God Works in Mysterious Ways
“All of us then reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.”
II Corinthians 3:17
“All of us then reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.” II Corinthians 3:17
It was an incredibly busy weekend. On Friday I presented a paper at an academic conference in Pretoria, South Africa. Saturday was spent driving back to Gaborone (248 miles) and preparing a sermon to be used the following day. On Sunday, I tiredly conducted the morning worship service in Ramotswa in “auto-pilot” and was just about to head back home, when I was approached by one the parishioners. He shared with me that I was now expected at a special ecumenical prayer service in the village of Taung concerning those infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. I really didn’t want to go. Although I had somehow hoped that someone would offer to take my place, I soon discovered that the whole congregation was planning to attend and they really wanted my there too. Yes, as much as I wanted to dig in my heels and say “no,” something inside me prodded me to have a change of heart. Truly God works in mysterious ways. That prayer service turned out to be a moving and spirit filled experience that touched me to the very core. Several different churches were present at the prayer meeting- Pentecostals, Roman Catholics, Zionists, Congregationalists as well as groupings that I could not readily identify. Although different in theology and liturgical practice, it was the unifying belief in Christ Jesus, the power of prayer, and a need to lift up praises to God through song, that gave witness to the truth of those words… “the Lord, who is Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever degree of glory.” Yes, in Christ Jesus, we were a multitude of voices in pursuit of a common cause.
The Ramotswa Congregation continues to slowly inch closer in its plans to roof its new church structure and is a testimony to the saying that “great things come in small packages.” Although less than fifty in number, they are a congregation with a big heart and a solid commitment to outreach. Over the several months they have begun a ministry to the disadvantaged in the village of Metsimaswane. Two Sundays back, they hosted a worship service, a common meal and a time of fellowship with them. In the village of Magonye, where a recently completed church structure stands, they are now conducting worship services on a regular basis. In terms of the new church structure at Ramotswa which has been at varying stages of completion over the last two years, it is moving closer to becoming a dream realized. God willing, the roof will be in place by the end of October. This has happened, in part because of a generous gift from Global Ministries.
Our family has taken on a new configuration after the death of Jayanthi’s father in December of 2009. Jayanthi’s mother, who suffers from second stage dementia and is unable to care for herself has joined our household in April of this year. This, of course, has meant that we now have a more structured existence. But, it has also helped us to gain a better understanding of a disease that affects so many the world over. It has also taught us a lot about patience.
Jayanthi continues with her work at Sedibeng Centre, which serves the disadvantaged of Botswana through vocational and life skills. It is still going through a period of transition.
We appreciate the many words that come our way through individuals as well as churches. You’re a source of encouragement. God bless.
Jim and Jayanthi Wilson, Botswana
jrjswilson@yahoo.com
James & Jayanthi Wilson are missionaries with the Kgolagano Theological College in Gaborone, Botswana. Jim serves as an instructor at Kgolagano Theological College. Jayanthi is seconded to the Botswana Synod and assigned to Kgolagano Theological College. She serves as librarian at Kgolagano College and will continue to work with the Sedibeng Centre.