of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I
have suffered the loss of all things, and count
them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ."
1
All this. All the suffering and sorrow that she and
her family have endured is valuable. There needs
to be a place for it in the Church that doesn't
engender suspicion regarding one's faithfulness;
rather it needs compassion, patience,
and community.
"It seems that some fruit comes only from
suffering. And, I saw that suffering is the
inextricable base-color thread woven through the
fabric of the gospel. It is the canvas upon which
salvation has been painted."
"… suffering is the inextricable base-color
thread woven through the fabric of the gospel.
It is the canvas upon which salvation has
been painted."
The waves of suffering have helped Gigi know
her Savior all the more. He was a man of sorrows.
He was acquainted with grief. He was numbered
among the transgressors,
2
just as she has been
since coming to South Africa. Through her
experience at Denver Seminary, and now in
South Africa, she has learned that community
is a healing balm for sorrow and that ultimate
community is found in Christ.
Gigi Townsend Mooi
MASTER OF DIVINITY
Gigi and her husband pastor Soweto Community
Church in the largest township in South Africa. She
works with orphans and abandoned babies as a major
part of the ministry. She is in the process of starting
her own orphange.
1
Holy Bible, Phil. 3:8, NASB
2
Holy Bible, Isa. 53:3-12, NASB
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