HeartCry missionary pastors Richard Raven and Tsholo Kukuni serve together in Hope Bible Church in the university city of Bloemfontein, South Africa. In Tsholo’s recent update, he shares a mix of joy and grief that is so common in a church body’s life.
Tshiamelo’s Baptism and Tragic Loss
Recently we have had the joy and privilege of baptizing sister Tshiamelo. Sadly, in the same time period, Tshiamelo’s younger sister of 23 suddenly passed away. As she was walking to work with a colleague, an intoxicated driver lost control of his car and drove into them.
Growth and Commitment in the Church
The morning service attendance is growing. We average 50-60 people every Sunday. Richard just finished preaching on 1 Corinthians 13, and he is now going to preach a two part series on the qualifications and qualities of a pastor in preparation to induct Tsholo as an elder in the church. Sunday evening prayer meetings and preaching services continues to grow as well. We average 30-40 people. Tsholo has been preaching on the attributes of God, and he is about to bring the study to a conclusion. The other men have been preaching on the “One Another” texts of the New Testament, and are also about to bring the series to a conclusion.
One of the most encouraging things for us as a church is our ongoing discipleship course for those desiring to be members at Hope, those interested in learning the fundamentals of our faith, and the members who want to grow in obedience to Christ. Friday nights our Young Adults meet for fellowship and study, consistently averaging 15-18 young adults. Many of them are university students.
Another Tragic Loss
On the 9th of May, Pastor Richard’s birthday, Thokozane and Charity celebrated the birth of a baby girl. Tragically, the baby passed away two days later due to some medical complications. Please pray for this grieving couple and those who are shaken as they prepare to give birth. Please pray for our church as we learn to live out Rom 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
Rom 12:15
Sunday morning worship at Hope Bible Church 
Prayer Meeting 
Young Adults Bible study and fellowship