~ by Bobby Fisher

“Nature abhors a vacuum.”

This is a saying used to express the idea that empty or unfilled spaces go against the laws of nature and physics.

I think this idiom should also include the spiritual realms. South Africa is this incredibly beautiful land, rich in resources with the potential to be the leader politically, economically and culturally throughout Africa.  Yet the country is mired in self-destruction, political unrest, and economic failures.  There are more rapes here per capita than any other country in the world.  Theft and violent crime continue to persist at a very high rate.  The police force is a joke, in many places they won’t even come out on calls unless someone stops buy the station to pay a bribe.

There is a vacuum here, and evil has filled into its place.  There is a persistent darkness in many parts of the country.  Yet all is not lost.  I believe there is a remnant of good that is pushing back against the darkness.

Andy is a previous Minister of Education in Zambia, a pastor, and a student this week at our Hermeneutics/SCORRE workshop.  He continues to live out the Gospel in his country and has high hopes that someday things will change. Christine is a pastor in Harare, Zimbabwe, a country in complete financial collapse.  She serves the Lord faithfully in a country most consider past redemption. Our host Johan finally got a permit he filed for 17 years ago for a building on his property…it took 17 years because he has repeatedly refused to pay bribes.

There is good here.  I have seen it in Johan, Christine and Andy.  I know they are pushing against the darkness.  If we continue to come along side them, we can help.  But they need our prayers, our encouragement and our support.

I am thankful to Big Valley Grace Community Church and the SCORRE Conference for your continued support.  Let’s keep pushing together.

–

Bobby Fisher has been married to his lovely wife Jill for 33 years; he is father of three grown children and grandfather to four. Bobby is Executive Pastor at Big Valley Grace Community Church in Modesto, California, where he oversees a staff of more than 50 pastors, directors and administrative staff. He is passionate about the local church and its role as the expression of Christ to the surrounding community.

Saved at the age of 35, Bobby’s business background has given him the necessary skills and experience to oversee the programming and staff of a large church. He is committed to the mission of Dynamic Communicators Workshop to bring clarity and focus to all who proclaim the word of Christ. For Bobby, these principles apply wherever there is a message to share.

Bobby is an avid water skier, golfer and loves a long run to begin his day.

~ by Bobby Fisher

• Who:  Bobby Fisher
• What:  Pastor Equipping Conference
• When: Today (May 14, 2012)
• Where: Pretoria, South Africa
• Why:  Now that’s a good question!

It’s 2:00 AM and jet lag has stolen the last vestiges of sleep.  Today, our team starts a two week pastor equipping conference in South Africa and Uganda.

Why?

That’s the question that has been rattling around in my head. For the first time in Africa, the SCORRE conference is being presented.  I thought I was coming to equip some of the best and brightest young pastors on how to study and communicate the Gospel with focus and clarity.  In my humanity I dream that one day the next African Billy Graham will stand and thank Dr. Bobby (my moniker) for everything he knows before drawing thousands into a relationship with Christ.

I thought I was coming because I truly believe in the SCORRE process and the positive impact it has on anyone who will embrace it.  I can make these students better with my knowledge and winning presentation skills in an area of great need.  Yes, maybe someday the Dr. Bobby Institute of Biblical Preaching will be opened with much fanfare and a life-size bronze statue of…well, you know who.

But yesterday evening, things changed.  The students started to arrive.  They came from Zambia, a one thousand mile journey packed in a van, from Harare, and from across South Africa.  They laugh with gusto as we are introduced and are gracious for any and all that they receive.  By our standards they are dirt poor, yet seem to be rich in joy, thankful in demeanor, and eager to learn.

My glory dreams are rapidly fading and I am humbled in their presence. God is being glorified simply in the gathering of saints eager to bring glory to His name. The only Scripture that fits my soul in this moment is, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.”

I am here because there is much God wants me to learn.

Yes, it’s going to be a big day!

–

Bobby Fisher has been married to his lovely wife Jill for 33 years; he is father of three grown children and grandfather to four. Bobby is Executive Pastor at Big Valley Grace Community Church in Modesto, California, where he oversees a staff of more than 50 pastors, directors and administrative staff. He is passionate about the local church and its role as the expression of Christ to the surrounding community.

Saved at the age of 35, Bobby’s business background has given him the necessary skills and experience to oversee the programming and staff of a large church. He is committed to the mission of Dynamic Communicators International to bring clarity and focus to all who proclaim the word of Christ. For Bobby, these principles apply wherever there is a message to share.

Bobby is an avid water skier, golfer and loves a long run to begin his day.