*THE RESTORER'S DAILY GUIDE*

DATE: FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST 2025

THEME *POSITIVE MINUS*

MEMORIZE
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

READ
Philippians 3:7-9
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
*Every genuine contact with God ought to make us more like Him.*

MESSAGE
*Every genuine contact with God must involve minus and plus.*

Two things happen to us when we come to God's presence in prayers. We experience losses and gains simultaneously.

Every genuine contact in prayers ought to produce these two things. The things we lose are the things that make us unfit to enter into the fullness of God's purposes for our lives. I call these losses "profitable losses." They're necessary for our spiritual growth and development in God.

Many times, we stagnate in spiritual matters for as long as we maintain the negative things that God wants out of our lives.

"A woman was once asked: what do you gain from praying to God regularly?
She replied: "Usually I don't earn anything, but I rather lose things." And she quoted everything she lost praying to God regularly.
I lost my pride.
I lost my arrogance. I lost my greed. I lost my urge. I lost my anger. I lost the lust. I lost the taste of sin. I lost impatience, despair and discouragement. I lost myself and gained God in the process. Then I realised that my gain made me a better person because I became the person that was worthy of God and of His grace and blessings.

*we pray not to gain something, but to lose things that don't allow us to grow spiritually.*

Beloved, what are the things that you are still struggling with in your life? Is God trying to get certain things out of your life and it's hurting you because you are not willing to let go? Are you making it difficult for God to advance you in righteousness or are you yielded to His dealings in your life.

*You cannot hold on to your negative self and expect God to increase you in righteousness.*

John the Baptist says; "He must increase while I must decrease." Are you allowing the Lord to increase in your life, or are you still running your life against His will and yet forcing God to agree with your own ways of doing things?
When people meet with you, what or who do they see? You or the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you so conspicuous that people immediately notice how full of yourself you are, or has the Lord broken you that it's hard to see you?

Your answer to these questions speaks volumes about your current position with God in your walk with Him...

Shalom.

ACTION STEPS
1. Examine yourself and make necessary changes in your life today.
2. Acknowledge your own mistakes, sins, and errors and put your life in order before the Lord.
3. Pray for God to make you more like Him with each passing day.

PRAYERS
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotional guide. I receive the grace to become more like you and less of me in Jesus' name. Amen.

REMEMBER
*Every genuine contact with God ought to make us more like Him...*

DAILY READINGS: Malachi 1-3; Hebrews 6-7;

HYMN
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear !
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer !
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear------
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer !

2
Have we trials and temptations ?
Is there trouble anywhere ?
We should never be discouraged ;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness-----
Take it to the Lord in prayer !

3
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care ?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge-----
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee ?
Take it to the Lord in prayer ;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee.
Thou wilt find a solace there,

PLEASE SHARE

What this Man did deserves serious award
What can you say about this boy and his mother?

SIX (6) WAYS MEN CAN ESCAPE POVERTY.

1. Get the right woman.

Forget the slay queens and women with looks but zero brains. Get a woman who will not only support your vision but will also push you to achieve more.

A woman who will inspire you to work hard and not a woman who just makes you hard. He who finds a real woman finds a good thing and obtains favour and power to create wealth.

2. Stop Taking Cheap Drinks.

I have no problem with having drinks during social interaction and networking. However, when you drink cheap drinks or drink in cheap places, you hang out with cheap people who have cheap ideas and a cheap future. Big business opportunities are found in places where the drinks are expensive. In fact, in places where they sell cheap drinks, the only people you will find there are people who will be asking you for money. They even clap when you come knowing 'big buyer' has come.

3. Stop being Lazy.

"Man ooh Man, why art thou Lazy?" You are too lazy for your own good. You sleep the whole day and blame the government for your poverty. "A Little Sleep, a Little Slumber, poverty shall overtake you like a political cadre in overalls". A lot of men are just lazy when it comes to making money. They have enough energy to give a woman five orgasms, but have no energy to start one organization, that's why it is so easy for men to manufacture children than it is to make even pegs for putting children's clothes on the line..

4. Know Productive Things.

If you keep too much junk in your head, you get a junk life. I know a lot of men who are so sharp when you are talking about girls, about soccer and about street politics, Who is Rich who is not,Who has a good house but you can't bring a topic about investment, innovation and business, they start looking at their phone, yawning or saying bye.. Useless things, videos and memes go viral fast than constructive things.. A man must know how to do at least one productive thing (have one skill) even without having gone to college.

5. Get Connected to Big Men Who are better than you.

A lot of men are failing because they are not mentored. They don't have anyone to whom they can sit down and listen, with obedience. In the old days, old men would sit young men down and show them how to hunt and kill animals... and no man was considered a man enough until he has personally killed an animal... now these men of nowadays are not mentored and can't even kill a bird. There are men out there who have made it in life, find a way to get mentored by big men who are making waves and impacting people in our community.

6. Work.

Stop Spending your whole day just praying and fasting yet you know that both Quran and Bible tells you that God will bless the work of your hands. Yes yes The blessing finds you on your way doing something,Stop using Prayer as an excuse not to work. Work hard.
It’s an error for your pockets to be empty and your brain to be empty too.

STORY TIME

“NA GBOLA DEY HELP MY LIFE “

PART 7

Around 8pm, we were in the sitting room. I was still wearing the short red gown Blessing picked for me, eyelashes scratching my eyelids, nails too long for comfort. My body don tire but my brain no wan calm down.

Then her phone rang.

She smiled immediately she saw the caller and picked up quick.

“Hello zaddy, are you there now?”

I paused and turned to look at her.

Zaddy? I repeated the word in my mind.

Wait first — what is zaddy? Is it like daddy? Or sugar daddy? Or boyfriend? Abi na her uncle?

Before I could ask, she hung up and stood sharply.

“Stand up, babe. Pick your bag. We dey go now.”

“Go where?” I asked.

She looked at me and smiled. “Don’t worry. You go enjoy am.”

I stood up slowly, heart beating small. The gown cling to my body like wet cloth. I fixed my wig, adjusted my bra, and followed her downstairs.

When we reached the gate, a fine black car — looked like those ones on wedding posters — was parked just outside. Headlights on. Clean body. Shining like wetin dem brush with toothpaste.

Inside the car, two men sat at the front.

The one on the driver’s side smiled wide the moment he saw Blessing and came out to open the door. They hugged like lovers, then k!zed lightly — not forehead o, mouth-to-mouth.

My eyes widened.

“This is Derin, my girl from Ibadan,” Blessing said.

The other man — older, with small grey in his beard and golden wristwatch — looked at me, smiled, and took my hand gently, then k!zed the back.

I froze.

The hand k!z no sweet me o. It felt awkward, like something I watched in film. My palm felt strange afterward. I rubbed it on my bag.

As we drove off, I kept wondering:

Who are these men to Blessing? Where are they taking us? Is this part of the job she talked about?

Nobody explained. Just music, small laughs, and city lights rushing past the windows.

We got to one fine joint, crowded and loud but expensive-looking. Lights everywhere. People laughing. Waiters carrying trays like airline hostesses.

We sat down outside, under one umbrella stand with soft light above. The two men ordered barbecue chicken, grilled fish, suya, shawarma, and different drinks I didn’t know their names.

When the barbecue came, I took one bite and nearly moaned.

“Jesu!” I whispered. “This thing sweet like sin.”

I was still lick!ng my fingers when Blessing pushed a glass of red drink towards me.

“No, I no dey drink ak0h0l,” I said quickly.

“Just taste small,” she smiled. “Na mild wine. E go relax your body.”

After small talk, I took a sip. First thing I noticed was the bitter taste, then something like heat moved down my throat.

I frowned. “Wetin be this again?”

“You go like am soon,” she laughed.

I didn’t. But I drank two more sips because I didn’t want to look like mumu.

All the while, I no talk too much. I just dey observe — the men, the place, how Blessing dey laugh too freely with her own man. I felt out of place. Like I came to a party I wasn't invited to.

After a while, they asked for takeaway food, packed some shawarma, and cleared the bill with POS. No questions, no complaints.

Money seemed to flow like river.

They drove us to one mansion in a quiet area — big black gate, long fence, flowers by the walkway, shining tiled floor, wide windows, and chandelier inside that looked like a castle light.

We entered.

The living room was big — soft sofa, glass table, clean rug, TV the size of a blackboard. Smell of air freshener and something expensive filled the air.

Blessing’s “zaddy” whispered something to her, and they both laughed and stood up. She winked at me before following him into one room.

I was now alone with the other man.

I felt shy, my hands suddenly cold.

He came closer. Sat near me. Smiled.

“You’re very beautiful, Derin,” he said. “Your eyes… they’re something else.”

I smiled nervously and said thank you.

He continued, “Where have you been hiding?”

I looked down at my feet. “Ibadan.”

He laughed. “You belong in Lagos. Lagos boys will worship you.”

He moved closer.

“Can I k!z you?”

My eyes shot up. “No sir.”

He reached out slowly and tried to touch my chest.

I jumped up.

“Please stop,” I said. My voice was shaking.

He stood too, now looking at me like hungry lion.

I backed away, praying silently: God, please let Blessing come out now now.

Then I heard something.

From the room Blessing entered, faint at first… then clearer:

Moaning.

I froze.

At first, I thought maybe they were watching movie. But then I heard Blessing’s voice — soft, breathy, high-pitched.

I wanted to believe it wasn’t what I thought, but as the sound rose and fell, I knew they were having s3x

My body felt hot. My head blank.

This girl that hugged me in church before leaving Ibadan, now she's in one man’s room, doing this. And here I was, with the second man, trying to defend my body like market price.

I pinched myself. Maybe na dream.

It wasn’t.

I thought again: Are these men married? Where are their wives? Kids?

Then the man in front of me reached for my arm again.

I snatched it back and ran to the door. I didn’t care if it was rude.

I stood near the door like someone waiting for fire escape.

Just then, Blessing came out.

Her hair was scattered, her face red. She was sweating, with her makeup almost wiped off. She acted like nothing happened.

Behind her, the man came out wearing only boxers. My eyes nearly left my head.

I was sure. They did it.

And she didn’t even look sorry.

“Babe,” she said calmly. “Go carry your bag. Time to go.”

I didn’t ask any questions. My heart was already beating like generator.

The same car dropped us off, just like it picked us. But I wasn’t smiling this time.

It was 11pm. I’ve never been out this late before.

On the ride back, I didn’t say one word. Not because I had nothing to say — but because I had too many questions I didn’t know how to ask.

Is this the job?
Is this what she meant by upgrade?
Is this what it means to “belong” in Lagos?

When we got home, I entered the bathroom immediately. Scrubbed my body like say I touch sin. Changed into my nightwear and laid on the bed.

Blessing tried to gist small but I just nodded, pretending to be tired.

Truth is, I couldn't sleep.

I faced the wall and closed my eyes — not to rest, but to hide the tears that wanted to fall.

And in my heart, I prayed silently:

“God, if this is not the job she promised, please show me the real one. I no fit do this kind life.”

To be continued…

Written by QueenAmalove’s Own
1st August, 2025

THE BEST PART ABOUT LIFE IS THAT EVERY MORNING U HAVE A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A HAPPIER VERSION OF URSELF.

The Brave Hunter – Episode 11

The princess could no longer hide her feelings for Uche. She found herself thinking about him all the time. She started spending more time in her chambers with him and always had a reason to laugh or touch him playfully. One evening, as they sat quietly on the bed, the princess turned to him and asked him a romantic question.

“Uche, have you not noticed how I look at you, how I treat you, how I feel when you’re around me?” The princess asked.

“I love you, Uche. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Do you love me too?” The princess asked boldly.

“Your Highness. I noticed you love me, but I didn’t know how to react. I’m just a poor hunter. You are the daughter of a powerful king. If he finds out that I love you, I’ll be killed.” Uche said.

“That’s not what I asked. I didn’t ask if you’re scared. I asked if you love me.” The princess asked.

“Yes, I do. I love you with all my heart. But I am afraid.” Uche responded.

“That’s all I wanted to hear.” She said.

She moved closer to him and whispered something sweet to his ear.

If you love me, then prove it. Make love to me tonight.” The princess said.

Uche was shocked at first, but the look in her eyes told him she meant it. She leaned in and touched his electric wire. The electric wire responded at once. They made love. That night, their bond grew deeper. While the entire palace was quiet, the princess and the hunter became one. In the morning, they lay on the bed, holding each other.

“What if someone finds out?” Uche asked.

"Let them find out. I’m not ashamed of loving you.” The princess said.

While they were still enjoying each other’s company, chaos was brewing outside. The warriors of the village had gathered and were getting ready to bring Uche out of the cell. He was supposed to be punished with death that day. It was supposed to happen that morning in the village square. The king had ordered that he must die for daring to kidnap the princess. The villagers had gathered already. Everyone was ready to watch Uche’s death. Some came with food and drinks, hoping to witness a show.

But when the warriors arrived at the cell, they were shocked to find it empty.

“He has escaped!” One of them shouted.

“How is that possible?" They asked.

The news quickly spread to the palace and the king was furious. He slammed his walking stick on the ground and roared like a lion.

“Find him! Search every house, every hut, every tree if you must! Bring him to me!” The king ordered. The warriors spread out quickly and began house-to-house searches.

Meanwhile, Uche and the princess were still in her chambers, hiding and laughing. The princess had made sure her maidens didn’t enter her room. She had locked the door from inside.

“They must be searching for me now. Today is my punishment day. What if they come here?” Uche asked.

“Let them come. They won’t dare open my door. Even if they do, I’ll say you’re not here.” The princess responded.

“But they’ll kill you if they find out.” Uche said.

“Then let them kill me. I love you.” she responded. The king became more angry.

“I want that man found. He has disgraced this kingdom. I won’t rest until I see his head on a stick.” The king said.

Back in the chambers, the princess refused to let Uche leave.

“Stay here with me. Let the world turn upside down, I don’t care.” She said. That afternoon, while the warriors were still searching, Uche and the princess made love again. It was as if nothing else mattered.

“This is dangerous. They are looking for me and I'm here making love to you.” Uche said. The princess laughed.

“That’s what makes it sweeter.” She said.

“You’re not afraid?” He asked.

“Afraid of what? I'm enjoying myself. ’ve never felt more alive.” She said.

The king later stood before the people in the village square and made a strong announcement.

“Since Uche has escaped. I want everyone here to listen carefully. If we find out that anyone is hiding him—any man, woman, or even a child—the person will be sentenced to death without trial.” The king announced. The crowd shouted. Some villagers looked at each other in fear.

“Search will continue. No house is off limits. And I mean no house.” His eyes burned with anger. “Bring me that hunter alive or dead!”

“Don’t stop until he is found. And remember, anyone caught helping him will share his punishment which is death!” The king said. The drums of the kingdom echoed the seriousness of the order. The search continued, but Uche remained hidden in the last place anyone would dare to look—in the princess’s private chambers. As night approached, the princess locked her door again, determined to protect the man she loved.

Next episode dropping soon

SEVEN VIRGINS MISSING OOO


The trees had withered their leaves due to the harmattan. Hunters had started burning bushy areas around other forests. So, eight young women, all in their prime, gathered and agreed on a date to go and fetch firewood. On the chosen day, they assembled with joy in their hearts, sharing stories and laughter. Some expressed their desire to marry hunters, promising an abundance of meat, while others preferred farmers, ensuring a steady supply of food. They also shared tales of men they longed to marry.

As they climbed a small hill, they gazed down at the withered trees and assumed they were dry. Descending into the forest, they began searching for firewood, each equipped with her own machete. Unbeknownst to the villagers, the girls were about to uncover a hidden secret.

The eight virgins, fearless and separated, lost sight of each other due to the distance. The dry leaves underfoot masked the danger ahead. Two followed each other closely, while the others wandered farther apart. None had heard of the unseen lake hidden within the forest, concealed by dry leaves. This lake was remarkably deep, and its water was dark and foul-smelling.

The first girl approached the lake, seeking firewood, and vanished silently. No sound was heard; the forest remained still. The distance between the girls prevented them from noticing anything amiss. The second, third, fourth, and fifth girls met the same fate.

The sixth girl called out for her companions, receiving no response. Only the seventh and eighth girls replied from behind. Following the sixth girl's voice, they stumbled upon the lake, and the sixth girl fell victim. The last two, still following each other, rushed toward the sixth girl's direction. The seventh girl stepped into the lake, meeting her demise.

The last girl shouted, her voice echoing through the forest, but no one answered. Grabbing her machete, she carefully swept away leaves, revealing the dark lake. Horrified, she cut signs into nearby trees and fled the forest, crying and shouting.

Returning to the village, she raised the alarm about the seven missing girls. The villagers mobilized and followed her to the lake. Attempts to retrieve the girls failed due to the lake's depth and darkness. Instead, they covered the lake with stones and felled trees, naming the forest "evil" due to its mysterious powers.

To this day, hunters claim encounters with ghosts, warning them to cease hunting in that forest.

How Does the Bible View Ancient Polygamy? What Can It Teach Christians Today? Something to Clarify Before Mission Work in Relevant Regions...

“Do Not Divorce” Does Not Mean “Do Not Remarry”

The Bible records that when Jesus came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan, the Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him. And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:1–9; Matthew 19:1–8, NKJV) If we interpret Jesus’ words against the backdrop of that era—over 2,000 years ago, when polygamy was common—we can better grasp His intent: if a man had only one wife, he was not to divorce her; and if he had more than one wife at the same time, he was not to divorce any of them. In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:10–12; Matthew 19:9; 5:31–32; Luke 16:18, NKJV) Since Jesus states that divorcing one’s wife and marrying another is adultery, one might ask: Is marrying another without divorcing the original wife or wives also adultery? For ancient Israelites, the answer was no—remarriage without divorce was not considered adultery because the Law did not forbid polygamy. But for us today, under monogamous legal systems, one must divorce before marrying again. Thus, the option of marrying again without divorcing doesn’t legally exist. This often leads us to interpret “Jesus said do not divorce” as meaning “Jesus said do not divorce and therefore do not remarry”. However, for the Israelites, “do not divorce” did not equate to “do not remarry”. Another example: we tend to interpret “God hates divorce” (Malachi 2:16, RSV) as meaning “God hates divorce and therefore hates remarriage”. But for Israelites, “hates divorce” did not equate to “hates remarriage”. As monogamy became the norm in later generations, Christians treated it as doctrine. Yet, Jesus never intended to call on the Israelites to abolish polygamy. On the contrary, He called them to remain in their marriages with their own wife or wives, because He taught the Israelites that whoever—whether with only one wife or with more than one at the same time—was not permitted to divorce.

Not Only Allowed by Law—Sometimes God’s Will

In the Old Testament era—which was also the time when Jesus grew up—Israelites were allowed to take multiple wives. For example, Abram took his wife Sarai’s maid, Hagar, as a concubine. After Hagar conceived, she fled due to conflict with Sarai. However, the angel of the Lord told her to return and submit, thereby restoring the concubine to Abram (Genesis 16, RSV). Moreover, after King David had taken Uriah’s wife to be his own, God, through the prophet Nathan, told him that it was He who had put Saul’s wives into his bosom, and that if this had been too little, He would have added as much more. God then asked him why he had despised the word of the Lord by doing what was evil in His sight (2 Samuel 12:8–10, RSV). It seems that the kings of Israel having multiple wives could be in accordance with God’s will. However, God also gave a command through the Law that the king of Israel shall not multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away (Deuteronomy 17:17, RSV). King Solomon, because he loved many foreign women, took 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. As a result, his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, for he did not fully follow the Lord as David his father had done. This illustrates the serious consequences of entering into marriage with foreign women and multiplying wives for himself (1 Kings 11:1–13, RSV). In some cases, God even required His people to take another wife while already married. First example: if brothers lived together and one of them died without a son, the surviving brother was commanded to marry the widow in order to produce descendants for the deceased, so that his name might not be blotted out of Israel (Deuteronomy 25:5–6; Genesis 38:6–10, RSV). Second example: if a Hebrew slave was given a wife by his master and she brought him sons or daughters, when he was released, his wife and children belonged to his master. But if he loves them and does not want to leave, he could choose to serve his master for life (Exodus 21:1–6, RSV). God’s decisions also included the case where a man married a female slave as a wife (or concubine), and later took another wife for himself; he should not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights (that is, he should not divorce her). And if he did not do these three things for her, she should go out for nothing, without payment of money (Exodus 21:10–11, RSV). What do the above examples demonstrate? Polygamy among the Israelites was not only allowed by the Law, but in some cases, it even reflected the will of God—often rooted in His care for the vulnerable. Nevertheless, monogamy is undeniably the highest ideal of marriage. This is why Paul specified that those serving as bishops, deacons, or elders must each meet certain requirements for being above reproach, all of which include being the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9, RSV). Accordingly, the church has reasonably connected this with the verse “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, NKJV) as affirming that the ideal form of marriage according to God’s will is monogamy—even though Jesus quoted this verse to emphasize no divorce, and Paul applied it to Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:29–32; 1 Corinthians 6:15–17, NKJV).

The Church and Polygamy

As of 2025, approximately 50 to 60 countries legally recognize or permit polygamy. These include the following:

Legally recognized polygamy: Algeria, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Gabon, Jordan, Guinea, Libya, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria (in some states), São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Namibia (in some regions), Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia (except Maluku, North Maluku, Papua, West Papua), Iran, Iraq (except Kurdistan), Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria (except Kurdish areas), United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

Muslim-only polygamy recognized: India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Pakistan.

Customary law recognition: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia (in some regions), Niger, Nigeria (Islamic law states), Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Solomon Islands.

Hong Kong has fully implemented a monogamous marriage system, but legal provisions still protect polygamous marriages that were established before the enactment of the modern marriage law [1]. As a result, many churches in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East often encounter converts who are in polygamous marriages. Among them, quite a number of churches hold the view that, although monogamy is upheld as a doctrinal principle, the act of “putting away” a wife is also contrary to Scripture. Therefore, they support allowing converts to retain their existing marital relationships while refraining from taking additional wives. Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10:1–12 holds profound pastoral significance in such contexts, as He forbade divorce, not only correcting the practice of dismissing wives but also protecting all spouses in existing marriages—including each wife in polygamous households. Before engaging in mission work in regions where polygamy is practiced, it is advisable to first understand the local marriage systems and the positions of the churches there. For reference, one may consult the works of scholars such as Dorothy Tembo (lecturer in theology at the University of Malawi), Moses Mlenga (Malawian theologian), David Gitari (Archbishop of Kenya), and Eugene Hillman (Roman Catholic priest):

• Dorothy Tembo, “Missionaries and the Construction of Christian Homes: Examining the Formation of African Social Identities in Colonial Malawi”, *International Bulletin of Mission Research*, Vol. 46(1), 2022, pp. 110–111.

• Moses Mlenga, *Polygamy in Northern Malawi: A Christian Reassessment*, Mzuni Press, 2016, pp. 197–207.

• David Gitari, “The Church and Polygamy”, *Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies*, Vol. 1 Issue 1, 1984, pp. 3–10.

• Eugene Hillman, *Polygamy Reconsidered: African Plural Marriages and the Christian Churches*, Orbis Books, 1975, pp. 31–34.

Suggested reading order: start with Gitari’s article, followed by Tembo, Mlenga, and Hillman.

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” (Matthew 28:18–20, NKJV)

Note:

[1] Women who acquired the status of concubine before 7 October 1971, and their children, may inherit the estate of the deceased male party of a union of concubinage pursuant to Section 5 of the Marriage Reform Ordinance (Cap. 178) and Schedule 1 of the Intestates’ Estates Ordinance (Cap. 73) of the Laws of Hong Kong. Alternatively, they may apply for financial provision from the estate under Section 3 of Part II of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Ordinance (Cap. 481).

Bible Version Note:

The Scripture quotations cited in this article are taken from the “Revised Standard Version” (RSV) and the “New King James Version” (NKJV).

AFDA Alumni Documentary Daughters of Lost Fathers Wins Best Documentary Short at Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards 🎞

AFDA is proud to announce the short documentary film Daughters of Lost Fathers, created by AFDA alumni, won Best Short Form Documentary at the Simon Sabela Awards.

The film also received a nomination in the category of Best Micro Budget Film.
Daughters of Lost Fathers tells a deeply personal and emotional story of two young women who open up about the absence of their fathers during their upbringing, and how this absence shaped their lives into adulthood. The documentary explores the psychological and emotional impact of growing up without a father, especially in the context of their father being a public figure, a man who had the strength to fight for his country, but sadly, not for his daughters.

The story follows the girls from childhood through to the death of their father, ending with his final request to one of his daughters: to include him in one of her productions, a request that inspired the making of this film.

The team behind the documentary includes the following AFDA alumni:
Elihle September – Producer
NIHSS Executive Producer in association with uKZN
Sesiphiwe Zwane – Director, Writer, Editor, VFX, Voice-over, Casting Director
Lindokuhle Mthimkhulu – Assistant Director, Script Supervisor, Editor
Andiswa Zama – Cinematographer
Andile Ntuli – Cinematographer
Nqobile Cele – Marketing
Sibahle Zulu – Participant (whose story is featured in the documentary)

Daughters of Lost Fathers has opened a vital conversation around fatherlessness in the public sphere, and this accolade not only honours that courage, but sets the stage for an expanded life: the film will be submitted to international festivals later this year, with broadcast and outreach plans in development. AFDA extends its warmest congratulations to the entire team and applauds their contribution to storytelling that heals, empowers, and inspires.

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