A praise-song for Africa

A key figure in the Xhosa tradition is the imbongi or praise singer. The praise singers traditionally live close to the chief’s “great place” (the cultural and political focus of his activity); they accompany the chief on important occasions – a praise singer preceded Nelson Mandela at his Presidential inauguration in 1994. The praise songs generally… Continue reading A praise-song for Africa

Rape and the Bible

Reports state that more than 64 000 women are raped and sexually abused in South Africa every year. About 25 000 children are raped and abused annually. Our country was deeply shocked by the violent gang rape and mutilation of Anene Booysen a few weeks ago, who subsequently died of her injuries. What’s even more traumatizing is that… Continue reading Rape and the Bible

Is the gift of healing for today? (Guest blog)

There is a lot of disagreement among Christians on this question. Some believe that we should be seeing healing and miracles all the time in the church, while others believe that these gifts faded away with the foundations that the apostles laid in the early church. In a previous post I argued that the gift of… Continue reading Is the gift of healing for today? (Guest blog)

A Prayer for Africa (Ephesians 1:15-19)

Ephesians ch. 1 has a great prayer for Christians in Africa, especially considering our backdrop of African Traditional Religions with their strong belief in spirits, spiritual powers and the influence of the ancestors. Thankful for your faith (15) For this reason I also having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and the love… Continue reading A Prayer for Africa (Ephesians 1:15-19)

Is the gift of working miracles for today?

When we read the New Testament we read of awesome miracles of healing and restoration. Blind people are given sight, the deaf hearing, paralytics are walking and the mute speaking. What is the purpose of these miracles? Why did Jesus and his close followers perform them? Was Jesus just being nice? Well, Jesus was being… Continue reading Is the gift of working miracles for today?