Growth amidst sickness

Christianity has continued to grow in Africa amid an AIDS pandemic. More than 70 percent of all people infected with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, where Zambia is located. More than 15 million Africans have died from AIDS, according to UNAIDS.

The growth rate of Christianity in Africa is now 2.36 percent a year, second only to the growth rate in Asia, according to David Barrett's "Annual Statistical Table on Global Mission." (Taken from The Birmingham News - www.alnews.com)

Chipata - people

Chipata is considered the gateway to the Eastern Province and the South Luangwa Valley. The Eastern Province has a population of more than 1.3 million people while the city of Chipata has roughly 75,000 inhabitants. Zambia still is a nation that has the majority of its people living outside the urban areas.
In order to reach these people with the gospel message, efforts will be made to venture away from Chipata central in order to locate villages and towns that have yet to hear the name of Jesus Christ.
Chipata is a developing town. I am praying on whether to start a new Bible Institute/mission station in Chipata modeled after the work at Kafulafuta. A second option is to possibly move out deeper into the bush not necessarily building a mission station but beginning some preaching/teaching points. This option is likely less expensive but more likely to falter over the years. Depending on mission philosophy, both options have pros and cons.

CS Lewis

"If you read history you will find out that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next."

July Prayer Requests

1. August Bible Conference in Zambia – souls saved, Christians encouraged in the faith (Rom 10:1)
2. Groups traveling to Zambia to be spiritually prepared and culturally sensitive (Matt 10:16)
3. Preaching opportunities (Rom 10:8)
4. Like minded people to join me in Chipata (Matt 9:38)

Heading East

Appears the deputation trail is taking me from one end of the States to the other. After a great time in the Pacific Northwest, I am now traveling to Massachusetts to preach at a church as well as spend some time with family.
Romans 15:20 has continually been on my mind. To preach the gospel where Christ has not been named - just seems the natural and almost singular responsibility of the missionary. More and more the Lord seems to be showing me the absolute necessity of going places that are in true need of hearing the gospel. Let me clarify, everyone needs to hear - realize, so many people have the ability to hear, they just choose to ignore. My desire is to go places where they don't have the choice to receive or reject because the gospel has never been a choice... and I speak this to my shame.