Dec 2003
Beloved Partners and Friends
We are living in an incredibly fast changing world that is racing towards the return of Christ and all that it entails. In the confusion and chaos of the present status quo, there is more need for Jesus Christ than ever before and yet, the western church is dwindling and is becoming more and more irrelevant the more we enter into the twenty first century. What is the problem?
I am not into gimmicks or the "try this" mentality. What makes the western church irrelevant is that she has not kept up with the times in which we live. Most Christians have failed to raise their own children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Most Christians in the west have made occupations and careers more important than Jesus. Most believers have become caught up in their social club of the church and failed to recognize that there IS a generation that is seeking after TRUTH and not the dead religion of the social club of what the local "church" has become. Just look around at the rebellion of the age. The reason for rebellion is largely a result of disillusionment and disappointment that there is no standard that says "Thus far and no further..." The church has removed the CAUSE for which to fight and become embroiled in social debate rather than dynamic living. We have made Jesus irrelevant because we have taken away the excitement of serving Him.
There is a new generation of young men and women across the west that is crying out for REALITY and a cause for which to live beyond the materialism of the age . The church is not providing the answers because the church has no answers. What a tragedy. We have become caught up in religious traditionalism instead of LIVING REALITY. It is long overdue that we put back the challenge into living for Jesus and the only way that we are ever going to do so is to present the challenge that if Christ is really worth living for then He is worth dying for. Take out the DEATH message from Christianity and it becomes as irrelevant as any other religion. It is time that Jesus became the very focus, purpose and reason for our living. It is not my church, denomination or organization that is important but CHRIST. We have clothed Christ in vestments of legalism and religious requirements that ARE irrelevant in this modern age. We have alienated whole sections of our society. The very attitude of most of the church to homosexuality, for instance, has alienated the vast majority of homosexuals from ever coming to Christ.
There are two most basic requirements from which we have departed. The most important aspect of our demonstration as Christians is love. God is LOVE and they who live in love live in God and God lives in them. Because we do NOT love as we ought, the real covenant love of David and Jonathan, of Jesus Himself and of John and the apostles is distinctly absent in the church. Secondly and inextricably interwoven with this love is TIME. Westerners have no time anymore for anything. We have to make time to develop relationships and love people. I need to spend time CULTIVATING intimacy with people before challenging them to anything. The heathen want to see a dynamic in me that they do not have. Religion is not that dynamic. Sadly, most Christians do not have that dynamic that is uncompromising love and commitment to Christ in such covenant love that I am READY to DIE for Him. ARE YOU?
The new twenty first generation wants to have a CAUSE for which to live that is beyond themselves. Christ IS that cause but has to be presented with passion and life. It takes work to enter into a dynamic relationship with Christ, but once having entered we are to cease from our labours and REST in Him. People want to see that REST otherwise we are no different from them in their confusion and chaos.
Will you take real time to cultivate a young person outside of your family and your realm? Will you take time to demonstrate His covenant love to this hungry new generation? They ARE the future church and cannot be lost. They are the future missionaries and evangelists without whom we cannot win the world for Christ. We have a huge gap in the church and it must be filled.
This is certainly the right time of the year in the Western world where all are celebrating Christmas. It gives us an open door to pour out our love and give testimony as to the goodness of Him.
CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS
Our love and grateful thanks to all those who have prayed for this work of the Kingdom and to those who have been such a dependable and faithful source of support. As you well know, none of this work could have been accomplished without you and we pray that the Lord would increase and bless you and yours during this season and during 2004.
It seems only a short while ago that we were ushering in the new millennium with Y2K and all the panic that went along with it and yet three years have flown past and so much has been achieved by the Shekinah/Kalibu team. When God gives the vision, He makes the way and even though it sometimes seems to us that things will never manifest in the natural it is always in His time and we need to learn that He is never hurried and His timing is always perfect.
May He abundantly bless and prosper each of you and your loved one in 2004
ALLAH OR JESUS
Attributed to Rick Mathes, this is copied from
the internet: "Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim faiths who explained their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say.
"The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided or questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad (holy war) against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel? There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he replied, 'non-believers!' I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to heaven. Is that correct?'
"The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.' I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith, or Pat Robertson or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to heaven!' The Imam was speechless. I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question: would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I'm going to heaven and want you to be with me?' You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Chuck Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years of prison ministry. He said to me, 'Rick, remember that the truth will prevail.'
And it will!"
From "FREEDOM'S RING" No. 193 December 3, 2002
TRUCK APPEAL
Once again our thanks to all those who have been sending additional to cover the cost of this vehicle.
We have been given six months to pay it off completely. Meanwhile it is being used for the work on the school.
DESPERATELY NEEDED:
A plumber for the Chileka project in Malawi. We need someone who could go out for approximately three weeks to lay out the plumbing and supervise our contractors on exactly what to do and where to place everything. Please contact Kansas City office at (816) 734-0493 if you would be able/available to do this.
REPORTS FROM ZIMBABWE
From The Daily Telegraph (UK), 20 December : Kidnapped accountant made to drink acid
The chief accountant for a British-owned tea estates in Zimbabwe's eastern mountains died early yesterday after he was abducted and forced to drink acid. Phillip Laing, who was married with two young children, was found chained to a tree in the bush yesterday and it is not known whether he died during the night or instantly. At least four of his co-workers from the Eastern Highlands Plantations Pvt Ltd, in the Manicaland Province, about 40 miles north west of Mutare, were also abducted and attacked with acid, according to businessmen in the province. It is not known whether the murder and attacks were political or criminal. Police were not available for comment. Last month, President Robert Mugabe sacked Opprah Rushesa, the governor of Manicaland province, who was accused of being too friendly to the handful of white farmers still on their land, and replaced her with Lt-Gen Michael Nyambuya, a recently retired military officer who was in charge of Zimbabwe's troops in the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The province had, until the new governor arrived endured relatively less violence on the former white owned commercial farms than other parts of Zimbabwe. The tea estates were founded by James Findlay, a Scotsman, more than 50 years ago. Mr Laing's wife flew back from Australia yesterday.
ZIMBABWEANS ARE GETTING LESS FOR THEIR DOLLARS:
Zimbabwe's inflation rate has rocketed to record levels, driven by increases in the cost of food and fuel.
According to government statistics, prices rose year-on-year by 619.5% in November, up from 525.8% the previous month. The actual rate of inflation may be even higher, economists say, as the official figures do not take into account black market prices. The central bank said it would announce measures on Thursday aimed at averting an economic crisis.
Shrinking economy
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Zimbabwe's economy has shrunk by about 40% in the past four years. About two thirds of the population face food shortages, and the country suffers from one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS infection in the world. Zimbabwe has become increasingly isolated as President Robert Mugabe has clashed with foreign governments and international organizations. He has been accused of rigging national elections and been criticized over a programme to redistribute land with force.
(ED NOTE) Our grateful thanks to those who are supporting the “Oldies.” You have made their lives so much easier. I am sorry that so many do not hear from their “supportee” but many have dementia or are just too frail to correspond. I am going out to Zimbabwe at the end of the year and, depending on fuel, will try to visit some of them. Officially, US$1 buys Z$800, but on the black market it fetches up to Z$6,000. A loaf of bread now costs Zim $ 3,000 and the price rises every two days or so.
My dear Friends from Around the World,
I do not often write a News Letter - but towards the end of last year I have let people know what was going on in Zimbabwe where we live. We all thought that by now the land issues and farm invasions had ended and that the ruling elite have been satisfied with all the land that they have taken away from white owners. Remember - not a cent has been paid to people who were literally chased off their land. This has been going on for four years now. Most of these farmers have been here for generations and did not steal the land from previous dwellers. The land was paid for and hard earned.
Recently, on our return from Israel we heard that things were getting worse - it was always bad but it seems as though the lawlessness has taken a further plunge. You cannot go to the police - they will not help in any matters regarding your safety or protection of your property. We can trust no one - but rely on God for wisdom and guidance. My next door neighbors - 3 of them have been told to leave their farms. One couple has lived there all his life as did his father before him – he has never had another home. Drunkards came into his house one morning and started smashing all their possessions. They had to pack up a life time of stuff. No other friends were allowed near the farm to help them. Yesterday morning - I was called to assist another neighbor to pack – they had been given 24 hours to get off the land. Fortunately - they were allowed to make use of friends to help. There were about 15 white people and 6 black farm hands that came to assist them.
Only the previous day - I was interviewed by a Radio Station from a country called Namibia (also here in Africa. Half way through the interview I was asked why we are fortunate to still be on the farm. He knew that we are left with half the farm - the other part has been taken last year. I had to be careful how I answered that question. My answer was that God is the only One who decides when we have to leave and where to. I also said that I know and am convinced that it is because of the many prayers going up for us from people like you that we are still here. God has different plans for each farmer and we have to learn to hear His voice. We cannot judge and say that God is protecting this farmer more than that one - but I do know that He answers those that call upon His Name .Prov. 3: 1- 10. How can I put my trust in horses and chariots if I have a God as Mighty as He? His track record in our lives -is awesome!!! I am not afraid. My husband is still amazingly strong in his belief that we will be able to continue to farm this year - he has put in his crops - and trusting in the Lord that he WILL reap it at the end of the season. Our farm hands are still so loyal and eager to work - it gives them a sense of security as well - if we stay. It means money and food for them as well.
Friends - I have let you know what is going on here- but please know that we appreciate your prayers and thoughts. Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you.
UPDATES
Please note that we are already working on Michael's itinerary for 2004. Please contact Alice VanLandingham on (703)864-8202 or email her at shekminusa@aol.com.
FINLAND
We are thrilled at the response of the young people of Finland, many of whom have expressed a desire to attend the Bible School. Not only have they expressed a desire but they are doing something about it. We had one young many join us in July last year and another went out with Pastor Michael in November. One is flying out to Malawi with me early January and another will fly direct to Uganda mid January. There is no better boot camp for them and we thank their families for allowing them to go.
We pray that the hunger of young people in Finland would continue to be stirred and the flames fanned by the breath of the Holy Spirit and we pray the same thing for the youth in general throughout the Western world that the things of the world would no longer excite and entertain and that they would seek a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus.