Back again

Just returned to the States after a short hiatus in Zambia. After 2 full days of travel, 3 full days in Zambia, and 2 full days getting back to the States - my clock is off just a bit! While in Zambia, I was able to show my guests many areas of Kafulafuta, Luanshya, Ndola, and Kitwe.
The visit included locating and visiting two orphanages. One orphanage (the Lupwa house) is a family style orphanage which consists of a small home with 8 children and a set of qualified parents to look after and train. The children are targeted as 'vulnerable' orphans and placed in the home. Some of the children come from abusive homes, dire sickness, or deceases parents. The second orphanage (Faith Children's Village) was more of an institutional orphanage. The homes were larger allowing for 16 children per home but not necessarily a parent or guardian to supervise. The larger institute has a goal of getting orphans off the street to at least give them a safe and secure chance to grow up.
In the midst of all the tours and travel, the visitors preached and taught to roughly 70-80 pastors visiting the mission. We had a great time of refreshment and encouragement around God's word as men were trained in Biblical leadership and challenged to never resign their God appointed post.
Upon entering Zambia, I was notified that one of my students (Joseph Mutaya) had just died. A couple days later we joined in the funeral service to honor Joseph's life and remember the vanity of the flesh. At only 34 years of age, Joseph was a powerful reminder of the vapour of this life.

Around the world...

The Lord has commanded us to proclaim the gospel to "all" the world. My original understanding of that verse opened my eyes to a personal need to reach into parts of the international world with the gospel. For the last few years, I have spent the majority of my time in Zambia, Africa. However, the Lord now seems to be mixing things up a bit. Here is my schedule for the next few weeks:
January 25th - February 2nd - Zambia, Africa
February 16th - February 28th - Guangzhou, China
March 8th - March 20th - Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Please pray for myself and team members as I travel extensively around the world to preach and teach God's word. There is no greater joy for me than to open the word of God and allow others to hear the eternal truths and receive the life changing power of love available through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tacoma, Washington

I spent the last few days at a "Preachers delight" conference hosted by Pastor Mark Smith of Faith Baptist Church in Tacoma Washington. The conference is designed to unite and encourage fundamental baptist preachers in the Northwest United States. Preaching, worship, and fellowship has accomplished its intended purpose in charging many batteries and preparing many for the upcoming battles in 2007.
A family from Faith Baptist church (The Traucht Family) is interested in coming to Kafulafuta Baptist Mission. One of my goals for this trip was to speak with Tom and his family and understand their desires and get a feel for their heart. Tom is taking a short (5 day) trip to Zambia to survey and get a perspective of the work, culture, and adaptations that are needed. Tom has asked me to join him and his pastor as they travel to Zambia at the end of January. Although this trip is very short, I am excited for the opporutinity to re-unite with some dear friends and family in Zambia.
Please continue to pray for the work in Zambia, the teaching in the Bible Institute, my move to Chipata, and all the logistics and resources needed to accomplish this - of course, we never want to lose sight of why we even go - for the furtherance of the gospel and for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ!!

New Year Resolutions

Every new year we stop to consider what changes we should make for the new year. Often times these changes have to do with health, finances, family, etc. In reviewing some resolutions Jonathon Edwards put together, I am trying to come to grips with the reality of true spiritual resolutions. Join me in examining just a few of Edward's resolution designed to make real change - change that is God centered and eternal in weight.
1 - “Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence.
2 - Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general.
3 - Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
4 - Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
5 - Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
6 - Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
7 - Resolved, never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
8 - Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
9 - Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better.
10 - Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
11 - Resolved, always to do that which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak.”

Obituary

Pestke Jr., Richard A. "Dick"

Gone home to be with His Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 23,2006 at age 64. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Jane. Loving father of Laura (Michael) Schiano of MA, Lisa (Michael) Woods of WA, and Kevin Pestke. Also survived by parents, Richard and Eletha; grandson, Jake; sisters, Gail (Graham) Cresswell and Linda Miller; brother-in-law, George (Bea) Arnold; nieces and nephews. Dick was a faithful member of First Bible Baptist Church.

No prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his Memorial Service, Thursday, November 30th at 7 P.M. at First Bible Baptist Church, 1039 North Greece Rd. Private internment in Parma Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or First Bible Baptist Church Building Fund.