Picture says a 1,000 words

Although Zambia is rugged and unforgiving, in many ways it is beautiful! Here are a couple pictures of land and people that show off some of her glory.
More of the real Africa

Zambia is more than a land but a people

II Timothy 2:9 the word of God is not bound

Zambia is a nation of diversities. Each tribe and province has its own culture, language, and customs. It is only the Scripture that crosses such diverse boundaries with little effort. After years of Bible study, it still amazes me how easy all subjects of the Scripture relate no matter what people group is hearing.
This last week has been filled with reminders of how God uses the Scripture to speak - it has nothing to do with the mouth piece, only to do with the words spoken. Tuesday, taught "advanced" theology to 28 Bible Institute men. Thursday, taught practical evangelism to 28 Institute men. Interesting how so often people come to class with preconceived ideas of theology and in fact, are often unable to 'learn' what truth is because of such ideas. Saturday, we went to Kitwe west to preach a youth conference - again, the teaching and preaching of God's word was not bound. Yet - in each of these cases, human nature fights against the working of the Spirit of God.

In Transit...

The long trip Zambia seems endless.

Rochester - arrived at the airport anxious to get going but not wanting to leave my family and friends. As always, there is a group of faithful encouragers to see me through security and make sure I receive one last hug and smile!

NYC / John F. Kennedy - arrived looking at an eight hour layover. Fortunately, a friend of mine met me at the airport. We were hoping to venture into the actual city but realized time was not with us. We departed the subway at Utica St - at which point we quickly noticed we were a minority. Still, we found a place to eat and enjoyed the new culture. After passing some time, found my way back to the airpot and through security to weight the next couple hours for my British Air flight. After about 30 minutes, I met the 2 other people heading to Kafulafuta - we quickly connected. Although their flight to London would not be for another 2 hours after mine, we still spent some time together.

London / Heathrow - arrived realizing the long trip had left me facing a new day with only 1 hour sleep! We were to meet up with Brian Clark - a missionary to London. The only problem, I had never met Brian and was not sure how I was going to find him. Thankfully he was waiting with a sign in hand. Brian and I had breakfast together while waiting for Amy and Jimmie to catch up. Once they arrived in London, we took the tube into London proper and spent the day seeing the city and enjoying some local cuisine.










Lusaka - After a 9 hr 40 min flight, we arrived safely but exhausted to Zambia! Finally!!! As soon as arriving the sight, smells, and sounds all excited the senses - it was good to be back! The laborious process of going through immigration, collecting suitcases, and exiting customs went relatively smooth. Julie and Randy Foster greeted us at the airport taking us back to their hotel so we could shower and eat before the 4 hour drive back to the mission!

Just around the corner...

Amazing how quickly time passes. James asks the question, "For what is your life?" Over the last few months this question has permeated my mind. What is the purpose of this life. In the last couple months I have traveled to Los Angeles, to San Antonio, to Gulfport, and to Tegucigalpa... and in each instance, have tried to take the time to observe "life" and how it unfolds with such ipseity. In just 13 days, I will again travel back to Zambia to continue the work the Lord has called me to. Again, I am forced to think about the value of "life". Jesus told His followers to labour for the meat which endures unto everlasting life and not for the meat which is only temporal and perishes so quickly.
Why do even good Christians have such a fixation for personal fulfillment instead of sacrificial devotion and obedience to Christ? This rhetorical question finds solution again in the words of James - "for that ye ought to say..." How true we as followers of Christ should... but how often do we actually, "If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." It is correct to speak of being a follower of Christ, however, there is great difference in living as a follower of Jesus Christ. As my return to Zambia is 'just around the corner', I find my self wanting to be reckless and abandoned for the cause of Christ - to scream as Paul, "now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." Is there any greater pleasure than to serve the Lord Jesus Christ -- ! If only, this desire to fully live for God were an enduring passion... but as with most passions the fire seems to slowly fade away - may the Glory of God be the fuel of passion to perpetually stoke the fire within!