What an amazing Easter period we have had at Smyrna Church.

It was also remarkable to see all the people who came out to use their talents and gifts in putting together three plays which captured the life changing episode around Jesus’ resurrection. This event was re-told in three different languages of Persian, English and Swedish and was written and directed by three incredible people; Hadi Irandoost, Sandy Lindstedt and Urban Ringback.

There were approximately 200 volunteers that made these dramatisations possible. Each person was very important and had to harmoniously work their gifts  together with all the other volunteers to produce the magnificent plays.

Some were off-stage while others were on-stage. The gifts and talents were as numerous as you can imagine; sound technicians, camera crew, photographers, media team, light technicians, scenographers, stage designers, prop builders, costume tailors&designers, stage&backstage managers, actors, dancers, singers, musicians, music directors, choir directors, choreographers, ushers, kitchen staff, event hosts, advertising crew….the list is endless!

• God has put within each one of us a talent. It may be one, two, five, ten or however many. The point is not the number but the value of each. Once you identify one of your talents, treasure it! It is part of God’s investment in you…gold!
• As an investor, God desires to see an increase. He has therefore designed you with the ability to work your gifts and talents. We ought to use them, develop them, share them and invest them. Find opportunities to use your gift and talents, practise as often as you can, teach others what you know, learn from others, share your experiences, create opportunities for others, package your gifts and talents, tell stories through them, feed Nations, etc.
• Moreover, I believe that our gifts and talents are unique to our calling, an equipment for the works that God has prepared for us to do. Through them we are truly able to fulfil purpose and destiny.

I know that this may sound ambiguous for some of you but I can break it down to a very simple example from my life.

My example:

Some time back I was called by an anonymous lady from a distant City for an exclusive festival with Africa in focus. She wanted me to be one of the panelists to be interviewed about issues in Africa as well as have a dance workshop.

In this respect, I was going to use my teaching, dancing and oratory gifts and talents.

Over the years I had developed my teaching gift through voluntary and paid opportunities. I had taught the bible, dance, guitar, maths and anything else I was knowledgable of for the love of it. This had developed a pedagogical approach to teaching that I was not even aware of.

My dancing talent had been cultivated through collaborating with other dancers, learning from them, free styling on my own, performing at numerous events and sharing my skills with others.

I had not identified my speaking gift in my early years. However, when discovered, I used and nurtured it by hosting events and TV shows. I still didn’t have much experience but I was confident enough in God and what I knew He had put within me.

So you can guess that prior to the lady calling me, I had already constructed an African dance workshop package and valued the package per hour…I was ready! Furthermore, this organisation was ready to pay dearly for my skills.

What fun it was to spread joy to the people, transfer knowledge, contribute to health and fitness, meet new people, explore a new place and get paid for all that ;-). Moreover, I was able to share my faith and pray with some of the participants…so completely amazing to see God’s perfect ways.

I can testify that in my years of using my gifts and talents, I have literally seen God employing each and every of these moments to bring His Kingdom to a person, people or place. It is mind blowing, exciting and fulfilling!

• Finally, we are accountable for our gifts, how we value them and use them. Let us keep a close walk with the HolySpirit and He will guide us accordingly.

Mathew 25:14-30

Love and Blessings,

Kiumbiro M.