"My father was a rice christian"
By Georg Lindhoud
It happened somewhere in India during the 19th century. Missionary work had been going on for decades and rice had been distributed to the poor. People with hungry stomachs eagerly came for the rice. The Word of God that the missionaries brought was tolerated. After all, you have to do something to fill your stomach.
At an important church meeting the question was asked, “Is it right to distribute rice to people so that they will hear us? Aren’t we turning them into rice Christians? Aren’t they following us only for the bread (John 6:26)?”
At one point during the ensuing discussion, a respected minister stood up. He looked at the brothers who were participating in the meeting. They looked at him. What would he add to this conversation? He said this, “Brethren, my father was a rice Christian.”
As a little boy, he had come to hear the Word this way, holding the hand of his father. His father came for the rice. For this boy it had become eternal gain. God’s Spirit had sought him out there, and now he was allowed to serve the church as a pastor and teacher.
Voluntary bible classes
I had to think of this example now that we have started Bible classes for the community in Hammanskraal. Participation is voluntary. Everyone who works at the Garden of Hope is welcome. But also people from outside, neighbours, friends, and family members. These Bible classes are separate from the food distribution. Those who come, come there of their own accord. To learn more from the Bible. To study God's Word together. To pray together to the living God.
It is a reason for joy that people show interest. Attendance varies. Sometimes there are ten people. Sometimes there are twenty people. Sometimes thirty. The first few weeks we focused on the Bible book of Jonah. Although this history only consists of four chapters, it is deep and rich in content.
bread of life
God's Word will never return void, but will accomplish that which He pleases, whether by means of a food distribution or a voluntary Bible class. We do not have to prescribe the way for the Lord. One thing is certain, where He works, a hunger and a thirst for the living God arises. And where He works, miracles happen. There hungry and thirsty souls are satisfied with the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
