Trustee Interview : Harvey Kwiyani
In the first of our new series of interviews , Harvey Kwiyani , LWPT Trustee , gives his perspective and thoughts on his own ministry and preaching today .
What led you to the vocation of ministry ?
I was born into a family of ministers so , in a sense , that shaped my hearing of God ’ s call at a young age . I knew at 12 that I would serve God in mission and in higher education .
My father and his friends provided me with the mentorship that I needed during my teen years . The understanding that God had plans for me as a young man helped me stay focused and disciplined — to put in the work in prayer and study while waiting for the doors to open . When I arrived in Switzerland more than 20 years ago , I quickly realised that Europe would be my mission field . I train missionaries while teaching theology and leading a mission organisation . I am living out my calling .
What advice would you give to someone starting out on a career in the church ?
Starting out in the ministry , it is important that we trust God through the bright and the dark times . God ’ s work takes time , the entire process is important . The dark times when it is impossible to see the way with certainty , when we have to wrestle with the challenges that life brings our way , are just as important as the times when we are 100 % we are in God ’ s will and we are smooth sailing . In addition , the need for prayer can never be over-emphasised . It is through prayer that the kingdom of heaven comes to us .
Which book of the bible do you refer to most for guidance and how does it help you with your day to day challenges ?
I find the Book of Acts the most fascinating . Its emphasis on the work of the Spirit gives me hope for the church today . In it , I learn that it is safe to trust God even when I do not know where God ’ s plans are leading .
What do you see as the single most important or influential thing that preachers can do to bring more people into church ?
Preachers today must find new ways to take the church to the people . The preaching of the gospel must continue throughout the week , through their lives , their prayers , and their fellowship with God ’ s people , wherever they are .
Which preacher ( s ) do you see as providing inspiration for all those working in the church and why ?
To a great extent , I am inspired by many preachers . It takes a great deal of courage to proclaim God ’ s word on God ’ s behalf to God ’ s people . I find two groups of preachers really fascinating . The first group includes those preachers who make every effort to attend to the work of the Spirit in their preaching . It is the Spirit that will warm people ’ s hearts as they hear the gospel .
The second group includes preachers , mostly lay leaders , committed to the discipling of small groups of followers away from the limelight . In a world where success is usually measured by the size of our churches , it takes a lot to focus on making small groups of disciples though this is exactly what we see Jesus do in the Gospels .
What question do you get asked the most often and how do you reply ?
The question I get asked the most is “ What does it feel like to be an African working in mission in Europe ?” My answer usually involves stating that I was called for this . I have the grace for it . But I also add that I pray that God will send more labourers from the rest of the world to Europe because they are needed . Europe needs to hear the gospel again .
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