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MISSIONARY DIRECTORY
Barrett, Tori Berman, Helen Brammer, Jo Anne Brunk, Mike & Marie Bunyan, Larrie & Carol Champlin, Darrell & Louise Champlin, David & Lynne Champlin, Jonathan & Sherrie Clancy, Sparky & Myndii Dana, Brenda Dreisbach, Anne Dreisbach, John & Libby Dunphy, Len & Beth Dye, Rex Fields, David & Elwanda Fleck, Brad & Martha Gardner, Jim & Ivonne Grings, Dan & Christine Hines, Cecil & Sonnee Hunt, Phil & Lori Kilmer, Don & Karen Kirby, Dexter & Jackelle Marsh, Robert & Esther Oetman, Rob & Brenda Olson, Daniel & Amber Peacocke, Graham & Joann Peterson, Lee & Janelle Rasmussen, Bob & Cindy Sapp, Karl & Joyce Smith, Brian & Cheri Washer, Nathan & Rachel Washer, Terry & Sandy Waugh, Stuart & LaVerne Webster, Mike & Melanie Wexler, Mike & Lorraine Williams, Bob & Jean
- Missionaries:
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Mailing Address:
PO Box 2179
Hillcrest 3650
Natal SOUTH AFRICA
Email Address: kilmer.don@ifmnews.com
BIRTHDATES:
Don - June 1
Karen - November 24
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: July 9
The Kilmers are serving the Lord in the Republic of South Africa (South Africa Statistics). Working with South Africa’s Zulu population definitely has its own unique "flavor." It is not unusual for Don to witness to women witchdoctors and folks who believe they can communicate with their deceased ancestors. Zulu names can be very interesting, too; one witchdoctor’s name translated as "Kings" and another’s as "Mr. Elephant." A very common problem among the Zulus is alcoholism. All too often Karen and Don see new Christians battling this addiction to sin, coming to church on Sundays shivering from cold, hunger, and the lack of adequate clothing. The Kilmers must also be ready to deal with South Africa’s rugged weather conditions; heavy rains regularly turn the dirt roads into thick, mud trails that can only be traversed by foot, and their pick-up truck or bakkie is of little use.
Don and Karen’s primary concern is that new Zulu believers grow in grace and in the Knowledge of Jesus Christ. They pray for wisdom from the Lord to disciple alcoholics and those with marital problems, and they also pray that more men start coming to church. When Don and Karen bow their heads at the end of the day, it would not be strange to hear the words, "Lord, we pray for Kings’ salvation and that Mr. Elephant will truly trust you."
The Kilmers continue to preach and teach to the Zulus of South Africa, encouraging them to look to Jesus for truth, comfort, and help.
Excerpt from their most recent prayer letter (February 2010):
...New life in Christ comes because of what He did over 2000 years ago at Easter time. Romans 4:25 says it well, "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." Among the Zulus in South Africa this is the greatest time for church services. Good Friday is the highest attended service of the whole year, even outdoing Easter Sunday. Please remember to pray for the The Bible Church of Embo as the Gospel goes forth on Friday, April 2nd.
The biggest church movement in South Africa is called the Zionist Church. They take their name from Zion, Illinois. I had a chance to visit the town and the mother church on a recent trip. Although the church uses different philosophies than we would, it still preaches the Gospel. However, the churches in Africa have departed from the Gospel. There are over 4,000 church groups that consider themselves Zionists. These groups vary quite a bit in their beliefs, but they all have one thing in common - they follow ancestor worship. They think that because they add Jesus to their lifestyle they are ok, but they are still on the road to hell, because they haven't turned to God in true faith with a repentant heart. The need is great in reaching the Zulus with the Gospel.
Praise:
1) For safey as we travel
2) For provision of $5,000 toward our needed $20,000 for a vehicle.
Prayer:
1) For more missionaries to reach the Zulu people.
2) For Gina Frey as she raises support to help us in South Africa.
3) For the provision of a good riding mower to ship back
Thank you for your gifts to us and prayers for us. May God keep you strong for Him, Yithina (It is us), Uncle Don & Auntie Karen
