I really don't mean for this to be a "let's-learn-about-the-Bible-because-Rachel-does-in-class" sort of blog. But I recently did a presentation in my Synoptic Gospels class on Mark 8:27-33 and it blew my mind. Not really, but it gave a new light to this passage that I previously would have just read over like it was totally normal. Go ahead and read it. I'll even attach a nice little link for it here righhhht about HERE.
Okay. This passage is crazy. We start out with Peter being the genius spokesman for the disciples. He gets it right. They state who others think that Jesus is, but then reveal that they know he is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One. In the Matthew version of this story, after Peter answers, Jesus goes into the whole "you are the rock on which I will build my church" business. He praises Peter, commends him. (The most likely reason the praising isn't included in the Mark version is because Peter is the one who gave Mark his information, so it was out of modesty and humility.)
But THEN. Jesus tell his disciples a little about how he will die. They don't believe him. So, naturally, Peter pulls Jesus aside to gently tell him that, well, he is wrong. He rebukes Jesus in the same way that you would rebuke a demon that's hanging out in someone. I mean, if I were Jesus, I probably would have laughed in his face or sent his soul into a pig or something. But Jesus is nicer than that, so instead, he turns the rebuke onto Peter and the rest of the disciples. "Get behind me, Satan!" Whoa, Jesus, simmer down. But really, Peter's rebuke was completely absurd and presumptuous. He was telling Jesus that, no, he is wrong, he doesn't really need to die in order to fulfill his Messianic role. Pish posh. Granted, the Jews were expecting a politic Messiah who would overtake the world, and Jesus wasn't doing that in their way. But still...Peter the Presumptuous. That's what we should call him.
And then I got to thinking. We are SO Peter. All of us. Especially me. We love to preach about and talk about and sing about how we love Jesus and how we know that he is our Savior and how great he is. But then we get to the nitty gritty, and we basically deny it. We want to be like the Jesus who helps people and prays a lot and says really quotable things, but when we are forced to think about how he saved us and why he came, we shy away. We don't want to be like Jesus in his suffering. We don't know to know him like that. We love love when it is in the form of hugs and encouraging words, but when it begins to threaten us, we run. We rebuke Jesus, saying that this can't possibly be the right thing, the right way. We assume that our way is better than his. And it is so frustrating.
Why in the world would I ever think that my plans are better than his? What compels me to believe that suffering isn't of God? Sigh.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Rejoice
Rejoice Maseko, age 12
 | |||
| Tinashe and Rejoice, because I cannot find a picture of Rejoice alone. Fail. |
So that I'm not repeating myself too much, read about Rejoice's life before Peniel Centre HERE.
Rejoice is gentle, quiet, genuine, and loving. She is also HIV positive. Honestly, this girl is such an encouragement. She gives of herself freely without asking for anything in return. Though she is more reserved, she is not afraid to be who she is, not holding back. She exemplifies 1 Peter 3:4, "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." On the practical side of things, Rejoice needs continual care to manage HIV. It requires monthly checkups, and she really needs to be eating a better diet (not just carbs) in order to keep her immune system healthy. A sponsor for Rejoice would be incredibly helpful to Peniel Centre to help cover these costs along with school fees and daily costs.
Pray for Rejoice. Pray that she never loses her gentle and quiet spirit. Pray that she knows she is beautiful. Pray for her health. Pray that she will live a long and God-honoring life. Pray that she will know the immense love of her Savior. Pray that she continues to do well in school and works to achieve her goals - her real goals, not just what society tells her they should be. Pray that God would bring people into her life to help her continue on the path to freedom from her past.
Friday, October 14, 2011
58:
Wow. I got the film screening kit for "58: The Film" in the mail today, and it was incredible. It takes you around the world, from Ethiopia to Kenya to Brazil to India to New York, exploring what different types of poverty look like. You'll "meet" beautiful people from all walks of life who have one thing in common: Jesus Christ. The film resolves with a plea; a challenge - for the church to jump-start ending extreme poverty once and for all.
Is it possible? I'm a believer. Within 30 years, the percentage of people living in extreme poverty has gone from 52% to 26%. What will it take to get that number to 0%?
Check out http://www.live58.org/ to learn about what they are doing to address all aspects of poverty. You can also search for showing in your area!
(For all you Colorado folk, I will hopefully be organizing a showing of 58: at CCU soon. Pray that everything comes together for that, and keep your ears open for when it'll be happening!)
Is it possible? I'm a believer. Within 30 years, the percentage of people living in extreme poverty has gone from 52% to 26%. What will it take to get that number to 0%?
Check out http://www.live58.org/ to learn about what they are doing to address all aspects of poverty. You can also search for showing in your area!
(For all you Colorado folk, I will hopefully be organizing a showing of 58: at CCU soon. Pray that everything comes together for that, and keep your ears open for when it'll be happening!)
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Family
I know that these kids are just faces on a computer screen to you. I realize it is difficult to remember that they are real. Real people. Real stories. Real hearts. On the other side of the world, yes, but not so different from you and me. I even forget this sometimes. It's easy to write about their stories, but when I reach the second paragraph of my kid blogs, I am forced to remember. To recall their faces, their smiles, their laughs, and their tears. I wish so badly that you could know them. Maybe someday you will.
I've been researching African theology (I know, this is a very broad topic...) for a term paper in my lovely Contemporary Approaches to Theology class. I have been reading over and over again about a key aspect of African theology: Community. Family. Togetherness. Mbiti, a popular African theologian, described this with the statement:
"I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am."
This community is not contained with walls or borders or last names or skin color or oceans. Even in the short time I was in Zimbabwe, I was considered a sister and daughter. I am valued as a family member. And you are too. These kids pray for you. They pray for America, for each of us who went to Zimbabwe in May, for our families and friends. They grasp the fact that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, but I don't think that we do.
This is so foreign to us as individualistic, independent Americans. And this is not meant to be a let's-bash-America session. Rather, let's hold onto the good parts of western ideology but not be bound by the bad. What if we started valuing everyone around us as family? What if we valued our FAMILY as family? How would our interactions change? How would we treat people? Let's be honest. We are horrible at this. I am the worst. Let's change it, eh?
"I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am."
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25.
I've been researching African theology (I know, this is a very broad topic...) for a term paper in my lovely Contemporary Approaches to Theology class. I have been reading over and over again about a key aspect of African theology: Community. Family. Togetherness. Mbiti, a popular African theologian, described this with the statement:
"I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am."
This community is not contained with walls or borders or last names or skin color or oceans. Even in the short time I was in Zimbabwe, I was considered a sister and daughter. I am valued as a family member. And you are too. These kids pray for you. They pray for America, for each of us who went to Zimbabwe in May, for our families and friends. They grasp the fact that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, but I don't think that we do.
 |
| Everyone on the last night. Family. |
This is so foreign to us as individualistic, independent Americans. And this is not meant to be a let's-bash-America session. Rather, let's hold onto the good parts of western ideology but not be bound by the bad. What if we started valuing everyone around us as family? What if we valued our FAMILY as family? How would our interactions change? How would we treat people? Let's be honest. We are horrible at this. I am the worst. Let's change it, eh?
"I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am."
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Patricia
Patricia Sibanda, age 14
After Patricia's parents died when she was very young, she was moved to live with her grandfather, who was very abusive. She was subjected to physical, emotional, and economical abuse until the school started realizing that she was no longer "normal." The school head reported this to the police, who then reported it to Childline. After Childline had investigated the situation, they decided that it would be best for Patricia to be moved to a more healthy environment before she became severely mentally retarded. Peniel Centre took her in and has been working on helping her heal from her past. They acknowledge that she needs professional counseling, but are unable to accommodate or afford it. She is especially afraid of men.
Despite the horrible things she has gone through, Patricia is a resilient, loving, and light-hearted girl. She loved to give all of us girls a huge hug every day - usually multiple times per day! She is silly but reserved. It took her a while to open up to us, and once she did, we were so blessed by her big smile and positive attitude.
Pray for Patricia. Pray that the right person will come along to help her through her past. Pray that she will eventually develop a proper trust of men; that she will know that not every man is going to abuse her. Pray that she will keep smiling. Pray that she learn what she is passionate about and pursue that with all her heart. Pray that she will know how loved she is.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Sponsorship
Would you like the change the course of poverty? Duh. Here's a great opportunity.
When we were in Zimbabwe, we had many discussions about how we could help - truly help, not just provide a crutch - the kids at Peniel Centre. Paying school fees at all, much less on time, is very difficult when the few sources of income they have are limited. They do everything they can to keep these kids in school because they believe that it is the key to their success. But sometimes, the money just does not come in and the kids are asked not to come back to school. And so the idea of sponsorship was born! We do not plan on doing these sponsorships forever. Peniel Centre is well on its way to being self-sustaining, we are just helping them get there and keeping the kids in school in the meantime.
How can you help?
Your tax-deductible donation of just $50 per month paves the way to the future for these vulnerable children (and future leaders of Zimbabwe!) by providing all they need for their education. Providing the parents at the Peniel Center with the resources necessary to sent your child to school by paying school fees, providing uniforms, shoes, school supplies, and transportation as well as providing them with the means to take care of medical expenses as they arise.
Your next step...
Choosing to be a childʼs sponsor connects you directly with the child on the opposite side of this information. You will be supporting them directly, not just financially, they welcome your correspondence and their lives are filled with hope with the encouragement that comes from knowing that someone really does care for them. If you would like to sponsor this child simply go to egive-usa.com, sign-up for an account, choose Westwoods Community Church, set-up a monthly donation of $50 per month to be automatically withdrawn on the 16th of every month. Please type out your childʼs name, your physical address as well as your email address in the special instructions box. Within 2 weeks, you will receive a child sponsorship packet via email, and the course of a childʼs future will be altered forever.
www.egive-usa.com
15 of the kids at Peniel Centre still need a sponsor! Please consider investing in a life on the other side of the world. You can also check us out on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Zim-Kids/263598040339890.
When we were in Zimbabwe, we had many discussions about how we could help - truly help, not just provide a crutch - the kids at Peniel Centre. Paying school fees at all, much less on time, is very difficult when the few sources of income they have are limited. They do everything they can to keep these kids in school because they believe that it is the key to their success. But sometimes, the money just does not come in and the kids are asked not to come back to school. And so the idea of sponsorship was born! We do not plan on doing these sponsorships forever. Peniel Centre is well on its way to being self-sustaining, we are just helping them get there and keeping the kids in school in the meantime.
How can you help?
Your tax-deductible donation of just $50 per month paves the way to the future for these vulnerable children (and future leaders of Zimbabwe!) by providing all they need for their education. Providing the parents at the Peniel Center with the resources necessary to sent your child to school by paying school fees, providing uniforms, shoes, school supplies, and transportation as well as providing them with the means to take care of medical expenses as they arise.
Your next step...
Choosing to be a childʼs sponsor connects you directly with the child on the opposite side of this information. You will be supporting them directly, not just financially, they welcome your correspondence and their lives are filled with hope with the encouragement that comes from knowing that someone really does care for them. If you would like to sponsor this child simply go to egive-usa.com, sign-up for an account, choose Westwoods Community Church, set-up a monthly donation of $50 per month to be automatically withdrawn on the 16th of every month. Please type out your childʼs name, your physical address as well as your email address in the special instructions box. Within 2 weeks, you will receive a child sponsorship packet via email, and the course of a childʼs future will be altered forever.
www.egive-usa.com
15 of the kids at Peniel Centre still need a sponsor! Please consider investing in a life on the other side of the world. You can also check us out on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Zim-Kids/263598040339890.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Arnold
Arnold Mugumigwa, age 16
Arnold's dad died when Arnold was very young. His mother soon remarried, but his new step-father didn't want anything to do with a child that wasn't his. So Arnold was sent to live with his homeless grandmother. She worked on a farm, but this was not enough money to send Arnold to school, much less buy food for an extra mouth. Fountain of Hope found out about Arnold and was able to pay for his school fees through grade 7, but then his granny informed him that he would not be able to go to high school because there wasn't one nearby and the fees increase dramatically. He had to drop out of school and began working. Luckily, Arnold was able to move to Peniel Centre, have a home, and attend a nearby high school. This kid has a bright future now, thanks to Fountain of Hope.
Arnold is so funny. Honestly...even this picture. So great. The little girl in the picture is Lindsey, the daughter of Kaiysz and Lydia, the "parents" at Peniel Centre. She absolutely loves Arnold and can quite often be found in his arms. Arnold can also often be found in the kitchen, wearing an oh-so-fashionable apron. :) He is spirited, hilarious, caring, and kind. Arnold wants to be a doctor, and I think he would be the best doctor Zimbabwe has ever seen.
Pray for Arnold. Pray that he would never be afraid to be Arnold. Pray that he will have a strong desire to know God more and more each day. Pray that he will realize his potential and achieve his goals. Pray that he will never lose his joy.
Monday, October 3, 2011
School Fees: URGENT!
[Update: All three kids' school fees have been paid, thanks to the most fantastic people on the face of the planet! :) Please don't hesitate to give, though!]
Money is tight at Peniel Centre, and a new term recently started for the kids. Nkosi has been told not to come back to school this week since his fees haven't been paid.
Pelagia and Shantel have until the middle of the week to pay or they will also be asked not to return.
Please, if you are able, donate to help these kids stay in school! They are all brilliant and have such a desire to learn...not being able to attend school is very demoralizing to them.
DONATION INSTRUCTIONS
Money is tight at Peniel Centre, and a new term recently started for the kids. Nkosi has been told not to come back to school this week since his fees haven't been paid.
Pelagia and Shantel have until the middle of the week to pay or they will also be asked not to return.
Please, if you are able, donate to help these kids stay in school! They are all brilliant and have such a desire to learn...not being able to attend school is very demoralizing to them.
DONATION INSTRUCTIONS
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Mandla
Mandlaenkosi Ndlovu, age 15
Mandla doesn't remember his parents. He was raised by his older sister, and she was able to keep him in school until 3rd grade. After that, she couldn't afford both school and food (and was having trouble providing food), so Mandla sought employment. He ended up working in a garden. During this time, a Peniel Centre staff person found him and began the process of rescuing him from this lifestyle. He moved to Peniel in June 2009 and took several months to adjust back to schooling. He is now in 7th grade and is doing well. However, Mandla doesn't have a birth certificate, and will therefore be unable to take the grade 7 exams, which allow admittance to high school. Because of not having a birth certificate, he also hasn't been able to participate in school sports, which has been really discouraging to him.
Mandla was very quiet with us. I don't blame him - we were a little crazy, not to mention white. And weird. But that's beside the point. It is pretty obvious, however, that the younger kids really look up to Mandla. He is a quiet strength for them.
Pray for Mandla. Pray that he wouldn't be afraid to speak his mind. Pray that they would be able to get him a birth certificate so that he can continue his education with high school and college. Pray that no matter what happens with the birth certificate situation, he would know that his value isn't found in a legal document. Pray that he would have a strong relationship with the Lord. Pray that he will know he is loved.
Mandla was very quiet with us. I don't blame him - we were a little crazy, not to mention white. And weird. But that's beside the point. It is pretty obvious, however, that the younger kids really look up to Mandla. He is a quiet strength for them.
Pray for Mandla. Pray that he wouldn't be afraid to speak his mind. Pray that they would be able to get him a birth certificate so that he can continue his education with high school and college. Pray that no matter what happens with the birth certificate situation, he would know that his value isn't found in a legal document. Pray that he would have a strong relationship with the Lord. Pray that he will know he is loved.
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