Elevation

Today, after church service, I was entrusted with some leadership responsibilities. I was honored but almost declined because I don’t deem myself spiritual enough to impact anyone. Sometimes it is we, that disqualify ourselves.

I find most African churches ineffective. They operate as though we are basically in heaven. It is as if they encourage poverty and mediocrity by preaching vanity of vanities. Forgive me in advance if I sound like the Pharisee who prayed “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers” BUT my church is sincerely different. The average member quotes Scriptures from memory with great ease while also pushing hard to excel in their respective careers. Additionally, the Pastor comments on socio-political matters, and as a church, we engage with the homeless crisis & provide free groceries periodically. We even have a health clinic where church members who are practicing doctors offer free services to members with no insurance. Because before we make it to heaven, we are in fact on Earth. I have seen these kind of things offered in American churches. But to see it done by Africans for Africans brings tears of joy to my eyes.

I must caution my own self, in the words of Dr. King, (my would have been neighbor) “the eleventh o’clock hour is the most segregated hour in America.” Has my healthy obssession with all things Africa surpassed my pursuit of “Kingdom Culture”?

All in All, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor.” 1 Cor 15

Location? Settled In Abounding Grace.

Love,

Liv