LIGHTING the WAY

To put all of our thoughts and lessons learned in Zambia in one post…or even multiple…would take too much time, and may not interest all who would read. Yet to summarize, while the trip was difficult at times we both learned a great deal and this trip helped us shape our future ministry as well.

Perhaps the greatest lesson learned would be the importance of working with the right mission board and co-workers. This presented the greatest challenge while we were ministering in Zambia. Before this trip we couldn’t understand some in our circles (our church being one) taking such a harsh stance on those they partner with. Yet after the work we did and saw, we are so thankful for the stand our church takes in selecting those they work with. For the sake of some who may read this I will not expound more, but would be glad to share with anyone who asks to hear more about this topic. We thank God for the lessons He taught us and the growth we were able to see in us both.

This trip also helped us grow as a married couple. It is a totally different experience going to Africa by yourself compared to leading a team. We learned how to work well with each other and how our strengths and weaknesses complement each other greatly. God has definitely brought us together to be a great team He can use.

Please be in prayer as we return to our “normal” lives here. Despite the difficulties, coming back and leaving Africa was hard to say the least. Our hearts are still there and we desire to return now greater than ever. We may have the possibility to return to Africa next year with Xtreme Impact. God is working that out now. We thank you for those who have prayed and we will be getting another update letter out soon!

60 hours on a bus, two weeks of ministry, five days in the bush, lots of flexibility, and lots of water falling off a cliff…we are back now from a great and challenging trip.

The beginning of this week we got to do some sightseeing at one of the seven natural wonders of the world: Victoria Falls. It was a great experience, yet I doubt worth 60 hrs in a bus.

We are currently waiting in in the DC airport ready to drive back to Liberty. Overall the trip greatly challenged Heather and I in many ways. Once we get back, debrief, and settle back into out routine I will write more in depth on our thoughts and feelings. Thank you all for your prayers and support, still more to come!!

We made it! Five days of living in the bush, boiling our water, using a hole as a bathroom, and lack of showering has been conquered by our team.

For these five days we camped in tents and roughed it while daily going into the nearby villages to evangelize and build relationships with the people. There were many struggles and presuppositions we had to overcome, yet it was apparent the team was building confidence as the days went on. Several made professions of faith and we made many good contacts for the missionaries here to come back and build a church to counter the false teachings others has been spreading in this area for years.

Each night we held a service around the campfire, with testimonies, Bible stories, and dramas. Then today we held a church service in the morning. The team is doing so well and I can’t say enough good things about them.

Tonight we begin traveling back to Livingstone and then to Victoria falls and a little R and R before we fly back on Wednesday. Thank you for all your prayers and continue to pray as we finish out the trip well!!

Just to give you a update: the team is doing great! Heather and I could not have asked for a better team. It has made the ministry go so much smoother. On Saturday we began ministering here in Mongu. The guys played soccer at a high school while the girls ministered to the women at Hope Church. The guys had many opportunities to witness and the girls pampered the women with nail polish, songs, and drama. Yesterday was church, and the team rotated performing our skit and working in childrens church during the two services. During these times as well as our meetings with the youth on Saturday and the young adults on Sunday, the students have given powerful testimonies and have been ready to speak at a moments notice. They are truly letting God use them and get them out of their comfort zone.

Today we are working in the village of hope with the orphan kids (I hope to have a video of the kids teaching us a song later). Tomorrow we leave for the village where we will help plant a church. We are all excited and honored to have this opportunity. More updates and pictures to come!!!

We arrived in western Zambia, Mongu to be exact, last night late. After a 30 plus hour bus ride we were and are pretty tired. Much has happened that was not expected and God has shown Himself strong, watching over us the entire way. I would like to say that our team has been exceptional. During our bus ride not a single complaint was heard. God has blesses us with a great team and has made everything so much easier.

Continue to pray for us as we begin ministry tomorrow. More updates and pictures to come!!!

I am writing this from the bus on our way to DC to catch a flight to Zambia, Africa!! We fly to Atlanta and from there to Johannesburg, South Africa. We overnight there and arrive in Zambia on Wednesday.

Heather and I are excited yet are tired after the past few days of training with the team. Please pray for us as we lead and minister to our students while they minister in Zambia. We should have some Internet access so check back here for updates! Thank you for your prayers!!!!