More than 2,100 brethren met at eight sites in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mauritius.
In Amanzimtoti acting regional director Robert Klynsmith said: "As in each area I visited, there was a renewed sense of commitment and vitality among the brethren."
Members meeting for the first time in Port Alfred were inspired by the Christ-oriented messages and by the care shown to all, according to coordinator John White.
Feastgoers gave R2500 to a benevolent fund that feeds the poor of Port Alfred.
The chairperson responded: "Your church has shown us all what Christian fellowship is all about--the sharing with others--and although you are here for a short time of joyous worship and renewing of friendships, the poor of our town were not forgotten. Truly an example to us of other denominations."
"Aventura Warmbaths" can describe the experience members had at the Feast here, according to Cliff Rabe, associate pastor of the Johannesburg Central church. "It was an adventure as we experienced the pouring out of the warmth of God's Spirit.
"We experienced warm favor from the management and staff with whom we had contact, and sincere cooperation from the community," Mr. Rabe said. "This was well-reflected in the words of a woman who said: `We are convinced that favors shown to you will be returned to us by God.'
"We drank deeply of the understanding God showered on us through inspired sermons. Members bonded as never before.
"Daily attendance, which fluctuated little, was a reflection of the renewed commitment to where Christ leads us. Those who kept the Feast at Warmbaths were truly inundated with `streams of living waters.' "
In Strand, coordinator Ron Stoddart commented: "What a Feast! Ron Washington [pastor of the Detroit, Michigan, South church] opened the Feast, and Neil Earle gave the last two messages in the best atmosphere I can remember at any Feast I have attended in the past 30 years."
The Feast was conducted at two sites in Zambia: Lusaka and Livingstone. Coordinator Kalengule Kaoma said that earlier they planned to have the Feast in Siavonga on Lake Kariba. Because of inflation they canceled Siavonga.
Those who could not make the minimum contribution to go to Livingstone kept the Feast in Lusaka.
We had 20 visitors from Australia, Canada, Bermuda, Grenada and the United States. They came to Zambia on the Exotic Africa Tour, organized from the United States. Their presence added joy to our fellowship. We did most activities together.
Oct. 13, brethren enjoyed a visit with Chief Mukuni at his palace. The chief gave up his job in the corporate world to take up the chieftainship in the outskirts of Livingstone.
Brethren in Victoria Falls appreciated those on the Exotic Africa Tour, who contributed much to the warmth and friendship, according to coordinator Aldrin Mandimika.
Feastgoers ensured that those who could not pay for an activity were taken care of, Mr. Mandimika said.
Two senior citizens, Norma Fisher and Trudi Fassbender, rafted down the tough Zambezi River. Afterward Norma Fisher said, "I will be back."
International speakers were a treat at the Feast in Mont Choisy, according to Art and Wendy Holladay. Speakers were Roger Guilbert and his son, Christophe, from Paris, Pierre Cosandey from Geneva, Yves Nayna, a local church elder in Mauritius, and Art Holladay, pastor of the Phoenix, Mauritius, and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, congregations.
Those who attended in Mauritius wished that they could package up the love, warmth and edifying experience and take it home with them whenever they needed a spiritual pick-me-up.
Amanzimtoti, Kwa-Zulu/Natal ------------- 420
Port Alfred, Eastern
Cape ----------------- 280
Strand, Western Cape --------------------
492
Warmbaths, Mpumalanga ----------------
432
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe ------------------ 283
Lusaka
and Livingstone, Zambia ------------ 83
Mont Choisy, Mauritius
------------------ 123
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