SHOTS FROM BUJUMBURA RETREAT 2010

Publicizing/Advertizing the Word

Preaching/Interpreting the Word

Listening/Reading the Word

Teaching/Sharing the Word

Performing/Singing the Word

Acting/Enjoying the Word

Practicing/Living the Word

Revelation 1:3 - Blessing for Reading,Hearing and Keeping What is Written Therein!

Shalom from Dar es Salaam!

Welcome to our stepwise study of the Book of Revelation. You can access the previous lesson through this link: Revelation 1: 2 - 'Bare Record'. Today we are thus reading Revelation 1:3:

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Here a blessing is pronounced. The word 'blessed' appears many times in the Bible - 267 times according to BibleGateway.com. When pronounced it signifies one becoming redeemed/saved, forgiven, fruitful, prosperous and happy/joyous among many other positive things. Here is a classical example of Beatitudes/Blessings from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount:

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3: 6, 13, 22).

The deeper meaning of hearing or hearking is closely tied to the blessing which Revelation 1: 3 pronounces to whose who keep those things that are written in Revelation. Once we read and hear about its prophecy we, automatically, ought to hold fast to what is written therein.

Finally, Revelation 1: 3 closes with this rationale: "the time is at hand". This question of (prophetic) time also puzzled the disciples of Jesus. It has been associated with the end of the world and the establishment of God's eternal Kingdom. Concerning these events the disciples thus asked Jesus prior to His death on the cross:

Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of they coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24: 3)

Even after Jesus' ressurection the discpiles thus kept asking prior to His ascension:

When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, will thou at this time restore again the kingdom of Israel? (Acts 1: 6)

So, Jesus, through Revelation 1: 3, is providing the answer for the disciples of all times - "the time is at hand." This is indeed the time that is referred to by the following sucessive prophecies of the Books of Daniel and Revelation:

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt...But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased... And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end (Daniel 12: 1-9).

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book... Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand ( Revelation 22: 7 - 10).

REVELATION 1: 2 - 'BARE RECORD'

Dear Blessed Reader,

Shalom from Dar es Salaam!

Welcome again to our verse by verse and chapter by chapter study on the The Revelation. In our first lesson we saw the meaning and purpose of this prophetic book provided in Revelation 1: 1. You can revise it here: Lessons from the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Today we swiftly move to the second verse of chapter one - it thus reads:

Who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he say (Revelation 1: 2).

The verse mentions two beings or persons. The first one is the "who" in the beginning of the text. This is John, the beloved Disciple of Jesus, who is referred to in the end of the preceeding verse. Of course the other one is Jesus Christ. The working relationship between Jesus and John is also clearly stated therein.

John's task is to bare three things. Before we go on let us unpack the meaning the of this term 'bare'. The Free WordWeb Dictionary simply defines it as: (1) Make visible, allow others to see; (2) Make public; (3) Remove or clear everything so that nothing is left.

In other words, John is telling us that his task as far as the Revelation of Jesus Christ is concerned is to make visible, clear and public the following three things so that others, that is, you and I, can see:

(1) Record of the Word of God

(2) The Testimony of Jesus Christ

(3) All things that he [John] saw

As usual, the Bible offers its own definitions of things that it introduces to us. In our previous lesson we saw how it defined the Word of God and John's role and rationale in baring its record. Let us thus relive in full that marvellous Biblical passage that sums all this:

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us:) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full (1 John 1: 1 -4).

So, here we have John baring the record of Jesus - "The Word of God" (John 1: 1 -18). In regard to the Gospel of Jesus according to John, this "is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true" (John 21: 24).

John's testimony is on and about Jesus. It is not surprising then that in Revelation 1: 1 he also introduces himself as baring the Testimony of Jesus. Interestingly, somewhere else the Bible specifies those who "keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 12: 17). Then it goes on elsewhere to offer this powerful definition from a messenger of God who was addressing John:

I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren, that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God; for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19: 1.

In sum the second verse of chapter one is telling me and you that we are called to share with our spiritual brethren John the main mission of Revelation - to testify about Jesus!

And testifying about Jesus is all about ensuring that we "hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches" (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3: 6, 13, 22) - Yes its about hearking to what God "hath declared to his servants the prophets" (Revelation 10: 7). For: "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3: 7) and the Bible thus declares accordingly:

"Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper" ( 2 Chronicles 20: 20).

No wonder our Saviour has thus indeed testified in his Revelation of Jesus Christ:

"Behold , I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book" (Revelation 22: 7).

"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22: 20).

AMEN

Participate in Building Kibada SDA Church

Visit: http://www.kibadasda.blogspot.com/

Contact: Mr. Bulengela (+255715833667) or Mrs. Malale (+255655444944) of Kibada SDA Church, Kigamboni

Lessons from The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Shalom from Dar es Salaam!

Today we kickstart a verse by verse, chapter by chapter, study on the book by which this blog is named after - Revelation. The full title of this book and its meaning thereof is provided in chapter 1 verse 1 which reads:

The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John (Revelation 1: 1)

Lets pause for a minute and reflect on this verse. First of all it tells us that this is the Revelation of none other than Jesus Christ. It is also telling us that it was given unto him by God himself. We are told that its main purpose is to show his servants, that is, those who serve God as per Romans 6: 22, things which must shortly come to pass. To that end this Revelation was sent and signified by his angel unto one of his trusted servants, that is, his beloved servant John.

Probably none other than John tells us more about who Jesus is in relation to God. In verse 1 of chapter 1 in the Gospel according to John we thus read:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1: 1)

Later on, in verse 14 of the same chapter of this Gospel, John reveals to us that this Word, that is God, was made flesh (read physical human body). In verse 17 John clearly states that he is referring to Jesus Christ through whom "grace" and "truth" came to us. Elsewhere in 1 John 1: 1 he refers to Jesus as the "Word of life" and, in regard to him, he thus further affirms:

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that you may also have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1: 3)

Such is the relationship between the givers and bearers of the message of Revelation as described in Revelation 1: 1. It is indeed a message from God, through his Son Jesus, also known as the "Word of life" (1 John 1: 1) and the "Word of God" (Revelation 19: 13), to his servants - you and I - through his beloved servant John as signified by his angel and concerning angels, the Apostle Paul asks rhetorically: "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Hebrews 1: 14)

In sum this is the Revelation of Jesus Christ to us - to you and me!

New Website Address: Mwenge SDA Church

http://www.mwengesdachurch.or.tz/

Order SDA Bible Commentaries Set

Contact UDSM SDA Church Clerk at ob.malima@gmail.com

Cost of Buying/Shipping them to Dar es Salaam: Tsh 420,000

Also order Early Writings & Messages to Young People by EGW

Place Your Order by 30 October 2010

Tovuti ya Kanisa/Church Website - Magomeni

Visit/Tembelea http://www.sdamagomeni.org/

Or/Au http://www.magomenisda.org/

HE WILL FINISH THE GOOD WORK IN YOU

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” Philippians 1:6

I just love that text in Philippians. It has been such an encouragement to me. It’s so easy to think that if we’re doing God’s will, everything will fall into place and we’ll get from point A to point B without any problems. But that’s not really how things work. There are lot of curves and turns along the way.

Consider David. He was chosen by God to be king, yet he spent a long time running and hiding from Saul. The possibility of becoming king was looking pretty slim for a while there.

Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers, accused of attempted rape, thrown in prison and forgotten for a few years by those who could have helped him get out of the prison. But God didn’t forget him. God was getting Joseph ready for a major task. Preparing Egypt for a famine and being in charge of distributing the food to everyone in Egypt and to those in other countries who came for food.

Moses, raised to be the son of a Princess ended up in the desert-tending sheep. God wasn’t done with him either. Moses was being prepared to lead a nation of people out of slavery and back to their homeland.

Then there’s Job. Job lost everything. He lost his business, his workers, his family, and his health. Job’s anguish was so bad that he said his days were without hope (Job 7:6) and he despised his life. (Job 9:21) God never told Job why he had to suffer so much. He never explained to Job the challenge Satan came to God with. Yet his story was recorded in the Bible and countless numbers of people have been helped by Job’s story.

There are others in the Bible who’s lives seemed to take many twists and turns away from God’s plan, when in truth, God was in control the whole time. His plan was still in action.

God does finish the work He starts in us. You may feel like you’re in a dead-end job and going nowhere, or that because your body no longer functions correctly, you are of no use anymore. It doesn’t matter where you are, or what you are doing, if you’ve given your life to God, He will use it. No one is useless. Those times where nothing seems to be happening, that’s the time God is preparing you.

You may or may not ever know the way God is using you but be assured, God doesn’t make mistakes. He makes people, and the work He started out in you He will finish as long as you let Him.

Article Source: Jacqueline Macdavies
Photo Source: Lars Justinen

Will Your Anchor Hold in the Storms of Life?

Priscilla Owens wrote the words to one of my favourite hymns in the late 1800‘s, and I often wondered what circumstances in her life inspired her to pen them. "Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift and the cables strain, Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?" It is one of my favourite songs because it as a challenging song, and yet, in the chorus, it is a song of hope and assurance.

There are so many things in our lives that we tend to take for granted. When we leave home in the morning we tend to take it for granted that we will return in the evening and meet up with the rest of our family. When we part from each other‘s company at the end of our Sabbath services, we tend to take it for granted that we will see each other again the following Sabbath. I understand that faith re-quires that we believe we have received before we receive and as we pray to God for protection we ought then to believe we shall meet again while on this earth, but I wonder if the reasons for taking these things for granted are really a result of faith.

I recall last year talking to my brother and my aunt about how we would meet up at my father‘s funeral, and how they (my aunt and brother) would make the necessary arrangements and how my family and I should not worry about getting there early seeing we lived further away, little realising they would perish in an accident on their way there. We had all taken it for granted that we would meet there. I remember driving past the scene of a terrible accident in which there had been loss of life and wondering whether or not the families knew that their loved ones had perished, and imagining that they had left home expecting to be reunited later in the day, but it was not to be. How does one pick up the broken pieces after such events? How does one ensure their anchor holds through these storms of life?

I listened a few weeks ago to a testimony from a brother, about how he has optic atrophy - he is gradually losing most of his sight. He has been to countless eye specialists who have informed him that the condition is irreversible. He detailed to us how he has not been able to read for over four years and the struggles he and his family have had to go through in adjusting to this new set of circumstances. As if the struggles that they have been going through in relation to this were insufficient, they had the pain of conceiving, but losing a number of babies pre-term. Coupled with this, he lost his job and only re-cently got employed after an extended period out of work. The clouds seem to have unfolded their wings of strife on this family.

When people get married, they generally have the words "For better or worse, through sickness and health", or some variation in their vows. But I wonder how many of us actually consider what it would be like if our spouses suffered thus. From the rate of divorce and misery when such circumstances hit families, it is evident that many of us do not take these words seriously. We take it for granted that our loved ones will not get so sick that we need to tend for them, especially while we are still at an active age. We take it for granted that we will not become destitute and that we will ever have a source of in-come that will keep living somewhat comfortably.

The question we however need to ask ourselves is this: ―Will our anchor hold when situations deteriorate? Will our faith remain intact when wave after wave of difficulties come our way? Will our anchor drift or firm remain when the strong tides lift and the cables strain? Will we curse God and live, or will we say "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD?"

To my human eye, the brother giving the testimony and his wife seemed at ease with what was tran-spiring in their lives and the adjustments they were making. I did not sense any animosity as a result of their struggles – Yes, I could see pain and a level of apprehension about the future, but they seemed to have their struggles did not seem to have affected their faith. I found myself wondering how I would have coped under such circumstances.

How would you cope with the various scenarios above and their multitude of permutations? My prayer for us is that our response will be: "We have an anchor that keeps the soul, Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior‘s love" Our only hope.

*Source: Brother N. Nkomo at www.scribd.com/PrisonersOfHope

PASTORAL CONDOLENCES: JOSEPH SHEM ONYANGO (1936-2010)

In the Blessed Hope: Fare Thee Well Pastor Onyango

------------------------------

Pastor Mwamukonda Wrote:

When death strikes it is unbelievable. When my wife Tabitha told me the sad news I received it with disbelief that Pastor Joseph Onyango the gifted preacher,a person perhaps who has joined many couples than anyone in Tanzania is no longer with us. It was not easy to fit into his shoes when I succeded him as a pastor in Mwanza in 1970. He was then married I was single. He was a good good speaker I was not as good as he was. He was more experienced I was just fresh from College. He was far better than I was. Yes Pastor has ended his earthly pilgrimage. His works shall follow him. Though he retired he was still active. In fact he died when he was on a mission. May the good Lord uphold the widow, children, relatives, friends and the adventist church in East Tanzania Conference and in Tanzania Union as a whole at this time of bereavement.

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Pastor B. Muganda Wrote:

When the untimely death of Elder Onyango occurred on Friday I happen to be in Morogoro on my vacation. I got the news within five minutes of his passing. This is another sad chapter in Tanzania Union, again another veteran giant is asleep in the Lord waiting for that glorious morning!

Yesterday I visited the family and offered words of encouragement as we reminded ourselves of the beauty of the "Blessed Hope"! At that time the family spokesman briefed those mourning with the family that due to late arrival of the beloved children from UK and other family members from Mara and beyond the borders of Tanzania and Kenya, the family has decided that the funeral will take place on this coming Thursday, September 23rd here in Morogoro.

I met Elder Onyango last week and he looked even younger than ever before. I joked with him if he would like to reenter the workforce and gave me his usual smile. Death is cruel!!!

Thursday night the late Elder Onyango gave a very powerful lecture on Family life at the ongoing Evangelistic program going on for the last two weeks. He concluded that evening's program with a very moving prayer.

On Friday, around 2pm Elder Onyango while crossing the road just a few hundred yards from his house near (White House bus stand - those from Morogoro in Kihonda) to catch a minibus to the main bus terminal for the bus to Dar es Salaam where he was scheduled for officiating a wedding on this Sunday was hit by a very fast moving motorcycle, and it appears he died instantly. Upon arrival at the Morogoro Regional hospital he was officially pronounced dead.

I thought it would be very unfair for me not to share the eye witness account when I am here in Morogoro.

Let us remember the family as they mourn the loss of their beloved Daddy and husband.

Hang in there ladies and gentlemen - we are indeed Wasafiri in this world - sooner very sooner we are going home! We are tired of seeing beloved ones leave us one at a time!

Yours in the Blessed hope!
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Elder B. Nyambita Wrote:

He Was Coming!!

It is now a history brethren,

He is the Lord's servant sent about two months ago to bring back the lost flock of TEGETA. The solid week of revival full of inspiration and sincere prayers that he committed church members into, will now and forever ring into our ears.

It was his last great mission in Dar es Salaam. He was among the pioneers of the SDA CHURCH in town and surely he came back to complete the mission.

The day of his death he was traveling for our great visitor’s day at TEGETA. He did not make it, we only have his name in our bulletins.

Oh Pastor!!
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Doctor D. Sando Wrote:

He was a golden gift to a church that we could ask no more from GOD ! He was such a blessing and a prime example to our pastors and the church as a whole !

Its like sweet dream that is gone fast even before its morning ! And I started asking myself again this: Untill when my GOD !!! When is the end of this!

He was an inspiration to me and I have always liked his way of teaching and pastoring!

He is physically dead but will never go to seek him in his grave because he is living in our hearts. And we will always rejoice for he has fulfiled a bigger part of his eathly purpose !

I will surely miss him!

See him in the new earth where the power of death will be no more !

My prayer that his family will celebrate for the life that has contributed a lot and touch the souls of many.
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Sister B. Makaranga Wrote:

I can still hear his voice as he used to pause during his speech -----"ndiyo.....mmmmhhh!"

The last sermon with our Church(Mwenge) was emphasing the sacredness of the Sabbath day...... He really touched most of us(members).

In the afternoon he gave us wonderful words regarding Child rearing skills and Communication skills in general

ITS SO SAD AND ITS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT He is no more!

My sincere condolences to all the Thisdaso Associates.

Lets be faithful so that we meet him on that great morning!Its a spiritual challenge though!
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Brother M. Masatu Wrote:

Many many years ago, I am told, the late Pr. Shem Onyango was at the jaws of death following a serious disease he was encountering. He gave this testimony himself at a certain crusade that was conducted around Mzumbe area in Morogoro. For more details on the story you may wish to communicate with Kaka Rweyemamu Barongo who was attending the crusade. The late pastor witnessed that he prayed to God like never before, sometimes he did it overnight. At the end, there was a good "in the end" from God. He harkened unto his cry, and his health was restored. Nadhani wengi wetu tunaweza kuwa mashuhuda wa afya yake ilivyokuwa njema, irrespective of him being many years "young."

Sasa hebu fikiria: Mungu akamponya na hicho kilichokuwa kikimsibu na kuhatarisha afya yake lakini akaruhusu alale kirahisi namna hii, oooh, come on! Anyway, God's ways are not men's, and vice versa is also true. We can NEVER know Him enough.

Hebu na tuandae mapito yetu. Mara nyingi matukio kama hayo yanapotokea huwa yananiweka karibu zaidi na Mungu (I think it is because of humanity's hipocrisy [or mine to be precise]). Mwaka huu tulipoteza kijana mmoja hapa ofisini kwetu kwa ajali ya gari (alikuwa akivuka barabara). He was a lovable guy to almost everyone. Following the incidence, I was greatly disturbed kiasi cha kwamba hata nilikuwa nashindwa kuvuka barabara (I was taking a couple of minutes just crossing the road). Mwaka huu huu pia alifariki rafiki yetu mmoja ghafla tu bila sababu yoyote huku akimuacha mjane wa mwaka mmoja tu. Kwa kweli tulisikitishwa sana! And here Onyango joins!

I am surely sorrowful for our beloved pastor. May God give us all the necessary strengh, hope, and let the Holy Spirit help us to prepare our ways in every fraction of a second of our lives, as far as it is possible with us.
---------------------------
Sister P. Samson Wrote:

SO SAD

Dear all,I am just writing this mail with tears flowing down my cheeks,PASTOR ONYANGO IS NO MORE.
Please pray for me,he was my good friend.
God bless you all
----------------------------
Brother J. Sanawa Wrote:

These sad comments cannot pass by unnoticed. The old adage goes: Like Father - Like Son! Those of us who can remember well, this great Pastor had a great son who went on to become our Union Treasurer: Mr. Maxwell Onyango - who like the dad was killed in a bizzare road mishap!

Both of these potential great sons of mother Africa - one siring the other, have lived a fulfilled life but too short to call it a shot. We still needed them. How I wished that I could renew my matrimonial vows with Pastor Onyango at the helm of the affairs!

MAGOMENI CHOIR DAY/SIKU YA KWAYA

This Sabbath (4 September 2010) is “Magomeni Choir Day”. Magomeni choir is ministering in both worship services at Magomeni SDA Church and also it has prepared special music programs in the afternoon from 2: 30 pm. You are all welcome to participate in this worship service dedicated to praise in songs, and don’t forget to come in the afternoon for the special choir programs.

Sabato hii (4 Septemba 2010) ni ‘Siku ya Kwaya Magomeni’. Kwaya ya Magomeni inahudumu katika ibada zote katika Kanisa la Waadventist Wasabato Magomeni na pia wameandaa vipindi vizuri vya mchana. Karibuni wote kwenye ibada ya sifa kwa njia ya nyimbo, pia karibuni mchana kuanzia saa 8:30 kwa ajili vya vipindi vilivyoandaliwa mahsusi kwa ajili ya siku hii.

ADDRESS/ANUANI
100 MKALAMA STREET/100 BARABARA YA MKALAMA
MAGOMENI MWEMBECHAI

EVANGELIST LEDMAN SHUSHA'S FAREWELL TESTIMONY TO THE CHURCH

He passed away in his old age (80+) and was one of the pioneers of the gospel in the Usambara mountains, especially in Lukozi and all the surrounding areas. He spread the gospel till his death, till his final strength was exhausted.

He never bothered to wait for public evangelism, he never complained for financial support from his church for evangelism, he went with his own foot, going through valleys and hills; the present churches in those highlands are the harvest of the seeds he planted .

Though he died at night and buried the next afternoon, the multitude of people of approximately 800+ was there and the others, not even numbered, continued to flow; till I departed they were still coming to witness just even the grave.

In the last two months, he met all his friends, church officials, his daughters and sons (except those who were far, like me and my wife) and to all whom he met he gave a special Bible verse to remember and a church hymnal song to remember forever. Kila mtu alipewa lake [Everyone was given his/her own verse].

In the last three months, alianza kuchanganyikiwa na kupoteza fahamu kwa muda [he started to lose consciousness], but when he came back to his senses he told people that "nimeona umati wa watu wengi sana wamekuja hapa kwetu na wamekuja kwa ajili yangu" [I have seen a gathering of many people who have come here in our place for my sake].

To everyone he met, he mentioned all places that had not yet received the gospel, that he was unable to reach in the Usambara mountains. And he was sad for not being able to go there.

When he was taken to the hospital he called for a pastor but the pastor was not there, he said, "the gospel has not been preached yet in some places and I need to see the pastor". He asked for a piece of paper to write a message for the pastor, but his hands were not able to write and he slept.

Few moments before sleeping he said to all the people he met "Siogopi kufa, najua nitakufa, ila namwomba Mungu niwepo kwenye ufufuo wa kwanza" [I am not afraid of dying, I know I will die but I beseech God that I may be present in the first resurrection].

Brethren, huo utabaki kuwa ushuhuda wa milele katika mtaa wa Lukozi na milima ya Usambara. Je sisi tunafanyaje? [Ndugu that will remain to be an everlasting testmony in the Lukozi area and the Usambara mountains. As for us, what are we doing?] Have we really examined our christianity as God expect us to do??? Tangu nimetoka msibani sijisikii tena kulia[Since I came from the funeral I no longer feel like crying for] because I am sure he prepared his life for eternity.

Msisikitike kwa ajili yake, wala msisononeke kwa ajili ya upweke tulioachiwa sisi watoto wake, tuzililie nafsi zetu na familia zetu kwa ajili ya wokovu wetu" [Let us not saddened for his sake or be sorrowful because of the emptiness has has left us his children, let us wail for our souls na those of our families for the sake of our salvation]

* A Tribute by Bungayo Mayo

MLEE MTOTO KATIKA NJIA IMPASAYO

Inapendeza kuonana na Dada Mage Mkutanoni Mabibo

Inafurahisha kukutana na Kaka Gadi Kanisani Magomeni

***

"Mlee mtoto katika njia impasayo, naye hataiacha hata atakapokuwa mzee" - Mithali 22:6

Free Prisoners of Hope (PoH) Publications

Greetings!

We pray that this "rather late" edition of PoH finds you in good health. We have had a number of requests to make available previous copies of Prisoners of Hope. As such, we have posted them on the following site:

http://www.scribd.com/PrisonersOfHope

May God richly bless you.

Yours in Christ
PoH Team

RETREAT 2010 - BUJUMBURA BURUNDI!

RETREAT 2010

BUJUMBURA BURUNDI

WE WISH TO INVITE ALL OF YOU TO THIS YEAR’S EAST-CENTRAL AFRICA DIVISION (ECD) RETREAT TO BE HELD IN BUJUMBURA BURUNDI

DATE

19th - 26th Dec 2010

VENUE & ACCOMODATION

SOS SCHOOL, BUJUMBURA, NOVEMBER 28TH STREET

THEME

POWER IN THE BLOOD

THEME SONG

WOULD YOU FREE FROM THE BURDEN OF SIN

MAIN SPEAKER

PROF B. OUSO ANTWI – V.C. ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY OF AFRICA (AUA)

ASSOCIATE SPEAKERS

PR. DR. FREDRICK WANGAI, SNR
Mrs. COLLETE KAVIRA
PR. JAMES OUMA (ADVENTIST CHAPLAIN KENYATTA UNIVERSITY)

REGISTRATION

US $ 75 ADULTS
US $ 37.5 CHILDREN 13 YRS AND BELOW

VISA FEE

NO VISA FEE FOR EAST AFRICAN COUNTRIES

PASSPORT

TEMPORARY PASSPORT IS ALLOWED FOR EA COUNTRIES
VACCINATION(S) : NOT A REQUIREMENT

TRAVELLING

BY ROAD
TRAVEL ROUTE : DAR – DODOMA – KAHAMA – NYAKANAZI – NGARA –
KABANGA(BORDER,TZ)– KOBERO (BORDER, BURUNDI) – BUJUMBURA
TRAVEL DISTANCE : - 450KM-640KM-210KM-90KM-30KM-7KM-approx 250KM = 1677KM
TRAVEL TIME : APPROXIMATELLY 29HRS
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1. Nena Moyoni Bwana

2. Dereva Wetu ni Yesu

3. Jaribu (Fungua Moyo)

4. Arise and Shine

5. Mapenzi ya Bwana

6. Mungu ni Mwema (Harusi - Duet)

7. Habari za Msalaba

8. Safari Yangu

9. Injili

MAKAMBI YA MAGOMENI 2010 YAMALIZIKA

Wana-PF Wakiimba katika Kambi la Watoto

Wanamakambi Wakijiandaa Kusikiliza Hubiri Kuu

Makambi Yawakutanisha Wakongwe wa ASSA

KARIBUNI KAMBINI MAGOMENI KANISANI!

WATU WA MATUMAINI - MAKAMBI 31 JULAI - 7 AGOSTI 2010

Salaam! Hatimaye Makambi ya Mtaa wa Magomeni 2010 yameanza. Wanenaji katika Makambi haya ni Dk. Jeffrey Brown kutoka Konferensi ya Bermuda, Mchungaji Jacob Gagi kutoka Konferensi ya Mashariki, Mchungaji Samuel Katengu kutoka Mtaa wa Dodoma na Mwinjilisti Errol Nembhard - akiongozana na Mkewe Mshauri Mtaalamu Paulette - kutoka Afrika Kusini.

MUHTASARI WA RATIBA YA JUMATATU 2 AGOSTI 2010

11:30 - 12:30 Alfajiri:

Maombi - Sheusi Mburi

2:00 -3:oo Asubuhi:

Mafundisho ya Uongozi - Mchungaji Gagi

3:00 -3:15 Asubuhi:

Nyimbo - Kwaya ya New Life

3:15-4:15 Asubuhi:

Mafundisho Makuu - Mchungaji Katengu

4:15 - 5:45: Kaya & Familia:-

Wanandoa - Errol Nembhard

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Wajane/Wagane - Mchungaji Gagi

Makapera/Uchumba - Mchungaji Gagi

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9:30 - 10:00 Alasiri:

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Mafundisho Makuu - Mchungaji Gagi

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THE TIME OF THE END & THE END OF TIME

By Pastor Elias Wankyo

1) THE TIME OF THE END

(a) The Disciples of Jesus knew that there was the time of the end and the end of time that will be associated with the Second Coming of Jesus and the end of the World as indicated in their question to Jesus. Matt. 24:3. Mark 13:3,4. Jesus acknowledged their faith regarding The time of the End and the End of Time by providing signs associated with the time of the end.

(b) The Apostle Paul and some of his contemporaries, initially, believed Jesus was going to come during their lifetime. In 1 Thess. 4:17 Paul included himself by saying "We which are alive and remain shall be caught up... to meet the Lord in the air". The Angels who brought messages regarding the Second Coming of Jesus to Bible writers, and later on to Ellen G. White, presented it with immediacy, as occurring soon with speed, rapidity, and quickly. Why? It is very easy for us human beings to procrastinate or postpone something if it does not require speed and urgency. We forget that we, as humans, are limited with time, and that we are mortal beings whose end of time can come anytime during one's end of present life at death.

Truth is progressive. The Apostle Paul was brought to recognize that Jesus was not coming right away. Hence, in 2Thess.2:3 Paul wrote "Let no man deceive you... that day (of the Coming of Jesus) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed". Here Paul was foretelling the first rise and fall of the Papacy from 538 AD to 1798AD. (During that prophetic period of 1260 days or years True Believers and followers of Christ were persecuted and some were even killed for their faith). Paul was saying after that period believers may begin to anticipate the time of the end that will usher in the Second Coming of Jesus.

(c) The Prophetic Time. I believe the readers of this forum know one of the longest Bible-Prophetic Time in the Bible--The 2300 days or years out of which the said 1260 days/years are truncated.(Daniel 8:14;9:24-27). As we know 1260 days/years came to an end in the year 1798 whilst the 2300 days/years came to an end in 1844. The history and the experience of the Millerite/Advent Movement is prophetically given in Revelation 10:9-10.

In October 22, 1844 the believers expected Jesus to come back to Earth but He did not come. They were bitterly disappointed- -The Great Disappointment of 1844.(I have been to William Miller's Farm and Chapel and the Ascension Rock several times. I have studied about that period in detail. One Time I remember Pastor Mwamukonda while visiting us, he preached to us, the Tanzania Group, at the Ascension Rock. I have also led and officiated a Holy Communion Service to attendees at Miller Chapel). 1844 is a very significant year Historically, Theologically and Prophetically.

(d) The Solemn Message of the Angel: Revelation 10:5,6. The Angel who was giving the message to John immediately lifted his hand to heaven showing the seriousness and solemnity of the message he was about to give John. After Swearing the angel said, very emphatically, "There shall be time no longer". This by interpretation means after the year 1844 there will be NO PROPHETIC TIME PERIOD GIVEN TO GOD'S PEOPLE ANY MORE. Believers who will live after 1844 will live in the Period that Jesus said "Watch and Pray". "I will Come as a thief in the night". etc. A number of people have tried to predict the end of the World like during World War 1 and 2, or the year 2000 and now some are pointing to year 2012. The Word of the angel still stand to this day.

The beginning of The Time of the End, I believe, began immediately following the year 1798 and intensified following the year 1844. The Seventh-day Adventist Church, The Remnant Church, the Last Organized Church during the Time of The End. that Keep the Commandments of God and has the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 12:17) began officially in 1863 (after 1798 and 1844 respectively) to the present time. It is the Church of the Time of The End.

2) THE CHURCH OF THE TIME OF THE END
The Prophetic Message given very specifically to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Church that Officially was organized soon after the Time of the End began (And The Advent Movement in general)--Revelation 10:11. "Thou must prophesy again before many people. and nations, and tongues, and kings".

With Prophetic and historic accuracy following events of Revelation 10, Revelation 10:11 applies very specifically and exclusively to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Other prophetic messages may include others, among which are the Millerite Movement of Pre and post 1844, with whom we share the Three Angel's Messages. The Great Gospel Commission of Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15,16, as another example, covers the whole Christian Church from the time of Christ to the present, etc. Revelation 10:11 provides very specific Message and Authority to the Church of the Time of the End (SIKU ZA MWISHO), The Seventh-day Adventist Church.

3) THE END OF TIME

In my Bible Studies, I have learned that the expression "The End of Time" (MWISHO WA SIKU) may appropriately be applied to the short period following the final close of human Probation. Revelation 22:10-12 "It is Done" Rev. 16:17; indicates the beginning of the End of Time. As the End of Time begins affairs and events in heaven and earth will go quickly, extremely rapid and in quick succession after Jesus completes His work in heaven as our High Priest in the heavenly Sanctuary.

The language used by the Apostle John in Revelation regarding the period of the End Of Time indicates rapidity, quick succession, a very short period of time culminating the end of the World as we know it and the Second Coming of Jesus. Rev. 16:17-2; 19:11-19. In other Bible passages the writers called this period "The Day of the Lord" when God will intervene directly into the human affairs and the things of this World. Joel 2:31 The seven last plagues, the final persecution of the saints, the final preparation for the first phase of the Battle of Armageddon will all be during this time. See also Daniel 12:1-3.

4) THE END

Then the end will come. Revelation 1:7; 6:14-17. Jesus will begin His journey of coming to take us to heaven. I join with you in prayer that God may make us ready for the soon Second Coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

'He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus' - Revelation 22: 20

AMEN

NATAMANI KUWA KAMA MALAIKA/MTOTO

Wimbo huu wa Judith Wambura (Lady Jay Dee), hasa haya maneno yake, umenikumbusha fungu hili:

Yesu akamwita mtoto mdogo akamsimamisha mbele yao. Kisha akasema, "Nawahakikishieni kwamba msipobadilika na kuwa kama watoto wadogo, kamwe hamtaingia katika Ufalme wa mbinguni. Kwa hiyo mtu ye yote anayejinyenyekeza akawa kama huyu mtoto, ndiye aliye mkuu kuliko wote katika Ufalme wa mbinguni. Na ye yote anayemkaribisha mtoto mdogo kama huyu kwa jina langu, ananikaribisha mimi" - Mathayo 18: 2 -5

LIVING THE TRUTH IN A RELATIVE WORLD

THE SDA CHRISTIAN STRUGGLE TO KEEP AND SHARE FAITH IN A SECULAR SOCIETY
HINTS FROM THE BOOK ‘PRESENT TRUTH IN THE REAL WORLD’ BY JON PAULIEN. (USED BY PERMISSION*)

“The greatest need of Adventism today is to stop living a lie”

How does one define “secularization” in contrast to “secularism”?
Secularization means that a society is becoming more and more inclined to view life without reference to God or religion. There is a gradual erosion of belief in the supernatural, a perception that whatever happens is limited to this world and to sense experience. Religious values and practices are increasingly discarded. And the church, as an institution, declines in its influence on the larger society. A secular person or society may not consciously reject religion or God, but God plays a diminishing role in people’s day-to-day lives.

Secularism refers to a consciously adopted philosophy that rejects all forms of religious faith and worship. A secularist may be described as a “missionary” for secularism. He or she is in contrast, however, to the more typical secular person who merely finds religion to be irrelevant to life, but is not hostile toward it.

N.B: In this context a secularist is not one and the same as a secular person

How do secular people think?

1. Contingency/Naturalism-everything in this world happens by cause and effect within the historical cycle i.e. no event need to be explained in terms of supernatural intervention e.g. if I am a bitter person its because the way my parents raised me. If I am rich, its because my parents were rich or because I worked hard
N.B: in practice many of us Seventh Day Adventist Christians (SDAs) make decisions more on a scientific basis than what we perceive Scripture to say.
N.B: When a person’s view of truth is in practice limited to the reality of the 5 senses, God is crowded out of that person’s existence

2. Autonomy-‘a law unto oneself.’ One no longer sense any need for God’s direction. One retains for him/herself all the rights and privileges in decision making that people once assigned to God’s direction. It is up to each person to decide the meaning of life.

3. Relativity-If there is no supernatural, and if human beings decide their own destiny, then meaning, values, and truth depend on the situation. What is right in one situation may be wrong in another. What is right for one person might be wrong for the next person. Whatever the group agree on becomes the basis for judging all behaviour within the group. Society creates its morals, principles, and ‘truth’ on the basis of social and economic needs. If something is useful or enough people practice it, it can be allowed or even encouraged. Relativity denies that there are objective morals and principles that should control the development of society-there are no absolutes. Rather than speaking about “truth” or right or wrong, secular people like to talk about whatever is ‘right for you”
N.B: The power that the principle of relativity has over people’s mind is illustrated by the decreasing significance of lifestyle standards among SDAs today. Church standard were based on the concept that there is a God who is actively involved in everyday life and who has the right to tell us what to do in even the most personal and intimate areas of our lives. But once a person begins to question, even unconsciously, God’s involvement in human affairs, many personal standards lose their primary reason for existence.

4. Temporality-there idea that this life is all there is. To the secular person, the afterlife, though attractive as a concept, is only wishful thinking conjured upon by those who cannot face the fears and anxieties related to death and dying. (Viz.” life is short play hard”)

What kind of person is more likely to become secular?

Secular/Religious

Male/Female

Young/Old
Urban/Rural
More educated/Less educated
Rich/Poor
Mobile/Stationary
Public/Secluded
Industrial/Agricultural
Information/Manufacturing

What influences in the society cause people to become more secular?

1. Science (both natural and social sciences)
Most people make decisions and solve problems on the basis of science and the scientific method. They observe a situation. They gather information about it. They talk to other people who have experienced similar situations. They formulate an explanation for what they see and experiment with possible solutions. In the end they put all the information together and make a decision. And whether they know it or not, the process that they went through in making that decision is known as scientific method. The scientific way of reasoning affects everything we do and everything we believe.

This is not the way people solved problems in Bible times. When Daniel and his 3 friends faced and information deficit, their first thought was prayer, not research (See Daniel 2)
This is not to put down the tremendous benefits that have come to us as a result of a scientific approach to problems. But because science cannot deal with the supernatural-because it can only operate only within the realm of what can be observed with our natural senses-it has a natural bias toward explaining what happens in life as though God either doesn’t exist or is uninvolved in the natural processes of life. Furthermore, science has rightly demonstrated that many phenomena once assumed to be actions of God can be explained in natural terms (e.g. lightning and rainbow).

The main difference between science and religion is the difference between truth and reality. Because they were raised in a scientific world, secular people see no difference between the two. And what is reality? To the secular person, reality is what the 5 senses can perceive: what we can see, hear, taste, smell and touch. But Christians believe that truth is bigger than sense reality i.e. there are other realities that transcends the 5 senses. Although we make use of science everyday, there is a fundamental clash between the scientific worldview and the Christian one. When a cosmonaut circles the earth and says, “I didn’t see God or angels up there,” he is denying truth on the basis of perceived reality.

The more people rely on science in their daily lives, the difficult it is to maintain a truth that transcends the 5 senses. That is why scientific reasoning leads to a decrease of faith in society as whole. This is not to suggest that Christians need to go back to pre-scientific world. That is neither possible nor practical. But we need to recognize the powerful impact on faith that scientific reason has had and have on our thinking.

2. Pluralism
Pluralism means that many religious persuasions are tolerated and no single one of them is dominant. It should be noted that constant interaction with conflicting ideas tends to erode faith.

Pluralism explains why higher education often destroys faith. It exposes believers to a wide variety of options for explaining most things in life. The positive side of education is that it broadens one’s horizons and make one better able to reach different classes of people. But the downside of education is that constant bombardment with different ideas will inevitably weaken faith unless drastic measures are instituted to maintain it. Education is not evil in itself, but it is certainly a two-edged sword. A pastor friend located near a great secular university once said that unless he gets into the dorms and contacts Adventists students within the first 3 weeks after they arrive, he can usually do little for them. In just 3 weeks they have been overwhelmed with a universe of ideas they had never been exposed to. In 3 weeks their faith has crumbled and gone.

Pluralism means that society as a whole provides little or no social support for your faith. This lack of support produces religious uncertainty. The more ideas a person is exposed to, the more difficult he finds it to be certain that his favourite idea is the right one-this explains why the people on the left side of the table above tend to be more secular (vulnerable to secularization) than those on the right.

3. Privatization
Privatization means that it is increasingly considered inappropriate to discuss religion in public. Religion is confined more and more to people’s private lives and experiences.
The church no longer dominates society. It is not a major player in the public sphere. Politics, education, and economics serve secular goals rather than religious ones. And this privatization, this moving faith into the closet, is a factor that makes faith seem increasingly irrelevant to everyday life.

N.B: Thus we leave in an age of “secular drift.” No one plans to become secular. It usually happens gradually in one’s experience. Scientific reason, pluralism, and privatization quietly take their toll. People continue to “believe” in some sense, but they have no strong convictions and no spiritual outlet in an organized group experience such as the local church.

N.B: One response to secularization-a response that destroys the relevance of the past and the hope of the future-is escape into the present. An “eat, drink, and be merry” lifestyle of sports and entertainment becomes religion of the self, which takes the place of church in a person’s life. Another response is to escape into a group that protects itself by separation from the world. Such groups range from fairly orthodox Christian “self-supporting” groups to dangerous cults that turn normal people into social and religious misfit.

N.B: Although secularism is not a denomination, the most persuasive evangelist that ever lived is preaching a secular message. And secular evangelistic meetings have been held in nearly every SDA home. This evangelist is no other than TV. Through the Television scientific reasoning, pluralism, and the privatization of religion bombard homes everywhere.

How Adventists becomes secular?
Secularization does not normally happen overnight. It is usually a lengthy process. SDAs rarely just wake up one day and walk out of the church. Most of those who leave drift out of the church gradually over a period of time (secular drift). They may continue to believe the basic teachings of the church, but they become less and less involved in religious matters on a day-to-day basis.

1. The first process in secular drift occurs in the private prayer life. In its very secrecy, private prayer is the ultimate personal barometer of spiritual commitment. Prayer is the first thing to go, and even pastors are not immune to secular drift. Few SDAs do not admit to at least some struggles in this area. Don’t think an uphill battle for a meaningful devotional life is unique to you. It is a consequence of being an SDA in a secular world. The most immediate impact of secularization is felt in the prayer life.

2. The next area affected is usually the study life, although for some, especially pastors, Bible study can continue for a long time in the absence of prayer. But while Bible study may continue in such cases, it tends to have less and less personal significance. It is simply something one does as a rituals or because it is a part of a job description.

3. The third step in secular drift occurs when personal standards of behaviour begin to erode. This step may be the first that anyone but your spouse will notice. It is virtually impossible to detect that someone else is struggling in the inward spiritually unless God chooses to reveal it to you. Spiritual distress sends up its first public signal when personal standards begin to slip. When a person has believed for a long time that a particular action is wrong and suddenly acts in a contrary, it tends to be a red flag that screams out, “ I’m in spiritual trouble.”

4.The fourth step tends to be a decrease in church attendance. You wake up one Sabbath and say, “ Oh it’s such a beautiful day; lets go to the mountains.” Now you may on occasion have a very good reason to skip church. But as part of the process of secular drift, slippage in church attendance becomes a very public indication that the earlier steps in the process have become quite advanced. Slippage in attendance is usually quite gradual. First you miss once a month, then twice a month, and then you start coming only every other month. Finally, church attendance just seems to be more trouble than it is worth. After a while you don’t even miss it.

5. The fifth step in becoming secular is to begin to doubt the Bible itself: to doubt the afterlife, to doubt whether there really is a God. You pick up the Bible, and it’s as if a voice in your head is saying, “What are you reading this for? It is just ink on a page. This is a book like any other book.” That is secularism. That is the result of the natural influence of our society, which leads us away from God and a believing relationship with His Word.

6. The sixth and the final step in the process of secular drift is an increasing distrust of institutions. This includes a lack of loyalty to religious institutions of any kind- e.g., the institutions and authority structures of the SDA church. “No one can tell me what to believe. Nobody can tell me what to do.” Disrespect for religious authority, whether one recognize it or not, is the natural outgrowth of contingency, autonomy, and relativity, the philosophical products of the secularization process.

N.B: Secular drift does not always take place in the exact order described above but that is the most typical order in which the process occurs, usually over a fairly lengthy period of time.

N.B: In the past SDAs saw themselves as a reform movement within the larger Christian church. Most people they worked with did not need an emphasis on Christian spirituality. So the early SDAs emphasis was on assembling logical and reasonable arguments that would persuade people intellectually that they needed to pursue their spirituality along different lines than they had done previously. In a world full of Christians, this worked out reasonably well for a generation. But by the year 1888 this approach resulted in an entire generation of SDAs who knew the arguments but were losing touch with a personal God. And in spite of the power of the message [of righteousness by faith in Jesus and not by works] that was born in Minneapolis in 1888, to this day SDAs distinctives tend to get more emphasis in most circles than does a living relationship with God. In a secular world an intellectual faith is no longer sufficient to guard against secular drift. SDAs, therefore are crying out more and more for a living walk with God, for a taste of His presence. A doctrinal construct by itself may not touch the heart.

N.B: The secular worldview has hurt SDAs in at least 3 distinct ways. First, it has made it more difficult for us to communicate what we believe to others. It has hurt our evangelical impact in the world. Second, it has, as we have noticed, been extremely damaging to individual faith. We ourselves feel that we are losing our way with God. And third, it has resulted in great frustration to the SDA organizational structure.

How do we keep faith in a secular world?
How can we maintain faith in a secular world-a faith that will result in successful outreach to secular-minded people? The place to start is with the devotional life, which provides the derived seclusion from the secular environment that allows our spiritual life to flourish. It involves coming apart from the world every day for some time with the Lord.
We tend to live noisy lives. We need desperately to slow down. We need desperately to reflect. We need desperately to take stock. If you don't have a living relationship with God, please don’t try to reach out to secular people. You cannot help a secular person to find God if you don’t know Him for yourself. It may be that in helping someone else to search for God, you might find Him for yourself. So don’t turn down opportunities to witness. But never try to develop a radical, secular-style ministry if you do not have a living relationship with God. It will not work. A living walk with Gods is certainly a basic asset in anyone seeking to reach secular people. Secular ministry must begin in the devotional room.

How do we share our faith in a secular world?
How can we communicate with secular people in an effective way? A good way to start is to deal with secular people in the same way Jesus dealt with people. He met them at the point of felt need-that place in their life where they were searching for something better.

Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and one their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me” (The Ministry of Healing, 143)

Notice that in series of 5 steps, Jesus left the direct spiritual appeal till last. He spent time with people, “mingling” in conversation, showing sympathy, meeting their needs, and winning their confidence before He felt comfortable challenging them with His unique mission. His method is still the best method.

What are the basic needs of secular people?

1. A need for commitment
Secular people in high-tech world generally feel a need for commitment to an issue or a person that is clearly greater than themselves. Although secular people may lack a commitment to organized religion, they nevertheless sense the need to commit themselves to something that transcends the ordinary in their existence. People cannot be satisfied with an endless round of routine tasks. Meaning must come from outside the ordinary.

People may seek to meet that need by commitment to a sports team, a political cause or environment. The fate of a sports team may seem rather trivial as a center for one’s life, but such attachment function as symbols directed toward a far mores significant need-the need to commit to something that is bigger than oneself.

SDAs are positioned to make a difference her. We can present the greatest Person and the greatest issues that anyone could possibly commit themselves to. The environment of the entire universe for all eternity is at stake in the work of the gospel. This makes sharing our faith one of the most meaningful tasks anyone could undertake. We can meet this need as we learn how to communicate the difference that Jesus makes in real, contemporary terms that touch base with life as it really is experienced today. We can meet this need as we learn how to tie in the issues of the Great Controversy to the issues that most people are talking about on a day-to-day basis.

2. A need for release from guilt
While secular people may feel uncomfortable with the term ‘guilt’ in the context of biblical ‘dos and don’t,’ they recognize the need for release from the failure to live up to their own high expectations. Most persons, whether or not they know anything about the 10 Commandments, have a sense that they are not living up to what they expect from themselves, much less the standards that are held up to them from outside Even nonreligious people need release from the sense of failure-the failure to achieve their hopes, their dreams, and their best intentions.

And secular people often have a very strong sense of obligation, of where they want to be in life. The failure to achieve this leaves a sense of brokenness that cries out to be fixed. Many may deny the brokenness or drown it in alcohol, drugs, or promiscuity, but it can ultimately be fixed at the cross. As SDAs, we need to ask the hard questions of whether we really appreciate the cross. Until we do, we cannot meet this deep need, not only for secular people, but all human beings. As we ourselves become forgiven people, we are enabled to minister forgiveness to others. On other hand, it is impossible for an unforgiven person to be truly forgiving.

3. A need for genuine relationships
Secular people long for a real relationship with real people who care enough to be honest as well as loyal. Since we are living in 'rush hour,' relationships tend to be superficial and thus people need a caring touch, a genuine relationship. Many people deeply regret the loss of the extended family and the church has the potential to provide a sense of extended family to those who are far from their real family.

4. A need for a cosmic philosophy
Although they may not always be conscious of it, secular people have a need for a cosmic philosophy-they sense a need for social and cosmic interconnectedness, they sense a need to know that everything somehow fit together, that they belong to a meaningful and ordered universe. As SDAs we sometimes take our awareness of the Great Controversy for granted. But this is foreign to most people. Secular people need to know where they are coming from, where they are now and where they are going. They need to know whether there is design and purpose in the cosmos-the very thing SDAs are aware of in the light of the Great Controversy between good and evil, between Christ and Satan!

5. A need for unorganized religion
Each of the above 4 needs can be answered by means of resources found within our SDA faith. However, this 5th need is far more challenging. This is because secular people often tend to be opposed to what they call “organized religion.” They fear coercion and the manipulation of their lives. Thus, when secular people come to faith, they prefer to be involved in religious contexts where they are allowed considerable freedom and choice in the way their think and live. They like to be "involved" in the process they become converted. We need to be honest that the SDA church is tightly organized and controlled. Sometimes fresh and creative ideas are met with, " We never did it that way before" or "Ellen White says" (whether she in fact said it or not). It is not surprising that anti-organization secular people are often open to the nonsense of the New Age since New Age, is perhaps, the epitome of unorganized religion. We may need to create more caring structures and interactions. Helping former secular people discover and utilize their spiritual gifts is one way to demonstrate that there is plenty of room in God's house for individuality and creativity. We also need to help secular people find out that the Bible isn't anything like they have been told (e.g. the idea the Bible supports the notion of an everlasting burning hell and that of subjugation of women and minority). And when they discover this they often become open to instruction.

6. A need for a lifestyle direction
Secular people these days are earnestly seeking direction for their lifestyles. The number-one categories of books that are selling today are self-help books. Most young people would agree that their big concern today is that that they don't know what to do with their lives. The amazing openness of secular people to the bizarre absurdities of the New Age movement certainly indicates an openness to help from any direction, provided it touches base directly with felt needs and speaks a language that is familiar and meaningful. Frankly, there is no faith anywhere that offers more direction for people's lifestyle than does the SDA faith. We have suggestion for almost, if not all areas of life. What we need is to present this direction in a way that is effective, meaningful and interesting/attractive to the secular people. But if we are not careful, we may present these things in a way that will cause the secular person to see all the red flags of a rigid "organized religion."

What qualities equip a person to be effective in reaching secular people?
N.B: It should be noted that the Holy Spirit is essential for all effective outreach work. It is the Holy Spirit who aids Christians in sharing their faith. However, the Holy Spirit does not function as a substitute for the role that is supposed to be played by humans. (See Romans 10: 14 and 1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

1. Identifying with people
One needs the ability to identify with people, to sense where they are coming from. This quality enables one to get close to others in a hurry, to intuitively put him/herself in other people’s shoes and see the world through their eyes/horizon(s). We need not advocate the individualistic attitude that says, “If people see things differently than we do, it’s their problem.” Secular people don’t appreciate people who are ‘holier than thou,’ but their very forgiving of ‘relational mistakes’ if one is genuine and honest enough to admit his /her mistakes.

2. Creative witness
One also needs the ability to offer a fresh and creative witness when the circumstances demand it. This means you need to be able to say things that you have never said anywhere else but you can say them now because the situation requires it. Obviously, the only way we can do this is to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Remember Jesus was a creative witness while maintaining those limits that were necessary to His own spiritual experience.

3. Biblical knowledge
This is very critical because secular people ask questions that one has never dreamed of. They almost never ask the questions that are found in the typical set of Bible lessons e.g. when secular people see a bumper sticker that says, “Jesus is the Answer,” they say, “What was the question?” They are not asking Christian type of questions. We need to acquaint with our Bible so that the Holy Spirit may remind us what to answer when an off-the –wall question comes. We need also remember to be honest if we don’t know the answer(s).

4. Common language
We also need to use basic, everyday language when we reach out to secular people. Some of the terms we use and cherish in SDA contexts are foreign to the average secular person e.g. one may say, “I’ll never forget the day I saw the light.” Light? What light? The reality is that most of us SDA knows how to talk to secular people on a day to day basis but the problem is that we tend to switch to the SDA jargons when we want to express our spiritual needs or concern. We need to remember that even the Bible was written in common languages (e.g. the book of Revelation was written in a very simple Greek.)

N.B: One also needs the ability to listen creatively i.e. one need to ask these questions while listening (this applies for both individuals as well as the community in large): ‘What are the felt needs that motivate that person’s search for truth and self-betterment? Where is that person hurting? What problems stimulate a desire for something better? When approached from the point of their felt need, most secular people are wide open to instruction. And who knows but God, that this may lead to open up to the greatest need-that of knowing Christ, the source of living a fulfilled life. This method has worked in areas such as stress management, meals on wheels and other community services.

N.B: Remember that Patience is necessary when working with secular people.

Conclusion
With the aid of the Holy Spirit the above hints would prove to be of help for those who are willing to reach out to secular people. However, it should be stressed that this ministry is not for everyone because it’s dangerous to ones spiritual health (See 1 Corinthians 9:27). One who wants to seriously engage in this ministry needs a living walk/relationship with God in order to survive the forces of secularization while mingling with the secular people as illustrated by Jesus’ salt model (See Matthew 5:13). One need to always remember that this ministry involves conserving faith in a secular world as well as radically reaching out to people who find your world to be totally incomprehensible.

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*It should be noted that this book was published in 1993 (Pacific Press) and many changes in the secular world has occurred since then. It may be of interest to learn that the same author have recently released a new book that deal with the same issue. The book is entitled Knowing God in the Real World. You can find more information on his web page www.andrews.edu/~jonp or you can mail the author at