Mudi Master Guide Magazine Issue 1

Magazine
Mudi
Master Guide
A Resource for Adventist Youth Leaders and Parents
OUR FUTURE
Mudi Master Guide MMG 09 2020
Our Future In Our Past

The Leaders Our Junior Youth Need
Keeping Faith In the Face Of COVID-19
MMG 09 2020 Mudi Seventh day Adventist Church

Adventist Youth Ministry
Table of Contents
Mudi Master Guide Magazine © 2020 Mudi

Editorial 3 Seventh day Adventist®
Book Review: Take A Risk by Ben Carson 4 Adventist Youth Ministry
Electricity Safety Tips 6

Common Challenges that Young People
Face 9
Master Guide Mentor: Thom Khondiwa
Global Youth Day 2020 14
Editor: Thom Khondiwa
Keeping Faith in the Face of COVID-19 17
Advisor: Wonderful Dzekedzeke
Our Future in Our Past 19
Cover and Interior Designer: Thom Khondiwa
The Leaders Our Junior Youth Need 24
The Asset Graphic Inc.
The Role of Parents in Youth Ministry 27
Photos Credit: shutterstock, unsplash,
Hard Facts and Rare Perceptions: Braided Mudi Adventist Youth
Hair in Youth Ministry 29
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Adventist Youth Ministry of Mudi Seventh day
Adventist®
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edition is granted for use in local churches, youth
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WhatsApp/Call: 088 1 62 61 09
ditorial
T
give them correct theories. It is important that we
correct their erroneous thinking and theories that
dictate how they live. In this way, we can chal-
hey say to “make the end is to make lenge the youth to practically live out correctly the
the beginning. What we often call the end is the unchanging Christian principles in a changing
beginning. The end is where we start from.” As world.
good as it sounds, I do not see the end to this our
In your hands is one of the great tools for parents
beginning. The journey we are embarking on can- and leaders. The great tool for adapting to the
not end. It should not end. It is a journey of con- changes, for being relevant to the youth, for up-
tinued sharing of knowledge, skills and experience dating yourself with the knowledge and experienc-
in the context of Adventist Youth Ministry. The es, for properly influencing the youth and for cor-
knowledge and experiences know no end for they recting the different erroneous theories they hold.
keep on updating as individuals live on. As leaders One more time, this is the beginning of the jour-
and parents of a complicated generation, we can ney that knows no end. Let us journey together to
never cease learning unless we want to cease to the wonderland of knowledge, skills and experi-
be relevant to the youth. We can never cease ences in the context of Youth Ministry.
learning about the youth unless we want to cease
leading the youth.
It is an undisputed fact that the world that we
3 minister in changes rapidly; as such the youth will
need to learn how to adapt to the changes rapidly.
Since they cannot be taught to be adaptive by
leaders that are stuck in the past without adapting Thom “Khondie” Khondiwa
to the changes, it is important that we leaders and Master Guide Mentor
parents adapt to the changes as well. We need to
adapt without necessarily abandoning the Ad-
ventist faith and experience so the youth adapt
without abandoning the Adventist faith and expe-
rience.
The theories we hold dear to will shape how we
live. The theories that our youth hold dear to
shape their day-today- life. It is important that we
Book Review: Take a Risk by Ben Carson
W
the BIJANI TWINS— that risky complex and troubling issues and
brain surgery that Ben performed risks although they may not be as
about two decades ago with a extreme as the Bijani sisters. We
hat an amazing team of experts from all around deal with risks when it comes to
book this is! It literally grabs you the world. The twins were born our faith. We believe in a God
from the first page and you keep connected at the head and lived whom we have never seen, for
on reading it. You cannot put it for 29 years! They made a deci- example. So from our faith to our
down! Ben Carson is a genius and sion to be separated even if it work, our choice of friends, and
such a great author and I have meant death. They were willing to our choice of partners for mar-
learnt so much from him. I read take that risk because they wanted riage, our school and in all as-
4 this book at the right time in my to live separate lives. A three days pects of life we have so many
life. Life is full of risks, I mean operation was cut short because risks.
there are everywhere from driving both of them bled excessively, Ben made a provision for the Best
a car to something as simple as went into shock and were pro- and Worst Analysis to deal with
sleeping. We can lose our lives nounced dead on the operating such risks since we cannot run
and our valuables in so many table. These twins knew about the away from them. The analysis is
ways. Society has tried so far to risks with the operation and knew made up of four questions:
eliminate such risks but the truth the odds were 50-50 but were de-
is that we cannot eliminate them termined and unflinching in their
all. conviction that death was prefera-
I cannot write a summary about ble to living joined at the head.

Everyone deals with the most
this book without talking about
happen if I don’t pursue this?
“These twins knew about Answer: I could end up a lonely and bitter person
the risks with the operation who will regret missing out on marriage and family.
and knew the odds were 50-
From the above quick and simple analysis I can make
50 but were determined and the decision that is best for me and that I will not re-
unflinching in their convic- gret in the long run.
tion that death was prefera-
Carson’s book is a wonderful book that has taught me
ble to living joined at the
head. ” how to handle situations and risks better than I did in
the past.
What is the best thing that can happen if I do this?
This is what he wrote at the end of the book:
What is the worst thing that can happen if I do
“The point is we can decry the dangers we face or
this?
even allow ourselves to be paralyzed by fear. Or we
What is the best thing that can happen if I don’t do can ask ourselves, do we have a brain? Then let’s use
this? this incredible tool God has given us to assess the
What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t risks that we face every day. We have the means to
do this? analyze the risks and decide which are worth taking
and which should be avoided. Do you have a brain?
So for every situation that we face, we can use this
Then use it!”
analysis to arrive at the best decision for us and for
And so I ask, Do you have a brain? Why not use it!
those that surround us. For example if I want to pursue
Go on—take that risk.
a relationship with someone, here is how the four
questions will help me:
5 Question One: What is the best thing that can hap-

pen if I pursue this?
Answer: I might find a soul mate, get married and

live happily ever after.
Wonderful Dzekedzeke
Question Two: What is the worst thing that can hap-
Master Guide Instructor
pen if I pursue this?
Answer: I will suffer the pain of disappointment or
rejection if it doesn’t work out.
Question Three: What is the best thing that can hap-

pen if I don’t pursue this?
Answer: I could end up unmarried and happy.
Question Four: What is the worst thing that can

ELECTRICITY SAFETY TIPS
E lectricity is a good servant
if you use it carefully. As a servant
it does many works and wonders
 The tendency of plugging 2 pin
plugs using a knife, spoon, nails,
and wires is also disastrous and
can lead to seri-
ous accidents
and life depends on it. However, if
and burns. Sock-
you are careless and negligent, it
ets or power
will rule over you and may
points do devel-
6 cause serious injuries; it can Top plugs
op some unno-
even be fatal. Simply put, it is an
ticed faults that
‘evil’ master when you let it domi-
 Fuse links: may explode.
nate you.
most people
Let me share with you some safety tend to
tips that can help to avoid some bridge a fuse
unfortunate incidents and acci- in the plug
dents in our homes:
with a bigger
 Make sure that all appliances wire so that they are not trou-
have a top plug of the suitable bled with frequent fuse blow
fuse rating. Most people in their ups due to heavy current loads.
homes and small industries opt This is unacceptable because
for simpler and quicker way of the safety device is bypassed;
fixing power cables directly to you and your equipment are
a power source or socket. not safe.
Good practice
 Don’t use broken plugs or
sockets. They are a source of  Overloading of power

adaptors and exten-
fires and consequent burns or
sions in homes also
deaths. leads to generation of
heat as many items are
connected to a single
point of supply. Many
people in many homes
connect pressing iron,
kettle, toaster, radio
and phone chargers to
a single multi way
adaptor. This may lead
to fires.
 Some people have the tendency of leaving
electrical appliance unplugged from the wall
or power source when not in use. Even more
dangerous is to leave the pressing irons un-
plugged, resting it with its ironing base on a
bed or sofa set. This may lead to fires that
may not be contained. A good practice is to
place the iron as shown in the figure below:
7
DANGER!!
 Use of extension to supply power from
point A to B should be traded well.
The quality and durability of exten-
sions should be looked into. No unpro-
tected connection and the extension
should be well insulated and well
earthed.
Remember
 Moisture is a good friend of electrici-
ty. So avoid using electrical appli-
ance in a moist or wet environment. Safety First, Safety Always
 All devices should be switched off

8 when there is a power outage or
when going out for a long period.
 Maintenance of electrical applianc-

es must be done by a qualified elec-
trician
Hastings Chipungu
 Lastly, report any fault to ESCOM’s Master Guide-In-Training

Faults Department or to a certified Senior Elder
electrician
Common Challenges that Young People Face
A s we work for and with the teens and

young adults we need to understand that they face
challenges in their day-to-day life. We also need to
“Money is a common
concern for young peo-
understand that the challenges have not spared our
fellow youth leaders. It is not an uncommon phe-
ple because today’s
nomenon to find an unemployed youth leader, for young adults are entering
example. Indeed, it is undisputed fact that the youth
of previous generations had their challenges; but the an economy that seems
challenges that face today’s youth and young adults
are complex and varied. It is therefore important for
to be designed to make
9 them to have support and understanding from their sure that they struggle as
older relatives and leaders as they tackle those chal-
lenges. much as possible.”
Economic Challenge for them.

It is of little wonder then to see most young adults
Money is a common concern for young people be- not involved much with the Youth Ministry activi-
cause today’s young adults are entering an econo- ties as they are busy trying to make ends meet;
my that seems to be designed to make sure that their priority and the only thing that matters is to
they struggle as much as possible. The economy make money. Consequently Adventist Youth minis-
seems to have been redesigned wrongly. Early try seems to conflict with their interests. Indeed,
adulthood is traditionally a time where people ex- for them it is time wasting as they will get nothing
perience more financial instability, but today’s at the end of the day. Let us not judge them; we
young people are more aware of income inequality have to understand that they are going through
and less certain that they will ever reach a place of difficult times and if we can then let us help them.
financial stability making this a serious challenge
The Youth Ministry should provide the platform As leaders in the
where the church can easily reach the youth and ad- Youth Ministry,
dress their diverse needs, in the hopes of making we have to chal-
them even economically independent. The connec- lenge the youth by
tions that are within the church should benefit them. being models to
them. To be a model
Social Challenge is an exciting and
rewarding challenge.
More is expected from young people in this genera- As a prac- tical guide,
tion than in previous generations. It is not an easy know their stories, understand and help their
thing for the young adults to find their loved ones; needs if you can; and live out the Christian’s prin-
counterfeit love coupled with the economic chal- ciples so that the youth can follow your example.
lenge has affected greatly the youth’s choices of
A word of caution is necessary here: Even when
marriage partners. As a church, let us provide the
we set out to be a model we have our shortcom-
good environment where the young are groomed
ings as we will not cease to be humans when we
to make useful relationships that can later culmi-
take up the challenge. It is only Jesus that is per-
nate into serious marriage relationships. As leaders
fect. The youth should also understand that their
we also have to allow the senior youths make these
leaders are as much humans as they are; that they
useful relationships.
are only doing their best. The leaders should not
be judged when they fail to live up to the youth’s
We also need to understand that the Youth Minis-
expectations as well. The youth should understand
try is an intergenerational, intercultural and inter-
their leaders and give them the benefit of humani-
social entity. Let us build bridges instead of walls
ty. To the youth who lack role models we appeal
that are usually raised due to our individual differ-
to them to let Jesus Christ be their best and per-
ences in culture, social or economic status, race and
fect model; as they look up to those leaders who
tribe. We are all one regardless of physical, mental,
make a positive impact on their life.
tribal and cultural differences.
Support Challenge
Modeling Challenge
The family is the primary care unit for the youth.
Every youth mainly the teenagers need support
Most young people are lacking role models who can
from their parents or guardians for them to sur-
10 inspire them. Both in church and outside it seems
vive. These are like financial, social, moral, mental
like many young people are disappointed by the
and physical support including protection. They
behavior of the adults. The leaders do not model
need to
what it means to truly be a caring Christian. Most

have these
youth have read or heard about the role of the
and other
church in its community; they have read and/or
support
heard what Christians ought to do to their fellow
needs for
Christians even non-Christians that are in various
them to
need of support. They look up to older Christians
grow as
whom they consider to be mature Christians to
good citi-
practically care for them. When they are denied of
zens and
this privilege by mature older Christians including
Christians. If these teenagers are not provided
their leaders, they get disappointed not only in
with the needed support they start leaving their
their leaders but also in the church that the leaders
homes to look for green pastures.
lead.
commit these politically-motivated to pay for the tuition fees for the
crimes just to make the ends underprivileged students.
The church is an extended family;
it is like a body as understood by meet. Eventually, a good number
Vision challenge
New Testament writers. Being a of youths are in prisons—most
family it is bound to support its people in prisons are between 15
Many young people live without
youth in their various support to 45 years old. As leaders we
vision of what they want to
needs. In this case, the Youth Min- have a role of helping the youth
achieve in life. I have asked many
istry provides a good platform so make better informed decisions
university students of what they
that the church can easily see the that will help them dodge the pris-
want to become after school they
needs in the youth as the gap be- on. We need to provide the in-
say that they will see after the
tween the old and the young van- sight into various ramifications
school. This is because of friction
ishes in the Youth Ministry. Simi- that come with too much involve-
of economics that courses offered
larly, if the church cannot support ment in politics.
in schools do not match with what
the youth, the youth cannot see
Academic Challenge is on the job market. It is also due
the need to remain in the family
to increase in number of university
that does not care for them. They COVID- 19 has contributed greatly
graduates that has led to an in-
eventually leave, most of them not towards academic challenge alt-
crease in unemployment rate.
to return. hough the problem was already
But the Bible tells us that without
there prior to the pandemic. In
Crime and Political Challenge vision people perish hence young
school and career choices, compe-
people need to have a vision of
Many young people are victims or tition and expectations have risen
their future by having goals that
perpetrators of crime because of to the point that that there’s more
are specific, realistic, achievable
politicians nowadays. This chal- competition to get into college in
and time-framed.
lenge is linked to the economic the first place. Some teens feel so
challenge as the youth try to make much pressure to get into a good
Drug and Substance Abuse Chal-
ends meet because the politicians college hence the need to provide
lenge
are not delivering what they prom- support and guidance and be
ised to empower them economi- ready to assist your teen if he en- In 2017, about 6% of senior youth
cally through employment oppor- counters problems. reported using marijuana daily in
tunities or provision of loans that Currently, more youth are able to USA. Although we do not have ac-
have low interest rates and do not continue their studies up to uni- tual figures for Malawi most youth
11 require collateral, for example. versity level than the years before are abusing drugs and substances.
Again MOST young people often 2009. The increase in the number . More than in previous genera-
have a negative opinion of politi- of students in university has led to tions we are seeing more youth
cians, and consider that politicians increased pressure in public aca- involved in this risky behavior.
act more in their own interest than demic resources. More students The behavior can be linked to peer
for society. It appears most young are scrambling for the same public -pressure as most teenagers are
people are used by politicians to universities; this has led to a good copying from their friends. It can
commit various political violence; number of students to farther also be linked to the Media espe-
including looting of people’s prop- their studies in private universi- cially videos they watch and video
erties, damaging properties be- ties. These have to cough for the games they play. The content of
longing to supporters of other par- tuition fees which are higher than these have been made to make
ties, and even involved in beating in public schools. As a church the youth believe that the use of
and killing of the supporters of we can help our youth sail through the illicit drugs and the abuse of
other political parties. The youth this challenge. For example, we drugs and other substances is nor-
can set up a fund that can be used mal even for the teenagers. As a
result, some youth may not perform well academical- Their behaviors need to be understood within the
ly and they don’t respect their parents or teachers framework of the Great Controversy theme. The
whenever they are trying to advise them. youth need to understand that the church is always
there for them—especially when they are caught up
Some even decide to leave their home and go else-
with sin. When they fall they need to be helped in
where to continue with their behavior without having love for we are all in this battle. The Youth Ministry
anyone looking over their shoulder. As leaders and should be modeled after the Old Testament Cities of
the church, we need to educate the youth on the Refugee where sinners were running to for refuge
dangers of the drugs and the benefits of a drug-free and protection. The youth must feel safe in the
church even when they feel they are the most sinful.
life.
As leaders we need not judge them because of their
Spiritual Challenges bad behavior—we need to understand them and
offer them help when the need be. “Do not judge, or
Discussing it lastly does not trivialize it. It is recogniz-
you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1.
ing that the spiritual challenges need a special atten-
tion. In fact any or a combination of the aforemen- A Summary of Strategies of Helping Young People
tioned challenges may eventually lead to the spiritual
challenges. On the one hand, the spiritual challenges “Train a child in the way they should go for they shall
could be likened to signs and symptoms of a particu- not depart from God.” (Prov. 22:6). Be a good exam-
lar disease—they may point to the actual disease. As ple to young people. Having a conversation with a
an example, an economic challenge could be a prob- teen or young adult about difficult issues is not some-
lem which may make the youth to absent themselves thing you should shy away from. Even when it seems
from the church. This challenges us to look for the like they are not listening, as a leader you are one of
real causative agent that may be behind the spiritual the most influential person in their life. It is important
challenge. On the other hand, spiritual challenges are to lay a strong foundation before the window of op-
the problems themselves that need serious and ur- portunity closes. Listen to what the youth have to say.
gent attention. Many young people are in the valley Try not to be judgmental but make your expectations
of making the right decision spiritually. Romans and opinions clear. It is important that the youth un-
7:15, NIV: "I do not understand what I do. For what I derstand that you don't condone certain behaviors
want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." and that they know the consequences of breaking the
rules.
Most young people indulge in certain behaviors which
12 they don’t like spiritually because of the Great Con-
troversy between good and bad. The youth need not
to be judged by their spiritual shortcomings, no.
Mabvuto Chipeta
Chaplain, Malawi Adventist
University (MAU)
Thom “Khondie” Khondiwa

Master Guide Mentor
Mudi Seventh day Adventist
GLOBAL YOUTH DAY – 2020
T
wi Conference adopted an elderly person. Mr. Liyo
Tsilika is aged 87 and resides in Township of
Ndirande, Makata village, Traditional Authority Kapeni
he vision of Global Youth Day (GYD) is to of Blantyre. He lives on repairing worn out shoes for
recapture the reality of Adventist Youth as global those who
movement mobilized for service contributing to the happen to
proclamation of the everlasting gospel and ushering pass by.Living
in the second coming of Jesus Christ. Our Mission is in a very di-
to perform acts of kindness in the community and Be lapidated
the Sermon on that Day. house along
13 Nasolo River,
According to the GC Youth Ministry, Global Youth Day
Mr. Tsilika
was launched on March 13, 2013 with the support of
could not
General Conference Administration the 13 Division
afford a sim-
youth director, Middle East and North Africa Union
ple decent The old “house’’
and the Israel Field. “Since then, a theme for every
house as he
year has always been developed to target an area of
is economi-
charity the youth can be involved worldwide to
cally challenged and has no known relatives around
reach the world’s masses who have not yet received
for his wife supposedly left him in 1960 together
Christ as their personal Saviour and
with their two daughters on an unknown errand to an
LORD.” (youth.adventist.org)
unknown destination. To this day, it is not known
Under the theme “I care” the Adventist Youth of Mudi whether the ‘wife’ or the daughters are still alive or
Seventh Day Adventist Church in the South Mala- not. To a human eye, it has been a lonesome journey
for Mr. Tsilika who has been living alone ever since.
However, it was about to be apparent that Mr. Tsiliza
was not left alone for God was with him. Through the
ministry of the Mudi Adventist Youth, God reached out
to Him in a remarkable way.
Responding to the call from their Commander Jesus to

be His hands and feet to the less privileged, the
“Ghetto Youth” as they are usually dubbed, decided to
mobilise the resources in order to build Mr Tsiliza a
simple decent house.
14
It is true that true religion involves the revelation

of God’s love in living out the gospel we have
been privileged to have. Jesus bids us to be
Good Samaritans in different walks of life’s jour-
ney. Indeed, Jesus cannot be misunderstood
when He tells us to “Go and do like-
wise.” (Luke 10:25-37).
In Progress: The “GYD” Project House
A happy time it was to be
part of the serving youth;
ceasing the opportunity of
being the hands and feet of
Jesus.
It is our sincere hope that Mr Leo

and all that witnessed the project
will one day receive Christ as they
relish the experience of Christ’s
manifestation through the youth.
15
“It is true that true reli-

gion involves the revela-

Greatman Nyasulu
tion of God’s love in liv-
ing out the gospel we GYD-20 Leader
have been privileged to

have.”
eeping Faith In the Face of COVID-19
S
left many countries and citizenry fore God. May I take this oppor-
with nothing to do as many peo- tunity to challenge you to admire
ple have lost their jobs, businesses the heroes of faith as stipulated in
ince the emergence of heavily affected, new worshipping the book of Hebrews (Heb. 11.
the Corona Virus in Wuhan city of styles, many souls laid to rest 4,5,7,8,11,20,22,31,32). The Bible
China, the World in which we are while many trades among coun- states that all these people were
living in has never been the same. tries have come to a halt. In times still living by faith when they died.
It is due to that virus that led tolike these, what are we supposed In other words, these people did
the famous disease commonly to do as Christians? Unbelievers not waver in their faith till death
16 known as COVID-19. This disease are losing hope. What about us called them to rest. These people
has affected the whole world no the believers? The answer is sim- showed their faith when they
wonder the World Health Organi- ple: Keep Faith!!! were in an utmost challenging sit-
zation (W.H.O.) declared it a glob- What is Faith? uation.

al pandemic on 11 March, 2020.
The Benefits of Faith
The Bible defines faith as “being
In a bid to combat the spread of sure of what we hope for and cer-
Let us admire faith of the ancient
this deadly disease which current- tain of what we do not people and its benefits, in the
ly has no medical cure, some see.” hopes of living a life of faith as
(Heb. 11.1)
countries opted for lockdown and they did. The people (Israelites)
closure of country borders which When is Faith kept? passed through the Red Sea as on
led to the suffering of Economic Faith is kept whenever there is a dry land, prostitute Rahab was
System worldwide. The disturb- challenging situation and you are spared while the rest were killed
in Jericho; the walls of Jericho fell
ance of the Economic System has required to do the right thing be-
after people had marched around
them for seven days. With faith Gideon, Barak, Sam-
son, Jephthah,
David, Samuel and the prophets conquered king- “In the face of COVID-19
doms. (Heb. 11.29-32) Just imagine the benefits of
faith.
and Economic Crisis, God
Our Faith Today is looking for His faithful
In the face of COVID-19 and Economic Crisis, God is people as He did with the
looking for His faithful people as He did with the oth- other people in the past.”
er people in the past. These are our utmost challeng-
ing situations in which our true faith is being called
into practice. Hear what God says; “But my righteous
one will live by faith and if he shrinks back, I will not
be pleased with him. But we are not of those who CONCLUSION
shrink back and are destroyed but of those who be- My fellow Christians hear what the Bible says, He-
lieve and are saved.” (Heb. 10.38-39). It was during brews 12. 2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author
the Storm Crisis on the sea of Galilee when Jesus and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before
Christ questioned His disciples, “Why are you so Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat
afraid? Do you have no faith?” Some storms in life down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Let
are so terrifying that we tend to lose faith and doubt us keep faith and live for Jesus.
the saving hand of God. The news we hear each
The itching question one may ask is: Why should we
passing day both from within and globally are so ter-
fix our eyes on Jesus, keep faith in Him and live for
rifying and challenging to our faith; it is in times like Him? The answer to this question lies in the question
these that our Lord and Savior calls us to, turn “to Jesus Himself asked (Luke 18. 8 ), “…When the Son of
me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Our
17 God and there is no other.” (Isa. 45. 22). To look up Lord is very much concerned about our faith there-
to God during times of crisis means you have got fore let us be people of faith during this perilous
faith in Him; without it you cannot. times of the end as Jesus is about to come and take
His faithful people to heaven.

The life we live today should be a life full of faith and
without it one can easily stumble and fall. The book ((All Bible extracts are from New International Version))
of 2 Corinthians 5 : 7 says ; “For we live by faith, not
by sight.” When we live by sight only, the results will
be fear, discouragement and spiritual decline but Jossen Ndalama
when one`s vision is guided by a strong faith, the
Pastor, Mudi
success that attends our work will be greater than
we ever imagined.
Our Future In Our Past
M
um?’ And so, when I reached episode, we will see how the past
Form 3 (2008) I was past History. (or Historic Adventism) managed
Indeed, I was past past. to shape the future (the Current
ore times than Adventism), probably forever!
Let us fast forward a bit and hit a
usual, we find some of our best pause button here. Here, the here Introduction and Issues
lessons in the past. Perhaps that is is 2013 and I have decided to go We voted to have an organised
why some say experience is the through Master Guide course. entity and adopted the official
best teacher; may be because as One cannot be a Master Guide name Seventh day Adventist
you look back what you have gone without some knowledge of Church for the entity in 1860.
18 through you jot down some useful Church Heritage. And yes, I did Twenty eight (28) years later take
lessons. You learn by looking back. not have a choice but to study it as us to 1888. In United States, Min-
Indeed, you learn by history. His- a requirement. Well, Church Her- neapolis, we enter into this room,
tory, whether sacred or secular, is itage is the history of the church. the Conference Room for this
our constant reference despite the But it is more than history for it is church which is officially 28 years
fact that most of us tend to turn a the only point in time where the old. The climate of the room is so
blind eye to or ignore the lessons future meets the past. Like a hot and is characterized by tense
from it. I have to confess, history stream that feeds a river, the past debates and anger. The future of
has never been my thing. I did not feeds the future. More than feed- this church is in doubt. After this
want to memorise the past dates, ing the future, it shapes it. Join me Conference, will the church contin-
and the names of dead persons; in this episode of Church Heritage ue or the Conference is its de-
the thinking was rather simple, as I head back to the past, trailing mise? What’s happening?
‘why should I, as if I am a muse- the future in the process. In this
Well, where there are debates
there are two sides or more. In this case, there are sustain their Sabbath beliefs. They found it a verita-
only two. Two groups, each led by two individuals. ble arsenal of proof texts, which could be marshaled
One cannot fail to see the “Generational Gap” esca- with crushing logic to demonstrate the perpetuity of
lating issues for we have one group being led by the the Sabbath. They courted debate and, impercepti-
“OLD” (they are in their 50s) and the other group by bly to themselves, tended to become just what they
the “YOUNG” (they are in their 30s). As if this was were charged with being: legalists looking to their
not enough, the YOUNG are challenging the “OLD” own actions for salvation rather than to Jesus Christ.”
on interpretation of prophecy {Daniel 7—the 10 king- Richard Swarz and Floyd Gleenleaf quoted by Jud
doms} and on Galatians 3:19-25—is the law moral or Lake. Lake concludes, “Consequently, obedience,
ceremonial? The church (its senior leadership inclu- rather faith, became the key word for most Ad-
sive) believed it was ceremonial; this stand is being ventists during this period.” Indeed, many Adventists
were “convicted that Adventism’s prophetic warn-
challenged by the “YOUNG.” Apparently, the “OLD”
ings should take the front seat, and basic Christian
are the renowned members of the church: The presi-
teaching the back seat.” Ibid.
dent of the General Conference (George I Butler) and
the editor of Church periodical, The Review and Her- Olson tells us that “Adventist ministers preached
ald, and the brains behind the book which was con- much more about the law and the Sabbath than
sidered by many pioneers as inspired, Daniel and about Christ. They became skilled debaters who prid-
Revelation, Uriah Smith. The “YOUNG” are Ellett J. ed themselves on their ability to outargue their Sun-
Waggoner and Arthur T. Jones, coeditors of the Signs day keeping counterparts.” (Robert Olson, 1888—
of the Times, a pioneer missionary paper. issues, Outcomes and Lessons). This ‘traditional Ad-
ventism’ was on the verge of being changed. Indeed,
Some Highlights
the 1888 GC Conference saw the winds of change
“A. T. Jones’s lectures on the 10 kingdoms, presented tempestuously blowing. The change was here for
on the second day of the institute (Theological Com- Olson informs us that “Waggoner’s sermons were
mittee), resulted in discussion that at times became different. He concentrated on Christ—His deity, His
acrimonious.” (1888—issues, Outcomes and Les- humanity, and His righteousness, which He offers to
sons) us as a gift. In this new emphasis Waggoner had the
19 total support of Ellen White.” Ibid.
“As the ministerial institute merged into the General
Conference session, the presentations included ear-
“Adventist ministers preached
nest messages by Waggoner on righteousness by

faith in Christ, but these were looked upon with sus- much more about the law and
picion by the Butler-Smith party.” Ibid.
the Sabbath than about Christ.
A Background and a Future in the Background
They became skilled debaters
Jud Lake in his 2010 book, Ellen White Under Fire,
gives a good backdrop to the story. “By the 1870s who prided themselves on
and [18]80s a new generation of Seventh day Ad-
their ability to outargue their
ventists had arisen. Ridiculed as legalists and Judaiz-
ers by fellow Christians, persecuted in some areas, Sunday keeping counterparts.”
these Seventh day Adventists searched the Bible to
With Ellen White rallying behind Waggoner and what they did during the 1888 Conference. It is
Jones, Butler, Smith and the party looked at the El- worth noting that Ellen White’s books Steps to
len White’s role as a spokesperson of the Lord with Christ, The Desire of Ages, Christ’s Object Lessons
doubt which later culminated into the rejection of and Thoughts From Mount of Blessings, with their
her as the special mouth piece for God. Simply put, emphasis on Christ’s ministry, teachings, character
the role of Ellen White as a messenger of the Lord and righteousness, were all published between 1892
was challenged and consequently rejected. In fact, and 1900; they are largely influenced by the out-
the Butler-Smith party had their suspicions on Ellen come of the Conference. We today can look back
White way before the GC Conference due to the and join Olson in thanking the Lord that “beginning
friendship of her son Willie and Waggoner. William with the Minneapolis conference the subject of justi-
and Waggoner were good friends and were on the fication by faith in Christ’s righteousness has come
same team. The Butler-Smith party thought Ellen’s to have larger place in the thinking and in experi-
judgment would be tainted with favoritism and her ence of Seventh day Adventists.” Robert W. Olson,
position compromised. Indeed, ‘they were sure that 1888—Issue, Outcome, Lessons
she was part of “conspiracy” from California.’ Ibid.
Some Quick Lessons
At the Conference, the role of Ellen White was disre-
The first lesson is to focus on Christ and Christ alone.
garded. She wrote in her letter (14) in 1889 that, Prior to 1888 Conference, most of our influential pi-
“The portion and work God gave me at the confer- oneers focused on observance of the Sabbath. In
ence was disregarded by nearly all. Rebellion was defense of the Sabbath, they preached that it was
popular. Their course was an insult to God.” With impossible to be right with God whilst neglecting the
rejection of Ellen came the rejection of everything Sabbath. They zoomed in the letter of the law and
she stood for including the Waggoner’s new teach- sidelined the spirit of the law. Losing sight of the
ing on the righteousness by faith, which was regard- spirit of the law, they pushed the Sabbath teaching
ed as the new light. The ministers generally were to the extreme and they became critical, argumenta-
opposed to this new teaching. “This light from heav- tive, legalistic and cold. Consequently, instead of
en by some was rejected with all the stubbornness trusting on the righteousness of Christ, they be-
20 the Jews manifested in rejecting Christ.” E.G. White, lieved, taught and trusted in righteousness from
Manuscript 13, 1889. their works (of the law) despite the clear biblical in-
junction against it.
After the Conference Ellen, Waggoner and Jones

spent the next three years conducting revival Today, as we zero in on the Third Angel’s Message of
meetings; preaching and teaching about the new Revelation 14, are we careful enough to rest on the
light on the righteousness by faith. The camp imputed righteousness of Christ? Some say our
meetings and large public gatherings were all infest- righteousness needs to be ‘perfect’ to the extent of
ed with this gem of truth despite the opposition that being able to stand before the Judgment Seat with-
lingered on by some of the Butler-Smith party. As out Christ as our Intercessor. These believe that
time passed and as the new truth marched on, con-
there will come a time when the door of mercy has
quering and to conquer, most of the Butler-Smith
been closed that God’s followers will go through the
party, including Butler and Smith themselves, ac-
Great Tribulation on their own sustained by their
cepted the teaching and asked for forgiveness for
righteousness they have attained through the strict-
est obedience of God as evidenced in the keeping of their salvation.
the Seventh day Sabbath. The advocates of this
During the Reformation Era, how much truth was re-
teaching believe that the Holy Spirit will be removed discovered by John Calvin or Martin Luther? Was it
from the Earth and Christ will leave His followers to everything we know today? Compared with most of
be tested to the greatest lengths as a litmus to the our pioneers, Martin knew very little. And so, it is
‘patience of saints’ claim of Revelation 14:12. Sadly, true as we compare our pioneers with us. As an illus-
these are forgetting Christ’s words “apart from Me tration, they had twenty seven Fundamental Beliefs
you can do nothing” (Joh. 15.5) and “surely I am with and we have twenty eight. We are privileged with
you always, to the very end of the age.” Mat. 28.20. more truth than they were. The generations to come
Another lesson accrues from the first: Preach and/or will also be more privileged than the current genera-
teach Christ. Subsequent to 1888, influenced by the tion. God is still revealing His truth to us, little by
common practice of the day of neglecting the Sab- little. No wonder, the prophet Daniel looked to the
bath, coupled with excitement of the rediscovery of future and saw the knowledge of his book increas-
the Sabbath truth and its eschatological significance ing—he saw people who would be more knowledge-
within the ‘Remnant,’ pioneer Adventists made the able on his book than he was. In every church there-
law of God the main content of their messages. fore, we should also expect the same: the truth be-
However, by focusing on defending the law of God, ing revealed little by little. What am I saying then?
they left out the God of the law in their messages. Should we cast doubt on any biblical truth that we
They strongly defended the Sabbath leaving out the are holding to be true today? Are you kidding? I am
Lord of the Sabbath. Their focus was on winning the not saying that, no; but we should approach differing
argument which they usually did losing the person views with an open mind taking into account that
they debated with in the process. Today, are we not truth has always been progressive. Give others the
repeating the same mistakes? Are we not skillful in benefit of doubt.
debates so much that we pride in our ability to out- Perhaps the most significant lesson for us to jot today
argue our fellows, both Adventists and non- is that “Historic Adventism” is not always purer than
Adventists? Is Jesus the front and center of our ser-
the “Current Adventism.” Many Adventists believe
mons and teachings?
21 that the “current Adventism” has been drifting to-
The other lesson is that of truth being progressive. wards Catholicism; others even say that it has be-
When it comes to the truth, no one has it all. We all come the Babylon of Revelation 18 where God’s peo-
know in part and we teach in part. Sometimes what ple are to come out of her for them to be saved.
we think to be correct today may as well be wrong These base their conclusions on doctrinal changes
tomorrow. The Bible was given to mankind over an including the modification or expansion of the doc-
extended period of time. This implies that at any trines or introduction of new doctrines into the
point in time the people of God were given the truth church. ‘Indeed, so different is Adventist theology
just enough for their salvation. We are privileged to- today from that of the earliest generation, says
day for we have the closed Canon. Think of Abra- George Knight [the denomination’s historian and the-
ham, Jacob or Israelites in the wilderness. How much ologian], that “most of the founders of Seventh day
did they know compared to us? They knew very Adventism would not be able to join the church to-
little. But whatever they knew it was enough for day if they had to subscribe to the denomination’s
Fundamental Beliefs.”’ Richard Rice, Remnant Identi- ing—a betrayal to what the church stood for and a
ty Past and Present: A central Issue For Adventists To- betrayal to the ‘Remnant’ calling. For them the
day. change was a serious threat and an anomaly to the
identity of the Seventh day Adventist church as a visi-
ble eschatological Remnant of the book of Revela-
tion. And so they fought the change but to no avail.
Do you know why? Because given time the truth will
“However, thinking that definitely march on conquering and to conquer.
Adventism is drifting to- Today we are happy because the church swallowed
its pride and changed its earlier stance. Looking at
wards “Catholicism” be- individual pioneers, one will see that they had earlier
positions they changed as they gained more light as
cause our beliefs are well. It is of little wonder then to note that some of
our pioneers like Joseph Bates and James White were
changing is misleading, anti-Trinitarians i.e. were against the teaching of one
God being Three; a position they changed some years
confusing, myopic and later as they discovered more about the truth in the
Bible. Do we have anyone who has not changed or
disastrous as it confines even challenged their own earlier thinking or practice
because of subsequent knowledge and/or experi-
God in the past.” ence? I bet we all have, at least on one point in time.
Again, “Historic Adventism” is not always purer than
the “Current Adventism.”
One last ingredient as I wind up: That gem of truth
However, thinking that Adventism is drifting towards that was rediscovered and incorporated into our faith
“Catholicism” because our beliefs are changing is mis- practice should permeate the teaching and experi-
22 ence of the Seventh day Adventists because it is only
leading, confusing, myopic and disastrous as it con-
fines God in the past. It restricts God’s revelation to Christ’s righteousness that is enough to save us, sin-
the past as it assumes that God cannot reveal further ners.

deep truths today as He did in the ‘past.’ I invite such
to the 1888 Conference where the “Historic Ad-
ventism” made a grave error on theology and its
teaching; and the “Current Adventism” corrected it.
Consequently, the doctrine had to be changed to re-
flect the new stance. The doctrine had to be changed Thom “Khondie” Khondiwa
to reflect the correct stance. Of course, other church Master Guide Mentor
members (even senior members) opposed and
fought against the change; these thought that the
change was a betrayal to the unique Adventist teach-
The Leaders Our Junior Youth Need
T
has been there for a while focus- and do all sorts of amazing skills
ing on Adventurers and Pathfind- with the bike. It was so awkward
ers. Let me highlight here that for the older me and I vowed to
here has been a boom the developers of Master Guide learn. It wasn’t easy as some
of membership towards Master
curriculum had a Pathfinder in trainers were younger than me;
Guide training in the church for
mind although in later years they add that to the mockery that
the past five years. I have been
wondering what caused the sud- bent the curriculum to cater for came with the lessons. It was
den surge in interest towards thethe Adventurers as well. The embarrassing but I was deter-
Junior Youth leaders training leadership for the Pathfinder and mined.
course. Is it the promotions by Adventurer clubs requires one to My aunt was married to a District
the Youth leaders, the rumor millbring out youthful characters to Health Inspector and he was re-
proclaiming that no one without life and mix it with maturity. sponsible for distributing bicycles
Master Guide accolades shall be Putting on children’s shoes helps to Health Surveillance Assistants
elected for church eldership? I
23 a leader to earn trust from them. (HSAs). So, getting a bicycle was
still cannot comprehend fully and
It is not a mean achievement to not a problem. The problem was
would not like to speculate; but it
strike such a balance. how to ride it! More so with
is a good sign that the angle of

Hunter or Humber bicycles which
light keeps on knocking some In 1994, my Aunt took me from
were bigger for a shorter me.
doors. Ntcheu to Phalombe to continue But thanks to Mr. Bobiwa who
The Adventist Youth Ministry has with my standard 8 studies. Pha- used to bring this petit bicycle
two leadership courses leading to lombe was an amazing place for every day to the dispensary. Be-
two service pathways among the me. I recall I was the only person ing ana a mu line (Dispensary
staff children residing within the
youth: The Master Guide for Jun- who could not ride a bicycle
dispensary residences), Grant
ior Youth and Senior Youth Lead- amongst my age mates; these
Ben and I would “borrow” it
ership for Senior Youth. Either even others younger than me without his knowledge, use it for
way you still serve the youth. could give me a ride, take a 50kg my ride lessons and return it be-
Master Guide Training Course bag of maize to the maize mill,
fore noon. With Grant’s help, it did not take long terize learners in Master Guide class.
before I graduated from “borrowing” Mr. Bobiwa’s
bike to riding either the Hunter or Humber from our
home. Well, what drove the ride to the success? It Let me pose my question, Is the training (or the facil-
was not only the availability of the bicycle and the itator) that tough or we perceive it so? Let us
tutors, no. It was also due to the determination I had change the lens of perception. Would you give your
to learn the skill. The determination that was driven child to be taught by someone who is half-baked?
by the passion for the skill I strongly coveted. Get it
Would you want somebody to teach you what they
before you forget it: Passion should be the motiva-
themselves are not conversant with? Well, what
tor for learning any skill.
makes one to be a Master Guide? Is it the title or
The Master Guide Curriculum takes the leader in the uniform they put on? It is neither. It is the
training through teenage life experience, church his- knowledge gained and skills learnt through the train-
tory, church doctrines, health habits, communication ing. Knowledge and skills will transform a person
skills, teaching skills, story-telling skills, mentoring into a Master Guide. How does one acquire
skills (though very prominent in Senior Youth Minis- knowledge and skills? Is it not through seminars,
try), honors and vocational skills. These are basic reading course work, completing assigned tasks and
fundamental pillars for developing a child’s life into a practicing that which is learnt? Of course it is. As a
reliable Christian in the church and consequently a process, learning if interrupted will produce feeble
good citizen of the country. Do we really achieve products. Other than fighting it one should be will-
this? Am not sure, but I should coy too. What would ing to go through it with the pains and difficulties it
be a plausible response to a pastor’s question, “Does entails for it to be effective. The pains and difficul-
the church lead people to heaven?” well, lets just ties will be forgone when the passion for the minis-
say your guess is as good as mine. The Youth Minis-
try’s core objective is to create an environment in
which young ones can experience Jesus as they de-
“As a process, learning if
velop into adulthood. That is why the curriculum is interrupted will produce
so wide capturing almost everything a young person
24 needs. feeble products. Other than
Is it really necessary that an aspiring leader should
fighting it one should be
go through all this? This is a common question

among Master Guides in training. I went to drop off
something at a friend’s house who happens to be a
willing to go through it
Master Guide In-Training. Whilst there, another
trainee joined us and two questions among others
with the pains and diffi-
were posed jokingly: “Can Master Guide course earn culties it entails for it to be
me a job?” “Is it tough than some courses or it is the
facilitator?” Later it was said, “There is too much to effective.”
read aaaaargh!!!!…” The questions and sentiments
went on and on; revealing frustrations that charac-
try leads the way. more and perfect your skills in that area. In other
words, master a certain skillset(s) of your choice;
and be able to teach it comfortably to the youth and
Master Guides are supposed to master that which

fellow leaders. For the other honors you are not
they are called to give to those they shall lead. Just
familiar with, relax. There is always another person
like Jesus went through the best training and taught
skillful in that area to reach out to. The ministry is
from experience we expect our youth leaders to go
like a machine with many parts and the Spirit has it
through the best training and have rich experiences.
all covered by distributing the gifts and talents liber-
The rich experiences begin from the rich training
ally. There is no jack of all trades in the ministry.
you are subjected to. You do not expect rich experi-
Above all else, lead yourself to Christ for you cannot
ences from a shallow training, do you? The deeper
lead the youth where you cannot go; and know
you dig into the soil of knowledge, skills and experi-
what we (Seventh day Adventists) believe.
ences, the richer your knowledge, skills and experi-
ences become. Again, leading the youth is neither in Brethren, let me encourage you to pursue this noble
the uniform nor the title, but the passion to help a path in the church. It gives you a good base for un-
soul that seeks the right path. Passion should alwaysderstanding church administration. It gives you a
precede the leadership work and its training shall firm foundation in the beliefs you hold dear. Do not
weary but hold on to the PASSION you had at the
always be easier than most of us think.
beginning. The youth leaders our youth need are
Master Guides should always be ready to render the leaders that are filled and driven with PASSION;
help where it is needed. Consequently, they should the passion for them and their ministry. The passion
have as many skills as needed in the Youth Ministry. that knows no weary.
The youth we seek to lead to Christ may have high
energy and interest to read and practice that new
skill they have learnt and when they are stuck (and
Wonderful Dzekedzeke
they always get stuck), they always turn to their
25 leader whom they look up to as a constant and read- Master Guide Instructor
ily available guide, counselor, mentor and reference;
will you be able to provide an honest help? It is for

this reason that the Master Guide curriculum is as
wide as it is with a good depth.
Does a Master Guide know everything there is to
know in the Youth Ministry? Nooooo! That is hu-
manly impossible. There are so many books to read,
so many honors to learn and so many activities to
do. However, those requirements provided for us in
the Master Guide curriculum ought to be known be-
yond average. Be yourself. Assert to what you relate
The Role of Parents in Youth Ministry
T
years) and Young Adult (22-30+ God has entrusted parents with an
years). Much as the ministry is enormous job of raising children
open to all members from the age physically, mentally and spiritually.
he Adventist Youth 4, the membership of the ministry As parents we are reminded to
Ministry is an organisation within is largely dominated by the youth train up a child in the “way he
the seventh day Adventist church between 4 to 30 years. To achieve should go and when he is old, he
whose goal is to involve all the the goal of the ministry, it is im- will not depart from it" (Proverbs
26 youth in activities that will lead portant for everyone in the church, 22:6). As a primary care unit a
them to active church membership parents inclusive to be involved in family is an institution which is re-
and train them for Christian ser- the ministry either by being a sponsible for the growth of a
vice. The ministry caters for the member or by supporting the child's spiritual life. Most of the
youth from 4 years of age to those youth who are the members of the parents tend to relax when their
above 30. This is to say that every- AYM. children are members of the AYM;
one young and old, who is 4 years “Similarly, the Youth they leave the whole responsibility
and above, qualifies to be a mem- to the leaders and instructors. Hav-
Ministry does not take
ber of the AYM. The Youth Ministry ing your child in school does not
away the parents' God-
ministers to the youth according to take away the duties of parents to
their ages: Adventurer Club (4-9 given-roles of guiding help them with home works and in
years), Pathfinder Club (10-15 the child in God's way.” studying; going for medical check-
years), Ambassador Club (16-21 ups frequently does not mean par-
ents shouldn't work hard to keep children healthy. which they are supposed to do. Parents should al-
Similarly, the Youth Ministry does not take away ways check with their children on what they are
the parents' God-given-roles of guiding the child in learning or if there is any active assignment to be
God's way. Indeed, the ministry is there to help the done and they should offer assistance where neces-
parents in discharging their duties and not to take sary. Parents should also check with the youth
over their responsibilities. leaders on the same so the completion of the class
How can parents get involved in Youth Ministry? requirements is done with a highest quality possi-
Well, parents with a child in the Adventurer club ble.
should consider themselves Adventurers as well. It is important for parents to familiarise themselves
This is because the Adventurer programme is spe- with the lessons that their children learn during
cifically designed to assist parents in the exciting their regular club meetings. This will help them
and challenging task of raising children spiritually. monitor their child’s progress as it has already been
"The programmes in the Adventurer club are de- alluded to. Remembering that the lessons that the
signed to support parents in assisting children with youth are taught are meant to develop the youth's
the challenging task of developing fully as followers active church membership and train them for Chris-
of Christ. These programmes are for both parents tian service should make parents vigilant to monitor
and children and are supposed to be done both at their child’s progress in completion of curriculum
home and at church." Seventh day Adventist requirements.
Church Manual, pg 140. Among other activities par- Above all, the AYM invites all the parents to be
ents can be involved in are holding parent meetings members of the ministry. When the parents are
where the activities of the club are to be discussed, members of the youth ministry, they become role
attending regular club meetings and assisting the models to the youth, they become the ever present
Adventurer with assignments that are given by their counsellors the ministry needs for the youth, and
instructors. they teach the youth humility seeing a parent
Apart from the distinct roles that parents have in among them and sometimes following orders given
27 the Adventurer club, parents should also be aware by someone younger than themselves.
that their roles continue as their children grow and
move from one club to another. Those with chil-
dren in other clubs also need to understand how

best they can collaborate with the responsible
youth leaders. It is imperative for parents to know
the club and class their child is for this will deter-
Priscilla Katsoka
mine the ‘how’ of assistance their child will need.
Master Guide Instructor
It is also the duty of parents to assist their child
with the lessons they learn at church. The youth
are given various assignments by their leaders
Hard Facts and Rare Perceptions: Braided Hair In
Youth Ministry
“Likewise also that women should for this reason that the paper will ignore the enormous distance that
adorn themselves in respectable proceed. I will not give the policy separates us from the thought
apparel, with modesty and self- for I have never come across any world of ancient times. Not only
control, not with braided hair and Youth Policy on this from any of language, but the customs, con-
gold or peals or costly attire but the youth ministry resources. In- cepts, and even theology differ
with what is proper for women stead of giving policies, I feel safe vastly from our own. In order to
who profess godliness—with and confident to give principles. determine what the Bible means,
good works.” (1 Timothy 2. 9, 10) Principles are good; they are therefore, it is first necessary to
broad, eternal and universal. They find out just what it meant.” Rich-
28
I
cross cultures and can be applied ard Rice, The Reign of God: An in-
in every setting. Policies on the troduction to Christian Theology
other hand are narrow and site- from Seventh day Adventist Per-
specific. What can work at point T spective.
have to mention this at may not necessarily work at point
What I would like to do is to strike
the onset: The slope I am about to K.
an invisible balance between the
tread on is very slippery. People
two ditches that exist on this is-
are divided on this; whenever this The question to be addressed is:
sue. I believe it is always safe to
issue pops up, intense debates Based on 1 Timothy 2.9, 10, walk in the middle of the road. In
that are characterized by anger should we allow ladies participate achieving this objective, I will give
and name calling pop up. Howev- in the Youth Ministry with braided a simple, quick historical context
er, as youth leaders we need to be hair? to the passage, especially in rela-
guided on this sensitive issue. It is “In reading the Bible, we cannot tion to gender and shame of Paul-
ine churches. Then I will answer the “what of now” tery and prostitution. Indeed, (Bruce) Winter notes
part of the text. that a prostitute, by implication, ‘could no longer
Historical context wear the traditional mantle to signify marriage and
hence pull it over the top of her head in public.’”
Generally, Paul’s message is a universal message,
Eliezer Gonzalez.
applicable to all of us. Though universal, it is
wrapped up in a culture of the first or original recipi-
ents. Like most of the authors, Paul shaped his mes- “For Paul, it is
sages according to the culture of people he was ad-
dressing. Indeed, “the honor-shame culture of the “improper” or
first century is a fundamental social background
against which Paul’s epistles must be understood.” “shameful” or
Eliezer Gonzalez, Gender and Shame in Paul’s
Churches. Allow me to illustrate using one of the “disgraceful” for a wife
Paul’s epistles.
“But every wife who prays or prophesies with her
to shave her hair or not
head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the
same as if her head was shaven. For if a wife will not
cover her head.”
cover her head, then she should cut her hair short.
But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her Clearly, for women shaving hair was associated with
hair or shave off her head, let her cover her prostitution. Today, some encourage our ‘sisters’ to
head.” (1 Corinthians 11.5, 6) have “short hairs.” The Greeks and Romans would
have considered it improper and a sign of sexual im-
For Paul, it is “improper” or “shameful” or morality. You see, what was normal for the Romans
“disgraceful” for a wife to shave her hair or not cov- and Greeks may not be normal for us today; clearly,
er her head. Well, how should we understand this? this passage was not intended to be normative and
Cultural context (especially within honor-shame dy- cannot be applied to us today as it was applied to
29 namics) unlocks it. ““[A]s the veil symbolized the the original recipients. If we were to apply it the
way they did then it would mean that our sisters in
husband’s authority over his wife, the omission of
short hairs were all prostitutes. After all, for Paul,
the veil by a married woman was a sign of her

contextually, it is better for women to have long
“withdrawing” herself from the marriage.” J.L. hairs as opposed to short hairs (see 1 Cor. 11. 15)
Sebesta, Symbolism in the Costume of the Roman
Woman. Notice also, “Within Roman culture, for a The same forces also apply in 1 Corinthians 14.35.
woman to have her head shaved (1 Cor. 11:5) was Here Paul says, “It is shameful for a woman to speak
the same as removing the marriage veil. Indeed, in church.” We must not miss the fact that the pas-
Dio Chrysostom informs us that, ‘a woman guilty of sages deal specifically with wives (married women).
adultery shall have her hair cut off according to the Here, culturally, married women were not allowed
law and play the prostitute.’ A shaved head was to hold casual talks with men who were neither
therefore by law associated with the shame of adul- their husbands nor members of their family in wor-
ship (or any public) setting. It is still not allowed in
Eastern culture. “In the Greek and Roman context, braided (or plaited) hair (usually covered with gems,
this kind of behavior by married women was seen as gold, pearls).
sexually aggressive, bringing shame on these women
and the church in the eyes of society. It was a con-
travention of the custom of the time (1 Cor. 14:35)
“Paul asks these Corinthi-
for women to engage in public discussions with an women to keep the veil
men.” Gonzalez.
on because removing it
Our Text
associates these Christian
Paul Zehr, using a comprehensive study by Bruce
Winter and others, gives a simplified explanation of women with promiscuous,
the cultural context of the text. At about 44 BC on-
wards a “new woman” emerged in cycles of Roman liberated women in socie-
world. These thought themselves as being ty.”
‘liberated’ and they claimed a bold freedom in
different spheres of their lives. They exercised
What the Text Means Today
“significant social, financial, and sexual freedom.
Some of them were lax in their commitment to sexu- I quote Gonzalez one last time. “We cannot apply
al faithfulness in marriage and in some cases prac- the cultural norms of first-century Mediterranean
ticed adultery freely. In Corinth their influence society to our own day and practice, although we
affected some Christian women to the degree that must certainly understand and apply the principles
they removed their head veil in the worship service
that pertain to the way in which the body of Christ
(1 Cor. 11:1-16). Paul asks these Corinthian women
should function.” Well, what is the principle behind
to keep the veil on because removing it associates
our text? Paul Zehr has an idea, “Christian women
these Christian women with promiscuous, liberated
women in society.” Paul Zehr. Zehr continues, “The are to appear in more culturally acceptable clothing
newly liberated women in Ephesus appeared with so that the Christian message itself is not misinter-
special braided hairstyle, gold, pearls, and expensive preted by the larger society.” Here, Paul gives the
30 clothing. The sculpture and literature of the period principle that the biblical Paul conveys to us within
make it clear that women often wore their hair in our cultural contexts which may be different from
elaborate arrangements, with braids and curls piled
those of Greco-Roman culture.

high and decorated with gems, gold, and/or pearls.”
Let us imagine with Witherington, who imagines a We certainly do not adorn our hairs with gems, gold
“scene in an evening Christian worship meeting in a or pearls, at least most of us. I do not think our hair-
relatively small space with many lamps (or bulbs) lit. styles can hinder the worship services, at least in
In this situation, hair-styles featuring reflective items most of our local churches. As such, using 1 Timothy
such as gold or pearls would be a regular distraction 2.9, 10 as normative is basically anomaly and mis-
from the proper focus of worship.” (quoted in Zehr). reading of the text which may mislead the church
To avoid these “distractions” and to avoid confu- members; it is reading the passage out of its context
sions brought by associations of prostitution with and making it teach something that it is not teach-
the “liberated” women class, Paul discourages the ing. This is not acceptable.
Christian women from adorning themselves with the On the other hand, Lael Caeser in his article Herme
neutics, Culture and the Father of the Faithful notes, Ministry will follow suit. If at Mudi Seventh day Ad-
“Not a few itinerant denominational leaders have ventist Church, the braided hair is a distraction then
already confirmed, by personal observation, what the “local” church can agree to enforce the
many contemporary believers know by continuous “against” braided hair rule which may or may not
experience, that the local congregation (or what we affect the Youth Ministry. So, should we allow
call local church), at least as much as national or in- them? Well, does the church allow these women
ternational church headquarters, is the true theolo- and men to worship in these and those hairstyles?
gy-defining, perception-shaping, conscience- The point is: If we (whether individually or at “our
educating, identity-giving, culture-establishing agent local church”) choose to refrain from it (braided
in their lives.”
hair), then we should refrain from it without neces-
sarily imposing it upon others. If we were to be
faithful to the text, we would conclude that our in-
“The point is: If we junctions are not biblical. For me, it is a matter of
individual conscience based on individual prefer-
(whether individually or ence. The principles apply to the men’s haircuts as
well.
at “our local church”) The hard fact and the rare perception is that as far
as biblical evidence is concerned, Paul’s injunction
choose to refrain from it against braided hair was never intended to be nor-
mative. It is a message which was given to a specific
(braided hair), then we people for a specific historical purpose which does
not apply today. Its principles therein, however, (of
should refrain from it modesty, simplicity, cheap) are applicable today
though they may be applied differently from one
without necessarily im- individual to another and perhaps from one local
31 church to another.
posing it upon others.”
Lael’s point is enlightening and has an important

implication: If at Kabula Hill Seventh day Adventist
Thom “Khondie” Khondiwa
Church braided hair does not distract the members
from proper worship and the hairstyle is Master Guide Mentor
‘acceptable’ to the surrounding community and that
the community will not confuse the church mem-
bers with pagans, then the church leadership can
allow its women to have the hairstyle and the Youth

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Our Future In Our Past

MMG 09 2020 Mudi Seventh day Adventist Church

Mudi Master Guide Magazine © 2020 Mudi

Book Review: Take A Risk by Ben Carson 4 Adventist Youth Ministry

Electricity Safety Tips 6

Mudi Master Guide is a publication of the

Permission to reproduce this Mudi Master Guide

For More Information:

I cannot write a summary about ble to living joined at the head.

5 Question One: What is the best thing that can hap-

Answer: I might find a soul mate, get married and

Question Three: What is the best thing that can hap-

Question Four: What is the worst thing that can

sockets. They are a source of  Overloading of power

 All devices should be switched off

 Maintenance of electrical applianc-

 Lastly, report any fault to ESCOM’s Master Guide-In-Training

A s we work for and with the teens and

Economic Challenge for them.

what it means to truly be a caring Christian. Most

Thom “Khondie” Khondiwa

Responding to the call from their Commander Jesus to

It is true that true religion involves the revelation

It is our sincere hope that Mr Leo

“It is true that true reli-

gion involves the revela-

have been privileged to

zation (W.H.O.) declared it a glob- What is Faith? uation.

His faithful people to heaven.

nest messages by Waggoner on righteousness by

After the Conference Ellen, Waggoner and Jones

the past as it assumes that God cannot reveal further ners.

is a good sign that the angle of

go through all this? This is a common question

Master Guides are supposed to master that which

will you be able to provide an honest help? It is for

dren in other clubs also need to understand how

the veil by a married woman was a sign of her

those of Greco-Roman culture.

Lael’s point is enlightening and has an important

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