Mission: Southern Africa
Cattle Spraying: A Major Benefit for the People
When we Americans take inventory of our assets, the list could include many items of value. There could be one’s home, retirement plan, stocks, bonds, savings, autos, furnishings, etc. For many South African farmers, it is his beef cattle. Even if it’s a herd of six, or sixteen, one person estimated this represents almost all of his total assets. Keeping these cattle healthy is his major financial concern. He must rely on their health and reproduction ability.
A threat to this farmer’s resources consists of these potential losses: parasites, animal diseases and even theft. All are prevalent in South Africa. Missionary Peter Weber has a ministry that can eliminate some of the threats. Along with his missionary duties of preaching and teaching, he oversees a cattle spraying operation. While once required to take the cattle through a dipping process, they can now achieve it by spraying.
His operation does even more. Cattle are examined for diseases. When discovered, Pastor Weber works with veterinarians in providing needed care. He is a unique servant of our Lord as a missionary to the Lord’s people and their livestock.
He developed a cooperative payment plan for the spraying cost to be self-funded by the participants. This allows them to receive
the valuable service at the very lowest cost and also feel a part in its operation. The process takes place near his home in rural Durban. By our standards, it is fairly basic with man-made fences and corrals of hand-made logs. The facility could be greatly improved, which is where our support
comes in.While watching these farmers bring their small herds to and through the operation, I couldn’t help but think of the comparison
between what they have and what we have in our country. Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” How true and how evident it is that He has allowed us to be in the position to give.
With better cattle pens, chutes, and a better truck, this ministry could reach out to more people. His old truck also takes him to his preaching stations. It’s had many miles of use over very rough roads and hills to reach the people. It needs to be replaced. This is why it is an important part of Mission: Southern Africa!
We watched the cattle treatment operation
on Saturday. On Sunday, we watched him carry out his pastoral duties leading worship, preaching, and communing his flock of people at three of his churches. How marvelous to hear the Lord’s love preached and see it in action.
May God move us all to support these important endeavors as part of our
mission: southern africa project.