By Dennis Messimer   In the 1950s, church leaders in South Africa set up a program that challenged every church member to give an annual gift for the purpose of building church buildings. That program has continued through the years, and even though the amount given is rarely more than a few dollars per member, […]

By Dennis Messimer   When Nehemiah went to Jerusalem, he prayed and fasted (Nehemiah 1:4) and then accepted a military escort (2:9). When Ezra went to Jerusalem, he prayed and fasted but did not ask for an escort (Ezra 8:22, 23).  During our 21-year ministry in South Africa, there were many times that we were […]

By Dennis Messimer   The first time I saw her, she was dressed all in black. Her long, straight hair framed a slender, pale face. Her mother had invited us to a discussion with some members of a cult. Eventually the cult members excused themselves, and as they were being escorted out, I was left […]

By Dennis Messimer   About 15 years ago at a conference in South Africa, we were told about acongregation high up in the Drakenberg Mountains, which had split.  A second building had been built about 150 yards from the first building. The plea was made to have the local authorities lock both buildings until they […]

By Dennis Messimer   Recently we were at our friend Jim’s house, enjoying homemade ice cream. Among the guests were several international students. Jim asked a student from Taiwan how people in Taiwan worshipped. Soon we heard an explanation that included incense burning and “god money.” Then Jim asked the student if he worshipped here […]