One Basic Need
By Reverend Jediton D. Pwanangba.
In his work ‘One Basic Need,’ Reverend Jediton Pwanagba unfolds the
principles that typify the name, person and character of Jesus Christ;
His life, beliefs and dealings. In the book,, the readers would learn
that the Great Commission is the completion of His mission on earth; the
power to reverse back to life of the spiritually dead by all those who
chose to follow Him. Much more, the book affirms that Disciples who
answer to His call do not do so merely to be Christian (His followers)
but to be made disciples, who Act 1:8 says “will receive power when the
Holy Spirit come on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and
in all Judea and Samaria and the end of the earth;” people bestowed with
the powers to bring back all those who “just exist but .. are without
life.” Who “do not experience the love of their creator; the joy of
living and the peace of mind which is their right...” The “many people,”
who “have souls but are living corpses...” (xii).
The book is stratagem for building Christian character and moving on to converting others; “the Word .. taken to the unconverted and once they accept and believe, such persons would be disciples.” But much more than that, it is an effort to lay principles guiding the endeavour in the hope that their labours follow some patterns and they do not become weary or discouraged. Clearly ‘One basic Need,’ shows that evangelists are people who go about making more evangelists: Therefore the appeal of the book is how the evangelists prepare by first training the minds, examine all the options and pitfalls and totally armed, sincerely go out to multiply themselves through spreading the messages of rebirth.
The well laid out guideline and order of values makes for valuable reading for all Christian and providing meaning, clue and direction to the pursuant of goal and fulfilment as followers of Christ. It is particularly essential book for all those who seek inspiration and direction toward achieving an end and in search of meaning to their efforts in evangelism. It also a would-be good building block as group study guide prior to and during evangelism. The book hopefully would find a wide reading, and encourages greater thoughtfulness in spreading the Word with purposefulness and course.
A book such as ‘One Basic Need,’ on why and how Christians-individuals and group-need to evangelize, and on the reward that comes with such endeavour is unique but particularly admitting that such Commission and sacrifices can be hard, discouraging and maybe seen as futile is stimulating, uplifting and inquisitional to have; particularly with such admission coming from a reverend gentleman who has spent his entire life evangelizing. Few Christian are ready to commit to such repelling task because of the ridicules, name-calling, awkwardness and tag that goes with the reception in many quarters. To hear how God Almighty in the Holy Spirit reaches into evangelism to touch the hearts of those to whom the Word is spread, can only be enabling and cheering.
Consider this quote:
“The fear of rejection has been a major cause of many people’s inability to preach the gospel. Sometimes you want to share the Good News but you are sceptical whether or not the person you would speak to will accept or reject your message. To avoid being embarrassed therefore, you decide to keep quiet and then lose the opportunity to witness and save a soul. Sometimes we are afraid of persecution so we avoid other places or people who may be in need of the Good News...Rejection is an inevitable part of evangelism, whether personal or group evangelism...Matthew 10:1ff, Mark 6:8-11, Luke 9:3-5; 10:4-12. The mission then was thes ame as it is now.” (pp111-112).
It is refreshing to see the focus on self reflection, corpses and the Word. Evangelism should be about all these but most importantly, about the difficulties evangelists face, on how to handle them and the need for them to know they are not alone and most importantly, where there seem no impact and rewards, the knowledge that the Almighty; the Saviour, through the Holy Spirit is always, always present is inspiring and assuring.
‘One Basic Need’ is a contemplative book; pointing clearly to the place and importance of the evangelism. How hope is rekindled through faithfully sharing the message of Jesus and saving the lost and dead who hear the good news.
The aim of the book was made very clear from the beginning so the reader is firmly rooted (xiv). Where the first aim would seem to focus on individualism; of the same kind as Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs-where man’s basic necessity is to assure/acquire salvation as Christian exclusively before reaching out to others, the second points to “meet the need of those around...” put differently, salvation of those around one is as crucial and, the third indicating the giving of instructions and guideline to all who want to reach out beyond self thereby suggesting working together in group or church to share the gospel; “through crusade, festivals or events” (p85).
Here is a quote about a culture one and all:
“Every Christian can do personal evangelism work anywhere, anytime and to all kinds of people...(p97)...We often have groups either in church or ministries organising outreaches or crusades in various places. This type of evangelism campaign is what I refer to as Group Evangelism...” (p99).
May the words in Rev. Pwanangba’s book inspire, facilitate, and nurture the views and opinion of readers and the church to refocus on His design and develop a culture of purposeful evangelism to bring the gospel to the lost, corpses and seeking.
‘One Basic Need’ is a rallying book; foundation to building healthy Christianity in individuals and the church. And, as the Reverend Dr. Timothy L. Robnett advises; “read the book slowly and insightfully...This book is far more than a ‘how to do it’ book. For we learn that God rewards the faithful servant with many joy and blessing. And the fisher of men will find that the Good and Great Shepherd appreciates and honor their work in the harvest fields” (px-xi).
The book is highly recommended.
The book is stratagem for building Christian character and moving on to converting others; “the Word .. taken to the unconverted and once they accept and believe, such persons would be disciples.” But much more than that, it is an effort to lay principles guiding the endeavour in the hope that their labours follow some patterns and they do not become weary or discouraged. Clearly ‘One basic Need,’ shows that evangelists are people who go about making more evangelists: Therefore the appeal of the book is how the evangelists prepare by first training the minds, examine all the options and pitfalls and totally armed, sincerely go out to multiply themselves through spreading the messages of rebirth.
The well laid out guideline and order of values makes for valuable reading for all Christian and providing meaning, clue and direction to the pursuant of goal and fulfilment as followers of Christ. It is particularly essential book for all those who seek inspiration and direction toward achieving an end and in search of meaning to their efforts in evangelism. It also a would-be good building block as group study guide prior to and during evangelism. The book hopefully would find a wide reading, and encourages greater thoughtfulness in spreading the Word with purposefulness and course.
A book such as ‘One Basic Need,’ on why and how Christians-individuals and group-need to evangelize, and on the reward that comes with such endeavour is unique but particularly admitting that such Commission and sacrifices can be hard, discouraging and maybe seen as futile is stimulating, uplifting and inquisitional to have; particularly with such admission coming from a reverend gentleman who has spent his entire life evangelizing. Few Christian are ready to commit to such repelling task because of the ridicules, name-calling, awkwardness and tag that goes with the reception in many quarters. To hear how God Almighty in the Holy Spirit reaches into evangelism to touch the hearts of those to whom the Word is spread, can only be enabling and cheering.
Consider this quote:
“The fear of rejection has been a major cause of many people’s inability to preach the gospel. Sometimes you want to share the Good News but you are sceptical whether or not the person you would speak to will accept or reject your message. To avoid being embarrassed therefore, you decide to keep quiet and then lose the opportunity to witness and save a soul. Sometimes we are afraid of persecution so we avoid other places or people who may be in need of the Good News...Rejection is an inevitable part of evangelism, whether personal or group evangelism...Matthew 10:1ff, Mark 6:8-11, Luke 9:3-5; 10:4-12. The mission then was thes ame as it is now.” (pp111-112).
It is refreshing to see the focus on self reflection, corpses and the Word. Evangelism should be about all these but most importantly, about the difficulties evangelists face, on how to handle them and the need for them to know they are not alone and most importantly, where there seem no impact and rewards, the knowledge that the Almighty; the Saviour, through the Holy Spirit is always, always present is inspiring and assuring.
‘One Basic Need’ is a contemplative book; pointing clearly to the place and importance of the evangelism. How hope is rekindled through faithfully sharing the message of Jesus and saving the lost and dead who hear the good news.
The aim of the book was made very clear from the beginning so the reader is firmly rooted (xiv). Where the first aim would seem to focus on individualism; of the same kind as Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs-where man’s basic necessity is to assure/acquire salvation as Christian exclusively before reaching out to others, the second points to “meet the need of those around...” put differently, salvation of those around one is as crucial and, the third indicating the giving of instructions and guideline to all who want to reach out beyond self thereby suggesting working together in group or church to share the gospel; “through crusade, festivals or events” (p85).
Here is a quote about a culture one and all:
“Every Christian can do personal evangelism work anywhere, anytime and to all kinds of people...(p97)...We often have groups either in church or ministries organising outreaches or crusades in various places. This type of evangelism campaign is what I refer to as Group Evangelism...” (p99).
May the words in Rev. Pwanangba’s book inspire, facilitate, and nurture the views and opinion of readers and the church to refocus on His design and develop a culture of purposeful evangelism to bring the gospel to the lost, corpses and seeking.
‘One Basic Need’ is a rallying book; foundation to building healthy Christianity in individuals and the church. And, as the Reverend Dr. Timothy L. Robnett advises; “read the book slowly and insightfully...This book is far more than a ‘how to do it’ book. For we learn that God rewards the faithful servant with many joy and blessing. And the fisher of men will find that the Good and Great Shepherd appreciates and honor their work in the harvest fields” (px-xi).
The book is highly recommended.
Comments