EVERYTHING -"Z" TO "A"
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 their new home by the 1st of October.
- Eric is in his final semester at Campbellsville University. He will be finishing a semester early. Please pray for him as he seeks to follow the Lord’s leadership for his future. (By the way, Eric’s birthday is the 13th of October – especially remember him on that day.)
PRAYER
On the 3rd of October a fellow missionary and I will be showing the Jesus’ film at a new church plant. Pray that all will go well – i.e. the equipment will work, the crowd will be receptive, and the church will be strengthened.
On the 5th of October I will start meeting again with the two theological education by extension groups. This time we will be studying a book called “Talking with God.” Pray that we all will have safety in travel, good health, and listening hearts.
There will be a TEE graduation at Njolwe on the 7th of October. Along with recognizing those who completed the book “Bringing People to Jesus,” I have been invited to preach on that day.
I will also be preaching at the Great Commission Baptist Church on the 14th of October. This church was “planted” earlier this year. Pray that we will all be doers of His Word.
August, 2007
AMTM
This refers to the “Annual Missionary Training Meeting” or “Annual Missionary Training.” (It is commonly called “mission meeting.”) It is the meeting in which all of the missionaries within our “mission” or “cluster” gather together at one venue to report, to train, to encourage and to pray.
Our AMTM this year was at the Lake Kariba Inns at Siavonga, Zambia. This lovely facility sits on a hillside overlooking Lake Kariba (the second largest man-made lake in the world). Since it offered good food and comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price – with spectacular scenery – it proved to be an excellent choice for our meeting place.
The Zambia Strategy Facilitator (Mike Howard) started our meeting with a presentation of how God’s work was progressing throughout the country. Truly there is substantial reason for praising God! In the year 2000 there were 408 Baptist churches in Zambia. As of the end of 2006, this number had now reached 1148 churches. Within this same time frame we moved from 20589 church members to 74259 church members. Last year (2006) alone there were 6408 baptisms.
One recent development has brought a new challenge to the Zambia mission. The regional strategy leadership has assigned the southern section of the Congo to Zambia. There are several people groups in the north and northwest section of Zambia that also live within the Congo. Please pray for our Strategy Facilitator as he tries to determine the most effective means available to engage the lost people groups that are located in Zambia/Congo.
Throughout the week each of the “teams” (missionaries that work with a particular people group or within a specific geographical location) gave its report of what God was doing through the “team.” Also, each team presented to the larger group their prayer concerns – hindrances to the gospel in their “area,” special needs, victories, personal issues, etc.
SBC
SBC stands for the “Southern Baptist Convention.” Not only do Southern Baptists form the foundation for the International Mission Board – but at this particular mission meeting there was an even more “direct” contact with the SBC. Our featured speaker was Dr. Frank Page, the current president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Each morning from Wednesday through Saturday he delivered a challenging and thought-provoking message from the Word of God. Then each afternoon he “taught” us the book of Jonah – one of the great missionary books of the Bible.
It was our privilege to listen to this servant of the Lord as he shared from the Word. It was also our blessing to hear him as he opened his heart to us during a “Q and A” (question and answer) session one evening. Dr. Page shared forthrightly his insights into the state of Southern Baptists and the Church in the United States at this time. With a refreshing candor he told of his election to the presidency of the SBC and related some of the “pressures” of his position (including how virtually all of those running for the office of President of the United States have been seeking his “endorsement”).
Although I might not personally agree with every statement he made, I could not help but feel that he was the right man in the right position at the right time. In our midst, he demonstrated a love for the Word, a love for His Church, and a love for the lost of the world. He was truly a blessing!
TEE
TEE stands for Theological Education by Extension. Each Friday I make my way out of town to two church sites where I meet with representatives from several local churches around each site. Together we are studying a book entitled “Bringing People to Jesus” (Kubweretsa Anthu kwa Yesu). By this Friday (27 July) we will have completed four lessons. So far we have learned that every Christian is to be an “evangelist” (each one of us has a salvation story to share with the lost), some of the common obstacles to overcome in being willing to share our faith, and some of the places where we can find the “lost” and witness to them. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every Christian would regularly share the gospel with the lost people that he or she knows! Will you share the gospel with someone today?
MISC
What items can I include in this category of “miscellaneous” (misc.)?
- One of the highlights of the AMTM was our afternoon of witnessing when we (all of the missionaries) went out into the community surrounding the hotel to share the gospel. Mary and I had the opportunity to share our faith with several folks – and they all professed to be Christians. Praise the Lord! One of the witnessing “teams” led three women to Christ, and still another of the “teams” led eleven people to make a profession of faith. How great is our God!
- Since I ran out of room in the “prayer section” on the first page, let me add some more prayer concerns here. Please pray for our ongoing adjustment to living in Zambia. Moving to a new place is never easy, and it is made even more difficult when you have moved from where you have lived for twenty-six years.
- Oswald Chambers – See that you do not use the trick of prayer to cover up what you know you ought to do.
PRAYER ITEMS:
Whenever we are asking for you to pray we want to make sure that you have our schedule for upcoming events. Here are the ways that things look for August:
(1) On the 3rd and 31st I will be meeting with my two TEE groups (Theological Education by Extension). You will find more about these groups in this newsletter.
(2) Baptist Bible Schools – The Manenekela School meets on the 6th through the 10th. Then the Luangwa School is scheduled for the 20th through the 25th. In these schools I will be teaching a course on Church Administration.
(3) Glenville Volunteers – We are thrilled to have folks from Glenville Baptist Church with us from the 11th through the 16th of August.
(4) On the 17th of August I will be teaching two classes at an Associational Annual General Meeting (the Chinyunyu Association). My subjects for this meeting will be “the backslidden Christian” and the “Holy Spirit.”
(5) Seminary Classes begin on the 28th of August. This term I have committed to teach a course on biblical interpretation.
July, 2007
J-E-S-U-S
I like the story about the man who had a combination lock on his safe that helped him to remember the real priorities in life and living. The combination for his lock was simple – J-E-S-U-S. He said that this combination helped him to recognize that Jesus was the owner of everything and that he was to be a faithful steward. Certainly those are some pretty significant letters – JESUS – and we are going to look at a few other “letters” and “symbols” and the stories behind them. May your hearts be blessed as you read this newsletter.
T-4-T
This group of “symbols” represents “Training for Trainers” and was a major part of the training that I received in South Africa in May-June. Our heart concern as the people of God should be the same as that of God – all peoples should have the opportunity to hear and to respond to the Gospel. That means that we have to know how to communicate the Gospel as clearly as possible. This training encourages us in doing just that.
For three weeks we heard presentations, met in small groups for prayer and Bible study, and “modeled” how to share the Gospel and train people. Our focus was on “orality” (oral communication) because that is how the majority of Africans passes on their information and shares what is genuinely important.
The highlight of the 3 weeks of training was to go and witness in Soweto (a major subdivision of Johannesburg). We went out in groups of two and three and just witnessed to people – in their homes or on the streets. All we did was to share our own “story” (of how we came to know Christ) and presented His “way” of salvation – and God brought people into His family. I don’t know the exact numbers – but in two afternoons over 30 people prayed to receive Christ as Savior.
Let me share with you about one of those experiences. Josh (another Baptist missionary from Zambia) and I were together and my attention was drawn to a couple of men at a small “kiosk” (a little booth). The one that I started talking to was obviously intoxicated.
Sadly he knew all of the right words. He wanted me to tell him where my “stories” were coming from because he had a Bible and he wanted to go and check to see if what I was telling him was the truth. At another point in our conversation, he said, “You want me to be born again, don’t you?” However, he seemed “vaccinated” against a real case of Christianity and did not make a decision for Christ. I apologized to Josh for taking so long to talk with this man. Then we came upon three young people (in their 20s) – a husband and wife and the husband’s brother. Within a short period of time all three prayed to receive Christ as Savior. If I had not taken so long in talking with the “drunk” we would have missed completely these three young people. God doesn’t make mistakes.
Another woman (a mother and housewife) came to know the Lord on that same day – primarily because we went to the wrong house. We had agreed to meet with a man at his house on this Friday afternoon, but then we couldn’t remember the exact house on this particular street. We stopped to talk with this lady. (She had seen us on the other day and told us that the man we wanted to see was not at home.) We found that she was “ready” to be born in the family of God. She said to us, “Is it really that simple?” I said, “Yes, it is really that simple – and it is the greatest miracle in the world.”
Friends, you don’t have to have T4T to share your faith. There are lost people in all of our “worlds” – and we might be their only opportunity to hear the Gospel. Just share your story – and see what God can do.
AWA
This is a pet “phrase” of missionaries to Africa. When we run into those situations that just seem “illogical” or unreasonable, we simply say “Africa wins again.” For example, it has taken almost two months to get a Zambian driver’s license. Initially we were given a temporary paper license that was good for a month – but were told that the “cards” would be ready in two weeks. Knowing that usually “two weeks” doesn’t mean “two weeks” in Africa, I went back at the end of the first month. I was told that the “cards” were not ready – but I should come back again in two weeks, but the temporary license was extended for 30 more days. Africa wins again! (Oh, yes, we do have those licenses now.)
How about the work permit situation for our new family – the Helgren’s? They were granted their work permit several weeks ago – but the immigration office did not have the materials to print off the official copies. Africa wins again.
ASAP
A good friend passed on the wonderful idea that ASAP could mean “Always Say a Prayer.” When you think of us, please ASAP. I was the featured speaker for the Spiritual Emphasis Week at the seminary here in Lusaka. God taught us all a lot of things as I led us through the book of Jonah.
Our crate arrived from the States during that week. Early on a Thursday morning I was trying to open the crate when the crow bar slipped and hit me in the nose and cut a gash just below my nose. (However there were no serious injuries.) Since I was supposed to preach, we put a band aid on the cut and Mary went with me to the chapel services. Just as I started to preach, blood started oozing from the cut and began dripping down. Mary had brought a wash cloth and so she handed it to me and I kept on preaching. It was probably the best sermon of the whole week of preaching. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57). This time it was not AWA. No, this time it was totally and completely J-E-S-U-S.
PRAYER
Pray for the AMTM (Annual Missionary Training Meeting) which takes place 17-23 July. All of the missionaries in the Greater Zambia Cluster will gather for a week of prayer, training, witnessing, worshipping and fellowship. Pray for safety in travel and for submission to the will of God.
Pray for the upcoming Bible schools. August is the month of “meetings” and training. There are three Bible schools that will be meeting in our area during August. Pray that all will be there who need to be there – and that all may learn how to be better servants of the Lord.
Pray for the Glenville team of volunteers that will come our way in August – after their ministry in Malawi. Pray for their safety, good health, and effectiveness in ministry as God uses them in this part of the world.
May, 2007
Luangwa Bible School
Just last month we asked you to pray for our Bible schools – Manenekela and Luangwa. It is a privilege to report to you that both schools were able to meet and that everything was just fine!
At the Manenekela I was more of an observer. This was my opportunity to be introduced to the students and to learn how Bible schools are conducted in Zambia.
Each week of a Bible school session three courses are being taught – each course meets for two hours per day. Then the tests are given on Saturday. The Bible schools in Zambia typically have three week-long sessions per year. Over the three years of study each student will have had at least 27 courses, covering such topics as OT, NT, church administration, teaching, preaching, evangelism, spiritual warfare, etc.
The Manenekela School meets in a secondary school (the public schools were on their Easter school break). So we are allowed access to a classroom and to a room for the students to use as a sleeping room. The headmaster of the public school came by to check on us and we found him to be a very friendly man (and a Christian).
After finishing the Manenekela School, the very next week we met with the students at the Luangwa School. This particular Bible School meets at the Luangwa Baptist Church/Training Center. It is a wonderful facility.
There were 8 students in this school. On this week, I had the opportunity to teach. My course was “Christian Marriage and Family.” At times it was quite a struggle to communicate certain concepts into Chinyanja – but all in all I think that it was a successful effort.
Luangwa is itself a very historical and strategic point. In some of David Livingstone’s writings he indicates that this was the one point in his journeys where he actually feared that he might be killed – camping in Luangwa for a very tension filled night before crossing the river the next day. (In fact there are two rivers that join at Luangwa – one of them being the Zambezi.)
Luangwa is a strategic location for planting churches and doing ministry. From our “lodge” we could turn and look across one river at Zimbabwe, and then turn the other direction and see Mozambique. We know that there are already some churches in both Mozambique and Zimbabwe that are primarily accessible by water. There is so much opportunity for even more growth! Pray with us that some person will hear the call to come to Luangwa.
DANGER! DANGER!
Okay everybody go ahead and laugh right now – because what I am about to tell you probably hasn’t happened to any other missionary in all of Africa. I even have my doubts whether it has happened to any of you. It’s going to seem funny at first – but it could have really been dangerous.
Not long ago, Kevin Rodgers (our team leader) and I visited a Bible school at Petauke. This is a school that is entirely led and funded by nationals. We wanted to go there to observe what they were doing and just to encourage them in the fine ministry. Both Kevin and I had the opportunity to visit with the leadership of that school – and to speak a word of encouragement to the students. It was a great experience.
We knew that it would be a long trip back home (6-8 hours), but we also knew that we would enjoy the fellowship – and that sense of satisfaction in having seen the work taken up and moved forward by nationals. Our discussion was brought to a quick halt by a loud “sound” on the front of our vehicle. We had met an approaching bus and my immediate assumption was that someone on the bus had thrown a rock at us. Thankfully, I was able to keep the vehicle under control but my windshield was pretty much “shattered.” Whatever had been thrown did not break through (there was, however, a pretty good indentation in the spot where it had hit), but it had sufficient force to “crack” virtually every possible part of the windscreen.
Neither of us could imagine what had been thrown from the bus, so Kevin went back up the road to investigate. He found half of the bottle that had hit us – along with some remnants of urine. Apparently it had been a long bus ride for someone and he had “relieved” himself into a plastic bottle. Of course, the next action was to get rid of the bottle – and we happened to be passing by at just the time the individual was throwing out the “full” bottle.
Okay, I will try one more time….
We really would like to hear from you all. It would help me so much as I do the newsletters if I had some idea of what you would like to know. Really, there are no “foolish questions.” I suspect if a question has come to your mind, there is probably someone else who has had that same question enter his mind.
As much as possible I will try to answer your questions personally, and some of the others I will deal with in the newsletters. Our postal address and email address are both included in the heading of this newsletter. Our preference is to carry on correspondence through emails. Once again, here is our email address – Thompson@bmoz.org.
Even if we don’t hear from you, we are trusting that the Father is hearing about us from you as you visit His throne of grace. Thank you!
PRAY FOR:
- Safety in travel – both on the road and in the air. You will find an article in this newsletter that deals with road “hazards.” During this month of May, Mary will be flying north to Nairobi and Van will be flying south to Johannesburg.
- Effective communication. Mary is involved in regular correspondence with missionaries in the various countries of our area – trying to understand their tickets and their method of reporting expenses. I am teaching and preaching in English and sometimes in Chinyanja. Communication is the key to good relationships and healthy growth.
- Our ongoing adjustment. This includes those basic things like getting from one place to another; learning what to buy where; putting together faces and names; recognizing that “we don’t do it that way here;” finding the best schedule for ministry, service, and family – and maintaining it; following obediently – even when you can’t seem to quite hear that ‘still small voice.
April, 2007
LOOKING BACK …LOOKING AHEAD
Greetings to you all!
It has been a full month for us now in our Zambia home. The time has been flying by as we have been unpacking and trying to get settled. There are still a few things that we can’t find – we haven’t yet jumped to the conclusion that some things might have been stolen in the move. But we have found all that we need. We have good health, a fine place to live, a dependable truck to drive, good friends, a satisfying ministry, and, above all, a loving Savior. We are truly thankful!
Some of you have asked us to compare Zambia with Malawi. A couple of the most immediate differences relate to the population density and to the “kwacha” (the currency in both countries). Malawi is one of the most densely populated countries in all of sub-Sahara Africa. There are few places that you would go in Malawi where you would not find people. Zambia seems to be a huge country – and you can drive for several kilometers without seeing large numbers of people.
The currency is what is really confusing. In Malawi the exchange rate was 138 kwacha to one US dollar. Zambia uses the term “kwacha” for their currency as well. However, the exchange rate here is 4200 kwacha to one US dollar. What does that mean to us?
Well, the most immediate impact is that whenever you buy something – or go shopping – you need to think in terms of thousands of kwacha. When you go to the grocery store you can quickly spend thousands for your groceries. One pound of hamburger meat is around 12000 kwacha. One can of Coca Cola is 3000 kwacha. A box of oatmeal is 9900 kwacha.
Of course, it is a similar kind of experience when you go to the other places as well. Our new toilet seat was 130,000 kwacha. Last weekend I put a hundred liters of diesel in our truck – and it was over 500,000 kwacha. (We are getting lots of good practice in counting.)
Thus far the people of Malawi/Zambia seem very much the same. The folks in our area seem friendly and are very warm in their welcome to us. Thankfully the language of Chichewa (Malawi) is very similar to the Chinyanja that they speak in our area. A few words are different here and there – but I do seem to be able to communicate fairly clearly.
In this past month we have been able to register with the American embassy – they really like to know where their citizens are located. Also, we have gotten our work cards/permits and our National Registration Card. Our Zambian driver’s license is in process and we hope to have it in hand in the next couple of weeks.
Mary has been able to establish a bit of a routine in terms of office hours. I have been able to preach three times in this past month and I am beginning to meet some of the local leaders.
ZAMBIA PRAYER RETREAT
As we continue to “look back” on our first month in Zambia, one of the highlights would certainly be the annual prayer retreat of the mission family. On the 23rd-25th of March, our fellow missionaries from all over this country came to the compound here in Lusaka for a time of prayer.
The theme of the weekend was “Facing Our Giants.” Different missionaries accepted different responsibilities – leading worship, preparing prayer guides, organizing tea times, arranging meals, etc. – so that in the end it was one unified time of worship and seeking the face of God. In praying together and sharing we tried to “slay” a few of our “giants” – like loneliness, fear, family problems, relationship issues, reaching an “un-reached” people, etc.
This weekend gave us the opportunity to get to meet our missionary brothers and sisters. As we shared our testimony with them, it also gave them the opportunity to get to know us a little better. We really do feel that we are in the midst of “family.”
It was also our privilege during the weekend to host Sam and Marlyn Upton. Sam and Marlyn were missionaries in Malawi for many years before moving to Zimbabwe to minister through our regional leadership team. So in addition to meeting new “friends,” we had the chance to catch up with some of our “old” friends.
Looking back …and then forward
I have had the opportunity to preach at two local churches – Chainda 2 and at Silver Rest. I so thoroughly enjoyed it! Also, the guest of honor at the Chongwe Bible School graduation could not make it on time and at the last second (actually it was the Friday night before the Saturday morning graduation) that they contacted me to be their graduation speaker.
Now, finally, we look forward. In April, I will be working at two Bible schools (local leadership training) and teaching a course at the seminary. Mary will continue to learn more and more about the treasurer’s office and the ministry there. In May Mary attends a regional women’s meeting i
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