Pray for Botswana on Sunday, June 9, 2013

Lectionary Selection: 1 Kings 17: 8-16 (17-24)

Prayers for Botswana:
Dear gracious and loving God,

Help us to see every new day as an opportunity to transform our lives for the better and to make this world a better place for others. Help us to be inwardly open to what you have for us today…..Let us remember the people of Botswana- the United Congregational Churches of Southern Africa (UCCSA), the Botswana Council of Churches, Kgolagano College, those facing this winter without adequate clothing and blankets; a dwindling water supply for the nation and upcoming parliamentary elections next year. Blessed, are you, O Lord, the Source of all good things in our lives. Amen

Mission Stewardship Moment from Botswana:
“As the Lord promised through Elijah, the bowl did not run out of flour nor did the jar run out of oil” 1 Kings 17:16

Although God’s true nature is oftentimes beyond our understanding, this reading from I Kings reminds us that God’s blessings and saving power; the manna that sustains us when we are in the wilderness and on the journey of life- IS NEVER ENDING. Our God is a God who neither abandons us or leaves us stranded at our moments of greatest need.

One of the greatest lessons that the Church in Botswana has taught us over the years, is the need to continually give room to the Almighty to work miracles in our lives. Whereas Jayanthi and I might fret over the success of a particular event happening in the life of the local church, our congregants would often say, “Moruti (Pastor), we’ve done all that we can. The rest is now in God’s hands.” They, of course, were witnesses of God’s transforming power through Christ Jesus. Whether in struggling to provide for their family’s daily needs; infected with HIV/AIDS; or going through a spiritual valley- they remain focused on the Living Bread. In worship services and in service to the community they have not given up on prayer, the reading of scripture and the idea of allowing God to transform their lives and the lives of others. “Doesn’t a father know what his children need asked Jesus. If they need bread, will he give them a stone? If they are hungry for fish, will he give them a snake? If you, then, as bad as you are, know how to give your children what is good for them, how much more will our father your heavenly father give good things to those who ask.” Matthew 7:11.

All of it- the resurrection, the Ascension, Pentecost….as well as through God’s wonder working power in people’s lives in Botswana and elsewhere today point us to the Source; the food that nourishes our souls, gives us hope and the promise of everlasting life.

(Prayer and Mission Moment relating to the work of Jayanthi and Jim Wilson)

Mission Partners in Botswana:

More information on Botswana:
http://globalministries.org/africa/countries/botswana/

Global Ministries Missionary in Botswana:
Jayanthi Wilson, a member of Cairo-Jacksonville Pastoral Unity Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Cairo, Missouri, serves the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). She is seconded to the Botswana Synod and assigned to the Kgolagano Theological College in Gaborone. She works as a librarian at the College and will continue to work with the Sedibeng Centre once the restructuring process is complete.

James Wilson, a member of Cairo-Jacksonville Pastoral Unity Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Cairo, Missouri, serves the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). He is seconded to the Botswana Synod and assigned to the Kgolagano Theological College in Gaborone. He works as an instructor at the College.