Who is your Family?

My family is the Pardey family and we are sold out to Jesus. That is waht makes us who we are.. and we are doing well because of the grace of God and His unmerited favour. We are 6 very different individuals who all have a different make up, different giftings and probably callings too. Yet right now we have a work to do as a family... to reach and disciple kids. To raise up kids and leaders who will have a heart for the nations and who will go! We want to be sending people out. We get to do this at Jozi Kidz, will get to do this for kids and families at Church Planting school in June, and we hope to do it for Africa in December, for China if God opens the door, and at the Every Nation World Conference in 2013 in the USA. What God has done in us He wants to do in others. Right now our 4 awesome kids serve us so faithfully and share our heart, but the time will come when they take the lead and maybe branch into other things and we will serve them and their ministry focus. Our home was filled with worship and prayer tonight and on Tuesday night will be filled with leaders gathering to worship and pray and connect with each other. May our joy and passion rub off on those who grace our home. So good to be hospitable to people.

David Watson on Discipleship

"Without a strong commitment to discipleship, there can be no authentic Christian community, and without the existence of such a community there can be no effective mission"

and

"When Jesus drew men and women into discipleship he was requiring a depth of relationship that would be much more demanding and, as a result, much more enriching and powerful"

Relationships can't be selfish and we can't be all independent like. I guess materialism and wealth make us independent. The Japanese have just lost that and will need each other in this time of crisis. The persecuted church knows that their very lives depend on their relationships sticking together and being trust worthy. Let us prioritise relationships and discipleship over other fun but less important things we do.

Little touches of God we give

Many years ago we wandered into a strange park to hopefully start a ministry and disciple some kids. One of them was Litlhare who became such a faithful child of God and was in our ministry at Living Kidz for years. Having moved from Boksburg we had only Face Book contact but she moved to randburg this year and so Sunday we went and fetched her for His People morning service. She loved it and will hopefully join us...the investment in her life was so worth it.
Now I sit at my table and my kids are leading Sonshine Club so faithfully. 2 little boys attend each Tuesday, but the one was so far from God a while back. Now he just said that he comes so he can know God and know how to pray!!! Well done my kids, you are discipling these boys.
Amazing how if you invest in people they respond. Joanne started a biweekly ladies group, and after just two meetings these ladies come after her on Sundays, phone, sms, they just feel loved and cared for. So not only the big meetings but the ones and twos ok?!

Old book, new movie.. thoughts on discipleship

Just picked up a 1981 book called DISCIPLESHIP by David Watson. He was a great English leader. Just a chapter in and he describes Discipleship as a CALL from Jesus, a Call to Jesus, A Call to obey, to serve, to live a simple life, to suffer, and that ALL are CALLED irrespective of qualifications. As we live out B1 and Make 1 let us be Biblical in our devotion. We are bringing people to a person not just a book of teachings. Must disciple our kids to obey, not just do whatever they feel like. Selfishness is out, as is material comfort and ease. This is so key in a culture that is so self centred.
Last night I went out with some men to see THE KING'S SPEECH. If you have seen it read on, if not stop, go and watch and come back to this blog. Lionel Logan says he will help the king but on his terms, in his space. The king has to humble himself, obey, suffer and persevere. Yet he discovers a life-long friendship with his mentor. I need to do this with those I disciple. I must call them to journey with me and will have to be a friend but friends speak the truth that is not always easy to hear at the time. The king couldn't just read Logan's blog- there must be relationship! Jesus calls us to a relationship of discipleship complete with highs and lows, laughter and tears. But the joy of the friendship makes it so worth it!

Tonight was a good night

The Lord was as usual so faithful to us at Jozi Lights. We prayed and then went for it. Tired after a week away but the kids rolled in and we gave ourselves to them and to the Lord. Loved the praise and worship and watching the kids encounter God in different ways. The Bible reading, the kids walking accross the room to pray for each other or share a Word, to see the kids doing prophetic art and some boldly sharing the message. Some kids responded to the need for prayer for the Holy Spirit, some for healing and encouragement. Then there were fruitful small groups and a lot of screaming and laughter with the games. So important to play too. Then the final wild song and happy kids went home. Our visitor enjoyed it so much which is always important. Go team!!! Go kidz!!!

ENSAKIDS Retreat in George

Wow how awesomely faithful God was in leading, guiding and blessing our days in George. It was the best one so far and thanks to all those who attended. It was such a team effort right from planning to the execution of it. What an awesome God we serve. Love the way God spoke to us thru so many people. Loved the worship and prayer, the prophetic, the talking and sharing of ideas and being able to help others. Some amazing people there and children are in great hands. Love Every Nation and the unity and vision of our churches. Loved the time with my wife and seeing her so powerfully used by God. Loved the food too. The view-wow! Loved the unplanned trip to Blanco with the guys to see what Genie does. Wow my new hero in the faith and what a testimony! Lord the solution to the world is you in us the hope of Glory. Communities must be transformed by the love of Jesus. The cross is the key. Arise and Shine! Let the love come down, let the creativity come on us. Need to be faithful and really genuine. Next year will be even better!