Sinner Saved by Grace•Husband to Tinoe•Father to Neraya & Ndinani •Church Planting Pastor of Berean Reformed Baptist Church, Harare, Zimbabwe•Arsenal FC•Blogger
This book, takes you through meditations and sermons preached on Christ as He makes His way to Calvary. Exceptionally written, and worthy of your special attention. 8/8 (books for the year) on to the next.
@2022TheRidge@ngonithetechguy There are times we need to stand up and take responsibility man. If we are complaining about the exorbitant Government who buy Range Rovers and fail to fix potholed roads, we are no different for spending $2000 per night at a hotel. The hospital doesn't matter until you go there
John 21:4 "Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; *yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus*
Observe here, how distracted and aloof the disciples were even though Jesus had told them many times, that he would rise from the dead. It is so with us.
There is a sense in which many a Christian take the gathering of the local church for granted. For example I have seen many miss church for work and other 'pressing' engagements, but I have scarcely seen someome decline work for a church gathering...
“My name is Joe Shoko. I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and raised in a middle-class family. My dad was a staunch African Traditional religion follower, whilst on the other hand, my mother was a Seventh-day Adventist. Growing up, there were many contrasting views in the household. Therefore, it was inevitable that the children were bound to be unstable in terms of what to believe and who to follow.
Tragically, in 2002, my mother passed away. This was probably the most painful occurrence in my life to date. In 2003, after progressing from primary school, I began my journey as an adolescent at high school. I found myself hanging out with the wrong crowd. I developed a habit of drinking and sometimes smoked marijuana to try and get rid of the depression. This went on for a few years and it soon became a lifestyle. After I finished high school, I constantly felt the urge to quit partying and drinking.
In 2011, a friend of mine invited me to a church meeting. I felt a sense of weariness from all that was going on in my life, so I began attending for approximately seven months. One day the pastor was preaching from Luke 9:23-27. He spoke about how many people cannot follow Christ because they have burdens and sins that they do not want to forsake. He further emphasized that God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, as an atoning sacrifice to be battered, bruised, and humiliated, so that we can stand justified by God the Father and be ultimately reconciled to Him! I had never heard such great news in my life! I repented of my sins and put my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and 6 months later I was baptized into the church after intense baptismal classes and discipleship.
After I got saved, I gradually developed an insatiable thirst for the Word of God. I was so convicted to die to self, pick up my cross daily, and follow Jesus. I began serving at our local church, working with the youth and feeding the poor. In essence, preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the lost is what I desire most because I too was once lost but was sought after with the gospel. As I think back on my life, I thank the Lord with a tear in my eye for saving me, such a wretched sinner, in order to preach the gospel to His people! Amazing grace!”
Joe currently serves as the pastor of Berean Reformed Baptist Church in Zimbabwe. He received his ministerial training through the Theological College of Zimbabwe and through a year-long internship at Kabwata Baptist Church. Berean Reformed Baptist Church began in 2019, and God has steadily grown the church. Joe began partnering with HeartCry in 2019—the same year he and his wife, Tinotenda, were married.
Please pray for Joe and the work of the gospel in Zimbabwe. Pray for strength, wisdom, joy, and faithfulness for Joe and the believers at Berean Reformed Baptist Church.
'Welcome home' is the line a lot of churches use to greet first-time guests. The intent makes sense - help someone feel they belong. But claiming someone is family after one Sunday tends to ring hollow. Save the family language for after you've earned it.