Living in God's economy
Francois and Nadia Hattingh delight in being God’s instruments and watching His amazing work in Mwinika lives.
Two years ago, a group of seven men in a neighboring village came to Christ through the chronological teaching of God’s Word. Since then, that group has been consistently discipled, Nadia explains.
Now five of these seven men are co-teaching God’s Word with Francois Hattingh in another village. And Francois and Nadia are thrilled to watch God’s gracious work prominently on display in transformed lives.
“Nothing can beat the thrill of sitting on the ground, surrounded by my Mwinika friends and neighbors, hearing God’s Truth spoken in Mwinika by a Mwinika believer,” Nadia writes.
To say this experience is a joy for the Hattinghs is to understate things quite a bit. “It’s amazing to see them open up to truths that they never knew—or even considered—before! I am overwhelmed by the love of our God! We are overflowingly thankful,” Nadia writes, and then quips, “Is that a word?”
She is excited at who God is bringing to the teaching. Some who are coming are people they have known for seven years now. Some who come eagerly come from another major world religion. One of these told Francois and Nadia that he is so glad they came to teach God’s Word because he has wanted to know what God says. “People are tracking well, they are asking questions and participating.”
And then Nadia really shares her heart. “We are not here because we are the best people for the job. We are not here because of our talents and abilities. We are here because we are not able and we know it,” she adds. “When we are emptied of ourselves and know we are unable, we see His ability. Then we can say with Paul: when I’m weak, then I am strong.”
She has learned that God’s economy is radically different from this world’s economy, Nadia says. Like dying to self being the path to truly living. Or being weak being the place where real strength abounds. “Or that when I’m less, I become more; or whoever is last will be first,” she adds.
Living among and loving the Mwinika people, Nadia and Francois Hattingh understand that they are investing their lives in eternity’s values. And, when they see God’s Word transforming the lives of Mwinika people, they are rejoicing in the glimpses of God’s glory and grace they are privileged to see along the way.
Among unreached people groups around the world, discipleship is built on the firm foundation of chronological Bible teaching. Find out how you can share these same lessons.