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Wow! What a day and its only day one! First of all, jet lag is over, God gave us a full night's rest last night (first time sleeping in a bug net by the way), and has given us a vision today for the world that we did not have when we got out of bed this morning. Today we have seen massive amounts of poverty and darkness. On our way to visit a missionary medical clinic, we passed by hundreds of little villages where people are living in huts and stick homes. In the more populated intersections, there were little strip malls you might say, compiled of cinder block buildings and stick huts that made up a general store, a barber shop, a small market or grocery store, and usually a bar. Though these places were "called" these things, they could not have looked more unlike one of our American versions of the above. If it were not so real, one would almost laugh in America that this building or that hut was called a barbershop or grocery store.
The medical clinic was a great blessing as we visited with a Zambian pastor that leads a mission society as well as runs the clinic. The clinic services baby deliveries and other medical issues. We are literally talking about an old cinder block "u" shaped building that was very small and looked pitiful. In America it would have looked abandoned. We were able to pass out tracts there, visit with some children and mothers, and gain valuable insight from the pastor as to the spiritual needs of the church.
From there we visited a small market which consisted of a half table of dried anchovies, worms, and some other things that were not identifiable by me...several of the team members ate the dried worms....I passed:)
In the afternoon we visited the federal immigration office for the area, the team sang to them, and we explained our purposes for being here. They asked for a copy of our passports and visas, but let us know that we were among friends.
The highlight of the day was visiting the Encounter Zambia headquarters where we were able to meet the Zambia Encounter team, hear them sing, teach them, and spend some time getting to know their story and share ours. This opportunity allowed me the privilege of talking one-on-one with Leonard, Mabin, and Barry....3 pastors/ministry workers who lead the ministry here. It was amazing to hear how they lack so many resources that I take for granted. There was one shelf about 2 feet long that made up their Bible study library. Literally, they have about 20 books at the most that they use to train the team members and pastors who attend their bible institute. Leonard told me that just to have those things was a big deal and blessing. I could not help but think that back home in my office I have about 1000 books and I'm just one person vs. an entire bible institute. I was impressed during this time greatly that the Zambian team, leadership, and pastors need study bibles....something where they can have a commentary, bible study guides, and the bible all in one so they can rightly understand and divide the Truth. I got on the phone with the Zambian Bible Institute and found out that they print Life Application Study Bibles for $18.00. This is key because these bibles are printed in Zambia and that is a rare thing and saves thousands of dollars on shipping should we buy books in the states and ship them to Zambia. So I asked Leonard how many study bibles they could use and he told me 50 (some for the Zambian team, leadership, and really committed pastors). So I'm praying for $1,000 + to get these study bibles for them. Here's my prayer: "Lord, I believe you placed this particular need on my heart, and it is a real need that would be a major component in equipping people here. So I'm believing you for the money, even before we leave Zambia." I let Valerie know through a short voice text to get the word out and we will see how God supplies.
God also gave me an incredible time with Leonard and Barry. Leonard, who directs Encounter Zambia, shared with me how for the past couple of months, he and team members prayed at 5am in the morning for the supplying of funds needed to have more than 50 pastors at the conference because of the great need. Both of us had eyes full of tears as he shared the burden God was giving him here as they prayed for more, and as I shared how God provided over $9,000 through Mt. Carmel, MCCA, and supporters to make a potential 300 pastors be able to come to the conference. It was a holy "awe of God" moment. He also showed me a picture of Garrett's class making breakfast to sell at MCCA to raise money for the pastors that I had emailed him.
Hearing the African team sing was beautiful and incredible. It just spoke to my heart even though I couldn't understand what they were singing since they sang the songs in their native language.
Talking with Barry was a special time as well. He is 36 just like me and has pastored for 14 years. He trains at the Bible institute, pastors a church, and helps with the Encounter team. He shared with me the struggles the church here is having and the complications that the pastors face. They are very poor, the prosperity Gospel has become predominant with some, there is strife within the church, and a major lack of Biblical education and ability to rightly divide the Word.
I'm praying that God gives me exactly what I need for the pastor's conference as I try to understand the culture here and what I can best do to serve, make the most impact, and do what God wants me to do while I'm here.
So ministry day one....God is preparing for the impossible! "O God help me to be on board with you...I so desperately want to be used by You for the masterpiece You are weaving together."
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