DISCUSSION POINT FOR NEXT WEEK

Hans will be coming to share his experiences with us about the work that he is doing in a white squatter settlement in Pretoria. There are 62 of these settlements in Pretoria alone. He has discoverd a whole host of problems that he is seeking solutions for and will be discussing these with us.

WEEK 3 - 28 JULY 2008

The meeting which was attended by 18 adults and 5 children started with praise and worship. Ansie (the facilitator for the meeting) then opened up a discussion on why we must go to other countries for missions when there is so much need on our own doorstep. After breaking up into two teams to debate the topic, a very interesting discussion ensued. We went through the scriptures that people usually bring up when arguing against going and after studying them realised that they were mostly misinterpreted or taken out of context. We also touched on moral law versus ritual law which was very enlightening. Something else that came up was the effect that going to other nations has on children. Some of the things we agreed on are that the best inheritance we can leave our children is not material as the world would believe, but to teach them that the most important thing in life is that they follow God 100%. Following Him to the ultimate is not an option, it is compulsory. Obedience comes before logic. A family is a family regardless of where they are in the world. Space would not allow for us to list the evenings findings but the most important conclusion that we came to was that if we don't go to other nations then Jesus will not be able to return as He has no bride to return to. It is only in going to other nations that the church will be united and that Jesus will have a bride to return to. It is only when we go to other nations and experience the task first hand that we find solutions for the task back at home. We agreed that everyone is called and that we are responsible for the whole earth, not just our own country. At the end of the discussion we all had a much clearer idea of why it is indeed necessary to go to other nations. We broke half way through the evening for another glorious meal and fellowship after which we regathered to summarise our findings.

We really only touched on the topic as this is something that could be discussed for days on end but one thing is clear and that is that we all learnt a great deal by the end of the evening.

Volunteers Needed Ikholwa Children's Home needs volunteers this Saturday 5 July to help them paint the outside of the boy's orphanage and do general garden maintenance. The day will start at 08:30 and end at approximately 11:30. Volunteers must please bring their own equipment i.e. paint brushes, rollers, trays, scrapers, paint extension sticks, yard brooms, rakes, spades, forks, pruners, shears, etc. The paint will be provided. The address is: No 4 Rooihout Street, Weltevreden Park. You can contact Jenni at batesduo@mweb.co.za for a map.

Discussion point for 28th June

Why must we send missionaries to other countries (nations) if there is so much need in South Africa?

Week two - Saturday 21st June 2008

This second get together/fellowship was opened in prayer by JP and followed by worship coordinated by Llewellyn and Jenni. Mario emphasized the importance of good fellowship and read from Hebrews 10:16. A fruitful discussion followed.

Pastor David shared with us his experiences at the "temporary" refugee camp in Centurion. Many foreigners have fled to these camps as a result of xenophobia which is currently taking place in our country. The camp leaders do not lack resources for these people, but the distribution of these resources triggers anarchy, greed and jealousy which lead to fighting and chaos.

Fortunately, the situation is changing and the camp is turning into a model camp. Stability has come about because of the Spirit of God. Pastor David and others, who selflessly serve here, soon earned the respect of the refugees by showing them lots of love. It is evident that the greatest need of these people is not food, clothes, or shelter but rather discipleship. They need to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. As they learn to obey Christ their hearts will change. They/we must unlearn being followers of man and become followers of God.

Camp leaders were selected from among their own people which brings us to the main goal of Pastor David's involvement there: to make these leaders disciples so they can disciple their own people. (Now this is cross-cultural missions without even leaving the country!!) There is still opportunity for anyone interested to get involved.

Week one 14th June

This Saturday was attended by 16 adults and 4 youngsters

Due to it being the first time together we spent 30% of the evening work-shopping and building guidelines/boundaries for the fellowship times. Obviously not every function will be attended to at each fellowship. These guidelines are listed under ‘Fellowship framework & logistics’

We had a great time sharing our supper. I am sure everyone would agree, it was like food from one the world’s best restaurants. I don’t think It would be an exaggeration to say, the taste was as if the Holy Spirit arranged each contribution to give us an exquisite taste.

After the meal we spent 15minutes in prayer and contemplation. Following this, Marlene shared how her journey over the 12mths has resulted in the CEO of her company making some very serious halftime decisions.

30 minutes were then spent discussing, 'the role of suffering in the World Christians life’. This made for a very interesting discussion, certainly not a closed topic.

Two possible points of physical asistance were mentioned. (to be picked up on the 21st)
1) Looking into helping MES in JHB
2) Involvement in the refugee camp at Noordwyk (Centurion).

We decided that 8.30pm would be the official cut off time. Some found it difficult to leave- so for the remnant we continued glorious fellowship until 9.30. It would be more than fair to say, everyone had a great time.

Hope to see you on the 21st.