by Rick Bornman
Shofar Worcester
In early July, Shofar pastors and their families gathered in the Western Cape for a blessed time together – challenging, inspiring, and ministering to one another
The “sound of the harvest” is becoming louder. We discern the urgent voice of the Lord of the Harvest instructing us to prepare to bring in the harvest. With this in heart and mind, we spent a great deal of time at the Summit focusing on maximising the effectiveness of our Sunday services as one of the core platforms for the gathering of the lost, the sanctification of the saints, and the celebration of Christ our King.
Pastor Heinrich Titus reminded us that before numbers and growth, God wants our hearts. Panel sessions highlighted the importance of making hospitality a vital part of our church culture, as well as children’s church and youth groups to disciple the next generations. We were encouraged to prioritise the discipleship of our own children, and to build a relational culture in our churches.
We rejoiced in the moments where the Spirit of the Lord refreshed us. We spent precious times in God’s presence and more than once the formal agenda was “hijacked” by the flow of the Spirit, often accompanied by healings, words of wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, and encouragement.
In one session, many confirming words were shared regarding the restoration of the prophetic voice of the “shofar”. At that moment, a painting from one of our Shofar members was unwrapped, adding confirmation that anointing will flow out and go forth from our churches.
In the last few years our movement has gone through stormy times, and healing remains a process. But it was beautiful to experience the progress in wholeness that God has established during the last year, both personally and as a group. We can rest in the assurance that the Lord will complete the work He started in us.
A word that resonated in our hearts regarding our brokeness was that God is completely aware of all our wounds and although He is committed to our healing, He is just as commited to utilise the hurts and dissapointments we suffered (and indeed will continue to suffer) to bring the good news of the Gospel and subsequent healing to others. He is as intimately involved in the process as He is committed to the final “product”.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NKJV)
Rick Bornman is the pastor at Shofar Worcester.