As I was preparing this newsletter, I recalled the scripture phrase: “The first will be last and the last will be first.” It’s one of those sayings of Jesus that is quite well-known, and yet maybe needs some more investigation. Turning to Bible Gateway (one of my favorite online Bible study websites) I discovered that it is found in Matthew 20:16 “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few are chosen.” (KJV)

It follows the story of The Workers in the Vineyard (one of my favorites that teaches so clearly how we must follow God’s standards rather than our own human logic!). This first phrase is found translated almost identically in every version, yet the final phrase is only found in the KJV and AMPC versions. However, that same final phrase IS found in every version in Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”  This is spoken after Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet which tells of someone who joined the banquet but did not want to comply with the Master’s stipulation of wearing the provided celebratory clothing, and as a result is forcibly removed!

I have no doubt that better preachers than I could teach a captivating sermon about these two verses, which provide much food for thought! But I can’t help feeling that they are clearly linked with a shared spiritual point. Whether we be considered a worker seeking to earn a fair wage or an invited guest to a banquet, we should not be surprised at those companions that God chooses to be with us. Our focus should be on obeying God and being thankful for His blessings – rather than on judging whether others should be part of our group (first or last; young or old; qualified or inexperienced!). Let’s trust in God’s judgement and rejoice with all who have chosen to follow Christ despite our differences! Be blessed by the following exciting testimonies from our friends in Africa, Shirley.

Pastor Sika in Togo – He recently sent us an update with some awesome testimonies that show just how God moves in so many totally different ways as He transforms people’s lives. As we have mentioned before, in addition to overseeing the Joseph Project ministry in Sika-Kondji and establishing churches both in rural villages and the capital, Lomé, Pastor Sika organizes leadership seminars, visits schools and teaches on a weekly radio show. On the air recently, he received a phone call from a couple called John and Odette who apparently led a prayer group and established a church in a rural area deep in the bush. They asked Pastor Sika to come and share in their church. Upon arrival, he asked them how they gave their lives to Jesus, and was surprised when they couldn’t tell him as they said they only found healing and wanted him to tell them about salvation. He preached salvation and they gave their lives to Jesus! (see photo)

He plans to return to give them more teaching, but also, they requested he contact their two sons in Lomé to lead them to Christ. He returned home and asked the two young men to come to his office. They, too, quickly accepted Christ and have begun to attend Pastor Sika’s church in Lomé. He has given them printed Bible lessons so they can also help their parents who cannot read! This photo shows Pastor Sika with the two young men.

Pastor Sika also shares a very different testimony about his extended family (I believe he has 11 siblings), many of whom have resisted the Gospel throughout the years, despite his continual prayers for their salvation. About a month ago, a serious problem arose in the family, and everyone asked him to come and mediate. Two family members were at odds and had invoked witchcraft and curses, so there was great panic and fear of death. After a time in prayer, he went and spoke about how man without Christ is very distant from God and needs salvation. It was a miracle because the problem was solved when both key members were able to give their lives to Jesus, and many others also gave their lives to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Pastor Sika praises God for answering his prayers, because although his family respected his beliefs to the point of giving the land for the Joseph Project orphanage back in 2008, they had never accepted Christ. May God continue to move mightily in every area of the ministry there!

Pastor Honore in Central African Republic – He shares that despite the ongoing problems with opposition to the ministry there, God continues to touch and change lives through both the church and the school. They recently held a cultural week at the school with the children participating in plays, crafts and special events. One young boy, who is an orphan, made a remarkable model house and is obviously very gifted, as seen here.

The second photo shows everyone at the school coming together to support two students who lost their father. For those who remember the struggles of the past 15 years or so (civil war, rebel groups, thefts, kidnapping and multiple threats against Pastor Honoré and his family) it is truly awesome to see the exponential growth of this ministry and imagine the testimonies of so many changed lives! We pray God continues to bless and protect them all as He continues this great work!