In The Operational Area

November 1986

God is doing exciting things on the bor der in South West Africa. Over the last year members of Frontline Fellowship have received many invitations by local chaplains in military bases.

In every one of the military bases in the operational area we found chaplains dedicated to preaching the Gospel, teaching the Bible and caring for the spiritual needs of the troops. We also found chaplains joining patrols to preach the Gospel in local villages. Literally hundreds of thousands of Bibles. New Testaments and Gospel booklets, in twenty languages, have been distributed to local tribesmen in Ovamboland, Caprivi, Kavangoland and Kaokoland.

Not only have our soldiers on the border helped to take these Scriptures to the people, but Out of their own pockets they nave been contributing to pay for the printing. It was thrilling to learn of the generosity of the troops of Sector 10 (Oshikati) who have sponsored the printing of Braille Kwanyama Bibles for the Eluva (Daybreak) School of the Blind. Then it was also heartening to see how several hundred thousand local tribesmen have been given medical treatment at the excellently equipped clinics in S.A.D.F. military bases.

The soldiers of Sector 20 have launched a "Project Samuel" for the distribution of Bibles throughout Kavangoland. At Omega Base (home of 201 “Bushmans” Battalion) I found South African soldiers teaching children in schools, helping teach agricultural techniques and playing sports with local tribesman. At 32 Battalion (home) for many ex—Angolan refugees) the Church services are always full on Sundays, and their patrols have distributed thousands of Bibles in war-torn Angola.

Wherever we have been invited — whether to Parabats, Marines, Armoured, Signals, Infantry, “Tiffies” or Recces, we have found groups of dedicated Christians zealous for evangelism, meeting in prayer groups, Bible studies and coffee bars. We have found many high-ranking officers who love the Lord with all their hearts and seek to be faithful to the Word of God.

Pray for these believers as they seek to witness for Christ in these needy and strategic areas. If you know of anyone in the army at the moment — do write him a spiritually-encouraging letter. Post is so important there. Also, if you can help us by contributing good Christian books, magazines, or biscuits for the coffee bars in the operational area — please let us know.

Frontline Fellowship started in a prayer and Bible study group in the army. Let us pray that God may bless, guide and multiply the Bible study groups in the military bases of our country.

“Praise the Lord, my protector! He trains me for battle and prepares me for war. He is my protector and defender, my shelter and Saviour, in whom I trust for safety.” Psalm 144:1,2