Hungry Hearts – Feed Them The Word!

Well this afternoon was elective time and I was expected to give time for interaction and feedback. We tried that for the first 10 minutes, however with a couple of thousand or more people in an elective that is fairly hard. We ditched that plan and I taught on the role of an elder – what should an elder do? I was blown away by the response and desire from these people to hear God’s Word. Notebooks were out, people were constantly writing. They were devouring the Word of God and its explanation – they are hungry to hear truth explained and as I talked with the Bible School staff later we reflected on the lack of depth that happens in the teaching in many churches here.

Praise God for his work in these dear saints. We have been able to leave each church represented at the conference with two translated copy of John MacArthur's small booklet on Elders. The Bible School staff translated this resource as it covers so many necessary areas for these rural churches to grapple with and will reinforce the teaching from today's session.

After this meeting it was a joy to see many school teachers come and visit with the Bible School staff as they promoted the new training initiative for teachers in their holiday breaks starting in 2013. These people were keenly interested in taking in teaching that will equip them for further ministry in their local churches. Pray that this new initiative will really impact lives! At the same time a troop of kids came singing up the track having just had a Sunday School sessions.

I wish I could convey all the sights and smells and experiences of being in this huge throng of humanity (they report 18,000 people - maybe a little inflated but it is packed). It is alive with joy in Christ. There are more challenges than you could imagine with various ministries desiring help. Life in Christ is such a blessing and these people are rejoicing in this life and also desiring to learn so much more. What a privilege to see Samfya Bible School play such a significant role in the teaching and focus of this event. Please pray that even more students will be identified for the coming years so that the church here will be strengthened and grow.

Tomorrow I head to Mansa to have my visa extended and then I head home to Samfya. Next week I will teach the Bible School students through 1 & 2 Timothy. As always your prayers are valued, and thank you for the regular feedback coming through.