I was teaching in the University classroom using N.T. Wright’s book, Simply Christian. I asked the students to write on what one of his statements might mean for their lives: “The Spirit is given to begin the work of making God’s future real in the present.” One young woman wrote in response: “For me, I always assumed that there wasn’t much I could do to help improve life on this earth, and that I should await the kingdom he has planned. But, in understanding Wright’s powerful statement I am filled with utter encouragement.” Wow! We’re on the right track when the good news of God motivates an eighteen-year-old to that kind of hope.
Monthly Archive for March, 2009
This account is from the country of Zimbabwe, Africa, where the Brethren in Christ Church has had a significant presence for many years. One of the significant ministries is Mtshabezi Hospital. There are enormous issues that the people of this country face: salaries, availability and cost of food supplies, and more. This story comes from a friend of mine who serves there, and these are his words:
“The administrator for Mtshabezi Hospital had to tell the workers that the government had refused to pay them in foreign currency; they would only be paid in useless Zim dollars. He spoke gently and stated that if they decided to “down tools” and go to their homes that no one would condemn them. He simply made an appeal that they consider the needs of the patients they were serving and continue to work expecting nothing in return. Not a single individual left. This gives you some idea of the spirit of the people of Zimbabwe that we have grown to love and with whom we are so privilege to work. God is truly good.”
What a heart warming story, the spirit of which can help you and me thrive in tough times we face.