War

I bumped into a post with this caption this morning as I was crawling through the internet,
"“I’m fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.” it had a picture of a young man with tears streaming down his innocent chicks with eyes filled with glitter and zeal. I got my mind thinking and acknowledging that the perpetrators of war, seldom die in those warm, they are seldom in the firing line. Two people can disagree and end up affecting many generations to come, leaving a bitter legacy. It is all about humans learning to live together, acknowledging that we need each other to share this space. This world is a gift to all of us, not a single person can claim total ownership of it. Shared space comes with compromises and is utilized better when there is love.

Closed open doors

We each have plans, desires, wishes and plans as go about daily in life. We set goals for ourselves. We develop mind pictures of how life will be for us after certain number of years. We do not always do it consciously but as life progresses we wish to see ourselves a ahead of yester years. We celebrate when these plans, desires and wishes materialize. We thank God, jubilate and celebrate, proclaiming verses like "I am the head and not the tail", "He gives us the desires of our hearts", "prayer answering God", etc. but a time comes when our plans, do not go as planned, our desires are not fulfilled, etc. That is the time when we are quick to look around for somebody to blame.

I am now in my mid forties, only now do I fully comprehend the adage that goes: "education is a life long process". I sometimes feel like a tabula rasa, I oft feel like I am continually unlearning and relearning. It is like I knw nothing at all. I look back and ask myself, what really happened to the four decades of my life? I ponder, I wonder, I pause. There are things that are tangible that many can point at. It is easy to point at kids, certificates, degrees, houses, spouse, cars, etc. But what if you can't point at any of those? I daily learn some things can never be counted or enumerated. There is so much impact we exact in the spiritual that the physical being can never comprehend. We are eternal spirit beings and there is good reason why we had to live at this juncture in history within the confines of our bodies.

I am an African primarily because my body, which houses me, is a direct descendant of Africans in Africa. My lineage is traced here as far as everybody's memory and intellect can go. I am an African. Africa is my pulse, it is my heart beat. My love for this continent keeps growing by the day. I often feel like there is so much I need to imbibe about this continent and her people and there is simply no time. I am oft awestruck by the similarities between us down South and our siblings from other parts of the continent. Similarities in features, words, behavior, it daily affirms that we are intricately intertwined. That we do not seem to love ourselves that much is sad. That we seem to always hate our dark skin, our kinky hair and our deep tones, is sad. We seem to not be aware of the riches we are born in.

We are the world's princes and princesses that are ignorant of their royal lineage. The world over acknowledge that our home is a the cradle of human kind. It is everybody's knowledge that many super powers are where they are today because of slaves they from Africa and the minerals they looted and continue to loot from the continent of Africa. Humanity started here and Africans should teach the world how to love and care for one another. Africa bleeds. She bleeds for her children that never knew who they are. She bleeds because her offspring go all out to look like others, speak like others and hate themselves like they are hated. Africa bleeds quietly. Her oozing blood never ceases. Her pierced heart keeps pumping. The beautiful natural landscape everybody longs to catch a glimpe of, the inhabitants do not get to appreciate as they think the other is better than them, oh Africa, Why?

It has always been my dream to know my continent better. The more I plan to touch different areas, I see many open doors, flung wide open before my eyes. As I take a step to walk in, I learn the doors are actually closed, then I sit down with clasped hands, resting my head on them, wet by tear drops from the ever flowing heart, whispering quietly, "Africa I love you, I really love you Africa, you have made me who I am. I love you". We are now francophone, lusophone and anglophone, I saw doors closed that seemed open. They seem to be open to the ones who gave us this new identities, the originators of these languages, they walk boldly as they actually own this beautiful land. Africa you are beautiful, I love you Africa, I really do. Wipe off your tears dear Africa, put that beautiful smile back on, plait your hair, walk tall, it is almost dawn, closed doors shall open to your offspring and their eyes shall open wide. Those who walked in and looted shall realize and learn, some doors though open but are closed to them.

Restoration

We live in perilous times. Times of uncertainty and helplessness. Pessimism and despair abound. All these seem to negate the essence of the Gospel, where God's elect run from pillar to post searching for hope and sense of being. Nobody seems to pause and appreciate the wondrous and great things the Lord faithfully keeps doing for us. The Lord seems to be blamed for every calamity we bring upon ourselves as human beings, as everybody seems to cry, "Lord, why me?", "sala sewubuya Nkosi Jesu", etc.

It's been sometime I have been doing this and that in mission work, doing different things as the Lord leads, taking time out to listen to God, doing what I believe He says I should do, retreating to establish if I heard well and also seeking for a firm place to place my next step. The Lord has been good throughout.

It has never been a smooth sailing journey, but a remarkably peaceful and an enriching encounter with the Master: Character building, unlearning bad habits, reflecting and acting on directives, testimonies and confessions, hitting the wall sometimes having to reroute, learning the still affirming voice of the Holy Spirit and the peace and Joy that comes with total obedience to this voice. It is not always easy to obey this voice because it does not always make sense to our mortal selves, it is a continuous battle and struggle. The greatest struggle between mortality and immortality happens in the perpetual arena within us.

I am very grateful to have the Holy Spirit as an ever present Help. He never seems to get anything wrong, when grieved He never complains, despite the consequences being dire for us. This walk is amazing and humbling at the same time. In this materialistic work where things of great value are gauged in monetary terms, there is a voice that brings total peace that is available to each and everyone of us alike. At any minute, in every season.

My encounter with Mmamajoro and Jack in May on Africa day at Elim's church seemed like one of those reunions that are coupled with great nostalgia, that come and go like an unassuming whirlwind that appear from nowhere, causes a stir, then disappears the way it came. Somehow we kept in touch afterwards, as if trying to close almost two decades of not caring much about what the other is doing. The Lord had a purpose and He was going to ensure it is fulfilled. I have known them ever since I can recall my student days but have never really been very close to them. I attended their wedding in the North, attended their first born Ntwanano's first birthday while attending same church with them at ECC, that is the church I first belonged to when I moved to Pretoria. They have been acquaintances that were ever there so to say. Well besides in SUCA everyone is everybody's sister and brother, we are one big family until today although there would be some that naturally would be closer to others.

Well much earlier in the year, as we were reminiscing about our action packed outreach to Lubumbashi with Cedrick, I knew in 2015-2016 I had to be actively involved in church planting and I knew I had to be fully involved. This usually happens after I am through with one project, the Lord prepares for the next, in that way I have no room to say no when it comes because I am fore warned. I became anxious and looked around for most probable places, I thought it might be North West, later I thought of Mpumalanga, I was in the process of wrapping up my two year commitment with BOCC, I later gave up guessing and just left it to the one who said I will do it. The voice was so strong, it could not be challenged. When I did not get a clear direction about where to go and who I will be assisting, because it was crystal clear I was not to lead the new ministry; I then resorted to looking for a farm, to fulfill a vision the Lord laid in my heart more than a decade and a half ago, that of building a retreat centre. I convinced myself this is the time. As I do with everyone who the Lord brings closer to me, I shared the vision with Mmamajoro, I was convinced that I got somebody to be part of the board, etc as it happens when you meet somebody who seems to understand what you are saying. Many listen but few hear, a handful understand. The same as many are called but few are chosen. There are times when you need to be with the chosen before the called ones come, it is even better to be with those who hear from the chosen ones than those who listen. It is refreshing to get somebody who hears. She was excited and willing to support me, it was wonderful, I easily get excited by the way, even if there is little or almost nothing to be excited about, I seem to be able to derive joy from everything. I was excited.

Ah! These joys don't always seem to last, I got a farm which led me to another farm, I identified it, it was within the price range I could afford, I don't like stressing with things above my affordability. The bank checked my profile, everything was perfect, but turned me down, they said I cannot have two bonds and if I plan to rent out the one I stay in, I must rent it out six months before I apply for another one, with proof that rent gets into my account. I was disappointed but learnt the powerlessness of being a beggar. The house I call mine, is not really mine, it belongs to the bank I pay every month, the bond has bound me, I have to ask for permission from them for everything I want to do with the house. Reality struck, I almost do not own anything. Things I confidently call mine are not really mine,

Little did I realize this thing has hit me in a wrong way, everything seemed to crumble, I on the other hand have been working for all this while beyond my strength and my body started to report, somehow Mmamajoro picked it up and intervened. God's perfect timing. Before I knew it I was assisting her and Jack establish the ministry the Lord had laid in their heart. It turned out this is the church I was to plant in 2015. If the Lord had told me back in January who I would be assisting in church planting, I would have definitely said the Lord has really lost it or I am hearing a wrong voice, I would not even have listened twice. In His Wisdom the Lord has used avenues He knows I cannot escape from, He won once again. For the next two years I am with THoHR (The House of Hope and Restoration). It started much earlier than anticipated, a lot has been done already, the train is moving, the peace of God is moving with us. I just love this God, He is a best friend. Will look for another place to set my foot end of 2016, for now the Lord has kept me busy here. I thank God for the family at AFM family fellowship in Westview, it is not always easy being away for extended time, but it is all to the Glory of the one who commissions us.

I realize each time I am away that I really love my spiritual home (AFMFFW), I love the people, I love the fact that I was led there by God, I love the family, I am amazed at how I have grown since I started with this church ten years ago. I have not been immune from thoughts of leaving, different options I have considered but learning the voice of God and commitment to obey it, kept me, and kept me as sure footed as a deer.

I am daily learning that the spiritual journey is about being remade daily. It is about constant renewal. No absolutes besides those from and about the Creator of Heaven and Earth Himself. It is about being daily restored.

[This post although only posted now, was first drafted in November 2014]
Thanks for stopping by to read

Cereal bowls

Seronga

I have been to Botswana a few times now, the first time being about fourteen years ago, at a fairly early stage when I was starting to understanding missions and the God of missions. I thought I knew Botswana or fairly knew it until I heard Mama Sue talk about a place called Seronga in the Delta region. The place never seemed to leave her lips, even when they came to visit us at Beth-El en route from Malawi back to Botswana, her heart was still very much in Seronga although she had mixed emotions about it as the place had great odds about it. The place she was explaining seemed very far fetched especially that it is in a country like Botswana, a very strong economy and very stable politically. This place sounded like one of those places found in the middle of nowhere in Africa only movie makers seem to be able to trace. It was so until the Lord said to me "go to Seronga".

When Mama Sue was in Pretoria with Pastor Lesang and sister Idah last year, it seemed apparent that I need to start preparing myself for a journey to Seronga, that was still at the time Mama Sue was still battling with "saying yes" to the still voice that kept troubling her within. As per custom I shared the idea with a few people and interestingly many people were interested, our preparations begun as we kept in contact with Mama Sue, in the meantime she also responded to the deep urge to go there.

19 - 14 October, were dates set for us to be in Seronga. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful places we have seen. Untouched by the woes that oft come with development and civilization. Perched in the middle of a gigantic Okavango river and Caprivi strip lies this seemingly peaceful area where there is no tar road, lacking many basic things one takes for granted in the city and still very much untouched by the Gospel. Searching for information about this place in the internet is like searching for a needle in the sand in the dark of the night. Very little information is there, no clear map, some describe these people as the "forgotten people of Botswana". Taking a ride in the well kept gravel, one is often greeted by elephants as they routinely move to the river to get their water to quench the thirst. For these elephants this is their natural habitat, they live freely with the people there. It is not a surprise that people travel from far and wide to come and spend time here, paying exorbitant amounts of money to catch a glimpse of this place and to take a ride in mokoro "locally made boat" and to sleep in one of the islands in the Okavango delta. Despite the wealth foreigners make out of the virginity of this land, the local people remain desperately poor.

After a great revival we had there for two days, as we started in Maun, where we were hosted so well and fed like kings and queens. We left Seronga with peaceful heart and a great burden in our souls. Seronga left with us as we drove back, we have a burden to be there for Mama Sue as she spreads the Gospel that side of the world which everyone chooses to forget except for a visit and to take holiday pictures. For us it was not just about a holiday, it was about God who knows each and everyone of us by name, knowing the number of the hairs on our heads, the same way He does with each and every person in Seronga. It is such a joyful and peaceful mission, to journey with the Lord, wherever His heart is.

Pontoon in Okavango river

Okavango river

Revival at chief's place in Maun

Me and Joel in a pontoon in Okavango river

Enjoying a boat ride in Seronga - Okavango Delta

Myself and Mary, dipping our shoes to
disinfect them from foot and mouth disease,
a regular procedure along the way

All smiles afloat Okavango river, heading back home,
a journey of  about 19 hours, we took the Ghanzi route on way back

Pastor Lesang - Host Pastor in Maun

Church in Maun

Beautiful Seronga

Myself and Mama Sue (Host Pastor in Seronga)
On the right, one of the villagers who received the Lord
shortly after this, holding meat he had
just bought from the nearby butchery

Pastor Shabangu praying for
a new convert in Maun

Sister Idah and Brother Olebogeng at Mohenbo border.
This was just for pics, we did not cross into Namibia

With our Hosts in Maun. In the middle in
black and white is sister Taboka, who did
most of the logistics. Behind her is striped t-shirt
is her husband who came to collect us in town when we
arrived, ntate GaaMangwe

With our hosts from left to right: Pastor Shabangu,
Pastor Lesang (host pastor), ntate Gaamangwe, ous Taboka Gaamangwe, brother Olebogeng Bogosi, sister Idah (we
first met her last her while doing her missions training with
Capro Missions in Molepolole. She, together with Pastor Lesang came with Mama Sue last to visit us on way from Malawi)

Finally, at the entrance of Seronga. Quite a hot place

Very sandy

The old lady walking away is the one
is staying with Mama Sue in her home. A beautiful
and homely house. She gave us ground nuts and beans.
Typical Setswana food, high in proteins.

Enjoying our ground nuts with freshly baked buns
by Mama Sue. You can only dream of fast  foods in the
Delta region, a good place for weight watchers

Pastor Shabangu and Olebogeng
at our last service in Seronga.
The first service was at kgotleng,
where the community meets for community
meetings, the same way we did in Maun.
The next day service was in a classroom where they
often meet. Second day in the morning was a day of teachings
of the basics of faith for new converts

Olebogeng leading the man from the butchery
to the Lord. He decided to take the Lord as his
personal Lord and Saviour after the lady
sitting down invited us to her
house for prayer.
Her daughter is part of the church,
she requested prayers so that she can
be delivered from alcoholism

Taking a break with fresh buns and ground nuts:
Idah, Kgaotsang and Joel

Before Sunset

It is 16 (sixteen) years since I got my first poem published in Tribute magazine. I somehow felt like I outgrew writing, I had found other channels to express myself, preaching is one of them. But since 2012 Surprise Segaloe has been encouraging me to write and publish, he has already published his second collection. This year Thabang by starting his letter-poetry Facebook page which I contributed to (poem: in the shade) re-ignited that desire to publish in me. This came after I felt a deep urge that I need to publish soon before my parents are taken from our site, they are both in their 80's. Starting today I am working on this collection which is inevitably dedicated to them. They gave me life, they gave me hope, they gave me direction, they did all they could to make the best out of me. Some things I may never understand, some I may ask myself, but I am truly grateful they have been this type of parents to me. I grew up with my maternal grand parents and I cherish their memories very dearly. Each day when I got from primary school, I found my grandma waiting for me under the mulberry tree which became synonymous with our home in Seshego, zone 2. She was the first person I saw when I started to understand anything about my surroundings, since she left, life was never the same, it seemed like the glitter was taken out of life, it seemed like there was an eclipse on life. The day Mama told us she is no more, is the last time I remember Mpho in his right mind, being his energetic self, since then nothing was the same again. Papa had come to fetch the three of us, Pakie being the third from our schools, only to find that Koko left a vacuum that was never to be replaced. She never left us empty, we were told her last words were, "le botxe bana Modimo a be le bona" that is enough to keep us going. She believed in prayer, I was too young to understand some of the things about her, all I knew, she gave us all her time and love, what else can one ask for in this busy world. I could have dedicated precious book to her, or to Oupa, who left when I was seven years, but I learnt that the very decision that we be there was taken by my parents believing it is for our good. For every decision they took, for every effort they made, said and unsaid, I wish to honour both my parents, it is very humbling that God graced them with long life. Long life to see this published. I am very grateful.

It is never in vain

For some reason, I find it difficult to be appreciated or to receive a "thank you", guess that is what happens when giving becomes part of you but in reality, each one of us needs to be appreciated at some point, we need to acknowledged and recognized, it is human to feel good that you make a difference although that should be handled cautiously lest pride sets in.

Since the beginning of this year, January 2014, I offered to assist one of my sons, Thabo Radzuma, at the Crossroads boys' shelter. This is the shelter that played a big role in his life, to learn more about him, please read his autobiography, "the broken egg and the big dream". This is the shelter where you find boys from all over the country and continent that will make you wonder what happened to humanity, the Cushites in particular, that we can do these to our own. As mentioned, I had been going there religiously every Monday, except on days where I could not because of other activities, mainly church related but I tried as much as I could to be there.

As usual I would tell friends and those that Lord brought that time about what I do, so it came naturally to share with Thabang, a Missionary with Capro who had been serving in Cape Town now in Pretoria before he proceeds to Botswana. He shared with the boys last week and he was sharing again this Monday, he has been quite an inspiration in many ways, he has an extra ability to listen and is very compassionate. Incidentally Monday is the day that Mmamajoro came, a long time friend from student days, our journeys have re-converged in a miraculous way, only the Lord could be credited with this, we are eagerly watching the Lord unfold His plan for our lives. Thabang brought along Queen who is also a Missionary with Capro, preparing to be married later this year and relocate to Botswana. I have known Queen for almost a year now but for some reason, have not invited her to Crossroads as yet. She has always been a Blessing to have around, with her glowing face and smile each one always feels welcome around her. No pain or anxiety is too hard for her. They came in a bit later than expected due to miscommunication concerning time and I had to go fetch them with Mmamajoro in her car, I left mine at the garage en route to the shelter, that helped us to catch up with Mmamajoro, there always seems to be so much to catch up on. Oblivious of what Queen and Thabang were caring when we picked them up we picked my car on the way, then followed each other to the shelter. What a glorious evening we had, Thabo and the boys had prepared a bonfire, this time we met around the fire, Hlogie (known as Promise), as usual rendered a few beautiful songs. At Beth-El we were visited by Lucy, also from Capro, preparing to go for training in Botswana, there is a lot of activity in Botswana lately and we really thank God for that. She was such a blessing to have. We thought we would refresh her only to find that she was the one to refresh us, I took two days' leave just to be with her and it was worth every second. We (Joel known as Calabash and Tshepho known with many names, Thum-Thum and Hinozela among others) together with Lucy went to attend the funeral of Fabulous who has been helping taking care of the assets at church (AFM Westview Family Fellowship). Joel did not go to work due to strike and Tshepho took time off, he always seems to be able to get time off anytime anyhow. So that is how we managed to have time with Lucy, in two days we were so refreshed by her, we forever thank God for His servants that He from time to time send to our humble home, they always fill us with Joy, Peace and laughter. It is thus not surprising that He has mandated us to search for a bigger place because He is extending the courts. 

Back to the service at Crossroads. We had this wonderful time around the fire. Besides the boys, there was also David, who has been a caretaker there before. Queen sang after Lucy, that is after Hlogie had sang. Then Mmamajoro said some encouraging words, before David exhorted the boys to take every word spoken to them seriously. Then Thabang shared with the boys in a very encouraging manner, although like last week he did not open the Bible, he shared from the heart and we were all encouraged. Joel and Hlolo came along as well, Tshepho was working late we picked him on the way to Agape house in Villieria. Now the greatest surprise came when we were on the way to Agape house when Queen presented the gifts she successfully managed to conceal in Mmamajoro's car, the card and the flower. I did not know how to receive them, I was dumbfounded, I did not know how to say thank you. To seal it all up, Thabang sent many flowers through whatsapp. My heart was so full of thanksgiving, not only for the flowers or the gifts, but that finally one is making a difference somewhere. There are things that we do by Faith believing that is what God wants us to do, but somehow there is wandering whether it is necessary or is making any difference at all. Somehow this gesture gave me that confirmation, that it is never in vain. We should never do things in order to be seen or applauded by the world but rather do things that will change the world and make it a better place. One day at a time, one person at time, love that one person, talk to that one person, give  hope to that one, that is all it takes. Thanks Queenie, not sure you will ever get to read this, but from the bottom of my heart, thanks Capro Pretoria, the Lord is definitely at work, let us not loose hope. Thanks for being part of us. We love you dearly, may the Lord prosper you all.

Marie Miller's Prophecy and Prayer

Marie Miller's Prophecy and prayer over my life in Atteridgeville, Sunday after Mission Fest
PROPHECY
Because of the hunger,  because of the desire. Because you have declared it before God, something is going to change. He is gonna open the gates to you, and you will hear the words "PASS THROUGH", "PASS THROUGH" PREPARE THE WAY. When you walk  through the gates, bring the armies of the Lord with you, for He will establish you.  If you remain in Righteousness. In the name of Jesus.
PRAYER:
Father I pray Lord God, a loosening over cities and towns, through the hands of your servant. Not by might nor by power but by your Holy Spirit. In the Name of Jesus.

Beloved Congo, the land divided by rivers (Isaiah 18:7)

Today it is the 16th of January 2014, it is clear I am in the midday of my life, if not in the early afternoon. My birthday was two weeks back, there is no need for new resolutions each year as long as you know what you live for, each year is a building block on the bigger picture. We are all pieces locked together in this jig-saw puzzle of life, each misfit totally dislodges the whole picture.

I have been to Lubumbashi and back in December, a journey that cannot be summarized in a few paragraphs. A 44 hour journey by bus with stops at border posts where you never know what to expect. The deep conviction that it is God who said we should do it, kept us going and the knowledge that He who said we should do it will make us fulfill it kept us strong. The company of Cedric and Kgaotsang made the journey very enjoyable and doable.

We were supposed to spend the night in Lusaka, but after our hosts advised us to proceed, we spent the second in the bus. The Joy of it turned the whole journey into an adventure. After the two days and two nights on the road we arrived there to find wonderful hosts waiting for us. It was like we knew each other for ages, although it was for the first time we met. Language barrier was overcome by common convictions and goals. Human beings are able to communicate in silence, where you feel at home just by feeling the warmth of the other. Pastor Sera and the congregation were such amazing hosts. We could not imagine better hosts, we thank God for leading us to them through Malemela although he could not remember him at all. Angelique and friend who assisted in preparing for us Congolese dishes, were also very wonderful despite the absolute language barrier. Within the two days we had started to mumble a few words in Swahili and French.

One striking feature after the vast differences in the countries we touched en route to Lubumbashi is the stark differences at the border posts. Some officials were very friendly, while others at other border posts were just arrogant displaying full anger that had been bottling up over the years. The one stop Chirundu border post at Zambia- Zimbabwe border should be emulated, it shows great co-operations between the two countries, and it makes it much easier for the travelers. At Kasumbalesa border it seems one can walk between countries with or without a passport. It was the only border where our passports were stamped in our absence. Not sure how it is done, we were just happy it was done. After travelling that long all you need to do is arrive where you are going although the mind keeps reminding you, you have to pass here again on way back home. That is when you appreciate the comfort and speed of airlines, if only money was always available. Flying also robs one all the experiences you get along the way, mingling with people and chatting with a few, getting the real feel of our motherland, continent of Africa, craddle of humankind, where humanity learn to be human. Kasumbalesa was quite an experience, you never know is the official and who is after your money. They would demand anything and everything. The yellow fever cards we were told to religiously carry at every border post as we would not be allowed entry, at this one we were told never to show it. Fatigue was taking a toll on us, we watched with amazement as different people discussed about us, not hearing a word of what they were saying.

It was very sad to see Zimbabwe after 18 years, such deterioration in such a short space of time. We had a WSCF Southern African sub-regional conference there in August 1995. The place was beautiful, clean and very peaceful. Very serene, a place everyone would wish to live. Crime was unheard of then. Whatever happened to this beautiful land, may there be restoration. The beauty of the Livingstone border remains intact, especially on the Zambia border as one enjoys the view of Victoria falls. What a beautiful, breath taking place. One of those places that gives you affirmation that indeed we serve a great and creative God. Beauty beyond measure and description. The apes keep us coming here, as if to say "you are almost there". The European tourists that we found there seemed to love these apes and they kept taking their pictures. This kept reminding us how rich our continent is with fauna.

In Zambia, the currency was very confusing. They use two currencies, one has 000 and the other does not have. Meaning if the other is K1 000, the other would be K1. The Kwacha and the new kwacha exchange rates from the rand seemed to change every minute. When you are that far from home you are just happy to get something to buy with, so you can get anything to eat. It did not matter how much they took from us at the black market as long as we could get something to buy water with. Thanks to the generous offerings of many who had been praying and encouraging us, where would we have been without them. We had under-estimated the costs of the journey by far, we only had one thing in mind, the one who said we should go, will see us through every step of the way and He surely did. Awesome God!

The services in Lubumbashi were just amazing. The church was just out of this world. If it was near we would definitely visit there often and make sure we learn the language. It came out very clear how much of a barrier language is, especially the ones imposed on us by the colonial masters that come with cultural baggage.

What a journey. A sense of contentment that we did it. We learnt that we need to be united and that the great commission remains the Great Commission, the only mandate our Lord Jesus Christ left us with.
Yoked!

Knocking at the door of the heart of Africa

It is real, in ten day's time I will be setting my feet in Congo,  Lubumbashi.  I do not know much what the Lord wants me, and those He is sending with me, to do there; all I know He said "go to Lubumbashi" and that for me surfaces. He also spoke about a Hope Village which is still not very clear. He who is ever Faithful will clarify it, I am totally dependant on Him. Just less than 48 hours ago Tata Mandela slipped into eternity future. A stark reminder than no one is immortal. No matter how loved you are, this flesh cannot enter eternal future; but Jesus ascended on high with His body you may ask. Well some things will be settled on His return,  let us just be ready for Him it is a noble thing to do. In August, last Saturday of August to be precise,  I buried Mme Lillian,  a woman who played a significant role in my journey of Faith. Alice had introduced me to her in January 1990, that was to be another spiritual turning point for me. Now they are both gone, baton is in my hand, am running with it, I have to reach the finishing line,  this baton is precious,  very precious, it cannot fall down.  It has got nations and multitudes for the Lord in it. 

Lubumbashi

This is a link to one of the sad stories about the then Belgian Congo, DRCongo. A country in the heart of the African continent, a country I plan to touch soon. http://digitaljournal.com/blog/11297

Are we missing something?

It is exactly one year since we witnessed the sad tale of Marikana. Seeing it replayed on our TV screens make it feel like yesterday. How long will African blood wet the soil of this continent? 1994 brought fresh hope that SOWETO 1976 and Sharpeville were never to be repeated. We all dreamt of a better country, where we will live happily ever after. We somehow never envisaged things that are happening before our faces, our land is also snatched right under our noses, 100 years after the land Act, the African is still without access to land. With well equipped police service, yet those who can afford still prefer to have own expensive security measures. With even better equipped medical facilities, we still prefer to have own medical aid schemes. All these when our country is said to have overwhelming majority of her citizens proclaiming to be Christians. What has gone amiss, what went wrong? 

If only

Life is a series of decisions
A series of lessons learnt
Catapulting destinies
And drawing destinies nearer

Life effortlessly proceeds
As mishaps and celebrations protrudes along the way
Punctuating life
Decorating our paths
Mesmerising our thoughts

Shadows of trees have seen so much
Witnessed so much
Heard so much.
If only they could speak
And relate to us all the tales
The misery they have seen,
The joys they have experienced
The tales of lives that ebbed away on their branches

Precious moments

"By trying to please everybody, you will please nobody" that's what my grandma taught more

It is free, but it costs everything

Kathryn Kuhlman said many times "its not sliver vessels he needs, is not golden vessels he wants, its yielded vessels…"she on one occasion stayed silent and all you could hear was the sound of her weeping quietly "…that’s all…" she continued "…that’s all." 

"It costs much but it’s worth the cost, it costs everything but it’s worth everything"
From: http://mcauliffeandy.tripod.com/id15.html 

SALIMA

Just came back from Malawi. My hearts bleeds for Africa, Africa shall one day rise from the ashes and play a significant role in the global arena. It is not over as yet. Ethiopia, Congo, Timbuktu... See you soon.

Back again

I just can't wait to get back to the wheel again.

I love you Father

I just feel like screaming loud and clear, "I LOVE YOU LORD!"

Time

It's time to take over, no time to waste

Season

To everything there is a season, when the season has come, get up and subdue

Testimony

The firmament and the sky
The sea and the escarpment
The stars, the moon and the sun
Let alone the milky way and the planets
are testimony enough that life is a wonderful  miracle to fathom

The blazing wind and the storm
The rain and the hail
The tornadoes and the earthquakes
They all seem to effortlessly come unannounced
Yet they all have a rhythm
There is a crescendo and a beat they follow
They all testify that life is worth fathoming

Value

It is important to value and appreciate those who positively impacted one's life, time waits for no one, chase it while you still can.

After the Horizon

In the escapades of time
the tunnel oft eclipses the light
Conviction becomes the motivating force
Realities seem to sift through fingures like sand, then water
Time escapes reason
Staring into space
the Horizon keeps calling
there is ever a reason to face tomorrow
for hope hangs on reality after the Horizon
Which keeps shifting as get closer

Tired and huffing
Feet swollen
Bridges destroyed behind
There has to be something better beyond the Horizon
Where Peace unspeakable will be derived from
enjoying the sun and mulberry tree shade
where neighbors sit without tomorrow's cares
awaiting the moon
heralding the morning star
there is everything beyond the horizon

Not an island

It is important to have a sense of belonging

Absolutely

In life there are simply no absolutes, except Divine ones. Setting absolutes as foundations for your life is a sure recipe for self-crash.

Difficult questions

Once in a while one has to ask oneself some difficult questions that others cannot ask one. In that way one gets some progress after intense soul searching and others get answers about one.

Dear shack

Kings are usually born in palaces
Presidents dwell in high places
Rulers oft discuss lofty ideas
The rich strike great deals
They all shut their doors to keep nuances outside,
for within is not everybody's abode
but for the select

But you dear shack
you welcome all, producing the great
Only when they become great do they despise you dear shack
Yet you are ever ready to welcome them back when they do.

Foot prints

We are the architects of our own destinies,
our foot prints are testimonies of where we have been,
may someone in the far distant future,
study our foot prints and
learn what our hearts yearned for.

It is not about fame nor splendour
Not about being spectacular or extra-ordinaire
It is all in the foot prints
It is about a destiny for all

Spectators are not always well wishers
Some are awaiting the downfall
so the air may be filled with gossip

Glad the focus is not on them but on the foot prints
Scattered on the sands of time

Thank you dear foot prints for keeping me company, tell those to come where we have been

Le felleng mo ke tsamayang, ho lahleha ba ba ngata, empa nna ya ntsamaisang ke Jeso, ke mong wa tsela.

Foot prints

In life it is important to leave indelible footprints that you will be proud of when you get a chance and opportunity to reflect back. Footprints that steers the world in better a direction. Though you cannot change the world, you can change your footprints. It is the only thing the next generations will have to remember you with. Leave better foot prints today than you did yesterday. 

Is it worth it

Some things we have to do in this journey of life as assignment are really hard, one can really ask "is it worth it"? You often hear others when they go through trials asking, "why me?". Be that as it may, the wheel of time is not intimidated by circumstances and situations, it spins on all the time; it spins on, yes - it spins on, one step at a time, yet it spins on. Today will be yesterday tomorrow, it spins on. Like the arm of a clock that goes, tik - tik - tik, not missing a tempo, it spins on. May be catch the rhythm as it spins on. Sometimes the mind looses the pace, yet it continues to spin on. Spin on. Spin on. Yes, it spins on. I am glad to be part of the rhythm, at times dancing alone, yet still it spins on. Let us continue spinning on.

KE NAKO

It is time I get the Kiln, the wheel and the roller. That would be enough for starters. Looking forward to exciting moments in the workshop and studio.

GRACE

His Grace is sufficient for us and His Mercies are new everyday, always tender and ready to meet us at our point of need.

Still on the RACE

Ecclesiastes 9:11 "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all".

Each and every personhas got his / her own pocket of challenges, opportunities and challenges, enough for him / her. It all depends on one's attitude towards life. At the end of the day, it is all about you and God.

The RACE

By trying to please everybody, you will please nobody.

This is one of the most valuable life lessons my grand mother left me. Never made much sense earlier in life, but as I grow older I realise how important it is to have clear values and stick to them. A people pleaser cannot be relied upon. There is a race to be run and finished Gracefully.

The WHEEL!!

Busy on the wheel.

Your Destiny

It is critical in life to discover one's purpose on earth, something one is living for. This is a solitary and individual discovery that often connects one to others. It is important at the same time not to rely so much on the others that are acquired through this discovery. It is good to appreciate them, but leaning too much on them may be destructive to the self as they never fully understand what it took to reach that discovery. Appreciate everyone, but never let anyone dictate to you who you should be. Only and ONLY the Master Potter should have the ultimate and final say in our lives. Somehow others, if given full leverage in one's life, they either manipulate, curtail one's life or simply become indifferent, knowing very well that you are fully dependent on them. We are given the power to be in charge of ourselves and positively contribute towards our destinies, that is the Divine latitude one should never trade for anything else. You are the Mastermind to your Destiny. Usually people come and go in your life, some that you never thought would leave, at some point they do leave in the blinking of an eye, often leaving you drained, surprised and bitter; and you remain with your own self and the destiny you created. Create your destiny around your values, not around people.

Back to the wheel

Back to throwing again. I am in love with pottery. Guess I need to get the kiln and the wheel soon. I now fully understand what Jeremiah saw in Jeremiah 18:3 when he went to the potter's house and saw him working on the wheel. In verse 4 the pot is marred in the hands of the potter. This is quite an involved experience. When Jeremiah witnesses how this whole process is, the Lord gives him a message in v.5. In v,6 we are like clay in the potter's hand, we must just be willing to be moulded and re-moulded until we are what He wants us to be. The challenge with the clay is that if it becomes too marred in the hands of the potter, especially with too much water, it cannot be molded again until it is recycled. If the clay get too dry, it needs some water so that it can be molded. If the clay is bisqued in wrong shape, it cannot be remolded into shape again, in that case it is either broken or simply thrown away. Alternatively it can be recycled. :-) It is great to be a potter.

First attempt at the wheel

  Working on the wheel can be quite challenging, it is fulfilling though

God is LOVE

Doing this plate was one of those exciting experiences where I was reminded of the Love of God

MERCY

Mercy rewrote my life

Plans Plans Plans and weather just interferred

This cold weather is really disorganizing my pottery plans, but I guess everything still worketh for Good.

Learning

Patience, Patience, Patience, I need a lot of it in this craft; but am getting there. Needs to be coupled with multi skilling, doing a number of things at the same time. It's great to learn something new. Life long learning is indeed very much a reality. I will continue learning as long as I live. I have just started with the wheel, not as easy as I thought, but fun and that's what matters most.Looking forward to my first production from the wheel in the next few months.

Plates

 

Miscellaneous

It is not always that one knows what will come out, one just waits in anticipation. Makes it more fun. These are some of the very first attempts I made. 

Small jewelery box

 

Multi purpose container