Chicago Tribune Op-Ed Piece 6/10/08

Praise The Lord!

Please follow the link here to view my Opinion Piece in the June 10th issue of the Chicago Tribune:

www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0610churchjun10,0,4035843.story
chicagotribune.com

I ask that you post your comments on the Tribune's page.

Preparing to Leave Our 'Mother' Continent

Greeting Everyone

Well. This part of the journey is almost complete. We are preparing to leave Mother Africa, and fly back to the United States.
With all its issues and challenges, America is our home and we thank God for it.

We shared a wonderful worship service on Sunday with Bis Joseph Guthrie, his wife, the leaders of the Western Cape Council and their congregants. Pastor Louis Green who is a member of the Capetown Parliament was elevated to Sufn. Bishop. He and his wife are wonderful people. We shared time with them and their entire family.
The Lord blessed the service. It was a real joy to share with the people of South Africa in a lively, Pentecostal service. The cultural similarities to African-American church worship were unmistakeable. Of course the choirs, especially the youth and children choirs were awesome!

There is much work to do in South Africa. The nation is young in its newly constituted democratic format and undergoing severe growing pains. One of the major struggles is how to meld a single country with each person being respected and empowered, after so many decades of oppression and separation. The needs of the people are similar to the needs of the disadvantaged throughout the world, i.e. access to education, training for those who have been historically shut-out, economic empowerment, and government that cares for and works on behalf of the people.

The potential here is unlimited. The country is rich in every resource, a diverse geography, mineral wealth, strong infrastructure, and especially the giftedness and creativity of its people. There is a mosaic of cultures and dialects, yet most of them share English as a common language. The young people here seem eager to learn. They are hungry for knowledge and training. Crime is sometimes a major issue, especially in the townships. HIV/AIDS is a major health and social problem. Fortunately current anti-retrovial medicines are available in most areas. Many of the major NGO's (non-government organizations) World Vision included, are focusing on this issue with education, aimed at prevention as well as testing and treatment. Another major contributor to this problem is the maginalization and devaluing of women. Here again re-education is critical. Changing social mores is a difficult and long-term process, but is achievable.

The Body of Christ here is also growing. I pray it will take a lead role in bringing about genuine justice and integrity. Here again, visionary, ethical, caring leadership is the major need. We must as Jesus taught us, "Pray ye the Lord of the harvest that he will send workers (caring, loving leaders) into the vineyard."
I believe the church bears a major responsibility in bringing this to past by developing training for pastors and leaders, and making these materials available to those who need it most.

Well, I trust sharing this experience has been of benefit to all of you.

Bless you all for your prayers and support.

Interestingly, I will be spending some time in Appalacia next week. I look forward to experiencing how its people are dealing with some of the same issues that we found in Africa, poverty, disease, and chronic lack, and how the church of Jesus Christ is responding to these needs. Christ calls us to be responsive to the 'least' of His children.

I am more and more convinced of the oneness of us all and the universal need for unity. We must all pray for greed and selfishness to be rejected, and that genuine brotherhood to be manifested throughout the Body of Christ. Our divisions are our greated enemy and the greatest impediment to seeing the full manifestation of the Great Kingdom of our Lord.

Please join us as we believe and pray for "His Kingdom Come, His Will be done, On Earth!!"

Thanks once again for your love and support, and God bless you all.

Bishop and Mrs Horace and Susan Smith and ministry team

Capetown So. Africa: Preparing to Minister

Praise the Lord Everyone

To each and all, your comments, questions, thoughts, and prayers have been a source of support and encouragement that has sustained and strengthened us all, throughout this challenging yet inspirational experience. Thank God for all of you back 'home.'

Sis Smith and I are in Capetown, where the pace has slowed somewhat. We have been able to take two mornings and an afternoon off. Last night we shared dinner with Bis Joseph Guthrie and his wife, along with wonderful pastors and friends from Capetown. We ate at a family style restaurant that served only authentic South African cusine!!
It offered a wonderful night view of the entire valley where Capetown is located. The only challenge was that to get there we had to travel up the mountain, and it was dark with no guard rails on the rural roads!! (smile) We had a great driver, who was from America and had never driven the road before! Obviously we arrived and returned without incident.

The rest of the team is now in Botswana, traveling through Zimbabwe, and enjoying Victoria Falls, a genuine natural Wonder of God's World. It is just after the rainy season, so the views are breathtaking. They will also spend some time in Chobe Park which is an animal reserve without fences, filled with zebra, rhino, hippos, alligators, all types of deer, giraffes, hyenas, and a host of other animals. I'm sure they will share stories and pictures.

Tomorrow I am scheduled to minister at a service where 10 or more pastors have combined their congregations in order for us to share with them. Please pray that the Lord gives me a 'ready word.' These leaders and their congregants are faced with daily challenges that we can not fully appreciate.

South Africa is a nation with almost unlimited potential, but is in the midst of grappling with the ravages left oven from the decades of apartheid. Because of the leadership of Mr. Nelson Mandela, Bis Desmond Tutu and others, they appear on the right track, but face tremendous challenges. As a result of the past they are divided into racial and cultural groups, blacks, colored, Indians, whites, Afrikanns, all trying to meld into a single nation. Millions are living in poverty and have little or no education. As a result, crime and violence in some areas, especially some of the townships, create an addition obstacle to a better future. Add to this the very real issue of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, their load is heavy indeed.

These people are hungry for education, economic empowerment, and many are open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray that we as a church, and the entire Body of Christ, use genuine wisdom and courage to aid and support those who have been so oppressed.
I trust that I will be able to alleviate some of their pain and assure them that there are thousands in America who love them, will support them, and not forget about them.

Well, I must sign off. We miss being home at Apostolic Faith. I appreciate you and the relationship we have with Christ and one another more and more.
Please know that we are praying for you as you pray for and support us. Special prayers for our dear Sis Sylvia, Holly, Bart, Forrest Jr and family in their loss. May the God of all grace comfort you.


Stay vigilant. Keep prayerful. Share your faith!!

See you all soon.

Dr. and Sis Smith and Ministry Team

Leaving Zambia, Kitwe Province

Greetings Everyone

We have finished our ministry in Zambia. The site we spent most of our time is where the majority of the children AFC have sponsored live.
The experience was tremendous, often overwhelming.

All of the team spent quite a bit of time with the staff and children who were involved in the feeding program.
This program supplies food for about 100 children who are most needed. The pictures on the page show the site. We were taken through the entire process by the staff of how they obtain the materials, complete the process of preparation, and then the feeding of the children.

Unfortunately, these children receive only two meals a week in this program. The meal supplied is called HEPS for High Energy Protein Supplement. It is to help supplement the food they are able to get at home.
We are believing that we along with others will be able to pledge enought funds to expand the program to one of genuine sustainable food security, that will train the people in modern processess of agriculture. Purchase proper animals for farming etc. And fund the program to guarantee meals five days a week.
The staff is professional, well-trained, and caring. THEY JUST NEED HELP!!

We spent half a day seeing patients, both in the excellent maternity clinic, and did well child and just in checkups for many of the children. Fortunately they are in relatively better shape than the children we saw in DRC, with fewer cased of systemic malaria and work infestation.
The water supply is superior here, but inadequate nutrition is an on-going problem.

We were able to share during morning devotion with the entire staff in Kitwe. They are wonderfully committed Christians, that love and care for thousands. THEY JUST NEED HELP.
Sis Smith and others were able through your generosity to give gifts to most of the staff.

As Sis Smith and myself left for South Africa, the team visited several homes of critically sick families. Most were infected with HIV adding to their chronic poverty.
The team was able to devliver home care kits and minister to them.

As you can see from the pictures, we were able to laugh, sing, and spend time playing with the children. they exhibit such joy in spite of their difficult conditions. Simple gifts were received with joy and gratitude.

Well, keep us all in your prayers. We will conduct services in South Africa with pastor from various regions coming together.

God Bless you all for your support!!!

Love

Bis and Sis Smith and the ministry team

Pictures From Our Trip

Nurse Vowal, Nurse Peacock, and Dr. Douglas give gifts to the children in Zamtan













Nurse Peacock visits with children in Zamtan

Bishop Tolbert and Bishop Turner celebrate with the community in the DRC

Bishop Smith sings along with the children of Zamtan

Sister Smith assists in preparing food for the feeding program

Children wait in line to see Dr. Smith, Dr. Douglas, Nurse Peacock and Nurse Vowal

Bishop Smith visits with Enoch, a child with a testimony!

The Elrods play with children in the DRC

Responding to Your Comments and Questions

Grace and Peace

We trully appreciate all your prayers, comments, and questions.
Because of the limited technology, we cannot respond to everyone individually.

I want to give a special 'shout-out' to the children's worship youth and their leaders. Your prayers are touching as we are ministering to so many children who look like and have hopes and dreams just like you!

I know many are wondering how the 'food crisis' mentioned on CNN is affecting those we are interacting with.
Unfortunately, food and food security is an ongoing problem in many areas. This is mainly due to disease, poverty, war, and famine.
Most of these dynamics represent man's inhumanity to man. The church can have a greater impact if we are willing to openly address uncomfortable issues, i.e. the need for genuine justice and equity to be preached and practices by all those who name the name of Jesus.
World Vision and many other agencies are addressing this issue as well utilizing the most up to date agricultural technologies, strategic planning, and training to help those affected become more self-sufficient.
Our hearts have been broken several times during our trip as we saw children undernourished and underfed.
Many rely on the two meals a week provided by subsidized programs in place in some of the areas. For many, they exist on barely enough.
This must break the heart of God and all those who call Christ Savior. We must combine are efforts and become more effective in reaching the 'least' of God's children.

Well, I have dominated the one computer long enough.

Keep your questions coming.

Keep us all in your prayers.

Love

Dr. Smith and Ministry Team

Experience at Kipushi ADP

Praise Him!

Internet access is very slow and hard to come by, but we will reply as soon as we can.

Praise The Lord

We have left the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kipushi ADP.

The experience was impactful and dramatic for those who are in Africa for the first time as well as for those of us who have been blessed to minister in these regions for quite some time.

We worshipped and rejoiced with hundreds of our brothers and sisters in the Congo on Sunday at three different churches. The Lord's favor was with each of us as Bis Mark Tolbert ministered at one church, Bis Carl Turner at another and myself at another. We needed these experiences to be able to be effective on Monday as we had to meet the people 'where they lived!!'

The team joined Sis Smith and myself as we served the people at the maternity clinic and the general health clinic. Over 70% of the children we saw were infected with malaria. Many had other infectious diseases, that are rarely seen in the United States. WE SHOULD APPRECIATE HOW BLESSED WE ARE!!

Many of those we saw were also able to receive the therapies we proscribed, however, many others did not have the small amounts necessary to get the medicines. World Vision came along-side to help those most indigent get the medicine they needed.

The underlying reason for so much disease is the need for basic infrastructure that we take for granted, like fresh running water, basic innoculations, and immuizations, nutrititious food, and basic education regarding health and hygiene. The staff on site are wonderful and well trained. They need more personnel and better equipment.

We assurred them that we will continue to do all we can to get them the resources they need.

While they are doing a great job addressing the issues surrounding the HIV\AIDS pandemic, much more is needed, especially getting the needed medicines. They have made great strides in getting testing and treatment for adults. They are just beginning to tackle the job of getting the proper anti-retrovial medicines to the infected children. Fewer are becoming infected from maternal transmission because of medicines available to pregnant women in their last trimester of pregnancy.

The last child I attended was very sick and HIV positive. What makes this diagnosis more overwhelming is the stigma attached to it. Children infected are often shunned to various degrees. Education is helping to address this and great strides are being made. The pastors and churches here are coming together to unite in addressing this issue.

The last meeting we had in DRC was with over 30 pastors. We were able to dialog with them and here their challenges. They were especially interested in how we structure our churches, how we use women in ministry and how they can be better trained in outreach.

WHEW!!!

We are now in the country of Zambia. We will be able to visit the various programs that minister to the thousands of children that many of you sponsor. We will give them your love and greetings.

The entire team send their love and greetings to their families and to all of your. We appreciate and depend on your prayers and support as we represent you, and bring the love of the Lord Jesus to our brothers and sisters in Africa.

We will do all we can to respond to your thoughts and questions as the technology permits.

God bless you all.

Dr. Horace Smith