Stephen is one of the men chosen to oversee the food distribution forthe widows, but we see him doing far more than that. He is full ofGod‘s grace and power and performs wonders and signs among thepeople. - P32
His ministry gains the attention of Jews from the Synagogue ofthe Freedmen, who try to argue with him but cannot stand up againsthis Spirit-filled wisdom. - P32
We saw a similar situation play out in theministry of Jesus. Just as they did with Jesus, the Jewish leaders stir upthe people against Stephen by setting up false witnesses and accusinghim of blasphemy. - P32
Stephen suffers gross injustice just as the Lord did,
but Jesus warned His followers that these things would happen. Thisis the road for all Christians. - P32
While only some of us will be called tomartyrdom, we are all called to carry the cross of suffering oppositionfor the sake of Jesus‘ name. - P32
Dear Jesus, all arguments fall short before Your wisdom. Help us to seek You andYour wisdom when the world brings all sorts of arguments against You and Yourpeople. In Your name, amen. - P33
When Botswana gained independence in 1966, it was one of the poorest countries in theworld. Since then, it has risen to a middle-income nation thanks to its diamond exports andsafari tourism. - P32
It is also considered one of Africa‘s most stable nations thanks to its strongleadership and social policies. - P32
Botswana enjoys religious freedom, which allows the gospelto be preached freely nationwide. - P32
The nation continues to struggle, however, with one of theworld‘s highest rates of HIV and AIDS. - P32
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