Two become one

(Eph 5:31) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

Savannah and I were married on Saturday, December 27th at 3:00 pm at Red Creek Baptist Church by Rev. Scotty Rayburn! As we look back over the last year we see the hand of our God moving in both of our lives to make this day possible. Two people from different backgrounds and surely different cultures are now knit together for the glory of God.

We are abounding in thanksgiving towards our Lord for answering our prayers and to all of our friends and family that have prayed this day into existence! We will be spending some time in Mississippi after the wedding then back to New York for a spell before we fly off to Africa on the 13th of January!

As we begin our new life together we sincerely continue to covet your prayers as we serve the Lord in Africa. Be Lesa ba Chindikwe (Praise the Lord!)

NSBI / Mpika Graduation

Traveled to Mpika - about 7 hours away to take part in one of our satellite schools graduation. Pastor Michael Kanyama has worked very hard over the last couple years to teach these students. We discussed all the obstacles that had to be overcome in order for this to take place.. in all, there were 18 students that started and 10 that finished. There was a sweet spirit as many of these students really feel the leadership of the Holy Ghost in their lives to now take the gospel message to others in Zambia! The service was well atteneded as many friends and family were there to rejoice over this accomplishment. Please pray for these 10 students as they will now have some free time after completeing 42 classes, many quizzes, exams, papers, and practicals!

NSBI of Zambia 2008 Graduation

This last Saturday we had 5 men graduate from our Bible school here at Kafulafuta. These men have put in three years of hard work including 84 credits worth of academic learning. Not only academics but practical experience of teaching and preaching in churches, schools, clinics, and conferences. Please know that during three years everyone will go through their own set of personal trials and tribulations - these men were no exception. Although this commencement service signified and celebrated the end of their academic learning at NSBI - these men are now just beginning the work of applying the knowledge and understanding they have received. Please pray for Kennedy C., Edward M., Isaac B., Prince N., & Potipher K.

Strong Winds

One of our pastors just recently transferred to a new church. He actually gave up a strong congregation, strong building, and a great future in order to help encourage and strengthen a weak church. Upon his arrival he was struck with severe malaria which lasted 2 weeks. After that, strong winds and heavy rains came through the area just about destroying his church.

I showed up at the church after a heavy rain and was shocked at how much damage had been afflicted. I preached a message and gave some encouraging words to the people to trust our Lord through all of this. Romans 5 tells us we are to glory in tribulations - of course, when going through such things, it is no easy task.

Please keep Pastor Andrew Mulenga in prayers - I believe this tribulation will help to bring this congregation together and will bring glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prov 18:22

Praise the LORD! It has been exciting to see how God has been leading... while on deputation, the Lord brought Savannah, a wonderful & godly woman into my life. Over the last 12 months, God has been directing us together and now we are both quite confident that it is God's will for us to unite in marriage! Please pray for us - I will be returning from Zambia on Dec 19th, we will be married in Mississippi on Dec 27th, we will have a reception in NY on Jan 1oth... then we will fly back to Africa on Jan 13th!! It is all coming together so quickly!!

storms

We have entered the rainy season and it has come with a fury - about 10 days ago we had a major thunder/lightning storm that knocked out our phones and internet. We were able to restore the phone just yesterday but the internet looks to be down for another few days at least. These modern conveniences are certainly not necessary for the ministry but they can be helpful...

See you online again soon.

Zambian Presidential Election

(1 Tim 2:1-3) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; {2} For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. {3} For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Today is a National Presidential Election day - all offices and stores are closed so that people have the ability to vote. Please pray for righteousness to be voted in (Prov 14:34) and for this nation to be led by a man that is full of wisdom and understanding (Deut 4:6).

Kalima BBC

Visited a church 3 hours from the mission - was my first visit to this church. We traveled through a thickly forested area called the Lamba Tree Plantation. As we drove down a very narrow logging road and didn't see many villages it did cross my mind that we were lost... after about 20 kilometers of seeing nothing but thick trees the road opened into a village and a very humble church. The members were all there waiting for us and came to the vehicle singing and dancing to welcome us!

Because the area was so isolated and I was not confident in the Biblical instruction they had been receiving - I decided to preach a message on the supremacy of Christ from 1 Cor 15. I couldnt think of any other subject so critical in the conversion of the lost and even in the development of the believer. The church seemed to embrace the message as we discussed the folly of witchcraft, charms, cleansings, tradition, culture, and sins such as fornication, drunkenness, and stealing. The invitation was given and a few did respond as many others rejoiced and were encouraged! Praise the LORD.

sorry no pictures - left the house early and forgot the camera...

Chilimulilo Bible Baptist Chuch

Spent a few hours this last Sunday at a very small church - although small, these people were zealous and excited to worship and learn God's word. I preached a message from 1 Thes 4 - in which Paul tells us the authority we follow is that of Jesus Christ - amazing how easy it is to forget such a simple truth. The chapter goes on to challenge us to live a sanctified life in the will of God - striving for holiness, abounding in Christian maturity, and truly applying the word of God to our life. The end of the chapter speaks of a hope - not just some passing hope, but a hope that revolutionizes our life - a hope of the soon return of Christ! It really was enjoyable to preach this message challenging the believers to do more under the authority of Christ as we recognize the brevity of this life. Had three women come forward to receive Christ as their Saviour!

Hallelujah!! This stuff never gets old!!

Pray for this church as they are in the midst of a building project. Their current building is about ready to fall down - simply made of mud bricks and a grass roof. Just a few meters away they have started construction of a much more permanent church building. They are having problems getting cement and the roofing supplies needed. The rains are just about here making timing a very difficult thing - please pray for it to all come together in a way that honors the Lord Jesus Christ and builds our faith!

Mutaba BBC

This last Sunday, one of the other missionaries asked if I could fill in for him - little did I know it was a church 1.5 hours away! Although the trip was longer than expected - the people were thrilled we came to visit with them. The church is currently without a pastor although they do have a visiting pastor that comes twice per month to encourage and challenge the people.

Please pray for this little church - they are in real need of a pastor. The attendance was about 45 on Sunday with another 20-30 missing because of some government issues. The members that did come had their bibles, were taking notes, and were quire responsive to the message. Please take the time to ask the God of ALL creation to send forth more labourers into His harvest... truly, the harvest is plenteous and the labourers are few! These people are primed and ready to grow in grace and truth...

Nigeria Response

The following is a letter I just received from a man in Nigeria. He read a tract I AM put together entitled "how to get to heaven from Africa!" For those of you that hand out tracts - keep it up - you just never know how the Lord will use those pamphlets!

"Dear Brethren in the Lord,
The grace peace and love of Christ be with you and your wonderful ministries. We all thank you for the great work you are doing to the glory of God and also for publishing powerful booklets and leaflet. Someone passed it unto us and we made a cell at school and read it again. After many months, 149 of us were convinced. Right now we all have surrendered our whole lives to Christ by accepting him as our only Lord and Saviour.

We all want to make a close walk with the Lord and all this require departing from sin, telling others about the Lord Jesus and reading our bibles. But we don’t all have Bibles to read God's word.

Brethren we need your help. Please send to use 150 Bibles that contain the Old and New Testament, booklets and leaflets in one package."

Please pray - I will be contacting this man to open the channels of communication and see where God will lead us - would be exciting if we can help our fellow Christians in Nigeria to be rooted and grounded in the Truth!

Matt 9:36 He was moved with compassion

Every Wednesday I take my students to a different location within our community to simply serve - what this means is that we work for free! The purpose of this activity is to cement in all of our minds the need to serve others without expecting anything in return. (Matt 20:28)

Yesterday we spent the morning at the Chibote leper colony. Leprosy has caused irreversible physical damage to the people - many are walking with crutches because of deformed feet, many have deformities with their hands. When we first approach the colony the reality of these deformities hits us all. We exit our vehicles - pray and begin to do our work. Yesterday work consisted of some gardening, slashing, weeding, and even an attempt at getting an old water pump to work again. After just a few hours, we were freely conversing with the people, witnessing, sharing Scripture, loving, and actually enjoying serving others! Praise the LORD!

These people were brought to this secluded leper colony because of their deformities. However, God has not taken His eyes off of this people just because of their physical appearance. In an attempt at serving our community - I think we all learned a valuable lesson - although man looks on the outward appearance, God looks on the inward.... these people were created for God's pleasure (Rev 4:11) just like any other person - and with God, there is no respecter of person! My prayer is that we all stop looking with our physical eyes and start serving Christ through His eyes!

Overcome

(1 John 2:14) ... I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

We just recently sent one of our Bible Institute trained men (Michael Kanyama) to the Eastern Province to preach at a conference. Michael is a great preacher and has a solid understanding of the Scripture. The trip to Chipata is about 11-12 hours long by bus - when the bus stopped over in Lusaka - Michael went to get something to eat... when he returned, his Bible, his clothes, and all of his money had been stolen. Obviously not a good start to the conference for the preacher!

Amazing how these things can either fix our hearts even more on doing right and serving the Lord or push us away from God. For Michael, although disappointed - he did not let the devil get the victory. He arrived in Chipata - preached for 3 days and saw 42 people confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in their heart that God hath raised Him from the dead!

Musangashi BBC

Visited a small church on Sunday - actually, it was really not small a couple month ago but because of some problems many of the members have scattered. Without going into all the dirt - the old pastor was chased out of town and the church was without pastoral leadership for some couple months. A new pastor just started this last week - he has his work cut out for him. Please pray for Andrew Mulenga - he is the new pastor, has just moved to the area, will need to get his farm up soon before the rains come, has malaria, and is in need of a larger house! Will be fun to see how the Lord blesses through all of this!

Preached a message from Eph 4 & 5 - it was a message designed at spiritual maturity. Had many positive responses - I continue to pray for these people to be rooted and grounded in truth!

Kutuba Bible Baptist Church

Had an interesting church service today - drove about 2 hours to a little church where a second church had gathered for a small conference. I was asked to come and close out the conference on Sunday morning. When we arrived, I noticed food being prepared and almost ready to be eaten. Since it was only 9:45 am, I did think this a bit strange. After we greeted everyone - I finally received an explanation - many of the people in attendance had a long walk (10 km) to get home and so they were planning on eating "lunch" before the service so they could just head out as soon as the service was over...

I must admit - eating before the service made me feel a bit groggy. Preaching on a full stomach was not a good idea. Thankfully there is a God in heaven that is active in the lives of His people. Even in my food stupor the Lord brought forth a great message that invigorated and challenged the members! Such a small little church - but I was reminded how our God delights in exceeding expectations and doing the impossible. My prayer - this little bush church would grow and mature to the point where they can reach around the world with the gospel --- sounds crazy? No, sounds impossible - perfect!!

North West Province Conference

Just returned from a conference in Mwinilunga - located in the north west province of Zambia. Many of the people from this area of the nation are unable to attend our conference at Kafulafuta because the distance is too great and the cost of transport too expensive. This year - I took four other people with me to preach & teach for 4 days. The Lord truly blessed as some were saved, some were baptized, but mostly the believers seemed to accept the challenge to be "labourers together with God"!

This trip was especially wonderful for me since my mother was able to partake. She arrived a couple weeks ago and has been busy about the Lord's business serving at the mission in many different capacities. However, while in Mwinilunga she was able to do some teaching and really encourage and challenge the ladies of the area. Of course, they loved her and asked her to come back for 3-4 days of intense ladies study... praise the LORD!

Kalalushi - Grade 12

This last Friday I was asked to come and speak to a group of young people in the town of Kalalushi. I really didnt know what to expect- when we arrived, I found 175 12th grade kids waiting to hear from God's word! Myself and another man both preached twice for a total of four messages - the Lord truly was in this place. We had many of the kids get saved and many were encouraged to live Godly lives. Many of these kids will graduate high school in the next few months - it is our prayer they will keep the commitments made at this meeting... to honor the LORD! There are many pressures these kids will face in the upcoming months - please pray for God to guide and protect these kids down the the straight and narrow path.

Annual Conference Baptism!

Many of the churches that come to our annual conference bring members that have been saved during the year but not baptized - one of the main reasons, where they live has no viable river for baptism. This year - we had 89 people baptized. The Kafulafuta river has its share of crocodiles - so, while the baptism goes on, there are some that keep one eye open for our neighborhood reptiles! Praise the LORD for the many that have taken the step of obedience towards our Lord!

2008 Conference

The theme is from 1 Cor 3:9 - "we are labourers together with God". Most of the messages have directed us to a right relationship with God first and secondly unity towards co-labourers. Many have been saved and many have been edified! We look forward to the continual impact of this conference on the churches of GCMS as well as the nation of Zambia!

Pastor Grace along with other Zambian pastors did an amazing job of challenging all of us to a place of Christian maturity. The alters were often filled with people truly desiring that right relationship with the Creator and Saviour of the world. Although the week was busy and most of our extremely tired - it has been well worth it to see the Lord do a work in front of our eyes. Many were saved, many baptized, and many demons were cast out - praise the LORD!

Make Shift Dental/Medical Clinic

During our annual conference - not only do we have a team from America that comes and feeds the people spiritually, but we have a team that comes to help with dental needs. For the last many years Dr. Elias has come and been a blessing to the Zambian people by extracting teeth and providing quality dental work that is unavailable or unaffordable to most Zambians. This year, Dr. Elias also assembled a medical team to come and help. This is a huge blessing - over the last three days, they have seen over 165 patients and we expect they will likely double this by the time they finish on Saturday.
Please pray for two specific children. One child is five years old - his name is Prince and is HIV positive. He had 5 teeth extracted. He was in a lot of pain. It was an emotional time in the clinic as the gravity of this little boy weighed on all of us. It feels great to help so many people - but to realize for many, this help is very temporary is stunning. The second child is an infant with a severe case of Malaria - the doctors were not able to break the high fever and are very concerned.

VBS, Final Day

Tuesday marked the end of the VBS - the Lord truly blessed as approximately 192 children received Christ as Saviour and many rededicated their lives. The group spent a lot of time discussing oursin nature and although the children initially did not understand, eventually the convicting of the Holy Spirit brought forth godly repentance. Praise the LORD!

VBS, Kafulafuta style

Vacation Bible School is in full swing - we are having a wonderful time as both American and Zambian are working together to present God's word! The team has presented the "big story" of the Bible - tonight will be the gospel presentation... please PRAY!