The Race for Prosperity: What's your Goal?

Dear Pilgrim,

Thanks for the pre-independence Day picture. The picture brings back fond memories of the Village, and our people. In this picture, I see almost all the houses- big and small, and the little huts all flying or painted red, white and blue. Was there any competition or race for flying the "Red, White and Blue Colors." To my eyes, the picture of the Village is overwhelming - almost everything: houses, palm trees, banana trees, plum trees, Calabashes, buckets, drums, faces of children are painted in national colors. Let me use the Bassa phrase, "Ah kay nay!" One of my "T-High" comrades, Matthew Gbesee used the phrased whenever he lacked words to describe a situation.

This Independence Day, I close my eyes to reflect on past July 26 celebrations, and visualize what’s happening in the Village, my homeland. I picture today’s inhabitants in their celebrity mood. I draw images from folk stories (oral and written) of our grandparents, our great-grand parents, and our ancestors who walked and toiled our homeland.

Last night, I heard the town crier announce that the Village soccer team, the Lone Star beat our neighbor Syli National of Guinea 1-0 during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Unity Tournament in commemoration of Independence Day.

The people from our village here are engage in a lot of activities. Independent day parties are going on in several states here: Staten Island, Philadephia, Maryland, Washington, DC, among other places.

Our Village's Embassy here had a big party. At the party, I heard people had all the Liberian food: roast meat, roast fish, roast chicken, fufu and soup, Kpassajama, and just about everything you can see and smell while walking the streets in the village. At some of these parties, people dress to kill. Sometimes, it is almost like a race for who’s the best dress; who's the best cook; who has the best car; who has the best hairdo; who wore the most expensive shirt, who wore the beautiful pants; who made it first at the party....? Emm. I heard that the race and placing things in various category didn't begin with thse attending the part, I mean outside guest, the organizers also (knowingly/unknowingly) too part in the race. You can imagine the rest.

Mama, writing about the Independence Day, and talking about race, reminds me of one of Bishop Darlingston Johnson's sermons on partaking in a race, and winning lasting glories. The sermon was drawn from several passages including, 1 Corinthians 9: 24 – 27, which reads:

“ 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

In that sermon, Bishop Johnson said there is a race going on, we can decide to join the race, or be by standers. However, every believer is a part of the race.

As soon as Bishop Johnson mentioned the word "race," my mind manipulating the word, and providing different images. I started picturing people: some people running while others standing and curiously asking question to no one in particular: “Why are those people running? As the race goes on in my mind, there there are others, who see people running, they immediately jump in, without asking what the race is all about. Yea, yea, we have seen that one. Then there are those who jumped in line, and register for any category, without information about the race, the categpries, or trophies. Doesn’t that sound familiar?

But what did Bishop say in his teaching? In his usual teaching and preaching methodology, Bishop presented the goal selecting the theme and topic, outlining the whys, bullet pointing the whats, and illustrating how (individual) members of the congregation can partake in the race and win the highest trophy. So when Bishop Johnson stood before the audience to speak on 'Racing for Gold,' he urged the congregation to aim for the highest category. Bishop associated the race for prosperity to the World Soccer game, where teams compete for trophies in the highest categories, and some fell alongside the way side. He said, though some teams dropped out of the competition, being a part of the championship was an opportunity, an effort and an act that earned even the losing team credit just for participating in the race. In essence, Bishop said that as believers, (unbelievers are not in the race) we are already in the race. Bishop then posed the following questions to the congregation:

What’s our standing in the race for prosperity. How well are we in the race for God’s glory? How much do we as individuals want to win God’s prosperity? Will we go for the Gold crown in every category?

He asked the audience, “Isn’t there something more lasting, more enduring, that we can get excited about than World Cups, big houses, fancy cars.” Bishop Johnson then paused momentarily, leaving the congregation to crave for the formula that would enable them attain a lasting prosperity. He then took a quick look at the audience, and his voice broke the silence, “Yes there is. There is a glory and prosperity that is lasting.”

Bishop Johnson named four Crowns that provides glories and prosperity that are lasting: The Crown of Righteousness, The Crown of Life, The Crown of Rejoicing, and The Crown of Glory. The Crowns, Bishop Johnson said, signifies God’s glory, honor and power.

Bishop said the Crown of Life is a trophy that requires us to remain faithful, even when things are hard. He referred to James 1:12, which states, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

He said the Crown of Rejoicing is given to those who win souls. The Crown of Rejoicing is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, which affirms that souls won for Jesus will make us worthy of this crown of Rejoicing.

The Crown of Glory seems to be a reward for those who help the Chief Shepherd to teach, care for, and nurture God’s people so that they grow. This reward is for devoted Pastors, who willingly feed his flock. 1 Peter 5:2-4, talks about this Crown:

"Be Shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never will fade away."

Bishop Johnson urged the congregation to desist from feeling themselves so much negative. He admonished the congregation to learn from the Apostle Paul, who was not motivated by men’s values. Bishop said, "Run with purpose, passion and perseverance, so that you can win the Crown.”

He added, “Live for what Christ died for- souls, and be willing to die for what Christ lived for-truth,” so that truth may be established, and truth may live in the hearts of men and women.

Bishop Johnson closed his teaching, informing the audience that he is going for Gold in every category of the race. He challenged the congregation to join the race, and pressed even further, “I don’t want to see you with a Crownless head.”

As the Sermon came to a close, I was wondering what our village would be like if we had ten persons willing to join such a race- a race that would challenge us to set aside our pettiness, and work for the development of "our neighbor." Such a venture would teach us to loving, selfless; it would strip us of selfishness, and help us forgo the bad for the good.

Mama, what a sermon. Isn't it more of a teach-preach? I hope our people will gather around the fire when the sun goes down to listen to this letter.

Let me know how it goes.

always,
musue

Prayers and God's Blessings for Sale

Dear Pilgrim,

It’s been a long time since we used this medium to communicate. It’s great to be back here. Do you find this http://musuehaddad-poems.blogspot.com/; the conduit we used during the last few months interesting? I’m certain we can use boths outlets to continue our communication. By his grace, during my next communication, I will try to look at the allegations that Former President Charles Taylor gave supermodel Naomi Campbell uncut “blood diamonds” while the two attended a dinner at the home of Nelson Mandela in 1997.

Well, how are the folks out there? Whether one is interested in gossip from the village, or not, it is almost impossible not to hear some of the phrases:

The town chief said one thing, but did the opposite; Kortoe Kpolo jumped through a window the night before his wedding; Seletah wedding dress was not “fine;” the minister said rat ate the tithe from the altar; Taplah trouser burst; … blah, blah, blah.

Not once did I hear from the mongers that a certain so and so decided to pay full arrears of their tithe; or that someone willing helped a child, or offered help without seeking publicity, or something in return.
What a world!

From this end, the kwee people’s place, (America), it is all about jobs, economics, jobs, economics, then politics, then jobs, economics, and the rest follow. It seems like almost every thing here has to do with economics.

Reflecting on the economic situations and increasing unemployment here reminds me of the period when the “war just ended” back in the village. Hunger was on the rise, unemployment high, everyone was desperate; people stepped on one another to reach the top. It didn’t matter who was at the bottom – the elderly, a child, children, pregnant women, or a widow, or widower. It was all about survival. If you think I am lying, go and take a look at the monument at the pavilion. I really don’t know where Late President Doe got the idea that a statue depicting half naked, desperate people battling one another to climb a totem pole has any relationship to freedom, liberty or human rights.

Now back to the era when actual fighting on the streets has ceased, it appeared that the fighting hopped into homes, the minds and bellies of our visibly weary folks who were clearly desperate for survival.

During that period, street preachers placed prayers, and what they claimed was God’s blessings in categories. After making the distinctive categories of the “prayers and blessings,” they then placed a price tag on the different levels of prayers, and the blessings it provided. Price tags at the top were heavy because according to the street preachers, such fees provided immediate blessings, and positive answers to their prayer requests. Lower fees did not provide full response to prayer requests. For lower fees, or dollars, our folks were told, they would receive tiny winy blessings. Sometimes, they claimed the price tag was actually tithe associated with each of the prayer and blessings. The more , and higher (tithe)a person give, the street preacher promised that God would give them a greater blessing. Phewwwwww!

As I watched one of these settings in the middle of Broad Street, opposite the Immigration Offices, I was perplexed. The street preachers easily persuaded many of our desperate town’s people that they could pay for prayers, and receive blessings. Or did our folk feel intimidated, or did they feared the wrath of God, or the curse of the “preachers?” I can’t say, but something was amiss. As the collection basket was brought forth, it quickly filled with money: bundles, single notes, wrinkle notes, etc. Interestingly, as the “preachers” continued to sell their messages, people kept going back and forth to put more “tithe” in the basket.

Several questions came to mind as I watched our impoverished folks emptied their pockets, and unfolded the knots at the edge of their lappas; many quickly opened the money bag they carried underneath their lappas; the guys hurriedly opened their wallets; the women their purses, believing that the street preacher had a direct contact with God, and that he, the street preacher “was the way, the truth and the light” to their blessings.

Tithe is a complex, and yet a simple practice. Tithe is practice in several religions. In Islam, tithe, or almsgiving is called Zakat. Zakat is one of the "Five Pillars of Islam," and is an important religious obligation that requires Muslims to gave certain percentage of their wealth as zakat.

In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is also practiced as a ymbolic connection to the spiritual, and to show humbleness and respect. In addition, Buddhism believe in the concept of Karma, which basically says whatever we do, whatever we say, or intend comes back to us.

What does the Bible tell us about Tithe?
Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach Church has been discussing Tithing. He made references to several Bible verses, including Deuteronomy 14:22-29, which states "one-tenth of all that comes into your [our] possession, belongs to God."

He explained that God is blessed by our tithe, and tithing is an expression of our love and obedience to Him. Bishop added that tithing is for our own benefit, it is a way for God to bless us. To further elaborate on the importance of tithing, Bishop said, "Tithing/giving honors God, it makes us bigger inside, and things become better outside, tithing makes us rich in faith, and it activates God's promises."

Bishop Johnspon then made reference to the law of sowing and reaping, which is illustrated in verse, Gal. 6: 7, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [are you sowing loving and faithfully] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

The Bible verse, Gal. 6: 7 takes us back to the street preaching. Were our folks sowing lovingly and faithfully? Were the street preachers sowing lovingly and faithfully to God? Were they truly serving God, or their own interest? Were they (are they still robbing) God, or using the name of God to rob our impoverished town folks?

When bellies are empty; when bills are outstanding; when school fees and rent are piling up, it takes a lot of guts, love, and faith to pay tithe. Sometimes, when bills keep piling, and job is hard to come by, we sometimes tend to find a quick solution. It is at such times we find ourselves on the street, embracing the street preacher's every word and gestures.

What does the Bible say about robbing God?

Malachi 3:8 states:
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings."

After reading that verse, doesn’t it sound like it would be better to rob a place than to rob the bank of Heaven?

Malachi 3: 8 – 10 discusses tithing and giving:
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, "says the LORD Almighty," and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

Tithing allows God’s grace to work on our behalf, as I have understood it. My parents were very heavy on Tithing, and the Bible is clear about tithing. Bishop Johnson simplified the tithing principle: He [God] gives unto us, we give back to Him[God} one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with.”

Bishop added, 'Grace works through faith. Grace shows through our work/actions, and obedience. Faith moves us to get in position to receive what grace has already provided.

He then illustrated the idea of faith, and grace, using the scenario of a mail man who comes to deliver a package. He said, by giving loving, and faithfully, we are present when the mailman comes to deliver the package[blessings], otherwise, we are not present, therefore the package in undelivered, and returned to sender. Do you want to be absent when the mail man comes to deliver a package that contains a much desired gift?

Doesn’t it sound beautiful, Mama. Tithing has nothing to do with how much tithe one offered, or how big or little our one tenth tithe is. It has to do with our faith and love in tithing. Bishop Johnson said that tithing has to be given voluntarily, willingly, and cheerfully, adding, “Be hilarious in your giving.”

Midway during his sermon, Bishop Johnson created a mental scenario of God and the Mob Boss to simplified the importance of tithing, and the contrast between giving to the Mob Boss and giving to God. That scenario was hilarious!

Mama, I never imagined God and a Mob Boss being in the same sentence. Have you??? Well, in my next mail, I will be looking at what motivates us to give to the Mob Boss, and giving to God. Watch Out!!

Always,
musue