Resurrection Victory

But thanks be to God that giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! I am quite thankful for the team of 5 men that came from the States to help us preach our 2008 Resurrection Conference --- however, all the fruit of this conference is due to the work of our great God! Many believers were refreshed and edified through the preaching and many lost were found!! We praise the LORD for the effort of these men and how the Spirit of God used each man to accomplish a great and abounding work!

Of the 13 districts that communicated with me:
- Over 2000 in attendance
- 161 saved
- 80 baptized

Please pray for these new believers to be rooted and grounded and discipled in the truth of God's word!

Resurrection Conference 2008

(1 Cor 15:1) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; (1 Cor 15:4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Cor 15:57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We leave the mission tomorrow to declare the resurrection of Jesus Christ --- this doctrine of Christ's resurrection has huge ramifications. Paul spends all of 1 Corinthian 15 discussing the importance of Christ's resurrection --- we go forth bringing the message of victory because of the triumph Christ brought forth! This message energizes me and makes me want to sing Hallelujah!

We have 4 men from the States that came to help us preach and edify the saints this year. Please pray as we break up and go to different corners of Zambia: Jay, Shane, Josh, & Al. John, Bobby, and I will also be going to different areas to preach. I look forward to the reports of God's greatness bringing forth a harvest of souls and repentance and remission of sin the fruit of it all!

Moving home

This Sunday I took a former student from Bible Institute (Boston Chitambala) back home --- he came from an area called Kitwe west about 4 years ago to get his Bible degree. He has now finished his degree and was looking to get back home - we had made an arrangement in which his pastor invited me to preach and I could transport his family. At the time it seemed like a great idea. After some questioning - I found out Boston and his wife have SIX children. I began to think how in the world will we get a family of 8 and all their belongings to a place three hours away with one small pick up truck.

On Saturday I arranged to pre-pack the vehicle so we could leave early enough Sunday morning to make it for the service. When I arrived at the house - I was shocked! They had put ALL their belongings into 6 boxes and 3 suitcases. We loaded the roof rack and tied things down --- the bed of the truck would have plenty of room for some extra stuff they would bring in the morning plus 3 of their children would sit back there for the ride.

I realize Boston and I are from different cultures - but for a family of eight to need only three suitcases just made me really think --- contentment is often looked at through the glasses of one's culture. Today, looking at all I have - I learned to be content... another great lesson along the road of life.

Kapiri - Mposhi

Sunday we visited a small church near the town of Kapiri - Mposhi. This town hosts the main train depot for all of Zambia. Although the town is small in size, because of the train station and location of the town, there are many that come through. Over the years, the Lord has planted several churches in this area that are preaching and teaching God's word.

One of the graduates from our Bible Institute (Rodney Kalelea) has started a Bible Institute in the Kapiri area. When classes are not being taught, he moves from church to church assisting the pastor in discipleship and Bible study.

Although every church has its struggles - it was good to visit this church and see their desire to know God, hear the passion that pastor has for growth, and understand their vision for that area of the world! Praise the LORD!

Max

A few months ago - the security dog we had died. It is good for us to have a dog at the mission. The dog can warn of intruders and of snakes! It is not easy finding a good dog here in Zambia - most dogs are simple village dogs. They are muts to the extreme! However, I think we may have found a good dog! I went to meet "Max" today - he is big, has a strong bark, and is quite friendly! I am pretty sure this dog wont be biting too many intruders - but his size will make most to think twice!