Monday Musings 19/03/12
Bitter fish, green tongues, and a petro shortage…
This past Thursday morning, I had the privilege of moderating a discussion between the graduating class at Trans Africa Theological College and four seasoned pastors. For three hours, the students were given the opportunity of asking any question they wanted about ministry and things that the classroom could not teach them.
The questions ranged from how one can make it as an assistant pastor to what happens if your spouse is not called to ministry.
Inevitably, the question of finance comes to the surface. One of the best words of advice given was to “learn to be calm and resilient in the face of lack”. A pastor shared how he and his wife ate bitter fish during the first year of their ministry. Another shared how his wife grew a particular vegetable that turned their tongue green when they ate it. He mused how for one whole year, their tongues were green every day! The students heard how lack of finance can build your personal faith while it allows God to see whom He can trust with bigger things. As one pastor put it, “If your passion is to do the will of the Father, it doesn’t matter what you eat or wear, it is the call that will keep you going”.
I can’t possibly express in words the privilege MJ and I to have of pouring into present and future leadership on the Continent of Africa. Tomorrow, we begin our next series of seminars for pastors and church leaders called “Another Gospel”. I will travel with Bishop Joshua Banda, Doctor John Kerr and Rev. Garry Fess (from London, Ontario) to three cities over four days.
We just got word yesterday that a gas shortage is looming in Zambia. A ship carrying the precious fuel cargo is “idling” in Dar es Salaam because of what is being described as “red tape” which could lead to a potentially destructive disruption of fuel to Zambia. Click on this link http://www.lusakatimes.com/2012/03/18/fuel-petroleum-products-shortage-looms/ for the full story.
So I guess it is important to take heed to the words of the Zambian pastor last week who said “learn to be calm and resilient in the face of lack”. We may not eat bitter fish or have a green tongue this week, but it may be a long walk to Lusaka!
Until next Monday…
Don
Taking risks for Kingdom impact!
www.reinventingthechurch.com
Garry E. Milley
March 19, 2012Blessing on you both! Yes, good advice there. The call is the key to longevity in ministry.
rtcblog
March 19, 2012Thanks Gary! Keep pressing on. Don
Sandy Armstrong Angstadt
April 29, 2013Judging by this picture, I think you need more passion. ;0) Just kidding! It’s great to see. Thanks for having a blog to keep people who care informed. I’m praying for you and Marie Jose. XO