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There are 8 messages in this issue.
Topics in today's digest:
1. Re: TC-TOC Merger
From: Jongimpi Papu <j.d.papu@xxxx.xx.xxx
2. Re: Witchcraft evangelism
From: Jongimpi Papu <j.d.papu@xxxx.xx.xxx
3. Fw: ANN Bulletin: Sept 14, 1999
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
4. Fw: CLM 897 East Timor: What Can We Do When Everything's Falling Apart...
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
5. Fw: GC Session 2000 News: September
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
6. Cape Conference Clips [Or with the first item CC Slips]
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
7. Re: TC-TOC Merger
From: "Adv. Boyce Mkhize" <bhizaman@xxx.xx.xxx
8. RE: TC-TOC - Church Unity
From: "Bangisi, Nikelo" <NBangisi@xxxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxxx
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 10:04:13 +0200
From: Jongimpi Papu <j.d.papu@xxxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Re: TC-TOC Merger
I had a 10km race on Sunday. This was my first experience. I have been
running for some time, but getting on the race was a different thing.
There is a lot that I have learnt from the day I started preparing up until
the time I finished the race. I would like to pick up just one thing that
relates to Unity.
On the day of the race there were more than 1000 entrants all fit and ready
to go. There is one thing I will never forget. As we were approaching
the 8km mark, it was evident that some of us were just sustained by prayer
and nothing else. I happened to be running next to a white person, there
was not much talk, for we were all trying to plead with the road to go easy
on us. At one of the refreshment station, he took two one for me and one
for him. We kept encouraging each other. It was very clear that the road
was out to get us and kill us if possible, but we refuse to let go, we had
one purpose and that was to finish the race. We kept asking each other how
far, how far, but at last we made it.
I will never know the name of the person I ran with, after the race he
disappeared, well, maybe we did not need each other, the race was over.
I think the reason why some of us have problems working together and even
worshipping together, is that we are not running the same race. Maybe the
race is over, or it has not yet started. You see, at the road, there is no
white or black, only the black tarred road, and this my friend, is no
respecter of persons. It does not matter how much money you have, that will
not help you on the road. There we need each other. There were those who
ran barefoot, but I had no time to despise them, for theywere in the race,
doing even better than me. On the road you do not need a session or a set
of instruction to tell you what you should do. The road will tell you, and
you will listen.
I am sure and I will not despar for I know it will happen, that my church
the one I love so much will be together. When the heat of the sun burns on
our heads and the hardness of the road bites our feet, we will know how much
we need each other. The whole world will be united against the church,
with one purpose and that is to destroy it. No one will tell us what to
do, no committee or session will be called, the road will do the work.
Unity is not mandatory, it is not even optional, it is inevitable. We will
be united, that is if we are on the same race.
Do not despair Christ is coming for His united church.
Jongimpi
-----Original Message-----
From: Tshivhenga Takalani * Group <TakalaniT@Transnet.co.za>
To: 'sa-sda@onelist.com' <sa-sda@onelist.com>
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 7:44 AM
Subject: FW: [sa-sda] TC-TOC Merger
>From: Tshivhenga Takalani * Group <TakalaniT@Transnet.co.za>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Tshivhenga Takalani * Group [mailto:TakalaniT@Transnet.co.za]
>Sent: 07 September 1999 08:48
>To: 'sa-sda@onelist.com'
>Subject: RE: [sa-sda] TC-TOC Merger
>
>
>From: Tshivhenga Takalani * Group <TakalaniT@Transnet.co.za>
>
>Hey friends
>
>My personal opinion is that merger of two conferences i.e. TC and TOC is a
>nice to have. Why don't we forget it and preach the word untill the lord
>returns.
>
>I ponder, what if Abraham and Lot did not separate and each go their own
>way, some of us would not be marveling the care and love of the good lord
>when He went out of His way to follow Lot from Sodom.
>
>Of course we have to care about them but I feel let them go on and serve
>their Lord the way that satisfies their calling.
>
>
>He is even at the door.
>
>Takalani wa Tshivhenga
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Lungani Mfeka [mailto:MfekaL@telkom.co.za]
>Sent: 06 September 1999 15:48
>To: sa-sda@onelist.com
>Subject: Re: [sa-sda] TC-TOC Merger
>
>
>From: "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@telkom.co.za>
>
>Jerry,
>
>May be we do need one conference office in the TC-TOC territtory. But
>this need not be driven by external pressures, whether politically or by
>mere observation of other churches. It need not be an imperative action
>either, because it surely will not work out as it would have if the
>constituency saw the internal reason for the merger/unity. A person
>convinced against his beliefs is still of the same conviction.
>
>What I am trying to say is that may be it is not the right time for us
>to force and foster this unity if the hearts are not yet ready.
>
>It surprises me, though, that it is the PROPHETIC CHURCH OF THE LAST
>DAYS that fails to live us to its own teachings. This actually is a
>dissappointment. May be one should just hold on to the knowledge that
>our Father in heaven is one and will never give divided attention to
>those who worship him in truth.
>
>Even though come Lord Jesus.
>
>Lungani
>
>>>> Masabatha Online <masabatha@yahoo.com> 09/06/99 02:41PM >>>
>
>
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>====
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_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 11:56:07 +0200
From: Jongimpi Papu <j.d.papu@xxxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Re: Witchcraft evangelism
There is a story I want to share with you guys(generic) on witchcraft. But
I cannot do it now, I need to get the permission from the person who has
actually experienced this. So hopefully by Monday, I should be able to
share this story, all I can say is that it is incredible, you will not
believe, what you will hear.
About evangelism, I think we are suffering from what I could call an
"eschatological vacuumitis". It is a belief that heaven will come down one
day, and a failure to see that from the day we accept Christ, heaven becomes
a reality. All the promises that Christ has given can be realized today,
by faith. Faith here is not just hoping but actually experiencing that
which is hoped, seeing that which is invisible, welcoming the promise from a
distance (Heb. 11) In heaven we are told that we will neither hunger not
thirst, but Christ promises the same here on earth, (John 4; 6)
Until we experience what we are hoping for, we will find it difficult to win
the world. In other words we are not just called to witness to the world a
set of new theories about the after life, but we are called to be witnesses,
to let the world see what it means to walk with Christ. But if we are
suffering from stress, hypertension, high blood, demon possessions, in
various forms, who is going to listen to us? If God has done such a poor
job in us who wants to have anything to do with that God.
Joy unspeakable, peace that passeth understanding, a life of no anxiety, can
be ours today, not only when Christ comes. Rev. 21:1-4, can be experienced
at least once a week, on Sabbath. But the very Sabbath has become a burden
to many, how are we going to witness to something that is not good news to
us?
Heaven begins on earth
Jongimpi
-----Original Message-----
From: Masabatha Online <masabatha@yahoo.com>
To: sa-sda@onelist.com <sa-sda@onelist.com>
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 4:15 AM
Subject: [sa-sda] Witchcraft evangelism
>From: Masabatha Online <masabatha@yahoo.com>
>
>Friends,
>
>Evangelism is one of the subjects that are of great interest to me.
>The Adventist message is spreading like wild fire all over Africa
>with the exception of Southern Africa. In South Africa we have a
>population of over 40 million and yet we have only 70 thousand
>Adventists. Our union (SAUC) is the size (membership wise) of one
>field in Malawi. What has gone wrong in Southern Africa? Can we blame
>it on apartheid?
>
>Unlike the SDA church there are some churches that are experiencing
>growth in SA viz. ZCC, African Apostolic churches etc. What is the
>secret of their success? Some of their success can be attributed to
>what I call 'witchcraft evangelism.' Many of our people are afraid of
>witchcraft, so the gospel that can address the witchcraft problem is
>well received. I guess there is a difference when you feed the fish
>the bait that you like and when you feed the fish the bait that it
>likes. It is like giving a patient a malaria pill when he is
>suffering from polio.
>Leaders of these churches usually go to a member's home in the middle
>of the night, put some strings around the house, and then declare the
>house witchcraft proof. Or lay hands on the members and them certify
>them to be witchcraft proof.
>Is there anything wrong with witchcraft evangelism? Will it be wrong
>if an Adventist pastor goes to the member's house and pray for it to
>be protected from witches?
>Few years ago I heard that one of our church members (a well-educated
>professional) invited a witch doctor to come and protect his house.
>So our members feel that the church (or the God of their church) can
>not protect them from witches.
>What are your views?
>
>Go tell it to the mountains!
>
>Jeremiah
>
>===
>The Lord bless you and keep you;
>The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
>The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
>
>Jeremiah Ravhengani
>Moderator (Masabatha Online)
>www.masabatha.org
>__________________________________________________
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>The King is even at the door!
>====
>To contribute to the discussions: send your mails to sa-sda@onelist.com
>To subscribe: send a blank email sa-sda-subscribe@onelist.com
>To unsubscribe: send a blank email to sa-sda-unsubscribe@onelist.com
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Message: 3
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 05:31:25 +0200
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Fw: ANN Bulletin: Sept 14, 1999
ANN Bulletin
Adventist News Network
Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters
September 14, 1999
In This Issue:
* President of Romania Meets Adventist World Church Leader; Highlights
Religious Freedom Issues
* Timorese Refugees Assisted by Adventist Aid Agency
* Adventist Church Leader Opens Home to Earthquake Victims
* 4,500 Youth Write Entire Bible from Memory
* Hi-Tech Satellite Church Broadcasts Reach 120,000 Across Europe
* Adventist College Hosts "Persecution and Pluralism in Europe"
Conference
-----------------------------
>
>President of Romania Meets Adventist World Church Leader; Highlights
>Religious Freedom Issues
>Bucharest, Romania .... [ANN]
>
>Dr. Emil Constantinescu, president of Romania, received Dr. Jan
>Paulsen, leader of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church on September
>10 to discuss church-state relations and, in particular, religious
>freedom.
>
>The meeting, held in Bucharest's Presidential Palace, also included
>Pastors Adrian Bocaneanu and Viorel Dima, president and communication
>director of the Adventist Church in Romania respectively, as well as
>Dr. Traian-Radu Negrei, advisor to the Romanian president for Religious
>Affairs.
>
>Responding to Dr. Paulsen's comments of appreciation for his support of
>religious freedom, President Constantinescu outlined his commitment to
>religious pluralism in Romania, a country whose population is 85%
>Orthodox.
>
>"I agree with you and your church's view that it is not only important
>to think right, but also to act right," said Constantinescu. "Sometimes
>that is more difficult and requires more courage, for you have to
>withstand many opposing mentalities and stereotypes. In 1992 I
>organized the first meeting of all faiths in Transylvania, and people
>saw dialogue was possible. That is why after my election I invited all
>faiths to an ecumenical meeting in the Cathedral. Broadcast on national
>TV, people could see that such meetings and cooperation were possible.
>I believe fundamentalism is a generator of conflict, and so I have
>resisted attempts to impose restrictions on religious freedom. It is a
>matter of conscience, not of law, so no one can claim higher rights."
>
>In his observations, Paulsen noted the recent issue faced by Adventists
>over examinations scheduled on Saturday and expressed his thanks that
>this had been resolved. The high school exam was repeated on a
>different day after Adventists protested. The Romanian courts had ruled
>that this was necessary, as well as requiring that Adventists should
>still be accepted into colleges despite the delay.
>
>"The way in which you have resolved this has been widely reported and I
>want to thank you for it," said Paulsen. "The action of your courts
>demonstrated to the world in a fine way the process of fair justice in
>a democratic country. I know you have laws under study to secure these
>rights for your citizens-this is highly commendable. Religious freedom
>continues to mean much to us as a Church-the right of every man, woman
>and child to freely observe religious beliefs and practices should be
>respected in a free society. We thank you for your initiative and offer
>our help and support in any way we can."
>
>Constantinescu mentioned that he knew the Seventh-day Adventist Church
>well and had also attended services in Romanian-speaking Adventist
>churches in the United States.
>
>"In an interview on Romanian television, I observed that these
>Adventists worshiping on Saturday best identified the Romanian spirit:
>preserving family, culture and language in ways which others do not.
>This personal experience impressed me greatly. I also noted that they
>had not asked the state to build and maintain their church. They also
>provided scholarships for children in Romania. So I gladly accept your
>offer of help," Constantinescu concluded.
>The Adventist Church in Romania numbers well over 100,000 including
>children and families of church members. [Jonathan Gallagher]
>
>
>
>Timorese Refugees Assisted by Adventist Aid Agency
>Jakarta, Indonesia .... [ANN]
>
>Following the recent vote for independence in East Timor and the
>subsequent political instability, the Adventist Development and Relief
>Agency (ADRA) is providing initial relief assistance to internally
>displaced people (IDPs) as they seek refuge in neighboring Indonesian
>provinces.
>
>With tens of thousands of IDPs from East Timor moving into surrounding
>mountains, West Timor, and other Indonesian districts, ADRA Indonesia
>is responding to the urgent food needs. Currently, ADRA is putting
>together 2,500 food baskets for IDP families in the Noelbaki District.
>
>
>"ADRA hopes that the food will help to lessen the burden on the
>Noelbaki District to take care of this unexpected advance in
>population," says Doli Situmeang, ADRA Indonesia director. "The food
>baskets will provide rice, instant noodles and other food items to each
>family." This response was made possible with ADRA donations from
>Australia.
>
>In addition to the number of IDPs moving out of East Timor, thousands
>are said to have died in the conflict following the announcement for
>independence on September 4.
>
>ADRA Indonesia has several other development and disaster relief
>projects in the country, including its clean water project, funded by
>the Netherlands, that concludes this month. Other projects include a
>US$2 million food-for-work project for 30,000 people per year, funded
>by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); a
>drought relief project to assist 255 families in Merauke, Irian Jaya;
>and an orphanage project that started nearly one year ago, funded by
>the Netherlands and England. [Beth Schaefer]
>
>
>
>Adventist Church Leader Opens Home to Earthquake Victims
>Athens, Greece .... [ANN]
>
>A powerful earthquake hit the center of Athens, the capital city of
>Greece, yesterday afternoon, killing at least 53 people and injuring
>over 300. According to the media, 70 people are still missing.
>
>"There were five of us working in the Mission office here in Athens,"
>reports Apostolos Maglis, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
>in Greece. "All of a sudden the building started to shake. As soon as
>the earthquake stopped we all went outside only to discover several
>buildings around the office damaged. Thank God the church, which is
>beside the office, and the office itself have not been damaged."
>
>Maglis immediately telephoned every member of the church in Athens to
>find that all were safe along with their homes, except for one family
>whose home in a five-story block was severely damaged. That family has
>been invited to live in the home of the president until a long- term
>solution can be found. Altogether at least ten individuals will be
>accommodated in the Maglis household, including an elderly couple-the
>man suffering from a heart problem- and another family-a couple and
>their daughter-the wife who is suffering from shock. These families
>are fearful of staying in their own homes due to where they are
>located.
>
>"Our home is in the south of Athens where the tremors of the earthquake
>can still be felt. However, it is much safer than in the city center,
>and these families will feel protected being here where the house is
>situated in the open space rather than with many buildings around it,"
>says Maglis. "It is our privilege to help in this way." [ANN/ANR
>Staff ]
>
>
>
>4,500 Youth Write Entire Bible from Memory
>Bucharest, Romania .... [ANN]
>
>In a dramatic and visible display of commitment, over 4,500 Romanian
>youth wrote out the Bible from Genesis to Revelation from memory in
>just 28 minutes.
>
>The event, arranged by the Pathfinder youth organization of the
>Seventh-day Adventist Church, brought together young people from all
>over Romania to Liberty Park in Bucharest on September 12.
>
>"Our youth wanted to demonstrate that the Bible means very much to
>them," said Adrian Bocaneanu, president of the Adventist Church in
>Romania. "By taking the time to memorize whole sections of Scripture
>they are showing that the Bible is still very much alive and relevant
>to the needs of the modern world."
>
>Dr. Jan Paulsen, president of the Adventist World Church, encouraged
>the large crowd of Pathfinders and told them that by this action they
>were sending a signal around the globe.
>
>"Through this event you are proving what the Bible means to you, and
>you are telling the whole world of your love for the Word of God. May
>the Lord honor your commitment today."
>
>Paulsen then began the event by writing out the first verse of Genesis.
>
>
>Dr. Ioan Caraza, general secretary of the country's Inter-confessional
>Bible Society and also deacon in the Orthodox Church, added his
>congratulations.
>
>"I appreciate your efforts to uplift the Bible," said Caraza. "To
>memorize part of Scripture is a sign of respect for the Bible, and I
>encourage you to write it on your hearts and not just in your minds.
>You are an example for us, and you will encourage international
>organizations who are helping to translate the new Romanian Bible."
>
>Janine Duta, one of the young Pathfinders from Pietrosani, spoke for
>her group as they wrote out their memorized portions of Galatians.
>
>"Every one of us is excited because this is very important," she said.
>"It's a plan to bring friendship and understanding among people and
>help them see that the Bible is full of meaning. Here we are meeting
>new people and happy to be doing something that is very worthwhile."
>
>The thousands of young people lined the park avenues, writing their
>sections on a giant scroll of paper that ran for 2.8 kilometers (one
>and three-quarter miles). The Romanian TV network ProTV carried an
>extensive news report on the event.
>Whether the Bible-writing event makes it into the Guinness Book of
>Records remains to be seen. But that is not the point, according to the
>organizers.
>
>"These young people are just making the point that whatever people may
>say, the Bible is still the answer to life's questions and is the
>gospel of salvation," said Bocaneanu. "May these memorized words come
>alive in the lives of these young people who have shown their love for
>the Bible so clearly today." [Jonathan Gallagher]
>
>Hi-Tech Satellite Church Broadcasts Reach 120,000 Across Europe
>Bucharest, Romania .... [ANN]
>
>Using the latest in satellite technology, the Seventh-day Adventist
>Church's ACTS 2000 seminar series is reaching 120,000 across Europe.
>
>"In more than 1,000 towns and villages throughout Europe, God is
>moving," says Mark Finley, speaker for the series and also for the It
>Is Written TV program. "In countries as far apart as Romania, Bulgaria,
>Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, Austria,
>Switzerland, Italy, France, Denmark, and Spain people are watching this
>message of hope for the new millennium."
>
>Visiting the program on September 11, Dr. Jan Paulsen, leader of the
>Adventist World Church, says he is delighted to see the response to the
>seminar series.
>
>"The number and distribution of the downlink sites all across Europe
>shows that people want to hear a message of hope," comments Paulsen. "I
>am immensely encouraged to hear of the responses from many different
>places. Using these modern communication methods means that the gospel
>is able to touch many lives in widely-spread locations."
>
>The featured speaker for two Bible presentations uplinked live by
>satellite on September 11, Paulsen highlighted the importance of the
>Holy Spirit in the Christian's life.
>
>"Throughout the New Testament we have examples of how the Holy Spirit
>works," said Paulsen. "The key theme is that Jesus' followers 'will
>receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.' Nothing can compare
>with the presence of the Holy Spirit. You will never walk alone."
>
>The series runs from September 3-19, and will be followed by an even
>larger outreach through the use of video tapes. The Ukraine alone has
>arranged for 520 sites to show the series two weeks after it is
>completed.
>
>With many local volunteers, ACTS 2000 is impacting the lives of 4,500
>in Bucharest at the uplink site. Nearly 50,000 are watching across
>Romania at 600 downlink sites.
>
>"We are so happy for the success of this program," says Adrian
>Bocaneanu, president of the Romanian Union. "We are seeing many people
>come to recognize the truths of the Bible and experience the joy of
>salvation. Our hope is that through this new medium, the gospel will
>reach many more."
>
>Bocaneanu also paid tribute to the contribution of husband and wife
>team Donna and Denzil McNeilus who have underwritten much of the costs
>associated with ACTS 2000 in Bucharest and have given a year of their
>time to make this possible.
>
>"Without them I cannot see how this would have been possible," said
>Bocaneanu. "They have been wonderfully generous, and I salute their
>vision for the people of Romania and all the others we are reaching
>throughout Europe."
>
>More information in English and Romanian is available at
>www.cicnet.ro/2000
>[Jonathan Gallagher]
>
>
>
>Adventist College Hosts "Persecution and Pluralism in Europe"
>Conference
>Bracknell, England .... [ANN]
>
>A major academic conference entitled "From Persecution to Pluralism"
>was hosted September 8-11 by Newbold College, a Seventh-day Adventist
>educational institution.
>
>The conference featured papers on the treatment of religious minorities
>in Europe since the Reformation and highlighted the different aspects
>of persecution and tolerance. Presentations were made by well-known
>scholars in the area under discussion, including Prof. John Morrill
>(Selwyn College, Cambridge), Prof. Rik Torfs (Katholieke Universiteit,
>Leuven, Belgium), Prof. Roland Minnerath (Universite de Strasbourg),
>Dr. John Coffey (University of Leicester), Dr. Luc Racaut (University
>of St. Andrews), M. Willy Fautre (Human Rights Without Frontiers) and
>many others.
>
>Participants from a wide range of faiths attended and were appreciative
>of the importance of recognizing and supporting tolerance from the
>perspective of religious freedom.
>
>"Whenever people from different confessions, professions and walks of
>life come together, this expands one's own life and horizons,"
>commented Dr. Daniel Duda, director of pastoral studies at Newbold
>College. "Living on an old continent with a mix of faiths and nations
>makes understanding pluralism and religious rights essential. As an
>Adventist I found this conference very helpful. You are reminded that
>tolerance is not only something you demand but also what you need to
>grant to others. The quality of the papers presented was very
>impressive."
>
>Adventist Church leaders agreed.
>
>"This conference was important for the development of mutual
>understanding as well as relationships between members of different
>confessions," said Dr. Reinder Bruinsma, executive secretary of the
>Adventist Church's Trans-European Division. "From the investigation
>undertaken into the presentation I was asked to make, it is clear that
>much more can be accomplished in inter-faith relations. Adventists
>would do well to be less ambivalent in their relationships with other
>Christian bodies."
>
>The final discussion "What can Seventh-day Adventists learn for our
>mission to pluralist societies in the twenty-first century from the
>experience of other Christian minorities in Europe?" provoked extensive
>debate among the participants, representing many countries in Europe
>and the United States.
>
>The conference was organized by Mr. D.J.B. Trim, lecturer in history at
>Newbold College. [Jonathan Gallagher]
>
>-----------------------------
>12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA 20904-6600.
>(301) 680-6306.
>CompuServe address: 74532,2611. News Bulletin is a review of news and
>information issued by the Communication Department from the Seventh-day
>Adventist Church World Headquarters and released as part of the service
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>ANN Staff: Ray Dabrowski, director; Jonathan Gallagher, news director;
>Heather Brannan, editorial assistant. Copyright Adventist News Network
>1999.
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Message: 4
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 06:25:24 +0200
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Fw: CLM 897 East Timor: What Can We Do When Everything's Falling Apart...
I thought that this was very relevant.
Shirley
-----Original Message-----
From: Clergy Mailing List <clergy@pastornet.net.au>
To: CLM2 <clergy@pastornet.net.au>
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 06:22
Subject: CLM 897 East Timor: What Can We Do When Everything's Falling
Apart...
Clergy/Leaders' Mail-list No. 897 (Moderate length)
EAST TIMOR: WHAT CAN WE DO WHEN EVERYTHING'S FALLING APART?
A Sermon preached in the church with Melbourne's largest non-
Catholic East Timorese community, (St. Matthias, Richmond)
by Rowland Croucher - 12 September 1999
Text: Psalm 11; Romans 8:28-39.
It has happened again, but now right on our (Australian) doorstep.
The worst tragedy in our region since the second World War. During
this past week we have felt rage and pity and helplessness, maybe
guilt, as the Indonesian militias, together with the army and
police, waged war on a defenceless people who made the mistake of
voting to be free, without the protection of United Nations forces.
(I found out yesterday that documents leaked weeks ago from
Jakarta, and submitted to Australian and U.N. authorities, detailed
a scorched earth policy to destroy East Timor's infrastructure if
the vote went against Indonesia. The Timorese community was labeled
paranoid for taking it all seriously).
How are we to make sense of this tragedy?
I woke in the night last night feeling something else - fear. Fear
for the thugs who will face the judgment of God…
Ultimately we may never make sense of it. We will live with the
rage of this gross injustice for a long time. We inhabit a fallen
world: humans are sinful. When they misuse their power they can
become evil monsters. When people are trained for war they are
taught to regard the 'enemy' as less-than-human.
(And in our grief and rage, let us remember the other East Timors
in our world where people have been dying in large numbers -
Southern Sudan, Angola, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Rwanda, various West
African countries. And let us not forget other Indonesian provinces
(Ambon, Aceh, Irian Jaya, West Timor) - and Kosovo, Burma,
Colombia, the southern republics of the old Soviet Union, the
Amazon Basin, Tibet, North Korea - the list goes on and on. The
world is a good place for Westerners and the rich, terrible for
many others.)
A psalmist wrote a song in a time of social dislocation, probably
war. His question: when things are falling apart, what are we to
do? Run to the hills? (Sometimes - as in East Timor this past week -
that may be the safest option). But those who can stay and fight
for justice, must do that.
And he reminds himself that the Lord his God is still reigning,
despite appearances to the contrary. He affirms three things about
God:
1. THE LORD IS TRUSTWORTHY - SO WE CAN GO ON BELIEVING IN HIM!
(Psalm 11:1-3)
God is the same yesterday today and forever. Look around, and you
will experience fear. Look up, and faith will carry you through.
Human events are transitory, viewed from the long perspective. The
most radical thing you can do when things are very bad is to pray,
says Jacques Ellul. We mix works and prayer with faith, and work
for change.
As the old mystic put it, if you have God and everything else, you
have no more than having God only. (And if you have everything else
and not God you have nothing). God is working his purpose out as
year succeeds to year… and the earth will be filled with the glory
of God as the waters cover the sea.
2. THE LORD IS HOLY - SO WE TOO MUST MAKE A STAND AGAINST
LAWLESSNESS (11:4-6).
Where is God in all this? A good, and a hard question. The psalmist
gives the only two answers biblical people can affirm: God is with
us, here, suffering with us. And God is in heaven. God inhabits the
temple and is on the throne.
Holiness means God is with us but also separate from us. Someone or
something that is holy has been ordained, separated, for a special
purpose.
And do not forget, writes the psalmist, that God is judge of the
righteous and also of those who love violence. In the long run we
do not escape the consequences of our deeds.
3. THE LORD IS RIGHTEOUS: SO WE MUST KEEP ON DOING GOOD DEEDS
(11:7).
Finally -
In all our pain and suffering, let us determine to live right. To
be righteous is to obey the law of God, summed up ultimately in the
command to love God and others - yes, including our enemies.
But to be righteous is to be committed to social justice: this is a
dominant theme right through the Bible. All that's necessary for
evil to triumph is that good people do nothing. So we agreed to
boycott Indonesian products, but also to extend friendship to local
Indonesian families. This week we are praying and fasting for East
Timor. We were encouraged to take food to those sleeping out in 24-
hour vigils, to attend the rallies, hand out leaflets.
What can one person do? Mother Teresa's answer: help one person at
a time. Martin Luther: make a stand, and leave the consequences
with God. Solzhenitsyn: choose prison or exile to obeying an evil
regime.
I visited Romania while Ceasescu was still in power. It one of the
most evil regimes in modern history. A gravedigger told me he
buried an unnamed person brought by the secret police on average
once a day. And his was one of a dozen graveyards in greater
Bucharest! A Baptist church in Bucharest finally got permission to
extend their building (after fourteen years of weekly visits to the
bureaucrats by the pastor) because the relevant file could not
contain any more letters from Christians in Germany and Holland and
other places!
Your letter/email/fax counts: send it!
The Lord has told us what is good: to do what is just, to show
constant love, and to walk in humble fellowship with our God
(Micah 6:8). Ultimately the power of goodness to conquer evil is
greater than the power of evil over goodness.
The Psalm ends by affirming that those who do good will live in
God's presence. This world is not our true home. The pure in heart
shall see God. Those who love God will never meet for the last
time.
-------
It was a very moving service. There were boxes of tissues on
various pews, and there were many tears. We gathered around those
whose relatives were still somewhere in East Timor and laid loving
hands on them as we prayed for them. We prayed in small groups. An
old lady whose sister had been killed lit two candles - one red and
one black. We shared in the body and blood of our Lord. People took
their offerings to the communion table under the cross. The morning
sunshine sent a beautiful purple pattern through the cross and
across the carpet…
And we sang songs of comfort and hope: You are a faithful God, you
will not abandon us. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great
is your faithfulness. There is none like You… Suffering children
are safe in Your arms. You are my hiding-place, You always fill my
heart; whenever I am afraid I will trust in You, I will trust in
You. Let the weak say I am strong in the strength of the Lord.
Jesus Christ is the Lord of all, the Lord of all the earth. There
is only One God over the nations. Christ be our light, shine
through the darkness. Blessed be the Lord God Almighty who reigns
forevermore. Be exalted O God above the heavens, let Your glory be
over all the earth.
Shalom!
Rowland Croucher <rowlandc@mira.net>
Personal Home Page - http://home.mira.net/~rowlandc
John Mark Ministries - resources for pastors/leaders
(Bookroom, library, and worldwide F.W.Boreham Trading Post)
http://www.pastornet.net.au/jmm (2500+ articles 1000+ links)
____________________________
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Message: 5
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 05:35:23 +0200
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Fw: GC Session 2000 News: September
Session 2000 News
September 1999
57th General Conference Session 2000
PLACE: SkyDome and Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada
DATES: June 25 - June 29 (Sunday -Thursday) World Ministers Council
June 29 - July 08 (Thursday - Sabbath) General Conference Session
THEME: Almost Home
Youth to Impact Toronto in 2000
Among the most exciting activities connected with the General
Conference Session in 1995 was a program run by Adventist young people
for their peers in Utrecht. They were everywhere-in parks and city
squares. They sang on street corners and in one of the prominent
Utrecht churches. And every evening they had plenty of stories to
tell.
The Toronto 2000 Session will be no different. Young people will also
be everywhere, contributing, witnessing, laughing, and praying. The
Youth Department of the General Conference and of the North American
Division are planning an extensive and exciting program to coincide
with the world Session. What follows are some of the details and an
invitation for Adventist young people to get involved.
So, what is Impact Toronto 2000? It is a youth evangelism training
event running concurrently with the General Conference Session, June 29
- July 8, 2000. Three hundred and fifty young adults from around the
world will be trained and actively involved in street evangelism.
The gospel message doesn't have to be preached within the walls of a
building. It can and will be proclaimed in the streets of Toronto by
the youth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Ministry Possibilities:
· Christian Café-Need a place to hang out with other young people who
want to share Christ in a café?
· Christian Magicians and Balloons-God created rabbits, but can you
pull one out of a hat? Use your slight of hand skills to share the
gospel in this unique ministry.
· Clown and Balloon Ministry-Learn all the clown techniques for
sharing the gospel with a smile, a red nose and big shoes.
· Compassion Ministry-Feeding the homeless, visiting the children's
hospital and parking meter mayhem is all part of compassionate
ministry.
· Creative Movement Ministry-Those who are coordinated and inclined
to tap their toes to music will enjoy this ministry.
· Door-to-Door Ministry-If you enjoy talking with people, praying
with them, passing out Bible Study lessons, and Magabooks, this
ministry is for you.
· Drama Ministry-Drama is powerful on the streets. Those who have
dramatic skills and enjoy performing need to check out this ministry.
· FLAG Camp-Fun Learning About God. Check out this unique day camp
opportunity and run one in the big city.
· Gymnastic Ministry-Love gymnastics and Jesus? Can you turn
cartwheels and do flips? Check this one out!
· Mime Ministry-Preaching the gospel with painted faces, white gloves
and lots of gestures is an excellent way to minister.
· Nighttime Revival Meetings-Each evening we will have revival
meetings. Bring the new friends you've met through your ministry on
the street. Some of the features will be music, drama and youth
speakers.
· Parade Awareness-Each day young adults will "parade" in downtown
Toronto to bring awareness to different issues: drugs, tobacco,
alcohol, child abuse, etc.
· Pathfinder Ministry-Love marching, saluting and finding your way
around with a compass? Learn how to point young people to Christ with
this ministry.
· Prayer Conference Leadership-Learn how to plan, organize and lead a
youth prayer conference.
· Public Campus Ministry-Do you attend a public high school or
university with Christians, but one that has no Christian presence?
Check this option out to learn how to reach people on your campus.
· Puppet Ministry-Singing songs and telling people about Jesus using
puppets is what this ministry is all about.
· Recreation Ministry-Love sports, American football, European
football, Aussie rules football? How about baseball? Sports may be
your ministry.
· Speaker's Soap Box-Take up your soap box and preach it to all
Toronto.
· Street Artists-Ever wanted to paint a really big mural? How about
the side of a building? Hey, check this one out!
· Street Ministry Technical Team-If you have audio-visual skills,
e.g. lights, stage, sound, etc., we need you to be a part of each
ministry.
· Vacation/Holiday Bible School-VBS is an excellent way to teach
children about Jesus. Those participating in this ministry will
organize a five-day VBS for children.
· Vegetarian Food Fair-Do you love good food? Join this ministry and
share your cuisine talents. Food is a great way to get to know people.
· Video Ministry-Ever wanted to make a film on the street? Then
point the camera to this ministry.
· Youth Congress Planning-Those who choose this option will organize
the Impact the World Youth Congress, July 7-8, for 4,000 youth.
· Your Idea-Hey, maybe you have a ministry idea that we haven't
thought of. Tell us about it and we'll add it to the list.
Who can attend? Impact Toronto 2000 is for young adults age 18-35
years old. We are looking for 350 delegates who have a passion for
street evangelism. What's important is that you are ready to stand in
the center of God's will and join Him in this bold adventure!
Lodging, meals and transportation. Lodging and meals will be provided
for the 10-day event. Please bring your own bedding, as it will not be
provided. Each delegate is responsible for his/her own transportation
to and from his/her home and the Toronto training site. Transportation
to and from ministry sites will be provided from June 30 through July
8. Any personal transportation during these dates will be the
responsibility of the delegate.
Delegates. There are 209 delegates from North America already coming,
which leaves an additional 141 delegate positions available. These are
available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The application deadline
is February 14, 2000.
For More Information. For more information, contact your Conference
Youth director. Or contact the Center for Youth Evangelism at:
1-800-Youth-2-U; phone: 616-471-9881; fax: 616-471-9883; or e-mail:
cye@andrews.edu. Write to us at: Impact Toronto 2000, Center for Youth
Evangelism, 8903 US Hwy 31, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103. Check out
our website at: www.andrews.edu/CYE. [Baraka Muganda]
Invitation to the World Ministers Council
Several General Conference Sessions have been enriched by a pre-session
event for the ministers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The
Toronto Session 2000 will be no different. What follows is an
introduction to the World Ministers Council, which will be held at the
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada, on June 25-29, 2000.
It is addressed to the Adventist ministers. The General Conference
Ministerial Association is in the process of distributing an Invitation
Brochure. There you will find these questions answered:
The objective:
The purpose of the Council is to provide you with instructive pastoral
techniques toward becoming dynamic, spiritual leaders. With nearly two
dozen plenary presentations and over 150 different seminars, you can
expect to receive a comprehensive, active learning, high-content,
high-involvement, and high-energy program that will enhance your
ministry.
In the words of James Cress, Ministerial Secretary and organizer of the
meeting, the Council will be "an opportunity for spiritual renewal,
professional growth, collegial fellowship, and family enrichment."
"As ministers at the dawn of the millennium, it is vital to remember
our priorities to announce the good news of salvation through Jesus
Christ and to proclaim the blessed hope of His soon return," says
Cress.
The theme:
The theme of the Council is "The Way of the Cross Leads Home,"
featuring Walter L. Pearson, Jr., speaker-director of Breath of Life,
as keynote speaker. Each morning will also include a unique,
family-oriented plenary session with Dr. Archibald Hart, dean emeritus
of Fuller Theological Seminary's School of Psychology.
Who should attend?
Adventist pastors, local church elders, Bible teachers, chaplains,
evangelists, church administrators, and clergy of all denominations.
This Council is an event for the entire family. Each morning's "family
worship" will feature an international environment of worship suited
for all ages to share together. Special afternoon seminars and events
for children, including childcare for infants and toddlers, will make
it easy for parents to participate as well as enjoyable for youngsters.
If you belong to a pastoral family, you will enjoy the family-oriented
atmosphere. If you are interested in developing or improving your
ministerial skills, you will discover growth opportunities abounding.
Pastor Cress assures that the Toronto 2000 Council will be "packed with
more good things than you will be able to absorb." You are encouraged
to attend the plenary sessions and to choose those seminars that will
best enhance your own effectiveness. Plus, special seminars and
activities have been designed for Preachers' Kids.
Relaxed or casual dress is appropriate for our atmosphere of creative
learning and family fellowship, so come prepared to enjoy continuing
education from fellow clergy and spouses, challenging interaction with
pastors of many denominations and local church elders, and a
spiritually-motivating experience.
For more information, including a detailed program, topics of
presentations, and profiles of the presenters, write to: "World
Ministers Council," General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 12501
Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring MD 20904, phone: 301-680-6515; fax:
301-680-6592; or e-mail worldministerscouncil@gc.adventist.org.
[James A. Cress]
Role of GC Transportation
For many participants and visitors to a General Conference Session, the
meeting usually runs smoothly and many are oblivious to the
"behind-the-scenes" machinery that make this international mega-event
happen. Transportation is one of those unnoticed, but crucial areas of
the meeting's success.
The GC Transportation office is, and has been, responsible for freight
logistics for every General Conference Session since the 1940s. At
times, it is quite challenging to get all the departmental material to
the right location on time and also arrange the incoming world Division
exhibits in order that they clear Customs in time for the Session, but
not arrive too early in the host city.
The demands of each department of the General Conference are different.
For Information Systems Services, we have the issue of computer
hardware and software. When the Session is held outside the United
States, this service is very involved and requires complicated
procedures. Another important area is that of the Media Center's
needs. So, we evaluate how best to procure the equipment they'll need
early enough to ensure its arrival at the Session site, but not too
early which could cause unnecessary disruption to production schedules.
Then there is the issue of staffing the "Transportation Desk" at the
Session. As one may well imagine, not everyone follows instructions!
We often have to deal with situations that challenge our shipping
instructions. There are also the Endangered Species, HazMat and
Customs laws, rules and regulations, and these-it seems-provide a
challenge to some exhibitors.
As the preparations for the world Session are in their final months of
planning, we would like to recommend our services to those who are
anticipating sizable shipments to Toronto. Working together and
efficiently we will all contribute to the success of the General
Conference Session. For information call: 410-796-8484; fax:
410-796-4653; or e-mail: gctrans@flash.net [Marvin Robinson]
Session 2000 on the Web!
Have you visited the official website for GC Session 2000? The website
contains information you can't afford to miss. Visit us today at:
www2.adventist.org/gc2000/
How Are You Receiving Session 2000 News?
Session 2000 News is a monthly publication available to you in the
following formats: 1) fax copy; 2) e-mail text copy; 3) e-mail PDF
copy; 4) mail; 5) viewing through the official website:
www2.adventist.org/gc2000/
Let us know how you would prefer to receive the newsletter. Contact
the General Conference Communication Department at: 12501 Old Columbia
Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 USA. Phone: 301-680-6308; fax:
301-680-6312; or e-mail: session2000news@gc.adventist.org
-----
This list is operated by the Communication Department of the General
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_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 6
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 06:52:48 +0200
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Cape Conference Clips [Or with the first item CC Slips]
[This message contained attachments]
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 7
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 16:23:47 -0700
From: "Adv. Boyce Mkhize" <bhizaman@xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Re: TC-TOC Merger
Jongimpi,
Your analysis just fascinates me. Your race experience was very interesting
and uplifting. How true!
I wrote a paper sometime on the issue of church unity/merger.
Unfortunately, that paper has disappeared. I had sent a copy to the SAU for
possible publication, but this did not happen. Editors have a
discretion----don't they? Be that as it may, because I authored the paper,
the intellectual property did not really disappear. I share a few thoughts,
at the risk of repeating some of the statements.
Firstly, my paper covered a broad spectrum and therefore was not limited to
TC-TOC. I think, we need to broaded our scope of discussion as well. You
see the problem is bigger than TC-TOC. For instance, I raised an issue
about merged conferences in our union, like Natal-Free State and Southern
Hope. Yes, their structures have merged, but is it true with the attitudes
and masses on ground? In Natal, you have a situation where camp meetings
and other meetings of the church are still run along 'racial divide'. You
have white pastors pastoring white churches and blacks for blacks, coloureds
for coloureds and Indians for Indians. Do we call this a merger? What are
the practical differences (if any) that the church---I am talking members,
have experienced out of this merger except of course the welcomed
improvement in the conditions of service and benefits of our black pastors?
I have also heard talk of cultures clashing when all inclusive meetings are
held. I thought we had one culture --the culture of heaven and Christ.
The SAU is merged and I have a problem of this SAU reporting directly to the
GC when we have a brother division in Zimbabwe to which we are supposed to
report and then to the GC. This was raised at the TOC session and a
recommendation was made for the setting up of a Task Team to investigate
this possibility and also look into challenges facing the merger throughout
our union. This has not been done, I guess conveniently. It leads me to a
question about the true democratic nature/form of our organisation. I think
we need this task team to take a closer look into the issue of unity. In
fact, the whole administration of our church and governance style needs some
review. I have for instance been asking myself, why our administration is
not run by business administrators who will be selected through a careful
recruitment process so that we get the best possible service in
administration. If that best person happens to be a pastor, Hallelujah!
The Pastors, our pastors with respect, must fulfil the mission for which
they have been called, that is, to preach the gospel. I have seen excellent
preachers whose talent is robbed by administration in the office which
talent could have been used to fast-track the gospel mission. Some of those
talented pastors, with great respect, are not suited to run an office
because that's not where their talent lies. I am saying, we probably need
to review this system of 'sanctifying administration' by insisting on
pastors to hold office even if the skill required is far and few between.
This may sound harsh but I am just anxious for efficient management and
vibrant evangelism programme.
That was by the way.
On the merger, I agree fully with Ps Jongimpi, the race, if we are on the
same race, will dictate our attachment. It is not human effort or
lip-service that will foster unity, but heart and Spirit service. So we
must not stress that TOC-TC has not merged and that the Cape Conference has
not joined the two sects in the Cape, the race will dictate this. You see,
we have merged, even at union level, for convenience. The political
realities dictated some change in our church circles. In fact, I make a
point in my lost document that the merger was not 'autochtonous'---home
grown. It was driven from GC and probably, the problems we experience
regarding same are caused by this 'foreign' solution.
We must merge because we see the need for a merger from both sides. In
fact, if we all saw the need for merging, we would not be hindered by things
like money because we know unity is a principle that cannot be negotiated.
It is an absolute imperative.
So run this race and get hooked to each other by the realities of the race.
Boyce
-----Original Message-----
From: Jongimpi Papu <j.d.papu@mweb.co.za>
To: sa-sda@onelist.com <sa-sda@onelist.com>
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 1:10 AM
Subject: Re: [sa-sda] TC-TOC Merger
>From: Jongimpi Papu <j.d.papu@mweb.co.za>
>
>I had a 10km race on Sunday. This was my first experience. I have been
>running for some time, but getting on the race was a different thing.
>There is a lot that I have learnt from the day I started preparing up
until
>the time I finished the race. I would like to pick up just one thing that
>relates to Unity.
>
>On the day of the race there were more than 1000 entrants all fit and ready
>to go. There is one thing I will never forget. As we were approaching
>the 8km mark, it was evident that some of us were just sustained by prayer
>and nothing else. I happened to be running next to a white person, there
>was not much talk, for we were all trying to plead with the road to go easy
>on us. At one of the refreshment station, he took two one for me and one
>for him. We kept encouraging each other. It was very clear that the road
>was out to get us and kill us if possible, but we refuse to let go, we had
>one purpose and that was to finish the race. We kept asking each other how
>far, how far, but at last we made it.
>
>I will never know the name of the person I ran with, after the race he
>disappeared, well, maybe we did not need each other, the race was over.
>
>I think the reason why some of us have problems working together and even
>worshipping together, is that we are not running the same race. Maybe the
>race is over, or it has not yet started. You see, at the road, there is
no
>white or black, only the black tarred road, and this my friend, is no
>respecter of persons. It does not matter how much money you have, that
will
>not help you on the road. There we need each other. There were those
who
>ran barefoot, but I had no time to despise them, for theywere in the race,
>doing even better than me. On the road you do not need a session or a set
>of instruction to tell you what you should do. The road will tell you,
and
>you will listen.
>
>I am sure and I will not despar for I know it will happen, that my church
>the one I love so much will be together. When the heat of the sun burns
on
>our heads and the hardness of the road bites our feet, we will know how
much
>we need each other. The whole world will be united against the church,
>with one purpose and that is to destroy it. No one will tell us what to
>do, no committee or session will be called, the road will do the work.
>
>Unity is not mandatory, it is not even optional, it is inevitable. We
will
>be united, that is if we are on the same race.
>
>Do not despair Christ is coming for His united church.
>
>Jongimpi
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Tshivhenga Takalani * Group <TakalaniT@Transnet.co.za>
>To: 'sa-sda@onelist.com' <sa-sda@onelist.com>
>Date: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 7:44 AM
>Subject: FW: [sa-sda] TC-TOC Merger
>
>
>>From: Tshivhenga Takalani * Group <TakalaniT@Transnet.co.za>
>>
>>
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: Tshivhenga Takalani * Group [mailto:TakalaniT@Transnet.co.za]
>>Sent: 07 September 1999 08:48
>>To: 'sa-sda@onelist.com'
>>Subject: RE: [sa-sda] TC-TOC Merger
>>
>>
>>From: Tshivhenga Takalani * Group <TakalaniT@Transnet.co.za>
>>
>>Hey friends
>>
>>My personal opinion is that merger of two conferences i.e. TC and TOC is a
>>nice to have. Why don't we forget it and preach the word untill the lord
>>returns.
>>
>>I ponder, what if Abraham and Lot did not separate and each go their own
>>way, some of us would not be marveling the care and love of the good lord
>>when He went out of His way to follow Lot from Sodom.
>>
>>Of course we have to care about them but I feel let them go on and serve
>>their Lord the way that satisfies their calling.
>>
>>
>>He is even at the door.
>>
>>Takalani wa Tshivhenga
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: Lungani Mfeka [mailto:MfekaL@telkom.co.za]
>>Sent: 06 September 1999 15:48
>>To: sa-sda@onelist.com
>>Subject: Re: [sa-sda] TC-TOC Merger
>>
>>
>>From: "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@telkom.co.za>
>>
>>Jerry,
>>
>>May be we do need one conference office in the TC-TOC territtory. But
>>this need not be driven by external pressures, whether politically or by
>>mere observation of other churches. It need not be an imperative action
>>either, because it surely will not work out as it would have if the
>>constituency saw the internal reason for the merger/unity. A person
>>convinced against his beliefs is still of the same conviction.
>>
>>What I am trying to say is that may be it is not the right time for us
>>to force and foster this unity if the hearts are not yet ready.
>>
>>It surprises me, though, that it is the PROPHETIC CHURCH OF THE LAST
>>DAYS that fails to live us to its own teachings. This actually is a
>>dissappointment. May be one should just hold on to the knowledge that
>>our Father in heaven is one and will never give divided attention to
>>those who worship him in truth.
>>
>>Even though come Lord Jesus.
>>
>>Lungani
>>
>>>>> Masabatha Online <masabatha@yahoo.com> 09/06/99 02:41PM >>>
>>
>>
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Message: 8
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 16:42:09 +0200
From: "Bangisi, Nikelo" <NBangisi@xxxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxxx
Subject: RE: TC-TOC - Church Unity
Tankiso,
I have learned a lot from your response regarding the church unity story. I
agree that we should rake the "risk" of uniting. As to how many would like
to take this risk is another difficult question. May it be that in terms of
the letter sent to the TC pastors there was an intention to market the risk
part of it to them in a positive manner, although it did not sound like it.
It is my prayer that there should be the type of oneness described in your
response. I always think about Ellen White statement in Selected Messages
book 2 (I'll bring the page number tomorrow) where she states that a white
brother will be sitting next to a black one in heaven as if they are not
white or black. I seem to think that it is this spirit we need to have in
this, OUR CHURCH.
I have appreciated also the contribution of Jongimpi and Boyce in that we
might not necessarily be running the same race at present, or if we do, we
shall come closer to each other by reason of inevitable circumstances. This
worries me also. As Boyce puts it should we be united by reason of the fact
that circumstances have driven us to a point where there is nothing else but
only unification? It sometimes sounds as if some people do not believe in
the same God as we do.
God bless you all.
Nikelo
-----Original Message-----
From: Tankiso Letseli [mailto:tletseli@mweb.co.za]
Sent: Friday, September 10, 1999 10:31 AM
To: sa-sda@onelist.com
Subject: [sa-sda] TC-TOC - Church Unity
I observed that my responses to Nikelo Bangisi and Mashudu Ravhengani on the
issue of TC-TOC "Church Unity" have evoked and stimulated discussions. Your
comments, reaction and interaction on/to the subject prove to me that you
actually engaged yourselves with my contribution, and I appreciate that. I
was impressed by the way you reflected, analysed the whole process of Church
Unity. I also accept that there is a somewhat wide gulf between encoding
[the message that is transmitted - spoken or written] and decoding [the
message that is understood - hearing or understanding].
1. Responding to Vusi Kaunda's frustration - "the lack of proper
communication by the TOC and local church delegation." I appreciate the
fact that Vusi recognises that there is communication, but it is not proper.
We live in the information age and we owe it to ourselves to be informed. We
cannot leave this aspect of life at the mercy of those who should provide
information. It is also true that in the absence of sufficient information,
people tend to be suspicious and susceptible to creating their own realities
or worldview, and the inevitable consequences might be wrong conclusions and
misinformed, misguided actions. The TOC is also concerned about the fact
that she employs several modes of communication - ranging from letters,
Sessions to available forums in the district and local levels. It is
apparent that the TOC's loudness is experienced as silence to some. The TOC
has just released a mid-year 12-page report last month [August 1999], and
the subject at issue is part of that report. It behoves you to study that
report. It appears to me that Vusi Kaunda, [together with others who share
his sentiments], is either not a member of church board, or does not attend
some of church business meetings, or there are no church business meetings
in his church - which is unlikely, or he forgets church announcements - a
possibility, or does not mandate and demand a report from his church
delegate to the session - which is likely. In this case we can but do
little to help.
2. Responding to Lungani and Nikelo's interpretation - "you have this
target of 34 718 total membership in the TOC for financial purposes more
than 'spreading the word'"? It is interesting to note that God created us
differently in that one statement - "in the interim..." can be understood
differently by different persons. One wanders if the issue is actually
people's different frames of reference instead of the statement itself. It
is true that what we are and have experienced tend to influence our
interpretation and reflection of what we see and encounter. If this is true,
then one cannot be fully held accountable for people's conclusions because
one had no share in the formation of people's worldview. I agree with
Mashudu Ravhengani that "May be the statement 'In the interim,' might be
what lead to the misunderstanding." The unfortunate eventuality is that what
you misunderstood might actually be an understanding to you, and may
unavoidably become the premise of your arguments.
The intention of my statement was not to link "church growth" to or make it
the aim and motivation of "Church Unity" talks. The Gospel cannot and
should not be commercialised. The Gospel was intended to save sinners, but
not for "merger" or marriage. We cannot begin to sacrifice the gospel at
the alter of our quest to "unite." This would be tantamount to the
perversion of the Gospel. The two items ["Church Growth" and "Church
Unity"], in my statement, should be understood to be separate and
independent of each. The "Church Growth" programme preceded and transcends
"Church Unity." The "Church Growth" programme existed in the TOC prior to
the recent Session, and also prior to "Church Unity" talks.
I think it is obvious in most cases that "numerical growth" gives birth to
"financial growth." These two are naturally linked, but they should not be
interpreted [in the context of my statement] to mean "a motivation for
Church Unity." Mashudu Ravhengani, [together with those who might have
understood my statements but did not air their views], has succinctly
captured the gist of my comments in his expression: "I didn't understand him
to be saying that they set a goal of doubling the membership in order to
meet the demands of the TC, nor that the goal of doubling the membership was
set in order to improve the financial situation of the conference."
3. To Unite or not to Unite? - I think this is a wrong question, and if we
pursue it - we will arrive at wrong answers. The right question should be
"How do we Unite as a Church?" I think Church Unity is right at Jesus
Christ's prayer - in effect, a moral imperative: "My prayer is not for them
alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You.
May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent Me,"
John 17:20-21 NIV. The word "one" should be interpreted to mean "united" in
love, mission, purpose, fellowship and worship [worship?]. This "oneness"
should not in anyway be understood as an opportunity of engaging in
deculturisation [stripping one of his/her culture] or acculturation [take
over of one culture by another] or ethnocentricism [using one's own culture
to positively or negatively evaluate and despise other cultures]. I think
Church Unity is more complex than discussed here. I think we should take
the risk of uniting, and then leave the consequences to the Lord, Jesus
Christ because He prayed for it - and also as an answer to His prayer.
Tankiso Letseli
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