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This last Sunday (9/22), attended Church at Kalembula Bible Baptist Church in the Kitwe West region. The drive is roughly 2.5 hours over some interesting "roads" - thankfully, the crew that went with me was a lot of fun. Arrived at the church right at 10 am only to find out that church does not start until 11am! Well - not like we can just come back later. So, we just spent some time enjoying being in the quiet of the bush and discussing with the Bible students the opportunities to minister in such a place.
Although the building itself looks in rough shape, the spirit of the people truly confirmed again the "church" of Christ is not a building but rather a fellowship of believers! This tiny little "building" had some 69 people in attendance - I was amazed. I believe the Lord brought all of us there to remind us it is not the building that matters, but the relationship of the believers with the Father.
Preached a message concerning "walking in newness of life" from Romans 6. It really is a great text that challenges all of us to produce a deeper sanctification and seek that closeness with Christ that is desired by our Saviour! The people seemed to enjoy the message (at least they stayed awake!) as many were taking notes and from facial expressions, they were keeping up with the thought pattern being presented.
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The men from our Bible Institute have formed a football (soccer) team. From what I could tell, there is a group of talented men able to do some fancy things with a ball. So, last Sunday we organized a game between the men from the Bible Institute (NSBI Bullets) and the men from some of the local villages (Saints). Although the Bullets team was missing a few key players, I thought they would keep things interesting. However, I was greatly mistaken - the Saints defeated the Bullets 6-2! It was a humbling experience for all involved. So, we decided a rematch was necessary hoping the addition of some missing players would even the balance of power. On Friday, the Bullets again played the Saints. I was able to provide cleats, socks, shin guards, and red jerseys for the team --- they looked good! Unfortunately, looking good was about all that happened. The Saints again defeated the Bullets by a score of 7-2! Although there are many reasons why they lost, I am hoping the losses are attributed to the men's dedication to studying the Scripture and not having enough time for games :)
Below is a picture of both teams - the NSBI Bullets and the Village Saints.
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Thursday, spent the day teaching a group of 15 men the purpose of the deacon in the NT church. Took roughly 4 hours to cover (overview) of the characteristics found in 1 Timothy 3, using the illustration given in Acts 6 as well as the life of Stephen from Acts 7.
Although it was a 2.5 hour drive into the bush, I believe the Lord showed up and really did some teaching. Not sure what that means - but there just seems to be some times when the presence of God's Spirit in the teaching is overwhelming to me. One of the problems we face in the churches is the desire for everyone to have a "title". Many men are deacons simply because they want the title. On Thursday we contrasted what true Christian leadership looks like and what is expected from a 'real' deacon. If a person is to truly be a 'man of God' that person must be a 'servant of all'. It was a great time of fellowship, worship, and study --- to God be the Glory!
This past Saturday, received a call from Pastor Luwawa to notify they had just killed a snake. He was wondering if I would like to see a "large" African snake... of course, I did! When I arrived, I found a 6-7 ft dead spitting cobra. (better dead than alive). Although the snake was clearly dead, it was fun to watch as people would walk by and view the snake with fear. Even to come within 3-5 ft caused too much stress for most Zambians. One of the Bible Institute men told me the next day he had bad dreams of snakes all night long...
The one unfortunate side, in the process of killing the snake, one of the Pastor's dogs was spit in the eye by the venom from the snake. A few hours later, the dog could hardly open his eyes and I am left to only believe he will eventually lose vision in at least one eye.
This past Sunday, visited a church in the mining section of Luanshya. The mines are struggling to survive and employ only 10% of the original workers from 10 years ago. Although times are difficult for most in this area, this little church is doing a great job of keeping its members focused on the eternal and not the temporal.
I preached a message from Psalm 78, in which I tried to encourage the members to seek God in truth and not as the children of Israel did with vanity and flattering words. In reflection, it amazes me how insincere most of us are even as the invitation to draw nigh to God brings the promise of God drawing nigh to us...
The picture is of Pastor Isaac Sinakamba giving out two Bibles to his members. In order for a member to get a Bible, they must show their dedication and sincerity by passing a minor test, reciting all 66 books of the Bible, in order, and in front of the entire church! I love his zeal!!!
This last Sunday, a group of us went to Kashilabunga Bible Baptist Church. The Church is only a 15 minute drive from the mission. The pastor of the Church (Goodson) is a very excited and zealous servant of the Lord. Every time I am with him, I truly enjoy our fellowship!Jonathon Walters (from FBBC) preached to the congregation of 50+ from Nehemiah 4 "so built we the wall...." There was a great spirit as the people learned to 1) Make decisions, 2) Be determined, and 3) Be disciplined - in building up the walls of sanctification. 
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This last week, a group from the States came from Decatur, Alabama. The purpose of their trip was to teach Sunday School leaders. The group arrived on Tuesday and began their teaching on Thursday. Each day was filled with teaching on creative methods to reach children with the gospel as well as provide a better foundation for the coming years. The group was led by Larry Waye - former pastor at FBBC in Rochester, so it was good to see old friends as well as make new ones! From Kafulafuta, the group is spending 6 days in Livingstone ministering alongside a different missionary family. Through the week - souls came to know Jesus, as well as other finding needed inspiration in teaching Sunday School - we praise the Lord for all that was accomplished!
This last Sunday, we traveled roughly 45 minutes down a "road" to end up at a new church called Mfungu Bible Baptist. There were roughly 30 in attendance as the pastor has begun to grow this church. The pastor (Musonda) rides a bicycle a few hours every month to Kafulafuta to receive training in order he can better know the Bible and feed the sheep the Lord has given to him.
Although the work is small, the pastor is excited to be a part of what God is doing. I would describe the church as very humble, constructed only of tree poles and thatched roofing. The church has not had enough resources to make mud bricks or expand past their current state. It is a good reminder that church does not need to take place in a fancy building in order for church to take place!
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