A Short History of the Swartland Baptist Church in Malmesbury, Western Cape Province, South Africa

1 Corinthians 2:1 “…declaring to you the testimony of God …. 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

The Gospel message of God’s love is so wonderfully demonstrated in Christ’s death and resurrection and is the heart of evangelism and Church Planting. We are: "determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."  Strategically, we recognized the need for conservative Bible teaching for these towns that surround Cape Town. 

1 Corinthians 2:9 “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Church Planting is God’s wonderful and amazing work. God acts in ‘providential ways.’ He works ahead of our perceptions, expectations or even our dreams. Our Lord knows us and our needs. He knows what we are capable of doing with His help. In Church Planting, the Lord works in many ways to convict the hearts of those who have not come to Him for personal salvation. God has prepared so many blessings for those who are prepared to submit to His Spirit. 

1 Corinthians 2:13 “…. comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

A new church has to establish its identity as a Bible-preaching church. Rural towns usually take a good bit of time to accept or assimilate new approaches or new ideas. Malmesbury is no different. Those who have formed this little fellowship of Christians need to receive the "solid food" of the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gives the increase.” 

The initial outreach to Malmesbury was begun by missionaries Marc and Judie Blackwell together with the help of Bryant and Sharan Crane and our Bible College students, the Lewises. The 1st Century Corinthian church had a "rough start" - with much "competition" about leadership. Malmesbury’s new Swartland Baptiste Gemeente (church) happily has not experienced any such tensions. 

The work started in the "Sports Club House" of the Malmesbury Sports Ground had other challenges. The ministry began with a Sunday evening children's program and an informal adult Bible study. It was a "small beginning" and the challenges were often quite humorous for example: - the weekend that we followed a chicken judging contest that had been held in the building the day before. All the chicken stalls were still in place - right where our children normally held their little Bible classes... we won't forget that weekend for awhile but everyone survived the experience and we still laugh when we talk about it. The Lord continued to bless the little work and before long a school opened their doors to us.

"Sports Club House" 

1 Corinthians 3:7-8 “…God who gives the increase. 

The facts about all those who have served on the Church Planting team, over time, does not reveal all of their love or their personal commitment and care. Further, a history cannot be summarized without focusing on the many members of the congregation that have contributed their time, talents and tithes. The Sunday school was led by Rob and Pat McIntire and numerous families supplied the classroom teaching including the Jordaans, Morelands, and the van der Vyfers. Congregational involvement includes evangelism, also our first two Deacons and the Financial Committee.

Christian Private School of Malmesbury
"that opened their doors to us"

The history of the Swartland Baptist Church, as a team effort, moved beyond those who started the work - these have gone-on to other ministries. The history should include the early stage assistance of Michael and Heidi Blackwell, who were living nearby at Paardeberg Mountain Retreat. Then, Christian Builder, Ted Wineberg, together with some Christian Foundations helped us build a small auditorium. Next, a member of our flock, Michael Moreland, led in the construction of two Sunday school rooms. Another blessing was the McRoberts serving the Church Planting team and the congregation through a special Pastoral-Internship program. 

Swartland Baptiste Gemeente

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 “ ..no other foundation … other than Jesus Christ.”

The present stage of the Church Planting team focuses on the ministry of Deon and Michelle and their two sons. Preaching, teaching and building-up the youth program keep them busy!  Church Planting missionary work is dependent upon the prayers of all involved:  i. the missionaries, ii. the new Christians and iii. the supporting churches that are committed to advancing the Gospel throughout the World

In August 2013 Marc and Nancy Blackwell and their two children accepted the request to join the Rensburgs and to serve together on this church planting team. With the Rensburgs returning to the USA in 2015 to complete their deputation - Marc and Nancy will need your special prayers. The goal is one of leading the Swartland Baptiste Gemeente to autonomous and indigenous church status. 

New families are attending: some saved - some still lost. A few families have, due to work, moved away. Everyone is trusting the Lord in the planting, watering and growth of this young church and He alone should receive the Glory.  God alone provides us all with His Grace and by His grace we can continue to be faithful.

"THE FORGOTTEN .... The Lord used and is using many others to bless the Swartland Ministry. Many more served, prayed and gave! Those not mentioned in this short version of the Malmesbury history knows quite well that they are not forgotten. Our Lord forgets none of His servants! the servants reward is not a mere historical mention but Christ's Divine voice saying 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant'." drmsbsr

We would like to thank Dr. Marc S. Blackwell, Sr. for contributing to our blog this month by writing this short article about the history of the Swartland Baptiste Gemeente. We are encouraged by all of our prayer warriors who faithfully pray for us as their missionaries to the Western Cape, South Africa 
and for the people that we minister to. 

To God be the Glory!