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Dr. Jonathan Weaver: Hope in the Congo | Praise

April 23, 2026 | 56:30

Hosted by TBN’s own Matt and Laurie Crouch along with other popular personalities, Praise features the best in contemporary Christian music and worship, fresh and impacting ministry voices, engaging interviews from a wide variety of guests, and a fast-moving hour of relevant talk you won’t want to miss!

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Praise | Dr. Jonathan Weaver: Hope in the Congo | Praise | April 23, 2026

Coming up tonight on praise,
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Pastor and author rick warren, who wrote the purpose driven
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Life, says that, "purpose is discovered by connecting
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With god.
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And once you identify the calling on your life, that
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Purpose will provide the motivation and passion to
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Accomplish great things for god."
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Tonight on praise, i will introduce you to a man who was
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Comfortably serving as pastor of a great church
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When god made it very clear to him that there was much, much
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More for him to do.
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I really do believe that in order for anyone to get a
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Better sense of what god has in store for your life, you have
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To spend time with god.
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Because of his willingness to accept god's enhanced calling,
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Today thousands of children and families are being impacted
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Every single day.
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What began as a school in 2015 with 86 students,
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Here we are now, 11 years later, there's 1600
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Students at the school.
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All of the kids are either the children of rape survivors, the
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Children of refugees, or they're orphans themselves.
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But now they are getting a meaningful education.
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But most of all, they're now filled with hope for a much
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Brighter future for themselves.
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Perhaps god has a special calling on your life, or you
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Are feeling the tug of god to follow a very specific vision.
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If that's you, then this program is going to be a great
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Encouragement to you.
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We are seeking purpose and
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Finding favor tonight on praise.
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I was blessed to meet doctor jonathan weaver several years
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Ago, and believe it or not, of
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All places, it was at a funeral.
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We call them homegoing services, but from there we
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Forged a great relationship over the years, and i've indeed
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Been honored to speak at his church on many occasions.
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I'm glad he invited me back.
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You know what?
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He's been a pastor for over 35 years and currently oversees 40
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Churches as a presiding elder of the ame church.
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He's also the founder of weaver international school in the
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Democratic republic of congo.
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And it is his work in africa that has totally changed the
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Trajectory of his calling and ministry.
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Reverend weaver, good to see you again,
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And especially in this forum here.
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Glad to be with you, jb.
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And as we, i guess, introduce you to the public, if you will,
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On a global sense tv wise,
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Talk about what your upbringing
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Was and how all of this came to be.
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I grew up in rockville, maryland, one of the suburbs of
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Washington, d.c.,
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Spent my formative years there, and then i went to
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Undergraduate school in
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Saint louis, missouri, washington university.
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And of course, i grew up in the church and sang in the
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Children's choir at a much earlier age.
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Oh, so you've got a voice to sing then, huh?
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Okay, a little bit.
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A little bit.
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All right.
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But nonetheless, when i got to washington university, there
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Was a pivotal moment where a group of students were looking
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At a photo album,
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And i went over and looked at that photo album, and it was
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Images of africa.
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And i subsequently learned that that photo album belonged to a
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Medical school student who had told me that she had gone
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Through a program called operation crossroads africa.
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Which was all about what?
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Well, it was started by the late james robinson, who was a
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Pastor in harlem who had traveled to africa in 1953.
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And he saw the sweeping movement towards independence
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On the continent.
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And in turn, he came back to the united states after that
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1953 visit and lectured on college campuses about a vision
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That he had to have an opportunity for students to be
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Able to go to africa during their summer months, and to
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Work alongside of what became known as counterparts on some
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Type of community development project.
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And so in 1958, the first group of what became known as
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Crossroaers went to ghana, which had become independent the
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Previous year of 1957.
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I ended up going as a volunteer in 1971.
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That experience changed my life.
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What about that trip impacted you the most?
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It was an eye opener for me.
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I'd never been to africa before that.
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I knew just very little about africa.
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As a matter of fact, one of the quotes from doctor robinson
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That struck me was that the darkest thing about africa is
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America's ignorance of it.
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The explanation of that being what?
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Meaning that unfortunately, here in america that within.
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Particularly the public school system, very little is
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Taught about africa.
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We learn very little.
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As a matter of fact, when i think about the continent of
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Africa, even now, most people do not know that there's 54
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Sovereign nations on the continent of africa.
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And we're talking about at
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Least 2 billion people on the continent.
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So i think that one of the things that crossroads wants to
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Do and has done is to make sure that people have a broader view
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Of the world.
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And that's been done through crossroads africa.
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There's been now over 16,000
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Volunteers that have participated on the
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Crossroads africa program.
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Gosh, who would know?
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So, doc, when do you think or do you know you actually had a
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Calling on your life in ministry?
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Well, the calling came shortly thereafter when i graduated
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From washington university.
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I then went to the business school at harvard, and while
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There i joined an ame church under the leadership at the
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Time of reverend john richard bryant.
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He was and is still a very charismatic individual.
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And i could tell the impact that africa had upon his life
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Shortly thereafter, because he had been a peace corps
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Volunteer in liberia.
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And while i was at saint paul ame church,
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He also galvanized us to become involved in the drought
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Problems there in ethiopia at the time.
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And i latched on to that.
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But it was also his tremendous preaching that really propelled
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Me into receiving my call to the ministry and particularly
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To the preaching ministry.
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So talk about in terms of a calling, because many people, i
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Guess, can experience that in different ways.
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What would you say to most people who want to know if what
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They're hearing is indeed a calling on their life?
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I think that it starts with having a developing and then
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Growing relationship with god
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Because just like in a marriage, you feel that you're
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Getting to know somebody before you marry them
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And it's because you've spent time with them, and likewise, i
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Really do believe that in order for anyone to get a better
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Sense of what god has in store for your life, you have to
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Spend time with god.
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Spending time with god means choosing to slow down and be
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Present with him, just like you would with someone you
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Deeply care about.
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It's not about following a strict routine or saying
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Perfect words.
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It's about building a real relationship.
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For some, it includes prayer, talking honestly about your
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Thoughts, struggles, and gratitude.
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For others, it's reading scripture and reflecting on how
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God's word leads and impacts their daily life.
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It can also be found in quiet moments, sitting in stillness,
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Listening or simply being aware of his presence.
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Spending time with god helps you realign your heart.
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It brings peace in the middle of stress,
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Clarity when life feels confusing,
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And strength when you feel weak.
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It reminds you that you're not alone and that your life has
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Real and valuable purpose.
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At its core, spending time with god isn't about obligation.
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It's about connection.
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It's choosing every day to draw closer to the one who already
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Knows you fully and loves you unconditionally.
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So people need to, number one, listen very carefully, pray,
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And then engage yourself with relationships that can help to
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Drive you towards the calling that god has for your life.
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Operative words in what you just shared,
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Developing a relationship with someone,
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Knowing how to pursue your calling all speaks to the
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Important role of mentoring.
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Talk about why that is significant and how you went
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About being mentored.
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Uh, i was receptive.
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That's the first thing.
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In contrast to what i thought i was going to do when i first
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Entered the business school, the shift that took place.
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But again, with the respect
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That i had for then pastor bryant,
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I listened intently, not only to the sermons, but also when i
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Had an opportunity just to
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Speak to him privately one on one.
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Uh, i will never forget, for example, one statement that he
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Said to me when i was being offered a position after i
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Graduated from the business school, and i struggled
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With the decision.
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And he said to me, jonathan, sometimes the blessing is just
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Being asked. mhm.
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I didn't take that job
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Because i fully embraced what he was saying to me.
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So i had the highest and still do have the highest respect for
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Now retired bishop john richard bryant.
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It's important to be able to listen very carefully to people
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That you respect.
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You shared in conversations that we've had that it was
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Actually a trip to the democratic republic of congo
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That changed everything for you.
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How and in what way?
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That first trip was taken in 2010.
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And during that experience, as i went over to the democratic
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Republic of congo and met with members of the ame church,
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Because the ame church is a worldwide denomination, it has
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Presence in 30 countries in africa,
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But having an opportunity to be able to connect with members of
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The church there in the democratic republic of congo
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For the very first time, and to be able to witness some of the
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Trials and the challenges that they were facing that moved me.
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And as a result of that, after hearing some of the concerns
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That they had and their desire to be able to link up with
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Members of the ame church here in the united states pushed me
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And i said, i want to see what i can do out of the local
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Church, but widening that to include others
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Around the united states,
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So that led to a medical missions team that went in 2012
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To rwanda, as well as to the democratic republic of congo.
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What was that like? oh my gosh.
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For the first seven years of us engaging in medical missions
00:11:44.160 --> 00:11:48.798
Projects every year for two weeks, we normally had about
00:11:48.798 --> 00:11:52.234
15, maybe 20 persons that traveled specifically to rwanda
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And to the democratic republic of congo.
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And the pastors there in those two countries were there for
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Letting people know within the broader community in their
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Respective countries that we were coming.
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And so when we arrived every single day, when we would go to
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The church where the medical mission was going to be held,
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They were lined up at 6:00 in the morning.
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And so we provided medical care until it became dark.
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And so we did that for seven years in a row.
00:12:28.838 --> 00:12:31.473
And it ended up we were able to treat over 33,000 people.
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So, doc, i hear the framework of the church there in place in
00:12:36.045 --> 00:12:40.049
Africa certainly was very comforting, if you will.
00:12:40.049 --> 00:12:43.219
You had an infrastructure in place.
00:12:43.219 --> 00:12:45.287
But you talk about the impact of the children.
00:12:45.287 --> 00:12:49.859
Talk about what that impact was and how it's led to
00:12:49.859 --> 00:12:53.329
Where we are today.
00:12:53.329 --> 00:12:55.064
I had an observation for so many of the children, the
00:12:55.064 --> 00:12:58.868
People in general.
00:12:58.868 --> 00:12:59.869
I remember that one of the
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Children that doctor nelson treated,
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He was very, very sick and brought to the church by his
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Mother and doctor nelson immediately diagnosed him with
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Malaria and said that this boy
00:13:14.183 --> 00:13:16.485
Needs to get to the hospital immediately.
00:13:16.485 --> 00:13:19.188
Mother said, i have no money.
00:13:19.188 --> 00:13:21.190
There's no way for me.
00:13:21.190 --> 00:13:22.291
So we pulled together money to get--
00:13:22.291 --> 00:13:25.060
And so that boy ended up going to the hospital.
00:13:25.060 --> 00:13:27.296
We saw him the very next day and because he received
00:13:27.296 --> 00:13:32.201
Treatment literally 24 hours earlier, doctor nelson
00:13:32.201 --> 00:13:36.572
Diagnosed him,
00:13:36.572 --> 00:13:37.773
When we saw him the next day
00:13:37.773 --> 00:13:39.842
There at the hospital, he was smiling.
00:13:39.842 --> 00:13:42.311
He was able to stand up quickly, just as a matter of
00:13:42.311 --> 00:13:46.548
Being able to be diagnosed properly.
00:13:46.548 --> 00:13:49.018
I got moved by that, but so did officials within the ame church
00:13:49.018 --> 00:13:53.856
Because the local government there in goma took notice of
00:13:53.856 --> 00:13:58.694
What we had been doing, and they complimented the local
00:13:58.694 --> 00:14:03.365
Leadership of the ame church there in goma, saying, you're
00:14:03.365 --> 00:14:08.003
Doing some wonderful work in partnership with your friends
00:14:08.003 --> 00:14:10.739
In the united states.
00:14:10.739 --> 00:14:12.641
And so the leader of the ame church there in goma decided
00:14:12.641 --> 00:14:17.913
That they needed to try to do something that would go beyond
00:14:17.913 --> 00:14:21.183
Our two week visit every year.
00:14:21.183 --> 00:14:24.386
And they decided upon the
00:14:24.386 --> 00:14:26.255
Establishment of a school in 2015.
00:14:26.255 --> 00:14:30.459
And as a result of that, what began as a school in 2015
00:14:30.459 --> 00:14:34.396
With 86 students,
00:14:34.396 --> 00:14:36.131
Here we are now, 11 years later, there's 1600
00:14:36.131 --> 00:14:41.637
Students at the school.
00:14:41.637 --> 00:14:44.206
All of the kids are either the children of rape survivors, the
00:14:44.206 --> 00:14:48.777
Children of refugees, or they're orphans themselves,
00:14:48.777 --> 00:14:53.048
But now they are getting a meaningful education.
00:14:53.048 --> 00:14:56.418
But most of all, they're now filled with hope for a much
00:14:56.418 --> 00:15:01.090
Brighter future for themselves.
00:15:01.090 --> 00:15:03.058
Children of rape survivors, orphans.
00:15:03.058 --> 00:15:08.530
How in the world did you even think that a school would be
00:15:08.530 --> 00:15:11.000
Something that could be long lasting and impactful under
00:15:11.000 --> 00:15:15.637
Those circumstances?
00:15:15.637 --> 00:15:17.172
And quite frankly, it was not me that made that decision, but
00:15:17.172 --> 00:15:20.642
The leader of the ame church there in goma, the senior
00:15:20.642 --> 00:15:24.146
Pastor of the largest ame church. they had, in fact,
00:15:24.146 --> 00:15:27.383
Along with himself and a group of other pastors, had actually
00:15:27.383 --> 00:15:31.120
Been looking at creating a health clinic.
00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:33.822
But they decided no.
00:15:33.822 --> 00:15:35.391
And so they decided to create the school.
00:15:35.391 --> 00:15:39.128
Once the school was created, they called me a month later
00:15:39.128 --> 00:15:42.664
And said, pastor weaver, we decided to name
00:15:42.664 --> 00:15:45.567
The school after you.
00:15:45.567 --> 00:15:47.770
And it's now called--
00:15:47.770 --> 00:15:49.038
The weaver international school.
00:15:49.038 --> 00:15:51.407
So, doctor weaver, you started with 86 children, and that was
00:15:51.407 --> 00:15:54.410
How many years ago? 2015.
00:15:54.410 --> 00:15:56.512
And the enrollment now is? 1600 students.
00:15:56.512 --> 00:16:01.950
1600 students. i mean, it may be an obvious
00:16:01.950 --> 00:16:04.887
Question, but what's been the attraction?
00:16:04.887 --> 00:16:07.589
The effectiveness of the teachers, but also the
00:16:07.589 --> 00:16:11.794
Spiritual underpinning at the school.
00:16:11.794 --> 00:16:15.164
What is that spiritual underpinning?
00:16:15.164 --> 00:16:16.799
Every single day of the school,
00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:18.534
They start with a devotional period.
00:16:18.534 --> 00:16:21.737
There is indeed this opportunity where one of the
00:16:21.737 --> 00:16:24.373
Local ame pastors comes and provides a devotion, leads the
00:16:24.373 --> 00:16:29.111
Children in prayer, and lets them know that they're being
00:16:29.111 --> 00:16:32.247
Covered entirely every single day.
00:16:32.247 --> 00:16:35.818
And that becomes the tremendous
00:16:35.818 --> 00:16:37.553
Underpinning for the school itself.
00:16:37.553 --> 00:16:40.055
What might that devotion look like, doc?
00:16:40.055 --> 00:16:42.057
It would include what and how
00:16:42.057 --> 00:16:43.759
The young people are responding?
00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:46.261
Well, my goodness, the pastors will be to taking a particular
00:16:46.261 --> 00:16:50.299
Text, maybe that i can do all things through christ
00:16:50.299 --> 00:16:53.302
Who strengthens me.
00:16:53.302 --> 00:16:55.137
Or jeremiah chapter 29,
00:16:55.137 --> 00:16:57.840
For god has plans for you, not to harm you, but to give you
00:16:57.840 --> 00:17:01.243
A bright future.
00:17:01.243 --> 00:17:02.411
That's got to be a good message in that environment too
00:17:02.411 --> 00:17:04.746
With so much conflict--
00:17:04.746 --> 00:17:06.148
So much conflict, and actually the average income for people
00:17:06.148 --> 00:17:10.986
There in eastern congo and specifically in goma is
00:17:10.986 --> 00:17:14.623
Less than $2 a day.
00:17:14.623 --> 00:17:17.259
And so with that kind of environment, there needs to be
00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:20.729
Something that says to the kids, there's something better
00:17:20.729 --> 00:17:24.166
For you over time.
00:17:24.166 --> 00:17:25.801
And so that's the kind of message that's conveyed just
00:17:25.801 --> 00:17:30.105
About every day.
00:17:30.105 --> 00:17:32.007
There's another one that comes to mind, at least for me.
00:17:32.007 --> 00:17:35.544
And that is when jesus looked at his disciples and said,
00:17:35.544 --> 00:17:38.647
Greater things shall you do.
00:17:38.647 --> 00:17:42.017
And i say to the kids, as well as with the pastor, say to
00:17:42.017 --> 00:17:45.187
Them, listen, children, greater things are going to
00:17:45.187 --> 00:17:49.124
Come through you.
00:17:49.124 --> 00:17:51.360
Jesus says in john 14:12, whoever believes in me will do
00:17:54.930 --> 00:17:59.668
The works i have been doing, and they will do even greater
00:17:59.668 --> 00:18:02.771
Things than these.
00:18:02.771 --> 00:18:04.439
That's not just a statement, it's an invitation.
00:18:04.439 --> 00:18:10.145
Doing greater things starts with belief.
00:18:10.145 --> 00:18:13.148
Not just believing in god, but believing that he can
00:18:13.148 --> 00:18:15.784
Work through you,
00:18:15.784 --> 00:18:17.085
That your life has purpose,
00:18:17.085 --> 00:18:18.687
That the calling he placed inside of you is real.
00:18:18.687 --> 00:18:21.423
Faith isn't passive.
00:18:21.423 --> 00:18:23.058
It moves you to step forward even when you don't feel ready.
00:18:23.058 --> 00:18:26.461
When you trust god, your
00:18:26.461 --> 00:18:27.896
Actions begin to ripple outward.
00:18:27.896 --> 00:18:31.800
You impact your family through love, patience, and leadership.
00:18:31.800 --> 00:18:36.104
You impact your community
00:18:36.104 --> 00:18:37.706
Through kindness, service, and courage.
00:18:37.706 --> 00:18:40.876
The greater things aren't always loud or famous.
00:18:40.876 --> 00:18:44.613
They're powerful because they're led by god and his
00:18:44.613 --> 00:18:47.382
Plans for your life.
00:18:47.382 --> 00:18:49.351
You don't have to have it all figured out.
00:18:49.351 --> 00:18:51.753
You just have to believe,
00:18:51.753 --> 00:18:53.455
Take the next step, and trust that god will do the rest.
00:18:53.455 --> 00:18:57.492
So ask yourself, what is the greater thing god has
00:18:57.492 --> 00:19:00.429
Called you to do?
00:19:00.429 --> 00:19:03.031
Talking about the impact of that undergirding that you
00:19:06.568 --> 00:19:09.771
Mentioned, let me just read this letter from one young man.
00:19:09.771 --> 00:19:13.342
I believe he's nine years of age, mr. ahadi clovis.
00:19:13.342 --> 00:19:17.246
And it reads as follows.
00:19:17.246 --> 00:19:18.880
I study at weaver international school.
00:19:18.880 --> 00:19:21.717
I'm happy to tell you that weaver international school
00:19:21.717 --> 00:19:25.454
Is the best.
00:19:25.454 --> 00:19:27.322
I love my school.
00:19:27.322 --> 00:19:29.091
It is home.
00:19:29.091 --> 00:19:30.592
I love my teachers.
00:19:30.592 --> 00:19:32.461
I love my friends in the classroom.
00:19:32.461 --> 00:19:35.230
Dear teachers and pastor weaver,
00:19:35.230 --> 00:19:37.733
I have a dream for my life.
00:19:37.733 --> 00:19:40.969
I have a dream for my family.
00:19:40.969 --> 00:19:44.172
I have a dream for my country.
00:19:44.172 --> 00:19:47.809
I want to be an engineer.
00:19:47.809 --> 00:19:51.380
Help me to get my dream please.
00:19:51.380 --> 00:19:55.484
When you hear that so well expressed,
00:19:55.484 --> 00:19:59.054
Written by a nine year old, it underscores all that you were
00:19:59.054 --> 00:20:02.991
Saying about what is taking
00:20:02.991 --> 00:20:04.559
Place with transformation there.
00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:07.296
Written, of course, in the english, spoken in english, in
00:20:07.296 --> 00:20:10.632
A country where the national language is french.
00:20:10.632 --> 00:20:13.835
But he spoke with such confidence.
00:20:13.835 --> 00:20:16.371
He stood erect when i was there in october, to present that
00:20:16.371 --> 00:20:19.841
Greeting to us that had traveled on that experience.
00:20:19.841 --> 00:20:23.078
He's a leader.
00:20:23.078 --> 00:20:24.079
What did it do to you when you heard that?
00:20:24.079 --> 00:20:25.681
I was so moved by it, i really was.
00:20:25.681 --> 00:20:27.849
I mean, emotions just washed over me as we were going
00:20:27.849 --> 00:20:32.521
Into the structure.
00:20:32.521 --> 00:20:34.423
That, by the way, is, well, i guess talk about later,
00:20:34.423 --> 00:20:37.492
But through the support of a gentleman there in prince
00:20:37.492 --> 00:20:40.295
George's county, maryland.
00:20:40.295 --> 00:20:42.064
But again, first time going into the site once it had been
00:20:42.064 --> 00:20:45.667
Completed, and there were hundreds and
00:20:45.667 --> 00:20:48.136
Hundreds of people there to welcome us on this particular
00:20:48.136 --> 00:20:51.506
Visit in just.
00:20:51.506 --> 00:20:52.974
October of last year.
00:20:52.974 --> 00:20:54.409
But that young man, ahadi, spoke to that large
00:20:54.409 --> 00:20:58.213
Audience with confidence.
00:20:58.213 --> 00:21:00.282
And he's a future leader, no doubt about it.
00:21:00.282 --> 00:21:02.751
And that young man, ahadi clovis, that wasn't an isolated
00:21:02.751 --> 00:21:06.555
Tribute, if you will, for the impact of the school.
00:21:06.555 --> 00:21:09.491
There are others who have similar testimonies as well.
00:21:09.491 --> 00:21:12.761
Let's give a listen to them.
00:21:12.761 --> 00:23:49.651
So, doctor weaver, that's simply amazing and impactful to
00:23:53.221 --> 00:23:57.425
See what all of these students are eating hungrily.
00:23:57.425 --> 00:24:01.530
Is that commonplace?
00:24:01.530 --> 00:24:03.331
When i say eating hungrily, the teaching and again, the
00:24:03.331 --> 00:24:07.903
Christian, the faith undergirding that you were
00:24:07.903 --> 00:24:10.739
Talking about.
00:24:10.739 --> 00:24:11.907
Oh, absolutely.
00:24:11.907 --> 00:24:13.308
I mean, the kids there are hungry for teaching and even,
00:24:13.308 --> 00:24:20.782
Of course, about the precepts of jesus christ and what
00:24:20.782 --> 00:24:23.285
We believe in.
00:24:23.285 --> 00:24:25.353
It's also, though, the reality that those kids come to school,
00:24:25.353 --> 00:24:31.560
The overwhelming majority of them not having anything to
00:24:31.560 --> 00:24:35.397
Have eaten before they got to school.
00:24:35.397 --> 00:24:38.366
I can remember very well our english teacher, who is also
00:24:38.366 --> 00:24:42.003
The advisor for the one and only boys and girls club in the
00:24:42.003 --> 00:24:45.941
Entire country of congo, had one of the students who was
00:24:45.941 --> 00:24:49.911
Participating in the boys and girls club told our english
00:24:49.911 --> 00:24:53.848
Teacher, i can't come to the classes anymore.
00:24:53.848 --> 00:24:58.219
And so olivier asked him why?
00:24:58.219 --> 00:25:00.221
And he said, because i'm hungry.
00:25:00.221 --> 00:25:04.159
And as a result of that,
00:25:04.159 --> 00:25:05.727
And he told olivier, my only meal every day is 7 p.m.
00:25:05.727 --> 00:25:12.267
That meant he was waking up the next morning hungry as he's
00:25:12.267 --> 00:25:17.172
Preparing to go to school.
00:25:17.172 --> 00:25:19.708
And so for him to stay after school for the boys and girls
00:25:19.708 --> 00:25:23.645
Club activities,
00:25:23.645 --> 00:25:25.513
So we were able through again,
00:25:25.513 --> 00:25:27.616
A wonderful donor to start a program
00:25:27.616 --> 00:25:31.653
Whereby the students in the boys and girls club we're
00:25:31.653 --> 00:25:35.290
Getting a meal at school, and now it has been expanded so
00:25:35.290 --> 00:25:39.661
That we're providing a meal for everybody at the school so that
00:25:39.661 --> 00:25:45.634
They're not lacking in some nutrition.
00:25:45.634 --> 00:25:47.836
Because if you're hungry, your intellectual development is
00:25:47.836 --> 00:25:51.406
Going to be diminished.
00:25:51.406 --> 00:25:54.009
And so but because of the fact now the kids come and they're
00:25:54.009 --> 00:25:58.213
Getting a nutritious meal, we are certain that their academic
00:25:58.213 --> 00:26:02.083
Development will increase dramatically.
00:26:02.083 --> 00:26:04.486
And, doctor weaver, i can't leave that because i understand
00:26:04.486 --> 00:26:07.689
That impact personally.
00:26:07.689 --> 00:26:08.790
I'm blessed to be a part of a board in the states,
00:26:08.790 --> 00:26:12.761
Gen youth, if you will, addressing the issue of food
00:26:12.761 --> 00:26:17.899
Insecurity with children, some 30 million kids in the u.s.
00:26:17.899 --> 00:26:22.704
Who are from families where they don't get a breakfast or
00:26:22.704 --> 00:26:25.740
Lunch, and you're talking about the impact in terms of how it
00:26:25.740 --> 00:26:29.177
Retards any effort to teach them and for them to learn.
00:26:29.177 --> 00:26:33.715
How did you guys get the support for that?
00:26:33.715 --> 00:26:36.351
How is it going?
00:26:36.351 --> 00:26:37.619
So we're getting support from individuals, of course, from
00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:40.488
Churches, faith organizations, and certainly even some
00:26:40.488 --> 00:26:45.293
Businesses when they learn about what we're doing and
00:26:45.293 --> 00:26:48.530
Other nonprofit organizations.
00:26:48.530 --> 00:26:50.498
So it's a wide range.
00:26:50.498 --> 00:26:53.101
We do have one gentleman in particular that has been
00:26:53.101 --> 00:26:55.837
Supremely supportive.
00:26:55.837 --> 00:26:57.639
But so i try to make sure that i'm sharing with, even as i did
00:26:57.639 --> 00:27:01.509
With you when you came after 1 or 2 sessions of preaching at
00:27:01.509 --> 00:27:04.946
Greater mount nebo to let you know about the school as well.
00:27:04.946 --> 00:27:08.583
It's important, i think, and relevant here to talk about
00:27:08.583 --> 00:27:11.786
The gentleman who has been massively supportive to that
00:27:11.786 --> 00:27:15.356
Effort, because for him, and you'll elaborate on this, it's
00:27:15.356 --> 00:27:19.994
About the children.
00:27:19.994 --> 00:27:21.796
You said it very well. ulysses jefferson.
00:27:21.796 --> 00:27:26.634
I first met him about five years ago.
00:27:26.634 --> 00:27:30.905
I was seeking support for the school and i decided, well,
00:27:30.905 --> 00:27:35.343
I'll send one to mr. jefferson.
00:27:35.343 --> 00:27:37.979
And as i did that, mr. jefferson responded within
00:27:37.979 --> 00:27:42.984
24 hours and said, tell me what you need.
00:27:42.984 --> 00:27:47.655
And so i responded by saying, well, we need some help with
00:27:47.655 --> 00:27:50.925
Some teacher salaries.
00:27:50.925 --> 00:27:53.361
24 hours later, he responded
00:27:53.361 --> 00:27:56.564
Because i had asked him for $5,000.
00:27:56.564 --> 00:28:00.034
Now, the backdrop is, of course, that he had worked for
00:28:00.034 --> 00:28:03.304
The state department for over 30 years.
00:28:03.304 --> 00:28:05.673
His first assignment was in africa.
00:28:05.673 --> 00:28:08.143
He then, after retiring from the state department, started
00:28:08.143 --> 00:28:11.579
His own federal contracting business, and he was very
00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:15.617
Successful with it.
00:28:15.617 --> 00:28:16.918
He responded about my request for $5,000 by responding, and
00:28:16.918 --> 00:28:21.890
He said, oh, i can do much more than that.
00:28:21.890 --> 00:28:24.492
And so i responded by saying, well, that amount of money, mr.
00:28:24.492 --> 00:28:28.263
Jefferson, that you're talking about that you could
00:28:28.263 --> 00:28:30.598
Conceivably provide as a contribution,
00:28:30.598 --> 00:28:33.701
We could benefit from that because we're in a rented
00:28:33.701 --> 00:28:36.337
Facility and we want to be able to buy land, and then at some
00:28:36.337 --> 00:28:41.109
Point in the future, build a school.
00:28:41.109 --> 00:28:44.179
Fast forwarding,
00:28:44.179 --> 00:28:45.747
He gave us that first significant grant, but he has
00:28:45.747 --> 00:28:49.884
Now given us and he doesn't mind me sharing it, but he has
00:28:49.884 --> 00:28:53.087
Given us $725,000.
00:28:53.087 --> 00:28:57.292
And with that, we were able to not only acquire land, but a
00:28:57.292 --> 00:29:01.830
Two storey building that has been completely renovated, all
00:29:01.830 --> 00:29:05.600
To the glory of god.
00:29:05.600 --> 00:29:07.602
And that's where i walked into that building in october of
00:29:07.602 --> 00:29:10.872
Last year.
00:29:10.872 --> 00:29:12.140
You talk about a god- sent contributor.
00:29:12.140 --> 00:29:16.678
He's unbelievably humble.
00:29:16.678 --> 00:29:18.246
And every time i talked about the role that he played, he
00:29:18.246 --> 00:29:21.683
Continued to say, doctor weaver, but properly, it's now
00:29:21.683 --> 00:29:25.720
Been expanded the name, if you will, to include him.
00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:29.090
Oh, without a shadow of a doubt.
00:29:29.090 --> 00:29:31.159
I mean, because of just his tremendous generosity and his
00:29:31.159 --> 00:29:36.598
Concern for children, even as
00:29:36.598 --> 00:29:38.900
He shared with me about his own background.
00:29:38.900 --> 00:29:41.870
I sense why this was so significant to him, both in
00:29:41.870 --> 00:29:45.807
Terms of his work there at the american embassy in senegal,
00:29:45.807 --> 00:29:50.979
His first assignment, but also his own growing up and the
00:29:50.979 --> 00:29:53.748
Challenges that he was facing as he grew up in florida.
00:29:53.748 --> 00:29:58.753
Having said that, it just became very, very clear.
00:29:58.753 --> 00:30:02.190
And by the way, his most recent donation just within the last
00:30:02.190 --> 00:30:05.927
Several weeks has been he's donating 20 laptop computers.
00:30:05.927 --> 00:30:11.199
And with that, we decided that we needed to do was to really
00:30:11.199 --> 00:30:16.638
Honor him.
00:30:16.638 --> 00:30:17.839
And so while it's still, of course, the weaver
00:30:17.839 --> 00:30:19.774
International school, we expanded, if you will, so that
00:30:19.774 --> 00:30:23.778
It's now the ulysses jefferson educational complex.
00:30:23.778 --> 00:30:28.750
And when i told him what we had decided to do, he quickly
00:30:28.750 --> 00:30:32.420
Dismissed it and said, oh, no, you don't need to do that.
00:30:32.420 --> 00:30:35.757
And i said, mr. jefferson, when some of these kids grow up and
00:30:35.757 --> 00:30:40.962
They become computer specialists, or like ahadi
00:30:40.962 --> 00:30:44.933
Become an engineer, someone who knows something about their
00:30:44.933 --> 00:30:49.437
Background will say, how in the world did you become a
00:30:49.437 --> 00:30:53.174
Successful engineer?
00:30:53.174 --> 00:30:56.044
I'm certain that there's some of those children that will
00:30:56.044 --> 00:30:58.780
Say, well, there was a man by the name of ulysses jefferson.
00:30:58.780 --> 00:31:02.717
And when i said that to mr.
00:31:02.717 --> 00:31:04.018
Jefferson, he said, okay, okay, okay.
00:31:04.018 --> 00:31:06.387
But my point was that he is really an inspiration.
00:31:06.387 --> 00:31:11.292
That might be the spark for some other people to say, wow,
00:31:11.292 --> 00:31:15.563
I hear what this man has been doing.
00:31:15.563 --> 00:31:17.532
Maybe i should try to find a way, a purpose in my life of
00:31:17.532 --> 00:31:22.303
Giving back.
00:31:22.303 --> 00:31:23.471
To whom much is given, much is expected.
00:31:26.774 --> 00:31:30.311
It's a simple truth, but a powerful one.
00:31:30.311 --> 00:31:33.281
Each of us has been given something.
00:31:33.281 --> 00:31:35.283
Maybe it's time, resources, talent, or a heart that cares
00:31:35.283 --> 00:31:39.554
Deeply for others.
00:31:39.554 --> 00:31:41.322
Not all of us are called to stand on a stage, preach a
00:31:41.322 --> 00:31:44.592
Sermon, teach a class, or sing a song.
00:31:44.592 --> 00:31:47.962
But every single one of us is called to make a difference.
00:31:47.962 --> 00:31:51.766
Giving back doesn't always look big or dramatic.
00:31:51.766 --> 00:31:55.403
Sometimes it's a financial
00:31:55.403 --> 00:31:56.804
Contribution that meets a real need.
00:31:56.804 --> 00:31:59.707
Sometimes it's a quiet prayer for someone going through
00:31:59.707 --> 00:32:02.343
A hard time.
00:32:02.343 --> 00:32:03.978
Sometimes it's just a few words of encouragement that lift
00:32:03.978 --> 00:32:07.081
Someone's spirit when they need it most.
00:32:07.081 --> 00:32:09.817
What matters is not how much you have, it's how willing you
00:32:09.817 --> 00:32:13.621
Are to use it to be the hands and feet of jesus in a world
00:32:13.621 --> 00:32:17.291
That so desperately needs to know him.
00:32:17.291 --> 00:32:20.094
So take a moment and ask
00:32:20.094 --> 00:32:21.629
Yourself, how can i be a blessing?
00:32:21.629 --> 00:32:25.199
When you use what you've been given to help others, you're
00:32:25.199 --> 00:32:28.036
Living out a purpose that's bigger than yourself, and the
00:32:28.036 --> 00:32:30.938
Love of god will shine brightly on those who need peace,
00:32:30.938 --> 00:32:33.808
Comfort, and faith.
00:32:33.808 --> 00:32:36.978
Doctor weaver, as you were sharing with me some of the
00:32:40.515 --> 00:32:43.684
Sobering aspects, just like you already mentioned about many of
00:32:43.684 --> 00:32:47.021
Those children are from families the result of
00:32:47.021 --> 00:32:50.224
Rape and incest, etc.
00:32:50.224 --> 00:32:52.960
But the young ladies, you shared some of the basic things i
00:32:52.960 --> 00:32:57.131
Would never have thought about that they lacked, and how this
00:32:57.131 --> 00:33:01.269
Kind of favor that god is showing you with support is
00:33:01.269 --> 00:33:04.906
Impacting and turning that
00:33:04.906 --> 00:33:06.908
Situation or those situations around.
00:33:06.908 --> 00:33:10.278
One of my pastoral friends called me when she knew about
00:33:10.278 --> 00:33:15.383
The school and she said, reverend weaver, but what about
00:33:15.383 --> 00:33:18.386
The girls? tell me what's --
00:33:18.386 --> 00:33:20.655
How can we be of help?
00:33:20.655 --> 00:33:22.523
And i spoke to olivier, the english teacher, and he found
00:33:22.523 --> 00:33:25.760
Out that none of the girls had ever used hygienic products.
00:33:25.760 --> 00:33:32.133
None.
00:33:32.133 --> 00:33:33.301
None. simply because that, to them was a luxury item.
00:33:33.301 --> 00:33:40.475
And as a result of that, i was just absolutely stunned.
00:33:40.475 --> 00:33:43.845
I spoke to my friend that had asked me about this issue.
00:33:43.845 --> 00:33:47.748
So at greater mount nebo, when
00:33:47.748 --> 00:33:49.584
I shared that with our women's ministry,
00:33:49.584 --> 00:33:53.321
They decided that they wanted to do something to ameliorate
00:33:53.321 --> 00:33:57.091
This issue.
00:33:57.091 --> 00:33:58.526
So i then started doing some research, and i've had people
00:33:58.526 --> 00:34:01.896
That said, well, why don't we buy the products here in
00:34:01.896 --> 00:34:04.999
America and then ship them over to congo?
00:34:04.999 --> 00:34:08.736
The cost would have been prohibitive.
00:34:08.736 --> 00:34:11.239
I then know this was another god moment
00:34:11.239 --> 00:34:15.009
That i learned about a group of ugandan women, a neighboring
00:34:15.009 --> 00:34:19.647
Country to congo that had their own business, where they were
00:34:19.647 --> 00:34:23.551
Manufacturing reusable,
00:34:23.551 --> 00:34:27.188
Washable sanitary pads.
00:34:27.188 --> 00:34:30.391
That's not all.
00:34:30.391 --> 00:34:31.826
And then i found out that they were actually selling those
00:34:31.826 --> 00:34:34.662
Products in goma, the very
00:34:34.662 --> 00:34:37.131
Location where the school is located.
00:34:37.131 --> 00:34:40.501
And so at our church, the women decided to have a program that
00:34:40.501 --> 00:34:45.106
They call cycle with grace.
00:34:45.106 --> 00:34:48.776
They raised $10,000 initially, and that enabled us to buy the
00:34:48.776 --> 00:34:54.282
Products there in goma.
00:34:54.282 --> 00:34:56.584
So we're therefore helping the local economy.
00:34:56.584 --> 00:34:59.587
And when the owner found out what the purpose was for the
00:34:59.587 --> 00:35:03.090
Product, he gave a tremendous discount.
00:35:03.090 --> 00:35:06.627
And so as a result of that, every single girl now is using
00:35:06.627 --> 00:35:11.265
Those hygienic products.
00:35:11.265 --> 00:35:13.267
And the issue was that?
00:35:13.267 --> 00:35:15.269
Prior to that, they were not coming to school.
00:35:15.269 --> 00:35:19.273
Each month, 3 to 4 days during that period of time.
00:35:19.273 --> 00:35:23.444
That means that they were missing approximately 40 days
00:35:23.444 --> 00:35:27.281
Out of the academic year.
00:35:27.281 --> 00:35:29.517
But now they're there every single day of the year because
00:35:29.517 --> 00:35:33.921
They feel comfortable being able to do so, because now
00:35:33.921 --> 00:35:37.258
They've got the products that will help them walk to school
00:35:37.258 --> 00:35:40.728
Or come to school confidently.
00:35:40.728 --> 00:35:42.930
Before we leave the topic of the young ladies, it was
00:35:42.930 --> 00:35:46.667
Sobering for me to hear from you that while the school
00:35:46.667 --> 00:35:50.471
Population is at a significantly higher number,
00:35:50.471 --> 00:35:54.275
That around the age of 13, a lot of the girls might be
00:35:54.275 --> 00:35:59.480
Missing from school, if you will.
00:35:59.480 --> 00:36:02.250
My words.
00:36:02.250 --> 00:36:03.718
Why and how has that been addressed?
00:36:03.718 --> 00:36:05.886
Because of your school.
00:36:05.886 --> 00:36:07.188
I missed when i first went the first trip to the school at the
00:36:07.188 --> 00:36:12.627
First grade level, pretty much equal number of boys and girls.
00:36:12.627 --> 00:36:16.631
But by the time i got to the seventh grade class, the number
00:36:16.631 --> 00:36:21.269
Of girls had diminished significantly.
00:36:21.269 --> 00:36:25.439
And so i turned and asked olivier, why is why are there
00:36:25.439 --> 00:36:29.076
Are fewer girls there?
00:36:29.076 --> 00:36:30.378
He said, because in the culture and the economic realities of
00:36:30.378 --> 00:36:35.716
Goma, by the time a girl becomes 13, her parents in all
00:36:35.716 --> 00:36:41.455
Likelihood are looking for a husband because it will mean
00:36:41.455 --> 00:36:45.760
For them, the parents,
00:36:45.760 --> 00:36:47.261
One less mouth to feed now.
00:36:47.261 --> 00:36:52.033
But because of the significance of the school, the girls are
00:36:52.033 --> 00:36:55.770
Insisting, i want to stay in school because i want to be
00:36:55.770 --> 00:37:00.207
Able to graduate from this school and to be able to start
00:37:00.207 --> 00:37:03.311
My own business or to be able to teach.
00:37:03.311 --> 00:37:06.781
And so now the rise has occurred where it's just about
00:37:06.781 --> 00:37:11.319
An equal number of boys and girls now, because of the kind
00:37:11.319 --> 00:37:15.623
Of support that they're getting at the school, and they're
00:37:15.623 --> 00:37:18.359
Getting less and less argument from parents who understand the
00:37:18.359 --> 00:37:23.364
Significance of what's happening at the school.
00:37:23.364 --> 00:37:26.233
So again, to put all of this into context, if you following
00:37:26.233 --> 00:37:29.704
God's leading in what you're doing now, this might be
00:37:29.704 --> 00:37:35.910
Deemed, if you will, or termed a course correction that might
00:37:35.910 --> 00:37:40.014
Happen in the process of
00:37:40.014 --> 00:37:42.450
Following where god is leading you.
00:37:42.450 --> 00:37:45.019
One should not be surprised if that course correction as it
00:37:45.019 --> 00:37:49.190
Impacts and plays out with the young ladies occurs.
00:37:49.190 --> 00:37:52.660
Absolutely. and i think that therefore, it helped to really
00:37:52.660 --> 00:37:56.764
Change the mindset, obviously, of the parents who saw it only
00:37:56.764 --> 00:38:01.068
From the economic reality and the cultural aspects of the
00:38:01.068 --> 00:38:04.872
Day, but now see their girls going to school in a different
00:38:04.872 --> 00:38:09.210
Light and to recognize that their girls can aspire to.
00:38:09.210 --> 00:38:15.483
Positions in life that may deem
00:38:15.483 --> 00:38:18.252
To be considered to be male dominated.
00:38:18.252 --> 00:38:20.888
But they're doing very well
00:38:20.888 --> 00:38:22.323
With a broad sense of confidence.
00:38:22.323 --> 00:38:24.258
And so it's changed the thinking of parents as well.
00:38:24.258 --> 00:38:26.994
Absolutely.
00:38:26.994 --> 00:38:28.396
This passion that you have for the continent obviously is
00:38:28.396 --> 00:38:32.099
Doing phenomenal things.
00:38:32.099 --> 00:38:33.734
Doctor weaver, there are many who i am blessed to know, who
00:38:33.734 --> 00:38:37.104
Know of my work in ministry, and they call me the weeping
00:38:37.104 --> 00:38:42.109
Minister because i am easily moved to tears as i delicately
00:38:42.109 --> 00:38:48.048
Move into this topic with you.
00:38:48.048 --> 00:38:49.550
But you have had a special partner for 43 years, and i
00:38:49.550 --> 00:38:55.489
Know when we were talking about the importance of this being
00:38:55.489 --> 00:38:58.559
Shared for others
00:38:58.559 --> 00:39:00.594
Who might have a vision as well.
00:39:00.594 --> 00:39:03.831
Your late wife, miss pamela
00:39:03.831 --> 00:39:05.599
Weaver, said this story must be told.
00:39:05.599 --> 00:39:11.205
Would you take it from there, please?
00:39:11.205 --> 00:39:13.507
Well, i was happily married for 44 years to pamela lynn weaver,
00:39:13.507 --> 00:39:19.613
And over the last five years she was challenged by that
00:39:19.613 --> 00:39:24.251
Disease called alzheimer's.
00:39:24.251 --> 00:39:26.854
I was very determined that my
00:39:26.854 --> 00:39:30.057
Wife was going to get the best care,
00:39:30.057 --> 00:39:33.794
And that best care was going to come from me.
00:39:33.794 --> 00:39:36.997
I never thought about my wife being institutionalized.
00:39:36.997 --> 00:39:41.235
I wanted to make sure, and i've said this to members of my own
00:39:41.235 --> 00:39:44.905
Denomination, that before i was a presiding elder, before i was
00:39:44.905 --> 00:39:49.109
A pastor, i was a husband, and i wanted to make sure that my
00:39:49.109 --> 00:39:53.347
Wife could and get the best care possible.
00:39:53.347 --> 00:39:57.117
And so for me, she also knew, but she knew about my ministry
00:39:57.117 --> 00:40:01.522
Because she was a part of it.
00:40:01.522 --> 00:40:02.890
She traveled with me to rwanda and to congo.
00:40:02.890 --> 00:40:06.560
She traveled with me when i went and provided medical care
00:40:06.560 --> 00:40:09.830
In haiti, and so
00:40:09.830 --> 00:40:14.134
My mission has really been her mission as well.
00:40:14.134 --> 00:40:17.771
But even after she transitioned late last year, i know that if
00:40:17.771 --> 00:40:22.576
She were physically alive, she
00:40:22.576 --> 00:40:24.278
Would say, jonathan, keep going.
00:40:24.278 --> 00:40:26.947
Don't stop now.
00:40:26.947 --> 00:40:28.849
You're not all the way there yet.
00:40:28.849 --> 00:40:31.151
And so her legacy lives on with me, and her spirit lives on
00:40:31.151 --> 00:40:34.688
With me.
00:40:34.688 --> 00:40:35.856
And she would continue to propel me even to this day
00:40:35.856 --> 00:40:39.393
Because of her spirit within me.
00:40:39.393 --> 00:40:42.062
Why was it important to you,
00:40:42.062 --> 00:40:43.430
Going through that challenging circumstance,
00:40:43.430 --> 00:40:47.167
To have her at home with you as the
00:40:47.167 --> 00:40:52.072
Most important provider?
00:40:52.072 --> 00:40:54.174
Yes, you had help from many who
00:40:54.174 --> 00:40:55.943
Love you, but you wanted her at home.
00:40:55.943 --> 00:41:00.114
Absolutely. because i felt that my primary responsibility,
00:41:00.114 --> 00:41:07.821
Especially as a husband, to make sure that i had the
00:41:07.821 --> 00:41:11.125
Ministry of presence for my wife.
00:41:11.125 --> 00:41:15.763
I didn't want to be pulled over here, pulled over there.
00:41:15.763 --> 00:41:20.668
I do remember on one occasion where i was just coming home
00:41:20.668 --> 00:41:25.139
From one of the trips to africa, and i called her the
00:41:25.139 --> 00:41:27.575
Day before i got home and i
00:41:27.575 --> 00:41:30.544
Said, baby, i'll be home tomorrow.
00:41:30.544 --> 00:41:33.047
Her response to me was, hurry up.
00:41:33.047 --> 00:41:37.318
And so i just felt driven to make sure that i never lost
00:41:37.318 --> 00:41:43.223
Sight of what i thought was my primary responsibility, and
00:41:43.223 --> 00:41:47.528
That's to be a husband to my wife.
00:41:47.528 --> 00:41:50.497
Now i'm clear, as i've been sharing with people on that
00:41:50.497 --> 00:41:53.767
Day, november the 24th, when she took her last breath.
00:41:53.767 --> 00:41:58.305
But i've been telling people that at that point, when people
00:41:58.305 --> 00:42:01.875
Ask me how i'm doing and i tell them i'm all right, and the
00:42:01.875 --> 00:42:07.014
Reason for that is because on that day, god healed my wife.
00:42:07.014 --> 00:42:14.622
She no longer had to struggle with the challenges of the
00:42:14.622 --> 00:42:19.460
Memory loss and the challenges facing just her inability to
00:42:19.460 --> 00:42:24.298
Move as she used to do so.
00:42:24.298 --> 00:42:26.667
And so i am clear, as it may be said in many circles, to be
00:42:26.667 --> 00:42:31.672
Absent from the body is to be present with the lord.
00:42:31.672 --> 00:42:35.376
So i'm clear as to where she resides.
00:42:35.376 --> 00:42:38.512
Now her spirit is in the kingdom of heaven.
00:42:38.512 --> 00:42:41.682
And if you were to speak for her,
00:42:41.682 --> 00:42:44.685
Her remarks or response to someone who would say, i'm
00:42:44.685 --> 00:42:49.690
Pursuing god's calling, but you're important, your
00:42:49.690 --> 00:42:55.929
Recollection of your wife would probably be what her saying
00:42:55.929 --> 00:43:00.167
What to that person who is pursuing god's calling, but
00:43:00.167 --> 00:43:04.371
Also has that dual responsibility.
00:43:04.371 --> 00:43:07.374
I think my wife would probably, knowing her as i did for those
00:43:07.374 --> 00:43:11.078
44 years and actually 47 years prior to our getting married,
00:43:11.078 --> 00:43:16.517
That she would want them to know how important it is to
00:43:16.517 --> 00:43:20.020
Keep your priorities in place and in order.
00:43:20.020 --> 00:43:24.625
It's not a question of either or, because she certainly
00:43:24.625 --> 00:43:27.661
Wanted me to pursue the ministry, and she was an
00:43:27.661 --> 00:43:32.466
Endorser and a participant prior to her illness.
00:43:32.466 --> 00:43:36.503
She would want that person to say, to say to them, make sure
00:43:36.503 --> 00:43:41.041
That you are still listening for god to direct you.
00:43:41.041 --> 00:43:46.413
And so long as god is directing you, then you know you're in
00:43:46.413 --> 00:43:50.150
The right place.
00:43:50.150 --> 00:43:51.385
And if i may add personally, in the many years that i was
00:43:51.385 --> 00:43:54.054
Blessed to speak at greater mount nebo, i got to know miss
00:43:54.054 --> 00:43:57.858
Pamela, and she was just as elegant and as committed as she
00:43:57.858 --> 00:44:02.596
Was beautiful, and i thank you for the opportunity that i got
00:44:02.596 --> 00:44:06.233
To know her as well, too.
00:44:06.233 --> 00:44:07.968
And how wonderfully blessed you were and still are.
00:44:07.968 --> 00:44:15.142
When you're serving in ministry, it's easy to let your
00:44:18.645 --> 00:44:21.281
Priorities drift without even realizing it.
00:44:21.281 --> 00:44:24.284
The needs are constant, the people are many, and the
00:44:24.284 --> 00:44:27.121
Work feels urgent.
00:44:27.121 --> 00:44:29.656
But somewhere in the middle of all that, we can start giving
00:44:29.656 --> 00:44:32.826
Everyone else our best and
00:44:32.826 --> 00:44:34.728
Leaving our family with what's left.
00:44:34.728 --> 00:44:38.398
Ministry is important, no doubt about it.
00:44:38.398 --> 00:44:41.935
But it should never come at the cost of the relationships
00:44:41.935 --> 00:44:45.205
Closest to us.
00:44:45.205 --> 00:44:46.840
The truth is, one of the most powerful examples of ministry
00:44:46.840 --> 00:44:50.677
Isn't what we do on a stage or in a crowd.
00:44:50.677 --> 00:44:53.847
It's what we do at home.
00:44:53.847 --> 00:44:55.682
Taking time for your family and friends isn't a distraction
00:44:55.682 --> 00:44:58.786
From your calling.
00:44:58.786 --> 00:45:00.020
It's part of it.
00:45:00.020 --> 00:45:01.488
The way you love, listen, show up, and invest in those closest
00:45:01.488 --> 00:45:05.626
To you speaks louder than any message you could preach.
00:45:05.626 --> 00:45:09.163
Yes, serving others matters, but so does rest.
00:45:09.163 --> 00:45:13.267
So does balance.
00:45:13.267 --> 00:45:15.002
So does being present with the people who know you best.
00:45:15.002 --> 00:45:18.172
If we're not careful, we can win the crowd and lose
00:45:18.172 --> 00:45:21.275
What matters most.
00:45:21.275 --> 00:45:22.976
Keep your priorities in line.
00:45:22.976 --> 00:45:25.012
Serve well, but love those closest to you even better.
00:45:25.012 --> 00:45:30.350
So, doc, let me ask you, given that you had a superb life
00:45:33.921 --> 00:45:37.558
Partner for others out there who certainly feel a calling on
00:45:37.558 --> 00:45:42.196
Their lives and they want to do something similarly, if you
00:45:42.196 --> 00:45:46.033
Will, in terms of how the lord is blessing you wonderfully,
00:45:46.033 --> 00:45:49.303
Let's talk about a blueprint that one might want to follow.
00:45:49.303 --> 00:45:53.407
Certainly worked for you.
00:45:53.407 --> 00:45:55.042
The first step that i would say is, as i'm listening to you and
00:45:55.042 --> 00:45:57.945
Having listened to you, immerse yourself in scripture and
00:45:57.945 --> 00:46:02.683
Prayer. why is that the most effective first step?
00:46:02.683 --> 00:46:07.454
Because that is going to provide the sense of direction
00:46:07.454 --> 00:46:11.625
For the balance of your life.
00:46:11.625 --> 00:46:13.627
And i would strongly recommend everybody needs to make sure
00:46:13.627 --> 00:46:17.531
That they start their day after prayer with scripture.
00:46:17.531 --> 00:46:22.536
Spend some time, whether it's
00:46:22.536 --> 00:46:24.438
15 minutes, 30 minutes or longer,
00:46:24.438 --> 00:46:27.507
But the word comes alive when you read it and you absorb it,
00:46:27.507 --> 00:46:32.746
And you find that there are so many passages of scripture that
00:46:32.746 --> 00:46:36.650
Will be personalized for you, and to help shape and to mold
00:46:36.650 --> 00:46:40.821
The direction that you ought to go in your life.
00:46:40.821 --> 00:46:43.657
Uh, i know that there will be some passages that may be a bit
00:46:43.657 --> 00:46:47.561
Challenging, such as the book of revelation, but the fact of
00:46:47.561 --> 00:46:51.131
The matter is, i would say, please make it a point not only
00:46:51.131 --> 00:46:56.136
To have individual bible study, but to surround yourself with a
00:46:56.136 --> 00:46:59.640
Body of believers.
00:46:59.640 --> 00:47:01.141
There ought to be maybe some group that you have within your
00:47:01.141 --> 00:47:04.678
Local church, or maybe within your community, but make sure
00:47:04.678 --> 00:47:09.149
That you have an opportunity to be able to exchange thoughts
00:47:09.149 --> 00:47:12.886
About what you've just read that might be helpful
00:47:12.886 --> 00:47:16.156
To somebody else,
00:47:16.156 --> 00:47:17.424
And quite frankly, what somebody else says to you about
00:47:17.424 --> 00:47:20.093
That same verse that they saw
00:47:20.093 --> 00:47:21.995
Because we won't always see it the same way.
00:47:21.995 --> 00:47:25.432
And so that's what i would strongly recommend.
00:47:25.432 --> 00:47:28.168
And then, of course, understand the importance of being under
00:47:28.168 --> 00:47:32.139
People that know the word of god better than you,
00:47:32.139 --> 00:47:35.609
And that therefore can help to instruct you and to teach as a
00:47:35.609 --> 00:47:39.179
Result of that.
00:47:39.179 --> 00:47:40.647
It's a challenge when you feel as if you've reached the level
00:47:40.647 --> 00:47:43.617
Where you don't need to be taught anymore.
00:47:43.617 --> 00:47:46.186
And so i would just simply say, be open to being taught, but
00:47:46.186 --> 00:47:52.259
Also make sure that you are disciplined when it comes to
00:47:52.259 --> 00:47:56.296
Your time of study and reflection.
00:47:56.296 --> 00:47:58.899
You know, doc, as you say, that i'm reminded of the scripture
00:47:58.899 --> 00:48:01.702
That in essence, and please add to this pushback, if you will,
00:48:01.702 --> 00:48:05.706
That says in the multitude of counsel there is safety.
00:48:05.706 --> 00:48:10.143
But i continue to hear you say
00:48:10.143 --> 00:48:12.212
In that explanation, godly counsel,
00:48:12.212 --> 00:48:16.249
And then to hear what thus saith the lord, and follow
00:48:16.249 --> 00:48:19.252
That, because his plans will be the plans to execute.
00:48:19.252 --> 00:48:23.156
Am i correct in that?
00:48:23.156 --> 00:48:24.157
Absolutely. and you have to.
00:48:24.157 --> 00:48:27.260
And within the framework that you just described, be very
00:48:27.260 --> 00:48:31.698
Careful about who your relationships are with
00:48:31.698 --> 00:48:34.601
Just in a broad sense, because if you're around naysayers or
00:48:34.601 --> 00:48:39.373
People that would be pouring rain over upon your, your, your
00:48:39.373 --> 00:48:44.244
Plan, you need to consider them to be acquaintances from a
00:48:44.244 --> 00:48:49.016
Distance, and make sure that you find yourself around people
00:48:49.016 --> 00:48:52.652
That will be encouragers,
00:48:52.652 --> 00:48:54.721
But again, people that are so linked with god themselves that
00:48:54.721 --> 00:48:59.292
They are able to be personable and friendly toward you and to
00:48:59.292 --> 00:49:03.830
Encourage you as you, you are able to talk about how god has
00:49:03.830 --> 00:49:08.969
Positioned you and moving in your life.
00:49:08.969 --> 00:49:11.505
So very important to make sure
00:49:11.505 --> 00:49:13.340
That these are godly counselors.
00:49:13.340 --> 00:49:16.076
The second of the three principles here, if you will,
00:49:16.076 --> 00:49:19.246
Honestly, and i heard you say this early on in your story,
00:49:19.246 --> 00:49:23.250
Honestly evaluate your gifts and your passions.
00:49:23.250 --> 00:49:29.056
Be very careful that when people tell you, oh, i think
00:49:29.056 --> 00:49:33.060
You could become so and so, but that may not be what god has
00:49:33.060 --> 00:49:37.097
Called you to do.
00:49:37.097 --> 00:49:40.000
And therefore, again, much prayer is required to make sure
00:49:40.000 --> 00:49:45.172
That you are pursuing the plan that god has for your life, and
00:49:45.172 --> 00:49:50.277
Therefore understand that there may be some shifting that takes
00:49:50.277 --> 00:49:54.614
Place within your own life.
00:49:54.614 --> 00:49:57.184
Because as i mentioned earlier here, i was at the business
00:49:57.184 --> 00:50:00.287
School at harvard, but yet have not spent a day working for a
00:50:00.287 --> 00:50:04.091
Corporation, except i do work
00:50:04.091 --> 00:50:06.293
For the supreme owner of the universe.
00:50:06.293 --> 00:50:10.130
And so i think that's very important for people to really
00:50:10.130 --> 00:50:13.700
Be immersed in who they should be coming as god has
00:50:13.700 --> 00:50:17.938
Ordained it for them.
00:50:17.938 --> 00:50:19.906
And third, and finally, seek mentorship.
00:50:19.906 --> 00:50:23.376
We continue to talk about this and the right kind of
00:50:23.376 --> 00:50:26.012
Mentorship, seek mentorship and take small steps.
00:50:26.012 --> 00:50:31.918
Yes. don't ever think that because of one element of
00:50:31.918 --> 00:50:36.490
Progression, that that's the final chapter of your story.
00:50:36.490 --> 00:50:41.428
But if you had asked me 15 years ago that there would be a
00:50:41.428 --> 00:50:45.165
School named after me, i would have shaken my head,
00:50:45.165 --> 00:50:48.835
But recognizing that god can do anything and everything.
00:50:48.835 --> 00:50:53.306
So here i am, 11 years after the school was created.
00:50:53.306 --> 00:50:56.943
But i think it's important to recognize that god has a way of
00:50:56.943 --> 00:51:00.247
Just revealing more and more about his vision to a
00:51:00.247 --> 00:51:04.918
Particular person.
00:51:04.918 --> 00:51:06.620
Well, he won't be giving you
00:51:06.620 --> 00:51:07.821
The entire vision at the very beginning.
00:51:07.821 --> 00:51:10.724
So yes, in terms of pastoring, yes, in terms of indeed being
00:51:10.724 --> 00:51:16.663
Involved in ministry globally, but to now look at what god has
00:51:16.663 --> 00:51:22.035
Done through the school that came because there were people
00:51:22.035 --> 00:51:25.539
That i listened to that were mentors, again, like retired
00:51:25.539 --> 00:51:29.509
Bishop john richard bryant, but also pastoral friends, as well
00:51:29.509 --> 00:51:34.414
As other just strong believers
00:51:34.414 --> 00:51:37.851
That watched where i was going and we're affirming of the
00:51:37.851 --> 00:51:43.690
Direction that god was placing into my life.
00:51:43.690 --> 00:51:46.593
So i've made it a point to be very open and listening.
00:51:46.593 --> 00:51:50.297
Yes, directly to god.
00:51:50.297 --> 00:51:51.565
But i know that god also works through other people and can
00:51:51.565 --> 00:51:55.135
Also be an encourager for me, and likewise for other people.
00:51:55.135 --> 00:51:59.606
So don't negate other people that may have a word for you
00:51:59.606 --> 00:52:03.543
That comes from the lord.
00:52:03.543 --> 00:52:05.178
Listen very, very intently.
00:52:05.178 --> 00:52:08.281
I heard you loud and clear as well too.
00:52:08.281 --> 00:52:10.183
And this one has particular personal relevance that i know
00:52:10.183 --> 00:52:13.720
The lord probably won't most often give you the entire plan,
00:52:13.720 --> 00:52:18.558
But isn't he worthy of being trusted?
00:52:18.558 --> 00:52:22.662
Scripture says, i have never seen the righteous forsaken.
00:52:22.662 --> 00:52:27.834
And even as we talk about, yes, he is a lamp unto our feet and
00:52:27.834 --> 00:52:32.205
A light unto our path, but a path that's one that we can
00:52:32.205 --> 00:52:36.276
Trust each and every step along the way.
00:52:36.276 --> 00:52:39.045
Doc, if you would, would you please close us in prayer,
00:52:39.045 --> 00:52:43.049
Mindful that hopefully there are those out in the audience
00:52:43.049 --> 00:52:46.152
Who've been incentivized, inspired to know that god has a
00:52:46.152 --> 00:52:49.856
Calling on their life and to find out what it is via prayer?
00:52:49.856 --> 00:52:55.795
Father god, in the name of jesus christ, we come before
00:52:55.795 --> 00:52:58.965
You at this moment in time,
00:52:58.965 --> 00:53:01.601
First and foremost to say thank you.
00:53:01.601 --> 00:53:03.536
Thank you for being our protector, our provider.
00:53:03.536 --> 00:53:07.540
You have a way of, lord god, revealing things to us in your
00:53:07.540 --> 00:53:11.878
Time and not ours.
00:53:11.878 --> 00:53:14.114
I pray right now for anyone that is listening to this
00:53:14.114 --> 00:53:18.385
Feature today, and also for this prayer, that their hearts
00:53:18.385 --> 00:53:22.989
Will be open and receptive
00:53:22.989 --> 00:53:26.393
To that which you have already called them to be and to do.
00:53:26.393 --> 00:53:31.564
Because, lord, the fact of the matter is, you knew us even
00:53:31.564 --> 00:53:35.568
While we were still in our mother's womb.
00:53:35.568 --> 00:53:38.672
And we also know that, lord god, that you have plans for us
00:53:38.672 --> 00:53:41.841
Not to harm us.
00:53:41.841 --> 00:53:43.576
And so, god, i just pray right now for those that are
00:53:43.576 --> 00:53:46.780
Grappling with what they should
00:53:46.780 --> 00:53:48.948
Do in life, how they should do it.
00:53:48.948 --> 00:53:51.951
Make sure that they are turning to you and to seek your face,
00:53:51.951 --> 00:53:57.857
To seek to hear from you what you have in store for them.
00:53:57.857 --> 00:54:03.163
That indeed, lord god, that we should not be resting on
00:54:03.163 --> 00:54:08.635
What we see in a classroom or hear in a classroom, not what
00:54:08.635 --> 00:54:14.007
We hear from other people, but indeed, first and foremost,
00:54:14.007 --> 00:54:17.610
You, the author and finisher of our lives, be the one to guide
00:54:17.610 --> 00:54:22.248
Us and to direct us.
00:54:22.248 --> 00:54:24.351
God, you're calling us to truly be disciples.
00:54:24.351 --> 00:54:28.655
For you to take the message of jesus christ to the far reaches
00:54:28.655 --> 00:54:34.561
Of the earth for some of us.
00:54:34.561 --> 00:54:36.830
For some, it may very well be just in our neighborhood, but
00:54:36.830 --> 00:54:41.668
Our impact can be significant all to your glory.
00:54:41.668 --> 00:54:46.506
So god, i thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
00:54:46.506 --> 00:54:49.209
And i pray that through this medium, that there are people
00:54:49.209 --> 00:54:53.413
That are being propelled to do
00:54:53.413 --> 00:54:55.849
Greater things on behalf of you.
00:54:55.849 --> 00:54:59.319
And it's in the name of jesus christ that we do pray,
00:54:59.319 --> 00:55:02.856
Amen. amen and amen.
00:55:02.856 --> 00:55:05.992
You know, as you were praying, i'm thinking of one of the real
00:55:05.992 --> 00:55:08.728
Simple psalms 105 verses, and it says one of the lines that
00:55:08.728 --> 00:55:16.002
It is not we who made ourselves.
00:55:16.002 --> 00:55:18.738
We are your people, the sheep of your pasture, and we know
00:55:18.738 --> 00:55:23.910
That your truth endureth to all generations.
00:55:23.910 --> 00:55:28.248
Doctor weaver, thank you so very much for your time, and i
00:55:28.248 --> 00:55:32.118
Hope others will be inspired by this as well.
00:55:32.118 --> 00:55:34.621
God bless you, sir.
00:55:34.621 --> 00:55:35.755
I do indeed hope that you have
00:55:35.755 --> 00:55:37.490
Enjoyed tonight's edition of praise.
00:55:37.490 --> 00:55:39.926
I want to thank matt and laurie crouch for giving me the
00:55:39.926 --> 00:55:42.562
Opportunity to host this great program.
00:55:42.562 --> 00:55:45.765
My prayer is that something that we discuss here tonight
00:55:45.765 --> 00:55:49.202
Has inspired you to take a deeper walk with christ, and to
00:55:49.202 --> 00:55:53.573
Find purpose and meaning in what god has called you to do.
00:55:53.573 --> 00:55:58.211
And we do it all,
00:55:58.211 --> 00:55:59.779
As doctor weaver prayed, in the matchless name of our lord and
00:55:59.779 --> 00:56:03.616
Savior, jesus christ.
00:56:03.616 --> 00:56:05.718
God bless you.
00:56:05.718 --> 00:56:06.786
Have a great evening.
00:56:06.786 --> 00:56:08.087
We'll see you next time right here on praise.
00:56:08.087 --> 00:56:11.524
♪♪
00:56:11.524 --> 00:56:11.524

Dr. Jonathan Weaver: Hope in the Congo | Praise

April 23, 2026 | 56:30

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