK forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last year in three missions I was privileged to address over 6,000 troops and many came to Jesus in full on altar calls. All this materialized through plodding along helping orphans over 18 years.
2) I've had the privilege to minister to the Latvian military again in March. In Israel among the Russian Jews (especially the teenagers) who have come to the Lord in growing numbers in Tel Aviv and Ashdod. This came about through my Latvian manager, Alexander Rodionov, who is a Russian Jew
I preached to the Latvian military again in March with the new intake of commandos and navy seals. Then I'll be in Israel again in early April for more ministry to the Russian Jews in Tel Aviv, Ashdod and Mt Carmel. They are asking to be equipped in Evangelism and the use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Who better to win ethnic Jewish people to Jesus than the local Russian Jews? I am so privileged to be allowed by God to do all this.