HABARI (Hello how are you!)
Greetings dear friends and followers
Just a change of procedure as I am currently in Mbeya Tanzania and having a great time. Arriving from Johannesburg on Tuesday having had a nice time there, with my daughter Cheryl we spent yesterday looking around and getting used to the place a little.
Today we are to be welcomed officially and commence our service in the Shrukani College. Today after the welcome and morning tea we have painting the walls of a class room and then this afternoon personal ministry with staff and students.
Cheryl and I are beginning to learn some Swahili and it is quite funny to watch the faces of the beautiful people when we say something that has not meaning to them at all. Perhaps it might be that one of the letters I write will be in Swahili so that will be interesting.
It is quite cold here and very noisy as we have a Pentecostal church one side of us and a Islamic Mosque the other side. We are kept up very late with the singing of the Pentecostals and woken at around 4.00 a.m with the call to the Islamic prayers, so it is great!
Our God is awesome and we praise Him for all His goodness.
I trust you will continue to remember us in your prayers as we will value them.
This is the day the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it!
That's all for the moment as Internet is very very expensive from here, but will try and keep an update as often as possible.
God Bless you!
Kwanheri....Goodbye (Swanhili)
09 July 2009
02 July 2009
FOUNDERS' DAY
Greetings dear friends and followers,
Today is a very important day to Salvationists around the world who would follow our history, as on this day 2nd July in 1865 the Christian Mission commenced in London with William Booth and Catherine Booth being anointed of the Lord to be the founders of a movement that would move around the world with the message of the Gospel of Salvation and God's grace.
Of course of special significance was the name change of this movement so in May 1878 this group became known as The Salvation Army, and now ministers in 116 countries with the message being proclaimed in 175 languages.
In this world wide movement there is a work for all who would want be of service to the Lord, and because of this I am reminded of a song I used to sing in church goes like this,: In the ranks of the dear old army, 'neath the yellow, red and blue, there's a place for every warrior if to God you will be true. Your reward will be a grand one, in the sweet by and by, there's a place for every warrior why don't you try, why don't you try? (The Song Book of The Salvation Army)
I am thinking of how the Lord can use whoever says "Yes Lord, I will follow and serve you!
Maybe it is possible that reading this, you feel that you could say yes to the Lord for full time service, within the Offcier ranks of The Salvation Army so joining the 26.032 currently Officers (including retired persons) serving right around the world. As the song says, "Why don't you try?"
Anyhow we are all called to be servants of the Lord and as His friends, we find joy in this service.
I am reminded that Jesus called many to follow Him, this is how He put it;"If anyone serves Me let him follow Me and where I am there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour. (John 12: 22.)
Have a great day you never know it might be possible for you to see a new way which you can serve the Lord, and in Him find graet joy.
Today is a very important day to Salvationists around the world who would follow our history, as on this day 2nd July in 1865 the Christian Mission commenced in London with William Booth and Catherine Booth being anointed of the Lord to be the founders of a movement that would move around the world with the message of the Gospel of Salvation and God's grace.
Of course of special significance was the name change of this movement so in May 1878 this group became known as The Salvation Army, and now ministers in 116 countries with the message being proclaimed in 175 languages.
In this world wide movement there is a work for all who would want be of service to the Lord, and because of this I am reminded of a song I used to sing in church goes like this,: In the ranks of the dear old army, 'neath the yellow, red and blue, there's a place for every warrior if to God you will be true. Your reward will be a grand one, in the sweet by and by, there's a place for every warrior why don't you try, why don't you try? (The Song Book of The Salvation Army)
I am thinking of how the Lord can use whoever says "Yes Lord, I will follow and serve you!
Maybe it is possible that reading this, you feel that you could say yes to the Lord for full time service, within the Offcier ranks of The Salvation Army so joining the 26.032 currently Officers (including retired persons) serving right around the world. As the song says, "Why don't you try?"
Anyhow we are all called to be servants of the Lord and as His friends, we find joy in this service.
I am reminded that Jesus called many to follow Him, this is how He put it;"If anyone serves Me let him follow Me and where I am there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour. (John 12: 22.)
Have a great day you never know it might be possible for you to see a new way which you can serve the Lord, and in Him find graet joy.
01 July 2009
something new
Greetings dear friends and followers!
Can you believe it today is the first day of the last half of the year 2009, some even say it is the first day of the rest mf my llife, and that is so true.
Well you have guessed it,this day being the first day of the month I began thinking about the fact that it is a new day and everything about today should be a great blessing.
An old saying goes like, "There is nothing new under the sun!" (Eccl 1: 9) Well there are so many things that I find to be at least to me "NEW!"
Like, new places where I have never been ..... now they are not new of course,been there all of time, but to me they are new!
New sayings; Someone has said them before that's true, but to me I have never heard them so they are new.
New friends; Well this is something and I am pleased to say that as my age goes up so the number of friends increases and that's new!
I used to sing in church the words of this great song; "New every morning is the love our wakening and uprising prove, Through sleep and darkness safely b rought, Restored to life and power and thought." John Keble (1792-1866) Song 668 verse 1; The Song Book of The Salvation Army.
You know God does do new things within us and I am so pleased to know this experience, and hope you do also.
I am reminded that Jesus spoke of a new thing, it was in fact a commandment, this is what He said, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you you should love one another. Your love will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13: 34,35.
This is not only something new, but the reason for it as well!
I am keeping myself ready today to find something new, maybe you could do the same thing and discover the newness of the power of God in your life today!
Have a great day, and find something new to do, and something new to enjoy. God Bless you!
Can you believe it today is the first day of the last half of the year 2009, some even say it is the first day of the rest mf my llife, and that is so true.
Well you have guessed it,this day being the first day of the month I began thinking about the fact that it is a new day and everything about today should be a great blessing.
An old saying goes like, "There is nothing new under the sun!" (Eccl 1: 9) Well there are so many things that I find to be at least to me "NEW!"
Like, new places where I have never been ..... now they are not new of course,been there all of time, but to me they are new!
New sayings; Someone has said them before that's true, but to me I have never heard them so they are new.
New friends; Well this is something and I am pleased to say that as my age goes up so the number of friends increases and that's new!
I used to sing in church the words of this great song; "New every morning is the love our wakening and uprising prove, Through sleep and darkness safely b rought, Restored to life and power and thought." John Keble (1792-1866) Song 668 verse 1; The Song Book of The Salvation Army.
You know God does do new things within us and I am so pleased to know this experience, and hope you do also.
I am reminded that Jesus spoke of a new thing, it was in fact a commandment, this is what He said, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you you should love one another. Your love will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13: 34,35.
This is not only something new, but the reason for it as well!
I am keeping myself ready today to find something new, maybe you could do the same thing and discover the newness of the power of God in your life today!
Have a great day, and find something new to do, and something new to enjoy. God Bless you!
25 June 2009
BEING SURE
Greetings dear friends and followers!
This morning I was getting ready to go out and my wife asked, "Have you everything you need for the meeting?" My answer was,"Yes I have!" Then came another question. "Are you sure?"
It was the second question that struck me! Having said I had everything then to be challenged by "Are you sure!" started me thinking.
So very often we take many things for granted. When we leave our homes, are we sure we have turned all the power off, are we sure the iron has not been left on, when we write a letter, are we sure we have said all the things we needed to say, when we ask the Lord to give us grace, are we sure we know how to accept it when he gives it, when we move out on to the road of life are sure we are safe in Christ Jesus, that is to say, are we sure of our Salvation?
Strange questions aren't they, but you know they are the everyday questions that need to be asked and to be sure of. Especially the last couple.
I remember singing in Church the old song that has these words; " Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the storm tides lift and that cables strain, will your anchor drift or firm remain?
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 Saviour's love." Priscilla Jane Owens (1829-1907) Song 280 The Song Book of The Salvation Army. Verse 1 and chorus.
I recall in the Gospel that Jesus in speaking to Peter had a time when he was really asking Peter if he was sure of His love and devotion to Jesus; You will remember the occasion I am sure!
Let's be sure and read it again: After they had finished eating,Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord" he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, Simon son of John, do you really love me?" He answered, "Lord, you know that I love you." The third time Jesus said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Peter asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord you know all things, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." (John 21: 15 - 17.)
I ask myself the question as I write, and invite you to ask yourself this question with me, "Am I sure of my love to and for Jesus right at this moment?" My answer may I share it with you? "Yes! A thousand times, YES!" I love Jesus with all my heart and soul and strength." Hallelujah!
God bless you today may you have a day that you sure will enjoy!
"Now faith is being sure of what we hoped for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11: 1.
This morning I was getting ready to go out and my wife asked, "Have you everything you need for the meeting?" My answer was,"Yes I have!" Then came another question. "Are you sure?"
It was the second question that struck me! Having said I had everything then to be challenged by "Are you sure!" started me thinking.
So very often we take many things for granted. When we leave our homes, are we sure we have turned all the power off, are we sure the iron has not been left on, when we write a letter, are we sure we have said all the things we needed to say, when we ask the Lord to give us grace, are we sure we know how to accept it when he gives it, when we move out on to the road of life are sure we are safe in Christ Jesus, that is to say, are we sure of our Salvation?
Strange questions aren't they, but you know they are the everyday questions that need to be asked and to be sure of. Especially the last couple.
I remember singing in Church the old song that has these words; " Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the storm tides lift and that cables strain, will your anchor drift or firm remain?
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 Saviour's love." Priscilla Jane Owens (1829-1907) Song 280 The Song Book of The Salvation Army. Verse 1 and chorus.
I recall in the Gospel that Jesus in speaking to Peter had a time when he was really asking Peter if he was sure of His love and devotion to Jesus; You will remember the occasion I am sure!
Let's be sure and read it again: After they had finished eating,Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord" he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, Simon son of John, do you really love me?" He answered, "Lord, you know that I love you." The third time Jesus said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Peter asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord you know all things, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." (John 21: 15 - 17.)
I ask myself the question as I write, and invite you to ask yourself this question with me, "Am I sure of my love to and for Jesus right at this moment?" My answer may I share it with you? "Yes! A thousand times, YES!" I love Jesus with all my heart and soul and strength." Hallelujah!
God bless you today may you have a day that you sure will enjoy!
"Now faith is being sure of what we hoped for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11: 1.
24 June 2009
Saying goodbye
Greetings dear friends and followers!
Yesterday I mentioned that I conducted a funeral of dear Salvationist lady, this was a way in fact of saying goodbye.
Today with my wife we went to the airport and said goodbye to our sister-in-law who had been having a holiday with us and now returning to her home, so we had to say goodbye to her and our niece.
For a couple of moments we felt as if we really did not want to release them as we hugged them and told them how much we loved them, but then the time did come and we had to say those words good bye, however as I added the words, God bless you and keep you in His care, there seemed to be a very lovely calm and it would be alright to see them go through the door of the airport lounge on to their plane and back to their home.
What was the calming effect that came over me, I began to think as I drove home!
Well, it was knowing that as I held them that was fine but then to let them go in the care and protection of an Almighty God, the One I have proved, never fails and His grace and mercy are for all and He is faithful in His care of those whom we ask Him to look after, there it was, the peace and consolation and trust.
Have you any loved ones you are concerned about at this very moment?
Do you have any concerns that seemingly are hanging on to you?
Are you in an experience that you do not want to let go of?
Then let me give you this strong suggestion ---- let them all go and put them into God's care and control.
How can I do that? You may ask. Well there was a song I used to sing in Church and these are the words, by the way I still sing them often;
"All your anxiety, all your care, bring to the Mercy Seat, leave it there,
Never a burden He cannot bear, never a friend like Jesus.
Edward Henry Joy (1871-1949) Chorus of Song 246, The Song Book of The Salvation Army.
The Word of God puts it so beautifully, like this:
Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you.
He will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55: 22.
In thinking about it, saying goodbye is a hard thing to do, but when it comes to saying goodbye to our cares and worries and letting them go to the Lord, we should not be too sad about it! Would you agree with me on this one?
Have a great day, and let the Lord care for you and yours!
Yesterday I mentioned that I conducted a funeral of dear Salvationist lady, this was a way in fact of saying goodbye.
Today with my wife we went to the airport and said goodbye to our sister-in-law who had been having a holiday with us and now returning to her home, so we had to say goodbye to her and our niece.
For a couple of moments we felt as if we really did not want to release them as we hugged them and told them how much we loved them, but then the time did come and we had to say those words good bye, however as I added the words, God bless you and keep you in His care, there seemed to be a very lovely calm and it would be alright to see them go through the door of the airport lounge on to their plane and back to their home.
What was the calming effect that came over me, I began to think as I drove home!
Well, it was knowing that as I held them that was fine but then to let them go in the care and protection of an Almighty God, the One I have proved, never fails and His grace and mercy are for all and He is faithful in His care of those whom we ask Him to look after, there it was, the peace and consolation and trust.
Have you any loved ones you are concerned about at this very moment?
Do you have any concerns that seemingly are hanging on to you?
Are you in an experience that you do not want to let go of?
Then let me give you this strong suggestion ---- let them all go and put them into God's care and control.
How can I do that? You may ask. Well there was a song I used to sing in Church and these are the words, by the way I still sing them often;
"All your anxiety, all your care, bring to the Mercy Seat, leave it there,
Never a burden He cannot bear, never a friend like Jesus.
Edward Henry Joy (1871-1949) Chorus of Song 246, The Song Book of The Salvation Army.
The Word of God puts it so beautifully, like this:
Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you.
He will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55: 22.
In thinking about it, saying goodbye is a hard thing to do, but when it comes to saying goodbye to our cares and worries and letting them go to the Lord, we should not be too sad about it! Would you agree with me on this one?
Have a great day, and let the Lord care for you and yours!
23 June 2009
NEW LIFE
Greetings dear friends and followers!
Today has been a day when I have been able to share with a good number of people, as I had to conduct a funeral of a very wonderful Salvationist at Rosebud Corps.
This soldier had been converted at the age of 12 years, became a Junior Soldier of the Northcote Corps and then in 1982 transferred as a Senior Soldier to the Rosebud Corps.
It was a great time this morning midst the sadness of having to say farewell in this sense to a lovely friend, but also a joy to know that from our Christian belief she is now forever with her Lord.
It was a lovely moment when a gentleman who was a member of this morning's congregation came and told me that something that had been said during the service had an impact on him, and that he wanted to speak more about the Christian experience of being "born again" and that for him it was time to be obedient to the Lord., and to discover this new life in Christ for himself.
Is it not true that out of death comes life! In his case a new life in Christ.
No wonder we can then with the Apostle Paul say, "O death where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory, the sting of death is sin, but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. (1.Corinthians 15: 55)
I remember singing these words in Church and they are great; "He came to give us life in all its fullness, He came to make the blind to see, He came to banish death and doubt and darkness, He came to set His people free." John Gowans. ( The Song Book of The Salvation Army Song 274 --Chorus)
Some one once said to me, "I wouldn't be dead for quids!" You know that is my tetsimony, however there was a time when I was dead! Dead in trespasses and sin, but Jesus found me and gave me life. Hallelujah!
Today I hope you know you are alive, that is alive in Christ and enjoying life in all its fullness.
God Bless you today.
"You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life." Psalm 56: 13.
NEW FOLLOWERS:
I notice that I have new followers and that is lovely. Welcome"Heart to God and hand to man" I trust you will find Laurens moment helpful, inspirational and a means of fellowship together. Great to have you on board. B less you heaps!
I heard the other day that the word "FELLOWSHIP" mean all us Christian fellows (men and women) in the one ship! It's true isn't it?
You may like to inform others of this blog site and thus we will build together this opportunity and avenue of fellowship and Christian love together. (A.R.L)
Today has been a day when I have been able to share with a good number of people, as I had to conduct a funeral of a very wonderful Salvationist at Rosebud Corps.
This soldier had been converted at the age of 12 years, became a Junior Soldier of the Northcote Corps and then in 1982 transferred as a Senior Soldier to the Rosebud Corps.
It was a great time this morning midst the sadness of having to say farewell in this sense to a lovely friend, but also a joy to know that from our Christian belief she is now forever with her Lord.
It was a lovely moment when a gentleman who was a member of this morning's congregation came and told me that something that had been said during the service had an impact on him, and that he wanted to speak more about the Christian experience of being "born again" and that for him it was time to be obedient to the Lord., and to discover this new life in Christ for himself.
Is it not true that out of death comes life! In his case a new life in Christ.
No wonder we can then with the Apostle Paul say, "O death where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory, the sting of death is sin, but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. (1.Corinthians 15: 55)
I remember singing these words in Church and they are great; "He came to give us life in all its fullness, He came to make the blind to see, He came to banish death and doubt and darkness, He came to set His people free." John Gowans. ( The Song Book of The Salvation Army Song 274 --Chorus)
Some one once said to me, "I wouldn't be dead for quids!" You know that is my tetsimony, however there was a time when I was dead! Dead in trespasses and sin, but Jesus found me and gave me life. Hallelujah!
Today I hope you know you are alive, that is alive in Christ and enjoying life in all its fullness.
God Bless you today.
"You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life." Psalm 56: 13.
NEW FOLLOWERS:
I notice that I have new followers and that is lovely. Welcome"Heart to God and hand to man" I trust you will find Laurens moment helpful, inspirational and a means of fellowship together. Great to have you on board. B less you heaps!
I heard the other day that the word "FELLOWSHIP" mean all us Christian fellows (men and women) in the one ship! It's true isn't it?
You may like to inform others of this blog site and thus we will build together this opportunity and avenue of fellowship and Christian love together. (A.R.L)
16 June 2009
Catching up
Greetings dear friends and followers!
It is a while since I entered a blog "Laurens Moment" so thought I would catch up. However, this began a train of thought......"How do I catch up on what has gone?"
It is like so many things that come along our way and we can either keep up, lag behind or miss- out altogether, an d as far as trying to catch up it is the final one that I must admit that I have on my plate.....I have missed out altogether. Sadly, this means that our communication and fellowship time has suffered and for this I am deeply regretful.
However, here we are and on a new day finding much to give thanks to God for as we look at His love and Grace in our lives.
There are those things that we would want to have done ,but have not put ourselves into action, and so they now remain undone, maybe, never to be attempted, therefore lost forever.
Then there are things that we will give some little time and attention, and as we see them occuring, find that our best has not been given, so it seems the results are not too good anyway.
However, there are the things that have claimed our attention and our best energies and actions and we look and see the results and are pleased with what we see.
In all of this our attitude and reasoning for why we have done those things need to be checked out and to make sure that as a Christian all our actions are firstly to please God and to bring glory to His name.
I remember a verse of a lovely old song I used to sing at church, and I might say still do sometimes, these are the words: 'All my best works are naught, please they not thee; Far past my busy hands thine eye doth see into the depths of mind, searching the plan designed, Gladdened when thou dost find, first of all, thee. ' (Leslie Taylor-Hunt. (1901-79)
(Song 416 verse 3. The Song Book of The Salvation Army.)
I wonder as you read this day's blog, if you would mind checking to see if what you are doing is really bringing glory to God and fulfilling the energy of life that you have.
I am convinced that many are being called to follow and serve the Lord within a full time ministry (Offciership within The Salvation Army -- for instance) and all that needs to happen is to check out -- if God does not want me for full time ministry then what? and then make your commitment sure by contacting the people concerned for recruitment of Candidates.
(Blog me and I can give you the required information.)
It could be that your best works are in service called by the Lord to follow, so why not take up your Cross and follow Him today!
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8: 28.
God Bless you have a great day, for this is the day the Lord hath made we will rejoice and be glad in it! Halleujah!
It is a while since I entered a blog "Laurens Moment" so thought I would catch up. However, this began a train of thought......"How do I catch up on what has gone?"
It is like so many things that come along our way and we can either keep up, lag behind or miss- out altogether, an d as far as trying to catch up it is the final one that I must admit that I have on my plate.....I have missed out altogether. Sadly, this means that our communication and fellowship time has suffered and for this I am deeply regretful.
However, here we are and on a new day finding much to give thanks to God for as we look at His love and Grace in our lives.
There are those things that we would want to have done ,but have not put ourselves into action, and so they now remain undone, maybe, never to be attempted, therefore lost forever.
Then there are things that we will give some little time and attention, and as we see them occuring, find that our best has not been given, so it seems the results are not too good anyway.
However, there are the things that have claimed our attention and our best energies and actions and we look and see the results and are pleased with what we see.
In all of this our attitude and reasoning for why we have done those things need to be checked out and to make sure that as a Christian all our actions are firstly to please God and to bring glory to His name.
I remember a verse of a lovely old song I used to sing at church, and I might say still do sometimes, these are the words: 'All my best works are naught, please they not thee; Far past my busy hands thine eye doth see into the depths of mind, searching the plan designed, Gladdened when thou dost find, first of all, thee. ' (Leslie Taylor-Hunt. (1901-79)
(Song 416 verse 3. The Song Book of The Salvation Army.)
I wonder as you read this day's blog, if you would mind checking to see if what you are doing is really bringing glory to God and fulfilling the energy of life that you have.
I am convinced that many are being called to follow and serve the Lord within a full time ministry (Offciership within The Salvation Army -- for instance) and all that needs to happen is to check out -- if God does not want me for full time ministry then what? and then make your commitment sure by contacting the people concerned for recruitment of Candidates.
(Blog me and I can give you the required information.)
It could be that your best works are in service called by the Lord to follow, so why not take up your Cross and follow Him today!
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8: 28.
God Bless you have a great day, for this is the day the Lord hath made we will rejoice and be glad in it! Halleujah!
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