Reformation!

Reformation!!
Wow!! What an amazing three days of training with leaders form Samfya area churches! God has been preparing hearts and enabling these people to receive and desire truth. We have worked through the entire booklet on eldership over many sessions, through principles of giving, youth ministry, music , expository preaching, men’s and women’s roles, marriage, church discipline, plus teaching through Revelation 2:1-7, 2 Timothy 1:6-10 & 3:16-17 and fielded what has seemed like an endless barrage of questions. The people have been like sponges soaking in truth!!

The comments I have received from some people is that they are wanting reformation and the teaching has helped them towards making significant changes in how they approach church ministry and life in general. It has been very humbling to witness all this going on. It has not been all plain sailing however. One particularly difficult person had much to say and concluded that African culture just cannot change. To say my response was forthright is very much an understatement - I had total liberty to address the Majestic character of God who is in the business of changing people for His glory and has all the power to do it. The response from the people was loud and supportive. I think they are tired of hearing excuses for poor behaviour under the guise of culture.

I started off this morning’s teaching saying “natotela pali iyi inshita eyo twasambilila ichebo ca kwa Lesa.” That is “thank you for the privilege of coming to share God’s Word.” Indeed it is a privilege and it has been exciting to see God’s Word powerfully work in the hearts and lives of His children. Thank you for your prayers that I am sure have helped in bringing clarity and opening hearts. Keep praying for the Conference in Mambalima next week, where thousands will be meeting for the major Bemba conference and I have the responsibility to teach on Christian marriage.