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As we were driving to one of our ministry destinations today, I was small talking in the van with Leonard and his wife Rose. In Zambia, everyone has a "Zambian" name and then an "English" name. So "Leonard"and "Rose" are the English names of the couple that leads ERM Zambia. I believe, like I have already said, that Leonard is Zambia's Moses who works daily to set his people free with the Good News of Jesus Christ by laboring on their behalf in love. Well come to find out, Leonard's name means, "founder." And Rose's name means, "strong tree." I was picking with Leonard and told him that behind every good man is a far better woman and that I had proved that very true. (Side note by the way: I married the most amazing woman in all the world). As I watched this extraordinary couple for the past 9 days, I would say that their names fit them very well. Leonard is the "founder" of Encounter Revival Ministries, Zambia which is in partnership as well as sponsored by Encounter Revival Ministries, U.S.A. led by Ardy Parlin (and in which I have the privilege of serving on the board of directors). Leonard is known by everyone in the community, the town, and people outside the area. He is respected because he has loved the people, served them, and brought impact to the community in Jesus name that without his leadership would have never been possible. He is investing in a new generation and is a leader amongst leaders. He is also a visionary, an organizer, a motivator, a servant, a go-getter, a leader...a "founder." His wife Rose is the "strong tree" that supports and helps her "founder" husband. She continually encourages him and respects him, she glows when he is around, she labors hours every day in the ministry, and does whatever needs to be done. He told me today that she is his help meet, counselor, and secretary. As I looked at her, I thought of my dear bride. My help meet, Valerie, is different than Rose in some ways and just like her in others. And Leonard is just like me in some ways, and not like me in others. But God has sovereignly made us leaders in our respective areas of ministry and daily by His grace we are "founders" of new things and ensure that they run effectively. Consequently, our wives are our "strong trees" who help hold us up when we want to give up, throw in the towel, and are being beat up by our adversaries and storms. Before coming on this trip, I would refer to my wife as, "My Rock." But I believe from now on, I will call her my, "strong tree." For as she sits by the river of Living Water, her leaf prospers, she does not wither, and all she does bears fruit because she abides in Christ. And because of this, I have an earthly treasure given by God whose value cannot be measured. So to my dear wife: "Thank you for being my strong tree that gives shade when I'm weary, beauty when I've been overwhelmed by the ugly, and fruit that glorifies Jesus by the grace of Jesus for my good, His glory, and the good of everyone that has the privilege of encountering her.
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Leonard C. Bwalya Thankful to God and grateful to people like you Pastor Mark. You have left a "mark " in many people and more in my life . Keep the faith, keep it strong, keep first, keep it always. Love you my pastor.