NEW YEAR 2023: ENTERING THE PROMISE

Matthew 2:1–12

The story and arrival of the wise men or mystical magi is only found in Matthews gospel. These men are celebrated in some churches on Epiphany or Three Kings Day, today January 6th. That is twelve days after Christmas.  

This celebrations are mainly in Europe, particularly Spain and Latin America. Some have names for the wise men, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar as the presenters of baby Jesus with symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  

However, I am of the view that the wise men probably arrived in a huge number than three and at least 2 years after his birth. Clearly the child Jesus was at home when they arrived (v.11) and not in a manger, as Christmas cards would portray. Biblical narrative records, the shepherds found him in a manger (Luke 2:15-16).  

However, my key thought is, the wise men, like us, had the promise of a King born in Bethlehem. First, lost, they went to Jerusalem. Secondly, they had to leave Jerusalem and head 5-6 miles South to Bethlehem. When they found the  child, being warned, they did not go back to Jerusalem.  

For all of us, the year 2023, holds promise from God. We read the promise and see the guiding star, however, we get caught up inquiring in places. And yet, like Herod’s elite they have no clue. Let’s look at this a bit more; 

Firstly, Lost in “Jerusalem?”  

It’s easy to be drawn to“Jerusalem”. The city glitz, glamour, royalty, pomp and splendor. The latest gossip is there.  

With this in mind, surely, a new born King should be there. But no! Not even Herod’s secret service, knew about it. 

A lesson, beware the “city” you feel drawn to in your pursuit of God’s given vision.  

Additionally, beware of whom you seek to consult. Some, have no clue what you are talking about. As clueless as  Herod was, he offered a suggestion for them to return to him. He wished to “worship” the same King.  

Be aware, the clueless may produce acts hard to understand. 

The only way forward is to Lose, “Jerusalem?” God is leading you. In 2023, few know where God is leading you Shepherds are among the few. As you enter the year 2023, like the wise men, you probably have to ask and answer yourself among the clueless. You may know better among the wise of Jerusalem.  

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Matthew 2:5-6 

We are not told how long the wise men stayed in Jerusalem. However, when they left it, supernaturally a guidance was provided. My thought is, head out for divine guidance to be seen. 

Your prophetic gifts must be delivered. Not in Jerusalem or before anyone else. 

The gifts are so profound and symbolic, 1. Gold’s financial glow and divine providence. 2. Frankincense- pleasant, aromatic and intercessional drawing. 3. The bitter myrrh, warning of not only religious niceties but difficult times ahead also. 

 The last thing is, Leave out “Jerusalem.” After the presentation of gifts, Jerusalem was to be omitted on the trip going home. Of course, Herod was not amused neither will your confidants. 

This year 2023, Follow Gods guidance as it is revealed to you. Leave out some obvious prominent places and people. You may be expecting too much from those who have no clue. Perhaps, leave out some guidance on good food, businesses, relationships and places to go. You will ruffle some feathers. 

Enter 2023, looking at the star leading you to the promise. When you get there, your gifts will be come out with joy. When you presented your gifts, your next roadmap will be given. It may not include glitzy “Jerusalem and Herod.”   

We Are Now Two Camps

Genesis 32:10 

A unique Combined, Farewell, Holy Communion, Christmas Service all in one, was our Sunday December 25, 2022. We learned a lot by the hospitality of Bishop Mathews and Pastor Jamile Mtonga, of Destiny Bible church, Kitwe.

Destiny Bible church, hosted Beth Adonai Fellowship for the past two years in covid perilous times. Their hospitality, has joggled my mind on Christian love. 

At the combined service, host pastor, Mrs Mtonga shared a probing word, “we are now two camps!” (Genesis 32:10). Cited Jacob’s cry transitioning to the promised. To Jacob, if one group is attacked the other can flee and all is not lost. Is that us I thought? 

On the Sunday 1″ of January, 2023, our Ministries have a home, 31-2nd Ave Nkana West, Kitwe. 

After two wonderful years of hospitality, we feel healed and refreshed. 

Hospitality, if I may, is associated with hospital, motels or hotels. Hospitals and hotels respectively, host the sick the weary for recovery, resting, food and water etc. 

Generally, hospitality is room and board to restore the sick, refresh the exhausted travellers. 

Marys for one needed hospitality in Bethlehem (Luke 2). Jesus gave an example of wounded man on the road to Jericho (Luke 10;25_37). 

Typically, biblical hospitality is more than just room and board. The word hospitality appears four times in the ESV Bible Romans 12:13 – Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 

Hebrews 13:2- Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 

1 Peter 4:9 – Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 

1 Timothy 5:10 – and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. 

Hospitality is both action and affection, receiving and loving a stranger. Which, admittedly, is not always easy to determine. We can offer hospitality food, a bed, a shower without love, then it is not biblical. We can judge for ourselves here. For Christians … we are to show hospitality to one another without grumbling 1 Peter 4:9. 

When we grumble while giving food or lodging to someone, our hospitality is gone. 

In this regard, we wish to thank and bless Destiny Bible Church and pay glowing tribute to Bishop Mathews and Jamile Mtonga. 

As a ministry, and me in particular we were in great distress. We lost a meeting place, lost membership, lost property and lost ministry stride but they helped us to stabilize in two years among other friends. The Sar-Shalom (Prince of peace) be your portion 

When it all happened, we asked why…? Until we just left it all to God. Tthe last two years you provided unbridled hospitality. Holding nothing back for us, not asking why we were in such quandary. Not even telling us how long we could stay.

May God bless Bishop Mtonga, and wife. May God refresh you as you refreshed us. 

This Sunday, 1s of January 2023, we will be in our new facility. We could not wait for furnishing, paint or renovations. Our hearts burn to get busy for God.

Literary Pastor Jamile Mtonga we are indeed two camps for strategic reasons, but are one people, children of Jacob. Like in Jacob case, we may face our perceived enemy but they will melt away into their wilderness. 

Thank you. The comforter, came to us in the person of the Mtonga’s.

God with us, Emmanuel.

Israel 2022: empirical learning tour

Beth Adonai Rohi Ministires was back in Israel December 3rd, for the first time since 2018. A resounding successful trip in more ways than one.

There were 12 of us including my wife Dorcas bishops and others. The oldest member was a retired 90 year old former headmaster and geography teacher seeing somethings he taught but never saw with his 82 year old wife. Team learned bible empirically, rode camels, swam in the dead sea, climbed Mount Moriah and prayed at the wailing wall. They ate st Peters fush, drank from Elishas spring in Jericho some baptised in the Jordan. Israel 2022 trip was empirical rich and unique learning tour.

The 2023, December trip, will be tailored for youth and young adults. Our youth are already fund raising to travel and learn.
I hope to write on a number of Israel related articles but in this post, I am looking at something unique.

On arrival, our coordinator provided  wonderful helpful souvenirs. However, further on, during the tour of Bethlehem I was endowed with more.
The one that stood out the most was an engraved rock (in picture).
I think, it’s supposed to be an office paper weight. I recognised it’s colours as of Judean desert rock appearance. The rock mason is on every house in Jerusalem, by law. Every building in Jerusalem is clad in this masonry on it’s exterior works. I see it as strickingly beautiful antiqueted  ancient look. The style and masonary work of this kind is everywhere. Prominently so, is the Western wall, wailing wall or wall of tears as it may be called, on mount Moriah western slope from the time of Herod in Jerusalem. 

My thought was, what this gift  probably meant. In scripture, rock, I know is used as metaphor, signifying strength, steadiness, and durability.

I asked myself, what this could imply? Where was God leading in this? Could this mean the focus in 2023? I could not conclude. Still praying!
However, I looked at scripture and articles by others on the subject.

I looked at an article by a professor whose write-up helped enrich my thoughts in light of this rectangle rock I received.

What is the symbolic meaning of the term rock in the scriptures?

Robert J. Matthews, dean of Religious Education, Brigham Young University. Whom I largely quote wrote,

Experienced builders know that a structure cannot endure unless its foundation is strong. The words rock and stone, referring to the prime elements in ancient foundations, are used in the scriptures as metaphors signifying strength, steadiness, and durability. The prophets used these metaphors in a variety of ways, conveying an impression of the unwavering character of God as well as the need for spiritual solidarity in the foundation and structure of our own lives.

Moses spoke of the God of Israel as a Rock: “Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect, … a God of truth and without iniquity.” (Deut. 32:3–4). David wrote, “the Lord is my rock, and my fortress, … my shield, … my high tower.” (2 Sam. 22:2–3). Paul explained that the children of Israel… “drank of that spiritual rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Cor. 10:4). Psalm says ascribe greatness to our God the rock (psalm 18:2.) Jacob spoke of the Lord as “the shepherd, the stone of Israel.” (Gen. 49:24.)

Isaiah spoke of the Lord as “a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation.” (Isa. 28:16.) And Paul explained that the faithful Saints belong to the household of God “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” (Eph. 2:20.)
Therefore Jesus is called a stumbling stone to those who reject him, “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient.” (1 Pet. 2:8.) Jacob explained that “by the stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation. But … this stone shall become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the Jews can build.” (Jacob 4:15–16.)

Pray for the Jewish people to recieve Yeshua Messiah upon which they can build. Currently, they hold a form of religion denying the power thereof. Pray that the foundations amongst us as a church be firmly reestablished in 2023.

We remember Mary at her village well in Nazareth during  this season. A tried stone, precious corner stone was to be born through her. She was highly favoured to carry the Rock of our Salvation.
I pray that we see how favoured we are, entrusted to carry the gospel in our time.

I pray you carry Christ the Rock in your mind. Have great Christmas season.

Shalom
bethrohi.org

We Have Moved

31st 2nd Avenue, Nkana West Kitwe Zambia, is the Beth Adonai Rohi Ministries operatipnal nerve centre. It houses head office, Fellowship and Bible institute. For your spiritual life transformation, ministry, water wells, Israel travel, this is here.

We are excited thankful and blessing God for the purchase of a house to house our diverse ministries. Old brick house on a large lot was paid for and the deal sealed 13th December 2022.

Our legal challenges on our former property was holdings us up on many fronts. We thank God for a friend that has single handedly paid for this building. The friend has followed our ministry for a long time and decided to step in for the Kingdom.  Toda raba, thank you most sincerely.  May God hear you, as you heard us. God answer you swiftly, as you swiftly responded to us also.

Our Bible school as such starts February 2023.  Check website guidance for limitted application and scholarships.

Church services on this lot begins, 1st January 2023. A new beginning and God is in control.

Saturday 24th December at 10hrs there is an exciting youth program, Israel: Technon Youth ’23. Zambian youth head to Israel in December 2023. All Zambia youth are welcome. Limited space.

We are happy to get helping hands for renovations and paints for exterior and interiors. There is need for furniture, office supplies such as computers and printers. 20 student desks and 10 fulltime student beds are needed. Any catering utensils, fridge and cooker stationary will be most appreciated.

Call +260955548307
lubuto@hotmail.com

KITWE CFAN CRUSADE

Second night of the harvesting of souls. (“Plundering hell and populating Heaven”-Rhinard Bonnke).

I was asked to welcome the people as the Evangelical Fellowship district chairman. It was also to testify as one who was there 41years ago at the first 1981 Bonnke crusade in Kitwe Zambia. I stood as living proof of fruit that abides a crusade counsellor then and a call to ministry followed. At the time, Bonnke came with his “big” yellow tent, with capacity of just over 7,000 people. At the time, an overwhelming great number.

Comparing it to today, our numbers are stuggering. Nevertheless today afterwards, I had a wonderful chat up with late  Pastor Bonnkes first born son, Kai-Uwe Fred Bonnke. Kai-Uwe is the video grapher who came to Lesotho, Africa for the first time in 1967. He was an only toddler son of Pastor and Anni Bonnke. What a gospel legacy his father left us.

Bonnke’s ministry has left a trail of sons, signs, wonders, miracles and over 70 millions of souls saved. His spiritual sons and daughters are now a third generation of evangelists. Listening to the evangelists speak, one observes distinct Bonnke gospel presentation simplicity, clarity with passion with miracles following.

Todays crusade, swelled in size and numbers. It has been a while since we had such a crowd at any meeting. This gospel keeps drawing in many to God.

Shalom, see you tomorrow.

MBONGE SOLWEZI MISSION REPORT

“Raising A People Of Power”

Yesterday, Sunday May 15th 2022 we launched our rural Zambia, village taylor made, leadership development programme. Particularly, for Beth Adonai Fellowship, Mbonge Solwezi.

My launch message was from Matthew 24:14 entitle, “A vow to preach Gospel” https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=490445302879090&id=100049458996125

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

What an incredible service, what a response preaching from my upturned paint bucket pulpit. What wonderful indigenous  worship, vibrant youth and choir in the newly roofed facility. I thank you all friends, partners and family for making it happen. The atmosphere in the facility was contegious, lively and capturing. It was my first service in the church building. The lack of windows, gusty and dusty floor did not deminish the object and mission. Certainly, with great gratitude to all, far much better than the outdoor and tarpauline tent, I last preached in. Emmanuel, God by his Spirit  among men.

After the service, over 17 registered to be raised as “a people of power” through this six months course. The aim is to empower a village mission base, open new frontiers with the gospel in animist and sensitive area while spreading the good news.
The program demands a two and half trip every month until December from Kitwe. We covet prayer for resource and stamina to make it happen.

God willing, 2023 January, our 2 year fulltime bible college begins in Kitwe. We ask all prospective students to ask or send in application as space is limited.

The six months leadership, is a first in the area. We therefore ask for your generous support. We need bibles English (NIV) and Kikaonde and visual aid Kikaonde (audio bible). Financial help will be greatly appreciated as it will help sustain operations in the remote site.
Leadership visual images that can help teach the iliterate leaders is appreciated.
The thought behind this is, there are very influential chiefs and traditional leaders who neither read nor write. They call them God ordained ancestral leaders. In this regard, we use God ordained biblical influence to teach the illiterate. Thus we empower our illiterate leaders with bible based divine insight to their God ordained ancestral leadership roles.

Among our key instructors is Dr Dave Garrard taking the class on June 24-26th June. A highly experienced and saught after lecturer. He was my graduate school teacher and professor of Missiology from UK.

We invite friends and mission minded end time soul winners to have a part. For this mission, we want to hear from you;

Sent text private message or cell +26 095 554 8307.
Send inquiry to lubuto@hotmail.com. For direct donations of any amount, use our website, http://bethrohi.org/donate

Thank you for being responsive partners in the Zambian missions field.

Lubuto Nsofu

The Lord Has need of you

If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Luke 19:31

Simple instruction to the disciples . They were sent to bring someones tied donkey. Certainly, it was tied, secure and belonged to someone.  However, the creator was now asking for it.

Even further observation, it’s the owners who asked but yielded to demand. As you untie free to  royalty, earthly owners yields.

Jesus has sent his disciples,  to untie what he would use for his triumphant entry into your city. What he would use for a massive revival and a stirring of choruses of Hallelujahs and hosanna in the city.
The purpose, for being loosed, is non other than that he has need if it for his glory.

In an earlier chapter and another story. Jesus told a woman, “woman thou art loosed from thine infirmity” (lk 13:12). An infirm woman, gets reprieve freedom or loosed from what had bothered, limited and hindered her. It’s like in a lot of us, ability, potential but we fail to perform because of nagging problems.

Even in death, Jesus asked that Lazarus be loosed.

Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. John 11:44

The Question is why loose the donkey why loose the woman and why loose Lazarus?

Perhaps directed to each one of us with issues. You got untied,  you got free, you got healed, you escaped war,  escaped covid death? Even those who claim to own you, cannot stop your appointment to serve the Lord. The task is in the disciples to demand, the master has need of it.

Let God use you for his triumphant entry. Let him use you for a testimony of liberty and forgiveness. 
Let Jesus use you as a testimony over death.

My prayer is, may this Passover bring you in line with the need that the master sent his disciples for you for.
You were tied for labour, tied for abuse, tied for misuse but you are loose for the King.

May you be on royal duties with Jesus. May you walk on palms and robes of royalty strewn in your pathway. May those who claim to own you let go. May  sickness fall away, freedom be complete.

Pray with me. Jesus I yield myself to you. I accept being free untied loosed. even from death I arise with you.
Use me as you wish. Keep me humble and yielded for all the praise are yours. Thank you Jesus. Hallelujah Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Amen!

http//bethrohi.org
+26 095 558 4307
lubuto@hotmail.com

Bind the strongman

A local feared wizard surrenders at the Jesus Power crusade.

Our 4 day Kitwe crusade ended last month Sundau November 21st. It was charecterised by signs and wonders and testimonies are still coming in.

The verse that best describes what Jesus did is,

1 John 3:8b …For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

A big story that is still unfolding from the last day, was of a feared local wizard or witch doctor. This is a man in his thirties. From appearance, no one would assume he could be involved in the dark occult world. He arrived at the offices unannounced with a big black bag seeking help. In apparent tormented, he lost his way to the crusade despite having a flyer with directions.  Further, despite his inability to read, he confessed, the flyer troubled him greatly once placed in his hands (Before distribution, I remember tell the pastors after prayer that these flyers were not ordinary anymore, just like Moses’ shepherds rod, after God spoke, was no ordinary rod).

It was also a case of Luke 3:27, which says,
…no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.

This strong man, confessed to making a living out of wizardry, for himself and his mother. He earned hundreds of dollars a month from the divinations he inherited from his grandfather at the age of fifteen.

His mother heard of his desire to be free. She opposed it because of the income he made mind for them.

On the day, he brought with him a bag full of fetishes with “a dead snake and cat” and other things. Later at his house, another bag of roots, leaves and other fetishes were brought out and burned.
His neighbourhood including a brewer of local illicit liquor gave their lives to the Lord.  Ten in all, witnesses to the witches conversion gave their lives to Jesus. A bible study and prayer group has been started at the house. 

Much later, oblivious to what had transpired, people sought his services but he confessed, “I am a new creation, born again.” He invited them to Jesus also. Hallelujah!

This first campaign amidst Covid restrictions, was a Holy Spirit fresh breeze. A first rain shower with the smell of dump earth after a long drought. A revival of the dead in darkness, the bound to freedom with healing of the sick everywhere.
The demon afflicted felling to the ground convulsing and shaking to free their host.

The physically cleaned Mapili grounds crusade venue, in the Ndeke township of Kitwe, turned in to a spiritual maternity ward with diverse healings.

No doubt souls were snatched from hell fire into the embrace of Jesus Christ. We were, “plundering hell and populating heaven,” as late Evangelist Bonnke would say.

Thank you for your prayer cover during the crusade.

Lubuto
bethrohi.org