MISSION TRIP TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

Well, it's now a little over a month since we have returned from Africa. One of the worries I shared with the team was that people not lose their zeal for the people we met and the ministry that we shared in. I can't speak for everyone on the team but I can speak for myself. I can't stop thinking about Africa. I can't erase the pictures of those beautiful children, living without parents and in abject poverty. I can't forget the laughter, the singing, the incredible spirit and faith they showed to us. Indelibly etched on my heart and mind are the expressions of faith and hope we heard in so many different ways.

People said to us numerous times, "Once Africa gets into your heart, you can't get it out." That is so true. Ever since returning, my ears have been attuned to every news report coming from Africa. I stayed up through the wee hours of the night one night to watch a movie on Turner Classic Movies about Dr. David Livingstone.

We felt such a connection to the people of Zambia when we were there that we were saddened this week to learn that their beloved president, Mr. Levy Mwamawasa had passed away after suffering a stroke while we were in Zambia.

One of the things we are wrestling with now as a team, is how we keep our sense of team esprit de corps alive and well. Perhaps this blog might be one way for people to stay connected. We also plan on and, I think, look forward to getting together quarterly so we can share stories, memories, prayers for our Zambian parnters and dreams for future trips.

Don't get me wrong, it is not as if we don't see needs and feel a strong tie to our own congregation. It has, in fact, been a joy to be back in worship with the people we have shared faith and life with and who so strongly supported this trip. It is just that our lives have been so blessed and our vision so expanded that this mission experience won't subside. It continues to simmer in each of us. And like a pot of fragrant tea, the longer the experience steeps and brews, the more enticing and wonderful it becomes.

Please join us in praying for our new friends and partners in Zambia. Pray that Naomi, a deaf girl whom some of our team helped get connected to a school for the deaf, will continue to learn and grow now that her deafness is recognized. Pray for Rachel Kasanya - the headmistress of the Balm of Gilead School that she would be well, that she would have wisdom, that she would be able to deal with the growing administrative needs of the school. Pray for Shadrach, the building foreman as he seeks to get formal training in construction and gain a contractor's license. Pray that the new classrooms that we built would be well-used to the glory of God. Pray that the funding would be available so that teachers and staff could receive further training and development and that they could be paid for their dedicated service to the school. Pray for Mary Jane, a 17 year old who is the head of a household of 4 other children in Matsulo South Africa. She is entering her final year of high school and wants to become a mechanical engineer. Pray for "Precious" who is still grieving over the deaths of both her parents due to Aids. The needs go on and on.

Thank you for your partnership in this trip and in the ongoing support and partnership with the Balm of Gilead School. For more information about how you can be a partner with us, go to www.villagesteps.org.

Lastly, today's pictures are of the completed classroom building. Because of delays in deliveries and construction while we were in Lusaka, we didn't see the final product. Here it is. Thanks for helping to make it possible.

I have finally gotten around to attaching some video to this diary. Only two plus months after our amazing adventure in Lusaka, the children and the people of Lusaka continue to hold a very strong place in the hearts of our team. The music to this video begins with the Agape Childrens Choir singing PIGOGO which is a song about Mother Africa. The children at the school are singing TUPENDE CINE AMAPALO - which means count our many blessings.

This weekend I am preaching on the meaning and nature of Salvation. I am using Peter's text in I Peter 1:3 - 9 where he talks about salvation being kept for us in heaven until Christ's return. Even though we get a foretaste of that full expression now, it is true that we must experience hardships and trials. As we do however,Peter says that there is inexpressible and glorious joy. We saw that so clearly in the eyes, words, songs, and actions of the children at Balm of Gilead. It was a helpdul reminder to me that joy is not something we have merely because of worldly possessions or easy circumstances. God knows they have none of that in Kabanana District. Joy comes from knowing that we are in the process of "receiving the goal of our faith, the salvation of our souls." For that we rejoice and give thanks to God.