December Refresher Course

For our December Pastor Refresher Course, Dr. Schindler (First Bible International) taught for 4 days on being filled with the Holy Spirit. Although attendance was poor, those that did attend were blessed and very encouraged to go back to their homes and churches seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Praise the LORD and a big thank you to Dr. Fred Schindler for his walk with the Lord, shared experience, and willingness to continue passionately serving the Risen Saviour!

2010 NSBI Graduation

This year we had 9 students graduate from our 3 year diploma program. The coursework is intensive an includes a comprehensive study of theology. What sets are school apart is the commitment to the actual study of the Scripture and the opportunity each student has to put those skills to work! We rejoice with our new graduates and pray for them as the Holy Spirit leads them into the work of the ministry!

(I tried to include some pictures from the event but they would not load properly).

Power

Today was one of those interesting days in which power was cut on 3 different occasions. Although we are accustomed to losing power it does present some issues when trying to make dinner. Last night we decided to fire up the grill and go with what we had. As we all enjoyed some cooler evening temps outside and the smell of barbecue, the Lord decided to show us some more of His handiwork! I realize a picture can't fully capture the awe of the moment...in the end, we were glad the power was off and we did not miss such a showing! Praise the Lord!

Emmaus Baptist

We are still trying to get our bearing in Chipata. I was able to connect with a couple pastors from the area. This Sunday I was invited to come and preach the Word at Emmaus Baptist. Service went from 8:30 - 12:00! After, the pastor asked if we could partner together to do rural evangelism! Sounds like a great opportunity but we will continue to seek God's direction and wisdom before moving forward! Please be praying along with us....

bird's eye view

Thanks to Google Earth I am able to give you a bird's eye perspective of
where we now live in Chipata. It is a bit outdated but gives you a general
idea. The area is certainly much different than our previous home!

13 39'17.7" S
32 39'09.9" E

John 4:10 living water

In Zambia, finding clean water is always a priority. Our family has a water dispenser that uses those 20 litre bottles. Everywhere else in Zambia it is pretty easy to locate these bottles but in Chipata I needed to go on a bit of a search.

I was finally directed to a man that sells 20 litre bottles. He did a water test in front of us to show the quality of his water compared to the council water and compared to a leading brand of bottled water sold from Lusaka. Of course, we were impressed and went on to buy some of his water.

He was a well spoken man and seemed to be very friendly. I later found out he is a Muslim priest here in Chipata. We seemed to develop a good relationship and I look forward to developing our friendship and all the ensuing discussions that will come about. Please be praying! The Lord seems to be opening so many doors of opportunity. We look forward to seeing fruit that remains and hopefully this man will drink of the water that springs up into everlasting life!

Chance Encounter

Yesterday I picked up a man that needed to come and do some work in our house. I happened to pick him at the exact time the Muslim loud speakers were blaring the call to prayer. When he entered the vehicle I asked if he was a Muslim - he responded that he had been for the last 8 years. Well, we were alone in the vehicle and I thought to discuss this more. We spent about 20 minutes or so discussing the differences between Islam and Christianity. He told me one of the draws to Islam was how much Muslims pray and how Christians only think of God on Sunday...ouch!

We had a good discussion and hopefully I gave him some things to think about. On the way out, I asked if he would read a New Testament if I gave him one. So, now my Muslim friend is in firm possession of the clear writings of the Lord Jesus Christ. We shall see now how God works! Please pray for this man.

Church in Chipata

Had a great service in Chipata. Just starting to get a feel for things. The pastor has only been serving for 3 months. We are hoping to help get this church further established in grace and knowledge!

Please pray God would lead us to be training the right men.

Pastor Collins

This last Sunday I preached at Mulowfwe Bible Baptist Church. The primary reason I visited this church is because the pastor is quite sick and is actually stepping down. I wanted to come and try to encourage the church as well as discuss the way forward with the pastor. Never an easy decision for a shepherd to walk away from his sheep - pastor Collins has done a fantastic job leading this people and he will be sorely missed. Please pray for his physical recovery and God's direction for his life in the coming months.

Going back

Well today my mother is heading back to the States. It has been a wonderful time having her here with us... As CS Lewis once said, "Christians don't say goodbye, just see you later."

House Church

Our first Sunday in Chipata we visited Victory Bible Baptist Church! The church itself is only 1 month old and currently meeting in one of the member's living room. We had about 18-20 in attendance! The church seemed to be excited and I rejoice with them as their future looks very bright.

I preached from Colossians a message about the power of darkness and the power of God. 1. We are to Continue; 2. We are to be Comforted; 3. We are to be Cautious. God's word did not return void as 3 men came to the place of repentance! Hallelujah!!

We continue to pray for God's wisdom and direction as the opportunities abound!!


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Deacons

We are busy packing and trying to figure out what we should take this trip, what can stay for a later trip, and what we need to purchase somewhere else.

However, on Friday I took time away from packing to teach a 6 hour segment during our deacon seminar. We had 22 men come to the mission for 3 days of teaching. Although it is getting quite hot in Zambia, we had a great time discussing God's word and the implications to our own lives! Always seems right to invest in the spiritual lives of others!










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Agape Baptist

Before leaving for Chipata the pastor from Agape Baptist (pastor Chisenge) wanted to make sure we visited his place one last time. This Sunday could be the last message I preach in the Kafulafuta area for a long time! Church started on time and the pastor has things very well organized... This is all just confirmation that God is leading us to new fields.!



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Road to Chipata

The road to Chipata goes through sort of a mountain range...lots of up and down with twists and turns. Not much room for error on these roads. Praise the Lord for the safety He gives us!!


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Kitchen under construction

The landlord knocked out a wall to make the kitchen bigger for us... It is a bit messy now but think it will be nice at some point. The guy that does cabinets said should take between 3-5 months to be finished...



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Move Part 2

We were blessed to have a christian businessman let us borrow his 5 ton truck. When the truck arrived it was not 5 but actually 10 ton!!! This of course meant we could fit much more - so we are rushing to pack even more!! Praise the Lord!!



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No Water

If you are not familiar with this picture it is showing our pump house for the mission bore hole...which provides ALL of our water. This is never a good sign!!! We have had no water. Hoping today we get things resolved...



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Move Part 1

We were blessed to be able to buy some basic household items that we will use to start our new home.... Still so much to do!!
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New home in Chipata

We have some work to do before we actually move into our new home in the Eastern Province but things seem to be moving forward. I will be heading there again on Monday to make a delivery of items and try to push things forward...

Minkoyo Baptist Church

Yesterday we were back into our normal routine of visiting different bush churches. The pastor had asked me to come months ago but when we started off for the church I didnt realize how far away it really was... He has us to be there by 11:00. We didnt actually arrive until about 11:45 --- now, in the States that would be a mortal sin but here in Zambia it is quite normal. In fact, when we arrived the Pastor himself was still not there... imagine!! What I thought was going to be a 30 minute drive turned out to be a 90 minute drive...

The church was low in attendance because of some sickness but things seemed to be going well according to the pastor and how the people have been working on the different projects and programs set forth. I preached a message from Romans 6 entitled, "Shall we continue in sin?" The people seemed to understand and hopefully God worked in all the hearts and minds of the people!

Crocodile in Baptismal waters...

We always talk about Crocodiles being in the same river that we Baptize people in. Of course, we don't often see these creatures during the baptismal services. Just last week we had 47 people baptized in the Kafulafuta River - this week, a deacon from one of our churches killed a 14 foot crocodile!! Anyone want to be baptized????

2010 Baptism Service

This year, in obedience to the Scripture, we had 47 baptized in the Kafulafuta River! Praise the LORD for their act of faith!

Night Preaching

We have had 18 messages preached so far... I have not been able to keep up with the blog as much as I had hoped but I do hope you have had a good taste of things in Zambia. (because of poor internet, this post is a few days behind). Our key speaker was Elijah Pule - he did a wonderful job of communicating God's word to the people!

Conference Preaching

We have had 8 full messages so far and another 11 to go! Please continue praying for the Lord to really move in hearts. After 6 messages, only 1 person had responded to the Spirit. However, last night we had over 50+ respond to the invitation! The temps have been very cold here but things seem to be warming up spiritually!

More Dental Work

There was a bit of a lull in activity on Wednesday - but Thursday was pretty much non-stop action!

Time of Change

Wednesday is pretty much a day of transition at the mission. The kids are leaving and the adults are coming in. It is hard to see the kids go - they are so fun to be around! According to the records for this year, there were 1,317 children in attendance with 75 Sunday school teachers supervising (imagine that!). There were 215 new professions of faith in Christ and 261 that came to a place of repentance. Praise the LORD! Thank you for all the prayers for this conference so far!We rejoice in all that God is doing in and through the work of bro. Larry Franklin! He has spent so many hours teaching and preaching and although the children have gone, he will be spending more time with the adults! Hallelujah!

Continue to pray for our adult portion of the conference as we kicked off last night with 2 great messages from Ephesians 5:8 - "walking as children of light"! As you can see from the pictures, we are literally bringing in people by the truck load!

toothbrush attack

During a lull in the activity, some of the dental students decided to give out free toothbrushes to those hanging around the outside of the clinic. Although they were warned, a human stampede ensued! You ever see people knocking down their brother or sister to get a toothbrush???

Singing Competition

I don't want to be a dentist

I am quite thankful for the dental team that has come - they are doing a fantastic job and helping so many people. At the same time - I am so glad I am not a dentist. No idea how they can be pulling teeth, sticking their hands in the mouth's of people, and scraping a metal tool across bone all day and at all enjoying that... wow!

"bush" dental team 2010

Dr. Elias and his team of 12 medical students and 1 assistant are at our mission to help minister to the physical needs of the people. The team has started working this afternoon and had a long line of people waiting for the free service. Praise the LORD for people like Jim Elias and his team willing to make the long and expensive trip to Zambia to help poor people get professional dental care! Thank you LORD!

2010 Life of Christ - VBS

We have started our Vacation Bible School - here is a 45 second clip of our speaker and the crowd he is preaching at... we have 39 churches in attendance so far with a rough guess of 700+ kids.! Bro. Larry is doing a fantastic job of going through the "life of Christ"! Please be praying and we would love to see our Great God move in the hearts of these people!

2010 Vacation Bible School

The start of our 2010 Vacation Bible School is upon us! We have 29 churches that have arrived with their children and a guess of around 300 children. More will arrive late tonight and many will arrive Monday morning...
Larry Franklin is with us to help reach these children with the gospel message. Bro. Larry will have 8 sessions of 2 hours each to present the "life of Christ". Please be praying with us as we expect our God to do great things.

Mifungu Baptist

This last Sunday we went into a very rural area to visit a church. The pastor (Pethios Musonda) asked me to come and visit his people. Although it is getting very close to our August Bible conference it is still important to visit churches and try our best to encourage God's people to continue in the work of the Lord.

(had to add a cute picture of my beautiful wife and daughter!!)

City of Salvation

About two weeks ago I was asked to come to a church in the city of Kabwe (3 hour drive). When entering Kabwe the town sign says, "welcome to Kabwe, the city of Salvation". Although I appreciate the city council wanting to be Christian in appearance, there is still much work that needs to be done spiritually.

Thomas Mwansa is the pastor of Faith/Victory Baptist Church. He is doing a fine job of discipling and teaching his members to live by the Scriptures. He does not have a large congregation as of yet but slowly they are growing. The church is in the midst of a building project and as Bro. Thomas said, many run away or wont join during building projects because they know there is a cost... shame! As you can see from the pictures - the church has done quite a job of completing the structure and making it very strong. Bro. Thomas has hopes of adding a Bible school and office at some point in the future as the Lord provides. The Lord used His Word that Sunday morning to bring forth a great harvest - the altar was full and I believe God was pleased!

Have you noticed - a lot of churches are good at the building part but not so good at the roof part...

Ibenga Central Church

Still trying to catch up...

A few weeks back we visited Ibenga Central Baptist Church. The church is growing quite well with over 125 members! They are in the midst of a building project. As you can see from the pictures the building is complete but no roof as of yet. The church is currently meeting in a school room and is jammed in there tight. The Lord blessed and we saw many come forward!

July Refresh Course 2010

Trying to catch up on my blogging...

After getting back from Chipata we moved straight into our July Refresh Course. The theme for this course was "being a faithful follower of Jesus Christ." We had roughly 60-65 men in attendance. I preached from the book of Luke 9:57-62 in which I highlighted 4 types of followers. We had different Zambian men teaching during the day to again help the national men take more responsibility and ownership for the work of the ministry.

Return from Chipata

(Possible home - located conveniently next to the largest Mosque in town)


(Welcome to Chipata!)
(The Mosque / Muslim training center - conveniently located next to our new home!)
Thank you to all for praying for our Chipata trip. The Lord really opened some doors of opportunity we hope to be walking through very soon. We passed out hundreds of tracts, had multiple quality witnessing opportunities, hopefully found a place to live, made some new friends, and got to preach at 1 church. The majority of people we spoke with were either Catholic or Muslim. Should make for an interesting time!!

We were offered an opportunity to preach/teach on one of the local radio stations. We may have found a good location to start a Ministry Training Campus. So much to think about and seek God's direction about! please continue praying!!

Chipata Survey Trip

We are planning to move the family and our ministry focus to the Eastern Province later this year. For now, I will be making some trips to Chipata (the provincial capital of Eastern Province) to find a suitable house for our family, make some contacts with local officials, and begin to see where we fit into the work God is going to be doing there. I am leaving the mission Wednesday and planning to return the following Monday (July 12).

Please be praying:
1. Savannah will be staying at the mission while I am going on this initial trip. Pray for her safety and protection along with baby Analiese . For me, God's clear direction and leadership while I face multiple upcoming decisions.

2. God to bring the right ministry team together in Chipata. We really see some great benefits in having multiple missionary families come together for the cause of Christ in the Eastern Province. We are already praying God would bring 3 to 5 families for us to be working with. Currently, we have 1 family committed (besides us), 2 other families very interested and praying about it, and possibly 2 other families somewhat interested.

3. God to bring forth a harvest of souls for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 84:12

We visited a church near the mission... or should I say, before the road was "fixed" it only took about 20 minutes to get to this church. With the "new" road it now takes about 45 minutes. Love these type of improvements!

The pastor invited us to come and was telling me of some concerns of other churches trying to take his members. I preached a message from Matt 7:15 and then used 2 Timothy 3 to discuss the attributes of false prophets, deceivers, and compared that to what Paul (a fine Christian example) went through. The message seemed to be well received!

This church is in the midst of a building project as well. The previous structure was well on its way to collapsing but over the last year or so they have managed to erect new stronger walls. We are partnering with the church to help finish the roofing project. It is good to see churches actually taking ownership! Praise the LORD! The video is of a Lamba Hymn... enjoy!