Africa, the Gracious Host

On July 3, my family and I returned from two exciting weeks in South Africa. A week earlier, on Saturday, June 26, we were present in the stadium to see an African team, Ghana, in overtime, end U.S. chances to go farther in the World Cup.

The next morning, I preached in Johannesburg. I compared the gathering of many nations for the World Cup to John’s vision of God’s throne in Revelation 7. He saw a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language. In our assembly that morning were people from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, America and, yes, Ghana.

Sitting in front of me was Tom, the church Treasurer from Ghana. I told the congregation how Tom’s team had unmercifully destroyed America’s chance to make the quarter finals. He humbly never looked up and just continued writing figures in the account book in his lap. I said when we gather in heaven, we will not be in competition. We are all on the same side.

The crowd agreed that they love hosting the World Cup. It is a great honor. They enjoy welcoming the nations of the world to their beautiful home. Everywhere we went we experienced friendly greetings, big smiles and warm handshakes. What gracious hosts they were to the world’s soccer fans!

In order for the African nations, tribes, people and languages to be part of the heavenly assembly standing around God’s throne, they must know Jesus. At World Christian Broadcasting, we want to do all in our power to bring more of Africa’s people to Him. Please pray for us.