Lausanne 2010

For eight unforgettable days I joined more than 6000 people from 198 countries of the world, as part of the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization held here in Cape Town, South Africa. South Africa has had its share of world events this year, most notably World Cup Soccer, but this Congress for Christians was every bit as exciting as the Soccer tournament. My world has taken me around the world and I have participated in many international meetings but I was almost overwhelmed by the global force that gathered together in Cape Town. The meeting has been described as "the most globally representative of evangelicals in history." I thought I had seen African dress but here I saw varieties of African wear that showed me countries I have never touched, and the same was true for people from Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

The world I realize is filled with so many different kinds of people and the biggest impact on me was the scope and reach of the Gospel into all the world. The Bible teaching on the book of Ephesians was outstanding but it was the testimonies from North Korea, and Afghanistan and Latin America, China and places where to be a Christian is to suffer such earthly loss, that touched my life in new ways. This gospel of Jesus Christ is precious to those who believe. The purpose of Lausanne is to remind Christian believers of the need to preach the gospel of Jesus that reconciles us to God, each other and creation and while the program covered a multiplicity of subjects, they all pointed in one direction, the evangelization of the world. I worked long hours in the Congress press room and met there some giants of Christian press that I could only admire before. And, as the photos shows, i worked with such lovely people like Gail from the United States and Karobo from South Africa. To assist me was Korean American David Song and even when we were so tired and sometimes frustrated in getting speakers for interviews, we had a glorious time together. It is my prayer that the effects of this magnificent meeting will be felt in every corner of the world, to the glory of God, who was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself. I encourage you to check out the Lausanne Congress for more information and helps in your ministry for Christ.

Women in Business

'You will always have work" is what Carol told ten women who met at our classroom to hear about her business enterprise. I met Carol at church the first year I began this ministry and back then she told me she wanted to help the women who graduated from our classes make some products for her. I wanted her to sell our bags so nothing came of it then until NOW, the absolute right time.
Carol runs a trading company that sells the most beautiful native African cloths from which she makes a variety of products, shirts, skirts, dresses, bags, and so on. Now her business has expanded and she needs women to sew for her to fulfill her quotas for the more than 70 stores who buy from her. Her need matches our need and the women are thrilled. Nophelo, seen here with Carol, and a 2009 graduate thanked her on behalf of the women. "God has sent you to bless us and we are so happy and thank you," she said. Rachel our lead teacher will guide these women as they strive for excellence in their work. I told them, "I am so proud of you, you have worked hard and now you have this wonderful chance to show and use your skills."
And this I know, is just the beginning of things to come.