What an amazing weekend!
Alan and Rowland came up from South Africa representing the New Covenant Ministries International apostolic team to ordain Martin as an elder in Lighthouse Church on Sunday. While they were here we also had a leadership training time over the weekend for local leaders which was so appreciated by all of us attending. Makhumbula did a wonderful job of translating the whole weekend.
The ordination on Sunday morning was such an incredible occasion, I felt the Lord telling me to note this day, almost like when the Israelites crossing over the Jordan were told to take a stone from the river bed and place it in a cairn on the other side as a memorial. I felt it was a memorial stone laid in my heart - ... tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you. As Alan said, it a continuation of the fulfilment of the promise made to Abraham all those years ago "... all peoples on earth will be blessed through you". Because of God's love for us, here raises up shepherds in the body that will carry His heart. God's promise through Jeremiah the prophet was: I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD (Jer 23:4). Another reason God raises up shepherds is because He wants to bring increase. God's plans for us are far beyond what we could imagine - The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation (Isa 60:22).
The little theatre at Slipway was so full that children were sitting on laps, as friends and family of Martin attended from far and wide. Afterwards we were treated to true Tanzanian hospitality at Martin's house as the family put on a celebration (sherehe) of note! There were about a hundred folk that attended the celebration which was held outside on the lawn under the shade of a tent.
Martin and his friend Samson along with Samson's son Joshua played and sang for us, leading to spontaneous dancing and celebrating by everyone - including the mzungus! Never taking an opportunity for granted, we shared the good news and a number of people responded, including the cameraman and Martin's neighbour and his children!
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