May 12, 2023
Hello Radiant,
The setting was a Denny’s in Lathrop but the topic was Mozambique.
Yesterday, Victor Chen and I were blessed to share breakfast with Alex and Melanie Viana who are missionaries in Mozambique. They are on home assignment and were driving up I-5 on the way to visit family.
If you remember, we partnered with the Mozambique Covenant Church during Advent — financially supporting some church building efforts.
It was great catching up with them! And they pass along warm greetings and deep thanks to you all!
Through their partnership with local Mozambican leaders, the Mozambique Covenant Church have seen incredible transformation. They’ve started three orphanages/ community transformation centers. Amazingly, over 500 Covenant churches have been planted in about 15 years! Often, the churches are located in rural, remote areas where people have never heard about Jesus.
They’ve seen demons-cast out, miraculous healings, dignity brought to those on the margins, orphans re-homed — and a multitude encounter the good news of Jesus Christ.
What struck me as we discussed discipleship for new Mozambican believers is the courage required to follow Jesus.
The Viana’s mentioned that one consistent challenge of discipleship was the practice of seeking out witch doctors for spiritual guidance.
Now to us, on the surface, this would seem quite different than the discipleship challenges we face. Consulting witches probably isn’t a temptation for most of (I think).
But for Mozambicans this practice is deeply rooted in their culture, history, and communal identity. To not visit witches is an act of courageous resistance to prevailing culture practice.
Not consulting witches actually demonstrates radical courage to be different in fidelity to Christ.
Parsing this out isn’t easy for them — nor is it easy for us in our cultural context.
Because we are being formed whether we like it or not. We have our own witch doctors so to speak.
How do we resist idolatrous cultural moulds and choose instead – Jesus?
This week, we are going to take a glimpse at Daniel who embodied courageous resistance and counter formation in an empire set to form him in the way of Babylon.
Daniel is an incredibly relevant and helpful guide to us as we seek to develop a community of counter formation in the way of Jesus.
And it’s Mother’s Day! Bring Mom! Or if you are a Mom, totally play the “it’s Mother’s Day card” and bring your kids to church!
We’ll see you on Sunday at 5PM.
CALENDAR (see below for details)
ONGOING – Home Churches
5/14 – Mother’s Day (No Second Supper this Sunday)
5/17 – Men’s Gathering 6-7AM
5/18 – Radiant Middle School Gathering 7-8:30PM
5/21 – Worship in the Courtyard – w/Hot Dogs and Tots
6/6 – The Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course Begins – Tuesdays 6:30-8:00PM
5/17 MEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY 6-7AM
Coffee, Donuts, Jesus — it’s a good combo. All guys are welcome to join us this Wednesday from 6-7AM at ELC.
5/18 RADIANT MIDDLE SCHOOL GATHERING 7-8:30PM
Radiant Middle School (6-8th grades) will gather on May 18th, at ELC from 7-8:30PM! It will be a sweet and fun time of connecting with God and each other
MAY 21 — COURTYARD WORSHIP AND DINNER
Due to Mother’s day, we are postponing our Second Sunday Supper to 5/21. We are taking it outside! We are going to worship in the courtyard, and have some hot dogs and tots afterwards. Btw — this is the same Sunday as PorchFest in Modesto (1-5). Enjoy Porchfest then join us for worship and we’ll have dinner for you. Suggested donation of $3 for individuals, $10 max for each family.
STARTING JUNE 6 – EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY COURSE
We are pumped to be hosting the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (EHS) course at Radiant! We will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 at Emanuel starting 6/6. This will conclude on 8/1 (no class on July 4). Also, there will be a virtual option for those who are unable to meet in person each due to travel, etc. Invite some others and sign up by May 28th here: https://forms.gle/U1sgvED6GmPmpzVv7
MORE ABOUT EHS:
Pete Scazzero planted and pastored a church a growing church in Queens, New York City. But after 17 years he hit a wall. He realized that while he had experienced conversion to Christ he had never let Jesus deeply transform his heart and character. He was exhausted and not joyful about his life with God. His marriage was hurting and he was resentful about ministry. But Scazzero’s journey eventually led him to a spiritual revolution and a different way — one where he discovered the vital connection between emotional health and spiritual vitality.
The Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course is the fruit of Scazzero’s journey. This is an 8 week course which includes video content and group discussion. Scazzero outlines his journey and offers a road map for a discipleship with Jesus that is powerfully transformative. Topics include how to identify emotionally unhealthy spirituality, how to grow your soul through grief and loss, and how to develop into an emotionally mature adult.
THE FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP WORKSHOP AUDIO RECORDING
We were joined by Sarah Cowan Johnson, author of Teach Your Children Well on May 2nd. It was great! If you missed the workshop — here is an audio recording. This was an insightful teaching and conversation on how Christian formation flourishes best in the home.
BAND APP
One way to connect at Radiant is to join our BAND APP group. Think of this as a sort of Radiant message board — our own little social media space. People can extend invites, share about needs and resources. Please join us! https://band.us/n/adaa739aX4Rca
GIVING
Here’s the online link for giving, tithes, and offerings. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in ministry.
Grace and peace!
Zach
zach@radcov.org
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
