“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God.” -Revelation 3:12

Although the roofing of our new church structure at Ramotswa UCCSA Congregational was supposed to begin in December 2010, work only began at the beginning of this month (June).

Although the roofing of our new
church structure at Ramotswa UCCSA Congregational was supposed to begin in
December 2010, work only began at the beginning of this month (June).  Up to this point, we were made to deal with
countless issues – inflation and rising material costs; locating a  contractor, securing the required building
supplies, while simultaneously involving all the stakeholders of this parish –
the finance and building committees, the church council as well as the
congregation as a whole. It has been a long journey.

The building of the foundation
and the walls took a total of four years. Now, while in the midst of this last
phase, it is also proving to be more involved and lengthy than originally planned
for. Nonetheless, in the midst of such challenges, we are encouraged by those
words from the Book of Revelation, i.e. “him that overcometh will I make a
pillar in the temple of my God.” Yes, both hardships and challenging situations
can help us to grow in Christ and to be better witnesses to the community at
large. That is to say, God can help us to overcome whatever barrier we are made
to face as Church.

Sometime ago on a particular
Sunday morning,  I was reminded of  how being made to face certain  difficulties can sometimes help us to
strengthen our faith, bring us closer to God and make us a  better witness to others. As the worship
service was nearing its conclusion, two member of the church entered through
the front entrance and apologized for having arrived so late. They then shared
with us how their car had stalled and then refused to start in the bush (a
rural setting with rocky terrain and no roads). Not wanting to miss church,
they walked several kilometers to attend the service. The congregation, upon
hearing their plight, collectively decided to walk to the site of where the car
was. After discussing amongst themselves as to what they might do, they decided
to jump start it by giving it a push after the service.  Under normal circumstances such an event
wouldn’t have warranted our attention nor would it be seen as a miracle.
However, on that day everyone came together (both young children and the
elderly), pushing and shoving the vehicle concerned in the bush until it
started.  In any circumstances, Christ
Jesus can make all things possible for he or she who believes.

Jayanthi is again working at the
Koglagano College of Theological Education library, helping them to organize
the library. One of things called for in being a missionary, is the need to be
flexible in carrying out the mission of the church. That is to say, it is not
our plan, but the plan of the Church here in Botswana.  During this semester I have been teaching
four classes – two in Old Testament and two in Academic Literacy in conjunction
with the North – West University in Potchestroom, South Africa. It is always a
pleasure to be teaching in the classroom.

Also, over the last two months
the Government of Botswana has been enmeshed in a protracted labour dispute
with its public sector workers, which has nearly brought this country to its
knees – with accusations and counter accusations, demonstrations, union leaders
arrested, closing of schools, and a disruption of essential services such as
government hospitals and public health clinics. It has also impacted in other
areas – such as facilitating a slowing down of the economy as a whole. Please
pray for Botswana.

Jayanthi and I give thanks to the
many ways that we are always uplifted and supported by churches throughout
North America, through Global Ministries. 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.