Pastor's Corner

Two Are Better than One

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

Have you discovered yet that you are incomplete by yourself? Well, during my "teenage years" you would have been hard-pressed to convince me that I needed anyone else. I was at the stage where I thought I had it all, knew it all and could handle it all. I knew few people willing to admit their need for others, but many who lived according to this principle of doing it all on their own. However, sooner or later there is a discovery of the truth regarding their need for others.

In fact, God made us to need others. You have heard me quote this African proverb many times either in writing or verbally: and that is: Umatu Ngumutu, Ugabantu “ A person is person, because of another person” Sometimes we may not discover this until we fail - fail in a business, a marriage, a close friendship, a client relationship, etc. We are incomplete without the ongoing input from others into our lives.

I am very proud to say that I am who I am today because of godly influences of people I met on my faith journey. When I became a Christian in 1968 I had a friend by the name of Vitalis who discipled me as young Christian. I wanted to learn, and he was there to assist and guide me. I am so convinced without any doubt that, God strategically placed certain women and men of God in my path to teach, help, and shape my faith in God and in ministry. I think an independent spirit is one of the most detestable sins from God's viewpoint. It is the highest form of pride that goes contrary to the character of God. "Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice" (Prov. 13:10).

God has made each of us so that we have only so many gifts. He did not give any of us all the available gifts. Hence, we learn to depend on others and to humbly trust others to complete us where we are deficient. My learning has come through simple, common people.

Here are some examples: David had Jonathan. Paul had Silas. John Wesley had George Whitefield. Martin Luther had Philip Melanchthon, who was 14 years younger. Martin Luther learned that he needed someone in his life to complete the work God called him to do. Luther had the greatest respect for this friend who helped him reform the Church of their day, and the Church as we know it at present. Luther learned a great deal from Melanchthon, who was a great scholar at a young age.

He could speak several languages, and he became Professor of Greek at the new University of Wittenberg at 21 years of age. Melanchthon helped shape the Protestant movement of the sixteenth century through his writings, moral purpose, and religious conscience. Luther and Melanchthon became inse- parable, and when they died, they were buried next to each other.

It was said that Martin Luther, the Reformer, was often discouraged. In fact, his wife thought the only way to help him was to shock him out of it. She put on a black dress and veil as if she was going to a funeral. When he asked her who had died, she said, "Martin, haven't you heard? God has died." He declared, "That is blasphemy!" His wife said, "Aye Husband, and it is blasphemy for you to be living as if God is dead." Needless to say, Martin snapped out of it!

On Sunday, March 30, 2008 our congregation at St. Ansgar paid a tribute to Dr. Rev. Jan Dijkman, former president of Zerf Production and a friend of our St. Ansgar. During the service we were ministered to by three singers who sung “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This song has been ringing in my mind for days now. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’, (Philippians 4:13) so true are these words from the apostle Paul.

Because, the road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure; a loop called Confusion; speed bumps called Friends; red lights called Enemies; caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination; an engine called Perseverance; insurance called Faith, and a driver called Jesus, we will make it to a place called Success!

Who has God placed in your life at this moment to complete you? Perhaps it is a mate, spouse. Perhaps it is a close friend. Perhaps it is a business partner. If you lack this in your life, I encourage you to seek someone out who can speak into your life. If you have someone like this, tell him or her how much you appreciate the role he or she plays in your life and your walk with God. God always put such people on our path to help us be the people God meant for us to be. “We are people, because of other people”

Two are better than One.

Shalom to you all,
Your pastor and friend,

Pastor Samuel King-Kabu

Memorial service for Dr. Jan Dijkman

During our regular Sunday morning service on March 30, we remembered the life of Rev. Dr. Jan Dijkman, and all he did as President of Zerf Productions to help the children of Africa, and their families, who are suffering from the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The special music during the service included two songs by Vivienne Deane and her trio. The second one was her own composition set to the words of the 23rd Psalm.

The St. Ansgar’s Handbell Choir played “There is a Balm in Gilead” with vocal accompaniment by Thomas Leslie, who also conducted the group. St. Ansgar’s Voice Choir, directed by Thomas, sang “The Palm”. Thomas Leslie, organist and Music Director at St. Ansgar’s also sang a lovely solo, "O Divine Redeemer" by Charles Gounod, accompanied on the piano by Linda Tae.

Wilhelmina Fredericks spoke about the impact Dr. Dijkman had had on her life as her colleague, friend and mentor. She announced that Pastor Samuel King-Kabu has agreed to take on the position as President of Zerf, taking over from the late Dr. Dijkman.

Dr. Hugues Loemba was introduced and he spoke briefly to the congregation about his work with Zerf. A parishioner from St. James the Apostle also spoke briefly about the importance of Dr. Dijkman to their congregation, where he was pastor for a number of years until his retirement.

Family members and friends of Dr. Dijkman were present for the memorial service. After the service we had a hospitality hour in Beck Hall. Thank you to everyone who made this a special occasion.

Web Page prepared by:
Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2008/09/16
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal