OZCORNERS BLOG

Kawangware Youth Service

2012-02-19T08:09:00.001+11:00

What a privilege it was today to be invited to attend the first Youth Service held at the Kawangware Community Centre. Each week Chosen Children of Promise (http://ccpkenya.org) conduct classes and activities for the local children of Kawangware (a large slum area in Nairobi). I have spent some time in the CCP office over the last few weeks (in between everything else) helping to solve some IT issues for them.

Today they launched an new initiative; a weekly youth service. It was amazing to see the room filled with children so fervently praising God.

Each Saturday from now on, they will run classes and activities from 3pm and then at 4:30pm they will conduct a youth service with the children actively involved in the running of it. Today's service was lead by a 12 year old girl and a 15 year old boy. They did an incredible job! The closing prayer by the girl was not scripted and showed a Christian maturity well beyond her years.

Once again, what is there to say but, Bwana asifiwe (praise the Lord!)

Last day with pastors

2012-02-18T06:12:00.001+11:00

Today (Friday) was my last day of teaching with the pastors of the areas of Dagoretti and Ngando. Numbers have varied from day to day and even fluctuated throughout each day from half a dozen to over twenty.

As per usual, we had a later than planned start. But we covered a lot today. We looked at the Bible's view of discipleship and then the gift of administration. It was a 'heavy' day.

At the end of the sessions (that went overtime due to lots of discussion and questions), those of us still there (Friday is a busy day here for pastors), shared in a time of prayer. One pastor prayed in French (I have no idea what he was saying but I do know there was a lot of thanksgiving), one of the pastors then prayed for me. To close, I was asked to pray for these pastors and their ministries. I have never felt such emotion when praying. To say that I was overwhelmed would be an understatement!

Then an amazing thing took place, something I've not seen in Kenya. One of the pastors asked me if it would be alright if he gave me a hug. Then everyone followed his lead.

They said that they were expressing their appreciation for the teachings that I had shared with them. I was gracious and wonderfully received and they simply could not get enough of teaching from God's Word.

I give thanks to God that he faithfully answered my earlier request for prayer - Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,"

God has truly given me a heart for this place and what He is doing here. If it were not for fact that my wife Linda had already returned to Australia and I miss her do much, I would stay. But I know I need to wait for God's timing and not race ahead of His leading. So, for now, I will return home but eagerly await God's time to return to Kenya.

God is good - all the time,
All the time - God is good,
Because that is His nature!

Bwana asifiwe (praise the Lord)

Ngando churches - photos

2012-02-18T05:35:00.001+11:00

Tour of churches

2012-02-17T16:27:00.001+11:00

Wednesday started off looking like it would be a "not so good" day. We were scheduled to begin class ( with the local pastors) at 9am. By 10am we still only had a handful that had arrived. However, the conversations that ensued were amazing, as some of the pastors sort counsel from the others on issues that they were dealing with in their churches. Many spoke of cases of domestic abuse, violence or neglect. It was for me an enriching time sitting there listening to the Godly counsel of some of these pastors.
We paused for a cuppa about 11am and then began the training for the day.

After class, I was taken on tour of some the local churches in the N'gando slum area. Humble buildings filled by people passionate for God. I met and prayed with many people, people who have a heart for ministering to the people struggling each day in this area to make enough to survive. For many, it is nearly survival!

It is almost time for me to leave for today's training but I will find time later to post a few photos of some of the ministries that I visited on Wednesday.

Today will be my last day teaching thes pastors on this trip. We hope to appoint someone soon that will be able to continue these sessions. Please pray that as we review the applications, that God will clearly guide us in the decision. It is so vital that these pastors continue to be feed and trained in God's Word!

Amazing Sunday!

2012-02-13T07:45:00.001+11:00

Wow, what a day!
I had a leisurely start to the day as church did not begin until 11am. Actually,it wasn't that leisurely as I felt the need to the sermon I had prepared for this morning. I was preaching at Dagoretti Corner Baptist Church. I have spoken there before but for some reason I felt uneasy about my preparation for today.
It all went well. The message was received. I was assisted by a Swahili interpreter which meant it took longer than normal. (the sermon was an hour!)

After the customary greeting at the door after service, I slipped away to pick up my friend, Stella.
We had a special day planned for a little girl that my home group in Australia sponsor her school fees. It is Merilah's birthday on Monday and so we planned to take the family out for the rest of the day. After picking them all up (Mama, Merilah, & her 2 sisters (Julie & Georgina)) we took them to lunch at the food court in Westlands Mall. Then at the family's suggestion we took them to the National Museum in Nairobi.. The girls had a great time!
One of the staff where I am staying baked 2 birthday cakes for us. One to have today and the other for Merilah to take to school tomorrow to share with her class.
What staggered me about the day was when Merilah's mum said that today was the first time they celebrated a birthday for Merilah. That is the reality of their poverty - no special occasions.
It was an indescribable joy to see them all enjoy the day. In the west, we take so much for granted.
I'll add a photo taken in their home last month & one taken today at her birthday celebration. The mum works on the far side of the city and can only manage to come home and visit the girls on Sundays.
That would like to move out of their "tin shed" home into a real building but they could only afford 2000 shilling per month for rent. A basic 2 bedroom flat would be closer to 10,000 shillings per month ($115 Australian per month).
If you like to help this family move from the slums, contact me. They have really pulled on my heart strings.

Bible training has begun

2012-02-11T14:32:00.001+11:00

Elyon Christian Mission's Bible training program has begun.
Yesterday a number of local pastors gathered for the first training day. I taught on the topic of Stewardship. It was not limited to merely finances but a whole of life approach to stewardship. The day was very well received.
I have 2 more teaching days (Wed, Fri) before I return home to Australia.

This coming week I will be meeting with the leaders of Elyon Christian Mission to review CV's of possible applicants to continue these teaching sessions after I am gone.

This is an exciting time. Please pray that God will clearly guide our decisions and that he will bless his work through Elyon Christian Mission.

Serving where I can

2012-02-07T16:18:00.001+11:00

Yesterday I started early at Elyon High school to complete some network cabling.
I then spent the rest of the day working with Kennedy, the IT intern at "Chosen Children of Promise" http://ccpkenya.org
Kennedy has had a steep learning curve since the previous IT person left. He has done a great job but there was some fine tuning needed to resolve some network issues and so my assistance was requested.
CCP run sponsorship, spiritual, medical & educational ministries in the Kawangware area near Dagoretti.

Today I will be meeting with a panel of pastors from Elyon Christian Mission. These pastors represent more than 60 church in the Dagoretti area of Nairobi. I have been communicating with them for many months as together we explore the vision of establishing a local Bible training program. Possibly one day it will develop into a full Bible School. There are many hoops to jump through to get to that point.
Today's discussions will help shape the remainder of my time in Kenya for this trip and hopefully we will gain a clear focus of the path ahead in this ministry partnership together.

Busy weekend

2012-02-06T02:45:00.001+11:00

Just like home, it seems weekends are as busy as any other days. Early on Saturday morning I met students and teachers from Elyon High School at Dagoretti and travelled (I drove a borrowed car) across to the far side of Nairobi to Moi Forces Academy to watch them compete in an inter school sports day. We followed the bus transporting the students - at least until they changed vehicles without telling us. With the help of the 2 staff in my car we eventually found our destination.
I returned to Dagoretti about lunch time and the plan was that my friend Stella was taking me to see Kitenga Glass - a local factory and gallery for the most beautiful items made from recycled glass. We eventually arrived there but after over 2 hours in traffic (for a drive that should have taken us 20 minutes) just as they were getting ready to close. Thankfully they allowed us a quick look around although all the artisans had finished for the day.

On Sunday morning I drove to Lifespring Chapel at Embakasi to catch up with friends and then meet with 2 of our scholarship beneficiaries to discuss ongoing expectations for this year; the final year for both of these guys. After lunch I dropped these guys into the centre of Nairobi - a part of the city I had so far tried to avoid driving through. I'm glad to say I was able to navigate my way home alone successfully, albeit with a migraine.

So far this trip, I've tackled a few firsts (even though it's my 3rd trip to Kenya). I've travelled on matatus alone, I've successfully navigated my way to areas that I've previously not visited, I visited Uganda and even while there travelled on a boda boda (a motorbike taxi). There was even 3 people on the bike for the trip - an interesting experience.

After 3 trips to Kenya and this one will be for 2 months (only 2 weeks left), I have to say I love this country and more so it's people. I maybe a Aussie but God has truly given me a heart for Kenya and it's people.

Mimi ni katika Kenya.

Why am I in Kenya?

2012-02-03T06:31:00.001+11:00

Kenya’s main religion is Christianity. But it is often said that many believers in Kenya can be compared to a lake that is a mile long but only an inch deep.

Because of the political and social turmoil that they experience, the church often becomes like a hospital where people come simply to get hope.
As a result, many people are coming to Christ as their Saviour. However, the teaching and the knowledge of the Bible are often superficial and shallow, not transforming people's lives. There is a lack of making Christ the Lord of their life. Their belief in Christ is not well translated into their daily lives.

While the statistics say that Kenya is 45% Protestant, many do not truly live out Christ. Thus discipleship is vital. Kenyans need a revival of depth in Christ that is evident in their decisions and actions.

If you are not already praying for the people of Kenya, please add them to your prayers. Only God can revive this nation and it's people!

Full days

2012-02-03T04:25:00.001+11:00

This week I thought I would be busy with planning meetings but so far not one meeting. However, my skills have been well utilised repairing computers and setting up a new network for Elyon High School. Today I walked around the local area with one of the teachers as we searched for items that we needed. It is so different to wander around areas where few 'muzungu' (white people) venture. There are some parts that I would definitely not enter at night. For most of these people, they would not choose to live here either but they do not have that choice! It's simply all they can afford, scratching out barely enough to survive.

A week away!

2012-01-31T20:51:00.001+11:00

The blog has been silent this past week as I have been in Uganda and a part that had no Internet. In fact, there was no electricity at all as well as no running water. I was visiting an area called Amidakan near the village of Otuboi (north of the town of Soroti). I'll add a map to show where it is.

I had been invited to teach for a week in Kamidakan Baptist Bible School. The school was established by Peter Ayabu, a brother of Pastor William Eyika from Dagoretti Corner in Nairobi. (I travelled with William's wife, Grace and Ps Julius Orina.) Peter is also on the board of the Uganda Baptist Seminary (chairman). The Kamidakan Bible School currently going through the process of becoming as satellite campus of the UBS.

Staying in the village was an experience that I will never forget and neither will the locals. You see, only a few "muzungus" (white people) have ever visted there. Those that have have not stayed in the village but retreated each night to the town of Soroti. I was the 1st "muzungu" to actually sleep in the village for 6 nights. It caused a lot of talk!

Throughout the week I spoke with the students of the Bible School together with a gathering of local Pastors, some of whom teach in the school.

To say that I felt out inadequate is an understatement. But I constantly read and re-read "Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
[19] Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel."

During my preparations (I was given the requested topics 2 days before arriving in the village) I had not noticed that one Bible verse repeatedly appeared throughout the week - "2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."
Definitely a fitting verse for a Bible School. Thank you God. You never fail.

One extra highlight of the week was meeting and hearing the local choir (see photo with instrument). I recorded a number of their songs and when I return to Australia I will create a CD to send back to them but also to sell as a fund raiser for the Kamidakan Bible School.

I also thank God to protecting me throughout the week both in travelling and while in Amidakan. The Australian government website (www.smarttraveller.gov.au) lists the area as "Do not travel". I never felt unsafe at any time! Thanks God.

Sunday at Dagoretti

2012-01-23T01:29:00.001+11:00

WOW!!!!
I love the vitality & genuineness of the church services here. I was welcomed back as one of the family (it's my 3rd trip to Dagoretti). I was greeted by a number of people by name which really made me feel at home. I was looking forward to hearing Ps William Eyika preach but there was a guest couple from Nigeria speaking. The wife spoke for about an hour with a lot of emotion and hype but although there were some good points in her sermon there was not a lot of depth. It was very much a prosperity gospel message.

The afternoon was spent relaxing back at the guest house ready for an early night as I'm being picked up at 6am tomorrow to catch a 7am bus to Uganda.

The week in Uganda will be full of surprises & new experiences.

Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel"

Last minute preparations

2012-01-22T06:29:00.001+11:00

Today (Saturday) was a day of rest, catching up on washing, reading and packing my bags ready for the trip to Uganda. Well, at least that was for most of the day.

Late in the day I received a phone relaying a message from the people I will be visiting in Uganda. Typical of Africa, the message was a last minute request of new topics that they would like me to preach & teach on in Uganda. WOW! I'm travelling there on Monday. Talk about short notice! I said that I could make no promises but would look try to come up with something.

God is good! For two of the topics that they have requested I have already prepared talks. That leaves me Sunday after church (which goes for hours & is in Swahili) and then Monday during the 12 hour bus trip to work on the last topic.

Please pray for divine guidance & wisdom in preparation and also for safety during the trip.

The start of my Kenya extension

2012-01-21T06:58:00.001+11:00

After 3 weeks with the Kenya Help Mission Awareness Trip team, tonight I farewelled them as most of them (including my wife) headed back to Australia. I'm staying mainly to work with a group in Dagoretti Corner (an area in Nairobi) to help with preparation for the establishment of a new Bible School / Mission.
However, first I'm heading to Uganda for a week to teach, preach and open a new church in a village. I leave for Uganda on Monday. So for now, a quiet weekend of rest and some final preparation.
I aim to blog daily if possible but the week in Uganda is somewhat of a mystery & so I may not have Internet access at all that week.
Stay tuned........

You Can't Get There From Here - Barnabas Network

2011-12-19T07:07:00.000+11:00

You Can't Get There From Here - Barnabas Network

This is an article written by a dear friend.
I hope it will shed some light.
It does put things in perspective, in my opinion.

The Thin Edge of the Wedge - Barnabas Network

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000+11:00

The Thin Edge of the Wedge - Barnabas Network

If the issue of same sex marriage is a concern to you, then you need to read this article.

Resurrection Genesis

2011-08-05T20:05:00.000+10:00

Resurrection Genesis

The doctrine of the Resurrection of Christ is one of the most important doctrines of Christianity; without the Resurrection, we have no hope of salvation from our sins (1 Corinthians 15:12–18). Follow the title link to read more.

Attributes of God

2011-06-09T07:41:00.003+10:00

Often people will say "I believe in God" but what exactly are we saying we believe about God? We all have our own ideas about who God is. The Bible is the word of God to us. What does it say about who God is? In other words, who does God himself say he is?

Here is an article I read on the website "All About God" that clearly explains what the Bible says about the attributes of God.

Attributes of God – The Meaning

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” So says A.W. Tozer in his classic book on the attributes of God, The Knowledge of the Holy. Why would he make such an extreme pronouncement? Tozer goes on to say, “Man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God. Worship is pure or base as the worshipper entertains high or low thoughts of God.”

In our hearts we know the above is true. It is not enough to follow “god.” That word has come to mean so many different things today that it actually means very little. If we just make up our own minds concerning what He is like, then we are just creating an idol in our heads.

Attributes of God – The Basis

Jesus came to reveal the God of the Bible. And God has revealed Himself in His book. Any deviation from that insight from Him is a made-up god. Tozer in Knowledge of the Holy finds 18 characteristics of God in the Bible. They are repeated here, although not in the same order. Tozer’s definitions, when used, will appear in quotes.

The Bible says to praise God for who He is, especially in prayer. Much of Psalms is a good example of this. Most people concentrate their praise in just a few areas, such as God’s love, and then spend the rest of their prayers asking Him for things. (So that you can remember all of the attributes of God they are presented in the order of this acronym: WISH TO FLOSS JIM EGGO.)

Attributes of God – The Characteristics

Wisdom: “Wisdom is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve these ends by the most perfect means.” In other words, God makes no mistakes. He is the Father who truly knows best, as Paul explains in Romans 11:33: “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!”

Infinitude: God knows no boundaries. He is without measure. This attribute by definition impacts all of the others. Since God is infinite, everything else about Him must also be infinite.

Sovereignty: This is “the attribute by which He rules His entire creation.” It is the application of His other attributes of being all-knowing and all-powerful. It makes Him absolutely free to do what He knows to be best. God is in control of everything that happens. Man still has a free will, and is responsible for his choices in life.

Holiness: This is the attribute that sets God apart from all created beings. It refers to His majesty and His perfect moral purity. There is absolutely no sin or evil thought in God at all. His holiness is the definition of that which is pure and righteous in all the universe. Wherever God has appeared, such as to Moses at the burning bush, that place becomes holy just for God having been there.

Trinity: Though the actual word is not used in the Bible, the truth of God revealing Himself in three persons is included. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all called God, given worship as God, exist eternally, and are involved in doing things only God could do. Although, God reveals Himself in three persons, God is One and cannot be divided. All are involved completely whenever One of the Three is active.

Omniscience: “God possesses perfect knowledge and therefore has no need to learn. God has never learned and cannot learn.” Omniscience means all-knowing. God knows everything, and His knowledge is infinite. It is impossible to hide anything from God.

Faithfulness: Everything that God has promised will come to pass. His faithfulness guarantees this fact. He does not lie. What He has said in the Bible about Himself is true. Jesus even said that He is the Truth. This is extremely important for the followers of Jesus because it is on His faithfulness that our hope of eternal life rests. He will honor His promise that our sins will be forgiven and that we will live forever with Him.

Love: Love is such an important part of God’s character that the apostle John wrote, “God is love.” This means that God holds the well-being of others as His primary concern. For a full definition of love, read 1 Corinthians 13. To see love in action, study the life of Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross for the sins of others is the ultimate act of love. God’s love is not a love of emotion but of action. His love gives freely to the object of its affection, those who choose to follow His son Jesus.

Omnipotence: Literally this word means all-powerful. Since God is infinite and since He possesses power, He possesses infinite power. He does allow His creatures to have some power, but this in no way diminishes His own. “He expends no energy that must be replenished.” When the Bible says God rested on the seventh day, it was to set an example for us and our need for rest, not because He was tired.

Self-existence: When Moses asked who he was talking to in the burning bush, God said, “I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS.” God has no beginning or end. He just exists. Nothing else in all the universe is self-caused. Only God. In fact, if anything else had created Him, that thing would be God. This is a difficult concept for our minds since everything else we will ever encounter comes from something other than itself. The Bible says, “In the beginning, God.” He was already there.

Self-sufficiency: The Bible says that God has life in Himself (see John 5:26). All other life in the universe is a gift from God. He has no needs and there is no way He can improve. To God, nothing else is necessary. He does not need our help with anything, but because of His grace and love, He allows us to be a part of advancing His plan on earth and being a blessing to others. We are the ones who change, but never God. He is self-sufficient.

Justice: The Bible says that God is just, but it is His character that defines what being just really is. He does not conform to some outside criteria. Being just brings moral equity to everyone. When there are evil acts, justice demands there be a penalty. Since God is perfect and has never done evil, no penalty would ever be necessary; however, because of His love, God paid the penalty for our evil deeds by going to the cross Himself. His justice needed to be satisfied, but He took care of it for all who will believe in Jesus.

Immutability: This simply means that God never changes. It is why the Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Mercy: “Mercy is the attribute of God which disposes Him to be actively compassionate.” Since God’s justice is satisfied in Jesus, He is free to show mercy to all those who have chosen to follow Him. It will never end since it is a part of God’s nature. Mercy is the way He desires to relate to mankind, and He does so unless the person chooses to despise or ignore God at which time His justice becomes the prominent attribute.

Eternal: In some ways, this fact about God is similar to His self-existence. God always has been and will forever be, because God dwells in eternity. Time is His creation. It is why God can see the end from the beginning, and why He is never surprised by anything. If He were not eternal, God’s promise of eternal life for those who follow Jesus would have little value.

Goodness: “The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men.” This attribute of God is why He bestows all the blessing He does on His followers. God’s actions define what goodness is, and we can easily see it in the way Jesus related to the people around Him.

Gracious: God enjoys giving great gifts to those who love Him, even when they do not deserve it. Grace is the way we describe that inclination. Jesus Christ is the channel through which His grace moves. The Bible says, “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Omnipresence: This theological term means “always present.” Since God is infinite, His being knows no boundaries. So, clearly He is everywhere. This truth is taught throughout the Bible as the phrase “I am with you always” is repeated 22 times in both the Old and New Testaments. These were even Jesus’ words of assurance just after giving the challenge to His disciples to take His message to the entire world. This is certainly a comforting truth for all who follow Jesus.

Attributes of God – The Conclusion

This is the description of the God of the Bible. All other ideas about God are, according to the Bible, false gods. They are from the imagination of mankind. By learning the attributes of God, you may praise God for who He really is and for how each of His attributes impacts your life in a positive way.

To read more about who is God, including the original article and similar articles follow this link - Who is God?

Reverse

2011-05-28T08:40:00.007+10:00

This is a powerful video.
You need to watch all of it to see the truth that it reveals.

Reverse

Sermonspice.com

See Details Buy Now

The Gospel in Colours

2011-01-12T22:59:00.004+11:00

An easy way to remember and share the gospel is by using colours.
Green, black, red, white & gold.

If you would like to know more about the gospel, drop me a line.

Bethlehemian Rhapsody

2011-01-03T10:28:00.000+11:00

The First Noel - 7yr old Rhema Marvanne

2010-12-04T15:45:00.001+11:00

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

2010-12-02T15:40:00.001+11:00

2010 Trip - 2nd October

2010-10-02T22:18:00.001+10:00

This morning we decided to change countries for the day and went to Macau. Only a 1 1/4hr by ferry, needing passports to go and found that it is very much a casino town. They pay no taxes, best medical, good pensions, schooling free all because of the taxes from the casinos (35 in total at the moment - more being built thanks, to the Packers, Stanley Ho etc). Had a great guide for the day who showed us all the sights. No gambling and no shopping. Back to Hong Kong. Got some chinese from a place that looked like it only catered for the chinese community so we were the talk of the shop for a little while. Heading back to Australia tomorrow. Can't wait. Had enough now. Can't wait to see Charlotte.

a casino in Macau

2010 Trip - 1st October

2010-10-02T21:45:00.002+10:00

Today is a public holiday in HK for National Day. Last night I got a phone call from Craig Harvey. We knew Craig many years ago in Bathurst. Craig nows lives in Hong Kong with with wife and family. He made some suggestions about places we should visit while in HK. So today we followed Craigs advice and travelled to "The Peak". Victoria Peak is a high mountain overlooking Hong Kong. We caught the "Peak Tram" to the top. The views are spectacular. Among all the tourist shops up there we found a "Bubba Gump" restuarant. Of course we hade to have lunch there. After lunch (about 3pm lunch), we travelled back down and found a good spot to wait for the fireworks display on the harbour tonight. After watching the fireworks here, I think nobody does fireworks like the Chinese.