The Assignment 1

The Assignment Series 1

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you all well. The jacaranda trees are in full bloom once again as it is that time of the year. As an avid gardener I also love seeing the various flowers blooming and giving colour to gardens. This always points back to how great our Creator is and how everything responds in due season. I have been working through some very interesting life lessons that I will be sharing with you all.

Talking about seasons the journey continues. I continue to be amazed by the various things that happen in the day to day lives of us humans. Tragedies befall us, we lose houses, family members, jobs and other trappings of this world just with a blink of an eye. As we go through painful moments we should always be delighted in the Glory of God and also be able to know that we are here for a purpose. The past two months I have also bee doing a bit of introspection on my own assignment on earth and how I have been fulfilling it.  Remember that each one of us is here for a purpose, to help somebody somewhere! You may actually be someone who brings healing to someone sick, be the lifejacket for someone who is drowning, lifting someone who has fallen and giving a solution to a problem. So we are all a solution to the equation.

How we play a part in that solution is in my view what matters. A beautiful question to always ask is “why was I born? It’s a lovely question whose answer exists and is very clear. You were created for an exclusive purpose and reason! In earlier posts I have always mentioned that we all need to align ourselves to that purpose and everything else then falls into place. Your very function in life should be different from others. When you look and compare a golf ball and a sandwich you see the hardness of one and the softness of the other. Functionality and purpose is different! Thus the purpose differs for each one of us.  So step number 1 is you need to know what your assignment is. It is important that you align yourself to the reason for your existence.

Remember your function is different from that of others!

Look out for the Assignment series 2

Until next time,

Patrick

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
-Desiderata

Being a blessing

Dear friends,

I woke up in the wee hours of the morning thinking about how it can be so easy to be a blessing to the lives of people around us. I was thinking about he various situations that I have gone through in life and how at each of those opportunities it was going to be easy either to say the right thing that lifts someone up or say the opposite that leaves a person with a heavy heart and negativity.

We are all created uniquely and it is through this uniqueness that we should be able to complement each other across gender, race, colour or even ethnic divide. I always say that there is more that unites us as human beings than what divides us. The challenge is always then when one person sees himself or herself more highly than the other people or a case of the Animal Farm where some animals are more equal than others.

A few days ago whilst sharing with some colleagues at work, I mentioned that all it takes for the human race to advance in a manner of dignity and respecting other people’s rights is when we all decide to love the next person. There are various arguments that people put forward as to why inequality exists but outside these reasons we should all be able to assist the person next to us, be able to reach out to the poor people and be of good cheer.

I have come across people who find it very difficult to give something! Whether it is giving off of your time, paying for education, giving food, advice, mentorships etc. We all have something to give and through giving we will be unlocking great value not only in ourselves but in those people that we are reaching out to.

This morning I was also reflecting on what kind of trail I want to leave behind on the people that I meet on a daily basis…what sort of impression do you leave? Are they going to be happy or dejected? Whether you're on the phone or on the Internet with them, or you're in an appointment, or whether it's a casual contact, or it's with your mate, or your roommate, or your son or your daughter, or you parents, what kind of gift could you give them on this occasion? Too often we look at it the other way, "What gift can they give me?" We go looking to them for some attention, or information, or affection. What connection does this person have that I could use? What promotion could they give me? What money could they give me? Well, this doesn't talk about living for you to impart to me. It's about me imparting to you.

So friends, we are out there to impart something in the lives of others. Rekindle the dying flame. Many people are suffering, outwardly they may look fine and that all is hunky dory but deep down they are hurting etc…it thus is important for us to be able to speak into the lives of people and leave them better off than they were.

Friends, find an excuse to be a blessing in the lives of people around you!

 Be blessed!

 Until next time,

Patrick

Romans 1:11: Apostle Paul says to the Roman Christians, "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong."

Zim elections-Moving forward

Dear friends,

This post comes after our much awaited harmonized elections that saw the electorate voting for their ward councillors, members of parliament and president. The hotly contested election came after 4 years of a government of national unity in which the former opposition had joined forces with the long serving party in Zimbabwe. Though at times dysfunctional, this unity government managed to bring a lot of stability into the economy, health, education and other sectors. The general populace began to put some faith and trust into the systems of government and this led to peace prevailing in the country.

The elections have now come and gone, results favour one party whilst losing parties are crying foul of the results that obviously did not go the way they thought. I was terribly surprised at the results of this election, judging by the mood, hype and excitement that the electorate had, I was bracing for a radical change in governance and with keen interest awaited the future that lay ahead for the country. The doom and gloom that has characterized the country in the past few days post the elections is evidence of a people whose hopes have been dashed.

Those who have followed the Zimbabwean story, know that the past 13 or so years have been very tough for the ordinary Zimbabwean, particularly when we look at the macro economic environment prevailing at that time. Bread and butter issues have been on the mindsets of Zimbabweans on a daily basis and hope lay in the election of a fresh government, untainted by corruption scandals, patronage systems and abuse of institutions of government. Therein lay the hope of the masses, that a new government would restore their dignity, restore the country to be a breadbasket and that the former glory of the country would be revealed once again.

Well, that did not happen as envisaged and a dark cloud hovered over the country as election results were being announced. Was this the will of the people? Where is God in all this? How are we going to survive the next five years? These are questions I heard many a Zimbabwean postulate. I, too have had so many questions, many of which remain unanswered. Zimbabweans are a docile lot, why don’t they take to the streets to protest, why don’t they unseat the elected government? These are some suggestions that I have heard from various ones as they ponder over the Zim electoral crisis as it were.

I humbly submit here and now, that Zimbabweans are not a docile lot, Zimbabweans know too well that taking to the streets will lead to the governing party unleashing various arms of state security onto the people, killing, maiming and torturing them in the process. Zimbabweans know too well that the end is in sight, that whatever repression they face has an end date, that the answer to what is being called a crisis lies entirely in the hands of our Creator and all will be done to glorify Him. In God we trust!

Until next time,

Patrick

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
-Anne Frank

Reflections of times gone by

Dear friends,

Another year has been added to my life today and I am so grateful. To those that have watched me grow and develop into the man I have become, they can attest to how this life has been a testimony of the grace, mercy and love of our Lord Jesus. Having been picked up from the miry clay as it were, my life has become a symbol of hope for many orphans, widows and families living in difficult circumstances. With this thought comes the heavy burden on my shoulders to carry on, diligently, passionately and with no excuse in serving those that need help and in creating relationships that foster the growth and development of the next person.

I am grateful too that more than a decade ago I managed to identify the will of God for my life and that in living and executing that purpose, I have traversed the world, been far and wide and have gone through a lot of experiences that at times make me feel older than my age. For that too I am grateful! When life gives us lemons, we should make the best lemonade there is on the land. Being a product of hardworking parents who instilled a lot of discipline, focus and love, I am glad and very honoured to be a father to my two children, who is also able with the help of God, instil the same values to my own children. Further more, being married to a true pillar of strength, a loving, compassionate and thoughtful wife who balances me out in every single way makes the journey more enjoyable.

At this point in my life, the journey continues with expectations of what lies ahead. Great expectations of what God has in store. I am delighted and very happy of the path I have been led too, mind you the path has been fraught with some experiences I would not have chosen for myself but through them, been able to appreciate what life really is about. Certainly not about fame, riches and luxuries but about living and executing the purpose that lies within us all. For we are each uniquely created, gifted and are duty bound to make this world a better place for future generations.

I am grateful for the supportive wife and family, friends, accountability partners, mentors, Pastors and support systems that keep me away from trouble! As we each trudge along on the journey of life, lets remember that all we do points towards the legacy we will leave after we pass on.

God bless you!

Patrick

We were born to unite with our fellow men, and to join in community with the human race.
-Cicero

We remember you...

Dear friends,

It has been a while since I wrote on this blog wall. The past two months have been hectic, having some bitter sweet moments whilst at the same time being heavily consumed with the work that I am so passionate about. Now where do I start...from the very beginning I suppose.

In my last blog, I mentioned that I have been on a journey too, trying to listen closely to the voice of God concerning a variety of issues. This journey has been fraught with many exciting and memorable moments that have trebled my faith, belief and trust in the power of the word of God. It is my reckoning that some situations are designed to test our faith, test our character and test the composition of that which makes us believe in the unseen. As I know that some of the things that God does in our lives are revealed in hindsight I continue to move forward pursuing knowledge of the word and the righteousness that comes through believing in Christ our Saviour.

The team has been busy making preparations to host two sets of groups in July and August. Team 2SOL will be visiting again for a month long volunteering visit, working with two primary schools to improve the health, nutrition and wellbeing of over one thousand children attending these schools. We are excited about this and if the preparations on the ground are anything to go by, it looks like we are going to be having a fun time come July.

This August we will also be welcoming to Zimbabwe for the first time our brothers and sisters in Christ from Doctors Act. This is a group of Christian medical students studying in Russia who through Doctors Act volunteer to work with community medical institutions such as clinics and health posts. Apart from assisting the nurses and doctors to do their work, this team will also be sharing the word of God with the communities and we are thrilled about this! This is the power of partnerships and we are looking forward to this in August.

In the first week of June, we hosted Ruffs Kitchen. They were out to see the various programs they are funding through us in Zimbabwe. The visit was in our view highly successfully and met the intended objectives. Nhaka Foundation is committed to working with various people and organizations that are willing to partner with us in ensuring that the littlest and most vulnerable children receive all the support they need in order to grow into responsible citizens of this country.

Lastly friends on the 23rd of May 2013 I lost one of my greatest heroes, my father. The lessons learnt through this humble yet larger than life character are numerous. Key among those lessons was the importance of education. My father was a champion of making sure that we were all educated and that our relatives, family friends and indeed our own personal friends always took time to develop themselves educationally. My single most important tribute to this great friend, advisor and grandfather will be to ensure that his legacy of love and selfless giving will continue through us.

Until next time,

Patrick

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
-Mark Twain

Listening

Listening

Dear Friends,

I pray this finds you all well. I am very confident that God continues to give you the energy, zeal and passion to do the work you do. Team Nhaka is inspired by the feedback you send us through emails about our work, blogs and the goings on of the organization and how we are working to fulfil our mandate. On a cold, bleak morning, when all the chips are down and I am wondering what really is going on, the thought of that little child walking 3 kilometres to school or the child who doesn’t know what they are going to eat at home and the expectations laid on each of us to support the less privileged in our midst among other things spurs up renewed hope and confidence in me.

I realise that what I do ceased to be a job a long time ago. It is a passion, driven by the desire to ensure that every child lives a life full of possibilities and opportunities that they can take up to enhance their lives. It makes me realise that by the small difference made by an exchange student coming from abroad for a season, the $1 a day paid towards school fees for one child, the feeding program ensuring that a child has a guaranteed meal each school day and the love exuded by all the people involved in these efforts, changes the lives of thousands of children daily. What future do we want for these children? One with love towards one another? Tolerance? Respect? Recognition? Peace? If this is all in the affirmative what are we doing on a daily basis to ensure that these objectives are met? Are we praying and asking God for wisdom to deal with difficult situations? Are we spending time supporting others? Is our development more important than that of others or at their expense? Friends I feel we need to always look at these aspects and reflect a little bit more and let God speak to us and help us.

A few days ago during morning devotionals with two young men I am mentoring, we were discussing on how we hear God speaking to us… This subject brought a lot of intriguing responses but the bottom line was are we listening when God speaks to us or we are just too busy playing the pipe that we are not bothered at all.

I know for sure for our friends in Zimbabwe and true for other parts of the world, one wakes up and is on the go. The only time they settle down is when they sit to have their dinner and probably halfway through it sleep creeps in and before long it is morning again and the cycle begins. I encourage us all to take time out to meditate on the word of God, just have some quiet time reflecting, taking a long walk or finding something that brings a sense of peace and through all this be able to listen to the still small voice.

I am also on a journey. It took a severe headache and fever to put me in bed at 4pm on Monday 22 April. As I lay there shivering and trying to figure this fever out…the still small voice said listen……listening I am!


Blessings,

Patrick

How useful are you?

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well. In the course of the past two weeks I have learnt a lot on how to have patience, peace in the middle of a storm, perseverance, long suffering and extending grace to those people that do things not expected of them. Reflecting yesterday on the grace and mercy of God I could not help but really be inspired by the daily reading I went through.

Each one of us is on a mission to complete an assignment that was given to us by our Maker. We are created in the image of our Lord and Saviour and through Him we can do all things. What is the one reason why you exist on earth? Is it to minister to lost souls, provide a soup kitchen for the hungry, be a minister of the gospel, take care of widows and orphans in your midst or are you just a food being? The latter being people who just lazy around without any clear mission or purpose designed for them by our Creator, the best they can do is consume food. They may have good jobs, nice cars and the like but still not be able to impact meaningfully on the lives of people around them.

A week and half ago, my best friend over lunch asked me, “why do we  as Christians make money”? “why do we run our businesses to make a profit”? for what purpose in the Kingdom? I was too hesitant to answer at first but as I thought more about it I managed to respond. As God prospers the works of our hands we too have a duty to ensure that the weakest link in the chain is made strong. By remaining tight fisted and not supporting the growth, development and success of other people we too become guilty of not moving the Kingdom agenda forward.

Ephesians 2:10, gives another very clear indication of what  is expected of us. “ for we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared before hand, that we should walk in them”. Whose I am should reflect in my daily walk, the work I do and the value I add to the lives of people around me. The things that we go through are designed to be used as an experience either to help someone we connect with or to teach us valuable lessons about the things we ought to be doing or not doing. The different gift sets that we possess have been given to us to make a difference in “your” world.  We each have an assignment given to us, pray about it, find it and begin implementing it.

As you wake up to a new day, realise that you have the necessary tools to tackle each and every challenge that comes your way. I always say find what ever excuse to be a blessing in someone’s life each day. As you go out today doing various chores, be sensitive to the Spirit of God, He is saying something and you can only be aware if your antenna is tuned in to the right frequency.

God is at this moment making various moves to ensure that your life connects with someone and that you make a difference OR that a difference is made in your life.

Blessings,

Patrick