Day 3: The Mountain of Family

August 8th, 2024

First Speaker: What is the state of families of African diaspora and people of African descent in western countries and How to help them? by Apostle Isaac Leslie

Apostle Isaac Leslie shared insights on God’s purpose and plan for every individual, emphasizing that God has a will in every circumstance. He reflected on his lineage of slavery and the hardships faced by his ancestors, including rejection and racism. Despite these challenges, he highlighted that God always had a plan for him.

He stressed that God's purpose for us remains intact, even in difficult and seemingly impossible situations. As children of God, significant to His kingdom, we must recognize our calling and strive to fulfill it. This requires intentionality in our families, churches, and personal lives.

Apostle Leslie urged African diasporas to move beyond the expectation that God will do everything for them. Instead, they should leverage the vision and strategies God has provided. He shared his own experience as a black immigrant facing challenges and emphasized the importance of cultural education alongside academic learning.

He addressed the neglect many young people in the diaspora experience due to a lack of parental attention and emotional affection. He challenged the belief that black people should not show emotions or care deeply. Salvation should be our priority, followed by loving and supporting our partners and children as the foundation of our families.

Reflecting on past mistakes, he noted that many have become too occupied with church activities, neglecting their first ministry: their families. Despite this, God still has a plan for our lives, just as He did for Israel during their captivity.

Apostle Leslie concluded by questioning whether Africans can be spiritually valuable without being practically useful. He praised Africa's academic and technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of doing God's will to receive His blessings. He called for collaboration and partnership, urging Africans to rise and bring God's glory to the world.

Finally, he encouraged keeping families strong and ensuring that children follow God's will and purpose. Despite past struggles, he affirmed that now is the time for God's calling to lead us to the mountaintop.

How Can the African diaspora and people of African descent preserve Godly values and pass them down to the next Generations? By Victor Mokgotlhoa

Introduction:
The second speaker began by encouraging all husbands and wives to sit together, hug, and kiss each other.

Main Points:
Godly values can sometimes contradict cultural beliefs. For example, expressing love through kissing may be seen as a Western lifestyle or even demonic in some cultures. However, God designed women to be loved, and this is why they have a womb. The primary rule given to men is to love their wives. If you prioritize work over family, you are not serving God properly.

The speaker shared his personal experience of practicing what the Bible teaches in his family life. He married his wife to love her, not divorce, and aims to build a welcoming home. In African cultures, men often do not hug their children, but showing love to children prevents them from seeking it elsewhere. Displaying affection to your partner in front of your children teaches them about love. Children learn by observing their parents; if they do not see love at home, they may grow up unloving. Loving homes can prevent issues like drug use and teenage pregnancies.

Conclusion:
What parents instill in their children is what they will carry forward. Families have a purpose, and African families are not accidental but are meant to help prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. This preparation requires a strong foundation built on Godly values.

Questions and Answers:

Q1: After facing tragedies, how can we heal and follow and practice God’s will?

A1: As diasporas, we have come to realize that our experiences have strengthened us and made us resilient. However, we are not yet fully healed, as our scars still negatively affect our children. We strive to model Godly values in our families, such as helping, loving, and showing affection to our partners and kids. We can teach others by using our tragic experiences to help them form healthier and better lives.

Q2: What can we do to eradicate false beliefs in our culture and embrace our rights?

A2: The first responsibility lies with the church to teach and nurture these values in families. The church has often focused on cultural norms while young people turn to the internet as their global teacher. We must remember that culture is not static; it evolves. If we don't adapt, our children will outgrow us. Do not let the internet be the sole educator of your children; engage with them and talk to them yourself.

Q3: How can African men manage to give affection?

A3: Men should understand that women are not inferior to them; their role is to complement men and help raise the children by following Godly values and having good role models. Physical affection for women is not just about sex; similarly, children need hugs and touch for their emotional health. If one partner is not familiar with this, it is important to communicate and be willing to teach and learn from each other. Express what you want and what you don’t want, as men tend to think while women feel.

Q4: Is family planning allowed in the church? If so, how should it be practiced?

There is nowhere in the Bible that says family planning is a sin; it comes with cultural norms and taboos. We also have doctors in churches, so it is something people should discuss and decide what to do or use in their family.