Glenn Duker’s Reflection on Visiting Malawi

I have pondered over the last few days how visiting the Church in Malawi impacted me. And then it dawned on “me” that this is the whole problem with our western world. We think that it is all about “us”. We don’t necessarily see it but our society is self-absorbed – and in our great comfort (which we are born into). As a society we are blinded by the things of this world… not appreciating that it is all vanity, it all passes eventually, is a memory for a while and then forgotten. Cf. The book of Ecclesiastes!

What seems to restrict us is our “clutter” or our “stuff”. We are so busy… mostly about things that don’t ultimately matter. We just convince ourselves that they do. Jesus put it simply (paraphrased) and advised the smart alternative: “Martha, Martha .. you are anxious and troubled about many things. Mary has chosen the good portion (listening to the simple words of the Gospel), which shall not be taken away from her”.

Yes – there is a super-rapid expansion in Malawi of the Church… but for good reason. Even in my life, I recall that once upon a time in Australia people were more open to the gospel, intrigued about the miraculous and the miracle of speaking in tongues. In less naturally comfortable circumstances, these people in Africa REALLY hunger and thirst after righteousness and the power of God. They are yearning for it. Malawi for me has brought into focus with some clarity that we don’t need to search far for the Lord or the miracle… just drop the sophistication, the questioning, put aside the cynicism, forget the disappointment of denominational “religion” and how it has let the world down by not preaching the full gospel (as opposed to God’s spirit-filled Church) and just realise that the Lord is right there waiting to bless; and as Spirit-filled people we should not think that the Lord is far away. He is the same God in Malawi as He is here – and we would be encouraged to learn from the simplicity of the acceptance of the Word of God in Malawi and humbly follow the example of their zeal for the things of God.

I went to Malawi to work, to contribute what I could in some small way for the Lord, and to learn. I praise the Lord that I received exactly what I asked for…to have a new adventure each day of watching and experiencing the Lord’s miraculous hand in action and interacting with our wonderful, faithful, longsuffering fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I am so glad I went… and that I understand more that it’s really not about “self” and the here and now at all… but about our ultimate destination: the kingdom of God and “the more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”.

Thanks again to John, Gilbert and all who made this trip possible.

 

Glenn Duker’s Mission Trip to Malawi

August 4th, 2018

These wonderful people are so rich in the joy of the Holy Ghost. The children received the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, in about a minute or less and were baptised, as were so many adults. We can learn so much from these fellow saints. The Lord is right there, waiting to bless. We would be wise to put our “questioning” mind to one side and follow their example: just believe our wonderful God without hesitation … and the miracles will follow. Jesus Christ is truly the same yesterday, today and forever.

-Glenn Duker

 

August 6th, 2018

Had a great few days here in Malawi with an outreach, then two communion meetings yesterday and a visit to a newer Meeting today, which is growing rapidly in numbers. This is “spiritual immersion” and I am loving it.

Had a great time this morning at the hotel – I spoke to two of the hotel employees and they were happy to seek for the Holy Spirit, which they received, speaking in other tongues, within a few minutes of each other. This is incredibly exciting stuff. All we do is preach the word and, willing to receive what the Lord has for them, they receive it freely!

What is the rest of the world doing!!!

The Bible says that only the fool says in his heart that there is no God.

The time is now to receive the Holy Spirit. Forget trying to work it all out… the Lord is there to fill people right away!

This is real and powerful – the power of God unto salvation and an incredible joy and privilege to be part of.

-Glenn Duker

 

August 8th, 2018

Another amazing day…our day off turned out to be a big day on… and it was worth it. From talking to the gardeners, to the walk to the village to meet the lady chief, to a strong talk from Pastor Nelson to the ladies in the village (the men were at work fishing… I guess we were also fishing!), to praying for the sick in the village and seeking or for the spirit and.. of course, some baptisms, then to the assistant manager of the resort receiving the Holy Spirit. C’est la vie. I just wish all days off could be like this!

-Glenn Duker

 

August 11th, 2018

Great couple of days… 7 more baptisms today and encouragement. Made some wonderful friends: we are united in the Lord, one hope, one faith, one baptism. The Church here continues to grow rapidly and these folks are well grounded in the Lord’s doctrine and passionate about staying on the Word of God. They tell us that they are grateful for our time of fellowship….yet we are so grateful for theirs. We are one in Christ.

The scenery is nice but that’s not what this trip is about. For me, this just reinforces, as Pastor Vic so aptly puts it, that this our “real job”.

-Glenn Duker

 

The Meaning For Communion

What is Communion:

Communion is defined in the dictionary as the “sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level.” It is also defined as “the service of Christian worship at which bread and wine are consecrated and shared.” The Church practices what is called communion. Jesus had his last communion with his disciples before he was crucified is known as the Last Supper. Communion uses bread to symbolize Jesus’ body and wine to symbolize His blood. But why do Christians eat a small piece of bread and drink wine during their church services?

Where did it Originate From:

The tradition of communion was started by Jesus. When He died for our sins on the cross, He told His followers to remember His sacrifice by using bread and wine. He said to his disciples, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, there is no life in you” (John 6:53). The bread of life means He has nourished us and we can be saved because of Him. In the early days, the Church celebrated Jesus by taking communion every day. Every time they gathered to eat and drink, it was a chance to thank God for all He has done.  

Why You Should Participate in Communion:

Communion is not a ritual to be performed mindlessly. It is not a way to guarantee yourself a spot in heaven. You must be aware of the reasons why you are doing it. It is to remember what Jesus has done for us and why He did it. It is not just about the bread and the wine, but the spiritual essence behind it. It does not only have to be performed at Church: the Lord is not bound by a building.

Next time you celebrates communion, remember why you are celebrating. It is a righteous thing in the eyes of the Lord when a spirit-filled person takes communion. Take a moment to give thanks to Him and use it as an opportunity to connect with Jesus. It can be a way to remember the Lord and focus on the fact that he has filled you with his wonderful Holy Spirit.