If you want to know what I have been doing besides fishing, going to Charlote Lighthouse, and trying to tie up more loose ends than I could have imagined for Africa, well I have been reading. On each part of my journey there are books which I have selected to help me in my preparation for the area or people I will be in relationship with. This week's focus has been on the religious traditions of Africa and the Spirit.
Folks I have been so blessed by the knowledge I have gained in opening up two books specifficly about Africa. They are very different as "The Blessings of Africa ," takes one back to the history of religion in Africa from Ham and moving foward. My friends, this has been rich and at the same time challenging to read the trials and tribulations of God's poeple However there have been insights which have given me a new found respect for this country and its people. I was so taken the other morning, at 4:30am, I got out of bed to read Genesis 10, I have not even finished the book, yet!
"The African Memory of Mark" has enlightened me about the early church and the ministry of Mark of which I had not known. This book does not claim to have the definitive story. But oh does the historical insights open a new understanding about the roots of faith and religious traditions in Africa. Here was a man who was not one of the disciples whom Jesus had chosen, he chose Christ. Both books opened up the many religious practices of Africa too.
My other reading focus resides in seeking the full Spirit of Christ in a world where we can easily reach a certain plateau and stop. Christ desired of his disciples not to settle and they certainly did not become comfortable. Jesus wants us today to expand our relationship broader. Indeed we can do more abundant things than we could ever imagine with mustard seed faith. So these have been my readings, while running errands, dropping Barbara at the airport, or sitting in my backyard.
Musings,
Pastor Michael
Folks I have been so blessed by the knowledge I have gained in opening up two books specifficly about Africa. They are very different as "The Blessings of Africa ," takes one back to the history of religion in Africa from Ham and moving foward. My friends, this has been rich and at the same time challenging to read the trials and tribulations of God's poeple However there have been insights which have given me a new found respect for this country and its people. I was so taken the other morning, at 4:30am, I got out of bed to read Genesis 10, I have not even finished the book, yet!
"The African Memory of Mark" has enlightened me about the early church and the ministry of Mark of which I had not known. This book does not claim to have the definitive story. But oh does the historical insights open a new understanding about the roots of faith and religious traditions in Africa. Here was a man who was not one of the disciples whom Jesus had chosen, he chose Christ. Both books opened up the many religious practices of Africa too.
My other reading focus resides in seeking the full Spirit of Christ in a world where we can easily reach a certain plateau and stop. Christ desired of his disciples not to settle and they certainly did not become comfortable. Jesus wants us today to expand our relationship broader. Indeed we can do more abundant things than we could ever imagine with mustard seed faith. So these have been my readings, while running errands, dropping Barbara at the airport, or sitting in my backyard.
Musings,
Pastor Michael