EVERYTHING -"Z" TO "A"
Aug. 2008
LIVING BETWEEN THE STEPS
Greetings friends! Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
As I have been preparing some lessons for an upcoming Bible School, I looked through some material that I had gathered years ago. In that material I came across the following section – adapted from something that I had read. Read it carefully and be challenged by its truth.
“A soldier learns to live between the steps. A university professor tells of being invited to speak at a military base one December and there meeting an unforgettable soldier named Ralph. Ralph had been sent to meet him at the airport, and after they had introduced themselves, they headed toward the baggage claim. As they walked down the concourse, Ralph kept disappearing. Once he went to help an older woman whose suitcase had opened. Once he lifted two toddlers up to where they could see Santa Claus. And again to give directions to someone who was lost. Each time he came back with a big smile on his face. “Where did you learn to do that?” the professor asked. “Do what?” Ralph said. “Where did you learn to live like that?” “Oh,” Ralph said, “during the war, I guess.” Then he told the professor about his tour of duty in Viet Nam, about how it was his job to clear mine fields, and how he watched his friends blow up before his eyes, one after another. “I learned to live between the steps,” he said. “I never knew whether the next one would be my last, so I learned to get everything I could out of the moment between when I picked up my foot and when I put it down again. Every step I took was a whole new world, and I guess I’ve just been that way ever since.””
At the first of July, I helped our “strategy leader,” Kevin Rodgers, with transport for a volunteer team. On our return from where the team had been ministering, there was a great tragedy. We were going through one of the few small “towns” on the way and met an oncoming bus. Just as the speeding bus got beside me, the driver started hooting his hooter (honking the horn). That caught my attention so I looked in the rear view mirror. I saw a woman get hit by the bus and then the driver struggling to maintain control of his bus. I didn’t know whether he would stop or not so we turned around and I sent a pastor up to check out the situation. He said that the woman was dead. I asked him to tell the people that we would report the accident at the closest police station. I did notice that the bus managed to stop eventually and that many of the people were coming from the bus back to the scene of the accident.
Perhaps the woman was distracted by our passing and simply did not see the bus. I don’t know what happened for sure – but there are images that are burned into my memory. I see the woman’s body rolling on the road. I see the chitenje (that cloth the women wrap around their bodies) floating in the air. I see the man dragging the woman’s body to the side of the road. I see the certainty of death – and the truth of that word from Scripture – “there is but a step between me and death.”
So, I challenge you, my brothers and sisters, to start “living between the steps.” The abundance of our lives is not determined by how long we live, but how well we live it. Christ makes abundant life possible if we choose to live it - now.
I am sure that you have either read or heard the observation that the “hyphen” between the date of birth and the date of death is that part of living that we should really concentrate on. We are never really alive apart from a saving relationship with Jesus Christ – and we will never experience life in its fullest apart from walking daily in fellowship with Him.
TAKING CARE OF THE PASTOR
Several of our seminary students are pastors. It always thrills my soul to see that local church striving to do something to take care of the pastor.
I happened to be out recently in an area where one of the seminary students has served as pastor. In fact I was in this area twice within a month – and on each occasion the “home” church sent gifts to their pastor through me. On the first trip they sent a bag of maize and a stalk of bananas. This last time they had gathered a small bag of ground nuts and a monetary gift.
The monetary gift particularly caught my attention – primarily because the church leader forced me to count it out in his presence (I don’t think he mistrusted me – he just wanted to be a good steward). The gift was 25,100 Zambian kwacha - which is roughly the equivalent of $8.00. By the joy of the church leader and the seriousness with which he presented the gift, you would have thought that the church had just entrusted me with a bag of gold! In fact, it was something far more precious than gold, it was a gift of sacrifice and love as a church was just “taking care of the pastor.”
HUNGRY
I met recently with a church in a remote area. It was in a place of hunger. The people had lost their first crop through flooding, and then they lost the second crop through drought. In spite of all this, they continued to rejoice in the Lord and His goodness.
Across the table from me at lunchtime (“dinner on the ground”) was an older faithful Christian man, and he was a man who could eat. First he ate his nsima (the staple corn mush of most meals). Then he turned his attention to the rice. Stage one was rice and sugar. Then he noticed that I had not eaten the bone from the chicken leg that I had for my relish – and so he quickly grabbed it up and ate it. When the sugar was finished, he tried rice with an orange flavored drink poured over the top. Yes, indeed, this man could eat – and I have never seen anyone enjoy all that he ate so very much.
I would pray for you (and ask you to pray for me) that we would have an exceptional appetite and hunger for the things of God!!!!!!
PRAYER ITEMS
Baptist Bible Schools – There are three local leadership training sessions in this month of August in the area of the Eastern Harvest Team.
- 4th-9th August (Luangwa)
- 11th – 16th August (Chongwe)
- 18th – 23rd August (Manenekela)
Pray that the teachers and “students” will travel safely and that all will remain in good health throughout the training sessions. Pray that each of the students will manage to find school fees for these sessions. Pray that we can take what we learn and apply it to our places of ministry – to the glory of God.
Baptist Fellowship of Zambia – The annual meeting for the Fellowship takes place during the last week of August.
Thompson Family – Pray for good health, godly wisdom, spiritual strength, and loving hearts.
July 2008
THE JESUS FILM – A REALITY SHOW
One of the church planting “tools” available to us is the Jesus film. Essentially it is the Gospel of Luke on film. Although the movie was originally done in English, the “voice-overs” help millions of the world’s peoples to hear the Word in their own heart language. The overall effectiveness of this tool in evangelism and church planting might be debated – but its impact on the listeners when they hear it in their own language is beyond debate. It is the ultimate reality show.
I was reminded of this once again when I showed the Jesus film at a place called Mwalumina. The headman had given us permission to set up the equipment at a soccer field/outdoor netball court. We set up our equipment, started to play some music over the sound system, and waited for the people to come.
As the people gathered and watched the film, I was struck by just how involved they became in the movie. Over the two hours of the film the people “live” the events along with those in the story. They celebrate and rejoice along with those that are healed; they shake their heads at Judas in his betrayal of Christ; they laugh as Jesus handles question after question from the “authorities,” they suffer along with Jesus as He is beaten and then nailed to the cross; they experience the movie and don’t just watch it. It is real!!!!
Herein is unveiled my concern – and embarrassment. Just how “real” is the Scripture to me?
As you read your Bible, do you read as a mere spectator? Do you read as someone un-involved, unconcerned, and indifferent? Do you read just to be able to say that you have done your duty?
How I pray that we would come to understand that reading the Bible is the ultimate “reality” experience! May the Lord move us from the role of spectator to the role of participant in His Story!
Mwalumina
We often ask you to pray about “reaching the lost” and “planting new churches.” Let me give you some feedback on one outreach event – a “crusade” at Mwalumina. We showed the Jesus film on a Friday and Saturday night, did “hut to hut” witnessing on Saturday, and held the first “official” worship service on Sunday.
On Friday night there were about 100 who braved the “cold” air (and 50 degrees with a slight wind and standing for 3-4 hours in an open field is cold) to watch the movie. On Saturday night there were about 250 in attendance. Through the film and the preaching of the Word each night we saw approximately 30 give their life to Jesus.
After a whole day of personal evangelism on Saturday, the “team” recorded a total of 42 individuals who had received Jesus as their Savior. One team member actually had the opportunity to “preach” at a local tavern – and rejoiced when six men surrendered their hearts to the Lord.
Then on Sunday, at the first “official” service, there were 23 adults in attendance (and lots of children). The Lord has “created” a new local church – and, behold, it is very good!
Pray for this new group of believers. Pray that they will have the leaders that they need – as they need them – and that they will become all that they need to become as His church. Pray for the Canaan Association as they provide guidance and nurture to this new “church.”
Twikatane and Chifwema
A volunteer team from Southwestern Seminary came to work alongside leaders from Canaan Association (with the assistance of Eastern Harvest Team members Mike and Lindy Howard) in two other “outreach” projects. Although I haven’t received a “full report,” the associational chairman indicated that at Twikatane there were 56 individuals who decided to give their lives to Christ and that there were 36 who prayed to receive Christ at Chifwema. Isn’t it great to know that God is at work!
I visited the “church” at Chifwema as they held their very first worship service as a church. They are so excited about what God has done – and their hearts are filled with great expectations of God can do through them in the future. Pray for their “faithfulness” in following Jesus – and in telling others the “Good News.”
Personal Items
I am writing this newsletter the day after Father’s Day. Since our children are on our hearts in a special way, we would ask you to continue to pray for our “boys” and their families (Van Martin and Jenn, Eric and Lisa). Van Martin just started a new job – so pray that he will settle in nicely. Pray for Eric and Lisa as they both are searching for jobs.
Mary purchased an exercise bicycle for me for Father’s Day. (I must hasten to add that she wasn’t trying to communicate anything to me indirectly. It’s just that our twenty year exercise bicycle had started falling apart – literally. Last weekend little “ball bearings” just started dropping on the floor out of the flywheel.) There are other ways of “saying lovin,’” – and not just “something from the oven.” I am a blessed man.
PRAYER ITEMS
End of Term – July is the month to write end of term exams at the Baptist Theological Seminary. Pray that the students will perform to the best of their ability – and that they should not be overly distracted by family and ministry at this time.
New Churches – In this newsletter you will hear reports about Mwalumina, Twikatane, and Chifwema. In each of those areas there is a brand new church – a new body of believers. Even though you might not even venture to pronounce their names, please don’t fail to pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ in these “new” churches. Pray that the new believers will grow, that the “old” believers will be revived, and that each new church will become all that a church should be – all to the glory of God.
The United States of America – God forbid that we should sin against Him by failing to pray for our country. I am no expert on economics, industry, etc. (or really anything at all) – but one thing I do know, the USA needs the Lord!
June, 2008
GREETINGS!
Hello there to all of our faithful friends! This newsletter has been a bit of a struggle to write. Not because we have not been busy, but because we are doing those things that we “normally” do and so there was not so much “out of the ordinary” on which to comment. Pray for me on that one, that my attitude might improve. After all, every day for us as Christians is “extraordinary.”
I am reminded of a Christmas Sunday worship service a few years ago. The pastor made an announcement that from time to time stirs my heart even today. He commented that we were having “special” services on this particular Sunday since it was Christmas, but then he added, “Of course next Sunday we will be having our “normal” services.”
Isn’t that just the problem with us today? Our only expectation of the next Sunday worship is that it will be “normal.” What is “normal” about a group of like-minded folks gathering in the presence of the Creator of the Universe to exalt Him, to worship Him and to commune with Him?
The “headman”
One of the “rules” of church planting etiquette is you never just go into a village to preach the gospel without first paying a visit to the village headman. It is just considered proper that you go and meet with the headman, introduce yourself, explain what you intend to do, and ask for his/her permission to enter into their village/area.
Such a visit takes some time and seems relatively un-important. However, this “headman” can close off completely a village or a whole area to a missionary or church. Conversely, once his permission is given virtually every “door” is open to at least hearing the gospel.
I have visited one headman thus far in May, and will visit another one before the end of May. There are two other such visits planned for June. Pray for me (and my fellow workers) that as we visit the “headmen” we can introduce them to the One who is the real “Chief above all chiefs.”
Spiritual Warfare
One of our missionaries from the Northern Province of Zambia just arrived in town today. He came to the regular Sunday Bible study and shared some his prayer concerns with the group – and in doing so reminded us that we are engaged in a great spiritual battle.
This missionary and some local believers “targeted” a new locale in their area. Apparently there were some who had heard of their coming, so when they arrived they were met with immediate opposition. Men with “megaphones” traveled throughout the villages saying that this missionary and his people were “Satanists” and that they were not teaching the truth.
The “megaphone” men stayed only a couple of days. The outreach lasted a full week. Thirty souls entered the Kingdom eternally. Praise the Lord for His marvelous victory!
The local witchdoctors have as well banded together and are threatening anyone who now unites with the local church, or any of those who will continue to worship at this local church. They have said that any of these new “Christians” should be cast out of their families. But God’s people are remaining faithful in spite of this obvious persecution.
Labola (Bride Price)
Even today, this practice continues among many of the tribes here in Zambia. As a couple agree to marry, family representatives from each side negotiate a “compensation” to be paid to the family of the bride-to-be. Our local pastor shared with us his recent experience in one of these negotiations. As a representative of the young man, he marveled at how “demanding” the representatives of the young lady had become. Of course, they wanted the traditional “gifts” of cloth, hoes, and livestock. But these folks demanded a new suit for the father of the young lady, six cows and a bull, and several chickens. In case it might be difficult to physically produce the “labola,” they indicated that they were more than willing to accept cash in lieu of “goods.”
Theological Education by Extension
Every Friday I travel my “loop” of approximately 120 miles and meet with three TEE groups. All of the groups are studying the same book – “Christian Family Living” (Makhalidwe a Banja la Chikhristu). At each meeting the groups take a short quiz on their lesson of the previous week, and discuss any issues arising from their studies. Also, I take the time to answer questions and to make some special emphases on what I think are key ideas within the lessons. On any given Friday there are a total of 30 to 40 men and women gathering to study the Word of God. I cannot express in sufficient words the inspiration that I receive on these Fridays as I see people literally “thirst” for an understanding of the truth of God – and the desire that they have to apply God’s Word to their hearts and lives. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake, for they will be filled.
PRAYER ITEMS
Planting new churches:
- at Twikaetane – 6-9 June
- at Chifwema – 10-13 June
Both of the above places are in one of the associations that I work with. There is a volunteer team coming from Southwestern Seminary to work with one of our fellow missionaries in trying to plant a church in each of these two places. Pray for health and safety for the volunteers and for the nationals that will work alongside them. Pray for “open doors” and “open hearts” – and that we will see people saved.
Evangelistic service:
Twin Palm Baptist Church on the 8th of June. In preparation for a July city-wide crusade, Twin Palm is having a special evangelistic service. The church members are to invite their lost friends, family members, and contacts for this special worship time. Pray that many “lost” will come on that day – and that I will be able to faithfully communicate the gospel.
June, 2008
“Blazing the trail”
Now I have been on a lot of “bad” roads (after all, I am an official PhD – “pot-hole dodger”). In fact I have been on a number of trails that were not really “roads” at all – footpaths, corn rows, etc. However, in teaching at a youth meeting I had a new experience in travel.
As soon as we turned off the main road, our Zambian “escort” got out of the vehicle and walked in front of the truck leading us through the bush. He kept looking to the right and left – trying to anticipate the presence of any tree stumps or large rocks which might be an impediment to our journey. Then, suddenly, he stopped and got back into the vehicle.
I was totally bewildered for as far as I could “see,” there was still not even a path, let alone anything that could pass for a “road.” He must have recognized my confused state as he quickly noted, “Don’t you see the marks on the trees? All you have to do is to drive along following those marks and we will get to the camp soon.” Someone had “blazed a trail” through the wilderness to guide us.
Jesus is the “pioneer of our faith” – He has blazed a trail for us through this world to the heavenly camp. How thankful we should be for the “marks” that He has left along the way so that we should know how to move and live. We should be even more thankful that the One who “blazed the trail” is also our fellow traveler – who will never abandon us.
Missionaries are “trail blazers.” One of the teachers at one of our Bible schools was assigned to teach a course on “religions and cults.” Since he is a seminary student he decided to use the notes from his seminary course on “religions and cults” – a course taught by a missionary.
This national “teacher” was going to be teaching in a vernacular language other than his own. So, he translated the notes from English to his heart language, and then his fellow student translated the notes from that language to the language of the students in the Bible school. Then those Bible school students will translate and teach those very same lessons in several other languages.
What is your testimony?
One of the most encouraging experiences of life on the mission field is getting to hear the testimonies of how people came to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Let me share some of these with you – just as they were presented to me.
- J – “My life before being saved was not very good, I was very undispline no respect even to the old people…I didn’t believe that there was God. But one day there was a crusade at our school which was brought by the Baptist missionaries, the first film was Jesus film. By that time I was very sorry to see Jesus being crucified on a cross because of me a sinner. I felt very sorry in my heart and after message there was an altar call and that night I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus and I received him to be my Lord and Savior…” (J is a pastor and the chairman of the associational evangelism committee.)
- N – “A friend came to my house to visit with me. He said that there was a meeting at the church and we should go there. The preacher opened to the book of Romans – chapter 8:12-14. The Holy Spirit worked in my heart to help me to become a child of God.”
- E – “Before I was saved I used to go to church because it was my chance to speak to the young ladies. (He was looking for a girlfriend.) On one of those trips the Baptist pastor spoke a message which touched my life and I realized I was lost. This pastor, and others, continued to teach me and strengthen me in the faith. I have come to see that God wanted my life, and now He is the owner of everything in my life.”
- V – “All my life I grew up a religious person, but what I didn’t know was that one can receive Jesus Christ and be forgiven or your sins. A friend of mine read Luke 19:10 and John 3:16-18 to me. These scriptures helped me to understand the way of salvation and how lost I was. I gave my life to the Lord Jesus Christ in 1999 and from that year down the line my life has totally changed.” (V is a public school teacher and very active in her local church.)
What is your salvation testimony? Have you reflected on how you came to be saved, or equally important, have you shared with anyone recently how you came to know Jesus Christ?
“I’ve never seen that before.”
Some of the Bible School students were more excited than usual in welcoming me to the first class of the day. It seems that the night before the cook had discovered some “un-welcome” company lying around her cooking pots. A puff adder had chosen to come and visit the cooking area. One of the students responded quite quickly and killed the snake before any harm was done. They had saved the “body” for me to see.
I have seen a few puff adders in our African pilgrimage. This one had to be number one in my experience in length and size. I figure that it was about four feet long and its body was at least as big around as the upper part of my arm. Yes, indeed, I had never seen anything like that before.
For those who have visited Africa (or who have seen pictures or film of Africa), you have come to know that the Africa woman carries a large variety of things on her head – buckets of water, bundles of firewood, bags of maize, etc. I have even seen a woman carrying an empty coke bottle. But recently I have seen my first “hammer head.” As I was traveling in the bush, I came upon a group of women walking together with various and sundry items on their heads – including one lady with a sledge hammer balanced perfectly on her head. I had never seen that before.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor. 2:9)
PRAYER ITEMS
There is a volunteer team coming during the first two weeks of June to work in some church planting. We have targeted two villages within the area served by the Canaan Association as the places where we have been led to do this ministry. Pray for the health and safety of all involved – and for boldness and perseverance.
Pray for our ongoing ministry activities. Mary serves faithfully in the treasurer’s office daily. Pray that the Lord will continue to grant her the blessing of “satisfaction” as she ministers to our extended mission family throughout several countries. Also, pray for my “teaching” ministry as I teach two classes at the seminary and meet with three theological education by extension groups every Friday.
April, 2008
HUNGER RELIEF PROJECT
The folks along the Lunsemfwa River have had a rough year. The ongoing rains flooded their farmland and they were forced to stretch out last year’s harvest as long as possible.
Kevin Rodgers, the Eastern Harvest Team Leader, became aware of their suffering during his church planting ministry along the shores of the river. Consequently, he led our “team” to reach out in love to the people in this area.
Over a two day period we distributed 200 x 25 kg. bags of corn flour to over a hundred families living along the river. As the people came to the collection points (one on each side of the river), we saw the genuineness of their need, and their joy in receiving. Some had been four days without any nsima (the corn mush that is the staple food of so many Africans). Many people made a journey of four to five hours – one way – just get this flour.
As Kevin ferried most of the flour to the collection point on the other side of the river, others of us had the opportunity to share “spiritual food” with those who came to receive the food for the body. Of the 50 or so adults on “my” side of the river, seven adults came forward and stood in front of their peers, publicly testifying that they had given their lives to Jesus Christ. On the other side of the river, many more people trusted in Christ. We had a great two days to the glory of God!
As I write this my heart is full of joy and thankfulness to the Lord for allowing me to be a part of this project. I am thankful for the Lord’s protection – especially for Kevin as he made trip after trip up the river (in his small boat he could only manage 8-10 bags of flour per trip). Remember, this is Africa, so there were crocodiles and hippos that consider this river to be their home (the noise of boat’s engine supposedly makes them vacate the “premises” temporarily). I am thankful for the joy of working shoulder to shoulder with Zambian pastors/church leaders. I am thankful for your faithful praying and giving – your “gifts” purchased the boat (just a few years ago) and they provided the flour for hungry people. Your prayers were the “vanguard” of our preaching and sharing as souls were saved and the gospel “seed” was planted.
This was my first trip into this particular area. The journey proved to be quite interesting. Kevin and his family led the way – and I followed in our truck. There were stretches in the road where you were surrounded by grass as high as the windows in the truck and over its “hood” as well (the truck was like a giant “lawnmower”). Literally, there were some places where I could not see the road at all – in front or in the rear. I just kept driving knowing that there must be a road – after all, my brother had just driven ahead of me. I just kept it as straight as I could – daring not to veer off to one side or the other.
So it is with walking by faith. There are times when all of your physical senses and earthly knowledge tell you that there is no way, no “road,” and no hope. But He is the “pioneer” of our faith – having traveled the road. Let us follow Him!
Mzukwa
While we were at the meeting mentioned below, we had the opportunity to catch up with some of our Malawi missionary colleagues. With all of our involvement with the seminary in Malawi we of course wanted to know about some of our former students. Many of them are doing quite well – but one in particular cheered our hearts.
Let me tell you about “Greysham.” In spite of his many physical handicaps, Greysham managed to get through secondary school and then on to our seminary. Although he was not an especially gifted student, through his perseverance and faith in God, Greysham successfully completed his studies a couple of years ago and now is the pastor of “Chisomo (Grace) Baptist Church.” According to all reports he is an outstanding pastor, and the church is growing from strength to strength. That’s really quite an accomplishment for a nearly blind orphan boy, isn’t it?
Oh, yes, Greysham is also an “mzukwa” (a “spirit, ghost”). He is an albino. In an earlier generation, Greysham would have been killed shortly after birth – since they would have assumed that such an anomaly must have been the result of “witchcraft.” But God specializes in taking the outcasts of society, the forgotten, the neglected, the weak of the world, etc. to shame the strong.
Are you available to God?
CESA Sectional Meeting
The southern and central section of our region met in Johannesburg, South Africa for our annual missionary training meeting (we met as a combined group rather than as an “individual” country). About every five years we try to have this “combined” meeting as a way of mutual encouragement, fellowship, and training. It is a powerful experience to be worshipping together with your missionary colleagues from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, Angola, Namibia, and, of course, Zambia. The days were full of training experiences – personnel mobilization, urban and rural church planting strategies, mentoring, etc.
In the early mornings and late afternoons we met for worship and praise. Our hearts were particularly challenged by the preaching and teaching of Dr. Gordon Fort, the Vice President of Overseas Operations for the International Mission Board. His emphasis on “obedience in the details” and being truly holy in the sight of God and in all our relationships found a fertile soil in our lives – and I am sure that it will continue to bear fruit in the days ahead.
Miscellaneous
On my way to the seminary I have to maneuver through 3 or 4 roundabouts – and a most difficult four way stop. In our year in Zambia I have had the majority of my “close calls” at that four way stop. Apparently I need to do more study on the exact “code of the road” for such a stop. From my observation thus far I would assume that the basic tactic is “driving by intimidation.” In other words the approach by most of the people at this stop is “don’t stop,” just as long as you keep moving the other people more likely than not will stop for you. Isn’t this the fundamental problem with many of us – all of us want the “right of way” all of the time, even when we need to stop.
903-530
There are 903 “nations” (people groups) in our region of the world. Many of them are “unengaged” (there is no missionary presence) and/or “un-reached” (less than 1% of the population has an evangelical witness). This is a major challenge for the 530 missionaries of the International Mission Board who serve in this region. We need help! Pray for us!
PRAYER ITEMS
Pray for our local leadership training meetings (Baptist Bible School) during the month of April. We will have three schools going during the month – in consecutive weeks. Pray for travel safety, good health for all involved, and a heart to learn and listen – all for His glory. The dates and places are as follows:
- 7-12 April – Luangwa
- 14-19 April – Manenekela
- 21-26 April – Chongwe
On the 20th of April I will be preaching at Twin Palm Baptist Church here in Lusaka. As always, I will stand in need of your prayer support – and His grace.
Around the 21st of April there is the beginning of a new term at the seminary. This time I will be preaching the second homiletics course. Pray that I will communicate clearly on how to communicate clearly.
February, 2008
BITS AND PIECES
One of the most interesting experiences of this month was with the young man that I picked up at the Luangwa Bridge. He needed a ride to Lusaka – a journey of about 3 hours. This young man was a “military” man and apparently well educated – he expressed himself quite well in English. He was a Christian (with a Pentecostal church) and when he realized that he was among brothers in Christ, he had some questions about Christianity and culture.
Of greatest concern to him was protecting his three month old child (a baby girl) from evil spirits. This man stated that the “parents” were pushing them for a “cleansing” ritual to protect the child. So far he had told them “no.” One of the relatives suggested that they get some dirt from a well-traveled road, mix it with water, and then bathe their child for the next three days in that water. This should protect the child from the evil spirits. The reasoning was that there were many types of people who traveled that way – from all different directions – and there would be those who had already acquired protection from evil spirits. Also, the evil spirits would be “confused” and not likely be able to locate his daughter.
From our Western world perspective, we would probably consider the young man’s concern with a lot of skepticism – and a touch of humor. However, this young man was “deadly serious” in his search for help – and he is representative of so many of his generation as they struggle with traditional culture, practices and beliefs. Before we discount them as being too “superstitious,” let us being willing to confess that at least they are aware of the spiritual battles that are constantly taking place and are involved in the battle daily – unlike many of us who are relatively “weak soldiers” in the Lord’s army.
Recently, at Twin Palm Baptist, the children’s Sunday school classes sang this inspiring and challenging chorus:
“I am on the Rock, the Rock at last, I am on the Rock at last,
My soul has found a resting Place; I am on the Rock at last.”
“…And what about you?”
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”
I am making this entry on the 11th of February. It has been an “unusual” day, as on this Monday I have attended my first funeral in Zambia – and it was one that I am not likely to forget.
It was on the 8th of February when a pastor (a military chaplain actually), his family (his wife and only child, a daughter), and others were traveling in the eastern part of Zambia. In a moment, in the “twinkling of an eye,” lives were changed forever.
Suddenly a child runs out of the bush into the road and the pastor swerves to miss the child. The vehicle drops a wheel in one of the large potholes on that section of the road and the vehicle flips. The pastor and another survivor were thrown from the vehicle. The pastor’s wife and child, and another lady, all died on the scene.
But there is a bit of underlying tragedy in the previous statement, “they all died on the scene.” It seems that the pastor revived shortly after the accident (both arms were broken and there were some head injuries) and made his way to his wife and daughter. The wife was dead – probably on impact. However, the daughter was still breathing. Despite the pastor’s best efforts to get someone to help, several vehicles passed by the scene without stopping. That precious child perhaps would be alive today – if only someone had gotten involved sooner. So this afternoon at Twin Palm Baptist Church there were 3 caskets at the front of the church building.
Yet we “do not grieve as those who have no hope.” Yes, there were many broken hearts and there was much grieving as we gathered as the family of God – perhaps a thousand or more of us. At his insistence, the pastor was temporarily discharged from the hospital to say farewell and to grieve with his Christian “family.”
There were testimonies from colleagues and classmates and leaders and laymen. There were songs of faith, hope and assurance from the choir and the congregation. The preacher challenged us with the fact that Jesus is the resurrection and the life – and that these three deaths should cause us all to reflect on our own eternal destiny. We all knew – this could happen to us, or one of our loved ones. Are we (YOU) ready?
“The People on the Bus Go…”
Recently I traveled a long journey with a Zambian pastor and he helped me to see his country through his eyes. Along the way, we passed several buses. As we came up behind one bus, the pastor mentioned that this was the bus line that he always traveled. Since this bus didn’t look particularly different from the “many” others that we had seen, I asked him why he chose this particular bus line. He said it was because on these buses, before they would start their journey, they would enquire if there were a pastor on board. Then they would allow the pastor to lead them in prayer for the trip – or even to preach a little. I wondered how that would go over with public transport in the United States. Have you had any bus trips or flights recently that started with a word of prayer?
“L” and “R” Strikes Again
It is just one of those things in Chinyanja that the “l’s” and the “r’s” are interchangeable. In Chinyanja that isn’t a major complication – but when the Nyanja uses English, it makes for some interesting conversations.
On Valentine’s Day I entered a hardware store to ask about some WD 40 – or whatever product that they stocked. The worker looked extremely puzzled at my request. So, I then explained how we normally use this “spray” – to loosen rusty locks or bolts. The “light” suddenly came on in his thinking. He responded, “You are looking something for lusting.” (We have lived in Africa long enough to know exactly what he really meant.)
Maybe I should have responded with something like, “Well, you know the Holy Spirit really helps me deal with that issue.” On second thought, the Holy Spirit not only deals with “lusting” but also “rusting.” It seems like there are a lot of “rusty” Christians that need to be “loosened” up in the power of the Spirit so that they would become usable once again in His service.
PRAYER MATTERS:
Several areas of Zambia are dealing with severe flooding. Thousands have lost their homes and many will face a “hungry” year because of crop damage. Pray that we will know how to respond in terms of hunger relief and aid to these sufferers.
Pray for the Chongwe Bible School. Our next session is the 3rd through the 7th of March. Pray for the health and safety of students and teachers – and that it will be a good week of learning. Also, pray for the graduation ceremony that will take place on the 8th of March. We are hoping to have several graduates. Thank the Lord for their perseverance over these three years of study and for that unique ministry that God has given to each one of them.
The missionaries of CESA (Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa) will come together for a major meeting in Johannesburg, South African during the 24th – 29th of March. Pray for our safety in travel, sweetness in fellowship, and surrender in worship.
January, 2008
HIGH-LIGHTS, LOW-LIGHTS, & NO LIGHTS
Greetings friends! We missed the month of December with our newsletter so this month of January will give us an opportunity to catch you up on the past events, to give you a look at present activities, and to share with you what is planned for the near future. In the midst of it all, there will be a mention of some “high-lights, low-lights, and no lights.”
HIGH-LIGHTS
Mary and I used our vacation time to make a trip to the States in December 2007 – and pretty much the whole trip was one continuous blessing from the Father. It was a month of “high-lights.”
On the 14th of December we were able to attend Eric’s graduation from Campbellsville University. We are so proud of his hard work and this accomplishment in his life. The really “awesome” part of this experience was that this was the first December graduation “ceremony” in the one hundred history of Campbellsville University. So we actually got to see Eric walk across the platform. We really felt like God had arranged all of this with us in mind.
Then on the 22nd of December, Eric married Lisa Agra. The wedding took place in The Dalles, Oregon (which is about 80 miles east of Portland). Mary and I went out there just a few days early and we celebrated our own anniversary (32 years on the 20th of December) while we were there. I had the privilege of being Eric’s “best man” (and I certainly looked like the “best man” in that tux) – and, in addition, I was give the opportunity to share a few words and to pray for Eric and Lisa during the ceremony.
In The Dalles, Oregon, we were in beautiful country. However, it took us a couple of days to realize it. We arrived in rain showers and for the first couple of days there were low-lying clouds and mist. Then on Friday morning I went out to get something from the car – and there in all of its beauty was snow covered Mt. Hood. What a breath-taking sight!
Of course the mountain had been there all of the time – the environment was as such that we just couldn’t see it. So here is my “sermon” – sometimes the situation will be as such as though you might wonder where in the world God might be! He is there! He is with us! He has not moved nor has He suddenly decided to appear. We are either allowing other things to block His presence – or we are living according the pattern of this world (living by sight).
We departed Portland on the 23rd of December and arrived in Louisville on Christmas Eve. That afforded us the blessing of being with Van Martin and Jennifer for Christmas in their new home. It was just another of those great “high-lights.”
My list could go on and on and on. There were great visits with family and friends, good food (2-inch thick pork chops and coconut pies with 7-inch high meringue, cabbage biscuits, country ham and biscuits, all you can eat buffets, etc.), and gracious words (of encouragement, mercy, and love).
Low-lights
One African proverb says “walira mvula, walira matope” (“when you cry for the rain you are also crying for the mud”). It is a reminder that in the midst of blessings – there are some not so wonderful things that go along with it (which probably help us to appreciate the blessings even more). Right at the top of my list of “low-lights” is the inability on our part to see many of you. How we longed to be with many of you face to face!
Suitcase problems struck us once again on our return to Lusaka. All of the flights were relatively smooth and on time. However, when we got to Lusaka, our suitcases didn’t get there. In fact, not one of the four made it with us. We were certainly not alone in this “problem.” Approximately half of our flight had one or more missing pieces of luggage. But we are thankful that over the next three days (with three or four trips to the airport) eventually we received all four of our suitcases – in good shape and with nothing missing.
No Lights
Strange things sometimes happen. We have been so thankful to have much more reliable electrical service here than what we had in Malawi. But then in this month of January there have been a few more problems with the electricity. Two nights in the last couple of weeks there has been a nationwide power outage. There was no power in all of the country of Zambia – other than those who were fortunate enough to have generators.
One of the great benefits of living in the “Third World” is that it helps to put life in perspective. We complain about a “power outage” – while we have a multitude of people who live their entire lives with no electricity. Are you losing your sense of thankfulness – for the “little” things of life?
He is coming!
I had the opportunity to preach at Twin Palm Baptist Church recently. It is the “home church” of the President of Zambia. I had heard that he attended as regularly as his time would permit, but had not been when he was in attendance.
On this particular Sunday morning, as soon as we arrived, we were notified that the “First Lady” would be coming for worship, and that I would need to be outside to receive her. As soon as she arrived, she told us immediately, “He is coming.” Within a matter of minutes, the President himself made his appearance (along with all of his entourage – bodyguards and the like). They were both attentive to my preaching, and they were very gracious in their compliments.
I have thought much about her statement – “He is coming.” We too are to announce a “coming” – but this will be the coming of One greater than any President of any nation. Tell you neighbors and your friends – the King is coming!!!!!
DATES ON OUR CALENDAR:
- Fridays – I do TEE (theological education by extension) courses at Lwimba and Njolwe. We are currently working through the book entitled “The Shepherd and His Work” (Mbusa ndi Ntchito Yake).
- Wednesdays (noon to 1:00 pm) and Thursdays (2:30 – 4:30 pm) – I teach a course at the seminary. This term my course is “Sermon Building” (the first “preaching” course for the students).
- 2-4 February – I make a trip to Chipata (several hours east of Lusaka) to discuss the possibility of organizing a BBS there, to visit with a missionary colleague, and to preach.
- 5 February – I preach at the seminary chapel.
- 11-16 February – There is a Bible School (local leadership training) at Luangwa.
- 21 – 29 February – CESALT – This is a “Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa Leadership Training” meeting which will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mary is the actual participant – and I am the spectator. We both have doctors’ appointments on the 22nd of February – just before the meeting begins.
- Mondays through Fridays (and sometimes Saturdays – and always online) – Mary is in the treasurer’s office.
- Sundays – More often than not we are somewhere preaching the Gospel (and always praising Him!).
PRAYER ITEMS
All of the activities that you will find in the “calendar block” of this newsletter need your prayer support – leadership training, travel, meetings, daily ministry, etc.
Pray for Eric and Lisa as they begin their journey together as “life partners.”
RVA – stands for Rift Valley Academy, a school primarily for missionary kids from many parts of Africa. RVA is located in Kenya, about an hour’s drive from Nairobi. With all of the unrest and violence in Kenya in recent days, all of us are “concerned” about these missionary kids. Please pray for the school leadership as they continually assess the situation (and they do a wonderful job). Also, pray for Kenya – its leadership and all those involved in mediation and reconciliation.
Zimbabwe – This country continues to struggle. The stories of heartache and suffering are almost beyond belief. Pray for free and fair elections, for hunger relief, and for a new day of peace and stability.
December, 2007
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!
Ah, yes, it is that time of year once again. Christmas is truly one of my favorite times of the year – and not just because of Christmas. Mary and I were married on the 20th of December – and this year will mark our 32nd anniversary. It looks like another member of the family will add to the “special-ness” of the Christmas season.
Eric and Lisa will be getting married in this month of December. Their wedding announcement reads:
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Agra-Filho
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of
their daughter
Lisa Deloris Agra
to
Eric Douglas Thompson
Son of Dr. and Mrs. Van D. Thompson
Saturday the twenty second of December
Two thousand seven
at 2 o'clock
Covenant Christian Hood River
550 Riverside Drive
The Dalles, Oregon 97058
Reception Immediately Following
“I’m singin’ in the rain…”
It is that time of year when there is a lot of anxiety over the coming rains. Will the rains come in “good time?” Will it be a normal rainy season?
At a recent TEE (theological education by extension) session, I noted that our attendance was down – and yet there was a rather large gathering of people near to where we usually meet. As I was providing transport to some of our students, one of them mentioned that this was the day for a “traditional ceremony” for his people. When I enquired further, he added that this was a “rain” ceremony – asking for the ancestral spirits to send the rain.
Shortly thereafter, I attended the worship services at one of the local rural churches. As a part of worship, typically, the congregation sings “praise and worship” choruses with the intent of “tuning the heart toward God” in prayer. On this day, the first of these choruses was “Ndaliona dzanja la Mulungu” (“I have seen the hand of God”). As I joined my heart in prayer, I reflected that when those rains do come, we will be seeing once again “the ‘handiwork’ of God” – not the effects of some traditional ceremony.
MSANDIPITIRIRE, YESU
As a regular part of our Bible training classes, we begin each session by singing several songs from our hymnbook. So far the hymn most often chosen is “Msandipitirire, Yesu” (“Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior”), and I have wondered why. Perhaps it is because this is seen as a sincere prayer by those singing, a plea on their behalf, saying, “Lord, please don’t forget us, hear our prayers.” There are many in this world who feel forgotten, indeed there are millions who still have not heard of this “gentle Savior.” Your faithful, and sacrificial, giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering helps to insure that the Lord, and His wonderful plan of salvation, will “pass them not.” Just as you have received many blessings, please, won’t you in turn be a blessing to others?
Here today, gone tomorrow
We have recently received another of “those” emails – one of the missionary families here in the Zambia Cluster is transferring to an administrative position in another country. This family has served faithfully in a remote area for 10 years. We have not known them very long, nor do we know them well, but the “pain of parting” is, nevertheless, something real to us – and even more so for many of our Zambian colleagues.
A missionary colleague from another country sent another of “those” emails, as he is resigning from the International Mission Board to attend to some personal issues. He, too, is a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. We will miss him.
A pastor wanted to make an emphasis that the central figure of Christmas is Christ – not Santa Claus. So, in the midst of the pastor’s sermon, Santa Claus entered the sanctuary (as had been pre-arranged), distributed a few gifts and then departed. The pastor then boldly declared to his congregation, “Santa Claus comes and goes, but Christ came to stay!” Yes, people come and go (and leave their mark), but Christ came to stay with us!
PRAYER ITEMS
24th November – This was the graduation day for the Baptist Theological Seminary of Zambia. Pray for the graduates as they have many decisions to make – where to serve, where to live, etc. Pray that each “family” would seek and find clear leadership for their future service in God’s kingdom.
Baptist Bible Schools – We will have three “schools” in session in December – two of them meeting simultaneously during that first week of the month. Pray for the teachers and students – safety in travel, good health, clear minds, a desire to learn, and loving hearts.
Mary and I will arrive in the States on Sunday 9 December. Pray for our safe travel – and for a good visit with family and friends.
22 December – This is the wedding day for Eric and Lisa. Pray for a great day, a healthy marriage, and a happy home.
November, 2007
Multi-tasking
As a missionary in a third world country, you always face a struggle when it comes to taking pictures. A Malawian brother in Christ shared an important lesson with me many years ago. He said that one of the surprising things that he had seen in the United States when he went there for some training was the slum areas and poverty. Then he added, “You all show us the best of your country in your pictures, but you always seem to want to take pictures of the worst parts of our country.” So, through all of these years I have found it difficult to discern “appropriate” pictures. Therefore I have a lot more pictures in my “mind’s eye” than I have ever taken with a camera.
Let me tell you about a recent event that has become one of my favorite “pictures.” I had gone north to help a missionary colleague with a local Bible school. There were about 25 or so in attendance – and they were an amazingly eager and enthusiastic group to learn the Word of God. For nine hours per day they sat on small wooden benches (basically the benches were 1 inch by 6 inch boards with no “backs”), and took notes and asked questions. Included in that group were several ladies – one of whom brought her young child with her every day, and this lady and her child became my “picture.”
It was one of the last sessions of the week and I was teaching in the late afternoon. I glanced over to the ladies’ section and there was the woman with her child lying across her lap. Her dress was undone and the child was nursing furiously. On one knee the lady balanced her Bible as she followed every verse that I mentioned, and on the other knee she held her notebook and wrote frantically. It is one of those “pictures” that I will carry with me forever – an excellent example of multi-tasking.
His Voice
Recently I accompanied Kevin Rodgers (our team leader), his wife Suzie, and their daughter Hannah, to a new church plant to show the Jesus’ film. It had been quite awhile since I had seen the Jesus’ film in Chichewa/Chinyanja, and I had forgotten that several of the Baptist pastors that we worked with in Malawi provided the “voices” for many of the characters in the film. As soon as I heard “Jesus” speaking in Chinyanja, I immediately knew the “voice” (a beloved pastor who is still faithfully serving in a local church, and one of the best preachers that I have ever heard in any language).
There were perhaps 200 at this showing of the Jesus film. They were an attentive group and for the most part everything went well (we had some trouble with the generator). Here and there I continued to recognize “voices” – a pastor that I had trained in seminary, an associational leader, etc. But in those moments of hearing “voices” from my past, I wondered how many of us were also hearing “His voice,” the voice of our Lord and Savior. On this night there were 13 people who responded to the invitation – who in some way had heard His voice.
Let me paraphrase the words of a song from a popular Gospel singing group of my generation – did you ever hear God speaking to you, saying I’ve got a job to do, and I’ll sure be needing you, if it ever gets done? Today, obey His voice!
Not the typical testimony…
A very typical part of the worship services here in Zambia is a time of “praise and testimony.” The whole church is given an opportunity to share with the rest of the saints just what God has been doing in our lives – and to request prayer support for special needs. On the 30th of September 2007, Mary and I were praying at Victory Baptist Church and we heard an unusual testimony.
When the opportunity was given to share a testimony, a distinguished looking gentleman (who in fact had been the adult Sunday school teacher) shared something that had happened to him on this very morning. This Christian brother had gone around checking on things before the church came together for worship. Since this particular church meets in a local school, he wanted to make sure that everything was all right for the church services. As he was on one path, he found a rather large snake – a full grown puff adder. He had nearly stepped on the snake and he just wanted to praise the Lord that He had faithfully protected him from sure danger.
I doubt if any of you will have to worry about a puff adder at your place of worship, but don’t forget that the “old Serpent” is still alive and well – and doing business. Isn’t it wonderful to know that all of us can share the testimony of how King Jesus defeated the “Evil One?” There are struggling saints all around you that need to hear your testimony of how God brings you victory in your daily walk with Him. Share with others today!
The African way…
A beloved pastor from Malawi recently visited us. After a blessed time of fellowship, I took our friend to the compound where he had been teaching deacons in a local church. He was moving from that church to another compound church to hold a week long revival. Neither he nor I knew the location of this church – we only knew the name of the compound (zone, suburb) in which the church was located.
The pastor’s wife from the first church didn’t bother to just give us directions. When we explained our problem she responded by simply saying, “Let’s go. I will take you there.” With those words she left what she was doing, teaching a class at a local school, and went with us. She didn’t hesitate at all. She didn’t make any excuses about not having the time. We were “strangers” and she wanted to get us to where we needed to go. About an hour later I got her back to her classroom.
Africans don’t necessarily “give directions,” they would much rather “show you the way” (without any consideration on their part of personal sacrifice). This is the “African way” – and come to think of it – it is the “Jesus’ way” when it comes to spiritual issues.
Another great day
We recently had a celebration for another of the Theological Education by Extension groups that I meet with every Friday. It was time for them to receive their certificates for finishing their first book. We decided that we would have the “presentation of certificates” on a Sunday.
I left home around 9:30 on that Sunday morning. On the way to Njolwe Baptist church I picked up a seminary student and his wife. An hour later we were at the church building and make our entrance just as the local pastor was finishing the adult Sunday school lesson.
There were approximately 150 of us packed into a rather small church building. Outside the temperature was well over 90 – but no one inside seemed overly concerned (and believe me it was much hotter inside the building sitting on a wooden/dirt bench under the tin roof). Three choirs were there – one of whom had walked about 10 kilometers just to participate in the “big” day – and each was allowed to sing “two” specials. I was given the honor of preaching and I shared with the congregation on the theme “the person of God.”
It was a wonderful time of singing, praying, celebrating, and preaching. I got home about 4:00 in the afternoon – somewhat de-hydrated physically, but “overflowing” spiritually. It was just another great day in the Lord! How was your last Sunday in the Lord’s house? If it wasn’t another great day, then why not?
PRAYER ISSUES
40/40 – This is basic designation that is give the orientation program for new missionary personnel in our part of Africa. All of the new personnel (from several countries) meet in Zambia for their initial field orientation. They will be learning all kinds of basic “stuff” – cooking over an open fire; traditional African culture; maintenance of vehicles; first aid (where there is no doctor); etc. Pray for good health and safety for all the participants – both in their travel and while they are in 40/40. Pray for the staff personnel that lead out in this important orientation time.
New personnel – Within this orientation group there will be some new personnel for the Baptist Mission of Zambia. The Cook family will be serving as the guest house administrators. Justin Drummons will be going to one of the remote areas to minister in church planting. Pray that all will have a smooth transition to Zambia, a good start in their ministry, and that they will be faithful and fruitful in their ministries.
October, 2007
CPM
A CPM is what we are all striving toward and praying for – a “church planting movement” (which is essentially a rapid influx of new believers into the Kingdom of God, their formation into local churches, and these churches continuing to plant churches). Although we don’t quite have a church planting movement in the Eastern Harvest Team’s area – we are seeing the hand of God at work in the starting of new churches.
In the month of August I participated in a weekend crusade at a little place called Muchochoma. One of my TEE students comes from this area and really had a great desire that we begin something in his area. After much prayer and planning we finally settled upon a date for our special “emphasis.”
The plan was to come and do some house to house evangelism and then to show the Jesus’ film. Then we would have our first “official” church meeting. But things just didn’t quite work that way.
The house to house evangelism went well but showing the Jesus’ film proved to be somewhat disastrous (we couldn’t get the equipment set up properly and eventually had to return home). But then the next day, our “official first meeting,” we got off to a wonderful start. I was privileged to preach to the folks that gathered. There was a time of mutual encouragement and challenge as well. When we got ready to say our “goodbyes,” we left 13 new “members” to continue the work at Muchochoma.
I have tried to get ongoing reports of the progress of this new church plant. In their second week they had 18 people in attendance. Now there are regularly 20 to 30 in attendance, and they are in the process of burning their bricks and planning toward the building of a more permanent structure.
Their “leader” (the TEE student) is now determined to bring more folks with him to this next TEE study. He is certain that God will continue to do great things in his area.
T. E. E.
Let me give you an update on Theological Education by Extension. I meet with two groups every Friday – making a large circuit of about 60-70 miles. Our two groups have just finished the book entitled Bringing People to Jesus. It was a great study as we all were challenged to be more deliberate and intentional in sharing our faith with family, friends, and all of those around us.
On Sunday the 23rd of September I preached at Lwimba Baptist church (the meeting site of one of our TEE groups). After the worship service we had a brief time for the presentation of certificates for those who had finished the course. There were eleven people in this group that had successfully completed the study.
The other TEE group will have their certificates awarded on the 7th of October. This will be done at the Njolwe Baptist church. Oddly enough, there are also eleven in this group that have successfully completed the book.
We will start another book on the 5th of October at both centers. This time will are going to be studying the book entitled Talking to God. I am looking forward to another great time in the Lord’s presence. Please pray for me especially so that I will be able to communicate clearly these lessons in Chinyanja.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz….
The guards say that they were not asleep – and certainly by 5:10 am on the 18th of September no one on the compound where we live was asleep. Almost simultaneously there was the start of an engine, a couple of loud bangs, and the blaring noise of the compound siren. In a matter of minutes a new mission vehicle (a Toyota Land Cruiser that was purchased earlier this year) was gone. The thief (thieves) broke into the vehicle, managed to remove the gear lock, and then smashed through an unused gate. Right now there are lots of speculations as to what happened. The most likely theory is that someone took notice of the vehicle at the petrol station where the missionary filled up the night before. Then it would seem that the thief followed the missionary to the compound and then waited for his opportunity to “steal” the vehicle.
A. O. B.
It’s time for “any other business” and so I’ll add a couple of other comments.
- Our weather has taken a turn to the warm side – so our “winter” is over and we are fast approaching “summer.”
- I am teaching another course at the seminary. This time I am teaching a course on biblical interpretation. Please pray for me!
- Mary learns more and more in the treasurer’s office – and gets more “comfortable” in her ministry through that office.
- Van Martin and Jennifer have had a house built in Shelbyville, Kentucky and should be moving in
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