6/1/98: I led devotions in Chapel this morning…
NOTE: The photo above is me giving the devotional message in Chapel at Karanda Mission Hospital.
6/1/23: I was a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, so I had been trained in how to preach and speak in public settings. But it was a bit intimidating to speak in front of people whose world and experiences were so different than mine. These were poor, rural agrarian people who had lived through a recent war for independence, yet had an incredibly vibrant and vital faith in Christ. By contrast, my life had been rather easy and comfortable. Comfortable enough to work a job that provided enough to save money for a trip around the world, not to mention that I was essentially taking a year off from “earning a living.” So, it was incredibly humbling to think I had anything to say that could help or bless the nurses and staff members of Karanda Mission Hospital. I decided to speak on that very topic and testified that I was humbled by their faith, also confessing that I felt weak in my faith by comparison. I realized how much of life I take for granted. I want to want to grow in my faith and obedience! I read from 2 Corinthians 13:5 and Revelation 3:15-20, praying that all of us might hunger for spiritual growth.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
Revelation 3:15-20 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Both before and after my devotional, we sang Shona Gospel Hymns. I could read the Shona words and sang along enthusiastically even though I didn’t know the meanings. But I could worship God just the same, because the melodies grabbed my mind, and their natural skills in harmonizing grabbed my heart. I am so glad I had my tape-recorder that day. Two of the songs are included below.
Shona Gospel Hymn 1
Shona Gospel Hymn 2