Lediba Day Two

If yesterday was all about facilities, today was all about the ministry.
We began the day with a very cold ride from the Lediba Homestead to Hippo Lakes followed by a delicious breakfast.
We then gathered in the conference room/filming studio.
The day's program began with a devotional. During the devotional, the pastors were encouraged that once they put their hand to the plow don't look back...just keep pushing forward. I am sure that this mesaage encouraged them not to give up even during difficult times in their ministries.
Next we viewed a Podcast which featured Bruce Wilkinson's story about what lead him to start the Teach Every Nation (TEN) ministry. I am so glad that we were able to hear the story of the beginning of the ministry.
After a short break, we were shown a video of Howard Hendrix teaching on the first of his 7 laws of teaching.
After the video, we were given questions to discuss with the person beside us. Bob and I were sitting next to Silas. He ministers to mostly youth in Kenya because the younger generation makes up 70 % of the population. From what we learned from Silas, the government of Kenya is much more willing to allow Biblical teaching in schools than in the United States.
We then broke for lunch which was being prepared at the Homestead. So we all jumped in an open air vehicle and headed back to the Homestead.
One of the wonderful things about TEN is that it allows the pastors to see animals that they never get to see. Most animals are in game parks which are too expensive for the native population to visit. As a result, a majority of Africans never see native, wild animals. It was thrilling to be with them and experience their excitement at seeing the animals. They were all absolutely freezing even when wrapped in blankets.
After an amazing lunch, we said goodbye to the pastors as they headed back to Hippo Lakes and we stayed at the Lediba Homestead to enjoy an afternoon of relaxation.
We walked around the property, rested and had thoughtful conversations.
Kelly (a TEN board member who is also staying at the Homestead with us) offered to take us on a game drive. Jenni and I jumped at the chance while Bob and Dale stayed at the Homestead.
Dinner was back at Hippo Lakes. On the way back, we saw a ton of animals including some hippos sparring in the lake as the sun was setting.
For dinner, Jenni and I sat with 4 pastors from Guinea and one from Zimbabwe. Jenni is wonderful at asking great questions and engaging with people. She asked the pastors how they were using TEN materials. The answers were amazing. They indicated that it helped them equip church members to disciple others. Prior to using TEN materials they said that most churches were characterized by people coming and listening to an entertaining pastor who gave little content, the members would raise their hands, clap and sing but had little interaction with the Word. The members would leave without being transformed since that happens by "the washing of the Word". TEN is allowing these pastors to disciple people by teaching them the Word. These Pastors are starting Bible schools in many villages where the local pastors have no biblical training-many are relying on information from the internet.
The pastors training at TEN say that the teaching and discipling instruction that they are receiving enables them to teach and raise up leaders in their own congregations. This in turn, allows them time away from their local congregations to go into other areas and teach and equip the pastors there.
After dinner, we listened to a video by Bruce Wilkinson of the new course, "Dare to Dream".
After a very full day, we took another very chilly 40 minute drive back to the Homestead.
My luggage is now in J'Burg!!Read more