“A ship is safest in the harbour, but ships are not built for that.”

September 2026

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Also available in Dutch: Nieuwsbrief Oktober 2026

Dear friends,

Greetings from warm, beautiful Nsoko in Swaziland (now known as the Kingdom of Eswatini). All is well here, and we are happy the worst of winter is over.

Jill and I have been here for almost 14 years, and this is certainly the most exciting time for us. Returning from Europe at the beginning of June, we were looking forward to how the Jesus Messiah graphic novel project will develop in Southern Africa.

We are also looking forward to the new mission house and the development of the training centre in Nhlangano. But the most exciting news is that I met with Dr Peter Hammond of Frontline Fellowship, and we started preparing for an Overland Mission Africa trip to spread the Gospel in Central South Africa.

Gerda Potgieter and the Jesus Messiah graphic novel

Gerda Potgieter is writing a book about the Jesus Messiah: The Man Who Changes the World graphic novel. She accompanied me to Holland and met with the book’s creator, Willem de Vink. She also interviewed and spoke with several people involved in this inspiring project – sponsors and missionaries.

The book promises to be amazing, with inspiring content: how the project started, its worldwide impact, people’s life stories, stories from the mission field, among others. Since Gerda returned, she has published articles in the Devoted digital magazine, and other news houses have also asked her to write about the project. We will keep you posted on the progress.

Devoted is a not-for-profit digital publication which is available to read for free at devotedmag.co.za. The editions that contained articles about the Jesus Messiah project:

• Willem de Vink, the creator of a small book with a big impact
• Spreading the Gospel through the world: The most translated graphic novel
• The Jesus Messiah graphic novel is a game-changer

Gerda was recently in a horrific car accident where both her feet were crushed, and most of her front ribs fractured, among other injuries. I recently visited her in a hospital in Cape Town after the operation. What struck me was that she has broken everything except her spirit and humour, and her hands and fingers seem to be still active – so she will use this time to continue to write the book and inspire her readers in her Devoted magazine.

She asked for copies of the Jesus Messiah novel to hand out to hospital staff. I took a bundle and experienced first-hand how it brings joy to the person who receives it.

Mission House and Training Centre

The mission house drawings are complete and awaiting approval from the Town Council of Nhlangano. We were challenged on many levels: every detail needed to be addressed, including how many metres from the fence, sewage, electricity, etc. It took a lot of work. We also had challenges with printing the drawings. It is a bit different from Nsoko, where you pay a cow to the chief and build the house!

We have also given the architect details of the training centre; this will include an auditorium for 250 people and accommodation for 80 people. The training centre responds to the challenges Africa will face in the next 25 years, when Christianity is expected to double on the continent. Alongside the enormous need for Bibles and literature, training for (new) pastors, community leaders, and the youth is a high priority. Training for the youth in sexual purity, with envisaged teams to go out into communities, schools and churches to spread the messages of hope.

“Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.”

The African Vision

Over the past year, we learned that, according to Operation World, if the trend continues, Christianity will double in Africa. It also says that Africa will be the centre of Christianity.

This is exciting news, and we believe it because people are open and hungry for the Gospel. Here in Swaziland, we’ve never been refused when sharing, whether at a school, police station, prison, or so many other places. The reports we get from Lesotho are amazing.

However, growth also brings challenges – we need Bibles, and much more literature and training. Our focus is to reach a new generation with the Gospel so that they may know Jesus. The Bible says, ‘Remember your Creator in your youth’ (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

The Jesus Messiah Project is, without a doubt, the most effective tool for reaching this new generation in Africa. Our vision remains to reach every school, every student, and every teacher with this graphic novel, and to give teachers the Lesson Book. This book contains 34 lessons which can be used during the school year.

“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” – Oswald Chambers

Overland Mission Africa

The Swazi Vision team, together with Frontline Fellowship, plans to travel to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique in November and December. We have already prepared many Bibles, Gospel booklets, and Christian literature in numerous languages for the various missions in these countries. We have received hundreds of invitations to schools, churches and colleges in these Central African Countries.

At present, 25,000 copies of the Jesus Messiah graphic novel are printed for Malawi, 20,000 for Zambia, and 15,000 for Namibia. Because one team member is medically trained, we want to stock up on vital medicines to bless the people and communities we will meet during these extensive travels.

We will also transport Study Bibles, Christian library books, and textbooks for donation to Bible colleges and Ministries that have invited us to present leadership training.

As it stands, we will meet many organisations, train hundreds of pastors, and reach thousands of students in all these countries. We need all the support and contributions we can get. We would also appreciate your prayers. I’m sure that a trip like this will have a ripple effect for generations to come.

Prayer for Africa
God bless Africa
Guard her children
Guide their leaders
And give them your peace
In Jesus Name

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” – Oswald Chambers

Prayer requests

• For the Overland Mission Africa: the preparations, the communications and the resources needed to make it possible.
• For Gerda: for complete healing/recovering, and inspiration as she writes the book about the impact of the Jesus Messiah graphic novel.
• For the development of the Mission House and Training Centre: We’ve been told that approval from the Town Council can take a long time.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” – Psalm 126:5-6

PS: I will write an update on the Overland Mission Africa just before we leave. Much prayer will be needed and appreciated, as we expect to drive over 15,000 km.

Watch / listen

• What can go wrong on the mission field
• You can make a difference

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