Filando BBC

This last Sunday (7/30), enjoyed the 2.5 hour drive to Kitwe West to preach at Filando Bible Baptist Church. Arrived a few minutes late, after enduring some very poor road conditions. Of course, the service itself had not started - so, there was no real problem with us being late!
Interesting day - the excitement began before the service actually started. A woman, began to convulse, barking like a dog, and then laughing like a demon. Although the woman was quite impressive, it clearly did not line up with Scripture. Later I confirmed with a couple other people - the woman had mental problems and was looking for attention - imagine, faking demon possession to get attention.
Later, in talking with one of the leaders - I was told there was a recent death in the church. When they put the body into the grave, the casket floated out and went to the home of the person that killed him. No lie - this is a true story. Supposedly there were many witnesses... again, doesnt line up with Scripture - sure does make for intersting story time though! This church is deep in the bush and although they say they believe the Scripture, there are so many contrary life styles - it is hard to believe the word of God has actually penetrated.


I sometimes wonder if it is too late for the adults - if more of our focus should be on the youth? I do believe the only "thing" that can truly change a person is a personal meeting with the Lord Jesus Christ. So, if that is true - most have missed that meeting.... I love looking at little children and thinking about the hope that rests within each. It only takes one, with the power and presence of God - to turn it all around! Hope - that is what allows us to continue! To God be the Glory.

Shots Fired!

This past Saturday was filled with excitement. I took a trip to Ndola to exchange USD for Kwacha while the exchange rate was still relatively high. I had put the money in my bag, done some shopping, and was waiting in my vehicle for the girls to finish their shopping.
While in the vehicle, a man (acting as a decoy) began to enter the rear of the truck. When I exited the vehicle to confront the man, he walked away. I realized something was up. I quickly noticed another man had reached through the vehicle window and taken my bag with all the money in it. I immediately pursued the man on foot at full speed - I yelled for the man to stop! At which point, he threw the bag in the air and took off running. I stopped to grab the bag hoping he didn't have the chance yet to grab the cash. Mean while, a police officer noticed the commotion and became involved shooting his rifle at the thief and then giving pursuit. The thief did get away. The bad news - he stole 2,000,000 kwacha. The good news, he did not get all the money (another 2,000,000 was available), and nobody was hurt! The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away - blessed be the name of the Lord!
You never really do understand why this stuff happens - but, we put our trust in the Lord and recognize His complete control as perfect and without mistake.
The commandment still stands (Exo 20:15) "Thou shalt not steal". Whole story is a good reminder not to store up treasures on earth, "where thieves break through and steal" - but to truly lay up treasures that will last for eternity, "where no thief approacheth".
Although the day was quite expensive, adrenaline is an amazing chemical!

Ndola Service

Spent last week at Ndola Bible Baptist Church. The church currently has a new pastor. The old pastor moved to Lusaka but left his congregation in the capable hands of Kunda Mwewe. The circumstances of the previous pastor have left this congregation meeting in a very small section of a home still under construction. The picture below shows Kunda (left) teaching Sunday School with Michael Mukange (right) interpreting for him. Kunda taught on the basics of the Christian walk. After Sunday School, I spent 40 minutes teaching on the ups and downs of the life of Thomas.

Livingstone

The trip to Livingstone takes roughly 10 hours from Kafulafuta. Yet, every time we go - I get excited to see some of God's handiwork. There is so much beauty locked up in Africa. The mighty Zambezi river flows over into Zimbabwe to cause "the smoke that thunders". This year, walking near the falls was like taking a shower from all the mist. The game park - although a park, provides a solid glimpse into the real bush of Africa. It can take some time to find the animals, but when you do, it always amazes me how large and powerful and at home they are in the wild! Africa, in many ways is dangerous - yet the danger is often eclipsed by the abounding beauty. My God enjoyed creating the world -- (Genesis 1:31) And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.

Tunduma, Tanzania

Tunduma is a small border town of roughly 40,000 people. Although the town is larger than 40,000 - most are in transit. Tunduma is the Northern access from Nkonde, Zambia - and will eventually lead to Dar es Salaam. Steve Brown and I spent our 3 days in Tunduma preaching and teaching to between 10-12 lay leaders and pastors. Although our teaching was basic principles of discipleship - the pastors from Tanzania were hardly acquainted with such understanding. Many good questions surfaced as well as a renewed commitment to serve our Lord and live by faith. Praise the Lord for His work that continues in Tanzania. I continue to be impressed with our Lord's ability to take so little and make so much of it! (2 Cor 12:10).









.