ccm Cross 0208
Wednesday February 6, 2019
Oasis Christian Academy
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
ccm Cross 0208
Additional Photos After Testimony
4819 cc Fully Paid
Cyber Daily Devotion
Volume 20 Number 068
Today’s Author: Pastor Bill
Scripture: Galatians 3:13-15
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” NKJV
Hello, my name is Pastor Stanford Ndlovu. Everyone calls me Pastor Stanford. I was born in Nyatunzi, Mozambique. I was the third born of twenty-two children in our family. My dad was a Caboose Chef for the railroad. He traveled extensively and had five wives. My mother was his first wife and in our tribal customs we all learned to live in harmony over the years. We moved to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe when Mozambique was in turmoil.
Tribal practices dictated that my dad had to pay a dowry for each wife and provide properly for all the children. He made sure we were all well-educated.
Growing up in a tribal environment we didn’t have any Christian influence or church in our lives. Everything spiritual was Ancestor Worship and Witch Doctors. Dad built an altar in our home to worship our Ancestors asking them to watch over and protect all of us children. He prayed to our great grandfathers as if they were still existing. We held Ancestor rituals in our home and in the forest. Often, he paid a Witch Doctor to join in our prayers.
1979 in Bulawayo a group of 20 church people arrived in our neighborhood and stood under a large tree. Here they held a revival for a week. The 2nd day of the revival I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord in my life. I was 16 years old. I knew nothing about Jesus, but I now was hungry to learn more.
I told my father that my sister and I had joined a church and received Jesus Christ as Lord. He was mad. He was angry. He was upset. From that day on he devised errands, projects and work for me to do on Sunday. He did everything he could to prevent me from being in church. It didn’t work. I would get up early in the morning and complete his project, then I would go to church.
Over time my dad began to realize that I was a Christian. He asked me to go and get him some beer at the store. I refused. He got angry. Over time he learned not to ask me. And when his friends asked, he told them not to bother me because I was a Christian.
After becoming a Christian, I had a lot a ground to make up. The kids in school could not believe I became a Christian. I went to each one asking them to forgive my previous behavior. They wanted nothing to do with me.
Then I went to my teachers one at a time, and apologized for my behavior. They could not believe I was the same kid!
Then I marched into the deputy Headmaster with a great load of books and gave them to him. He asked, “What are these for?” I said, “They were all the books I had stolen.” He could not believe his eyes!
When I graduated High School, I was the Scripture Union Chairperson! Jesus had turned my life upside down and inside out. I entered an evening Bible College to learn more about Jesus.
In 1987 I married Alice. We started a church in a high school class room . In 1998 we purchased the church stand where our current church resides. Then in 2000 we began our Christian School — Oasis Christian Academy.
We believe in miracles in Zimbabwe. A lady came forward for prayer with a growth on her arm that was there for years. The doctors couldn’t help her. She asked for prayer to relieve the pain. The growth disappeared.
My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:4-8. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.” NKJV
My favorite things to do as a pastor are teach and sing.
The Cross to me means forgiveness. It’s deliverance. It’s the answer to all men’s problems. Take your problems to the Cross, there you will find your answers.
TEDTELESTAI is a Greek word that means “Fully Paid.” Jesus Christ paid it all. For you, for me and for everyone who receives Him as Lord. It’s time to make Jesus King of your life. How about You?
Prayer: Father thank you for the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as Lord taking care of my eternal destination. Help me live it and share it as Jesus would. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!