Life for Dry Bones

Imagine walking through a valley where lifeless bones are strewn about. Sounds kind of eerie and scary, doesn’t it? In Ezekiel 37, the Lord led him through such a place. Back…and forth… so he’d see just how many dry bones were all around. Then the Lord asked him “Can these bones live?” and Ezekiel didn’t know the answer. “Sovereign LORD”, he replied, “you alone know.” That’s when God told him and showed him that if he spoke out God’s Word Ezekiel could bring life himself. There is power and life in the Word of God, and we’re called to proclaim it.

This past Sunday Pastor Abram and I attended Pastor Shadrack’s church service. Pastor Shadrack is active in our Enrich program, working hard to grow as a leader and lead his church well. (In this picture are Pastors Shadrack, Abram and David).

As Pastor Shadrack taught from the story of Ezekiel, I was gripped by what it means for us here and now. There are dry, lifeless bones all around us – people suffering and struggling in different ways. Sickness, pain, poverty, addiction, abuse, hopelessness…spiritual and physical death.

Isaiah 61:1-3+ says the Lord has anointed me (you, us) to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom to captives, and to comfort those who mourn – basically to speak life to the lifeless.

Pastor Shadrack encouraged his church to reach out in Qwa Qwa. Please pray for them as they do. And please pray for me also, as sometimes the needs seem so overwhelming I can lose perspective on what God has called and equipped me to do – proclaim the life-giving Word of God.

Gods Vision for His Church

The Lord has an incredible vision for His Church, with each local church having a unique and instrumental role to play. That’s why it was such an exciting blessing to teach local pastors in our recent workshop - “Achieving God’s Vision for Your Church.”

As I prepared, I gobbled up advice from Bill Hybels in his book “Courageous Leadership.” It’s a great book! One that I read long ago, but I’m re-reading with new eyes as I try to help local African pastors put sound leadership principles into practice.

Bill defined vision as “a picture of the future that produces passion”. Both components are critical. While the picture of the future reflects where you are going, passion fuels the action needed to get there. Vision is the most powerful tool a leader has. Vision is what unleashes the power of the local church.

During the workshop we trained pastors in how to define and communicate vision, maximize their receptivity in hearing from God, and then turn their God-gifted vision into action through strategic plans and measureable goals.

Plans, metrics, and goals…Oh, my!

Someone once told me that they didn’t want to run their ministry too much like a business, and I’ve often wondered myself if this is possible. How much is too much? Especially when working with rural churches that are significantly smaller and less resourced than churches like Willow Creek and Kensington Community, or companies like Ford, Chrysler, and GM.

Along those same lines, Bill reflected on the following questions. “With our emphasis on leadership are we at risk of strategically planning the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit right out of the church? Or can and should church leaders learn from the best leadership minds and best practices in order to do God’s work with excellence?”

I loved his answers! Answers that I totally agreed with, shared with the local pastors, and they whole-heartedly agreed as well! That God has given them an important vision. That whether or not they achieve that vision matters. That their success or failure impacts lives, not only today, but for eternity. That the local church is the hope of the world. There is no other company, organization, or government that can accomplish what God has called His Church to do.

All that said – we clearly need to do everything we can to lead God’s churches well, with vision and passion, with diligence and effectiveness, maximizing our God-gifted leadership potential.

Based on feedback, our local pastors clearly left equipped to carry out God’s vision for their churches… but more importantly, they left feeling inspired knowing that God has called them to bring His hope to the World. Please say a prayer for these local pastors as they do.

On a Mission

For the past 9 months or so we’ve been attending church at Freedom Ministries in Harrismith. Now that we’re living in town it’s easier to attend regularly and get involved in various activities.

Pastors Mark and Jess Horton are great! They love the Lord, have amazing testimonies, and are so committed to teaching God’s truth in a welcoming, nurturing environment. They’re also dedicated to helping people in the community, and challenging the body of Christ to do the same. I love that Freedom is a missional church – it’s also what I love about Kensington back at home.

This weekend was an example. We held a church “fete” (fair) to raise money to help families in need during the Christmas season. The planning team did an amazing job, and it was so much fun working alongside each other for a great cause.

We had a “braai” (barbecue) going that drew a hungry crowd. We sold handmade jewelry, cards, and treats, along with toys, clothing and books. There were also fun activities for the kids. June discovered her talent for face-painting, while I’m hoping the picture of me “testing out” the jumping castle doesn’t make it to facebook…Eish!

It was a great day for a great cause. What a blessing to serve with friends and meet new ones!