About 150 people from various denominations gathered for the “Shepherding
a Child’s Heart” conference which was sponsored
by the Eastside Baptist Church in
Windhoek. Tedd Tripp, our speaker and the author of the book “Shepherding a Child’s heart”
was accompanied by his wife
Margy and
together they were a real treat , as Tedd
spoke to us in 5 sessions , and
as together they ministered to individuals during the course of the
conference.
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| Tedd answering questions |
Those who know Tedd and his approach to this
subject will know that he works
from “first principles”. The Scripture teaches us that the issues
of life come from the heart. Behaviour
is symptomatic, and therefore secondary. The heart is primary. When this is applied to children, then we know that their behaviour,
like that of adults, is motivated by a
heart that has been corrupted by the fall. Our hearts
by nature are selfish and proud. With this theological fact in mind,
Tedd masterfully expounded how behavioural issues at the various stages
of childhood need to be understood and
dealt with by understanding what the
Bible teaches concerning the heart .
 |
| Frans Brits leads a Q & A session |
Tedd’s Reformed Theology then applies the
remedies in terms of a thorough understanding of grace. Grace is what God extends to repentant sinners, and when we understand how He deals with us so
very mercifully, then we shall also learn to deal mercifully and graciously with
others who sin – particularly the
children given to us by God .
 |
| Margy answering the questions of many women |
Tedd is not soft on discipline. He discussed the matter of ‘spanking’ and
showed us that this practise too was rooted
in Scripture (Proverbs in particular). At a young age this form of
discipline can be very effective, because God’s Word recommends it! Tedd cautioned parents however not to spank in anger, but in love. This takes much wisdom.
The five
sessions (see previous blog for specific
content matter) were interspersed with Question and Answer
sessions. Many good questions were
asked and answered.
The Barnabas
Book ministry of the Eastside Baptist Church , under the leadership of Coen
and Annie Welsh provided many helpful
books which were snapped up at good prices!
The feedback given by many of the
conference was very encouraging, and so
we pause to give thanks to the
Lord who gives ‘people gifts’( Eph 4:11-16) such as Tedd and Margy to the church
to equip the saints and to help them to mature.
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