Why Not?

by | Feb 10, 2015 | Project Updates, Conferences, Blog

Why Not?

Our COO Richard Brown wrote this special article after encountering many “heroes of faith” at our recent South African pastors conference. 

In the  1951 film version of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol”, the Ghost of Christmas Present pulls back his robe and reveals to the protagonist, Scrooge, (played by Alastair Sim) two emaciated children, clothed in filthy rags, whom he calls ‘Ignorance and Want’.    The callous and complacent Scrooge is confronted about his lack of response to the screaming needs all around him.  God’s message through the prophet Isaiah exposes Judah in the same way: “My people do not understand”  (1:3) “…They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.” (v23).

I just returned from South Africa where I attended “Tzedek Indaba”.  Tzedek is a Hebrew word that expresses ‘justice and righteousness’ and indaba is a community coming together around an issue to determine a way forward.   The missionaries of Liberty Church gathered with this resolve, to pursue justice and righteousness in the communities they serve.

For four days in Johannesburg, I was immersed with real heroes of the faith in what became a cathedral of great joy and peace – hallmarks of servants of the Lord (see Isaiah 65:14). I was energized as the orphaned boy from central Africa, now a church planter in Muslim North Africa, shared how he trains pastors in the forest in the dark of night to avoid detection. He has planted hundreds of churches with trained pastors. There was the middle-aged couple, tent-makers, going to Bulgaria to rescue and rehabilitate young women and girls from the evil human trafficking trade, particularly the Roma girls who are considered sub-human.   An older woman has developed a biblically based early childhood development curriculum especially for disadvantaged children.  A young couple in Dar es  Salaam is reaching out with justice ministry to plant a new church.  Another young woman just returned from Burundi, where she has been living with no water or power for two years, but with great love for the orphaned children she served.

There were others, including the leader of the opposition party in the South African parliament. Each celebrated the ministry of the other without partiality. Each was keen to learn from the other.

Champions are made and communities are transformed when God’s faithful ones respond to His call, first by showing up with what they have in their hands and then letting God’s plan unfold as they keep asking the question, why not?

Why not a vibrant church in a Muslim stronghold?

Why not a nation free of human trafficking and girls restored from a life of violence and degradation?

Why not?

It’s not often easy, and for many it’s a long obedience.

My Malawian friend, Theresa Malila, in the horrific early days of the AIDS pandemic said she just wanted people to know that ‘somebody cares’. She began with what was in her hand–a Bible and a bottle of oil. She ministered words of encouragement to the dying, anointing them with oil and praying for them. Today over 500,000 people benefit from those humble beginnings.

The heart of God through Isaiah makes this appeal;

“… Stop doing what is wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”   (Isaiah 1: 16b, 17)

What is God asking you to do? What’s in your hand? It doesn’t have to be grand.

After a night of dreaming about his self-centred life and its dire consequences, Scrooge awakens,  excited to be alive and determined to change his destiny, bursting out…

“I don’t deserve to be so happy.”

598 Comments

  13. Sammy Catalli
    Sammy Catalli on January 14, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    Very good blog, this article has made me learn a lot, I collected it for future viewing！

    Reply
  18. Preston Breitbach
    Preston Breitbach on January 15, 2020 at 9:47 pm

    You work hard to dress up your life and control the big and small things in life. But be sure to dress yourself. That way, your life is refined enough.

    Reply
  25. Jasper Nemeth
    Jasper Nemeth on January 16, 2020 at 11:58 am

    No matter how far away in the future, you and me are on the way to grow up; no matter when we meet, we are always friends.

    Reply
  31. Sheilah Romero
    Sheilah Romero on January 17, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    If there is someone in your life who encourages you when you are most vulnerable, then he or she is your friend. At least then!

    Reply
  35. An Koenemund
    An Koenemund on January 18, 2020 at 2:33 am

    If there is someone in your life who encourages you when you are most vulnerable, then he or she is your friend. At least then。

    Reply
  36. Lita Umlauf
    Lita Umlauf on January 18, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    Don’t use your time to witness the success of others. May all the detours you go through become beautiful rainbows in the end.

    Reply
  38. Malorie Schaible
    Malorie Schaible on January 20, 2020 at 2:19 pm

    Since we are on the thief ship of life, we are to be a happy pirate. I don’t need the moon to come to me, I can hug my own sea of ??stars.

    Reply
  40. Johnathon Crumwell
    Johnathon Crumwell on January 21, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    Sometimes, we are not waiting for someone or anything, we are waiting for time, waiting for time to change ourselves. 2. If someone in your life wants to step you under your feet, don’t think that life has mistreated you.

    Reply
  42. Brad Papai
    Brad Papai on January 22, 2020 at 1:49 pm

    When I face the sea, others are blooming in spring, when I want to die with the sea, but it has become the Dead Sea. I have many memories about you, but you are paranoid that you are just a passerby.

    Reply
  45. Shan Sing
    Shan Sing on January 24, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    I want to be with you, even if it is a headless and tailless farce, hold a small lamp and stand in the memory waiting for you.

    Reply
  47. Andreas Coward
    Andreas Coward on January 25, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    Time will always give you the answer, who is the one who really hurts you and who really cares about you; who is who you care about but who cares nothing about you. Some people are not worth cherishing too much, while others are worth cherishing

    Reply
  51. Brain Ashby
    Brain Ashby on January 28, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    Some things turn around for a lifetime. I didn’t know each other at first, but finally I didn’t know each other. If love is just passing by, why bother here. Some love, had to settle each other, suddenly looking back, I can no longer tell.

    Reply
  90. no cost drug rehab arizona
    no cost drug rehab arizona on February 26, 2020 at 7:43 pm

    christian rehab centers in pa clean marijuana out of system in 24 hours rehab center careers inpatient or outpatient drug rehab centres in johannesburg

    Reply
  111. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 6, 2020 at 1:40 am

    Fine info. Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  114. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 6, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    Wonderful information. Kudos.

    Reply
  117. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 7, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    Perfectly spoken of course. !

    Reply
  119. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 7, 2020 at 11:32 pm

    Nicely put, With thanks!

    Reply
  120. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 8, 2020 at 1:38 am

    Reliable postings. Cheers.

    Reply
  122. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 8, 2020 at 9:10 am

    You actually expressed it terrifically.

    Reply
  123. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 8, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    Nicely put, Many thanks!

    Reply
  124. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 8, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    You mentioned that perfectly!

    Reply
  127. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 9, 2020 at 4:42 am

    Amazing a lot of valuable data!

    Reply
  128. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 9, 2020 at 6:48 am

    Really loads of good advice!

    Reply
  132. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 10, 2020 at 12:16 am

    Very good postings. Appreciate it!

    Reply
  135. MiguelJep
    MiguelJep on March 10, 2020 at 10:02 am

    You explained that effectively.

    Reply
  154. Deidre Turnner
    Deidre Turnner on March 19, 2020 at 2:42 am

    I know in which looking at this kind of pic very first photo it will likely be challenging to convince anyone this is surely an regular good quality watch since it appears so good! It does look nice actually however general That’s not me categorizing just as one grade Eee replica Breitling enjoy. It does contain the seems as well as the went up by gold discs bezel, overhead and also pushers are generally getting rid of it. Matching increased precious metal plated hands and markers along .

    Reply
  157. Augustus Bowditch
    Augustus Bowditch on March 19, 2020 at 10:45 pm

    Rolex watches are probably in whole hand-crafted.Rolex is certainly enjoyed by just most successful consumers.

    Reply
  163. Walter Autry
    Walter Autry on March 25, 2020 at 9:17 pm

    Rolex watches unquestionably are hand-crafted.

    Reply
  164. Moshe Bogart
    Moshe Bogart on March 26, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    Rolex could be the Exercise enjoy sector’s basic model.

    Reply
  172. Tonia Silagy
    Tonia Silagy on March 29, 2020 at 8:24 pm

    Rolex Wedding party expense is excellent but also consumers now assume monetary value.

    Reply
  173. KeithSmime
    KeithSmime on March 29, 2020 at 10:58 pm

    Appreciate it. Quite a lot of knowledge!
    plaquenil

    Reply
  176. Candance Mazon
    Candance Mazon on March 30, 2020 at 6:22 pm

    Solemn ?valuable? rather simple often is the kind Rolex form.

    Reply
  179. KeithSmime
    KeithSmime on March 31, 2020 at 4:05 pm

    You made your point. bulk kratom

    Reply
  184. Tarra Boosalis
    Tarra Boosalis on April 1, 2020 at 1:22 am

    Keep away from very long stretches in the sunshine, simply because it could diminish the shades about the switch and also frame.

    Reply
  188. Anton Brydon
    Anton Brydon on April 1, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    Men and women the very easily desire this kind of watches.

    Reply
  192. Noella Shoopman
    Noella Shoopman on April 2, 2020 at 7:19 pm

    The cost of Rolex is actually matched up using its personal worth.

    Reply
  209. Frances Morang
    Frances Morang on April 7, 2020 at 11:03 am

    Good is really considerable trait of the Rolex.

    Reply
  210. Carl Crayford
    Carl Crayford on April 7, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    Watch Is Packed With Appreciation And So Spirituality.

    Reply
  213. Reinaldo Breese
    Reinaldo Breese on April 8, 2020 at 3:50 pm

    Swiss Replica Watches Uk Online Store Supply 1:1 Watch.

    Reply
  222. how to spot a fake rolex
    how to spot a fake rolex on April 13, 2020 at 10:53 am

    Reddit cheap fake rolex is not really drift-driven mood for autonomy even more vividly showed.

    Reply
  223. rolex watch fake
    rolex watch fake on April 14, 2020 at 9:54 pm

    Normal Hand Held In Order To Create Could Be A Biggest Advantage To Rolex Watches.

    Reply
  225. fake rolex watches
    fake rolex watches on April 15, 2020 at 3:50 pm

    Formal Official Certifications Is The Ideal Acceptance Connected With Rolex.

    Reply
  230. KeithSmime
    KeithSmime on April 17, 2020 at 5:24 pm

    With thanks. Wonderful information! viagra generic

    Reply
  328. cialis generic
    cialis generic on May 17, 2020 at 1:35 am

    cialis coupon lilly yabb
    online pharmacy
    cialis 20mg
     – cialis for women search
    cialis from canada cheap last post by

    Reply
  329. cialis 10mg
    cialis 10mg on May 17, 2020 at 9:40 am

    levitra viagra vs cialis comment.php
    making cialis
    cialis buy
     – lilly cialis
    cialis cost with insurance tag search

    Reply
  372. tadalafil 20 mg
    tadalafil 20 mg on June 9, 2020 at 8:08 am

    cialis 10 mg 4 tablet total members
    cialis for daily use commercial subject
    tadalafil price
     – prescription cialis
    online prescription cialis uk

    Reply
  429. Lancetiz
    Lancetiz on June 25, 2020 at 7:50 am

    Whoa a lot of excellent advice. home loans online payday loans las vegas

    Reply
  483. JerryRhina
    JerryRhina on July 4, 2020 at 9:26 am

    Знаете ли вы?
    Российских легкоалетов могут сурово наказать за действия чиновников от спорта.
    Перечень имён может быть самостоятельным поэтическим жанром.
    Копенгагенский собор пришлось выстроить заново после визита англичан в 1807 году.
    Подруга и последовательница Льва Толстого уже в детстве ходила босиком и отвергала нарядную одежду.
    Хотя ареал белизского геккона состоит из нескольких крохотных островов, IUCN не считает его раздробленным.

    arbeca.net

    Reply
  489. JerryRhina
    JerryRhina on July 14, 2020 at 12:28 pm

    Знаете ли вы?
    Советский разведчик-нелегал создал в Европе разведгруппу, успешно проработавшую всю войну.
    Китай реализует в Пакистане собственный План Маршалла.
    Плата за проезд в последний путь у древних была скорее символической.
    Клирик-саксонец стать папой римским не захотел, а патриархом Севера не смог.
    Китайскую пустыню засадили лесами и открыли там фешенебельный курорт.

    arbeca

    Reply
  490. lasix uses
    lasix uses on July 18, 2020 at 2:51 am

    Rely though the us that wind-up up Trimix Hips are habitually not associated for refractory other causes, when combined together, mexican dispensary online desire a approvingly inconstant that is treated representing the prototype generic viagra online Adverse Cardiac. cialis generic buy real cialis online

    Reply
  491. cbd gummies
    cbd gummies on July 18, 2020 at 7:47 am

    I’m the owner of JustCBD Store brand (justcbdstore.com) and I’m presently planning to develop my wholesale side of business. It would be great if someone at targetdomain share some guidance 🙂 I thought that the very best way to accomplish this would be to reach out to vape shops and cbd stores. I was hoping if someone could suggest a qualified site where I can buy CBD Shops B2B Marketing List I am already considering creativebeartech.com, theeliquidboutique.co.uk and wowitloveithaveit.com. Not sure which one would be the most suitable choice and would appreciate any assistance on this. Or would it be easier for me to scrape my own leads? Ideas?

    Reply
  493. purchase cialis
    purchase cialis on July 21, 2020 at 4:38 pm

    Derivative you move to do is high yourself from entering, so use antibiotics are not as far as something you. sildenafil online viagra without doctor

    Reply
  497. cialis cialis generic
    cialis cialis generic on July 22, 2020 at 11:02 pm

    The joined substance and such patients as marked anemia and the treatment crit of nursing due to the fact that iatrogenic migraine on the other. buy viagra what is viagra

    Reply
  503. Short Sales
    Short Sales on July 28, 2020 at 9:13 am

    Good information. Lucky me I came across your website by chance (stumbleupon). I have book marked it for later!

    Reply
  506. Horchata
    Horchata on July 30, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks!

    Reply
  510. Appliance Repair
    Appliance Repair on August 1, 2020 at 10:58 am

    A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you need to publish more about this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but usually people don’t talk about such issues. To the next! Kind regards!!

    Reply
  511. best techno songs
    best techno songs on August 2, 2020 at 4:22 am

    Great site you have here.. It’s difficult to find high quality writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

    Reply
  513. Kurt Gadomski
    Kurt Gadomski on August 6, 2020 at 12:03 am

    I simply want to say I am very new to blogging and site-building and honestly loved your website. Likely I’m going to bookmark your site . You absolutely have great articles. With thanks for sharing your website page.

    Reply
  520. replica watches
    replica watches on August 13, 2020 at 10:20 pm

    Rolex has been providing customized services to customers .

    Reply
  523. Yasmine Yow
    Yasmine Yow on August 16, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and never seem to get anything done.

    Reply
  528. Dr. Roy Nissim
    Dr. Roy Nissim on August 21, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks, However I am encountering difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody having the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

    Reply
  529. Read More
    Read More on August 22, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    That is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!

    Reply
  530. corporate loan
    corporate loan on August 23, 2020 at 3:52 am

    You’ve made some decent points there. I checked on the net to find out more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.

    Reply
  531. HD Tune Pro
    HD Tune Pro on August 23, 2020 at 8:43 am

    Very good information. Lucky me I discovered your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve book marked it for later!

    Reply
  532. best home gym equipment
    best home gym equipment on August 24, 2020 at 3:20 am

    Achieving your fitness goals does not need a certified personal trainer or an expensive gym memberships, especially if you have the budget and the space to consider practically every workout machine in the market.

    Reply
  541. Additional Reading
    Additional Reading on August 28, 2020 at 7:26 am

    We tested coffee makers for the water temperature during the brew cycle and the brewing time as well as the temperature of the coffee at the end of brewing and during the keep warm cycle. In addition, we evaluated each brewer’s ease of use, including how easy it was to read and use the controls, access the water tank and brew basket, read the markings on the tank and carafe, whether or not it had automatic keep warm and shut off cycles, and the ease of cleaning the carafe.

    Reply
  547. additional hints
    additional hints on August 29, 2020 at 8:04 am

    Can I just say what a comfort to uncover an individual who really knows what they are talking about on the internet. You definitely understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people really need to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you’re not more popular given that you surely possess the gift.

    Reply
  555. Programming Unit
    Programming Unit on August 29, 2020 at 9:37 pm

    Great post. I’m dealing with many of these issues as well..

    Reply
  556. Tourshop Fresno
    Tourshop Fresno on August 30, 2020 at 7:18 am

    I love it when folks come together and share ideas. Great site, keep it up!

    Reply
  572. Global Messenger Marketing
    Global Messenger Marketing on September 1, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    Good day! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after looking at many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly delighted I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

    Reply
  573. Alfredia Sorley
    Alfredia Sorley on September 2, 2020 at 4:19 am

    This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Cheers! Where are your contact details though?

    Reply
  576. Factan Dmyth
    Factan Dmyth on September 3, 2020 at 4:24 am

    There’s definately a great deal to learn about this topic. I like all of the points you have made.

    Reply
  577. EWR Digital
    EWR Digital on September 3, 2020 at 5:39 am

    You are so interesting! I do not think I’ve read something like that before. So nice to discover another person with a few genuine thoughts on this subject. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality!

    Reply
  579. Georgeann Okerblom
    Georgeann Okerblom on September 4, 2020 at 4:05 pm

    You’ve made some good points there. I looked on the net to learn more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.

    Reply
  580. ABW-013
    ABW-013 on September 4, 2020 at 5:32 pm

    I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your content. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and keep checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

    Reply
  581. Theron Uziel
    Theron Uziel on September 5, 2020 at 1:01 am

    Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to revisit yet again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.

    Reply
  582. iodine liquid amazon
    iodine liquid amazon on September 5, 2020 at 5:55 am

    Greetings I am so excited I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Digg for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a marvelous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I donít have time to read through it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the excellent job.

    Reply
  584. organic stevia online
    organic stevia online on September 6, 2020 at 8:56 am

    Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to come back once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

    Reply
  585. stevia liquid bottle
    stevia liquid bottle on September 6, 2020 at 11:57 am

    It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

    Reply
  590. ginger root capsules for acid reflux
    ginger root capsules for acid reflux on September 7, 2020 at 4:07 am

    With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any ways to help protect against content from being ripped off? I’d truly appreciate it.

    Reply
  592. organic stevia drops pure
    organic stevia drops pure on September 7, 2020 at 9:15 am

    Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody else having the same RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    Reply
  593. Arnone CPA
    Arnone CPA on September 7, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this web site before but after going through some of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m certainly pleased I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!

    Reply
  595. Davil Hunter Law Firm
    Davil Hunter Law Firm on September 8, 2020 at 3:01 pm

    Very good information. Lucky me I ran across your site by chance (stumbleupon). I have bookmarked it for later!

    Reply
  596. Luannaoxyk
    Luannaoxyk on September 9, 2020 at 12:44 am

    Hi would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a honest price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

    Reply
  597. Fake ID
    Fake ID on September 9, 2020 at 6:27 am

    Hey there! I simply wish to give you a huge thumbs up for your great information you have right here on this post. I’ll be returning to your website for more soon.

    Reply
  598. Olenhtva
    Olenhtva on September 9, 2020 at 7:54 am

    when viagra doesnt work
    buy viagra without prescription https://viaonlinebuy.us purchase viagra online
    levitra cialis yohimbine viagra what do they have in common

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published.