Today, being Father’s Day, was observed in a special way at the Evangelical Bible Church.  During testimony time, a young father stood up and said that he was a ‘loose cannon’ and an ’empty tin’ (made a lot of noise, but not much inside) when he first came to the church, but now he was an ‘overflowing tin’ because of the teaching at the church.  You could tell that many were moved by his candid confession and desire to serve the Lord.

 

Another older man and his wife were there this morning that we had not seen in 24 years.  They immediately greeted us by name.  Although we recognized them, we had to ask to find out their names.  The last testimony was given by this same elderly man, but it was not what you normally hear.  He pulled out his harmonica and began to play an old hymn.  Shortly, you could hear the older members begin to sign softly as he played.  The tune seemed familiar, but we could not recall the words.  You could tell that the congregation was touched by his simple tune.  We did remember that he used to frequently play his harmonica during the time we lived in Swaziland.  It was then a special treat to hear him play his harmonica while accompanied by one of his peers on a guitar.

Just before the sermon, the four young people paid tribute to their fathers.  The first three were teenagers, but the fourth was a younger boy who said, “I love my father, because he reads the Bible to me.”  What a simple, touching tribute to his father!  When he finished you could feel the emotion among the congregation, and they then applauded — a response which is uncommon in this conservative church.

Pastor Deon spoke on God’s Model for Men and his text was from Philippians 2:19-30.  The five points were that godly men should be compassionate, consistent, cooperative, committed and courageous.

At the end of the sermon all the fathers were called to the front to sing a hymn, titled “I am a man..”  [see lyrics below].  Although I do not recall ever singing it before, it was in the hymn book and had the same tune as “Be still, mysoul” (Finlandia).  Each father then received a ‘torch’ (flashlight) as a reminder that we are to be a light to our families and to others.

The service this morning was well attended.  The number on the attendance board was 110.

After church we were invited to Ruth’s house for dinner.  Her son, Calvin, and his wife were there.  As usual, Ruth put out a big spread — samoosas, boerewors, and curry and rice along with salad and dessert.  For many years, Calvin had been involved in accounting and IT for companies in Swaziland, but quite recently has taken over management of the family’s farm.  He admits that it has been quite a change for him.  After dinner, Calvin’s son and his girlfriend dropped by.

We didn’t get back home until 4pm.  We both took short naps then checked our email.  I started to work on our blog, but the internet completely shut down.  I decided to type this text and save it in the computer while the events of today are clear in my mind.  Hopefully, we can post it tomorrow.

I also tried to make some phone calls using Skype this evening, but with no success.  The internet connection has to be really bad to keep Skype from working!

I Am A Man

I am a man created in God’s image
Of Adam’s race, now marred by pride and sin.
But through God’s Son, Lord Jesus Christ, my Saviour,
I am a man who’s now restored to Him!
The Mighty God who made me has redeemed me,
Now I’m His man, for Jesus reigns within.

I am a man appointed by my Saviour
To show His love in all I do and say!
His Holy Spirit is my source of power,
To live in light and point to Christ–the Way!
Lord, fill me now, and help me seize this moment,
As as Your man, I’ll serve your cause today.

I’ll be a man who walks with God in worship,
I’ll be a man who walks with men as friend.
I’ll be a man who loves and serves God’s family
I’ll be a man on whom God can depend!
Lord Jesus Christ, my King and my Commander,
I’ll be Your man until my life shall end.

written by Jack Hayford

Jabulani Africa (Rejoice Africa)

Sing for joy O Africa
The Lord your God is
Risen upon you
Sing for joy O Africa
The Lord your God is
Risen upon you now

Jabulani Jabulani Africa
Jabulani Jabulani Africa

Jesus river of life
To our thirsty land
Savior meeting our needs
From Your mighty hand