Reflecting on my trip to South Africa, there are a few things I would like to share with you. First, how incredibly rich we are in America. In Bohlohkong, the area in which we ministered, there were several employed people. A good job pays about R200 per week (200 Rand). Right now, that equates to about 20USD ($20 US). Basically, they are looking at around $.50/hour for a good job. Normally you could use that to account for inflation and you would think that things would be much cheaper, but thats not the case. Gas is still $5.50/gallon. A Big Mac combo at McDs is still around $5. Their homes are quite small and often owned by the government or have government loans. They do have universal health care, which seems to work well for them. Although they have so little in the way of worldly wealth, they are quite rich in community and faith. The love these people showed for us was unmatched. The faith they had in God was so very strong. You would think that people that lived in such spartan conditions would feel that somehow they are not blessed, but the exact opposite is true. They can focus on the true meaning of a relationship with God instead of all these distractions we have in the States. In that aspect, I was quite humbled and filled with respect for what these amazing people have. Secondly, I can easily see what we are missing in our American church services. The church services started around 10 and would finish when they finished (always after 12). The songs were simple and repeated to get you focused on God instead of figuring out the lyrics. Often songs (sung in Sotho) would simply be You are the highest sung again and again, for several minutes, with rhythm and harmony. Just beautiful. Sometimes the only instrument was a hand clap or a drum. No songs had more than 2 or 3 lines of lyrics and were just repeated so that you could get in the spirit of the service. Those songs would be followed by some testimonies of how people came to know God and sometimes just a praise of God. Following would be a few more songs, the offering, and the message. The offering would be taken up and counted at the front of the church during service so that it was done in front of the congregation. The message would be brought with a fire and love for the Word. There were a lot of Amens and Hallelujahs brought from the audience. There are certainly services and churches that do that now, but it seems were getting away from it and focusing more on what time we get out for lunch (Im as guilty of this as anyone). During the songs, people would stand and dance. Sometimes just swaying back and forth, sometimes a Follow-the-leader line dance (I participated often!). So my message to all of you is; remember the source of your Christian love and power. Dont be afraid to scream out about that love in church. Youre in a safe place, filled with fellow believers. We should be in church to build each other up. Who cares if someone wore the same shirt last week? Who cares if someone doesnt drive a nice car? We are there as fellow believers in Christ who died for our sins, was raised to Heaven and has made a place for His followers. I cant even begin to express the amount of love I have for each of you at this moment. You all have meant so much to me in my life, from moments of help when I needed it, prayer when I have asked and support when I was down. I will strive to be a better servant for Jesus and a better member of the community. You will not see near as many posts from me on Facebook. It is not because I have lost interest in all of you; quite the contrary. I will be focusing more on my spiritual growth. These petty fights in which I was involved mean so little in the grand scheme of spreading Gods Word. I am certain I will falter and fall, but I will strive to do better. I welcome your prayers in assisting in my growth and maturity in my Christian walk. I also welcome correction when I need it if you see me going a direction that you know is wrong. Finally, I want more than anything for everyone to accept Jesus into their heart. If you dont already have a personal relationship with Him, I would beg you to find a church to learn more. If you dont currently have a church, youre welcome to come to Ranger Baptist, my church family. If you are too shy or arent ready, you can ask someone that you know and respect who has proclaimed their love of Jesus. If you would like to talk with me, Ill do what I can to help you understand and give you the Biblical path to salvation. If you already know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, I would encourage you to pray fervently for a renewed strength and a renewed love. Often in our relationships, we get comfortable and into a routine. God doesnt want a routine. He WANTS you leaving your comfort zone to spread his Word. He WANTS you telling everyone about Him. It is your DUTY as a Christian to brings others to an eternal life in Heaven. Please follow me in starting today to make each and every day a better walk for Christ. I love you all and wish you all of Gods blessings. We have been so richly and undeservedly blessed in this country. Let us not take it for granted, but instead revel in all that God has done for us and share our wealth of knowledge and worldly gifts with those who need it. God bless you all!
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:10:44 +0000
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