From filthy rags to a golden crown

Since the fall, man has been in dire search for health and happiness. The divine judgment pronounced, “Thou shalt surely die”, was accompanied with a series of curses stating all labors and pains that man must endure all the days of his vain life. In search for an antidote that would relieve him from the painful curse and alleviate him to a better state of mind, man has resorted to every single means possible over the ages. While others cling to power, others still hold onto money and fame. But even worse, man would even dare take the lives of others whom he regards as a barrier to his health and happiness. The holocaust, the Rwandan genocide and the currently prevailing suicide attacks are but a few we can name.

King Solomon, whom we know to have had it all, conclusively denounces all our efforts to seek for joy and life. Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, he repeatedly labels such efforts as futile, calling them “vanity of vanities”. Perhaps, Solomon and most of us should have paid closer attention to his father’s (David) words. In Psalms 16:11, the old King explicitly states that in the presence of God, “there’s fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore”. The path of life is, therefore, found only in the presence of its source, the Almighty God. In Ps. 84:10,11 David writes, “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

It’s a lovely thought, isn’t it? - That in God’s presence there is joy, pleasures everlasting and all these good things but only for “those who walk uprightly”!!? I guess that last part of 84:11 didn’t come out so pleasantly for most of us, did it? Only the upright or righteous qualify for these goodies we spend so much of our time and effort chasing after. The problem is that none of us, in our sinful state, can even survive the presence of God. Next, we will look at God’s plan to restore us to His presence. What a wonderful God we serve!

Should I tithe on my Gross or Net (take home) salary?

Whether tithing (systematic benevolence), that is giving a tenth of one's income, is a Christian obligation or not, is not the question. The Bible, SOP and various authors have clearly pointed out to us the importance of this act of stewardship, which actually pre-dated the Israel priesthood, even in this 21st century Christendom. A list of links to these different sources of information is provided below. The all-bugging question is not "should we tithe?" but "how should we tithe?" In EGW's writings, the servant of the Lord didn't quite explain how one should tithe from our modern complex salary structures. If she did, it wasn't to detail, which is quite understandable considering the times in which she lived in. In the past, if your hen hatched ten chickens, you'd simply offer one for your tithe. My 96-year-old grandfather, a very strong Adventist (in fact first SDA of his tribe), was a farmer and used to tithe by counting the tenth row of every 10 rows of his coffee plantations.

But now, should a 21st century professional tithe from his basic salary (before the taxes, social funds, pension funds....) or should he/she tithe from his net salary? What Biblical principles govern either choice?

Tithing in the New Testament:

http://adventiststewardship.com/article.php?id=52
http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/Tithe-Theology-EGW.htm
http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/Gospel%20Finance.htm
http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/history-useoftithe.pdf

Condoms or Conduct? PART IV

(Commentator)
May I put my word to this debate. first I will react to some statements you have made.
1. You say the church has failed to address the question of how to conduct our selves in relationships. I think the biggest problem I have with that is that pipo who use that arguement are saying that they engage in pre-marital sex becoz they are not told clear cut guide lines by the church. That is irresponsible and foolish to say the least becoz, the church teaches what is in the bible and if we do what the bible says we will be saved, so i don't agree with the blame game. Everyone will be answerable to God and there will not be an excuse that the church is to blame for sexual immorality. Leg managemnet and self control(temperance) is the key. <( if you have two keep them together and if you have three keep one untill you are married)> this is consistent with bible wheither the church teaches this or not. The other thing is that we must also be involved in our lives and not wait for someone to just come and read out set rules of do's and don'ts, we must work together with the church becoz the youth consitiute the large part of the church so if we isolate ourselves from the church then we are in trouble.
On conduct the bible say's youth enjoy your youth and do mightly what you what your hands find to do, but remember all things will be brought to judgement. That must be the guide to conduct.

(Phil's Response)
Paul encourages fellowship in Hebrews 10:25 saying, " not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." It is clear from this text that Christian fellowship plays an important role in preparing us for Christ's second advent. Even though salvation is personal, we are told to "exhort one another". The Church is one platform where this "exhorting" takes place. No one can deny from this text that the Church (from its eldership, deaconship, lay and personal activities) plays an influential role in preparing souls for Christ's soon coming. And therefore, as much as we must each individually know and understand the righteous way, the Church (through its programs, teachings and activities) will guide us thereof.

(Commentator)
2.You said paul say's the only option to avoid "burning with passion" to get married. I tend to think that is malicious especially on the man of God. You seem to suggest to the youth that marriage is an escape to "burn with passion." I beg to differ and state here that paul is one of the post christ teachers who upheld and respected marriage and to just restrict marriage to only a sexual arrangment like you are putting it is unacceptable. Marriage is not an escape or relief valve to sexual pressure, it must be a Holy union of two pipo who will then show the character and image of Godthrough their interection, so please marriage in much much more than sex.

(Phil's Response)
I agree with you that marriage is much more than sex. But from the context of 1 Cor 7, it sounds to me like Paul has restricted marriage to only a sexual arrangement or rather as a result of "burning out of passion" or "behaving oneself uncomely toward one's virgin". In 1 Cor 7:33, 34 he says, "But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please [his] wife. There is difference [also] between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please [her] husband." And then he concludes in 1 Cor 7:38 that "So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth [her] not in marriage doeth better."

(Commentator)
Now coming to the issue of condom use, as a mode of contraception, and reduction of re-infection between married pipo with HIV and other STI's, condoms are another mode to help mitigate the after effects if pipo did not use them.So the married, and have health or family planing issues pliz if it is convinient use the condom.
You and me must know and condoms and other reprodcutive health issues becoz as we grow, our biological make up changes and hormones run around the body such that we want explanations to that, and so we must get the explanation by education.
<>
what would you say to some one who say's, christians(SDA's) have a high rate of abortion becoz they engage in unprotected sex. So they must be told that if they are to break the comandments they must use a condom and not do it and not resolting to have an abortion.

(Phil's response)

The sad truth is that Christians also have a high rate of HIV/AIDS infections. In Arab countries (such as Jordan), the HIV/AIDS infection rate is close to 0%. But the highly concentrated Christian community in sub-Saharan Africa suffers disgracefully. We need to dig deeper into the two religious cultures and figure out why the case is so.

Condoms or Conduct? PART III

Previously, we saw that those who object the teachings of condoms to the unmarried youth fear three things and these are: it may create in them the urge to experiment on them, some may misinterpret the church’s intention and somehow the church’s image may be put to question. Those for the move objected arguing that the church is not encouraging the use of condoms by educating their youth; knowledge of condoms cannot change behaviour and promiscuity is not just sexual intercourse but kissing, petting and the whole package.

The problem is “how” to remain in good conduct

I personally think that the whole condom/conduct controversy still exists because the Church has somehow failed on her part. We shouldn’t worry about condoms if people can conduct themselves well. The Church has focused on telling the youth to choose conduct instead of condoms but the Church has failed to teach the youth “how”. Yes, we opt for conduct but the question is how. And in such cases where the church has failed to setup counseling programs for their young people in relationships and youthful activities (games, outings, sports, evangelism, community service) that should keep the young people busy and focused, I wouldn’t object anyone who would stand up and teach the young people on the use of condoms – not with any intentions to encourage them to use them but rather with the intention to protect them.

Pre-marital Sex Unbiblical

I’m not really pro-condoms. Firstly, it’s because most of them are only 97% safe. Secondly, I believe they’re main use should be within the marriage where they function as contraceptives for birth control – and not STI prevention. This, I argue assuming both partners are faithful to each other and their God.

Extra and pre-marital sex is condemned Biblically left, right and centre. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality”. So, you may now ask me, “Doc Phil, if premarital sex is wrong and a couple happens to find themselves in a compromising situation, shouldn’t they use condoms?”

We’ve all probably heard of that famous expression, “burn out of passion”. We find it in 1 Cor 7:1-9 where Paul encourages young people to get married should they fail or struggle to exercise “self-control”. Paul, acknowledges the fact that two young people emotionally-involved may find themselves in compromising setup. Even if they don’t, as we stated earlier, according to Mat 5:28, lust is sexual immorality. They may not necessarily become sexually involved but if they lust for each other, they sin. Paul acknowledges this fact or possibility and rather, encourages these two young people sexually attracted to one another to get married a.s.a.p. Paul, in other words, prefers premature weddings to premarital sex. It is on these premises that I will build my arguments on the subject of condoms.

Marriage is still honourable

“Marriage is honourable above all things” (Heb 13:4). The problem with most of us today is that we’ve made our careers, our education, our businesses, our cars, our houses and our family affairs more important than marriage. Somehow, we’ve forgotten the sanctity of marriage. One commentator on my blog stated clearly that if you find yourselves “burning out of passion”, get married. It’s not time to discuss whether or not to use a condom. The problem with our society is that we’ve majored in minors. We’ve prioritized the tangibles, which perish instead of godliness which lasts forever. Marriage, in its sanctity, whether premature or timely, will protect the two individuals from the wrath of God.

I look at many young people who wish to marry but who are facing different socio-economic challenges. There’s the young man who’s been told that he cannot marry the lady whom he loves because he doesn’t have enough cash to pay for her lobola (dowry or mahali). Then there’s the young lady whose parents won’t support her postgrad education if she decides to get married. The poor young fellows have to sit back, burn with passion, but wait until their families give them the green light. I think its about time that the society, especially the church community changes the way we look at things. The pressing factor for getting married is passion (1Cor 7:9) and nothing is more honourable than marriage (Heb 13:4). He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD – Proverbs 18:22.

Condoms or Conduct? PART II

Some of you are wondering where this discussion started. Well, someone just popped the question after a nice Sabbath lunch with a group of young people. Immediately, the group was polarized – some for while others against the motion that the church teaches her unmarried young people on the use of condoms. I believe you’re all thinking… and what do you (Doc Phil) think about it!? Well, just hang in there… I’ll tell you right at the end of this post.

Those who were against the motion argued that if the church teaches the young unmarried youth on the use of condoms the following may happen:

1. Urge to Experiment

There was a general concern that some young people may see the green light to actually go and experiment on the use of condoms. Somehow, this will promote promiscuity. This may occur mostly with teenagers.

2. Misunderstanding Church’s intent

Some may misunderstand or misinterpret the Church’s intent. They may think that the Church is educating them on condoms “just in case they’re tempted to fall”.

3. Church image at stake

Naturally, people may not see this move positively. It may appear as if the church is promoting “sin” by teaching their young people on the use of condoms.

Those who were for the motion objected those who were against it by arguing that:

1. Education and Encouragement are two different things

Educating young people on the use of condoms is not the same thing as Encouraging them to use them. There are many people we know who are educated on contraceptives etc but they are not involved sexually.

2. The knowledge of condoms cannot change behaviour

People’s behaviour can hardly be influenced by knowledge. Sexually active youth will persist thus whether they are educated or not. The Church has not taught her youth on the use of condoms in sub-Saharan Africa yet the high HIV/AIDS stats (even within the church) suggest a sexually active youth.

3. Promiscuity is not just sexual intercourse

Promiscuity begins with the thought according to Matt 5:28. The church may decide not to teach her youth on the use of condoms but if they’re busy lusting one for another, they’re still committing adultery.

I have basically summarized the arguments that these young people had brought up. I agree and disagree with both sides in certain points. These together with my conclusion will be discussed in my second and hopefully, last post on this particular subject.

Condoms or just Conduct?

The polls (of which only 3 people participated) suggest that we are divided on the subject. Should the church teach the use of condoms to the unmarried young people? Some give the sharper, straight up NO while others refuse to object and yet, still more remain undecided. Those who object argue that if the church teaches the use of condoms, the church may consequently unwittingly encourage the youth to engage in pre-marital sexual acts. On the other hand, those who support the view disagree. For them, it doesn't matter whether or not the church teaches the use of condoms - the youth will engage in sexual practices irrespective if they are determined. And therefore, it's better and safer if the church just informs them on the right use of condoms to, at least, minimize their risks of being infected with HIV/AIDS. There is still a vast majority who remain uncertain as whether it is advisable or not for the church to teach her youth about the use of condoms.


Let us know what you think (by publishing your comments on this blog) and we will continue to explore both views and perhaps eventually come up with a Biblical, ethical and reasonable consensus...

ShareHIM

Dear friends,

Sorry for not publishing as I frequently do. We've been busy with a number of very important events including ShareHIM. You can view the official website for this worldwide project from http://global-evangelism.org/php/index.php.

Mikocheni SDA church (behind HKMU) is also hosting the event everyday from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. So, please come and enjoy the enriching presentations, songs, video clips etc. Karibuni sana.

God bless,

Phil

Watch the untamable!

Key text: James 3:3-10

In his time, James, the apostle, may have marveled at how easily man could tame and ride on a horse or guide a ship (against all fierce winds). Today, we marvel at how man could pilot an aeroplane or guide a rocket or a space ship into the atmosphere and right through into space. We marvel at how easily a teenager could learn to drive a van, how a 3-year-old could ride a bike. We can tame and teach our pets and even wild animals. Yet, despite all our great achievements in taming and controlling animals or electro-mechanical things, we find it difficult (if not impossible at times) to tame one little member of our body – the TONGUE. This small piece of meat wobbling back and forth between your teeth, with the sense of taste, is the most difficult element of the human body to control.

How many times do you think twice and wish you hadn’t said this or that? How many times do we lie or speak harshly to those we love? How many times do husbands depress their wives by failing to complement on their new hairstyle or a well-prepared meal? Or wives frustrate their husbands by not showing some verbal appreciation to their hard work or efforts to sustain the family? The vices of the tongue may be a result of something you said or something you didn’t say, which you should have said.

Strangely, as James put it, through the same tongue we curse and bless (James 3:6-10). The challenge is to avoid all malice that we can bring out by careless speech or words. In most cases, we find it easier to control the tongue at least once a week – at church. It could be because we become overcautious with what we speak or maybe it’s because we speak less at church and listen more to someone else sermonizing. I believe it’s more likely the case because we are conscious of God’s holy presence. But once we’re out and into our normal routines, we jest, we joke, we tease, we shout, we yell and say all the things we would have otherwise not said had we stayed alert and conscious of the presence of God. And Christ reminds us to be careful for “every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matt. 12:36).

David prayed that “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalms 19:14). This should be yours and my prayer every day and every hour.

Quench yo thirst!

Psalms 63:1
O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.

I remember during those high skul days (back in the late 90's) there used to be an Ad on TV showing an NBA player slam dunking and later relieving himself with a bottle of Sprite. The Ad was usually accompanied with the slogan, "Quench your thirst, drink Sprite!" And truly, most of us who were obsessed with the basketball game at that time would find ourselves in serious mode to use the beverage during every occasion that presented itself. Logically, it is healthier to drink water to quench one's thirst but it appeared to me that for most of us Sprite had overridden all rules and logic, being presented as the drink for all times so long as you're thirsty!

But better than Sprite, David tells of a different story. Very early one morning, the king wakes up and immediately takes a nature walk before he engages into his daily activities. It is the dry season at that time in the Palestine. As he crosses the streets of Bethlehem, through the large city gates and into the outer fields, David sees the shrinking shrubs, scattered trees with yellowish leaves and the barely grassy country. The thirsty king feels an emptiness within, an emptiness that transcends his immediate physical need and drives speedily into the spiritual realm. David realizes that even if someone were to offer him a cup of water, nothing more would satisfy him than being reassured that God is still with him. David learns that the lack of water could only lead him into dehydration, and possibly death if not refreshed. And his life would mean nothing when he goes into his grave. But with God, death (even resulting from dehydration) means nothing considering the promises of eternal life in His Holy presence, in the sweet by and by.

Like the thirsty king, we are called to re-connect to God. A deep personal assurance that "God, my God" hears my voice should be our daily prayer - for it satisfies better than Sprite or water in a dry and thirsty land. "Quench your thirst, seek the Lord your God!"

Makwerekwere (2)

Man, from the very beginning, showed one great weakness and that is, he cannot take responsibility. For his sin, Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the snake. There’s always a “scapegoat”. So, who is to blame for the violence taking place in the streets of Soweto? Who is the scapegoat? I am afraid this time the scapegoat is the “Zimbabwean, Somali, and Tanzanian” who are taking our jobs. “Why can’t they return to their own countries?” It is shameful for anyone to even begin to think that way. During the South African liberation struggle, the ANC camped at Mazimbu in Morogoro, Tanzania. We hosted them with love. They felt at home and even married some of our women and have left their children and families here with us. No one ever asked them to return to their own country and fight. If we ever did, it was after we had trained and equipped them – something Mbeki’s government has clearly failed to do for Zimbabweans over the past 7 years.

Such hostility and violence against “foreigners” or other “foreign social groups” dates back as far as 4000 years ago when the Egyptian pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill all Israelite male newborns as a means of controlling their mightily growing population (Exodus 1). Again, we have seen the holocaust against the Jews by Hitler during World War II, the genocide in Rwanda in ’94, and last year, the post-election violence in Kenya. These events are not new. And time and again, we repeat the same mistakes that others have made in the past. I appeal to my South African friends, at the individual level, to cease from the violence and embrace one another. Those who have committed such acts, please stop. And those who never did I beseech you to speak the truth to your brethren with love.

Makwerekwere

Xenophobia, chauvinism, racial intolerance, the dislike of foreigners or whatever you call it - is the last thing you want to experience especially if you’re not “the son of the soil”. I lived long enough in both Namibia and South Africa to witness, and at times become a victim of, xenophobia. In not less than three occasions was I confronted by some of my university colleagues who wanted to know exactly “if and when” I would return to my home country. It was evident to me, at least, that the motives behind their inquiries were not well-intended but rather served as a reminder to me that “you’re a foreigner and this is our country so kindly, go home!”

From the very first time I witnessed xenophobia, I could see dark days ahead. However, I always believed that the dark days of violence towards immigrants would first be seen in other countries apart from South Africa, such as Botswana, where foreigners are even openly and vocally tagged “makwerekwere”. I thought Botswana was far ahead on this extreme and would most likely react first. Clearly, I was wrong. Perhaps, another reason for my poor judgment is the fact that I have so many generous, hospitable and welcoming South African friends.

I stand to be corrected, but I believe that the natives who are fully enjoying the economic benefits of the present government have little to do with the ongoing violence we are witnessing. So the question arises: who exactly is responsible? It is the young and elderly people from the townships and all others who are financially constrained and struggling to survive on a daily basis. But wait a minute! Don’t we have the “low class” in other peaceful nations? Why haven’t they reacted? The answer is “expectations”. Before South Africa received her independence in 1994, many who took part in the liberation struggle were looking forward to a “better life” with great financial gains. The perpetrators we see today on TV either took part in the liberation struggle or saw their family and friends take part in it. Now, 18 years later, their hopes have turned futile.

Choir Day: Saturday, 17 May

Zion singing group

Aaron & Sipora

Dr. Phil

Mikocheni SDA choir

Choir Day: Saturday, 17 May

The Mikocheni SDA church choir is hosting a choir day on Saturday, 17 May 2008 in order to raise funds for its ministry and service. The event will take place at the Mikocheni SDA church (located behind the Herbert Kairuki Medical University) from 9.00am till 5.00pm in the afternoon. Cheerful and uplifting spiritual songs will be presented by the choir itself and many other singing groups throughout the day. Please, make an effort to attend and be blessed!

Dito's mysterious death: a divine judgment or...?

A former deputy minister and regional commissioner, Ukiwaona Ditopile Mzuzuri, has died. He died yesterday morning at Hilux Hotel in Morogoro, where he was on a business tour. A lot of questions have been raised with regards to his unexpected death. Were the divine forces at work to judge the man who, to many common citizens (wananchi), appeared to have it all easy-going with the manslaughter charges he was facing? (The manslaughter charges were in connection with the fatal shooting of a commuter bus (daladala) driver in Dar es Salaam on November 4, 2006.)

No one can tell what went through Dito's mind when he pulled that trigger last year and took away the life of that young man. Was it unintentional or was it determined and driven by pride? Manslaughter or murder? We're told in Ps. 68:5 that "a father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, [is] God in his holy habitation." With this in mind, many are compelled to ask whether or not God took upon Himself vengeance to ensure that justice prevails even amidst a corrupted and unjust society? Only God, who reads the hearts of men, really knows! We neither have the prerogatives nor the authority to judge the late Ditopile's tragedy as a divine punishment or not. For even if it was murder, who knows whether this man had reconciled with his God? But his death certainly leaves us all with a very important lesson to embrace. And that is: neither money, nor power nor influence can buy you life.

King Nebucadnezzar spent 7 years in the wilderness living as a beast among the beasts of the wild, before he learned that his magnificent kingdom could not afford him the life nor respect that he desired - none but God. King Herod Agrippa in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, having exalted himself above the Most High, was consumed by worms . These men, and many more learned this all-important lesson from experience. And you and I reading this blog today have the opportunity to learn from them. So, what should we do? If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (Rom. 12:18). Your love for those around you and your love for God will earn you not just a happy and peaceful life here on earth, but also assurance of your inheritance in the world to come.

No fear!

How could this young man play around with a live serpent? "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me" Phil 4:13.

Even the most poisonous and the most deadly serpent in the wilderness can be tamed. Nothing is impossible. As a friend of mine usually puts it, "even the word impossible says I-M-POSSIBLE". But the question is why do we often find ourselves fearful, distressed and despondent? When the serpents of an examination, financial crisis, joblessness, divorce, childlessness, disease and even death come sneaking into your home do you faint or to you stand firm? Which takes precedence: fear or faith?

Remember that if the most poisonous snakes can be tamed, God can tame your snakes of life too. Under the Shadow of the Almighty, you can rest assured that His grace is sufficient for you.

Entrepreneurship in the Christian Context

Executive Summary
(please, email phidza@gmail.com for the Powerpoint presentation)

Key text: Eccl. 11:1-6

Entrepreneurship - is the practice of starting new organizations or revitalizing mature organizations, particularly new businesses generally in response to identified opportunities.

Advantages:

1. Self-employment offering more job satisfaction and flexibility of workforce
2. Employment for others, often better jobs
3. Development of more industries, especially in rural areas or regions disadvantaged by economic changes, for example due to globalisation effects
4. Encouragement of the processing of local materials into finished goods for domestic consumption as well as for export
5. Healthy competition thus encourages higher quality products
6. New markets
7. Development of entrepreneurial qualities and attitudes among potential entrepreneurs to bring about significant changes in the rural areas
8. Emigration of talent may be stopped by a better domestic entrepreneurship climate
9. Income generation and increased economy (i.e personal financial gain)
10. Competition -> Intellectual stimulation -> Development & Income -> THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE GOSPEL WORK

Qualities of an Entrepreneur

1. Courageous (takes risks)
2. Enthusiastic
3. Strategic
4. Persistent
5. Determined
6. Positive
7. Decisive
8. Patient

Is Entrepreneurship Biblical? Matt. 25:14-30.

King Solomon – an Entrepreneur. 1 Kings 9:26-28, 1 Kings 10:14,15

Matters of Consideration

1. Diligence (Prov. 6:6-11, Prov. 20:13, Prov. 24:30-31)
2. Honesty (Prov.13:11, Prov. 15:27)

So, as far as Stewardship is concerned, what is Entrepreneurship really about?

Entrepreneurship is about maximizing your time, talents and treasures for the benefit of all…

“The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.” Prov 11:26

The Industry lacks integrity and therefore, the Church needs Entrepreneurs to fill in the gaps:

“The greatest want of the world is the want of men-- men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.” --Ellen G. White, Education pg.57

The Church needs Entrepreneurs in the following industries:

- Media and Publishing

- Food industry

- Engineering (IT & Construction)

- Legal

- Humanities (ADRA, HIV-AIDS etc etc)

- Education

- ….and many more!!!

Concluding remarks:

“Commit your works to the LORD and your thoughts will be established.”

Prov. 16:3

THISDASO mini-retreat Morogoro

Dear all,

Over the Easter weekend I was blessed to attend the THISDASO (Tanzanian High Institutions' Seventh-day Adventist Students' Organization) mini-retreat. There were delegates from the Dar zone, Morogoro zone as well as Dodoma zone. We had a variety of programs and speakers. Some of the discussions/presentations are summarized below:

Friday 21^st March, 2008 (07:00am)

Jesus is the Way by Pr. Matinyi (Chaplain, THISDASO Eastern Zone)

Proverbs 14:12, John 14:16

Pastor Matinyi reminded us that there is a “way” that seems right before our eyes but leads to destruction. As humans, we are normally inclined to making choices that destroy us but we can never err if we opt for Christ. Should Christ be the center of every thought and every path we choose to take, we are bound for eternal life.

Friday 21^st March, 2008 (09:00am)

COURTSHIP (I) by Pastor Matinyi

“Life is about making choices and thereafter living with the consequences”. This was Pastor Matinyi’s key quote. During this discussion, we learned about different maternal and fraternal tendencies that either a man or a woman can possess and how they affect their behaviors. We learned for example that a man with “hyper fraternal tendencies” regards his wife as a child and would most likely physically abuse her (beat her). On the contrary, a man with “hyper maternal tendencies” regards his wife as his mother. He remains very loyal and obedient while the woman with the same tendencies would treat him as his child.

During this discussion, we also examined the reasons for which men and women seek for a permanent relationship (marriage). Men normally look for companionship, a home, children and finally a sexual relationship. In the descending order of importance, women seek for secure love, a sustained relationship, sexual fulfillment and lastly children.

When seeking for a life-partner, it is important to ask yourself “whether he/she would be the right person to be the father/mother of your children – socially, spiritually & economically (if it is relevant)?”

Friday 21^st March, 2008 (12:30pm)

Who will go to heaven? By Pr. Matinyi

Psalms 15:1-5 answers the question. But most importantly, we were exhorted to choose our peers carefully. “Birds of the same feather, flock together”.

Friday 21^st March, 2008 (06:30pm)

I MUST TELL JESUS by Dr. Malago

Why must I talk to Jesus? How can I talk to Jesus? Once again, through his richly academic style of presentation, Dr. Malago tackled these questions. Key texts were 1 Chronicles 21 and Eph 1:15-17.

Sat 22^nd, March 2008 (11:20am)

Habits Vs Experience by Pr. Gagi (Chairman, Eastern Conference Tanzania)

Key texts: Numbers 20:1-13, Ex 17:1-7

Moses developed the “habit” of hitting the rock to supply water. Instead of obeying God’s direct command to “speak to the rock”, Moses resolved to his old habit and as a result he was forbidden to enter Canaan.

The Lord, in His mercy, still supplied the children of Israel with water on that day. Had He not done so, Moses would have probably been stoned by the thirsty and angry mob - especially after insulting them.

After this occasion, Moses’ actions were thereafter led by his experience that hearkening to God’s word is crucial. Moses learned that God has different ways of yielding the same results and to pay attention to His Word at every moment is more important that to turn to the “traditional way of doing things”.

OTHER PROGRAMS

During the retreat we also had other programs such as a health talk on HIV-AIDS and nutrition, sports and games, a talent night show on Sunday evening and a tour to the rocky mountains and Motko. I took the following pic at the Rock Gardens. The next retreat will involve delegates from the entire East African region and this year it will take place at Baraton University in Kenya during the christmas season. Please, do not miss! YWHW bless

Psalm 35:3 - tis a devotion that inspired my heart!... Akhsante Amani!

Psalm 35:3
Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.

What does this sweet prayer teach me? It shall be my evening's petition; but first let it yield me an instructive meditation. The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation," if he were not sometimes exercised with doubts and fears? Let me, then, be of good cheer, for I am not the only saint who has to complain of weakness of faith. If David doubted, I need not conclude that I am no Christian because I have doubts.

The text reminds me that David was not content while he had doubts and fears, but he repaired at once to the mercy-seat to pray for assurance; for he valued it as much fine gold. I too must labour after an abiding sense of my acceptance in the Beloved, and must have no joy when His love is not shed abroad in my soul. When my Bridegroom is gone from me, my soul must and will fast.

I learn also that David knew where to obtain full assurance. He went to his God in prayer, crying, "Say unto my soul I am thy salvation." I must be much alone with God if I would have a clear sense of Jesus' love. Let my prayers cease, and my eye of faith will grow dim. Much in prayer, much in heaven; slow in prayer, slow in progress. I notice that David would not be satisfied unless his assurance had a divine source.

"Say unto my soul." Lord, do Thou say it ! Nothing short of a divine testimony in the soul will ever content the true Christian. Moreover, David could not rest unless his assurance had a vivid personality about it.

"Say unto mysoul, I am thy salvation." Lord, if Thou shouldst say this to all the saints, it were nothing, unless Thou shouldst say it to me. Lord, I have sinned; I deserve not Thy smile; I scarcely dare to ask it; but oh! say to my soul, even to my soul, "I am thy salvation." Let me have a present, personal, infallible, indisputable sense that I am Thine, and that Thou art mine.

YWHW bless!

Gigantic Reptiles!

Dinosaurs have caught the attention of many scientists - Paleontologists in particular. Hundreds, if not thousands, of books, journals and articles have been written about these Gigantic Reptiles. In most dedicated institutions of learning you may even find their skeleton structure in place for display. Many are curious to find out when these animals came into being and how they became extinct. For the Bible students, these enormous beasts were created by God Himself in the beginning but were most likely destroyed by the flood (Job 41:1, Ps 74:14 & Isa 27:1). Post Noah's ark, there is no record of their continual existence. The question is why were they destroyed? Why didn't Noah keep any of these species in the ark? Will we ever see them again - even in the new creation?

Faith...Reloaded!

Luke 18:8: Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Faith, which is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen (Heb 11:1), is one of the rarest/scarcest commodities in the world today. In almost every arena of this life, people have lost “faith”. People have simply “lost heart” and given up. But can we truly blame them? Looking at the world’s current devastating condition, one is tempted to quit fighting the battle against evil.

Marital instability resulting from adultery, fraud, dishonest living and eventually leading to divorce is showing increasingly devastating stats. A sociodemographic study was conducted at Kisesa, a rural area in Tanzania. Among 118 male respondents the most common reason was unfaithfulness of their partner (55% of men said so), followed at a distance by lack of love (16%), infertility (6%), alcoholism of the wife (6%), and no payment of bride price (5%). Among 314 female respondents, alcoholism of the husband (38%), lack of love (31%), unfaithfulness (27%), and violence (24%) were the most common reasons for divorce, followed by non-payment of bride price (7%) and infertility (3%). (See http://sti.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/78/suppl_1/i97)

Parents have given up on their children. Can or will my 16 year old son ever recover from drug and alcohol abuse? How about sexual immorality? How about my 12 year old brother facing the challenges of peer pressure? These are but a few things which have caused today’s parents to lose faith and hope.

In the public grounds, civil and political leaders have lost faith and direction. The people have lost faith in them too. Corruption in the public services, civil and political wars and conflicts in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Middle East and even lately, the turmoil in Tanzania – all point to this awful truth.

At the workplace, employers have lost faith in their employees and employees can hardly believe a word their employers say. We live in that day and time when “word of mouth” is insufficient. Everything must be clearly stated in a written contract lest one party decides to exploit the other.

Can we trust our brethren in the Lord? On January 9^th, 2008 a gang of four Seventh-day Adventist men in London conned their fellow believers into giving them millions of pounds (about £3.2 million) to invest, which they then spent on luxury flats, holidays and cars. (See http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article3155997). As we speak, the trial continues. The saddest part of the story is that even church members cannot have a little faith in one other. You would be interested to know that among these con men, were deacons!

Can we trust in our ministers, pastors and clergymen?

A story is told of three pastors who went to the pastor convention and were all sharing one room. The first pastor said, "Let's confess our secret sins one to another. I'll start - my secret sin is I just love to gamble. When I go out of town, it's cha-ching cha-ching, let the machines ring."

The second pastor said, "My secret sin is that I just love to drink. When I go out of town, I like to take a little nip of something."

The third pastor said, "My secret sin is gossiping and I can't wait to get out of this room!"

In all the countries that I have been blessed to visit or see, I have heard stories of a pastor or church leader misusing and abusing the church funds or fornicating and committing adultery or at least one case of a church leader gossiping, backbiting and slandering fellow church members. In some congregations, the situation is so intense that churches begin to split or members decide to leave. Some even give up their faith completely!

We can lose our faith in our parents. We can lose our faith in our children. We can lose our faith in our employers, employees, political leaders, fellow brethren at church and even our pastors, BUT nothing frightens me more than to see man lose faith in God. Faith in God, according to the apostle Paul, requires one to “believe that He is” and secondly to “believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (See Heb 11:6). Sad enough, modern science and modern education systems even go to the extent of disputing His very existence. The remaining who believe in His omnipresence doubt His promises to provide them with answers to their prayers. They doubt His Word. Spiritual darkness has covered the earth and gross darkness the people. There are in many churches skepticism and infidelity in the interpretation of the Scriptures.

Many, very many, are questioning the verity and truth of the Scriptures. Human reasoning and the imaginings of the human heart are undermining the inspiration of the Word of God, and that which should be received as granted, is surrounded with a cloud of mysticism. Nothing stands out in clear and distinct lines, upon rock bottom. This is one of the marked signs of the last days. {1SM 15.2}

In a church with over 500 registered members, less than 100 return their tithes and offerings faithfully. Less than 100 contribute earnestly to the building funds and we are tempted to ask why.

A preacher announced from the pulpit," I have good news and bad news. The good news is we have enough money to retire the mortgage on the church."

A sigh of relief went through the congregation.

The preacher continued: "the bad news is: the money is still in your pocket."

Why do we hold onto our pockets so tightly? Have we lost our faith in the WORD of God?

Mal 3:10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the LORD of hosts,

“ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.

But only few believe that the LORD will truly keep His promises today and pour out His blessings such as they cannot contain. Only a handful still have faith that if they “cast their bread upon the waters, they will find it after many days” (Eccl 11:2). Friends, God, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord is faithful (1 Cor 1:9).

When the Son of Man returns, He will find faith, not because we have laboured for it but because He is faithful. He has never given up on us and we ought to take heart and refuse to give up on Him. Multitudes from every nation, tribe, people and tongue will stand before Him that day. Yes, multitudes “which no one can number” will proclaim that “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And when the angels fail to sing their song of Moses and the Lamb, the elders will ask “who are these arrayed in white robes and where did they come from?... “These are they, which came out of the great tribulation.” These are they who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. These are they whom the Son of Man has found with faith in their God for they ceased not to call upon His name day and night. Therefore, do not lose heart. Keep pressing on and He will find you with faith when He returns to take us home!

Our Cabinet Dissolved... but is there anything really new?

Tanzanian politics have taken a sharp turn over the past week when the ex-PM, implicated by a Parliamentary probe of a corruption scandal, was forced to resign leading to the dissolution of the entire cabinet of ministers by President JK. In my whole life, I had never seen the wananchi (citizens) so keen and interested to know the proceedings and discussions taking place in the Parliament as they did last week. Hundreds and thousands of people were walking around with their radios turned on. Others crowded in small public places, pubs and restaurants to watch the legislators present their cases. This must serve as a reminder to our leaders that our sustenance and well-being, as a people, is within their hands. The endless discussions and small-talks in the public and private places are undisputed evidence that "the people are concerned" and are a wake-up call to the MPs and our leaders in general to become more accountable and act more responsibly in their duties.

Today, the situation was more or less the same as the President announced the new cabinet. Once again, thousands of people were glued to their TV anxious to hear the "new names". But this made me think again: Is there anything really new? New faces, new names, new structures with less ministers, new... but the same "mindset", unless God takes first place in their hearts. In times like these when men are "lovers of their own selves... and lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God" (c.f 2 Tim 3:1-7), it is highly unlikely that a new cabinet will resolve all our problems. Unless these new officers realize and acknowledge, like king Nebucadnezzar of old (Dan 4:37), that God is ultimately the ruler of everything and the One who has given them power and authority, we are bound to go around through the same shame only to see another corruption deal uprooted ten years down the line.

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Romans 13:1

Muted Mary (3): Gender and Discipleship

The last Adult Sabbath School quarterly has fueled this discussion in a very spectacular way. I had intended to post something different today but because of the “unanswered and yet challenging” questions that were raised in our SS class yesterday, I was compelled to write this third, and hopefully the last, post on the subject. You may access this past week’s quarterly from http://www.absg.adventist.org/Teachers.htm.

The author of this quarterly rightly admits that women played a crucial role in the ministry of Jesus here on earth. The author affirms this by stating that “women were, one way or another, intimately involved in Christ’s ministry, even from the start”. But the question we are tempted to ask is “to what extent?” Although Jesus did have many female disciples, not even one woman was numbered with the twelve. Why? The roller-coasting mass of questions doesn’t end there but takes us back into the Old Testament era. Why did God choose men to serve as priests and not women? Was this a cultural or a theological move? I believe it is important that we thoroughly study and understand God’s original intentions with regards to Gender roles and the degree to which Christ conformed to the social norms of the time and place He lived in.

One member in my class suggested that we examine the writings of Dr. Pipim on the subject (http://drpipim.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=46). There are a few questions that intend to bring to your attention having read this article.

Male Dominance: God’s Original Plan?

I agree with Dr. Pipim that the husband is explicitly declared to be the head of his wife by Paul according to Eph.5:23. However, is this headship a part of God’s original plan or a result of sin? (c.f Gen 3:16). Lest you are tempted to justify the view that this was God’s original plan because Paul was inspired as he wrote, I must warn you that the same Paul in a number of occasions also, through the same inspiration, urges slaves to obey their masters (c.f Col 3:22). Was it ever God’s plan that some should become slaves and others should become their masters? Certainly not! Just because Paul urges some bondservants to obey their masters, doesn’t simply imply that God intended there to be masters and slaves, employers and employees. Similarly, just because Paul urges wives to submit to their husbands, does not necessarily imply that it was God’s original plan that one should be above the other.

Another argument used by many sincere friends to support the view that Adam’s headship preceded the fall is that “Adam was created first”. I am somewhat afraid to use this argument because chicken, fish, goats and cows were all “created first” before Adam. In fact, it appears to me that the order of creation from the first day to the last follows a pattern of increasing beauty and dominion. According to Genesis 1:26-28, God gave “them” (both male and female), dominion over all the earth, having created them both in His own superb image.

Male-Dominated Levitical Priesthood: Change of Law?

Dr. Pipim rightly states that the priesthood in the Old Testament was specifically given to the Levite men and has in many words justified the exceptional cases where some non-Levites appeared to have been involved with the priestly ministry. What Pipim calls the “Priesthood of all Believers” is exactly what I refer to as God’s original plan, which somewhat lost its direction due to Israel’s rebelliousness (Ex 19:5,6; Ex 32:26-28; Ex 38:21; Num 1:47-51) but then which God Himself has restored in the New Testament and this time with Christ Himself as the High Priest (1 Pet 2:9). Yes, at some point in time God chose the “Levite men” to become priests. While most brethren have a problem with “women” to substitute “men” in that phrase, we must not forget that the Jewish Christians had a problem with substituting “Judah” for “Levite” in the same phrase. This is evidently seen in Paul’s writings to the Hebrews where Paul heavily justifies Christ’s antitypical priesthood. The Jewish Christians could not understand how Christ, who was not a Levite, could become the “High Priest”. Christ seemed to have transcended all social and religious norms, something which the Jews could never comprehend. Paul used the story of Melchizedek (Heb 7:11-17) to justify his cause. In the same text of Hebrews, Paul states that “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law” (vs 12). Could it be that this change, which marked the end of the male-dominated levitical priesthood on earth, bring us to a new era where “both men and women” are anointed of God to serve Him to their fullest capacity? (c.f Joel 2:27,28).

YWH bless!

The Lord is My Shepherd

Dear all, I thought I should share this cartoon obtained from thebackpew.com. Have a blessed week!

Muted Mary (Part 2)

I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank you for visiting this blogspot and for your invaluable contributions to the ongoing discussion. Our first post addressed the issue of Muting Mary (forbidding or not permitting ladies to preach at church). This post generated a number of responses but it also ignited some of your minds to ask some rather very challenging questions. Some of these questions have raised more issues which I will briefly discuss in this second article.

Relevance of this subject

One reader questioned why this subject (Gender roles in the church) is more hotly debated today than it was 2000 years ago. In my personal opinion, the answer lies so much in what I would like to call “Social Dynamics”. Even though God’s moral standards remain constant, our human social interactions and attitudes have dynamically changed over the years and, whether for better or for worse, we will not stop changing. Marriage, for example, is taken less sacredly today than it was then (especially in the West). Other practices or cultural norms currently under question include, but are not limited to, circumcision, lobola (dowry), and distribution of one’s wealth as an inheritance to children (biases between male and female children). Therefore, it is not surprising why, especially in this post-modern era, one should question the issue of Gender roles in the church or elsewhere.

Culturally Influenced Demographics?

In most cases the Bible writers include little or no details regarding the number of women and children at different settings and events. I defer from making the conclusion that this has any spiritual or religious implications but rather attribute it to the cultural setting at which our authors write. In the Jewish culture, the men were the only ones counted. But the resulting statistics somewhat served as a sample for the general population. I would like to believe that because of the huge number of women and children present, it was easier to count the men and then estimate the total number of attendees.

Ordination of Women

Modern critics, historicists and commentators may tell us that Mary Magdalene was the 13^th apostle but our Bibles tell us that only 12 (actually 11 excluding Judas) were known as the apostles. Christ had 70 disciples (Luke 10:1) and He called the 12 to become the apostles (Luke 6:13). He called 12 “Men” to become His apostles. And this has rightly become a matter of concern to most if not all of us. Was Christ’s choice based on Cultural or on Theological grounds? If cultural, then this discussion ends right here. But if theological, another question is raised and that is “Why can’t women become apostles?”

In the Old Testament we find men serving as priests. Again, was this theological or cultural? I find it hard to believe that women couldn’t have performed this priestly function considering that initially, God had called the entire nation of Israel to become His priesthood over all the earth (Ex. 19:5,6). In the end, because of their loyalty after the Golden Calf saga, the Levite men were chosen of all the 12 tribes to serve in the Sanctuary (Ex 32:26-28, Ex 38:21, Num 1:47-51). But before the Sinaitic Covenant, the entire Israel (men and women) were called to become God’s treasured priests on earth.

In the New Testament, Peter calls us God’s “royal priesthood” in 1 Pet 2:9. The question is: does this exclude women? If we insist that women cannot become priests, then Peter’s audience did not include them at all.

Another reason why I believe that women could serve as priests was the fact that they could serve as prophetesses and judges. An excellent example is Deborah (Judges 4:4). Prophets performed many priestly functions such as mediating for God’s people (Ex 32, Dan 9). The prophets and the judges would also anoint the succeeding kings and officiate in their marriage ceremonies. This is why I find it hard to understand how women cannot be theologically justified to become ordained and perform wedding services, baptism etc.

Please, feel free to share your insights and comments regarding the subject. For issues such as this, which are neither black nor white, submission or cultural conformity is the only reasonable thing to do (1 Cor 9:19-23).

Muted Mary

I have observed that in quite a number of churches I have attended, at least here in Dar, women are denied either the right or the opportunity to preach or even serve during the Divine services on Sabbath mornings. The situation has raised a number of concerns among members of whom some I have personally interacted with.


The question as to whether or not women should stand on the pulpit, preach or even become ordained is probably as old as the church but more hotly debated in more conservative cultures, whether Asian, European or African. In the church manual, the Adventist church has explicitly stated her stance on the matter. The only factor that stands between anyone (male or female) and the pulpit is commitment - members of the church in regular standing (See Church Manual pages 96 and 98). This, however, may not always be acceptable in societies which strongly view the man as the lead- or superior- figure in the community.

Culture, I believe, plays a very crucial role in determining how we run our homes, businesses and even churches. However, where people from different multiple cultures intermingle or interact, one and only one common culture, acceptable by all groups, ought to rule for the sake of peace and harmony. In the Christian community, the Bible is used as the standard of thought, which makes it impossible for me to write this article without commenting on the teachings of the Holy Scripture.

Paul, in 1 Cor 14:34,35, doesn't sound like the kind of guy who would listen to Joyce Meyer, Mama Rwakatale or Ellen White strike a powerful sermon at church during the Divine service, does he? And many who support the idea of Muting Mary quickly employ this text to aid their views! To use this text against female evangelists, teachers and preachers without exploring the historical, geographical and cultural context in which Paul was writing, is a great disservice. Biblically, the most successful evangelist was the Samaritan woman (Jn 4:1-39). The Good News was first preached by Mary Magdalene, a woman (Jn 20:11-18). If Christ saw it fit to highly honour these women, who are we to stop our sisters today from sharing what the Lord has revealed to them?

Roles between men and women may differ in the church just as they may differ in our homes. As Pr. Ben Mwamba stated, "men are best as General managers and women are best as Operational managers". But as much as this is may be true in many respects, the commission to preach the Gospel knows no tribe, race and gender. Muted Mary must become the missionary who first preached of the resurrection of Jesus to some 11 men (the apostles), who were hiding in the upper room. Muted Mary must become the Missionary at home, in the church and community at large.

YWH bless!