Testimony Time

We recently had some visitors from America come and stay with us for a few days here in Chipata. While here I brought them along to help teach and encourage the Zambia people. Both Ron and Melanie were used of the Lord to challenge the people and we believe even bring forth some faith decisions! 

Melanie gave a great testimony of her life and all the ups and downs but how God was directing through it all. The people were shocked and didnt think Americans went through such difficulties. Later she was able to counsel with a group of women and encourage to fully follow the Lord without hesitation.

Ron taught a couple lessons in which the Scripture was the main focus. Again, I believe the people were challenged and through his testimony many could see the impact application of Scripture has had on his life. 

It really is amazing to look back through our lives and see God working. Our God-story (testimony) is irrefutable and strong evidence for the working of God in and through us. I have challenged my Chinjala Bible study people to prepare their "God-story" for next week. We will spend our time simply reviewing and testifying of how God worked and continues to work in our lives!

Two types

Yesterday we went back to our new church plant area for a Wednesday afternoon Bible study. I always like to start by teaching a lesson on the difference between wise and foolish people from Matthew 7:21-29. The text really exemplifies the many people that are "religious" but not truly followers of Jesus Christ. We gave some examples on how a person can attend church, sing in a choir, and maybe even speak the Christian language but not truly have the transformed life. We know both of the people discussed in Matthew 7 had heard the Words of Jesus but only the wise man applied the Word of God. Foolish people often hear the same truth but simply don't do anything with it. 

We discussed a schedule going forward and the people all decided we should be meeting twice a week so that they could be learning more of the Bible. I asked people to give testimonies about what God is doing in their life and had a couple people respond. One man told how he had been to 3 different churches in the area ranging from Holiness to Brethren but just didn't feel he was getting Truth. Another man spoke about having the proper foundation laid and how these teachings seemed missed by the other churches. I was surprised by the testimony of one man that is a polygamist and how he spoke about realizing that his living was wrong. The second wife has since left his home and gone back to her mother's village. Apparently he has also stopped brewing beer and selling to the local villagers. Praise the LORD - may this man continue to grow as he hears and understand God's word.

Bible study near our Big Tree

A nice start

We gathered today under our large shade tree for what appears to be the first church service of "Big Tree Baptist Church"! I didn't really have any idea how many would come. We had only visited 2 families and tried to talk with others but didn't know what type of response we would get. Apparently the Lord led us to the right people as they invited so many other people. We gathered at roughly 10:30 and started singing some hymns with just 4 or 5 people. After about 15 minutes there were about 15 or 16 men. After another 15 minutes there were another 6 or 7 men plus roughly 10 or 12 women. Wow! I was surprised so many came out. I realize some came out of curiosity but I gave them all a clear message from the bible about sin and salvation.  In all, I believe there was roughly 35 adults and I was told there was 21 children.

We will go back Wednesday afternoon for another Bible study as the people seem very interested. I am hoping very soon we will see people make professions of faith in Christ. Please be praying towards this end - it truly would be a wonderful day to see our Lord impact this area of Eastern Province with the Gospel. The harvest truly in plenteous...!

The site of our church - thus the name "Big Tree Baptist church"

After Church as people are talking about the message

Shade Tree Baptist??? hmmmm....

We originally planned a trip to Chadiza district with the hopes of visiting a couple villages that would potentially lead to a new church. However, this morning we felt the Lord was leading us in a different direction and headed off into Chief Mnukwa's chiefdom to visit a village. 

We visited a man that was formerly very prosperous and wealthy but now is brewing and selling his own beer. We later found out he also has two wives. However, after giving him the gospel and talking to him about a changed and transformed life he admitted he is lost. 

The second place we visited we met a group of men in a small village. Again, we came across a man that lived in Lusaka and had lots of money. For some reason he left all the wealth and things and wanted to move back to the basics of village life. He also has been carrying a bag of sin around with him and wasn't sure what to do with it. Both of these men reminded me of what Jesus said in Mark 8:36,  "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Tomorrow we will go back to the area and preach a message. Since we don't have a church in the area we decided to hold the service under a large shade tree. I later joked that we should call it, "Shade Tree Baptist Church". Both of these men have said they will come and even want to bring some of their friends along. Although too early to really know, it seems like a great start and we would love to see the Lord bring fruit to the seeds that have been sown!

Please continue praying for this new church plant and for the Holy Spirit to truly work in the lives of these people!