In our years of being associated with the Church in Newcastle, we had gone through the normal life cycles of ups and downs and seen and learnt things. We heard the best sermons, we enjoyed some of our best experiences, we experienced heartaches, we went through storms as is common to every man, and in all, Bro Steve’s life was a constant – a Word Christian.

We had the fortune of not only knowing Bro Steve as a pastor, but also as a father, a husband, an uncle, a grandfather, a neighbor, a friend, a coach, and everything in between and in all these he was a Christian first. Having watched Bro Steve through his life, we easily concluded that a Christian life was a joyous life to live.

Through the joy with which Bro Steve lived his Christian life, and the example that he was before us, he made us want to be the kind of father, the brother, the Christian that he was before us.

We will forever thank God for the life that was lived before us.

May God be a comfort to the Francis family and thank them for having shared their father with us.

The Mavuso Family

(David, Thando, Marrion, Samuel and Seth)

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Thank you for this opportunity of making it possible to pay a tribute.

I first learnt of Pastor Francis was when I was courting my Wife Elisha. The glowing manner in the way she spoke of him and the way she described his stand with God and his character made me feel that this is a person that I certainly want to meet sometime.

I was thankful to have the opportunity in late 2005 in Church, but alas, that was just a short occasion.

In January 2006, after Church, Pastor Steve and his Wife Sister Jenny came over to our house for lunch and tea. It was an afternoon to remember, to say the least. Yes, what a tremendous afternoon it was.

I was still a Hindu at his point in time. It was a remarkable time as he basically shared his life story with me and spoke about the Word. I did the same but did not go into as much detail as him. I guess I just wanted to listen to him more and more.

I could sense that I was in the presence of a true man of God. His openness about his life was surprising but much appreciated. As much as I could perceive that he is really serious concerning the Word, he expounded everything in such simplicity, and for me that was really captivating.

I was always really happy to meet him many times thereafter and fellowship on the Word was always the main conversation.

A real highlight was when he preached at our Wedding. He preached on  “The Perfect Marriage”. Simple, yet dynamic.

It was a real pleasure to be at his 60th birthday and to witness so much of love for Pastor Steve from all over the world. There are so many wonderful memories, and so much to say, but I am blessed beyond measure for every opportunity that I had to fellowship on the Word with him.

I certainly will miss him, but am truly thankful for the influence that he has been on my life, especially on the Word.

God bless you.

Br Sandeep Devraj

Tribute to Brother Steve Francis

Where does one begin! My wife, Sister Cathy and I were a young married couple when we first met Brother Steve Francis in the 1980’s; forging an even deeper relationship in the 1990’s onwards. Over the years we have marveled how our Lord moulded and trained His humble servant for the task and the position ordained for him.

What stood out for us more than anything else, was our Brother’s exceptional Teaching Ministry.

Brother Steve was a disciplined, expository Biblical Teacher of note; a devout Student of the Revealed Truth, as disseminated to the Bride by the Prophet-Messenger to Laodicea, Brother William Marrion Branham. Over the many years, we sat enthralled – our spiritual appetite wetted, our insight enlightened each time Brother Steve ministered at the Assembly of Emmanuel Gospel Centre. The times Brother Steve invited me to minister to his Church were an honour indeed! Often, during these visits, we were privileged to interact with the members of the Assembly and the warm hospitality experienced, permeated from Br Steve and his beloved wife, Sister Jenny and out of every brother and sister. ‘Welcome to God’s Family and you are part of the Family!’

Our Brother Steve faithfully and tirelessly sowed the Seed, watered and tended the Fields well and now, his labours have reaped a great Harvest! We salute the life and testimony of our beloved Teacher and friend, Br Steve Francis!

Sister Jenny, we salute you and thank you for your unwavering love, support and care for this great ministry. Br Steve referred to you as his best friend; his strength and joy! May the Great Shepherd comfort you; be your Jehovah Jireh and lead you ‘beside still waters’.

We praise God for a Great Mentor that forged the Way ahead!

So long, Brother Steve! We shall meet you again, divinely adorned with the Crowning Glory of your Glorified Body!

Brother Gideon and Sister Cathy Retief

God bless you all saints

The Message of the Hour found me November of 1989 and I listened to many wonderful preachers in the Message. Somewhere in the middle of 1990 I met bro. Steve in Johannesburg and in a few weeks I was in possession of a tape in which he preached’ The Godhead’. My young heart was captured. I was only 20 yrs old. Bro. Steve had a depth in his Message teaching that opened and inspired me greatly.  He also had an astonishing way of making you comfortable around him. He truly lived the essence of the Message. 

Before his passing I had wonderful fellowships with him over the phone. I can vividly recall his laughter and joy while conversing over different topics. Two years ago he sent me messages he had preached overseas around the subject of the 7th Seal. What a student, what an example of believer. I would receive quotes almost every week from him that enriched my Message studies.

There are many memories of times we had interacted. Very precious times

When I heard that he changed dimensions I could not help but shed a tear of sadness. I missed him instantly, but also I thanked the Lord for granting his servant much deserved rest. 

Indeed, all that loved him (in this revealed Word) shall see him again, I shall see him again. Bro. Branham said ‘ We have an appointment over there…’. It won’t be long.

I salute this soldier of the cross.

Shalom

Bro. Michael Kgetsi (Cape Town) SA

Bro. Steve, our precious friend and father

Since we met in 1985 when you visited Zimbabwe, our hearts were joined together and we became

one family. We shared our life experiences and enjoyed fellowship around the Word. A strong

inspiration and mentor you were to the family. We learnt a lot from you notably the family altar

(singing, reading the bible, teaching and praying). We admired your loving, harmonious and stable

marriage, travelling together as a couple with your wife and assisting in home chores. Oh yes, very

helpful you were. Always cherish the moments you would lend me (Str Agnes) your hand in the

kitchen; cooking and teaching me to prepare delicious curry dishes. As a friend and elder brother,

you were always there for us. Ordained me (Bro Robert) into the ministry, attended our family

events, where you preached an outstanding sermon at one of them. Your sacrifice during our

spiritual wars, as well as physical hardships will forever be imprinted on our hearts.

Papa/ daddy Steve, as us the kids called you, was a rare gem, compassionate, true servant of God

and firm message believer. Ever so fatherly to us, providing for us spiritually and physically too.

When lockdown began mama Jenny sent us sermons papa was preaching in their home which were

a blessing. When I (Marrion) came to SA, papa Steve helped link me to the nearest church and often

called to make sure all was well with me. When you were in Gauteng you would let me know and

we would meet and enjoy listening to you share the Word and life experiences. Papa Steve was so

humble and would lower himself to spend time with young people like us (the kids) in person or on

the phone. When you visited us in Harare, you would polish our shoes and do our ironing in

preparation for church service. Will certainly miss the curry dishes you used to prepare for us too.

We enjoyed you (with guitar) and mama Jenny`s song ‘’When I get to the end of the way’’ – what a

blessing. Your memory was very good as you remembered all our birthdays. The compassion you

had for our family was so great and you expressed it many times.

We knew you as a devout, honest and reliable message believer till your promotion to Glory land.

You were a true example of Christianity by living what you preached. You have left footprints on the

sand of time for us. We will walk in them and one of these fine mornings we shall meet again never

to part. Will always love and miss you, but are comforted by the Word of God, as said by Apostle

Paul in Ephesians 4:13-18. May God rest your dear soul till we meet again Eternally never to part.

The Makumbes

(Br Robert & Str Agnes, Marrion & Hattie, Mishael, Constance & Jerome, Purity, Tendekai & Abraham)

Husband, Father, Shepherd, Sportsman, Community Leader, Friend, Mentor and the list goes on….

These are just some of the roles that our dearly departed Pastor Steve Francis fulfilled. These caps were worn with pride and I recall without fear or favour, that he gave 100% to each of these. The infectious smile, the words of wisdom, the tongue-in-cheek, the advice and the humaneness of everything he said or did, will always remain with us.

He was born to serve – something which he did perfectly. He gave freely, guided purposefully and led astutely. He was a man of conviction whose level of respect and tolerance was unparalleled. His children are testimony of what he stood for and the morals and values imparted in them form part of the legacy that he has left behind. Recalling the man that he was or the impact he had on our lives, just brings a smile to our faces.

Thank you for coming into our lives, thank you for adding value to our family and thank you never judging us. May you continue to watch over your flock from above and continue to be the beacon of light and hope to all that had the privilege of walking in your shadow.

Rest in Peace dear Pastor Francis.

Vinesh Dhewlall and family

A tribute to a Pastor who walked in the Light.

Earlier this year, Bro Steve told me that his brother Alec used to say… “There are two things that you can’t fool… a child and animal”. This was after my son who was nine months old at the time, went to him willingly… This was quite amazing to watch. But those who know him will know that all children were attracted to this gentle man of God. He made sure to return later that day with Lindt chocolates and chips for my older girls… a gesture that still warms my heart.

Moving to Newcastle …. more than 20 years ago was truly the tender Hand of Jehovah in action. Becoming a part of the Newcastle Spoken Word fellowship was one of the greatest blessings I have known. Personally I had chosen to leave the “message” after High School. The Word was fantastic. Pastor Steve was a wonderful shepherd. But I was living a lie.

It is truly the WORD that keeps us when we enter Satan’s lair … I am thankful for the deep spiritual grounding that Pastor Steve provided during my childhood.

A few years later….

I was baptised in AUGUST. It was a windy day… I can still hear Aunty Jenny singing … Follow Follow.. I will Follow Jesus…

Even though this is a tribute to Pastor Steve… I find it impossible not to mention his soul mate …   Aunty Jenny.

You are loved and appreciated and I am thankful that you stood steadfast with Pastor Steve in his journey that touched so many lives.

There is really so much to say about the influence that this man had in my life and it would be impossible to do so in this tribute.

I would like to end with 3 lessons I benefited from, if you may call it that.

1. Perfect Faith

Pastor Steve embodied this kind of faith. It was clearly reflected through his daily life. The ability to take criticism with such grace. The ability to say sorry when he made a mistake.

2. Love

Without a shadow of doubt Pastor Steve loved his wife the best he could.

He often compared this love with the love Christ has for His bride. Truly inspiring!

3. Complete Surrender to the Lord

He walked with God. He laid down his own desires. Put God first in all he did. The reward is a Crown in Glory. Where we will all meet him again.

Let us then walk in the Light. Such a beautiful light!

God Bless

Elisabeth Govender

Good day Jenny, Jesintha, Allistair, Liam and Steve

Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your dearest dad and our favourite uncle.

My memories about dad go way back to Daintree Avenue and Salvia Road (Aka’s House).

My mother used to spoil Steve because he was the youngest brother and on a Friday  she would buy him the most fancy shirt from the factory that  worked at and he would show it off to everyone  because he such a good looking guy, I bet he had all the girls eyes on him.

 I also remember him taking such an interest in cleaning granny’s temple in Daintree Avenue.

He was so meticulous in whatever he did with pride and joy.

I also remember him writing very well written letters had a good command of the English language.

My son Realan shares his birthday.

We will always remember him with love and good memories till we meet again.

All the best

Rita and Family

Greetings in Jesus Name

Deepest sympathies to the family of our dear Pastor Steve.

All I can say that Pastor Steve was a living walking talking Epistle. He was truly a Mr Jesus Christ to us all. We thank God for his love and kind words always. He did not just preach messages but he lived messages…always bringing hope and love.

We honestly have so much to look forward to when we get over yonder….what a day that will be…I can imagine Pastor Steve with my grandparent’s and so many others..aaah heaven really must be rejoicing..and we say, Come Lord Jesus quickly…

To God be the Glory forever and ever.

Much love and prayers always.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family.  Thank you for inspiring me in so many ways and encouraging us to be good and do good and be Christ like.

Ruben Naicker and family

Zululand

My dearest uncle Steve

You were the most remarkable pastor I have ever had the privilege of knowing and learning under. You were always there for us, so present and always available in good times and bad. You were there through every traumatic moment in our lives and never gave up on us. Thank you for your sound advice that always came from a place of wisdom, deep thought and genuine prayer over the matter. You always referred back to the Word and corrected with Love being ever so careful not to lose one soul by wounding them. You carefully and meticulously handled the children of God ever so cognisant of their position in the body of Christ.

Thank you for putting yourself aside and allowing the Lord to take full control, I never ever felt unworthy of the Gospel when you broke the bread of Life service after service, The Word would Lift me up yet humble me at the same time- God used you so mightily because you submitted yourself completely to His service, You truly loved the Lord your God with all your heart. Your compassion for people is unmatched and always came so naturally, you indeed walked the talk.

I’m going to miss your witty jokes, your wisdom, the depths in which you studied and brought forth the Word and your unconditional love. Your life was such an example to us all and I can only hope and pray that we make you proud.

Until we meet again. You always placed Christ on the highest place so rest now in His presence on that high mountain. You have certainly run a remarkable race. We will always love you our pastor

With all our Love;
Jo-Ann, Eugene and Levi Stanley