Missionary Minds

A conversation about boti Paul and the church that supported him from before he was married. All about missions.

In this episode, Darren Rock, of Colonial Baptist Church details his experiences in the Fire Department and teaches us how to go through life after loss.

South Africa is facing a dire shortage of skilled workers, according to a recent article published by Antony Sguazzin on Bloomberg. As businesses attempt to start or expand operations in what Sguazzin calls “Africa’s most industrialised economy,” there are certain job openings that employers simply cannot find qualified candidates for. Most of these are in the areas of engineering, science, information technology, and management.  Sguazzin writes, “This skills shortage has been identified by the South African presidency as the second biggest impediment to economic growth, after crippling power outages.” While this skill shortage presents a major challenge to South African businesses, Christian young people should also view it as an opportunity and a guide for their education and career choices.

Socialism (and its end goal, communism) is rooted in envy, greed and covetousness. It has bred all kinds of theft and trampling over private property rights (as enshrined in the 8th commandment against stealing) and discourages a biblical work ethic. As Margaret Thatcher famously said: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” Exodus 20:17 reads, “You shall not covet” (Exod. 20:17). How many Christians realise the political significance of those four words (only two words in Hebrew)? Consider with me for a moment the widespread implications of the 10th commandment.

Child labour is the illegal employment of children in business in order to exploit them. Many of the countries most guilty for child labour are found in Africa. Christians should rightly reject the exploitation of children for financial gain as evil. But every parent should teach their children a Protestant work ethic in hopes of equipping them for a productive life in adulthood.How may parents succeed in teaching their children to work hard?

Here are five principles.

We live in an overmedicated world that teaches that the problem is without and the solution is within. From scripture we know that the problem is within–sin–and the solution is without–Christ.

In this episode Jonathan Klimek takes us through his journey through addiction and how the LORD freed him from the power of sin.

Witch hunting is a serious problem in Africa. If locals suppose their neighbour is a witch or engaged in witchcraft, they may injure that person, or even kill them. Why some people are more affected by witchcraft than others may be owing to their neighbour or enemy placing a curse on them. Perhaps a witch doctor is involved.A common proof of such witchcraft is the thousands of stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. It is debatable if these stories are true. What is not disputable, however, is that the belief in these stories is true. Christians must be careful to address these issues seriously, as many people wholeheartedly accept the holistic activity of the demonic world.

How should Christians think about withcraft?

Selling sacred oils has become big business in Africa. Not uncommon are stories of pastors who bring children back from the dead by anointing the deceased with oil. Pentecostal churches from around the continent have flooded the market with their holy anointing oils, promising fortune and healing to those who buy their products. Not surprisingly, churches that promote sacred oil are often entangled in a host of other sins.

It is important that we as Christians consider our role within the political sphere of our Country. Our faith is not confined to the pews of our church; rather, it should infiltrate every facet of our lives, including our engagement with our Country and its politics. What, then, are our responsibilities as Christians in this domain? As Christians, it is vital to understand the distinction between what we must do and what we may do concerning government. Let me give you six of each to consider.

In February of 2024, the Government of Zimbabwe sent out a press statement strongly rejecting the efforts that foreign nations have made to ensnare its citizens into homosexual behaviour through the offers of educational scholarships.

Like other African nations such as Uganda, Zimbabwe firmly condemns Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender activities. Zimbabwe opposes the viewpoint of several neighbouring countries, namely South Africa and Mozambique, both of which promote significant LGBT protections.

How should Christians think around this? Especially when a historically evil nation like Zimbabwe does something right.