How to Be a Teacher

For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Ezra 7:10

In the above verse, Ezra exhibits the four qualities that are a necessary part of being a great teacher of God’s word.

First, Ezra set his heart to become a teacher of God’s word. The Hebrew word koon is translated ‘set.’ It literally means to establish an object so it stands steadfast. The Hebrew word translated for heart is lebab and refers not only to the physical heart, but also to the innermost emotional being and soul of a person. Ezra did not have some vague wish to do something. He established the very center of his being, everything that he was, to achieve his goal. Many times people express a desire to complete a project, but they do not really possess the aptitude or inclination necessary to truly complete the project. For example, anyone who has been a student expresses the wish to complete his or her homework. But will the student put everything they are and have into completing the homework? Probably not. Now imagine a young man, about 16, who desires to buy his first car. For years he has dreamed of having his own car so he can be distinguished among his peers and be somewhat independent from his parents. At the age of 13, he began diligently working towards his goal. He mowed lawns, performed chores around the house, painted houses, worked at the local McDonald’s, anything he could think of to earn money. Finally the moment has arrived for him to buy the car. He researches various makes and models, compares and contrasts different options and finally chooses one. The young man set his heart on buying a car and for many years his entire being was focused on this one goal. In the same way, Ezra set his heart to not only study the word of the Lord, but to practice and teach it to others also. His entire life focused around these three intertwined purposes.

Not only must one devote his or her life to teach the word of God, but one must study it. The Hebrew word here literally means 'to seek.' This word immediately brings to mind a treasure hunt. Imagine a pirate finding a map to a vast store of hidden jewels, gold, silver, and other precious things. Would he not diligently study the map and the clues, and prepare himself to embark on the trip? The word of God is often referred to as precious stones and hidden treasure. The psalmist writes “Thy word I have treasured in my heart” (Psalm 119:11). Wisdom is said to be “more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her” (Proverbs 3:15). In the New Testament, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field and a costly pearl. The man and the merchant who discovered the treasure and the pearl sold everything they had in order to possess these valuable items (Matthew 13:44-45). Ezra “set his heart to seek the law of the Lord” because it is a hidden treasure infinitely more valuable than all the precious stones in the world combined. After all, everything material will fade away, “but the word of the Lord endures forever” (I Peter 1:25).

After determining his purpose to teach God’s word and studying it with all diligence, Ezra practiced the law of the Lord. The Hebrew word here is asah and “conveys the notion of performing an activity with a distinct purpose, a moral obligation, or a goal in view” (Strong’s). It is not enough to simply read words and agree with them; one must show obedience through doing. In the book of James, the author uses the example of someone who is without food or clothing. A man says to the person in need “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” but does nothing to help the person in need. Has he truly helped that person? No! James’ point here is that words alone mean nothing, just as faith alone is useless. James writes “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself” (2:17). If Ezra studied the law of the Lord every second of every day until he died, but never practiced what he read, he might as well have spent his life pursuing fleshly lusts. In the recent movie The Book of Eli, Denzel Washington plays a futuristic character who has the last copy of the Bible after a nuclear explosion wipes out modern civilization. He spends twenty years memorizing the text as he travels to the one remaining library on earth. Towards the end of the movie, he realizes that although he has memorized the entire text, he has failed to act on that text by obeying the truths found within. He realizes that the Bible is useless to a person if one does not do what it instructs. A critical part of being a good Bible teacher is to practice the law of the Lord as Ezra did.

Finally, after setting his heart, seeking and practicing the law of the Lord, Ezra teaches God’s statutes and ordinances to the people. The Hebrew word translated ‘to teach’ is lamad and literally means ‘to goad.’ The teacher’s responsibility is to impart knowledge and wisdom to the student in whatever way necessary for the student to learn. When training a horse, one first approaches the animal with gentleness so it may learn that your purpose is not to harm him. After gaining his trust, you may begin asking the animal to do various things. Pat Parelli, a popular horse trainer, describes the training process in the following manner: the trainer first suggests an action, then asks for it, then demands it. If you are asking the horse to move away from you, you might first point the horse in the direction you want him to move. If he does not move, you continue to point the horse in the right direction while twirling a rope or whip behind his hips. If the horse continues to stand still, you finally hit the horse with the rope until he moves. Eventually, the horse will learn to move when you first point him in a certain direction. In the same way, a teacher instructs his students. If, upon the instructor’s first gentle instructions, the student refuses to learn (by continuing to do the things he has always done), the teacher gradually becomes more firm until he goads the student into changing his habits. Ezra taught the people the word of God first by gentle instruction, then by forcing them to change their wicked ways by (in one specific instance) separating the foreigners from the holy people of God.

By setting his heart to seek, practice and teach the law of the Lord, Ezra sets a prime example for those desiring to be teachers and preachers of God’s word. Paul writes to Timothy “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” and “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17).

Now that I have thoroughly studied Ezra 7:10, I aim to go practice and teach the word of the Lord!

Diamonds in the Sky

Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so bright, like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are!

Every American child knows this bedtime rhyme. I have always loved the simple poetry and unpretentious descriptions of such a magnificent part of God’s creation. But I also felt the wording was a little grandiose. After all, stars don't really twinkle, and they aren't that bright (except for in cartoons like Disney's Pinocchio). And the only resemblance to a diamond was in how they lay so innocently against the black silk of the night sky.

My time in Africa has changed my view of this childhood verse completely. Far away from city lights, removed from the polluted haze that hangs over the horizon, I have truly seen the night sky as if for the first time. My friends, if you could see what I have seen in the nighttime sky for the past few months, your souls would be captivated and your breath taken away by the true magnificence of God’s creation. There is no smoggy veil between me and the stars burning billions of miles away; I can see them more clearly than I can see this screen in front of me. I cannot convey to you the depth of the awesome wonder that falls upon me as I gaze into the heavens each night, but I will try.

Stars do twinkle! I do not mean their brightness fades in and out as clouds or dust pass over them, but they flicker like the bright flame of a candle. And they are bright, much brighter than we can ever see in the States. They blaze brilliantly across the sky, millions of tiny moons burning brightly in the black material of the sky.

And oh! the moon! Her glory is more magnificent than can ever be imagined. My eyes water as I gaze upon her brightness. I cannot make out her features for the brightness of her radiance is more than I can gaze at for any length of time.

I thought I understood the second line in the poem comparing stars to diamonds. They are sort of round like some diamonds, and their color somewhat resembles that of diamonds. But gazing into the African sky with the night fully enveloping me like a cloak, I can truly grasp this illustration. Imagine, in your mind’s eye, a diamond. Do not place it in the dark against a black cloth. Instead, place it in the brilliant sunlight. What does it do? It sparkles and casts brilliant prisms around it. Not only do you see its clearness, but you see many tiny jewels of ruby, jade, amber, and sapphire sparkling across its surface. This is how stars truly appear in the night sky. There are millions and billions of miniature diamonds twinkling across the night sky.

I am brought to my knees as I consider the One who created the heavens I gaze into each night. Who but God could have created such beauty? Words fail me as I attempt to describe my awe for my God who created such wonder and glory. I am reminded that “all the heavens declare the glory of God”- my friends, what I am seeing in the night sky is a piece of God’s glory- and “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen” (Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:20).

The Beginning is in the End

I know I haven’t written anything for a while and I’m sorry about that. We’ve been very busy here trying to get all the grades in and wind the quarter down. I am actually looking forward to going home May 9- I plan on sleeping for a week straight!!

For the past couple of weeks, an American couple has been staying at the mission. Thomas and Jill Businelle have an 8-month-old son named Titus (who is adorable, by the way). They were working with the HIM program (out of Memorial Road church of Christ in Oklahoma City) in Mozambique. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a bad time for them to go. They started a 2 year contract last November, but as soon as they arrived, they all got sick and more or less stayed sick until March. Thomas, Jill, and little Titus then spent several weeks in a hospital in Johannesburg. After healing, they came to the Chimala Mission to reflect on their experience and recuperate before returning to the States.

It seems, at the outset, that a trip such as theirs has ended in disaster. But I don’t think so (and they don’t either). Even though they were only able to stay in Africa 6 months instead of 2 years, they learned a lot about themselves, mission work, and their relationship with God. It truly has been a time of growth and maturity for all three of them.

Garry and I grew very close to Thomas and Jill during their stay at the mission. They have a lot of great ideas to improve the work here. They were also wonderful encouragers and supporters. They are leaving tomorrow, and I am sad to see them go. We really need a young, energetic couple like them to come work here in Chimala. I hope they do well in whatever ministry they pursue, but I really pray God brings them back here to Chimala.

As my time here winds down, I realize not only how much I have learned, but also how far I have to go. I am still not fluent in Swahili, though my vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation improve daily. I am also not content with the education I have. This summer, as I finish my Bachelors in Biblical Studies, I am also going to begin my Bachelors in Education, with a minor in Intercultural Studies, at Liberty University online. I am very excited to begin this new phase of my life and hope that my studies will produce much fruit for the kingdom and glory of God.

The Providence of God

Late last night, a group of Malawians was traveling from Dar-Es-Salaam back to their home country. Their route passed through the Chimala Mission. While driving through a forest between Iringa and Chimala, they came upon a roadblock of big stones across the road. A man dressed in a police uniform waved down the first car in the caravan. As the cars slowed to a stop, bandits armed with clubs and knives surrounded the three cars. The second car attempted to drive around the barricade, but ditches had been dug on either side of the road. The car dived into the ditch and wrecked. The third car took a chance and drove straight over the rock barrier. They were able to drive on to the nearest police station. The other Malawians were dragged from the remaining two cars and beaten with the clubs and knives. One man suffered a severe cut across his temple. They all suffered from multiple contusions and scrapes. The police finally arrived only to find the one car still in the ditch and the other car stolen. The victims lay bruised and beaten along the side of the road. The police ushered everyone away from the scene of the crime, telling them to leave all their passports, visas, and over 60 million kwachas (about 40,000 US dollars) behind. One Malawian, who had just returned from Texas, left behind his American visa. The injured men were dropped off at the Chimala Mission Hospital. Early this morning, hospital workers called the Malawian students attending Chimala Bible Institute. The students rushed to the hospital to meet the victims and attend to their needs. It turned out the victims were from the same village as Samuel Tambala, a first year student at CBI. Disturbed at their countrymen’s plight, the students left to report the incident to Garry Hill, CBI’s administrator. Garry saw the distress on the students’ faces, and gave them a bundt cake to calm them down. Then two girls who were attacked along with their brothers walked up. The students immediately handed over the cake and explained the police had given them neither food nor water since the attack. Garry was able to give the Malawians enough money to fill the tank of their remaining car to get across the border. There, friends would meet them and help them on their way. This event truly throws into sharp relief the need for a serious emergency fund for the mission. Garry and I have agreed to travel to Malawi before the end of the year to hold Bible studies and seminars in Samuel Tambala’s hometown, where the victims were from. There is a serious opportunity for evangelism and the growth of the Lord’s church originating from this tragedy and we intend to take full advantage of it. Praise God no one was killed before they could hear the truth of God’s word! Another providence of God is seen in Garry and my own protection from such a disastrous event. We planned this morning to travel to Iringa, through the very forest the robbery took place, to visit the American missionaries living there. We were unable to because a new tire failed to be delivered to Mbeya in time for the trip. Yesterday, we were frustrated and angry at the inefficiency of the African way of life. Today we are grateful. Not only were we able to use the money for the trip to get potential Christians safely home, we avoided unknowingly traveling through a dangerous area. Praise God for His amazing acts of kindness and compassion! I cannot wait to see what other good will become of this tragedy.

Girl on a Mission

"Therefore, gird your minds for actions, stay sober in spirit and fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Christ Jesus." I Peter 1:13

During the time this letter was written, there were a lot of things that distracted Christians from serving God. Idolatry, worldly lusts, and persecution often caused believers to turn away from and deny Jesus. Peter writes his first epistle to those Christians scattered throughout the world to encourage them to stay strong in the faith, because Satan would like nothing more than to distract them from the Christian's final goal of salvation.

This letter has become very dear to me. I have become distracted from the work at hand. I have allowed personal emotions and physical ailments come between me and my end goal of salvation in Christ. It isn't that I don't appreciate Christ's sacrifice or that I no longer want to go to heaven. But I have allowed earthly, temporal things to come between me and my heavenly goal.

No more. As Peter states in chapter 1 verse 13, I will gird my mind for action. I will constantly study God's word so I may be ready for any attack. Nobody will catch me without my sword sharpened and ready for battle!

I will also stay sober in spirit. I will not allow fleeting things or giddy emotions cloud my judgment and distract me from the purpose at hand. I must remember that my "Adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (5:8). I cannot let my guard slip, even for a second, because Satan is waiting for any opportunity to destroy me.

I will also fix my hope completely on the grace brought to me by the revelation of Jesus Christ. I will allow my thoughts to dwell on the gospel and what that means for me and my fellow man. I will allow my heart to dwell on Christ's revelation throughout the New Testament. By fixing my hope completely on Christ, nothing else will come before my sight or cloud my judgment. I will allow myself to become saturated with God's word.

In short, I will be a girl on a mission.

Does God Exist?

Chances are that you believe in God. So why am I writing this? Certainly not to convince you, because you already believe there is a God (I hope). The truth is, many Christians today believe in God but don’t know exactly why they believe in God. It is incredibly important that a Christian be able to give a solid defense for his or her faith in God, and not just say ‘because the Bible says so’ (I Peter 3:15).This blog will explain why I believe, and know, God exists. Hopefully by the end of it you will too!!

1. Evil exists.
   Everyone agrees that there is evil in the world, right? One only has to look at tragedies like the Holocaust and 9/11 to know evil exists. If evil exists in the world, it stands to reason that absolute right exists as well. Since there is absolute right, there must be someone who enforces the natural laws of what’s good and what’s evil.
2. Everyone has morals.
   Every individual in the world is born with a basic sense of what’s right and what’s wrong. Everyone knows it’s wrong to cheat, lie, steal, murder, rape, and so on.
   Who put this inherent sense of right and wrong within us? Who but God?
3. There is a moral authority.
   Since everyone has morals, it stands to reason that there is someone to enforce those morals. Otherwise, what would be the point of those inherent morals?
   Thomas Warren stated, “If the conduct of a society, individual, or specified group can come under criticism, there is a God. If there is no God, then the behavior of anyone anywhere cannot be criticized.”
4. There is a design.
   The universe and the earth and every living creature has a design. It is clear in the organization of planets in systems, systems in galaxies and galaxies throughout the universe. It is clear in everything on earth from the food chain to the water cycle to the tilt of the earth in relation to the sun. It is clear in every study of every system and every cell in the human body there is a design. A design demands a designer. It could not have happened by accident.
   Evolutionists theorized that the smaller the organism they studied, the less information and the less organization the organism would have. They have found the exact opposite to be true. Carl Sagan says of the smallest single- celled organism, “There is enough information in the paramecium to fill one hundred million pages of the Encyclopedia Britannica.”

There are many more reasons why God exists, but these are the ones that convince me the most. Have they convinced you? What other evidences of God can you think of?

Bearing Fruit in Chimala

One of the main focuses of the Chimala Bible Institute is evangelism.

Every weekend, a group of students goes out to a different village with an established congregation for the purpose of evangelism. The students go from house to house encouraging people to come to the Saturday night gospel meeting. They also hold Bible studies and invite the villagers to the Sunday morning worship service.

In January, the students visited Sumbawanga and baptized a total of ten people. In Ilemi, three people were baptized. Two people were baptized in Welu and one person in Mbuyuni. A total of eighteen people were baptized from January 7th to January 30th.

In February, three people were baptized in Vwawa and three people in Matebete. One person was baptized in Uzinje and five people were baptized in Sumbawanga. A total of fourteen people were baptized from February 4th through February 20th.

A typical Wednesday evening is likewise evangelistic. This past Wednesday, for example, the short-course teacher, Brent Smith, Garry Hill, the CBI administrator, Atupikisye Mwakyasima, a woman student at CBI, and I went down the road to visit the Chosi A congregation. Lai, a CBI instructor, preached a sermon on the oneness of baptism while Atupikisye and I taught the children. Fifteen children were present and eager to listen. Atupikisye masterfully taught the creation account in Genesis 1, thoroughly engaging the young children in her lesson. It was her first time teaching a children’s class.

It is evident the students’ work in evangelism and their application of their studies at Chimala Bible Institute is very fruitful. Continue to remember us in your prayers as the preachers and teachers of the next generation are trained at the college.