Tabla de contenidos para December 2024 en JOY! Magazine

Heart to God – hand to man.” These six simple words contain the entire ethos of The Salvation Army. And they are just as fully lived and relevant today as when they were expressed by William Booth when he founded The Army in England in 1865. A legacy in Southern Africa The Salvation Army is both a worldwide Christian church and welfare organisation. And even though our presence was established in Southern Africa as long ago as 1883, the full scope of The Army’s influence and work may not be widely known. Faith-driven mission and purpose As an international evangelical movement, our work is motivated by faith and values. And our love for Jesus Christ inspires us to care for those in need. Our objectives are the advancement of the…

As Christmas decorations start filling our homes and festive tunes echo through the malls, there’s no mistaking the season. At our JOY! office, we have an annual tradition of putting up decorations as soon as we start working on our beautiful Christmas issues (in October). Every year, our office becomes a spectacularly decorated space. But amid all this festivity, I find myself pausing to reflect on the true significance of Christmas – a time to remember the ultimate gift that defines the season: the birth of Jesus. Priorities amongst festivity As we enter what’s often called the “silly season”, much of our energy goes into planning gifts for our loved ones. We think of what our family members would enjoy, consider what our spouse might need, and carefully go over…

A Biblical worldview serves as the lens through which we, as Christians, view and interpret the world around us. Understanding this worldview is essential, especially as we face increasingly complex cultural and social challenges. JOY! Magazine is dedicated to educating and informing Christians about this perspective, helping believers align their thoughts, actions, and purpose with God’s truth. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psa 119:105). What is a Biblical worldview? A Biblical worldview means interpreting all aspects of life – from our purpose to our daily decisions – based on God’s Word. It’s not just a belief, but a framework that shapes every area of our lives. This worldview acknowledges that God created everything, that humanity is inherently sinful and in need…

A FEBA worker is walking down the street of a Malawian village when a young boy runs to her, waving his notebook. “Look, Aunt Gladys, the teacher started marking me right!” Gladys Mthunya Chitengu is the woman in charge of FEBA Malawi’s children’s programmes. Not too long ago, this boy told her he did not like school anymore, because he did not do well and his friends laughed at him for it. “I told him we have a Father in heaven who hears us when we call on Him ... I told him to call on his Father in class to help him remember whatever the teacher was teaching.” After sharing this story, Gladys adds, “I am very happy knowing that he will grow up knowing there is Someone who…

The Bible provides clear guidance on when it’s appropriate for Christians to agree to disagree and when they must end fellowship. God calls believers in Christ to avoid disagreements whenever possible within the Church, the family, and everyday relationships (Rom 12:18; Heb 12:14). Agreeing to disagree The concept of “agreeing to disagree” involves an understanding that neither party will change the other’s mind, so the subject is dropped. According to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, agree to differ means to “amicably stop arguing because agreement will never be reached”. When two people say, “Let’s agree to disagree,” there is usually an implied mutual tolerance and desire for peace. Scripture commends peacemaking, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (Jam 3:18). Christians are urged to maintain unity and…

Quick facts • Botswana is a landlocked country, known for its stable democracy, low levels of corruption, vast landscapes, and vibrant culture. • Population: Approximately 2,7 million people, with Christianity as the dominant religion. The largest Christian denominations include the Anglican, Methodist, and Roman Catholic churches. Footprint of Christianity Christianity in Botswana began with missionary efforts in the early 19th century, notably by Reverend Robert Moffat of the London Missionary Society. Missionaries like David Livingstone played a foundational role in spreading Christianity throughout the region. Over time, the Church has grown to become an integral part of Batswana society, not only in spiritual matters but also in education and social services. Many of the first schools and hospitals were set up by missionaries. The local chiefs, known as Kgosis, were…

Good day, precious friends. We wish you a happy and blessed Christmas. Let us reflect on the real meaning of Christmas. John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” God’s love and mercy The significance of Christmas is that Jesus Christ came to this earth because God is rich in mercy and loved us so much. Jesus came to give us eternal life and to restore our relationship with God. A message for everyone There are two groups of people reading this article. The first group are those…

Who is this Man? It is the time of year when we celebrate Christmas and the birth of the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. But, who is this Jesus? Throughout history, many a “Jesus” has come and gone. Paul, the apostle, warned us of this and that even another “gospel” would be preached. To the Corinthians and the Galatians, he wrote, “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted – you may well put up…

Sibongile lived with her mom, MaBongi, but at a young age, her mother passed away, leaving her all alone and vulnerable. She had little hope for her life and ended up dropping out of school for two years. Deep sorrow and pain became her daily reality, and she often wondered where she would end up. She was far too young to think about any possibilities for a better future. All she could think about was, “How could my mom leave me all alone?” The question “Where to from here?” became a deafening echo in her soul. Homeless and lost, she was eventually taken in by her neighbours, who helped her return to the school system. Due to her long absence, she had to start again in grade 3, adjusting to…

In an age of information overload and countless voices claiming authority in spiritual matters, it’s essential for believers to understand why theology matters. Theology is not a lofty pursuit reserved for scholars; it’s the foundation of our faith and the lens through which we view God, ourselves, and the world around us. Understanding theology equips us to live faithfully in a world that increasingly drifts from biblical truth. It’s time to return to God’s Word and ensure our beliefs are rooted in Scripture. 1 Understanding theology The word “theology” comes from the Greek theos (God) and logos (word or study). Theology is essentially the study of God, His nature, His works, and His will for humanity. However, theology isn’t just an academic exercise. Proverbs 2:6 reminds us, “For the Lord…

This article continues our series, “Christ Amongst the Seven Churches of Revelation”. Over the last three issues, we have explored the letter to the church in Ephesus, and this month we delve further into its message. Ephesus: the gateway church God positioned the church in Ephesus strategically; it was the gateway to the other churches. If anyone wanted to enter and influence the other churches, they would have to first contend with the Ephesian church. In the opening of His letter, Christ praised the church highly. It was strong in doctrine, insightful, and intolerant of evil. This church was patient under persecution and had a strong work ethic for the sake of Christ. “If we deviate from our fundamentals, the world will regard us as irrelevant and unnecessary.” A call…

George Mwaura is the second of seven siblings. His older sister passed away from pneumonia at an early age. The remaining six children lived with their parents in three shacks in Mathare, a slum area with an estimated population of 500 000 people in Nairobi, Kenya. George’s parents lived in one shack, the four girls in another, and George and his brother shared the third. A troubled home environment George’s father worked as a painter, and his brothers took on similar work in the area. There was frequent conflict between them. George’s mother stayed at home with the children and supplemented her husband’s irregular income by selling vegetables at a small kiosk. However, money was often scarce, and the children frequently went hungry. His father struggled with alcohol addiction. Late…

BUSINESS If there is one characteristic that marks a sincere believer, it is patience. In the marketplace, it is not about the sprints, but the long-distance races that distinguish us as authentic. It is the perseverance to outlast all the temptations to give up hope and throw in the towel. If there is one characteristic that marks a sincere believer, it is patience. The power of waiting in a world of instant gratification In a dispensation when everything is instant, and delayed gratification is rarely understood or practiced, it has become vital to share the benefits of a peaceful life that rests in the goodness of God. Many have never witnessed the patience required by a true farmer or a long-distance athlete to succeed – the season between sowing and…

We hear it often, don’t we? “Life is too short!” It’s a phrase that reminds us to make the most of our time, yet how often do we let the busyness of life keep us from really living? The Bible teaches that our lives are like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (Jam 4:14). In light of that, here are a few reminders to help us live fully, love freely, and walk in the joy and purpose that God has set before us. Love without fear Life is fleeting, and love is one of its greatest gifts. Don’t hold back or let fear get in the way. Scripture reminds us that “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Love others as Christ loved us…

Short testimony When we obey God, wonderful acts of power happen. God uses ordinary people like you and me to do unusual and great miracles. When we are disobedient, the opposite happens, and then we usually regret it and blame ourselves. Let us be obedient and faithful to God’s commands and His Word. Testimony of God’s timing I have a testimony that I would like to share about how God sends us to be in certain places with a purpose. One day, my wife had to go and get a repeat prescription from her doctor. I decided to use the time to get my hair cut and then drive to the doctor’s office and wait for her there. It was about 11 o’clock in the morning, and already quite warm.…

This past October in Ethiopia, the heavens opened – spiritually and literally! Despite unexpected rainstorms (October is supposed to be the dry season in Ethiopia), every meeting took place as planned. The Gospel was preached, come rain or shine, bringing thousands to Jesus. Evangelist Daniel Kolenda preached in all four cities, supported by CfaN Bootcamp graduates in each location. And the result was a heavenly outpouring of salvation, healing and deliverance in abundance! City-wide revival Hawassa | 3-6 October In Hawassa, where Daniel preached the first two nights, the campaign started relatively small. But word quickly spread about the wonders God was doing. On the second night, the crowd had doubled. By the final meeting, over 120 000 people gathered. That final night felt less like an ending and more…

The persecution of Christian families and their children is harsh in Central Asia. Being a Christian goes against the clan identity, which says that being born in this region means someone must be a Muslim. The reality is that persecuted children and their families must display resilient faith, wisdom, and resolve in the face of relentless persecution. Ailin*, a teenage girl, is the only hearing person in her family. Both her parents are deaf, which puts her at an immediate disadvantage. Many people in their Muslim-majority community see deafness as a curse, leaving those unable to hear and their families vulnerable to abuse. Furthermore, the family follows Jesus – so the persecution is intense. Young, persecuted and alone From a young age, Ailin went to church with her parents. As…

There are two Greek words translated as “patience” in the New Testament. Hupomonē means “remaining under”, as when one bears up under a burden. It refers to steadfastness in difficult circumstances. Makrothumia, which is used in Galatians 5:22, is a compound formed by makros (“long”) and thumos (“passion” or “temper”). “Patience” in Galatians 5:22 literally means “long temper”, in the sense of “the ability to hold one’s temper for a long time”. The KJV translates it as “longsuffering”. A patient person is able to endure much pain and suffering without complaining. A patient person is slow to anger as he waits for God to provide comfort and punish wrongdoing. Since it is a fruit of the Spirit, we can only possess makrothumia through the power and work of the Holy…

On the 1st of November 2024, Botswana – and the world – woke up to the stunning news of a completely new government in that country. For the first time since independence, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lost the elections in a landslide victory to the UDC party. The former ruling party, which held power for 58 years, was reduced to only four parliamentary seats out of 61. The official opposition is now the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), led by member of Parliament Dumelang Saleshando. The BDP, led by former President Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi, is now the smallest minority opposition party. The prophetic word In April 2023, I had the privilege of speaking at a conference in Botswana, where God released a prophetic word for the nation, referencing Isaiah 43:19.…