Spiritual life

Spiritual growth is one of the wonderful benefits to being here. There are so many less than wonderful things that can happen in the search for a connection to God, that you have to give thanks for all the wonders He still creates today. There are self-proclaimed pastors who teach that if you tithe, or give big money to the church (themselves), you will get blessed even bigger. If it doesn't happen, then you didn't give enough! There are many people willing to sit in judgment on the denomination that someone chooses to follow. Generally speaking, Roman Catholics are not considered to be Christians!! And the bolocoli (the born again, rabid Pentecostals) think everyone else is wrong. If that all isn't enough, there are the witchdoctors who sell potions, spells and charms to people willing to part with money. Of course, the person might have to go back several times for someone else may have cast a spell to counter the one that was paid for. However the dark side of this is the human sacrifice that sometimes accompanies the practice. There are several instances each year of children being stolen and murdered to become part of the spell/curse. Usually the children are under six years and without blemish or scar. The belief in witchcraft runs deep in the population and many fear that it has been used against them when live takes a turn for the worse.

So, finding time to pray, to read the Bible and to worship is a really important part of life. On Sunday mornings probably 60% of the population are headed to church. The trouble is, not all of us live our faith through the week, showing by our language, actions, and service that we are different from the ones who turn to witchdoctors.

Someone told me after I came that God's voice is clearer in Africa than elsewhere. What I know is that there are fewer distractions created by advertising, media, etc than in the States. I don't have a radio or TV by personal choice. Sometimes I play music on my computer or one of the young ones will play on their phone or iPod. But it does seem easier to hear God's voice, to discern what He may be wanting me to do, or not do. I can tell now which of the people who come to me presenting problems are mine to assist and which are to be sent on to others for assistance. Of course prayer is always a good option, but it doesn't directly put food on the table or pay the rent or school fees (usually, although God can do that too).