I have encountered many dedicated Christians who still bear a burden of emotional baggage, woundedness, unforgiveness, or who feel “less than”. This is problematic: broken areas like these are known doorways through which the enemy attempts to keep us shackled in fear, self-disdain, bitterness, or a sense of unworthiness. What better way to cripple Christians than to keep us oppressed and to feed us lies.
The Transformed workshop reminded me of my true identity in Christ: I am God’s child. While I intellectually understand that God loves me and that Jesus saved me as I am, there is a big difference between knowing this in my head and truly believing and receiving it with joy.
One thing has always been true of SOMA's ministry: we do not bring Western culture, and we do not bring one African culture to correct another. Teams bring Kingdom culture. Scripture tells us that God's word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, able to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow (Hebrews 4:12). It is that word — not our opinions, our customs, or wisdom — that pierces the veil of culture. And when it does, God's own culture begins to replace old beliefs with fresh Kingdom perspective, and with healing.
When we say our name, Sharing of Ministries Abroad, we often think of overseas missions; however, “Abroad” also includes North America!
We had heard that one of the streams of the Anglican Church is charismatic. I was like, “No way!”
Then somebody said “boldness” the speaking of the word physically and powerfully moved me backwards. I almost collapsed. I know I have boldness, but now, I feel like I’m going into a new season!
During that time I felt the Lord say to me, “I want you to be a father to the fatherless.” Since I work in youth ministry, there was a clear connection.
He was sitting against the back wall and his eyes were darting around. You could tell that kid probably needs some prayer ministry…so God said, “Go minister to him.” I got up, and while making my way across the the room I got side tracked.
That simple introduction led to a powerful 45-minute conversation. I was able to share the gospel, my testimony, answer some questions, and pray for him on the spot.
“God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day.
To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray. Oh tidings of comfort and joy”
In May, the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA) held its first Missions Consultation Roundtable. The purpose was specifically to map the different missions within our Provinces and to strategize with other GSFA partners on how best to meet the practical and missional needs.
I have had the blessing and opportunity to serve on many church related and cross-cultural mission trips. These have ranged from building projects with youth groups to participating in GAFCON Conferences. However, my recent SOMA mission has been unique. I am used to getting out of my comfort zone when traveling to other countries and cultures, but I am not used to being taken out of my comfort zone when it comes to something as “normal” as prayer.
I attended New Wineskins and arrived early to set up SOMA’s exhibit. We produced new marketing materials and had them shipped directly to the conference. When I attempted to claim the packages, one box was missing. However, UPS maintained that all boxes arrived the day before. I searched the conference center, and asked a few staff members. Sadly, it was nowhere to be found. Heavy-hearted, I moved forward with setting up SOMA’s display. As I lay in bed that night, I allowed my mind to race, creating all types of negative scenarios. Where was my faith?
"This is the hardest mission I've ever been on." I murmured this to myself while leading a mission last year. I lay on the sagging bed, sweating, mosquitoes buzzing about, and thumping bar music playing at 2 a.m. just a half block away. I told God I wasn't sure I could lead another mission. But, it wasn't the physical conditions that made it hard; it was the oppressive spiritual warfare.
There is a great need for inner healing among children in Tanzania (and in many cultures). Evidence of this was discovered during a SOMA mission to a neighboring country last year. Of the 153 youth participants, 99% reported facing traumatic situations such as mental and physical abuse, violence by one adult to another in the home, sexual abuse, neglect, divorce or separation, or drug abuse in the home. Recently, SOMA and the Christian Renewal Association (CRA) pilot tested an inner healing ministry adapted specifically for children.
SOMA and the Christian Renewal Association (CRA) have a missional relationship that began in 1999. In 2007, our combined efforts successfully planted an inner healing ministry in the Diocese of the Rift Valley (DRV), Tanzania. Subsequent visits have always brought back reports of continued Kingdom fruit. Glory be to God and for His faithfulness!
SOMA hosted a fantastic dinner event to celebrate and support our global ministry. But it was much more than a dinner⎯it was a celebration of faith among believers, giving thanks to the living God.
Rwanda has played an enormous part in SOMA International’s history. It was the location for a unique mission where SOMA teams came from all over the world in 1996 to minister in every diocese not long after the national tragedy of the genocide.
Want to take a peek inside my mission journal? Nearly every night while on a mission, I chronicle the things I’m thankful for, my challenges, and my prayer requests. I’ve shared a few excerpts that I provided to SOMA’s prayer team while I was in Northern Ireland.
When I got the message from my bishop and the email from the team leader [to join the mission team], I was so delighted! First, I prayed and asked the Lord to guide me in all I was going to do at the conference.
I am thankful to have served on several prior SOMA mission teams. On this mission to Northwest Ankole Diocese, once again I saw the hand of God in our ministry, especially during the transformation from the resistance manifested among attendees on Monday and Tuesday, to the spirit-filled openness manifested on Wednesday after Bishop Amos’ exhortation to his clergy.
A few days after we arrived in Ibanda, the town with the diocesan headquarters for Northwest Ankole, we learned that it had an interesting history. The name “Ibanda” is a derivative of the original town name, which meant "witchcraft is practiced here," a likely explanation for the disturbing dreams that a couple of team members had experienced.
After serving on nine SOMA missions, I have faith that the Holy Spirit will show upwe always bid Him to come. The fact that He shows up in His own time and in His own way was certainly reinforced on this mission! I have never experienced a SOMA conference where the participants resisted engaging for over half of the talks, as was the case in NW Ankole. The dramatic way the Holy Spirit moved was just what was needed for the spiritual breakthrough that occurred in the people of this diocese.
Ron Davis
February 6, 1954 – May 12, 2023
Personal Reflections of a Dear Friend
By Edwina Thomas, Soma USA National Director, 1991-2010
