Today was the day. We were up and going at our usual time this morning. The longer we are here, the less I look forward to breakfast. Eggs are very common and they have plenty of them. As much as I enjoy an egg from time to time at home, they’ve gotten a little old. But this morning we had a nice treat. When Todd asked for an omelette this morning, the waiter asked, “Ham and Cheese?” You mean we can get it that way? Absolutely! So we had a ham and cheese omelette, and it was really good too! So that was a good start to the morning.
Our ride was running a little late this morning since they had to pick up Martin Essien as well, so by the time we arrived at our class it was 9:30am. Todd began this morning and went right into the Doctrine of Election – our topic for the morning. We had touched on this topic three days earlier during the study of Biblical Interpretation. It was an excellent study of the passages that discuss election and the pitfalls of going further than Scripture does. There were a few questions during the presentation, and a few more at the end, taking us past our end time. Todd wrapped up the discussion and we dismissed for lunch.
Todd teaching on the Doctrine of Election.
Over lunch Todd, Martin and I met with Pastor Yumba and Pastors Kitombe and Lubaba in preparation for the discussion on bringing the two bodies together which would take place in the afternoon. We didn’t have time for lunch but they did bring drinks in for us as a refreshment. It was the Coke knock-off called Jinga. The orange drink tastes just like Fanta, but the cola isn’t even close!
We drove from Yumba’s office to our classroom, but we were waiting on some of the men to return from lunch who were running late. You could tell that some of the men were chomping at the bit to get going when 2:00 rolled around, but we didn’t want to start the devotion on church unity without everyone being there. So I presented a review of the church calendar and handed out a church year pericope for those who were there to stall for a little bit. Finally the rest showed up and we began. Martin began by presenting a devotion on humility from the Gospels. Todd then took over and presented a summary of the unity what God wants for his church on earth. He pointed out that there were Biblical reasons for division, and there were unBiblical reasons for division.
Following that study he presented a statement of agreement that he hoped the representatives of both church bodies would be willing to sign. Todd read through it and explained how it would work as we moved forward. To our relief, both churches agreed to sign it after very little discussion among themselves! The agreement was then signed by three men from each of the church bodies. We praise the LORD for His work in the hearts of these men to put things aside and move forward for the sake of Christ’s name!
Pastor Hubert, Assistant to the President of the ELCC, signing the Unity Agreement.After the signing there were smiles all around the room as we all joined in signing an African hymn. Pastors were dancing and clapping as the song was sung. Then Pastor Muzakuza offered a wonderful prayer thanking God for the unity and asking for His continued blessing and Pastor Yumba concluded our meeting with the benediction. May the LORD continue to strengthen the bond between the leaders, pastors and members of these church bodies so that they may work together to proclaim His saving name!
We thank God for His many blessings,
Nathanael
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