Two different circumstances were brought to light within our community that truly have broken my heart. I cannot get into details, but in both instances a brother or sister in the faith was found to have done very inappropriate things with large amounts of money. They were not connected with AIM or Timbutini church, but in both instances they were a brother/sister in Christ, and known throughout our community. Their actions, the choice’s they made, have torpedoed their lives and ministries. It has also brought a bunch of anger and criticism toward the larger Christian community.
I was shocked when I found out, as I knew the people from both instances. I could not expect it at all. Now please don’t think I am trying to sit up on some high holy horse. I understand that there have been a lot of wrong choices that I have made throughout my life (and many I wouldn’t want disclosed publicly!), and but for the awesome grace of God only I could have made a tremendous amount more.
But the power, and the effects of our choices is what has shocked me. I am sure that in these instances the people didn’t start out with huge levels of compromise. It probably happened little by little, and continued, until finally their wrong choices were brought out publicly – the result being broken relationships and destruction to their lives and their loved ones.
The choices we make also have the great potential to hurt those around us. We just received a heart-breaker today. A girl that Zwakele and I are close with, someone we have spent a bunch of personal time with, was diagnosed with HIV. This news has devastated us. She is only about 12 years old, and has experienced so much pain already in her life, being orphaned and living in dire poverty. What is particularly painful is that she didn’t make a choice that led to her infection. We are not totally sure how she was infected, but I suspect that it is a result from sexual abuse. It’s terrible! Zwakele and I so love this girl, and through no fault of her own she has been handed this disease. Through someone elses wrong choice her life is terribly affected. 
But Zwakele and I know the choices we are called to make: To continue to display the love of God through word and action. When confronted with evil and injustice; we choose to act. When seeing those in suffering; we will comfort with His love. Please pray with Zwakele and myself that we would be faithful to our calling. Thank you so much for your continued love and support!
Dennis,
I’m sad for the hurt and saddness’ of yours and Zwakele’s hearts and the hurts that your bigger community is going through. All of us need to think through our choices and remember that each choice we make in secret or in public have consequences…good or bad, and they effect those around us. Thank you, it’s a good loud reminder to ME first. My prayers are with you and Zwakele often as I trust you know but I will be lifting these specifics to our Heavenly Father who knew all these things and who knows how each one will work out for HIS glory!
As Novemeber is here I hope to be seeing you both soon!
My love to you both….Jen
Dennis,
Hang in there, Bro. You and Zwakele are light in a dark world. Shine on!
How powerful your ministry is – because it has been arranged and ordained by the King of Kings! Thanks for the update.
You’re right, Power and choices effect everything and anything we do.
on a totally different note: i could reveal some of those choices from buffalo!!! where is baby jesus???