PTC - graduation

PTC is short for Pastor's Training Course. Many years ago Bobby Bonner came up with the idea of training the rural pastors that could not speak good English in the vernacular language. This training program blossomed with more than 100 men attending since 1991.

Yesterday, we had a graduation ceremony for many of the men that have graduated. It was a wonderful day and one I believe truly pleased our Lord. I believe one of the main responsibilities of a missionary is to train nationals in the word of God in order that they can reach their own people. The events on Sunday was a blessing to a be a part of as we were able to see the many years of work come together! Many of the graduates wives formed a choir group to honor their husbands. There was much celebrating!! We even had in attendance the Permanent Secretary for the Cooperbelt District - it was great to speak with a man of such authority and see God use him in a mighty way.

I had the privilege of giving a "charge" the the large graduating class of over 40 men. It seemed like an easy choice of Scripture as I read through 2 Timothy 4. I preached the following message:
1. Preach the Word
2. Prove the Ministry
3. Persevere in All

Red Ants

The red ant seems to be like no other ant - as my wife and I recently took a walk down the mission road in the evening, we came across a large group of such ants. Savannah looked at me and said, "you haven't really seen an ant until you have been to Africa!!". These are some of the most vicious little monsters you have ever come across - a couple months ago a large group of these ants got inside our chicken brood killing almost all 170 chickens!! Thought I would show a short video of some of these little terrorists!

Mpongwe Central Baptist

This last Sunday I preached at Mpongwe Baptist - it is a church that is meeting in a school classroom until they can build their own church. They have just started by purchasing a plot of land and hope to begin construction later in the year.

Every church has its own personality and usually it is the personality of the pastor. In this case, the pastor has a great musical ability and the church has followed suit. It was a pleasure to be with this group of people as they unashamedly worshiped God!

I preached a message from Hebrews 3 & 4 concerning the deceitfulness of sin hardening the heart. After the message and before the invitation was given, one young man came forward. It was fantastic. When asked why, he simply said, "I need Jesus". When asked why he needed Jesus, he simply said, "because I need to get rid of my sin". Praise the LORD!!

Agape / Matt 28

Pastor Chisenge asked me about 6 weeks ago to come and preach to his people and help with the baptismal service at Agape Baptist church. His church has become one of my favorites as the people seem to truly embrace God's word and seek Christ! This was the first church I brought my wife in January - she was thrilled to lead a young lady to Christ that day. Yesterday, I had the wonderful privilege of baptizing that same young lady.

I preached a message from Acts 3 about the lame man:

1. Name of Jesus is better than money
2. Name of Jesus produces growth
3. Name of Jesus enables change
   
4. Name of Jesus requires repentance

We had a number of people come to the place of decision as the Lord seemed to be speaking to the hearts of many! Praise the LORD!!

I put some pictures from the church as well as some from the baptism. You will notice people gathering all over the side of the creek as well as kids were even climbing trees to get a good view!

Kabumba Bible Church

Preached at Kabumba Bible Church on Sunday. Church was suppose to start at 10 am - of course, Savannah and I were pretty much the first people there at 9:50 am. It wasnt until about 10:30-10:45 when people actually started showing up. In spite the time not being kept, we had a great service. The church was packed and the Lord seemed to minister through His word.

I preached a message from Psalms 78 on "limiting the Holy One of Israel". The church seemed to receive the message with all readiness of mind. We all seem to have areas of in our 'walk of faith' that we have not fully given to the Lord. The message was designed to encourage the true believer to fully commit every aspect of their life and not "limit" God in any area. We continue to pray the Lord will bring forth fruit that will remain...

Savannah and I took a picture with the pastor and his wife - they were married about the same time as we were --- just 4 months ago! Praise the LORD!!

Nteke Youth Conference

I was invited to preach at a youth conference today at 10 am. There were 11 churches that had gathered. The youth can be defined as anyone under the age of 35 - irrelevant of age, marital statues, # of children, etc. As always with the youth, they were alive and excited to have gathered together.

I preached a message from Mark 8 about denying self, picking up our cross, and following Christ. I noted 4 types of followers:

1. Fake Follower
2. Foolish Follower
3. Far-Off Follower
4. Faithful Follower

As always, I ask you to pray that God takes the seed that has been planted and allows the hearers to reject bad tradition, reject sin pressure, and fully embrace a life that follows and faithfully pleases Christ.