Sunday, February 04, 2007

Back again


Just returned to the States after a short hiatus in Zambia. After 2 full days of travel, 3 full days in Zambia, and 2 full days getting back to the States - my clock is off just a bit! While in Zambia, I was able to show my guests many areas of Kafulafuta, Luanshya, Ndola, and Kitwe.
The visit included locating and visiting two orphanages. One orphanage (the Lupwa house) is a family style orphanage which consists of a small home with 8 children and a set of qualified parents to look after and train. The children are targeted as 'vulnerable' orphans and placed in the home. Some of the children come from abusive homes, dire sickness, or deceases parents. The second orphanage (Faith Children's Village) was more of an institutional orphanage. The homes were larger allowing for 16 children per home but not necessarily a parent or guardian to supervise. The larger institute has a goal of getting orphans off the street to at least give them a safe and secure chance to grow up.
In the midst of all the tours and travel, the visitors preached and taught to roughly 70-80 pastors visiting the mission. We had a great time of refreshment and encouragement around God's word as men were trained in Biblical leadership and challenged to never resign their God appointed post.
Upon entering Zambia, I was notified that one of my students (Joseph Mutaya) had just died. A couple days later we joined in the funeral service to honor Joseph's life and remember the vanity of the flesh. At only 34 years of age, Joseph was a powerful reminder of the vapour of this life.

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