Road Risks

En route to Lusaka this afternoon we came across a major road accident roughly 10 km from the Luangwa bridge. I am not sure there is a time in recent memory we didnt see a wreck over this 550 km stretch. Today we came around a corner and noticed a line of vehicles which quickly indicated a recent accident had occurred. When we finally inched up near to the site of the collision, one large truck was standing erect while others were bent around it. We noticed an SUV inching its way under the erect truck trying to pass by... although it finally made it, it seemed a bit too risky for my liking. 

I surveyed our surroundings and decided it was safer to engage 4-wheel drive and bypass the whole thing off road than to go under a teetering truck. Thankfully we made it through unscratched. It again highlights the very real dangers of simply driving in Zambia. Please continue praying for us.

my neighbor

This is what my neighbor does for a living. All day... everyday. From around 7 am until up to around 6 pm.

running

I recently preached a message from Hebrews 12:1-2 on "running the race". Although the service was not very well attended, those at Church did seem to be encouraged. I gave testimony about a 5k that I ran years ago and when I finished the race I realized I really was not all that tired. At first I just assumed it was because I was in top shape but when I really stopped to think about it, I realized I was not all that tired because I didnt run all that hard. My time was good. I placed well. But I knew I could have done better. 

For many of us, the same is true spiritually. We are doing ok. We are moving forward. But, for many of us, we really could do better. I hope I dont get to the end of my spiritual run and know I could have done more...no more walking, I want to RUN!

Taxi Driver "Accident"

This morning around 7 am a taxi driver lost control of his vehicle as he was trying to overtake another vehicle. The result was him hitting head on into the corner of our wall fence. I was told by one person that someone on a bicycle was hit and taken to the hospital. The police said no one was hurt only damages to the vehicles and wall fence. There are many people that bring their goods to market using the side of the road by our house each morning around this time. We truly thank the Lord more hurt wasnt caused by such foolish driving. I am not really sure if someone got hurt or if only damage was done. Please pray. Unfortunately, this type of event is too much of a norm.

Chadiza bush church

We went to visit a new church plant near Chadiza. Chadiza is roughly 65 km from Chipata and requires a trip down a bumpy dirt road. I had been told the church was located in one of the town schools. I was wrong. We went another 15 km past Chadiza into some pretty remote bush areas. 

The time was profitable as we preached God's word and saw almost the entire church respond in some way. There were 17 in attendance but the pastor said he has almost 45 members. During the rainy season, it is common for people to stay home fearing they will get stuck in the heavy rains. We were thankful the rains didnt come while at church but wished more could have made it. We are planning a trip back after the rains subside and we are able to move around with a bit more freedom.