Mulowfwa BBC

This past Sunday - we visited a church relatively near to the mission station. As a Bible Institute, we have been to this church many times to help evangelize and minister to the people in the area. However, this is the first time I preached at this church since being back to Zambia. Pastor Collins is the man in charge - the church is running around 80-90 people on an average Sunday. From what I can tell - the people are growing and being encouraged to do more. Some don't like the pressure the pastor is exerting towards growth - but many are embracing it. Please pray for this church and God's continued leading and blessing! I preached a message from Colossians 3 - putting off the old man, putting on the new man, practicing true Christianity...

Temp vs. Perm

For this years conference we realized there would be a larger crowd than normal gathering - more people means more food, and more food means... well, more toilets. We have been busy for the last few weeks building toilets - both long term permanent toilets and temporary toilets that will be finished after the week long conference.
Although they are not completely finished yet we are working hard to get it all done. Once finished, it will be a joint effort by 2 churches from the States as well as many Zambians laboring to get it finished. Thanks to Pastor Roberts and Pastor Waye for sending both finances and workers to take care of this necessary part of ministry.

Katembula BBC

We enjoyed having a couple men from the States help out with preparations for our August conference - in the midst of all this work, we took the 3 hour drive down a difficult road to preach in Kitwe west. Because of the distance and road - we rarely get there. I thought it a good opportunity to visit while we had visitors.
This church has experienced some transition of late - the pastor was found with a less than spotless reputation and therefore removed. A new man trained from our Bible institute has replaced him and so far the church seems to have embraced him. Hopefully the Lord will use this to help sober everyone up and allow the members to grow nearer to our Lord.
One of the visitors gave his testimony and the other preached a message - after listening to both men speak - it amazed me how although Zambians and Americans live thousands of miles apart and have distinct cultures - we all have the same sin struggles and need for the same solution. Praise the Lord for these men coming and sharing God's word...
The new pastor is working building a small house by the church - please pray as they mold bricks and try to purchase the supplies necessary to make it happen before the rainy season.

Kafubu Block BBC

This last Sunday - drove down a rough dirt road that seemed to lead no-where. Eventually we came upon this little section of the district called, "Kafubu block". The pastor is a graduate from our Bible Institute - he has taken the church from only a few members to now 60+ adult members. The church is working to finish the church building which was encouraging. However, I was very encouraged at the spiritual focus the pastor and leadership have on building the members of the church even more than the physical structure! Praise the LORD!!

The Sunday School kids did a song. Listening to Zambian children praise the Lord is always a joy to my heart! I think the Lord really used these kids to prepare the hearts for the preaching. I preached from Phil 3 - and had a great response!

Mipundu BBC

Preached at a small church on Sunday - roughly 35-40 adults. We arrived at 9:45 - about 15 minutes before I thought church would start... turns out I was off. Church did not actually start until 11 am! Gave us some time to pray before the service and get a lay of the land...

Service began with the usual singing, dancing, announcements, and welcoming statements. We started preaching right around noon - the Lord brought forth the increase with 3 coming forward, 2 for salvation and one simply to receive some counsel. Although it was a 2 hour trip to this church - certainly a wonderful time seeing God's word reach out and impact lives eternally!

After the service, the church asked for some time with me to discuss their church project. They were hoping I could help with some bags of cement and possibly roofing sheets - it is my goal to see churches take more responsibility for these expenses. I encouraged them to learn sacrificial giving - of course, they were not impressed with my exhortation. I came up with an idea - if they really wanted me to help - I needed them to prove they were serious. If they were willing to give, so was I - I called the pastor over and told him I would like to take another offering... this time, for every 1,000 Kwacha (30 cents) put in the plate, I would put in 5,000 Kwacha! The people rejoiced and were very excited at this offer. So, the youth choir began singing as I held the plate - hoping the church would take me up on this offer. Sure enough - a handful of people came forward putting some 10,500 Kwacha into the plate --- I came through on my part and gave the church some 50,000+ Kwacha. I was a bit disappointed. The church had the chance to truly dig deep - this one offering could have taken care of all their cement needs and even start helping with getting some roofing sheets... but, sacrificial giving is hard to come by even in the bush!