During the African Renewal Pastors' Training Conference in Eldoret, Kenya, October 26-29, 2011, the Lord led Dr. Ralph F. Wilson to teach on tithing. The idea is that as pastors, even very poor pastors, learn to tithe and teach their people to tithe, then three things happen:

1. The promises of tithing and sowing generously will result in greater financial blessing for pastors and families, lifting them some economically.
2. There will be more money to support the ministry, so pastors have more time to give to the ministry.
3. There will be funds for mission projects, schools, and orphanages to help break Africa's dependence on funds from Europe and America.

Here are the messages given, available on YouTube. These were recorded by videographer John Oboyo Njoni of Eldoret, Kenya.

These video messages are also available a set of two DVDs in PAL format and for distribution only in Africa for a nominal price. The exclusive distributor for Africa is Pastor Chriss Barasa, phone +254 724682134.  These DVDs are not available from Dr. Wilson.

• Introduction to the Teachings on Tithing and Giving, Bishop Chriss Barasa. Utangulizi kwenye Sanduri Funzo la Uwanafunzi kuhusu Kutoa. Rev. Barasa was the host pastor for the conference at Word of Life Harvest Church, Langas Estate, Eldoret, Kenya.

1. Too Poor to Give (40:49). Maskini Sana Kepeana. Giving to God and tithing isn't just for the well-to-do. It is for the poor as well. Pastor Ralph gives three examples from the scriptures of poor individuals who were blessed in their giving: (1) The widow of Zarephath who was commanded to feed the Prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:7-16), (2) the widow who gave her last two pennies in the temple — and was commended for it by Jesus himself (Luke 21:1-4), and (3) the Macedonian churches who gave out of their "overflowing joy" and "extreme poverty" (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) and received the promise (made only to these givers) that "my God will meet all your needs" (Philippians 4:19). Sees poverty coming with two powerful spirits that must be defeated by truth: (1) the spirit of fear (that I won't have enough), and (2) the spirit of greed and selfishness. Faith drives out fear and greed.

2. Stewardship, Ministry, and the Tithe (44:55). Uwangalifu katika Huduma ya Fungu la Kumi. An overview of the topics of stewardship and tithing, including the history and purpose of the tithe. The main points of this message are: (1) Everything belongs to God. Kila kitu ni cha Mungu (Psalm 24:1; Deuteronomy 10:14). (2) We are stewards over God's property. Sisi ni walinzi kwa vitu vya Mungu (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 4:2). (3)The tithe belongs to the Lord. Fungu la kumi ni la Mungu (Leviticus 27:30-33). (4) 4. God uses the tithe to provide for His ministry on earth. Mungu hutumia fungu la kumi kupeana kwa hutuma yake hapa duniani (1 Samuel 8:17; Genesis 14:20; 28:22; Numbers 18:21-24; Deuteronomy 12:6-19; 14:22-29; 26:12-15). Tithing is linked to spiritual renewal and revival in the Bible (Hezekiah - 2 Corinthians 31:2-10, 10; Nehemiah 13:10-12). The principle carries over to the New Testament (Matthew 23:23; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14). We are not under law, but under grace. However, to give less under grace than under law is a dis-grace.

3. The Blessings of Tithing (Malachi / Malaki 3). Baraka ya Kutoa Fungu la Kumi (43:48). Discusses the basis that the tithe belongs to the Lord under the law; thus, to withhold the tithe is robbing God, keeping what is His. The result of disobedience is a curse (Deuteronomy 28:15-19). Discusses the storehouses in the temple as the place where food was kept for the priests and Levites to eat. But God is not just angry, he invites a test of his promises. These promises of blessing are two-fold: (1) positive blessings as well as (2) protective blessings. Haggai 1:2-11 gives an example of God withholding his protective blessings upon those who were lax in rebuilding the temple. Notes that the promises are for material blessings, not just "spiritual blessings," as we're often told.

4. The Blessings of Sowing Generously (2 Corinthians / 2 Wakorinto 9:6-15). Baraka ya Kupata Katika Uaminifu (43:27). A careful exposition of 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 that discusses the promises of sowing generously - not becoming rich in order to enjoy wealth, but to have more to give, that is, "to increase your store of seed," so you have more to give for God's glory. Dr. Wilson notes that verse 7 is clear — we must not manipulate people into giving by pressure or guilt. God is looking for a cheerful heart that gives in true worship and love.

5. A Critique of the Prosperity Message. Utatanishi katika Ujumbe wa Mafanikio (42:18). Began with reading Paul's view of wealth in Philippians 4:10-13. Then contrasts it with what the prosperity teachers claim. While the prosperity message contains some important truths, it is contains three problems: (1) Poverty is not the curse that Christ died for, Umasikini  sio laana ambayo kristo alifia (Galatians 3:13-14; Deuteronomy 27:26; 28:15-68). Rather, this is the general curse on Adam and the land from Genesis 3:17b-19a. Christ died for sin, not for material wealth. The claim that Jesus was a rich man is patently false (Luke 8:1-3; John 12:6; 13:29). Quotes Jim Bakker in I Was Wrong (Nelson, 1996), p. 535. Notes that poverty is not simple, but the result of many causes. Nevertheless, being a Christian brings financial blessings from living right — as well as promises of financial blessing as a result of giving to God.  (2) A motivation of Greed, Tamaa (Matthew 6:19-21, 24; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 1 John 2:15-16). (3) The fruit of Pride, Majifuno, Kiburi.

6. Financial Integrity for Pastors. Uaminifu wa Kifedha kwa Wachungaji (35:00). Suggests that the widespread corruption in government, in politicians, and in society in East Africa reaches down to the Church of Jesus Christ also. Pastors cannot afford to be financially corrupt (lovers of money, since this will bring distrust and disrepute on Jesus Christ and His Church (1 Timothy 3:2-3; Titus 1:7; Hebrews 13:5; John 12:4-6). Pastors must keep their money separate from the church's money. To avoid any suggestion of wrong-doing, money should be administered with transparency and with a treasurer, not by the pastor only (Matthew 10:16; Titus 2:7-8). We are told to avoid any appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22), so that things aren't just right in God's sight, but in man's also (2 Corinthians 8:18-21). Concludes with a call to repentance (Revelation 2:5).

7. God is your source. Mungu Ndiye Mpeanaji (4:01). A brief summary of the result that tithing will have on the future of the African church, their pastors, and their people.

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