Thursday, September 22, 2011
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb (Psalm 19:7-10).
Day two of our conference began this morning at 8:30am. Today was just a half day, so that those who were traveling a long distance could begin their return trip. Our conference began with a paper by Pastor Jeremiah Issangya on unity of church leaders. Pastor Issangya is the principal and teacher at our seminary in Arusha, Tanzania. In his paper he offered very practical examples of the dangers church leaders face and suggestions for how to maintain brotherly love in our working together. It was well received and incorporated some very profitable discussion among the attendees.
Following this we took some time to hand out the tests on the catechism which were taken yesterday and to review the answers. It was a helpful review to all our pastors, showing the importance of knowing and using the catechism regularly in our ministries.
Attendees of the conference representing five different countries.
Several reports were offered on our work in various fields before we concluded with our schedule for next year, and prayers in word and song. Goodbyes were said among brothers before many headed to bus stations for return trips home.
Since we were only able to rent the hall for a day at a time and not half days, we decided to use the hall for an afternoon session for the leaders of the Moshi district. After lunch, the men of the Moshi district returned to the hall overlooking the city of Moshi for some additional studies. With many new contacts in the area, I explained the men the colloquy process and explained that new contacts would have to go through a period of instruction with me before they would become pastors affiliated with our churches in East Africa. While this will be a lot of work both for the inquiring pastor and for me, it is necessary to maintain the unity we strive for, and will be beneficial instruction as well.
A view of Moshi from the upstairs room of the Newcastle Hotel where our conference was held. Kilimanjaro is in the background but hidden by clouds....
We pray for the Lord’s continued blessings on this process and on those looking for the truth of God’s Word. In addition, the afternoon session contained a study of the Lord’s Prayer which Russ presented and a study of the Biblical presentation of Grace Alone and Universal Grace and how one or the other of these are rejected by the majority of Christian churches today. This included a study of Calvinism and Arminianism.
We wrapped up our afternoon session at about 5:30pm. More meetings were held in the evening as plans were made for the coming days. Tomorrow we will be on the road again for a brief visit to a village I have never been to.
We thank the Lord for blessing our conference and for building us up through the Word of Truth which has been taught and heard during these past two days. May He continue to bless the work of these pastors and teachers in their service to Jesus Christ!
In the service of Christ,
Nathanael
1 comment:
We're praying that things continue to go well. It's exciting to hear all that the Spirit is doing in Africa! Love from us all.
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