In the last couple of weeks, we’ve been writing and texting back and forth to our village church planting coordinator in Mozambique. A scheduled pastor training conference didn’t go so well with one of our key trainers rallying others around him against others at the conference and he has apparently been an instigator of some of the unrest going on in our established churches. To top it all off, it is alleged that he attempted to have the final paperwork for our training center land registered in his personal name rather than the name of the church denomination. The conference ended in disarray and two of the national leaders took the problem to the National Assembly who took disciplinary action against the leader. It is tragic; it is heart breaking; it is shocking; it is simply sad. We had put so much faith and trust in this individual and were looking to him for leadership into the future. From what I am hearing however, I am not certain that the fallen leader has truly been given ‘his say’ and perhaps that is a cultural thing where with me I like to think the accused needs to be able to face his accusers. There are always two sides to a story and we need both sides to learn how to improve in times of relational failure, with a goal of reconciliation. We have prayed; we have shed tears; we have tried to provide counsel but in the end we are all subject to the choices that we make and the consequences that they bring.
So, while we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called by him, sometimes the path can be rocky and painful as we are shaped and molded into His image. But in the end we can have peace for He is in control and He will certainly accomplish His plans, with us or without us.
The church planting work is progressing and a new work is developing between Gurué and Milange and we are thankful for the continuing moving of God’s Spirit in Mozambique and look forward to returning in what is not so very far off now.
As I read the news and sometimes peruse the comments on various stories in the news, I cannot help but be taken aback by the raw hate and ill-will voiced in the comments. In our own country, it seems we are becoming entirely polarized into hate groups as people strive to justify their own views; we are incapable of extending grace to those who walk a different path. It is as if a great evil is again arising across the world and the world is hungry for someone, for anyone, to come and provide some assurance that personal peace and affluence can be retained or gained, however that looks in whatever culture. It seems that times of great darkness come before times of great blessing. But, the Bible teaches us that we cannot find peace when our focus is on ourselves - it just doesn’t happen.
Maybe that is why Jesus said “I am the light of the world” for he knew that times of great darkness would fall upon man as he fell into the wisdom of his own madness. What other hope is there absent of relationship with the One who loves us so much? Where else can we find the light of hope?
As I write, there is a great darkness coming over the mountain with tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in the forecast. We have had wave after wave of such storms over the past few months. A precursor to the darkness of the times. This day has brought so much pain and suffering to so many and our hearts grieve.
There is an urgency in the air. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
Dave & Ann
“The city (the new Jerusalem) does not need the sun or the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God gives it light...Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me and will give to everyone according to what he has done...Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life...” Rev. 21:23 and 22:12,17
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