O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. We are so glad that we can gather together to give thanks to God today. And we are so glad that you are here to join us. May God richly bless you.
Because of serious economic problems, the Officials in Zimbabwe are tapping into mega churches as a new source of revenue. Having observed hundreds of tourists descend into Nigeria to visit Pastor T. B. Joshua’s mega church, Zimbabwe’s tourism minister is now offering incentives to churches through the elimination of import taxes on church vehicles. In addition he is granting special incentives to hotels and restaurants that provide services to churches. He has declared two churches to be religious tourism destinations. This includes the 40,000 seat Zion Christian Church. “Basically we are designating temples as tourism centers”, said Mzembi to the Zimbabwe Independent, “and philosophically this was done by King Solomon”.
This South African nation has long suffered under President Robert Mugabe, who has been accused of rigging elections in his favor always. He has also been accused of wrecking the country’s economy, and attempting to control churches. The Minister of Tourism expects religious tourism to raise a total of one billion dollars a year.
Who can argue with the tourism minister against what he is doing? He even has a scriptural reference to support his action. May God bless Zimbabwe for the favor being shown to His Church. And may His name be glorified. Amen!
SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK
1. CHOIR PRACTICE
Immediately following today’s service.
2. BAPTISM CLASS
Today, 5:00 p.m.
3. BOARD MEETING
Today, 6:00 p.m.
4. WARFARE PRAYER & FASTING
Wednesday, 12:00 noon—Lunch Hour Warfare
Prayer. 5:30 p.m.—“Times of Refreshing”.
5. CHOIR PRACTICE
Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
6. PRAYER HOUR
Saturday, 7:00 a.m.
7. KIDS G.I.G.G. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.- 12 noon.
8. NEXT SUNDAY
• Worship & Ministry, 9:00 a.m.
• King’s Daughters Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
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Thank You from Sisters-In-Unity
We would like to thank Pr. Emily for the anointed message of salvation brought on Sunday, Apostle Edghill for his support for the ministry, and the Musicians and Worship Team and everyone else who participated and supported. Special thanks to Bro. Hector Cintron for his assistance in the sound booth. Anyone interested in joining the ministry can contact Deaconess Bryan or any one of the leadership team members.
WHY DO WE GIVE?
“WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE NOTION OF GIVING FOR THE SAKE OF GIVING?” ASKED TIM HARFORD, COLUMNIST FOR FINANCIAL TIMES. “THE CLOSER YOU LOOK AT CHARITABLE GIVING, THE LESS CHARITABLE IT APPEARS TO BE.” A STUDY OF DOOR-TO-DOOR FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGNS, FOR INSTANCE, FOUND THAT ORGANIZATIONS EARNED FAR MORE BY SELLING LOTTERY TICKETS THAN BY ASKING FOR DONATIONS.
“THIS HARDLY SUGGESTS A WORLD POPULATED BY ALTRUISTS SEEKING TO DO THE MAXIMUM GOOD WITH THEIR CHARITABLE CASH,” SAYS HARFORD. AT LEAST FOR SOME PEOPLE, THERE’S A SOMETHING-FOR-ME/SOMETHING-FOR-YOU APPROACH TO GIVING.
JESUS ALSO DEALT WITH THE ISSUE OF MOTIVES IN GIVING. WHEN HE SAID NOT TO LET YOUR LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT YOUR RIGHT HAND IS DOING, HE WAS TEACHING THAT OUR MOTIVES FOR GIVING TO GOD AND TO OTHERS MUST BE PURE. OUR GIVING SHOULD BE IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE. TO ENCOURAGE PURE MOTIVES, JESUS INSTRUCTED PEOPLE TO GIVE AND TO DO GOOD DEEDS IN SECRET WITH NO THOUGHT OF THEMSELVES. GOD, WHO SEES EVERYTHING, WOULD REWARD THEM (MATT. 6:3-4).
OUR GENEROSITY SHOULD BE GOD-CENTERED—NOT TO MAKE US LOOK GOOD, BUT TO PLEASE THE LORD. WITH YOUR NEXT GOOD DEED, ASK YOURSELF: IF I KNEW THAT NO ONE WOULD EVER FIND OUT THAT I DID THIS, WOULD I STILL DO IT? –Marvin Williams
God sees the giver as well as the gift;
the heart as well as the hand.
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MEDIA MINISTRY
World Overcomers: WSTA 1340 AM station: Sundays at 12:30 p.m. & Tuesdays at 6:00 a.m.