The most incredible time of my life...has happened...
This weekend I invited two young ladies to join me in my home as my guests. The first time I met Chifundo, she was at a youth club meeting. We were sharing the vision of SC to the youth and she was so outspoken that when she spoke, the guys were quiet and listened. She commanded a certain authority that is very rarely seen in the village. Hearing her story was even more incredible. The bible says deep calls unto deep...and I know it has a deeper meaning but for me in that moment, her spirit and my spirit recognised each other. I wanted to know her and to spend time with her. She was formidable in a culture that has women docile and unsuspecting. She was ...beyond words. Looking at her you can see that life has taken its toll on her but she has come out fighting. For five years she has lived alone – a single girl struggling to make it. She has tilled gardens and worked for others just to put food on the table. She has been without help until now...
Loveness is an incredible, phenomenal woman. Her smile comes from such a depth that I envy it...in the nicest sense of the word. Her father was paralysed and bedridden and she had to become the breadwinner and take care of her family...while still putting herself through school. She lives in Mtandile, speaks English and is adorned with such a confidence that it is surprising. She overwhelms me and I fail to find words enough to describe her. But here she is in my home...blessing my heart with her presence.
Both these young ladies are a blessing. They are the future...the women not of tomorrow but of today. They have both, in different settings, refused the advances of young men wanting to get with them. They have vision and purpose...theirs is not a simple dream...they have set their limits further than the sky and this weekend and the others to come have something to do with that.
God had a plan...bring the girls into my home and watch their mindset change. Let them know how very precious they are...these beautiful darlings who may not be known by many but are known by Him...God.
When we arrived at the house they were giggles and squeals, peels of joy and laughter. None of them had ever been anywhere like where they were. Chifundo’s house is the size of my kitchen...how humbling is that. I feared she would pass out. In their room were laid out outfits for their weekend...skirts and blouses for their trip to town and t-shirts for hanging around the house. At the foot of their bed...a food parcel to take home after weekend was over. Both girls are new to everything they see and they are given a tour and instruction by Edward (who nicknamed himself, their paparazzi, snapping pictures every moment)...everything is new...the bathroom, the beds, the TV, the food...everything. They smile and laugh as they are showed everything. This is, of course after they steal away to pray and give thanks to God.
“I am dreaming...” Chifundo kept saying. I felt like I was dreaming. Their hearts are magnetic...drawing me to love more and more.
“I can’t believe this is happening. Me, in area 47, in this house, at this high table.” Linda, a friend and partner from Arizona was with us and I wondered what it did for the girls to just sit at home and chat with her and watch her serve them and just be there. What a stretch for the mind...
We talked for hours, finally saying goodnight around 10pm. I am too excited to sleep. They are in the next room. I wonder what they are saying to each other. It feels like I am on a high...off of them. Wow, imagine entering a world you have never seen. Chifundo has never seen electricity...she is silent and then bursts into a statement of wonder.
I tell the gils why they are there, how I have been desiring this for so long. How I wanted to remove the limits and boundaries that life has put on them...that they are precious princesses...deserving of everything that is happening. That this is not a once off thing but a beginning...
“ I want you to know that you can sit on a sofa and watch TV and spend time in this place...that it open up possibilities to you knowing that this is possible. No one should make you feel less than what you are. We are going to have a wonderful time together...this is a beginning.
We laugh and laugh together...
We talk about the goodness of God...
What else is there to say but that God is good....
Saturday the girls spent together. They went out to Steers and had ice cream. Neither had ever tasted it before...they commented on just how cold it was...and sweet! I am not sure what to do with that. My first memory with ice cream is too far back for me to recall...which makes this moment even more amazing. When I think about the many flavours I have tasted, and beside me sit two girls in wonder of the taste of ice cream.
Sunday we have to take my little sister to the airport and so we make our way to the airport. Loveness tells me that it is because of their names that they are here “Because of the Love of God and because of the Mercies of God.” How true. It is the first time for the girls to see an aeroplane...yeah and who knows if one day they could be boarding that plane...who knows the possibilities that God has for them...
We Say goodbye and there are tears. We pray and praise God together. It feels like time has stopped and we are in a place of peace and beauty. In all my life I have not felt this...indescribable.
I walk them down the road and they disappear around the corner with Edward....
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Destiny's Life Force, Destiny's Power Source
This Thursday was our second in the book of Romans. We got as far as verse 6 of chapter 1.
The trip out was difficult as I was feeling sick but at least the roads were not wet and muddy...well, not as much as they usually are. On arrival, we had a wonderful time of prayer. It is amazing to see the growth in prayer that has taken place with this group of leaders. We can sense the power of God as we pray and the singing is nothing less than amazing. Mr Nkhoma is sick but still comes and so his nephew Yowasi leads. His voice is just full of intimacy. You just know that He knows the One he is speaking about. I always count it a privilege that I can be a part of this type of worship...because sometimes in town, we are taken up with song words on brochures, or the wrong key that the keyboard just hit...or that could just be me. Things like that distract me. Things like spelling errors in the song words and microphones that suddenly stop working. Not always but sometimes, I get distracted. In the village, it just seems so simple...focus on God, worship Him because He is worthy to be praised. And that we did.
Our first order of business was to see whether everyone had done their homework of memorising their scriptures. Romans 8, verse 1 and 2. There was applause as one after another men and women, young and old recited the verses. 31 were flawless, 11 were able to say one and 11 others were unable. Each group received encouragement and admonition as was fitting. Of the 31 flawless was Nadiyango, who is a lady from Kasakula (in Kalimbira). She is illiterate but because of the availability of the talking bible, she is able to hear the word as well as recite it. when she recited her verses the room was filled with cheering! She now comes to the class with her chief who is a believer. What is beautiful about Group Village Headman Kasakula is that he sits amidst his fellow leaders (somewhere in the 5th row), never looking for special treatment. He is an eager student, raising his hand and attempting to answer questions. When I think about the people that he is over and how we find myself teaching him...it is a little unsettling. I guess that is the beauty of the Kingdom...the cross is the great equalizer...we are all one in Christ.
16 of the 31 that flawlessly said their two scriptures did not have bibles and were given Full Life Study Bibles as it is the standard bible for the class. It affords the group a concordance and articles as well as commentaries. We now find people from the village able to tell you when a book was written, why and the main theme of that book...you are just blown away. Though bibles have doubled in price in the last year most of the class has still been able to have one. It now costs 60% of what it costs to feed a family of.
The highlight of the day was an old granny who had not memorised her scriptures but told us how much she loves the class and how people are even asking her now where she learnt all that she knows, “I may not be able to memorise but I love this class, I love learning.” It was a warming testimony. She became my granny. I love having grannies....
In our teaching we covered being equipped for the calling of God. We talked about being in a foreign country, like Mozambique but having Malawian Kwacha. “You cannot use Kwacha in Mozambique. You will find yourself sleeping on the street, going hungry just because you have money but it is not for where you are. God has supernaturally equipped us, He has graced us to do the work that He has called us to but that grace of for what HE has called us to. There is not grace to sin...in the sense that there is no empowerment from Him, now favour, now supernatural ability to sin. There is grace to make it out of sin. Walking outside the will of God is like being in Mozambique with Kwacha. The wealth that God has deposited in you will only bless you and others when you are where He has placed you, when you are fulfilling your destiny.”
We also talked about how nothing is made without purpose. Everything has a purpose before it is even made, and that goes especially for us that are made in His image. Our very existence in this day speaks to the truth that we have purpose in this day.
We left with a sense of purpose, of humility in realisation that we need God to constantly keep us on the path that He has set for us because our hearts were filled with this awareness that we WILL stand before Him to give an account as to whether we lined up with the purpose for which we were created.
The trip out was difficult as I was feeling sick but at least the roads were not wet and muddy...well, not as much as they usually are. On arrival, we had a wonderful time of prayer. It is amazing to see the growth in prayer that has taken place with this group of leaders. We can sense the power of God as we pray and the singing is nothing less than amazing. Mr Nkhoma is sick but still comes and so his nephew Yowasi leads. His voice is just full of intimacy. You just know that He knows the One he is speaking about. I always count it a privilege that I can be a part of this type of worship...because sometimes in town, we are taken up with song words on brochures, or the wrong key that the keyboard just hit...or that could just be me. Things like that distract me. Things like spelling errors in the song words and microphones that suddenly stop working. Not always but sometimes, I get distracted. In the village, it just seems so simple...focus on God, worship Him because He is worthy to be praised. And that we did.
Our first order of business was to see whether everyone had done their homework of memorising their scriptures. Romans 8, verse 1 and 2. There was applause as one after another men and women, young and old recited the verses. 31 were flawless, 11 were able to say one and 11 others were unable. Each group received encouragement and admonition as was fitting. Of the 31 flawless was Nadiyango, who is a lady from Kasakula (in Kalimbira). She is illiterate but because of the availability of the talking bible, she is able to hear the word as well as recite it. when she recited her verses the room was filled with cheering! She now comes to the class with her chief who is a believer. What is beautiful about Group Village Headman Kasakula is that he sits amidst his fellow leaders (somewhere in the 5th row), never looking for special treatment. He is an eager student, raising his hand and attempting to answer questions. When I think about the people that he is over and how we find myself teaching him...it is a little unsettling. I guess that is the beauty of the Kingdom...the cross is the great equalizer...we are all one in Christ.
16 of the 31 that flawlessly said their two scriptures did not have bibles and were given Full Life Study Bibles as it is the standard bible for the class. It affords the group a concordance and articles as well as commentaries. We now find people from the village able to tell you when a book was written, why and the main theme of that book...you are just blown away. Though bibles have doubled in price in the last year most of the class has still been able to have one. It now costs 60% of what it costs to feed a family of.
The highlight of the day was an old granny who had not memorised her scriptures but told us how much she loves the class and how people are even asking her now where she learnt all that she knows, “I may not be able to memorise but I love this class, I love learning.” It was a warming testimony. She became my granny. I love having grannies....
In our teaching we covered being equipped for the calling of God. We talked about being in a foreign country, like Mozambique but having Malawian Kwacha. “You cannot use Kwacha in Mozambique. You will find yourself sleeping on the street, going hungry just because you have money but it is not for where you are. God has supernaturally equipped us, He has graced us to do the work that He has called us to but that grace of for what HE has called us to. There is not grace to sin...in the sense that there is no empowerment from Him, now favour, now supernatural ability to sin. There is grace to make it out of sin. Walking outside the will of God is like being in Mozambique with Kwacha. The wealth that God has deposited in you will only bless you and others when you are where He has placed you, when you are fulfilling your destiny.”
We also talked about how nothing is made without purpose. Everything has a purpose before it is even made, and that goes especially for us that are made in His image. Our very existence in this day speaks to the truth that we have purpose in this day.
We left with a sense of purpose, of humility in realisation that we need God to constantly keep us on the path that He has set for us because our hearts were filled with this awareness that we WILL stand before Him to give an account as to whether we lined up with the purpose for which we were created.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
A TIME TO SPEAK
It all started with a bold declaration...It will not rain on Thursday! It did rain...so very very hard, although before that...there was an entire morning of sunshine. In order to get out to community during the rainy season, we must either have no rain, or consistent rain. Going out we had no rain and coming back we had consistent rain. This meant we could make it through and praise God for that! This was unlike two weeks earlier when we had the truck spin in almost 60 degrees while we sat in the back and prayed profusely that we might not get stuck in the mud. We made it out of 5 such muddy situations during that one journey and arrived an hour later than our usual class time...only to find everyone praising God and waiting to hear the word. Come rain or shine...they come to hear the word. It is humbling...bowing our backs down to the place where we are overwhelmed. Could I walk through the rain to hear the word? Do I love Him that much? Sometimes during rainy days I fail to rise and praise Him even in the comfort of my bed, so the question that always never fails to leave me is this: why would they come to hear me?
It is a blessing to feel this though because it cuts you off at the knees and brings you down to size...the bible calls it humility...daily dwelling dependency on God because as debased as our hearts and minds are...we all need God to do anything. That is the heart in which we find ourselves in 2010...needing God desperately.
And so we find ourselves being a part of something bigger than ourselves. We are launching the Somebody Cares YAFORCE youth manual. YAFORCE was an acronym that the founder, Theresa, came up with, long before there was anything. No, office, no staff, no anything and she said...”YAFORCE, Youth Alliance For Change”. At the time I looked around and there was nothing. Today, we have a 300 hundred strong youth movement, a Gideonite army of sorts all focused on our vision “Transformation through the Word of God”.
So, Launching the youth manual seemed a perfect way of returning to this blog. Even though I have not written in a very long time...community work has indeed continued. It seems to me that God knew what HE meant when He said, “there is a time for everything under the sun...a time to speak and a time to be quiet.” It is time to speak again.
We started this new year WITH A BIG BANG! Four months of focus and determination. It all came about as one young leader told us that his greatest difficulty was finding something for his group to do. In so doing he echoed the same for the others.
The launch, though, was somewhat bittersweet. Having never had children I cannot use the analogy of giving birth. I can, however, say that after carrying a vision...letting go is euphoric...a great high that sometimes ends in a great low. I think it is because you spend so much time preparing and the release is short and then things are suddenly out of your hand...and you must watch them take flight and soar as you always intended but never expected to deal with the loss.
33 youth attended the launch of the youth manual together with four zone leaders. It was a time of celebration...with the rain slamming down on the corrugated roof of the newly built Mngwangwa Centre. It made me think about the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. I am by no means comparing anything but it felt like God came down on us...hard!
There was applause foreverything said; the excitement was tangible. It was exhilarating. We took the youth through the use of the manual, its different categories and its benefits. Loveness Khosa, the youth leader from Mtandile could not contain her joy. Her beaming smile said it all and more.
The manual is a week by week program on activities the youth would involve themselves in. The weeks are organised as follows; (1) reach for life week (here we inserted 10 bible study topics from the reach for life youth bible, teaching the youth to look into the word and allow the Holy Spirit to train them in breaking the bread of the word into edible pieces that would then bring transformation. How often we swallow the word whole and get indigestion). (2) Debate week, where we give debate topics that the youth can deliberate over, teaching them how to use the word of God to effectively discuss social topics affecting their communities (like, ‘is it wrong for a Christian to grow and sell tobacco?’). (3) Teaching week which develops the teaching skills of the leaders and enhances the knowledge and wisdom of the youth. Teachings are provided for the youth leaders, (4) ministry week which is broken into 4 categories (evangelism, sports, community service and quizes). Each ministry project develops different strengths in the group. Finally there is week 5 for those months that have 5 weeks and this is HIV/AIDS week where the group asks a member of the PLWA to talk to them about AIDS or discuss it as a group in the aim of getting everyone to understand the importance of testing as well as right living and ultimately getting as many youths as possible counselled and tested. The manual runs from the first week of March to the third week of December.
Each leader received two manuals (one for him/her and one for the deputy), a Chichewa bible and an English Reach 4 Life new testament.
By releasing the manual we also allows the youth coordinator, Edward, to concentrate on building new youth groups rather than constantly visiting the same groups. At present 11 youth groups exist and are working, beginning this week, with the manuals.
It was such a pleasure to deliver the manual. Watching their faces and seeing the awe and amazement at the design and order of the manual was a blessing that could almost not be contained. Here these youth were, getting leadership material in their own language, something that they can use and effectively impact their communities with. It was a blessing to give them something worthy of them and that was our reward!
In addition to launching the youth manual, we also had our weekly class (now dubbed the Berean Class) swell from 30 leaders to 60. Although we have tried to keep the class small...it keeps growing. It comprises of leaders of influence who will in turn, through their training, impact others. At present we are going through the book of Romans, which happens to be my favourite book of the bible. Last week the group chose their core leadership team for the class and I was pleasantly surprised to find that, of the four core leaders, two are women.
In essence, the 25th of February was one of the greatest days of SC history...yet how amazing it is to note that God’s plans supersede our imaginations...dare we to think that He could possibly have greater things in store?
It is a blessing to feel this though because it cuts you off at the knees and brings you down to size...the bible calls it humility...daily dwelling dependency on God because as debased as our hearts and minds are...we all need God to do anything. That is the heart in which we find ourselves in 2010...needing God desperately.
And so we find ourselves being a part of something bigger than ourselves. We are launching the Somebody Cares YAFORCE youth manual. YAFORCE was an acronym that the founder, Theresa, came up with, long before there was anything. No, office, no staff, no anything and she said...”YAFORCE, Youth Alliance For Change”. At the time I looked around and there was nothing. Today, we have a 300 hundred strong youth movement, a Gideonite army of sorts all focused on our vision “Transformation through the Word of God”.
So, Launching the youth manual seemed a perfect way of returning to this blog. Even though I have not written in a very long time...community work has indeed continued. It seems to me that God knew what HE meant when He said, “there is a time for everything under the sun...a time to speak and a time to be quiet.” It is time to speak again.
We started this new year WITH A BIG BANG! Four months of focus and determination. It all came about as one young leader told us that his greatest difficulty was finding something for his group to do. In so doing he echoed the same for the others.
The launch, though, was somewhat bittersweet. Having never had children I cannot use the analogy of giving birth. I can, however, say that after carrying a vision...letting go is euphoric...a great high that sometimes ends in a great low. I think it is because you spend so much time preparing and the release is short and then things are suddenly out of your hand...and you must watch them take flight and soar as you always intended but never expected to deal with the loss.
33 youth attended the launch of the youth manual together with four zone leaders. It was a time of celebration...with the rain slamming down on the corrugated roof of the newly built Mngwangwa Centre. It made me think about the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. I am by no means comparing anything but it felt like God came down on us...hard!
There was applause foreverything said; the excitement was tangible. It was exhilarating. We took the youth through the use of the manual, its different categories and its benefits. Loveness Khosa, the youth leader from Mtandile could not contain her joy. Her beaming smile said it all and more.
The manual is a week by week program on activities the youth would involve themselves in. The weeks are organised as follows; (1) reach for life week (here we inserted 10 bible study topics from the reach for life youth bible, teaching the youth to look into the word and allow the Holy Spirit to train them in breaking the bread of the word into edible pieces that would then bring transformation. How often we swallow the word whole and get indigestion). (2) Debate week, where we give debate topics that the youth can deliberate over, teaching them how to use the word of God to effectively discuss social topics affecting their communities (like, ‘is it wrong for a Christian to grow and sell tobacco?’). (3) Teaching week which develops the teaching skills of the leaders and enhances the knowledge and wisdom of the youth. Teachings are provided for the youth leaders, (4) ministry week which is broken into 4 categories (evangelism, sports, community service and quizes). Each ministry project develops different strengths in the group. Finally there is week 5 for those months that have 5 weeks and this is HIV/AIDS week where the group asks a member of the PLWA to talk to them about AIDS or discuss it as a group in the aim of getting everyone to understand the importance of testing as well as right living and ultimately getting as many youths as possible counselled and tested. The manual runs from the first week of March to the third week of December.
Each leader received two manuals (one for him/her and one for the deputy), a Chichewa bible and an English Reach 4 Life new testament.
By releasing the manual we also allows the youth coordinator, Edward, to concentrate on building new youth groups rather than constantly visiting the same groups. At present 11 youth groups exist and are working, beginning this week, with the manuals.
It was such a pleasure to deliver the manual. Watching their faces and seeing the awe and amazement at the design and order of the manual was a blessing that could almost not be contained. Here these youth were, getting leadership material in their own language, something that they can use and effectively impact their communities with. It was a blessing to give them something worthy of them and that was our reward!
In addition to launching the youth manual, we also had our weekly class (now dubbed the Berean Class) swell from 30 leaders to 60. Although we have tried to keep the class small...it keeps growing. It comprises of leaders of influence who will in turn, through their training, impact others. At present we are going through the book of Romans, which happens to be my favourite book of the bible. Last week the group chose their core leadership team for the class and I was pleasantly surprised to find that, of the four core leaders, two are women.
In essence, the 25th of February was one of the greatest days of SC history...yet how amazing it is to note that God’s plans supersede our imaginations...dare we to think that He could possibly have greater things in store?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Mngwangwa 8th October
OUR SPECIAL ELITE FORCE, AS Gideon’s army reduces in number as the training intensifies. We were in Mngwangwa today. We have not been for two weeks as a week earlier the government was distributing ‘fertilizer subsidy’ coupons. We returned and found the group already present. Within this group are those desperate to learn...their hunger puts me to shame. In this group is Cathy, who walks the equivalent of a 25 minute drive. I dare not calculate how long it takes her, and yet...she doesn’t miss a single session. Sometimes I do not know what to do with that. Saying that it is humbling doesn’t fit. It puts me to shame...me and my big car and comfortable life and her...with her passion for God. I am in awe as I watch her through the teaching. Her face shines, always. At first I thought it was the Vaseline she uses but i have since put aside my foolish analysis and concluded that it is the love of God I see. It is for her that, when life gets tough, we plough on.
We are in the final leg of our teaching on discipleship – making disciples. It is my favourite topic and so I enjoy every moment of it. We talk about Christ our example of true discipleship and how we can learn from Him. Having been disciple and still being disciple as well as discipling others, it is not information that we are putting out; it is revelation. I cannot imagine my life without the one who chose to take me and allow the Holy Spirit to use her hands to push me and press me and lift me and on occasion, beat me. Oh yes, I am grateful that I am not left to my own because, with all that has been entrusted to me, how can I handle it all. There must be someone who says, “get off the field and rest a while”, or, “get off the field, you are injured”. And so I am infused with passion as we talk about the blessing of bearing the fruit of discipleship by discipling another. I, of course talk about my disciples, both the joys and pains. I feel like a parent, showing off her kids to all. And the more I speak, the more I realise how much I am privileged. For is it not a privilege to be entrusted with the life of another, to guide and be companion to them? Is it not in the footsteps of Elijah and Elisha, or Moses and Joshua, or Naomi and Ruth and Jesus and His 12? As you can tell, I get preachy about all this....
After our ministry, we talk about the exam the following week. Many are afraid of it but we talk about it...those that cannot read and write are to have oral exams while the others must show themselves approved by studying. It is the first time for many and we are waiting with expectation for what will happen on the 15th.
Sadly Edward’s phone goes missing. We are not sure where it went for we only discovered it missing half way home. We are sure it fell out as he exited the car. It puts a damper on an otherwise joyous day. In silence we drive back....
Now, I sit here writing and thinking about the cost of ministry. I am not just talking about the phone, but more about everything else, neither am I only speaking of us. Come what may, our hearts remain firmly focused on the mission and our voices rise up to declare... “Let me preach or I die!”
We are in the final leg of our teaching on discipleship – making disciples. It is my favourite topic and so I enjoy every moment of it. We talk about Christ our example of true discipleship and how we can learn from Him. Having been disciple and still being disciple as well as discipling others, it is not information that we are putting out; it is revelation. I cannot imagine my life without the one who chose to take me and allow the Holy Spirit to use her hands to push me and press me and lift me and on occasion, beat me. Oh yes, I am grateful that I am not left to my own because, with all that has been entrusted to me, how can I handle it all. There must be someone who says, “get off the field and rest a while”, or, “get off the field, you are injured”. And so I am infused with passion as we talk about the blessing of bearing the fruit of discipleship by discipling another. I, of course talk about my disciples, both the joys and pains. I feel like a parent, showing off her kids to all. And the more I speak, the more I realise how much I am privileged. For is it not a privilege to be entrusted with the life of another, to guide and be companion to them? Is it not in the footsteps of Elijah and Elisha, or Moses and Joshua, or Naomi and Ruth and Jesus and His 12? As you can tell, I get preachy about all this....
After our ministry, we talk about the exam the following week. Many are afraid of it but we talk about it...those that cannot read and write are to have oral exams while the others must show themselves approved by studying. It is the first time for many and we are waiting with expectation for what will happen on the 15th.
Sadly Edward’s phone goes missing. We are not sure where it went for we only discovered it missing half way home. We are sure it fell out as he exited the car. It puts a damper on an otherwise joyous day. In silence we drive back....
Now, I sit here writing and thinking about the cost of ministry. I am not just talking about the phone, but more about everything else, neither am I only speaking of us. Come what may, our hearts remain firmly focused on the mission and our voices rise up to declare... “Let me preach or I die!”
SPECIAL SEVEN
In Tambala we came across the special seven. Coming into the meeting it seemed that the room was filled with people but we only found seven faithful saints. Sometimes when numbers decrease the flesh wants to shout and take offense but each life is precious to God. I say that now but it took a little more than that to get me praising God. I was a little disappointed at the turnout. Afterall I had just spent hours preparing and not to mention the dusty trip that trips up my allergies. Was is all for this? It took a while, during the praise and worship but God eventually got through to me that each of these seven souls were loved and cherished by Him and then He reminded me how He changed the world with 12.
After that we were in full swing. We were answering questions from the group. our first challenge was “why Jesus spoke in parables”. Short of going into doctrinal discussions we taught. It was Frank, the youth leader’s question. Frank is a handsome and beautifully hearted young man. I have always seen him dressed in a smile. He is devoted to his little group and I feel for this young man. Tambala is steeped in “Gule Wankulu” ancestral worship. They even use little boys for their ceremonies. And here are seven eager young youths. Amongst them is Tereza. She is so hungry that it challenges me...she is without a doubt, a natural born leader.
We talk about frequencies and how hearing God is about tuning into the Spirit Station. We talk about being born in sin and how we are born listening to “Radio Dyabu” translated “Radio Devil”. He feeds us with his lies throughout our lives UNTIL THE DAY WE SWITCH TO SPIRIT STATION. So, though we have a radio, it really is no use to us unless we are tuned into the right frequency. So, hearing we do not hear as Isaiah put it. Three other young people join us as we talk but soon leave (my suspicion was the topic being discussed).
The great joy of the day was the Full Life Study Bibles we gave them. They had never seen anything like it and so we took the time to go through all the features. To some this would seem boring but my heart came alive with the first time I held a Full Life Study Bible. We went through the articles and the charts. We discussed references of scripture and how to use them. We looked at the commentaries below the verses and how not to become totally dependent on them but to always seek the Holy Sprit when reading. Eventually we came to the concordance! What a joy! It was like the gold at the end of a great dig. Here they could search out any topic and be able to find scriptures that had those words...we spent some time there just enjoying the moment. God was with us and He was delighting in us delighting in having access to such a treasure. There is truly no greater gift to give other than a bible...knowing that you are introducing someone to a wellspring that never runs dry. In it is a hospital, a counsellor, a love letter, instructions to life and so much more.
Right at the end we played a song by a precious young man (using the car) Kelvin, a hip hop song about leaving the world behind and truly making a stand for Christ. We huddled around the car speakers and bobbed our heads to the beat. It was a sweet moment. It was to change their mindsets about music and what they think is ‘cool’. I could tell they were overwhelmed having never heart gospel hip hop.
We left feeling mellow and peaceful. Having spent time with so precious a group, we returned feeling privileged to have been entrusted to bless them. Someone out there...you gave towards bibles and I want you to know that you are changing lives. I am so privileged to see but you are more so that your rewards awaits you with the Father, who has seen your secret act of kindness and will award you openly. Praise God and praise Him again. Pray that these seven would have their hearts totally transformed, that they would discover the world that is unseen through the scriptures. Pray with us that we are raising up Gideons who will fearlessly enter the enemy territory and see the salvation of the Lord.
After that we were in full swing. We were answering questions from the group. our first challenge was “why Jesus spoke in parables”. Short of going into doctrinal discussions we taught. It was Frank, the youth leader’s question. Frank is a handsome and beautifully hearted young man. I have always seen him dressed in a smile. He is devoted to his little group and I feel for this young man. Tambala is steeped in “Gule Wankulu” ancestral worship. They even use little boys for their ceremonies. And here are seven eager young youths. Amongst them is Tereza. She is so hungry that it challenges me...she is without a doubt, a natural born leader.
We talk about frequencies and how hearing God is about tuning into the Spirit Station. We talk about being born in sin and how we are born listening to “Radio Dyabu” translated “Radio Devil”. He feeds us with his lies throughout our lives UNTIL THE DAY WE SWITCH TO SPIRIT STATION. So, though we have a radio, it really is no use to us unless we are tuned into the right frequency. So, hearing we do not hear as Isaiah put it. Three other young people join us as we talk but soon leave (my suspicion was the topic being discussed).
The great joy of the day was the Full Life Study Bibles we gave them. They had never seen anything like it and so we took the time to go through all the features. To some this would seem boring but my heart came alive with the first time I held a Full Life Study Bible. We went through the articles and the charts. We discussed references of scripture and how to use them. We looked at the commentaries below the verses and how not to become totally dependent on them but to always seek the Holy Sprit when reading. Eventually we came to the concordance! What a joy! It was like the gold at the end of a great dig. Here they could search out any topic and be able to find scriptures that had those words...we spent some time there just enjoying the moment. God was with us and He was delighting in us delighting in having access to such a treasure. There is truly no greater gift to give other than a bible...knowing that you are introducing someone to a wellspring that never runs dry. In it is a hospital, a counsellor, a love letter, instructions to life and so much more.
Right at the end we played a song by a precious young man (using the car) Kelvin, a hip hop song about leaving the world behind and truly making a stand for Christ. We huddled around the car speakers and bobbed our heads to the beat. It was a sweet moment. It was to change their mindsets about music and what they think is ‘cool’. I could tell they were overwhelmed having never heart gospel hip hop.
We left feeling mellow and peaceful. Having spent time with so precious a group, we returned feeling privileged to have been entrusted to bless them. Someone out there...you gave towards bibles and I want you to know that you are changing lives. I am so privileged to see but you are more so that your rewards awaits you with the Father, who has seen your secret act of kindness and will award you openly. Praise God and praise Him again. Pray that these seven would have their hearts totally transformed, that they would discover the world that is unseen through the scriptures. Pray with us that we are raising up Gideons who will fearlessly enter the enemy territory and see the salvation of the Lord.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Warriors for Christ
So much has happened in the past few months…my only regret is not being able to keep up and write about it. We have travelled to Mgona, Tambala and yes, oh yes, I have returned home. A few weeks ago I returned to mngwangwa. Edward coined it, the return of the prodigal teacher. It made me laugh and cry. It has been so long…eight months.
The Lord showed us the next step with the saints in mngwangwa. We have reduced the number to those that are teachers and leaders of others so we can have greater impact and also so that we can grow from where we were last. Returning had my stomach in knots because of what returning meant. It meant returning without Felix….and I know that is almost like an old line but it always stays with me. I have a picture of him at my desk and even now I can hear what he would say…. “Its catching, like a prairie fire”. Yet there was so much excitement mingled in. I was going as a general would do to choose soldiers figt for the task ahead.
We talked about what our vision was, together as a group and everyone was afire with suggestions and comments. It was taking each other hand in hand and talking about the direction we want to go…the direction the Holy Spirit is leading us in. Our scripture was from 2nd Timothy: (2 Timothy 2:1-4) You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. We were looking for faithful men and women who could teach others. We wanted to do as the writer of Hebrews tells us... leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,.... This we did by outlining that this was not the training on the HOW of being a soldier but rather of the SPECIALISED training of soldiers. And soldiers they were, eager and excited. A week later we returned and began to teach the first series which they had picked...discipleship. so many pastors in community (and a guess throughout the world) fail to find faithful people to help with the work of the ministry. I have encountered pastors that are the worship leader, the usher, the announcer and convener as well as the pastor all in one. This does not make a superhero but rather a tired tired person, doing many good things but failing to excel at any. So many pastors wanted it to be the first topic to discuss, “how do we make good disciples?”
We talked about what a disciple is and what makes for a good disciple maker because then we can have good disciples. We talked about John the Baptist who was one of the greatest teachers of a disciple maker and how his actions and words were lessons for us. I often wonder about John and his cousin Jesus and what that relationship was like as they grew up and how amazing it was to be able to lose that familiarity and recognise the Christ. So, we looked at John as he clearly gave his disciples a picture of who he was, not fearing letting tham know his position in perspective to the Christ (not fit to untie his sandles). He volunteered this information not wanting his disciples to think of him any more than he was in light of the Christ. He was also the one who clearly expressed who Jesus was to his disciples (not telling them about how Jesus would do this and that for them) but letting them know the core purpose...the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He did such a great job that his disciples followed after Jesus. It was the close of our first session...that a true disciple maker points his disciples to Jesus and is not ‘bummed out’ that they leave him and follow Him because if they do follow Jesus, then that is success. If disciple making is about fruitfulness and replication then as a disciple maker we aught to be following Christ in rechless abandonment so that what we produce will do likewise. Praise God. having been discipled for...now 9 years and having discipled for the past 6 years, it is a tipoc so close to my heart. Through my disciple maker I have learnt to pursue God at all costs and to love talking with Him and spending time in the Word of God. I have learnt the safety of journeying with someone who has already been down the roads I take so I do not have to face the same demons they did and if I do, they would have given me wisdom where they had failed. This way, the church goes from glory to glory. Otherwise we remain in the state of our forefathers, always talking about the former glories.
What a joy it was to share the word. It is such an honour to do so and our heart’s prayer is to never get farmiliar with that honour...the honour of discecting the word of God and bringing revelation to His people through His Spirit. May you look at your bible and what Gos shows you as the greatest honour...hearing the heart of God! what an honour!
Today we head for Mgona and Tambala.
The Lord showed us the next step with the saints in mngwangwa. We have reduced the number to those that are teachers and leaders of others so we can have greater impact and also so that we can grow from where we were last. Returning had my stomach in knots because of what returning meant. It meant returning without Felix….and I know that is almost like an old line but it always stays with me. I have a picture of him at my desk and even now I can hear what he would say…. “Its catching, like a prairie fire”. Yet there was so much excitement mingled in. I was going as a general would do to choose soldiers figt for the task ahead.
We talked about what our vision was, together as a group and everyone was afire with suggestions and comments. It was taking each other hand in hand and talking about the direction we want to go…the direction the Holy Spirit is leading us in. Our scripture was from 2nd Timothy: (2 Timothy 2:1-4) You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. We were looking for faithful men and women who could teach others. We wanted to do as the writer of Hebrews tells us... leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,.... This we did by outlining that this was not the training on the HOW of being a soldier but rather of the SPECIALISED training of soldiers. And soldiers they were, eager and excited. A week later we returned and began to teach the first series which they had picked...discipleship. so many pastors in community (and a guess throughout the world) fail to find faithful people to help with the work of the ministry. I have encountered pastors that are the worship leader, the usher, the announcer and convener as well as the pastor all in one. This does not make a superhero but rather a tired tired person, doing many good things but failing to excel at any. So many pastors wanted it to be the first topic to discuss, “how do we make good disciples?”
We talked about what a disciple is and what makes for a good disciple maker because then we can have good disciples. We talked about John the Baptist who was one of the greatest teachers of a disciple maker and how his actions and words were lessons for us. I often wonder about John and his cousin Jesus and what that relationship was like as they grew up and how amazing it was to be able to lose that familiarity and recognise the Christ. So, we looked at John as he clearly gave his disciples a picture of who he was, not fearing letting tham know his position in perspective to the Christ (not fit to untie his sandles). He volunteered this information not wanting his disciples to think of him any more than he was in light of the Christ. He was also the one who clearly expressed who Jesus was to his disciples (not telling them about how Jesus would do this and that for them) but letting them know the core purpose...the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He did such a great job that his disciples followed after Jesus. It was the close of our first session...that a true disciple maker points his disciples to Jesus and is not ‘bummed out’ that they leave him and follow Him because if they do follow Jesus, then that is success. If disciple making is about fruitfulness and replication then as a disciple maker we aught to be following Christ in rechless abandonment so that what we produce will do likewise. Praise God. having been discipled for...now 9 years and having discipled for the past 6 years, it is a tipoc so close to my heart. Through my disciple maker I have learnt to pursue God at all costs and to love talking with Him and spending time in the Word of God. I have learnt the safety of journeying with someone who has already been down the roads I take so I do not have to face the same demons they did and if I do, they would have given me wisdom where they had failed. This way, the church goes from glory to glory. Otherwise we remain in the state of our forefathers, always talking about the former glories.
What a joy it was to share the word. It is such an honour to do so and our heart’s prayer is to never get farmiliar with that honour...the honour of discecting the word of God and bringing revelation to His people through His Spirit. May you look at your bible and what Gos shows you as the greatest honour...hearing the heart of God! what an honour!
Today we head for Mgona and Tambala.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Mgona, Wednesday 26th August
Bless the Lord! We have come from Mgona. It has been a long while since we have been ministering consistently. With teams on the ground, we ease up to give people time to do other things but Edward and I were ecstatic to be back. It was a true miracle as Edward was down for two weeks and no doctor knew that was wrong with him. He could not walk or move about. But bless God, this morning we were together.
The call just came and we were told that the people were gathered and waiting. We dashed out and prayed throughout the journey there because we had no word.... But God, who is strong in the face of our weaknesses, came through.
We had a bible study, teaching the tools for studying the word and asking the questions that the Holy Spirit answers. It was the first time they had been in bible study. We divided the group into four and had them pick a portion of scripture to discuss. For many, this was the first time they have ever had bible study, where THEIR contributions mattered. It was the first time, as one person told me, ‘that I have been asked to do more than listen to someone talk.’
Being with this group is amazing. These are men and women who are living everyday by faith. They get up every morning and trust God to keep them healthy and put food on their tables so they can take their meds. These are people who challenge the mindsets of community life and fight to get people to understanding that being tested is far better than being afraid. They are the banners of change and hope that we raise in the communities. Ministering to them takes guts...what can you say to people that have endured and can truly tell you that they have counted it all joy during hardships. I feel very inept when with them. They teach me...with their raised hands and great smiles. They teach me to stop being petty with my little issues that I amplify. Being with them puts life in perspective. And when we leave...our hearts are full. What a privilege to be a part such a glorious body. Sometimes I feel like there is nothing greater than the diversity of the body of Christ. So many parts, so beautiful and tried and proved through pain and sorrow yet here they are, living and singing their hearts to Jesus. So I come away from ministering to them having been ministered to. I ponder and think about the goodness of God, and I realise that each one of those beautiful souls is treasured by Him, loved passionately.
So, yes, i did go and teach about the dying to the law and all the demands of trying to please God in order to be right with God versus surrendering to the free gift of life in Christ. Yes, we shared and experienced God but I too, received. I came away more thankful for the life that I have. I came away in awe of the true strength of a life lived in God. It is never known what we can take until it is upon us.
The call just came and we were told that the people were gathered and waiting. We dashed out and prayed throughout the journey there because we had no word.... But God, who is strong in the face of our weaknesses, came through.
We had a bible study, teaching the tools for studying the word and asking the questions that the Holy Spirit answers. It was the first time they had been in bible study. We divided the group into four and had them pick a portion of scripture to discuss. For many, this was the first time they have ever had bible study, where THEIR contributions mattered. It was the first time, as one person told me, ‘that I have been asked to do more than listen to someone talk.’
Being with this group is amazing. These are men and women who are living everyday by faith. They get up every morning and trust God to keep them healthy and put food on their tables so they can take their meds. These are people who challenge the mindsets of community life and fight to get people to understanding that being tested is far better than being afraid. They are the banners of change and hope that we raise in the communities. Ministering to them takes guts...what can you say to people that have endured and can truly tell you that they have counted it all joy during hardships. I feel very inept when with them. They teach me...with their raised hands and great smiles. They teach me to stop being petty with my little issues that I amplify. Being with them puts life in perspective. And when we leave...our hearts are full. What a privilege to be a part such a glorious body. Sometimes I feel like there is nothing greater than the diversity of the body of Christ. So many parts, so beautiful and tried and proved through pain and sorrow yet here they are, living and singing their hearts to Jesus. So I come away from ministering to them having been ministered to. I ponder and think about the goodness of God, and I realise that each one of those beautiful souls is treasured by Him, loved passionately.
So, yes, i did go and teach about the dying to the law and all the demands of trying to please God in order to be right with God versus surrendering to the free gift of life in Christ. Yes, we shared and experienced God but I too, received. I came away more thankful for the life that I have. I came away in awe of the true strength of a life lived in God. It is never known what we can take until it is upon us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)